Topic: Defeating Doubt and Unbelief [Joyce Meyer’s Devotional Saturday May 19, 2018]

Be sober [well balanced and self-disciplined], be alert and cautious at all times. That enemy of yours, the devil, prowls around like a roaring lion [fiercely hungry], seeking someone to devour. But resist him, be firm in your faith [against his attack—rooted, established, immovable], knowing that the same experiences of suffering are being experienced by your brothers and sisters throughout the world. [You do not suffer alone.] — 1 Peter 5:8-9

Sometimes we unintentionally give the wrong impression about spiritual warfare. We know that our enemy is the devil and that we must fight daily to win, but that’s not everything. If the Christian life were nothing but battles, it would be discouraging to fight every hour of every day.

I would feel that I could never relax because as soon as I did, Satan would sneak back again. That’s not the picture I want to present. The Christian life is one of joy and peace. God gives us a great sense of fulfillment, and we’re at rest because we know we honor Him by the way we live.

Peter wrote to Christians about their enemy—warning them and urging them to be vigilant, which is where we often put the emphasis. Just before he wrote those words, however, he said, Casting all your cares [all your anxieties, all your worries, and all your concerns, once and for all] on Him, for He cares about you [with deepest affection, and watches over you very carefully] (v. 7). As we read that verse, it tells us that we must remind ourselves of God’s love for us—God cares. Because God cares, we can trust Him to take care of us.

We need that as part of our foundation. It’s not that we don’t have faith; it’s that Satan tries to destroy our faith with lies like: “If God really cared about you, would He make you go through this trial?” “If God truly loved you, would He treat you this way?” Those questions that the devil throws at you are full of lies. If he can make you think you’re not loved or that God doesn’t have your best interests at heart, he can plant tiny seeds of unbelief. God wants you to remain strong and true like Abraham and other believers in the Bible.

One of the things I’ve learned from ministering to thousands of people is that the terrible and negative problems striking our lives are not what cause us to turn away from God. No, it’s our reaction to those situations that makes the difference. Think of Abraham again. When God promised to give him a son, he was an old man. He could have said, “How could that possibly be? I’m old and long past being able to father a child.” Instead, he said, “That’s wonderful! I believe.”

When struggles, trials, and hardships come your way—and they always do—you have a choice. You can heed Peter’s words and give God your cares, worries, and concerns. No matter how dark the night or how evil the situation, you must remind yourself that God is not only present with you in those situations, but He also loves you and will provide for you.

Your job is to be vigilant during those difficult times. You can rejoice in God’s love and blessings when all is going well—and that’s what God wants you to do. But in the dark moments, you need to remind yourself that the devil stalks you and wants to defeat you.

One more thing. Sometimes you may wonder why you have so many trials and problems. Is it possible that the devil may have singled you out because of God’s great plan for your life? The more faithful you are, the more you have to resist him and his lies of unbelief.

Prayer Starter: Dear heavenly Father, the enemy often tries to fill me with unbelief and make me deny Your powerful love for me. But like Abraham, I stand firm on Your promises. Thank You for the comfort I find in Your assurance that You’re always with me. 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: God Is For You [TREM Devotional Saturday May 19, 2018]

“How precious are your thoughts about me, O God. They cannot be numbered! I can’t even count them; they outnumber the grains of sand! And when I wake up, you are still with me!” – Psalms 139:17-18 NLT

As a child of God, one of the things you must settle in your heart is that irrespective of the challenges you may be faced with, God is for you. Never ever give into the lies of the enemy, know that he will always tell you otherwise. The entire Bible reveals the love that God has for His children, and you must believe it.

Irrespective of the difficulties or challenges you may be faced with, or mistakes you have made, God is still for you. The Bible tells us that His thoughts towards us are thoughts of peace and not of evil, to give us a hope and a future (Jer. 29:11). Our text above also tells us that His thoughts towards us are so precious, and they cannot be numbered. Oh, how amazing it is to know that God Almighty is thinking good towards you! Yes, you may have blown it, but that does not in any way change His thoughts towards you. While He does not want you to miss it, when you do, His arms are open wide to receive you. So never run from God, no matter what happens, rather run to Him.

