Open Heavens Daily Devotional

OPEN HEAVENS DAILY DEVOTIONAL

DATE:  TUESDAY 1ST MAY 2018

THEME:  THE REWARD OF DELIGENCE.



MEMORISE:
 And the foolish said unto the wise, Give us of your oil; for our lamps are gone out. Matthew 25:28

READ: Matthew 25:14-28
14 For the kingdom of heaven is as a man travelling into a far country, who called his own servants, and delivered unto them his goods.

15 And unto one he gave five talents, to another two, and to another one; to every man according to his several ability; and straightway took his journey.

16 Then he that had received the five talents went and traded with the same, and made them other five talents.

17 And likewise he that had received two, he also gained other two.

18 But he that had received one went and digged in the earth, and hid his lord's money.

19 After a long time the lord of those servants cometh, and reckoneth with them.

20 And so he that had received five talents came and brought other five talents, saying, Lord, thou deliveredst unto me five talents: behold, I have gained beside them five talents more.

21 His lord said unto him, Well done, thou good and faithful servant: thou hast been faithful over a few things, I will make thee ruler over many things: enter thou into the joy of thy lord.

22 He also that had received two talents came and said, Lord, thou deliveredst unto me two talents: behold, I have gained two other talents beside them.

23 His lord said unto him, Well done, good and faithful servant; thou hast been faithful over a few things, I will make thee ruler over many things: enter thou into the joy of thy lord.

24 Then he which had received the one talent came and said, Lord, I knew thee that thou art an hard man, reaping where thou hast not sown, and gathering where thou hast not strawed:

25 And I was afraid, and went and hid thy talent in the earth: lo, there thou hast that is thine.

26 His lord answered and said unto him, Thou wicked and slothful servant, thou knewest that I reap where I sowed not, and gather where I have not strawed:

27 Thou oughtest therefore to have put my money to the exchangers, and then at my coming I should have received mine own with usury.

28 Take therefore the talent from him, and give it unto him which hath ten talents.

MESSAGE
God Almighty has called all of mankind to a life of diligence. After He created Adam, he charged him to keep and diligently dress the beautiful garden He bequeathed to him (Genesis 2:15). The Almighty indeed rewards diligence. In Proverb 10:4, He enlightens us on the reward that awaits diligent people:

 “He becometh poor that dealeth with a slack hand: but the hand of the diligent maketh rich.”

The Lord Jesus Christ further drove home the point with the story of a diligent servant to whom his master had entrusted five talents to trade with. He was so diligent that these talents yielded five more talents. When his master returned to take stock of his activities, he was commended and handsomely rewarded. Matthew 25:23 says:

“His lord said unto him, Well done, good and faithful servant; thou hast been faithful over a few things, I will make thee ruler over many things: enter thou into the joy of thy lord.”

In this same parable, we also see the direct opposite of diligence and its consequences. The servant with one talent mischievously kept the talent and refused to trade with it. He reward was the loss of his talent and outright rejection from the joy of his lord. On the other hand, the diligent servant who started with five talents gained the talent that was taken away from the indolent servant, and ended up with eleven talents in all.

Beloved, laziness, in whatever guise it may come, is not a Christian virtue. Every child of God must be diligent. In Proverbs 6:6-8, the Lord instructs the lazy to learn from the ant, saying:

“Go to the ant, thou sluggard; consider her ways, and be wise: Which having no guide, overseer, or ruler, Provideth her meat in the summer, and gathereth her food in the harvest.”

As a matter of fact, from Proverbs 6:10-11, we understand that penury is the outcome of laziness:

“Yet a little sleep, a little slumber, a little folding of the hands to sleep: So shall thy poverty come as one that travelleth, and thy want as an armed man.”

Proverbs 27:23-27 further highlights the rewards of diligence. The Lord promised to bless the work of your hands, not your idleness. Know for sure that faithful is He who promised you this, and He will fulfill all He has said if you diligently play your own part (Deuteronomy 28:1-5, Hebrews 10:23).

PRAYER POINT:
Father, please bless the work of my hands and cause me to prosper in the land of the living.

BIBLE IN ONE YEAR: 1 Samuel 8-9;
Hebrew 9:11-28

AUTHOR: PASTOR E. A. ADEBOYE


HYMN 4:  TRUST AND OBEY.

1. When we walk with the Lord in the light of His Word,
What a glory He sheds on our way!
While we do His good will, He abides with us still,
And with all who will trust and obey.

o Refrain:
Trust and obey, for there’s no other way
To be happy in Jesus, but to trust and obey.

2. Not a shadow can rise, not a cloud in the skies,
But His smile quickly drives it away;
Not a doubt or a fear, not a sigh or a tear,
Can abide while we trust and obey.

3. Not a burden we bear, not a sorrow we share,
But our toil He doth richly repay;
Not a grief or a loss, not a frown or a cross,
But is blessed if we trust and obey.

4. But we never can prove the delights of His love
Until all on the altar we lay;
For the favor He shows, for the joy He bestows,
Are for them who will trust and obey.

5. Then in fellowship sweet we will sit at His feet,
Or we’ll walk by His side in the way;
What He says we will do, where He sends we will go;
Never fear, only trust and obey.

Open Heavens Daily Devotional

OPEN HEAVENS DAILY DEVOTIONAL

DATE: MONDAY 30TH APRIL 2018

THEME: PROGRESSIVE PROSPERITY.

