Topic: Uncommon Kindness [DCLM Daily Manna Sunday April 8, 2018]

Text: 2 Samuel 9:1-13 (KJV)

Key Verse: “And Davis said unto him, fear not: for I will surely shew thee kindness for Jonathan thy father’s sake, and will restore thee all the land of Saul thy father; and thou shall eat bread at my table continually” (2 Samuel 9:7).

MESSAGE:

In life, God do visit people at the times they least expected. The Bible is replete with instances of spontaneous miracles and deliverances to catalogues of those who had been in abject poverty and under the bondage of Satan such as blind Bartimaeus, the man by the pool of Bethesda, Zacchaeus – a public sinner by virtue of his profession, and Mordecai – a gatekeeper who got his status reviewed that very night when King Ahasuerus was so troubled in his spirit that he could not sleep.

Mephibosheth, being lame in his two legs, was an unknown entity despite the fact that he came from King Saul’s lineage. He was so wretched that no one would ever imagine that King David would lose sleep over him. David had determined to reward Jonathan, his bosom friend. Unknown to him, Jonathan had a successor, Mephibosheth, who was living with one Machir in a place called Lodebar – an apparently obscure community. So, he was sent for and the story of his life changed dramatically. For those who believe, the blessings of God can come in the blink of an eye.

Testimonies abound of people who climbed from the valley to the mountain, who moved from rags to riches and people whose health was restored at the point when all hope appeared lost. As children of God, we must, like David, remember those who had contributed to our success in life.

You may be so down now that no one reckons with you; your dwelling place may be so obscure just like the sleepy community called Lodebar. Yet, God is still on the throne; He will remember His own. No matter your situation today, never stop believing; keep trusting Him.

Thought For The Day: God is He who leapfrogs from the dunghill to the pinnacle of power.

Bible Reading in one Year: 1 Samuel 1-3

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: Please do not prolong your salvation if you have not repented. Many are going home daily and tomorrow maybe too late…There is still hope, JESUS LOVES YOU!

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Topic: Strength in Suffering [Our Daily Bread 8 Sunday April, 2018]

Read: 1 Peter 2:11–23, Bible in a Year: 1 Samuel 10–12; Luke 9:37–62

Christ suffered for you, leaving you an example, that you should follow in his steps. 1 Peter 2:21

When eighteen-year-old Sammy received Jesus as Savior, his family rejected him because their tradition was of a different faith. But the Christian community welcomed him, offering encouragement and financial resources for his education. Later, when his testimony was published in a magazine, his persecution intensified.

But Sammy did not stop seeing his family. He visited whenever he could and talked with his father, even though his siblings cruelly prevented him from participating in family affairs. When his father fell ill, Sammy overlooked his family’s slighting and attended to him, praying his father would get well. When God healed him, the family began to warm up toward Sammy. Over time, his loving witness softened their attitude toward him—and some of his family members became willing to hear about Jesus.

Our decision to follow Christ may cause us difficulties. Peter wrote, “It is commendable if someone bears up under the pain of unjust suffering because they are conscious of God” (1 Peter 2:19). When we undergo discomfort or suffering because of our faith, we do so because “Christ suffered for [us], leaving [us] an example, that [we] should follow in his steps” (v. 21).

Even when others hurled insults at Jesus, “he did not retaliate; when he suffered, he made no threats. Instead, he entrusted himself to him who judges justly” (v. 23). Jesus is our example in suffering. We can turn to Him for strength.

Prayer: Dear Lord Jesus, help me to follow Your example in my conduct and in suffering for You.

When we suffer for Jesus, He comes to walk us through it.

Insight:

Why would God allow those He loves to be chased from their homes and homeland? (1 Peter 1:1–2). According to Peter, their plight was a chance to show their faith in the goodness of God who calls all of us to something far more wonderful than material comfort and security. What other reasons does Peter offer? Mart DeHaan

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

This message was written By Lawrence Darmani [Our Daily Bread Ministries.]

The post Our Daily Bread (ODB) Devotional 8 April 2018 – Strength in Suffering appeared first on Flatimes.

Topic: Get On The Right Road [Kenneth & Gloria Copeland, Sunday April 8, 2018]

I call heaven and earth to record this day against you, that I have set before you life and death, blessing and cursing: therefore choose life, that both thou and thy seed may live. – Deuteronomy 30:19

God’s going to get you for that! Most of us have said that kind of thing jokingly for years. We’ve somehow believed that God slaps us down with pain and punishment every time we sin. But that’s just not true. There are deadly wages for sin, but God is not the one who’s doling them out.