Child of God, you must believe it and appropriate it in your life. Wake up every day knowing that God is for you, and so no matter what you are faced with, you are coming out on top. The devil does not know what to do with an individual that knows his/her right. He is powerless when it comes to this person because he knows that no matter the darts he throws at him/her, the individual will still stand.

Go out today with this confidence and see God fight your battles for you. I bless you today in Jesus’ name.

Further Reading: Psalms 139:8-18, Romans 8:31

Daily Bible Reading: Morning- 1 Chronicles 7-9; Evening- John 6:22-44

“If you missed yesterday devotional click HERE to read “TREM’s Daily Devotional by Dr. Mike Okonkwo’’ https://flatimes.com/category/trem-devotional/

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: A Different Kind Of Grief [DCLM Daily Manna Saturday May 19, 2018]

Text: 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18 (KJV)

Key Verse: “But I would not have you to be ignorant, brethren, concerning them which are asleep, that ye sorrow not, even as others which have no hope” (1 Thessalonians 4:13).

MESSAGE:

Death causes so much grief to all humans. A lot of people grieve because of the pain the loss of such a love one causes. The fact that such a person is taken away from them and that there will not be the opportunity to continue the close fellowship and interaction they used to enjoy can truly cause enormous sorrow. For some, it is because of the things they will miss from the departed one; the duties and responsibilities such a one should have performed for them – like a father in the family. While for others, it is because of the fear of the fate of the deceased.

Christians grieve too when loved ones departs. This is normal because they are humans. But they do so in a different way. They do not grieve for the same reasons as the people in the world who do not have hope.

Death is not the end for Christians. It does not separate them from God nor hinder them from the privileges of Christians. Rather, death brings the believer into a better state of fellowship, communion and pleasure with God. The believers who die in Christ will rise again. Paul’s confidence about the destiny of believers is not based on speculation, wishful thinking or a philosophical school of thought. It is based on historical facts, a sure and solid foundation of the death and resurrection of Jesus. Just as He rose from the dead, so will believers.

This should cheer up Christians. We must not continue to live and act in ignorance. If you have lost a dear one in Christ, know it is a temporal separation. It is not over yet. Those of us still alive should be concerned with remaining steadfast in Christ and maintaining our salvation through prayer, watchfulness and daily victorious living. If we so do, then there is the hope of a happy reunion.

Thought For The Day: The fate of the Christian is different, even in death!

Bible Reading in one Year: 2 Samuel 19-21

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: Cornelius [Sunday, 20th May 2018]

OPENING PRAYER: Father, help me to fear you, with my household. (Scroll down for SUNDAY SCHOOL HYMN)

Bible Passage: Acts 10:1-6 (KJV)

1 There was a certain man in Caesarea called Cornelius, a centurion of the band called the Italian band,

2 A devout man, and one that feared God with all his house, which gave much alms to the people, and prayed to God alway.

3 He saw in a vision evidently about the ninth hour of the day an angel of God coming in to him, and saying unto him, Cornelius.

4 And when he looked on him, he was afraid, and said, What is it, Lord? And he said unto him, Thy prayers and thine alms are come up for a memorial before God.

5 And now send men to Joppa, and call for one Simon, whose surname is Peter:

6 He lodgeth with one Simon a tanner, whose house is by the sea side: he shall tell thee what thou oughtest to do.

MEMORY VERSE: “A devout man, and one that feared God with all his house, which gave much alms to the people, and prayed to God alway.” – Acts 10:2

INTRODUCTION:

Cornelius was a Roman centurion, of the band called the Italian band (Acts 10:1), stationed at Caesarea in Palestine. He was supposed to have been of a distinguished family in Rome. Cornelius had evidently been led by the Holy Spirit to renounce idolatry, to worship the true God, and to lead a devout and beneficent life. He was prepared to receive the Savior, and God did not fail to reveal Himself. Cornelius was miraculously directed to send for Peter, who was also miraculously prepared to attend the summons. He was also ‘’the first gentile convert’’, and the story of his reception of the gospel shows how God broke down the partition-wall between Jews and Gentiles.