MEMORISE:
And the man waxed great, and went forward, and grew until he became very great: Genesis 26:13

READ: Genesis 26:1-14

1And there was a famine in the land, beside the first famine that was in the days of Abraham. And Isaac went unto Abimelech king of the Philistines unto Gerar.
2 And the LORD appeared unto him, and said, Go not down into Egypt; dwell in the land which I shall tell thee of:
3 Sojourn in this land, and I will be with thee, and will bless thee; for unto thee, and unto thy seed, I will give all these countries, and I will perform the oath which I sware unto Abraham thy father;
4 And I will make thy seed to multiply as the stars of heaven, and will give unto thy seed all these countries; and in thy seed shall all the nations of the earth be blessed;
5 Because that Abraham obeyed my voice, and kept my charge, my commandments, my statutes, and my laws.
6 And Isaac dwelt in Gerar:
7 And the men of the place asked him of his wife; and he said, She is my sister: for he feared to say, She is my wife; lest, said he, the men of the place should kill me for Rebekah; because she was fair to look upon.
8 And it came to pass, when he had been there a long time, that Abimelech king of the Philistines looked out at a window, and saw, and, behold, Isaac was sporting with Rebekah his wife.
9 And Abimelech called Isaac, and said, Behold, of a surety she is thy wife; and how saidst thou, She is my sister? And Isaac said unto him, Because I said, Lest I die for her.
10 And Abimelech said, What is this thou hast done unto us? one of the people might lightly have lien with thy wife, and thou shouldest have brought guiltiness upon us.
11 And Abimelech charged all his people, saying, He that toucheth this man or his wife shall surely be put to death.
12 Then Isaac sowed in that land, and received in the same year an hundredfold: and the LORD blessed him.
13 And the man waxed great, and went forward, and grew until he became very great:
14 For he had possession of flocks, and possession of herds, and great store of servants: and the Philistines envied him.

MESSAGE
When the Bible says that we should study to show ourselves approved unto God, it means that we should study the successful heroes of faith who have gone ahead of us and learn their ways (2 Timothy 2:15, 1 Corinthians 10:11). A very good example of someone who experienced steady and progressive prosperity is Isaac. If you want to have steady and progressive prosperity like Isaac did, wisdom demands that you learn his ways. How did Isaac manage to become so prosperous in the time of famine, so much so that the king and natives of the land in which he sojourned envied him?

The first thing Isaac did to experience steady and progressive prosperity was to enquire of the Lord on where to go during an austere time. Genesis 26:2-6 reveals the outcome of Isaac’s enquiry. The Lord told him not to move an inch from Gerar. This is a great lesson to all those who plan to prosper by the hand of the Lord. some people would say to you, “Follow your heart”, but based on God’s word, that is folly. Jeremiah 17:9 says,

“The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked: who can know it?”
Isaac did not follow his heart; rather he followed God’s command. He stayed in Gerar. Proverb 3:5-7 also says,
“Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths. Be not wise in thine own eyes: fear the LORD, and depart from evil.”

What else did Isaac do that earned him steady and progressive prosperity? He sowed in the land (Genesis 26:12) if you don’t engage your hands in something the Lord can multiply, your expectation of steady and progressive prosperity will end in disappointment.
The Almighty God knows the appropriate time for whatever a man puts fort his hand to do. It is counterintuitive to sow in the time of famine, but God knew this was the best time for Isaac to cash in the demand created by scarcity. This is the reason why God is telling you to seek His face before you embark on that project at hand. Isaac prospered progressively because God was in his business. Have you invited God into your business as the Senior Partner? Does God call the shots in your business transactions or you don’t even involve Him at all? Do you pay your tithes? Do you give offering? Dod you honor God you’re your first fruits? Learn from the life of Isaac today.

PRAYER POINT:
Father, please open my eyes to the opportunities around me, and teach my heart to yield to the wisdom of Your own timing in Jesus’ Name.
BIBLE IN ONE YEAR: 1 Samuel 6-7;
Hebrews 8:1-9:10

AUTHOR: PASTOR E. A. ADEBOYE

HYMN 4: TRUST AND OBEY.

1. When we walk with the Lord in the light of His Word,
What a glory He sheds on our way!
While we do His good will, He abides with us still,
And with all who will trust and obey.
o Refrain:
Trust and obey, for there’s no other way
To be happy in Jesus, but to trust and obey.

2. Not a shadow can rise, not a cloud in the skies,
But His smile quickly drives it away;
Not a doubt or a fear, not a sigh or a tear,
Can abide while we trust and obey.

3. Not a burden we bear, not a sorrow we share,
But our toil He doth richly repay;
Not a grief or a loss, not a frown or a cross,
But is blessed if we trust and obey.

4. But we never can prove the delights of His love
Until all on the altar we lay;
For the favor He shows, for the joy He bestows,
Are for them who will trust and obey.

5. Then in fellowship sweet we will sit at His feet,
Or we’ll walk by His side in the way;
What He says we will do, where He sends we will go;
Never fear, only trust and obey.

Open Heavens Daily Devotional

OPEN HEAVENS DAILY DEVOTIONAL

DATE:  SUNDAY 29TH APRIL 2018

THEME:  IT CAME TO PASS.


MEMORISE:
 And ye shall be hated of all men for my name's sake: but he that endureth to the end shall be saved. Matthew 10:22

READ: 1 Peter 1:1-9
1Peter, an apostle of Jesus Christ, to the strangers scattered throughout Pontus, Galatia, Cappadocia, Asia, and Bithynia,

2 Elect according to the foreknowledge of God the Father, through sanctification of the Spirit, unto obedience and sprinkling of the blood of Jesus Christ: Grace unto you, and peace, be multiplied.