You see, the Bible tells us there’s been a curse in effect for thousands of years. And the devil is the cause of it, not the Lord God. God gave warning of it in Deuteronomy 30:19. After describing in detail the blessings that fall upon those who followed God and the terrible suffering that would befall those who separated themselves from Him, He said, “I have set before you life and death, blessing and cursing: therefore choose life, that both thou and thy seed may live.”

Think of it this way. Curseville is out there. God warned us about it and urged us not to travel the road that leads there. But He has promised to give us freedom, and He’ll allow us to choose our own way. If we get on the road to Curseville and don’t get off of it, we’re going to wind up there. Is that because God sent us there? No! He urged us not to go.

The vital thing to realize is this: At any point of the journey—whether you’re on the road to Curseville or living right in the middle of it—God will save you from it. He’ll take you out of there and deliver you. He’ll deliver you from diseases, addictions, or anything else that’s been holding you captive.

Today if you find yourself on the wrong road and see destruction ahead, just repent and get on the right road. Just commit your way to Jesus and He’ll deliver you from whatever may be holding you captive. You can begin by praying, “Lord Jesus, I’ve chosen the wrong road and right now I ask You to forgive me. Today I choose life by choosing Your way. Please deliver me from this bondage and fill me with Your Holy Spirit. Thank You, Lord!”

Remember this: No matter what you’ve done, God doesn’t want to get you for it, He wants to forgive you of it. He doesn’t want to slap you down, He wants to save you and lift you up. Trust Him and let Him put you on the road of life today!

Scripture Reading: Deuteronomy 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.

The post Kenneth & Gloria Copeland’s Devotional 8 April 2018 – Get On The Right Road appeared first on Flatimes.

Topic: The Ziklag Experience [TREM’s Devotional Sunday April 8, 2018]

“Then David and the people that were with him lifted up their voice and wept, until they had no more power to weep” 1 Samuel 30:4 KJV

In life, there are seasons. Life is never one-sided. Life is not always positive. Life can at times be negative and when you don’t know how to manage these seasons you may become discouraged and begin to fall apart

The Amalekites had invaded Ziklag and taken away every one captive. Everything was lost. When David and his men came back to Ziklag and found out that the enemy had invaded their camp, the scripture tells us that they began to cry. That was an emotional display based on what they saw. So, at times, your emotions will cause you to cry. At times, it will cause you to rejoice. The events of the day them made them cry.

There are many people who are crying. You are crying over certain things. Maybe it is over the news you heard or as a result of the situation of the country. There are so many things that will make you cry and make you question things about life and your faith. You will begin to wonder why certain things will ever happen in this life. When I go to where people are mourning, I advise them, don’t let anyone deceive you that you don’t have faith that is why you are crying. Beloved, cry if you have to, you are a human being. Let it out, but never allow your tears to control you. If you allow what you are experiencing to determine your action, that is when you have a problem.

Beloved, this world that we live in is headed for corruption. If you hold firm to it, you will lose your mind. You need something superior. Something great, something holy, that will sustain you in the times of adversity and problems. You need the Word. Right now, we might be faced with different challenges all around, but I declare to you that a table is set before you. You will not want for anything because God will make all grace abound to you, such that you will have all sufficiency in all things. The Lord that delivered David out of a devastating experience in Ziklag will see you through. You will testify in Jesus’ name.

Further Reading: 1 Samuel 1:1-8, Isaiah 43:18-19

Daily Bible Reading: Morning- 1 Samuel 10-12; Evening- Luke 9:37-

“If you missed yesterday devotional click 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.

The post TREM’s Devotional 8 April 2018 by Dr. Mike Okonkwo – The Ziklag Experience appeared first on Flatimes.

Topic: The Impact Of The Blessing [Seeds of Destiny Sunday April 8, 2018]

Scripture: Speak unto Aaron and unto his sons, saying, On this wise ye shall bless the children of Israel, saying unto them… Number 6:23.

Thought For The Day: The Blessing of the Lord is the companion of the Presence of God.

It has been confirmed that the blessing of the Lord is a non-negotiable requirement for destiny fulfilment.

Now, one of the ways that this blessing can be imparted is by the agency of priesthood. The priest does not only have the duty of teaching the blessing; he is also expected to change the lives of the people by imparting the blessing on them. So, every authentic pastor is a mobile blessing channel; every genuine prophet is blessing in motion

Now, what is the impact of the blessing on a person’s life?
1. The Blessing of the Lord orders life’s journey
The Blessing of the Lord places a person in the right place at the right time. When a man is blessed, the unseen Hand of Jehovah orchestrates the circumstances of his life in such a way that would take him from the back to the front.

2. The Blessing of the Lord is accompanied by the Presence of the Lord
The Blessing of the Lord is the companion of the Presence of God. God does not bless a person to abandon him.

