Topic: Mindful of the Leading of God [Billy Graham’s Devotional Wednesday May 16, 2018]

Wherefore the law was our schoolmaster to bring us unto Christ, that we might be justified by faith. — Galatians 3:24

When God gave the law, He knew that man was incapable of keeping it. Many persons are confused as to why God gave the law, if He knew man could not possibly keep it. The Bible teaches that the law was given as a mirror; I look into the law and see my spiritual condition. I see how far short I come, and this drives me to the cross of Christ for forgiveness. The Bible teaches that this is why Christ came—to redeem them that were under the law. Man could not keep the law; he was condemned by the law.

Prayer for the day: How I need Your guidelines, Lord. Teach me to be always mindful of Your leading.

“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: Free to Follow [Our Daily Bread 16 Wednesday May, 2018]

Read: Matthew 11:25–30, Bible in a Year: 2 Kings 24–25; John 5:1–24

Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. Matthew 11:29

My high school cross-country coach once advised me before a race, “Don’t try to be in the lead. The leaders almost always burn out too quickly.” Instead, he suggested I stay close behind the fastest runners. By letting them set the pace, I could conserve the mental and physical strength I’d need to finish the race well.

Leading can be exhausting; following can be freeing. Knowing this improved my running, but it took me a lot longer to realize how this applies to Christian discipleship. In my own life, I was prone to think being a believer in Jesus meant trying really hard. By pursuing my own exhausting expectations for what a Christian should be, I was inadvertently missing the joy and freedom found in simply following Him (John 8:32, 36).

But we weren’t meant to direct our own lives, and Jesus didn’t start a self-improvement program. Instead, He promised that in seeking Him we will find the rest we long for (Matthew 11:25–28). Unlike many other religious teachers’ emphasis on rigorous study of Scripture or an elaborate set of rules, Jesus taught that it’s simply through knowing Him that we know God (v. 27). In seeking Him, we find our heavy burdens lifted (vv. 28–30) and our lives transformed.

Because following Him, our gentle and humble Leader (v. 29), is never burdensome—it’s the way of hope and healing. Resting in His love, we are free.

Prayer: Lord, I’m so thankful I don’t have to be in charge of my own life. Help me rest in You.

True freedom is found in following Christ.

Insight:

“Following Jesus” may be the best way to describe the essence of the Christian life. Jesus is “the author and finisher of our faith” (Hebrews 12:2 nkjv), which means He is both the starting point and the culmination of our rescue—a reality secured by the cross. His resurrection is part of this as well. Paul said, “But Christ has indeed been raised from the dead, the firstfruits of those who have fallen asleep” (1 Corinthians 15:20). The term firstfruits reminds us that Jesus secured our restoration to the Father through His death and subsequent victory over death. This victory is at the heart of His call to us: “Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me” (Mark 8:34). Peter added of the Savior’s sufferings, “You have been called for this purpose, since Christ also suffered for you, leaving you an example for you to follow in His steps” (1 Peter 2:21 nasb).

What better response to His sacrifice could we ever give than to simply and wholeheartedly follow Him? Bill Crowder

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

This message was written By Monica Brands [Our Daily Bread Ministries.]

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Topic: Reach Your Full Potential [Joyce Meyer’s Devotional Wednesday May 16, 2018]

The Lord will give [unyielding and impenetrable] strength to His people; the Lord will bless His people with peace. — Psalm 29:11

I fully believe that reaching your potential is linked to the way you handle adversity. Adversity isn’t always bad. Actually, adversity can be something to be thankful for because God can use it to strengthen you. Winston Churchill said, “Difficulties mastered are opportunities won,” and I wholeheartedly agree.

If you allow difficulties and challenges to frustrate, intimidate, or discourage you, you will never overcome them. But if you face them head-on and press through the adversities you encounter, refusing to give up in the midst of them and move forward with a heart of gratitude, you will develop the skills and determination needed to be everything you were created to be and experience everything God intends for you.