3 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, which according to his abundant mercy hath begotten us again unto a lively hope by the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead,

4 To an inheritance incorruptible, and undefiled, and that fadeth not away, reserved in heaven for you,

5 Who are kept by the power of God through faith unto salvation ready to be revealed in the last time.

6 Wherein ye greatly rejoice, though now for a season, if need be, ye are in heaviness through manifold temptations:

7 That the trial of your faith, being much more precious than of gold that perisheth, though it be tried with fire, might be found unto praise and honour and glory at the appearing of Jesus Christ:

8 Whom having not seen, ye love; in whom, though now ye see him not, yet believing, ye rejoice with joy unspeakable and full of glory:

9 Receiving the end of your faith, even the salvation of your souls.

MESSAGE
There is a phrase commonly used throughout the whole Bible which should serve as comfort to all Christian pilgrims, particularly when they are passing through situations that are not so pleasant. That phrase is the title of today’s devotional – “It came to pass”. To someone using this devotional today, all your challenges shall pass in Jesus’ Name. The Lord Jesus Christ did not promise us that the Christian walk would be a walk in the park. He actually promised us persecutions and trials as part of the Christian experience (John 16:33, Mark 10:30). He even said in Matthew 10:22 that a time will come when we will be hated by all men. Be aware that this time is fast approaching. What is expected of us is endurance and longsuffering. As God would have it, longsuffering is part of the fruit of the Spirit, which is made manifest in our lives as we daily walk in the Spirit (Galatians 5:22).

Know for sure that from the inception of the Christian faith, believers in Christ have always faced trials of cruel mocking, scourging, imprisonment and even death. Nevertheless, be encouraged by the words of Apostle  Peter to some brethren who were also going through trials and persecution:

“Wherein ye greatly rejoice, though now for a season, if need be, ye are in heaviness through manifold temptations: That the trial of your faith, being much more precious than of gold that perisheth, though it be tried with fire, might be found unto praise and honour and glory at the appearing of Jesus Christ:” 1 Peter 1:6-7


Just as the trying periods of the heroes of faith who have gone ahead of you “came to pass”, your also will come to pass. Let your gaze be set on the reward that is ahead of you, which the Holy Spirit spoke of in James 1:12, saying:

“Blessed is the man that endureth temptation: for when he is tried, he shall receive the crown of life, which the Lord hath promised to them that love him.”

In Revelation 22:12-14, the Lord also spoke of the reward we will receive, having endured unpleasant situations in this world. Beloved, the Lover of your soul, Jesus, will soon appear; be of good cheer therefore because all your trials of faith will soon be over. Just make sure you do not deny the faith. Don’t be like Demas who loved this present and forsook the Lord (2 Timothy 4: 10). My the Lord keep you holy till His appearing in Jesus’ Name.

PRAYER POINT:

Father, please let me not lose sight of the rewards that awaits me at your appearing. Please grant unto me the grace to endure to the very end.


BIBLE IN ONE YEAR: 1 Samuel 3-5;

Hebrews 7

AUTHOR: PASTOR E. A. ADEBOYE


HYMN 10: MY FAITH LOOKS UP TO THEE.

1. My faith looks up to Thee,
Thou Lamb of Calvary,
Savior 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 Savior, then in love,
Fear and distrust remove;
Oh, bear me safe above,
A ransomed soul!

Open Heavens Daily Devotional

OPEN HEAVENS DAILY DEVOTIONAL

DATE:  SATURDAY 28TH APRIL 2018

THEME:  LESSONS FROM THE LEPERS.



MEMORISE:
And all things, whatsoever ye shall ask in prayer, believing, ye shall receive. Matthew 21:22

READ: Luke 17: 11-19
11 And it came to pass, as he went to Jerusalem, that he passed through the midst of Samaria and Galilee.

12 And as he entered into a certain village, there met him ten men that were lepers, which stood afar off:

13 And they lifted up their voices, and said, Jesus, Master, have mercy on us.

14 And when he saw them, he said unto them, Go shew yourselves unto the priests. And it came to pass, that, as they went, they were cleansed.

15 And one of them, when he saw that he was healed, turned back, and with a loud voice glorified God,

16 And fell down on his face at his feet, giving him thanks: and he was a Samaritan.

17 And Jesus answering said, Were there not ten cleansed? but where are the nine?

18 There are not found that returned to give glory to God, save this stranger.

19 And he said unto him, Arise, go thy way: thy faith hath made thee whole.

MESSAGE
The faith of the ten lepers in today’s Bible text can best be described as practical faith. They cried to Jesus for healing and He told them to go and show themselves to the priest to certify their cleansing. These lepers immediately proceeded as Jesus directed, even though the physical manifestation of their cleansing was not apparent. This is a classical demonstration of faith. Whether they came back to say “thank you” to Jesus or not is another subject of discussion. For you to better understand the practical faith demonstrated by these lepers, you need to read Leviticus chapter 14 which describes the painstaking process of certifying the cleansing of lepers. There are other examples of practical faith which can teach us some vital lessons on faith that works. Take for instance the servants at the wedding in Cana of Galilee (John 2:1-9). These servants were commanded by Jesus Christ to take the water they had put in water pots by themselves to the master of ceremony as wine to be served to guests. It took practical faith to for them to obey this instruction. The fact that they knew all about the water that was poured into the water pot should have denied them the faith that was needed to receive this miracle of supernatural provision. However, they obeyed because they remembered the instruction of Jesus’ mother when she said to them in John 2:5b

 “Whatsoever he saith unto you, do it.”

Beloved, do you desire a miracle? You need to demonstrate the practical faith that exalts the Almighty God. The lepers in today’s story went ahead to show themselves to the priest because the Great healer told them to do so. What is the Lord telling you to do so that you can have your financial breakthrough? Are you doing it? Are you paying your tithes and offering? Are you honoring God with your first fruit and engaging in other forms of continuous giving (Luke 6:38)? The Bible also says that we should pray without ceasing because it is when we ask that we will receive. Obeying such divine instructions as these demonstrate our faith in the God who gave these instructions, and He honors our faith by doing what only Him can do in our lives. There are many times the Almighty God would ask me to do things that are very ridiculous by human standards, but I have learnt that unless I keep on doing the ridiculous, there is no way I can experience miraculous which my knowledge of mathematics can never do for me. This is why I have been living a miraculous life daily, and it shall continue to be so till I see my Master in glory. My prayer is that the practical faith that you need to experience the miraculous will be given to you today in Jesus’ Name.