TEXT REVIEW: ACTS 10:1-6

The story in today’s Bible passage clearly demonstrates God’s impartiality in dealing with the faithful whether rich or poor; whether noble or not. He is the righteous God with fair dealing:- Psalm 50:6. Few things to learn about God from the passage are hereunder stated:
i. God knows those who are devout and those who fear him. Acts 10:2
ii. God knows those who give alms to other people and pray to Him always. Acts 10:2
iii. God can show Himself to His faithful either by vision or through an angelic messenger. Acts 10:3.
iv. God knows the full names (including surname) of the faithful. Acts 10:3b,
v. God knows our fears and ready to take care of them. Acts 10:4a
vi. God does not cast away our prayers and good deeds but keeps them for a memorial (appointed time). Acts 10:4a
vii. God knows our locations at every point in time and understands the intent of our hearts. Acts 10:6
What a wonderful God who knows everything and does wondrous things. Psalm 72:18

2 LESSON OUTLINES

Lesson Outline 1: CHARACTER AND ACHIEVEMENTS

A. CHARACTER OF CORNELIUS
i. He was a man in authority. A senior military personnel. Acts 10:1
ii. He was a devout man who feared the Lord. Acts 10:2a
iii. He was generous and charitable. Acts 10:2b
iv. He was a prayer champion and lover of regular prayers. Acts 10:2c
v. He received a message from the Lord through God’s angel. Acts 10:3
vi. He was obedient to the instructions of the angel. Acts 10:7

B. THE ACHIEVEMENTS OF CORNELIUS
i. He sent and located Peter at the palace which the angel described. Acts 11:14.
ii. He invited his relatives and close friends to come and hear the message of God through Peter. Acts 10:24
iii. They paid attention to the message of Apostle Peter and the evidence was that the Holy Spirit fell on them. Acts 10:44
iv. Cornelius and those with him (Gentiles and non-Jews) were converted.
v. They spoke with tongues and magnified God. Acts 10:46.
vi. Through their conversion, it became evident that God has granted forgiveness to Gentiles who repented. Acts 11:18
vii. They were baptized in the name of the Lord. Acts 10:47-48.
viii. They had fellowship with Peter. Acts 10:48

Class Activity 1: Why do some rich people fail to accept the gospel and receive the Holy Spirit baptism like Cornelius?

Lesson Outline 2: LESSON FROM HIS LIFE

i. If you seek God diligently, you will surely find Him (Acts 10:30, Acts 17:27, Deut. 4:29).
ii. Generous giving to the needy and constant prayers can reach the throne of God Himself (Acts 10:4).
iii. Although Cornelius, and undoubtedly many in his household and among the relatives and close friends, were religious, they still needed to be saved. i.e. born again (John 3:3-8).
iv. The gospel of Jesus Christ is for everyone (Act 10:34-35).
v. Try to make certain all your household, relatives, and close friends hear the words of the gospel and what they must do to be saved.

Class Activity 2: What role does generous giving play in the body of Christ?

SUMMARY:
You too can be a God fearing and devout person whose services would be brought to a memorial. Just surrender yourself to the Holy Spirit.

CONCLUSION:
God wants more people like Cornelius in our churches. You should be the next one.

EVALUATION:
Mention those things you can remember about Cornelius.

CLOSING PRAYER:
Father, remember my services and bless me.

ASSIGNMENT:
Mention five wonderful things about Christian soldier that distinguishes him/her from a non-Christian soldier.

Read previous RCCG Sunday School Teacher’s Manual HERE

SUNDAY SCHOOL HYMN
1. O Sunday School, on the Lord’s day,
O how I love Thee well,
I am happy, it makes me glad
To rejoice at Thy birth.

2. O Sunday School, on the Lord’s day, Thy friendship suits me well,
Both young and old will sing Thy song,
We long for Sunday School.

3. O Sunday School, on the Lord’s day,
Christ was Thy first teacher,
The Holy Spirit, great teacher,
Does manifest in thee.