Prayer Starter: I thank You, Father, that I don’t have to give up when I face adversity—I can meet it head-on, knowing that You are always with me. Thank You for Your promise that says, …He who is in you is greater than he (Satan) who is in the world…(1 John 4:4). 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: You Are The Apple Of God’s Eye [TREM Devotional Wednesday May 16, 2018]

“For thus saith the LORD of hosts; After the glory hath he sent me unto the nations which spoiled you; for he that toucheth you toucheth the apple of his eye.” – Zechariah 2:8

I have loved you with the everlasting love. That means the love of God does not come to an end because you did something. In John 3:16, the word ‘so’ expresses the intensity of God’s love. The writer lacked the words to express God’s love, so he expressed it as ‘so’. The love is so much, that it can’t be described. It is love that passes human understanding. When you understand God’s love, you will walk in authority and power. You will dominate everything that is dominating you. You will say to the devil: “Enough! You can’t intimidate me because God loves me. I belong to Him”

God said whosoever touches us has touched Him. We are the apple of His eyes. Romans 8:32 says ‘He that spared not his own Son, but delivered him up for us all, how shall he not with him also freely give us all things?’ If He can give Himself for you, why do you think He will not give you natural things? ‘Freely’ means you don’t have anything to pay. It means He is the one who paid the entire price to give you all things. His death qualified us for all things because He paid the price. What are these things? They are healing, jobs, business, marriage, houses, fruitful business relationships, money, husband, wife and children.

God does not lie. Stop struggling. If somebody gives you something, what do you do? You receive it. You don’t say what do I pay? Everything He did is for our well-being. Everything about the Cross is because of you. Heaven and earth are moving because of you because we are made in the image of God and in His likeness. This whole earth is for us. He has given us the authority to control it. Heaven belongs to God; the earth had been given to the children of men. You are vitally important to God.

Further Reading: Zechariah 2:1-10, Psalm 115:9-16

Daily Bible Reading: Morning- 2 Kings 24-25; Evening- John 5:1-24

“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.

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Topic: Step Out of the Boat [Kenneth & Gloria Copeland, Wednesday May 16, 2018]

And Peter answered him and said, Lord, if it be thou, bid me come unto thee on the water. And he said, Come. And when Peter was come down out of the ship, he walked on the water…. – Matthew 14:28-29

It’s easy to be so afraid of making a mistake that you never get around to stepping out on faith. You can spend all your time wondering, Is this faith? Or is it presumption? What if I exercise my faith for something and find out later I’ve missed God’s will?

Don’t worry. God can handle any mistake you can make. I know because I’ve made plenty of them. When I did, I’d just go to the Lord and He’d tell me, Stay on the Word, son. Together we’ll overcome this thing. And we always did.

If you act on the Word out of the sincerity of your heart and you steadfastly stay with the Word, Jesus will never let you down…no matter how many dumb mistakes you make. He proved that the night Peter jumped out of the boat in the middle of the lake.

Have you ever stopped to think about that incident? Peter hadn’t been praying or seeking God’s will before he did that. On impulse he just blurted out, “Lord, if it’s You, bid me come.”

What was Jesus supposed to say? He couldn’t very well say, “It’s not Me.” I suppose He could have said, “Wait a minute now. You don’t have the faith to get out here. You’d better stay in that boat or you’re going to drown for sure.”

But He didn’t say that to Peter—and He won’t say it to you. If you want to get out and walk by faith, He’ll get out there with you and pick you up when you start sinking. He’ll walk you back to the boat if He has to.

It’s better to risk being presumptuous than to waste your life in the boat of unbelief! If you have to, just dive into the water and say, “God, help me!”

Don’t let fear keep you from taking that step of faith. Come on, get out of the boat today!

Scripture Reading: Matthew 14:22-33

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: The Impact Of Character On Destiny [Seeds of Destiny Wednesday May 16, 2018]

Scripture: A good name is rather to be chosen than great riches, and loving favour rather than silver and gold. Proverbs 22:1

Thought For The Day: Your character either facilitates or frustrates your destiny.

Character is a crucial factor for destiny fulfilment. A person’s character affects his or her destiny. Perception determines reception. How you are perceived determines how you would be received. What comes to people’s mind when your name is mentioned affects how you fare in life.

Beloved, the question is, when you pass, what do people think? A good name will do for you what money cannot do. When your name is mentioned in a place, is it dishonesty, arrogance, pride, lies, seduction, unfaithfulness or deceit that crosses people’s mind? If so, then that is not a good reputation!

But on the other hand, when your name is mentioned and people perceive faithfulness, dependability, reliability, humility, sincerity, honesty, commitment, etc., then your future is guaranteed.

Some people are yet to be married but when they pass, pride and arrogance are what people perceive. Many young men are unable to reach their destiny because anywhere they go, what people perceive is a disrespectful, rebellious, unfaithful, and an uncommitted attitude. Your name goes where you have not gone; your reputation travels ahead of you. When you arrive there, people have already heard about you, they already know you.

My counsel is, work on your character if you are interested in your destiny; work on what people think or know about you. Your character either facilitates or frustrates your destiny. Your character is either giving you acceleration or holding you in stagnation.

Receive the grace to possess positive character in Jesus’ Name.

Remember this: Your character either facilitates or frustrates your destiny.