KEY POINT:

Doing the ridiculous in obedience to the Lord’s instruction will always yield the miraculous.


BIBLE IN ONE YEAR: 1 Samuel 1-2;

Hebrews 5:11-6:20

AUTHOR: PASTOR E. A. ADEBOYE


HYMN 10: MY FAITH LOOKS UP TO THEE.

1. My faith looks up to Thee,
Thou Lamb of Calvary,
Savior 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 Savior, then in love,
Fear and distrust remove;
Oh, bear me safe above,
A ransomed soul!

Open Heavens Daily Devotional

OPEN HEAVENS DAILY DEVOTIONAL

DATE: THURSDAY 26TH APRIL 2018

THEME: THE STILLER OF STORMS.

MEMORISE:
Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid. John 14:27

READ: Mark 4:35-41

35 And the same day, when the even  was come, he saith unto them, Let us pass over unto the other side.

36 And when they had sent away the multitude, they took him even as he was in the ship. And there were also with him other little ships.

37 And there arose a great storm of wind, and the waves beat into the ship, so that it was now full.

38 And he was in the hinder part of the ship, asleep on a pillow: and they awake him, and say unto him, Master, carest thou not that we perish?

39 And he arose, and rebuked the wind, and said unto the sea, Peace, be still. And the wind ceased, and there was a great calm.

40 And he said unto them, Why are ye so fearful? how is it that ye have no faith?

41 And they feared exceedingly, and said one to another, What manner of man is this, that even the wind and the sea obey him?

MESSAGE
Life can be very turbulent indeed, but thank God there is a Stiller of Storms, who is the Lord Jesus Christ. The wise will therefore anchor their life on Him (Hebrews 6:19).

 One truth is that at one point or the other in the course of life, everyone will experience a storm. It is therefore wise to prepare for storm by giving heed to what the word of the God teaches about them. Here is what the Stiller of Storms says about storms in Matthew 7:24-25:

“Therefore whosoever heareth these sayings of mine, and doeth them, I will liken him unto a wise man, which built his house upon a rock:And the rain descended, and the floods came, and the winds blew, and beat upon that house; and it fell not: for it was founded upon a rock.”

In the above verses of Scripture, the Stiller of Storms likens His teachings to the power that stabilizes a structure battered by storms. A wise man will therefore take these teachings very seriously. Although the word of God is powerful, for it to work for you, you must be a doer of the word. James 1:22 says,

“But be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving your own selves.”

The story in Mark 4:35-41 reveals Jesus Christ as the Stiller of Storms. He was travelling in a ship with His disciples when a great storm arose, putting the ship and its occupants in jeopardy.

 Meanwhile, even in the midst of this storm, Jesus Christ was fast asleep, and the frightened disciples hurriedly woke Him up.

 When He awoke, He first rebuked the wind and then commanded peace to reign. In obedience to Him, the wind ceased and the Bible reports that there was immediately a great calm (Mark 4:39).

 After restoring calm, He rebuked His disciples for being fearful and faithless. Hear what the scripture says in Mark 4:41:

“And they feared exceedingly, and said one to another, What manner of man is this, that even the wind and the sea obey him?”

Beloved, what kind of storm are you currently facing?

 I am using this opportunity to introduce to you that same Jesus, the Stiller of Storms. He can still that storm raging in your life, be it sickness, poverty, failure of disappointment of a great magnitude.

 Only believe, and you will see the glory of God. I advise you to invite Jesus Christ into your life if you have not done so before. He is eager to still your storms today.

PRAYER POINT:
Jesus, You are the Stiller of Storms, please still every storm raging in my life today.

BIBLE IN ONE YEAR: Ruth 1-2;
Hebrews 3:7-4:7

AUTHOR: PASTOR E. A. ADEBOYE

HYMN 10: MY FAITH LOOKS UP TO THEE.

1. My faith looks up to Thee,
Thou Lamb of Calvary,
Savior 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 Savior, then in love,
Fear and distrust remove;
Oh, bear me safe above,
A ransomed soul!

Open Heavens Daily Devotional

OPEN HEAVENS DAILY DEVOTIONAL

DATE: WEDNESDAY 25 APRIL 2018

THEME: Obsessed With Fashion? [Open Heavens 25 April 2018, Wednesday]

MEMORISE: “And they that use this world, as not abusing it: for the fashion of this world passeth away.” – 1 Corinthians 7:31

READ: 1 John 2:15-17 (KJV)

15 Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world. If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him.

16 For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world.

17 And the world passeth away, and the lust thereof: but he that doeth the will of God abideth for ever.

BIBLE IN ONE YEAR: Judges 20-21, Hebrews 2:5-3:6

MESSAGE:

Fashion is based on culture, and so people’s taste for fashion differs from one culture to another. Every form of culture and its attendant fashion must be subjected to the light of God’s word because they are all creations of mankind. Today’s memory verse reminds us that the fashion of this world is transient. Consider the fact that most things that were in vogue ten or twenty years ago are no longer desired today, and yet some people shipwrecked their faith while pursuing them. As Christian pilgrims, transient things should not enslave us. Every by-product of culture that is not in alignment with the tenets of God’s word is dangerous and should be avoided.

Today’s Bible text warns us against being obsessed with fashion. The Christian life is a life of modesty and we must not lose sight of this for anything. Philippians 4:5 says,

“Let your moderation be known unto all men. The Lord is at hand.”