3. The Blessing of the Lord guarantees prosperity in adversity
Joseph was a slave in Potiphar’s house, yet he was called a prosperous man because of the Blessing of God (Genesis 39:2-3). Even in the midst of unfavourable conditions, things work out for a blessed man.

By the apostolic mantle of fire on my life, I decree the blessing of God on your life and destiny, in Jesus’ Name.

Remember this: The Blessing of the Lord is the companion of the Presence of God.

Assignments:
1. Genuinely connect the blessing through the blessing channels placed by God over your life.
2. Desperately make demands on God for the impartation of the blessing on your life.

Prayer: O Lord, I ask for the impartation of Your Blessing on my life; help me to connect the blessing through the blessing channels You have placed over my life, Lord, in Jesus’ Name.

FOR FURTHER UNDERSTANDING, GET THIS MESSAGE: THE MYSTERY OF THE BLESSING (PART 4).

Daily Reading: Deuteronomy 32:28 to 52, Luke 12:35 to 59, Psalm 78:56 to 64, Proverbs 12:24

Amazing Fact: Everyone has a unique smell, unique fingerprint and unique tongue print.

Today In History: 08/04/1789 – The U.S. House of Representatives held its first meeting.

Quote: The father’s blessing was the secret of Joseph’s greatness and success. Culled from 30 SECRETS TO THE TOP by Dr Paul Enenche.

Prophetic Parental Blessing: I decree that every curse on your life is deleted; I decree that you are blessed, in Jesus’ Name.

“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: Please do not prolong your salvation if you have not repented. Many are going home daily and tomorrow maybe too late…There is still hope, JESUS LOVES YOU!

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Topic: Wonders Of Divine Blessings III [Open Heavens 8 April 2018, Sunday]

Memorise: “Behold, I will bring it health and cure, and I will cure them, and will reveal unto them the abundance of peace and truth.” – Jeremiah 33:6 (Scroll down for Open Heavens Hymn)

Read: 2 Kings 20:1-11 (KJV)

1 In those days was Hezekiah sick unto death. And the prophet Isaiah the son of Amoz came to him, and said unto him, Thus saith the LORD, Set thine house in order; for thou shalt die, and not live.

2 Then he turned his face to the wall, and prayed unto the LORD, saying,

3 I beseech thee, O LORD, remember now how I have walked before thee in truth and with a perfect heart, and have done that which is good in thy sight. And Hezekiah wept sore.

4 And it came to pass, afore Isaiah was gone out into the middle court, that the word of the LORD came to him, saying,

5 Turn again, and tell Hezekiah the captain of my people, Thus saith the LORD, the God of David thy father, I have heard thy prayer, I have seen thy tears: behold, I will heal thee: on the third day thou shalt go up unto the house of the LORD.

6 And I will add unto thy days fifteen years; and I will deliver thee and this city out of the hand of the king of Assyria; and I will defend this city for mine own sake, and for my servant David’s sake.

7 And Isaiah said, Take a lump of figs. And they took and laid it on the boil, and he recovered.

8 And Hezekiah said unto Isaiah, What shall be the sign that the LORD will heal me, and that I shall go up into the house of the LORD the third day?

9 And Isaiah said, This sign shalt thou have of the LORD, that the LORD will do the thing that he hath spoken: shall the shadow go forward ten degrees, or go back ten degrees?

10 And Hezekiah answered, It is a light thing for the shadow to go down ten degrees: nay, but let the shadow return backward ten degrees.

11 And Isaiah the prophet cried unto the LORD: and he brought the shadow ten degrees backward, by which it had gone down in the dial of Ahaz.

Bible in One Year: Joshua 10-11, 1 Thessalonians 3.

MESSAGE:

Living a healthy life that does not require the attention of physicians is one of the wonders of divine blessings. Although it is commonly said that health is wealth, I am of the opinion that health is much more than wealth because a sickness can drain the entire wealth of a person and lead to penury within six months. I pray that no sickness, big or small, will plague your life or home in Jesus’ Name. A wealthy person who is equally healthy is very wealthy. For such a fellow, we can say that his or her cup is running over (Psalm 23:5). I have often said that while it is a good thing to be healed, to remain healthy is much more wonderful, but beyond these, you are super wealthy when incurable diseases are being brought to you and by the mere laying of your hands on the sick, they get healed. A person walking in this realm is extraordinarily blessed. So, what happens when someone is extraordinarily blessed? Not only will the forces of heaven and earth combine to support such a fellow, he or she will also command these forces to favour those whom he or she wants to be a blessing to. Because I am enjoying wonders of divine blessings by the grace of God, I decree over your life today: let the forces of heaven and earth begin to cooperate in support of that venture you have embarked upon in Jesus’ Name. In 2 Kings 20:1-11, Hezekiah was sick and God said he was going to die, but he cried to God that he did not want to die yet, and God granted his request. The Lord prolonged his life with fifteen more years. In other words, he was healed and became wealthy in health. God also caused the shadow of the sun to return backwards by ten degrees as a sign to indicate this wonder. In other words, the sun cooperated with Prophet Isaiah when he decreed that it should go backward to bring to pass the wonder of recapturing fifteen years already spent by Hezekiah. This is an even greater feat than when Joshua commanded the sun and the moon to stand still (Joshua 10:13).