4. O Sunday School, on the Lord’s day,
This testimony is sure,
That God, the Father Almighty,
Poured His blessing on Thee.

5. O Sunday School, on the Lord’s day,
Though the sun be so bright,
Or if the clouds black with rain,
I’ll be in Sunday School.

6. O Sunday School, on the Lord’s day,
I rejoice to see Thee,
Will thou pass over me today?
Without my being blest?

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Topic: A Child Of Abraham? [Open Heavens 19th May 2018, Saturday]

Memorise: Know ye therefore that they which are of faith, the same are the children of Abraham. – Galatians 3:7

Read: John 8:39-43 (KJV)

39 They answered and said unto him, Abraham is our father. Jesus saith unto them, If ye were Abraham’s children, ye would do the works of Abraham.

40 But now ye seek to kill me, a man that hath told you the truth, which I have heard of God: this did not Abraham.

41 Ye do the deeds of your father. Then said they to him, We be not born of fornication; we have one Father, even God.

42 Jesus said unto them, If God were your Father, ye would love me: for I proceeded forth and came from God; neither came I of myself, but he sent me.

43 Why do ye not understand my speech? even because ye cannot hear my word.

Bible in One Year: 2 Samuel 14, 2 Peter 2

MESSAGE:

The Bible documents several declarations of God’s covenant promises and blessings to Abraham, which are intended to overflow to his children (Genesis 17:2, Genesis 12:2-3, Genesis 22:16-18). Although God spoke these words to Abraham several thousands of years ago, generations from that period till now have continued to see His pronouncements manifest in very dramatic fashion. Let us consider two of God’s pronouncements on Abraham. In Genesis 12:2-3, He said:

“2 And I will make of thee a great nation, and I will bless thee, and make thy name great; and thou shalt be a blessing: 3 And I will bless them that bless thee, and curse him that curseth thee: and in thee shall all families of the earth be blessed.”

Also in Genesis 22:17-18, God said:

“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; 18 And in thy seed shall all the nations of the earth be blessed…”

The fulfilment of these words in the lives of Abraham’s direct descendants (the Jews) and in the lives of Christians, who are partakers of these promises by adoption, has resulted in a situation where people from all nations of the world seek to be numbered among Abraham’s children.

However, claiming to be one of Abraham’s children does not confer this status on anyone; only fulfilling the necessary requirements does. Romans 9:6-7 explains that in the sight of God, not even all of those who descended from Abraham biologically are children of Abraham for the purpose of receiving God’s covenant blessings. Being a child of Abraham does not come through genetic connections. Galatians 3:7 tells us what confers this status on a person:

“Know ye therefore that they which are of faith, the same are the children of Abraham.”

You can therefore see that it is only men and women of faith that are true children of Abraham, and so only they are recipients of Abraham’s blessings. In other words, faith is what qualifies a person to inherit Abraham’s blessings. Are you truly one of Abraham’s children? The word of God in Galatians 3:6-9 tells us that irrespective of whether you are a Jew or a Gentile, rich or poor, male or female, white, black or brown, old or young, you can become one of Abraham’s children and gain access to the blessings promised to them if only you live by faith. Some may ignore or reject this truth because they have no idea of what it means to be a child of Abraham, or because they see no value in the awesome blessings promised to Abraham’s children. This attitude is not surprising, because the things of the Spirit of God are foolishness to the ordinary person (1 Corinthians 2:14). I pray that the Lord will open your eyes to the truth of His word so that you can gain access to all of your inheritance in God in the mighty Name of Jesus.

Prayer Point: Father, impart my spirit with faith to appropriate all of my blessings You in Jesus’ Name.

If you missed yesterday devotional, please click HERE to read Open Heavens 18 May 2018 Friday daily devotional by Pastor E. A. Adeboye – Seeing The Invisible

Hymn 10: My Faith Looks Up To Thee

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

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

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

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

Open Heavens 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.

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.

The post Open Heavens 19 May 2018 Saturday daily devotional by Pastor E. A. Adeboye – A Child Of Abraham? appeared first on Flatimes.