It is unfortunate that some teachers now teach that moderation is relative. They teach that what is moderate to one person based on his or her level of wealth might not be moderate to some other persons. Such teachers and those seduced by their teachings choose to ignore that when the Holy Spirit said we should be moderate, He added the clause that our moderation should be apparent to all men and not just to those who belong to our class of wealth. The Holy Spirit also teaches us to be content with whatever we have (Hebrews 13:5). Furthermore, the Lord said we should beware of covetousness, because a person’s life does not depend on the abundance or variety of goods he or she possesses (Luke 12:15). Covetousness enslaves people and drives them into being obsessed with fashion. Thankfully, the cure for this is given in 1 Timothy 6:17-18 which says:

“17 Charge them that are rich in this world, that they be not highminded, nor trust in uncertain riches, but in the living God, who giveth us richly all things to enjoy; 18 That they do good, that they be rich in good works, ready to distribute, willing to communicate;”

The good thing about the above admonition is that when you have material possessions and you do good with them by distributing to the needy, there is no way these possessions will intoxicate you to the level of abuse. Sister, what are you doing with a thousand pair of shoes? They should be distributed to those in need, particularly those of the household of faith. If you are a hoarder of things, or you are enslaved to fashion, godliness with contentment is the panacea prescribed by the Holy Spirit for your deliverance (1 Timothy 6:6-8). Willingly submit yourself to His remedy, and you will be free.

ACTION POINT: Ask the Lord to deliver you from the enslavement of fashion and give you contentment.


HYMN 9: THE OLD RUGGED CROSS
1. On a hill far away stood an old rugged cross,
The emblem of suff’ring and shame;
And I love that old cross where the Dearest and Best
For a world of lost sinners was slain.

o Refrain:
So I’ll cherish the old rugged cross,
Till my trophies at last I lay down;
I will cling to the old rugged cross,
And exchange it someday for a crown.

2. Oh, that old rugged cross, so despised by the world,
Has a wondrous attraction for me;
For the dear Lamb of God left His glory above
To bear it to dark Calvary.

3. In that old rugged cross, stained with blood so divine,
A wondrous beauty I see,
For ’twas on that old cross Jesus suffered and died,
To pardon and sanctify me.

4. To the old rugged cross I will ever be true;
Its shame and reproach gladly bear;
Then He’ll call me someday to my home far away,
Where His glory forever I’ll share

Open Heavens Daily Devotional

OPEN HEAVENS DAILY DEVOTIONAL

DATE: TUESDAY 24 APRIL 2018

THEME: POWER IN THE WORD

MEMORISE: “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.” – John 1:1

READ: Hebrews 4:1-12 (KJV)

1 Let us therefore fear, lest, a promise being left us of entering into his rest, any of you should seem to come short of it.

2 For unto us was the gospel preached, as well as unto them: but the word preached did not profit them, not being mixed with faith in them that heard it.

3 For we which have believed do enter into rest, as he said, As I have sworn in my wrath, if they shall enter into my rest: although the works were finished from the foundation of the world.

4 For he spake in a certain place of the seventh day on this wise, And God did rest the seventh day from all his works.

5 And in this place again, If they shall enter into my rest.

6 Seeing therefore it remaineth that some must enter therein, and they to whom it was first preached entered not in because of unbelief:

7 Again, he limiteth a certain day, saying in David, To day, after so long a time; as it is said, To day if ye will hear his voice, harden not your hearts.

8 For if Jesus had given them rest, then would he not afterward have spoken of another day.

9 There remaineth therefore a rest to the people of God.

10 For he that is entered into his rest, he also hath ceased from his own works, as God did from his.

11 Let us labour therefore to enter into that rest, lest any man fall after the same example of unbelief.

12 For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.

BIBLE IN ONE YEAR: Judges 19, Hebrews 1:1-2:4

MESSAGE:

John 1:1 describes the Word of God as God Himself. This implies that since God is the Almighty, the word of God is also Almighty. It is therefore dangerous to trivialize the Word of God. No wonder Psalm 138:2 says,

“I will worship toward thy holy temple, and praise thy name for thy lovingkindness and for thy truth: for thou hast magnified thy word above all thy name.”

In light of this Scripture, and considering the immense power embedded in the Name of Jesus, can you then imagine how powerful the word of God truly is? The power in the word of God was demonstrated at the creation of the world. To therefore understand the power in God’s word just take a look at the universe around you. The Almighty God spoke the word and the word produced the entire universe. Psalm 148:3-5 says,

“3 Praise ye him, sun and moon: praise him, all ye stars of light. 4 Praise him, ye heavens of heavens, and ye waters that be above the heavens. 5 Let them praise the name of the LORD: for he commanded, and they were created.”

You may want to ask: what can the word do for me? Well, for one thing, the word can heal you. In Matthew 8:5-13, there is the story of a centurion who begged Jesus Christ to heal his servant, and Jesus agreed to go with him to his house to heal his servant. However, the centurion demonstrated his understanding of the power in the spoken word, particularly that of the Almighty God. In Matthew 8:8 He profoundly said,

“…Lord, I am not worthy that thou shouldest come under my roof: but speak the word only, and my servant shall be healed.”

In response to this demonstration of faith in the power of God’s word, Jesus Christ released the word and the required healing occurred. Matthew 8:13 says,

“And Jesus said unto the centurion, Go thy way; and as thou hast believed, so be it done unto thee. And his servant was healed in the selfsame hour.”

From this example, it is obvious that space and time are not a limitation to the power in God’s word. It does not matter where you are or how far gone the situation is; the word God can touch you right where you are. All you need to do is believe (Mark 9:23). I therefore release the word of God to you today: “Be healed of every infirmity that ails you now because the stripes of Jesus have set you free from that infirmity.” Beloved, believe in the power of God’s word today, and it will make you triumph over every situation of life. It is well with you.

ACTION POINT: Speak the appropriate word of God to that challenge facing you today.


HYMN 13: IMMORTAL, INVISIBLE, GOD ONLY WISE

1. Immortal, invisible, God only wise,
In light inaccessible, hid from our eyes,
Most blessed, most glorious, the Ancient of Days,
Almighty, victorious, Thy great name we praise.