In Genesis 27:1-4, Isaac told Esau to prepare his favourite so that his soul might bless him. This shows that divine blessings are provoked. You must do something in order to attract them into your life. In Malachi 3:10, God said “Bring all the tithes into My house, and I will replace every curse with a blessing.” Elisha had the opportunity of asking Elijah what he wanted because he had been a faithful servant to him. Anyone who wants to be blessed by God and is willing to pay the price would surely be blessed. If you are a sinner, what God requires from you is to give your life to Christ. If you are a child of God, search the scriptures and you will discover that those who were divinely blessed were ardent worshipper and generous givers. Go ahead and follow their examples.

Prayer Point: Father, please give me the heart of a worshipper and make me a generous giver in Jesus’ Name.

If you missed yesterday devotional, please click to read “Open Heavens 7 April 2018 Saturday — Wonders Of Divine Blessings II’’

Hymn 8: The Great Physician

1. The Great Physician now is near,
The sympathizing Jesus;
He speaks the drooping heart to cheer,
Oh, hear the voice of Jesus!

Chorus:
Sweetest note in seraph song,
Sweetest Name on mortal tongue;
Sweetest carol ever sung,
Jesus, blessed Jesus.

2. Your many sins are all forgiv’n,
Oh, hear the voice of Jesus;
Go on your way in peace to heav’n,
And wear a crown with Jesus.

3. All glory to the dying Lamb!
I now believe in Jesus;
I love the blessed Saviour’s Name,
I love the Name of Jesus.

4. His Name dispels my guilt and fear,
No other name but Jesus;
Oh, how my soul delights to hear
The precious Name of Jesus!

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: Please do not prolong your salvation if you have not repented. Many are going home daily and tomorrow maybe too late…There is still hope, JESUS LOVES YOU!

The post Open Heavens 8 April 2018 Sunday — Wonders Of Divine Blessings III appeared first on Flatimes.

Topic: God’s Word: Use As Directed [Andrew Wommack Sunday April 8, 2018]

Luke 8:11, “Now the parable is this: The seed is the word of God.”

Text: Luke 8:4-11

This parable illustrates the importance of the Word of God. God’s Word contains total power, but it has to be planted in our hearts and allowed to germinate before it releases that power.

The seed is God’s Word, and the types of ground are the four major categories of men’s hearts. The Word was the same in each situation, but there were different results in each case because of the condition of men’s hearts – not because of the Word. The Word doesn’t work for everyone because not everyone will allow the Word to work. The variable in this parable is the condition of these hearts. God’s Word is always the same. It has the same potential in every heart.

Good ground doesn’t just happen; it must be cultivated. This is the reason why only one out of four persons in Jesus’ parable brought forth fruit. It takes a lot of time, effort, and diligence to be a fruitful Christian. The Christian life is not like a hundred-yard dash but rather a 26.2 mile marathon. It’s quicker and easier to raise weeds than it is to raise tomatoes or corn.

In this whole parable, it was the Word that produced the fruit. The ground simply gave it a place to grow. If we will simply put God’s Word in our hearts, protect it, and give it priority in our lives, the Word will produce fruit of itself. Satan has deceived many people into thinking that they don’t have the talents or abilities to be fruitful Christians, but they are not the ones who bring forth fruit; it’s God’s Word. When we protect the Word sown in our hearts, it will do the rest.

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: Unchanging Human Nature [Billy Graham’s Devotional Sunday April 8, 2018]

Look! There is the Lamb of God who takes away the world’s sin. — John 1:29 (TLB)

At the cross of Christ, sin reached its climax. Its most terrible display took place at Calvary. It was never blacker or more hideous. We see the human heart laid bare and its corruption fully exposed. Some people have said that man has improved since that day, that if Christ came back today, He would not be crucified but would be given a glorious reception. Christ does come to us every day in the form of Bibles that we do not read, in the form of churches that we do not attend, in the form of human need that we pass by. I am convinced that if Christ came back today, He would be crucified more quickly than He was two thousand years ago. Sin never improves. Human nature has not changed.

Prayer for the day: Father, take away my thoughts and deeds that crucify Jesus afresh.

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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