Assignments:
1. Ask God to deal with every negative lifestyle in you.
2. Decide to change every wrong lifestyle.
3. Deliberately live out the fruit of the spirit listed in Galatians 5:22-23.

Prayer: O Lord, deal with every wrong lifestyle in me and erase every negative perception of people about me. Give me the grace to put on the garment of positive character, Lord, in Jesus’ Name.

FOR FURTHER UNDERSTANDING, GET THIS MESSAGE: DESTINY CAPSULES (PART 3).

Daily Bible Reading: 1 Samuel 18:5 to 19:24, John 8:31 to 59, Psalm 112:1 to 10, Proverbs 15:12 to 14

Amazing Fact: Most of the people think that the Moon is completely round in shape, but it’s not. The Moon is shaped like an egg.

Today In History: 16/05/1991 – Queen Elizabeth II becomes the first British monarch to address the U.S. Congress.

Quote: The depth of your character also determines the height of your destiny. 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: Sacrifice [Teens Open Heavens 16, May 2018]

Memorise: I beseech you therefore brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service. Romans 12:1

Read: Romans 12:1-2 (KJV)

1 I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service.

2 And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.

Bible In One Year: 2 Kings 15-17, John 6:1-21

MESSAGE:

As a child of God you are to offer service to God. According to Romans 12:1, your service can only be acceptable when you present your body a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God. Your body is the temple of God, and as such, you are supposed to keep it free from sin of whatever form. You must avoid lying with your lips, you must avoid stealing with your hands, you must avoid walking with your legs to places that are not God glorifying, and you must also keep your body pure from any form of sexual sin.

To be a living sacrifice for God involves separating yourself from the world in order to have a beautiful relationship with God. It involves denying yourself of worldly pleasures and all forms of worldliness so that you can be pure and pleasing to God. Once you are able to achieve all these, your service will be reasonable and acceptable to God, and He will be pleased with you. How reasonable is your service?

Key Point: If you don’t offer an acceptable service to God by keeping your body pure and free from sin, your chances of being raptured are non-existent.

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

Hymn 7

1. I am Thine 0 Lord, I have heard Thy voice,
And it told Thy love to me;
But I long to rise in the arms of faith
And be closer drawn to Thee.

Chorus
Draw me nearer, nearer blessed Lord
To the cross where Thou hast died;
Draw me nearer, nearer, nearer blessed Lord,
To Thy precious, bleeding side.

2. Consecrate me now to Thy service, Lord,
By the pow’r of grace divine;
Let my soul look up with a steadfast hope,
And my will be lost in Thine.

3. Oh, the pure delight of a single hour
That before Thy throne I spend,
When I kneel in prayer, and with Thee, my God
I commune as friend with friend!

4. There are depths of love that I cannot know
Till I cross the narrow sea;
There are heights of joy that I may not reach
Till I rest in peace with Thee.

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: Cleansing The Temple [DCLM Daily Manna Wednesday May 16, 2018]

Text: 2 Chronicles 29:1-11 (KJV)

Key Verse: “And said unto them, Hear me, ye Levites, sanctify now yourselves, and sanctify the house of the LORD God of your fathers, and carry forth the filthiness out of the holy place” (2 Chronicles 29:5)

MESSAGE:

A soap manufacturer, who was an unbeliever, walked along the road one day with a preacher of the gospel. The soap manufacturer said, ‘The gospel you preach has not done much good, for there is still a lot of wickedness in the world and a lot of wicked people too.’ The preacher made no reply until they passed a dirty little child, making mud pies in the gutter. Seizing his opportunity, the preacher said: ‘Soap has not done much good in the world, I see; for there is still much dirt and many dirty people about.’ `Oh, well,’ said the manufacturer, ‘soap is only useful when it is applied.’ `Exactly!’ said the preacher, ‘so it is with the gospel.

In today’s passage, Hezekiah began his reign in Jerusalem and from the very first month began to undertake his programme of purifying the temple. He urged the priests and Levites to purify themselves and go into the house of the Lord to remove the filthiness placed there by preceding kings who had embraced idolatry.

Homosexualism, worldliness, idolatry, cultism and the likes are unbecoming of the house of God. Believers are the temple of God and they must get rid of all the dirt in their lifestyle and heart. The power of the gospel of Christ cleanses from all inward and outward sins. Therefore, let us cry unto God for cleansing after we have cleansed ourselves so that His temple (our body and His Church) can be the hallowed place it ought to be.

Thought For The Day: Cleansing of our hearts is the best way to kick-start a revival.

Bible Reading in one Year: Psalms 3-4; 12-13; 28; 55

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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