2. Unresting, unhasting, and silent as light,
Nor wanting, nor wasting, Thou rulest in might;
Thy justice, like mountains, high soaring above
Thy clouds, which are fountains of goodness and love.

3. To all, life Thou givest, to both great and small;
In all life Thou livest, the true life of all;
We blossom and flourish as leaves on the tree,
And wither and perish—but naught changeth Thee.

4. Great Father of glory, pure Father of light,
Thine angels adore Thee, all veiling their sight;
All praise we would render; oh, help us to see
’Tis only the splendor of light hideth Thee.

5. Immortal, invisible, God only wise,
In light inaccessible, hid from our eyes,
Most blessed, most glorious, the Ancient of Days,
Almighty, victorious, Thy great name we praise.

Open Heavens Daily Devotional

OPEN HEAVENS DAILY DEVOTIONAL

DATE:  MONDAY 23RD APRIL 2018

THEME:  DELIVER US FROM TEMPTATION.


MEMORISE:
And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil: For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever. Amen. Matthew 6:13

READ: Matthew 26:37-41

37 And he took with him Peter and the two sons of Zebedee, and began to be sorrowful and very heavy.

38 Then saith he unto them, My soul is exceeding sorrowful, even unto death: tarry ye here, and watch with me.

39 And he went a little farther, and fell on his face, and prayed, saying, O my Father, if it be possible, let this cup pass from me: nevertheless not as I will, but as thou wilt.

40 And he cometh unto the disciples, and findeth them asleep, and saith unto Peter, What, could ye not watch with me one hour?

41 Watch and pray, that ye enter not into temptation: the spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak.

MESSAGE
The name of Jesus is infused with so much power that it can deliver from every form of satanic bondage. The devil’s weapon of choice to lead men into bondage is temptation, but the use of the Name Jesus in the place of prayer is able to deliver from this weapon of the enemy. Since the Lord has given us the go-ahead to pray in His Name for anything we need, deliverance from temptation falls under the category of things we can ask for, and we will surely be delivered if we do (John 14:14). Confirming this truth, our Lord Jesus Christ taught the disciples to pray against temptation (Matthew 6:9-13). Furthermore, at the Garden of Gethsemane, our Lord instructed His three closest disciples to put into practice what He had taught them on prayer in order to overcome temptation. In Matthew 26:41, He said to them,

“Watch and pray, that ye enter not into temptation: the spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak.”

There are many lessons we can learn from today’s Bible reading, one of which is a reality of life. The tempter has been at work right from the Garden of Eden and has not retired. Another lesson is that the tempter and his temptations are no respecter of any person; they did not even spare Jesus Christ. The Bible in Luke 4:1-2a says,

“ And Jesus being full of the Holy Ghost returned from Jordan, and was led by the Spirit into the wilderness,Being forty days tempted of the devil.”

It is noteworthy that although Jesus Christ was full of the Holy Ghost, the devil still tempted Him. Thank God He defeated the tempter! I pray that you will not be overcome by the tempter in Jesus’ Name. Every believer in Christ should therefore take the Lord’s injunction to watch and pray against temptation very seriously. We can overcome temptation if we would pray against it in the Name of Jesus. We must be prepared to shield ourselves against the wiles of the tempter. Ordinary church members, workers, ministers and pastors are all the targets of the tempter. Learn from the experience of the disciples, shortly after Jesus Christ instructed them to watch and pray; temptation indeed came. Unfortunately, they were all asleep and they could not resist the urge to run away after their Master was arrested. One of the only two disciples who managed to follow closely behind even denied the master (John 18:15-17). I pray that the Lord will give you victory over any temptation that comes your way in Jesus’ Name.

PRAYER POINT:

Father, please shield me from the arrows of temptation and deliver me from all forms of evil.



BIBLE IN ONE YEAR:  Judges 17-18;

Philemon

AUTHOR: PASTOR E. A. ADEBOYE


HYMN 5: I HAVE DECIDED TO FOLLOW JESUS

1. I have decided to follow Jesus;
I have decided to follow Jesus;
I have decided to follow Jesus;
No turning back, no turning back.

2. The world behind me, the cross before me;
The world behind me, the cross before me;
The world behind me, the cross before me;
No turning back, no turning back.

3. Though none go with me, still I will follow;
Though- none go with me, still I will follow;
Though none go with me, still I will follow;
No turning back, no turning back.

4. My cross I’ll carry, till I see Jesus;
My cross I’ll carry, till I see Jesus;
My cross I’ll carry, till I see Jesus;
No turning back, no turning back.

5. Will you decide now to follow Jesus?
Will you decide now to follow Jesus?
Will you decide now to follow Jesus?
No turning back, no turning back.

Open Heavens Daily Devotional

OPEN HEAVENS DAILY DEVOTIONAL

DATE: SUNDAY 22 APRIL 2018

THEME: THE NEED FOR MIRACLES

MEMORISE: “God also bearing them witness, both with signs and wonders, and with divers miracles, and gifts of the Holy Ghost, according to his own will?” – Hebrews 2:4

READ: John 11:39-45 (KJV)

39 Jesus said, Take ye away the stone. Martha, the sister of him that was dead, saith unto him, Lord, by this time he stinketh: for he hath been dead four days.

40 Jesus saith unto her, Said I not unto thee, that, if thou wouldest believe, thou shouldest see the glory of God?

41 Then they took away the stone from the place where the dead was laid. And Jesus lifted up his eyes, and said, Father, I thank thee that thou hast heard me.

42 And I knew that thou hearest me always: but because of the people which stand by I said it, that they may believe that thou hast sent me.

43 And when he thus had spoken, he cried with a loud voice, Lazarus, come forth.

44 And he that was dead came forth, bound hand and foot with graveclothes: and his face was bound about with a napkin. Jesus saith unto them, Loose him, and let him go.

45 Then many of the Jews which came to Mary, and had seen the things which Jesus did, believed on him.

BIBLE IN ONE YEAR: Judges 15-16, Titus 2-3.

MESSAGE:

A careful study of the miracles recorded in the Bible will reveal some truths to the discerning. Such a study will reveal that miracles are supernatural and that they are an intervention of God in the affairs of men. This study will also reveal that miracles happen only when God deems it necessary. In other words God divinely intervenes when the ability of man fails and He wants to show His Almightiness. God does not waste His divine intervention wherever He has given man the enablement to act. For example, He stopped sending manna to the children of Israel the moment they got settled in the Promise Land. They had to cultivate and eat from the land, which was flowing with milk and honey, Joshua 5:12 says,

“And the manna ceased on the morrow after they had eaten of the old corn of the land; neither had the children of Israel manna any more; but they did eat of the fruit of the land of Canaan that year.”

The truth of the matter is that although God was still capable of sending manna, He stopped sending it because there was no need for it anymore. He expected His children as His image carriers and co-creators with Him to cultivate the land. Also, in Exodus 14:15-16, even though the Lord was willing to intervene for the salvation of Israel at the Red Sea, He told Moses to play his part. If a child of God fails to understand this principle, it can cause him or her untold pain and disappointment due to failure to act where he or she ought to.

Having established these truths, we must also realize that the ability to work miracles is like a stamp of approval given by God to His chosen human vessels. In today’s Bible reading, Jesus called for His Father’s intervention in the case of Lazarus who was dead. Why did He call on the Father to intervene? John 11:42 says,

“And I knew that thou hearest me always: but because of the people which stand by I said it, that they may believe that thou hast sent me.”

Also, in today’s memory verse, “divers miracles” is listed as one of those supernatural things God uses to bear witness to the message of His chosen vessels. Without this witness, our message will be like that of mere orators and philosophers. Jesus needed miracles to establish His mission, and so do we. Let us therefore thirst for this gift to glorify the Almighty God.

PRAYER POINT: Father, from today, please confirm my witness of You by working Your miracles through me.

HYMN 7: WONDERFUL STORY OF LOVE.
1. Wonderful story of love;
Tell it to me again;
Wonderful story of love;
Wake the immortal strain!
Angels with rapture announce it,
Shepherds with wonder receive it;
Sinner, oh, won’t you believe it?
Wonderful story of love.

o Refrain:
Wonderful! Wonderful!
Wonderful, wonderful story of love.

2. Wonderful story of love;
Though you are far away;
Wonderful story of love;
Still He doth call today;
Calling from Calvary’s mountain,
Down from the crystal-bright fountain,
E’en from the dawn of creation,
Wonderful story of love.

3. Wonderful story of love;
Jesus provides a rest;
Wonderful story of love;
For all the pure and blest,
Rest in those mansions above us,
With those who’ve gone on before us,
Singing the rapturous chorus,
Wonderful story of love.

Open Heavens Daily Devotional

OPEN HEAVENS DAILY DEVOTIONAL

DATE: SATURDAY 21ST APRIL 2018

THEME: TAKE CARE OF YOUR CHILDREN

MEMORISE: “Be thou diligent to know the state of thy flocks, and look well to thy herds.” – Proverbs 27:23

READ: Ephesians 6:1-4(KJV)

1 Children, obey your parents in the Lord: for this is right.

2 Honour thy father and mother; (which is the first commandment with promise;)

3 That it may be well with thee, and thou mayest live long on the earth.

4 And, ye fathers, provoke not your children to wrath: but bring them up in the nurture and admonition of the Lord.

BIBLE IN ONE YEAR: Judges 12-14, Titus 1.

MESSAGE:

We are mandated in today’s memory verse to diligently look after our flock. The succeeding verses outline the great rewards that accrue from doing this. Proverbs 27:26-27 says,

“26 The lambs are for thy clothing, and the goats are the price of the field. 27 And thou shalt have goats’ milk enough for thy food, for the food of thy household, and for the maintenance for thy maidens.”

There is something striking about these verses of Scripture. If taking care of animals attracts so much reward, how much more would we be rewarded when we heed God’s commandment to care for our children? Unknown to many people, one of the reasons why God decide to bless Abraham so much was Abraham’s determination to transfer his worship, fear and obedience of the Almighty to his children. Genesis 18:19 says,

“For I know him, that he will command his children and his household after him, and they shall keep the way of the LORD, to do justice and judgment; that the LORD may bring upon Abraham that which he hath spoken of him.”

Abraham was wise enough to see to it that not only his children but all his household servants as well knew the Lord and feared Him.

When we take time to care for our children spiritually and physically, we will be happy for it. The daughter of Pharaoh who adopted Moses made a profound statement, when she handed him over to his mother, which we should take note of. In Exodus 2:9 she said:

“…Take this child away, and nurse it for me, and I will give thee thy wages…”

When we see children as the Lord’s heritage and not as our possessions, we will be careful to train them for God and not for ourselves (Psalm 127:3). When we do this, their original Owner will reward us handsomely. Proverbs 23:24-25 mentions some of these rewards:

“24 The father of the righteous shall greatly rejoice: and he that begetteth a wise child shall have joy of him. 25 Thy father and thy mother shall be glad, and she that bare thee shall rejoice.”

Beloved, only children trained in the fear of the Lord will grow up to be righteous and wise. So, take care of your children by instilling the fear of the Lord in them, and serve as a role model of the righteousness of God to them.

PRAYER POINT: Father, please give me the wisdom and ability to take care of the children You put in my care to the glory of your Name.

HYMN 17: GOD, GIVE US CHRISTIAN HOMES

1. God give us Christian homes!
Homes where the Bible is loved and taught,
Homes where the Master’s will is sought,
Homes crowned with beauty Your love has wrought;
God give us Christian homes;
God give us Christian homes!

2. God give us Christian homes!
Homes where the father is true and strong,
Homes that are free from the blight of wrong,
Homes that are joyous with love and song;
God give us Christian homes;
God give us Christian homes!

3. God give us Christian homes!
Homes where the mother, in caring quest,
Strives to show others Your way is best,
Homes where the Lord is an honored guest;
God give us Christian homes;
God give us Christian homes!

4. God give us Christian homes!
Homes where the children are led to know
Christ in His beauty who loves them so,
Homes where the altar fires burn and glow;
God give us Christian homes;
God give us Christian homes

Open Heavens Daily Devotional

OPEN HEAVENS DAILY DEVOTIONAL

DATE:   FRIDAY 20TH APRIL 2018

THEME:  NO FOOD FOR LAZY MAN.


MEMORISE
And that ye study to be quiet, and to do your own business, and to work with your own hands, as we commanded you; 1 Thessalonians 4:11

READ:  1 Thessalonians 4:3-12

3 For this is the will of God, even your sanctification, that ye should abstain from fornication:

4 That every one of you should know how to possess his vessel in sanctification and honour;

5 Not in the lust of concupiscence, even as the Gentiles which know not God:

6 That no man go beyond and defraud his brother in any matter: because that the Lord is the avenger of all such, as we also have forewarned you and testified.

7 For God hath not called us unto uncleanness, but unto holiness.

8 He therefore that despiseth, despiseth not man, but God, who hath also given unto us his holy Spirit.

9 But as touching brotherly love ye need not that I write unto you: for ye yourselves are taught of God to love one another.

10 And indeed ye do it toward all the brethren which are in all Macedonia: but we beseech you, brethren, that ye increase more and more;

11 qAnd that ye study to be quiet, and to do your own business, and to work with your own hands, as we commanded you;

12 That ye may walk honestly toward them that are without, and that ye may have lack of nothing.

MESSAGE
A lazy man is described in Proverbs 10:4 as someone who works with a slack hand. He or she is also described as slothful in Proverbs 12:24. The Holy Spirit warns us against slothfulness in Romans 12:11:

 “Not slothful in business; fervent in spirit; serving the Lord;”

Some people are fervent in spirit but slothful in business whereas some others are diligent in business but not fervent in spirit. These are lopsided Christian lifestyles which are not profitable. In today’s memory verse, we are warned against being lazy. Laziness results in some people becoming poor that they become fraudsters to make ends meet. Defrauding others is a terrible sin that calls for God’s vengeance. (1 Thessalonians 4:6). Lazy Christians take advantage of the generosity of the Christian brotherhood to defraud other diligent Christians. Such lazy ones do not want to work with their hands. Instead, they go from house to house and from church to church to defraud the brethren under several pretexts. Interestingly, this is not a new development I the Body of Christ. Under the guise of awaiting the second coming of Lord, laziness was so rampant in the church at Thessalonica, so much so that some believers abandoned their trade and businesses to loaf around. For this reason, Apostle Paul, after hi initial epistle, further wrote to this same Church in 2 Thessalonians 3:10 saying:

“ For even when we were with you, this we commanded you, that if any would not work, neither should he eat.”

Today, job scarcity makes it difficult for us to know who is actually lazy among the brethren who loaf around other brethren. In actual fact, it is not the lack of jobs that makes people unemployed; rather it is pride and the unrealistic dreams of white collar jobs. Some would not do any other job than what they were trained to do in school. These group of Christians should learn from people like Apostle Paul, who in spite of his degree in law engaged in  tent making to make ends meet (Acts 18:3), Philippians 3:5). Some people are misguided into thinking that doing manual labor would drain their anointing; this is a lie of the devil. The Lord promised to bless the work of our hands, not our idleness (Deuteronomy 28:12). The story was told of how God directed a young but brilliant Christian to stat clearing human waste in a modern way ad he became a millionaire through it. If you are naturally lazy, you need supernatural healing, because laziness is a disease that can kill the body and through the soul into hell. Therefore, detest it with everything in you.

ACTION POINT:
Create a job if no one offers you one; you are a child of God with the ability to create things.

BIBLE IN ONE YEAR:  Judges 10-11;
2 Timothy 3-4

AUTHOR: PASTOR E. A. ADEBOYE


HYMN 4:  TRUST AND OBEY.
1. When we walk with the Lord in the light of His Word,
What a glory He sheds on our way!
While we do His good will, He abides with us still,
And with all who will trust and obey.

o Refrain:
Trust and obey, for there’s no other way
To be happy in Jesus, but to trust and obey.

2. Not a shadow can rise, not a cloud in the skies,
But His smile quickly drives it away;
Not a doubt or a fear, not a sigh or a tear,
Can abide while we trust and obey.

3. Not a burden we bear, not a sorrow we share,
But our toil He doth richly repay;
Not a grief or a loss, not a frown or a cross,
But is blessed if we trust and obey.

4. But we never can prove the delights of His love
Until all on the altar we lay;
For the favor He shows, for the joy He bestows,
Are for them who will trust and obey.

5. Then in fellowship sweet we will sit at His feet,
Or we’ll walk by His side in the way;
What He says we will do, where He sends we will go;
Never fear, only trust and obey.

Open Heavens Daily Devotional

OPEN HEAVENS DAILY DEVOTIONAL BY PASTOR ADEBOYE

DATE: THURSDAY 19TH APRIL 2018

THEME: CHOOSING TO DIE WITH YOUR ENEMY?

MEMORISE: “Be not overcome of evil, but overcome evil with good.” – Romans 12:21

READ: Romans 12:9-21 (KJV)

9 Let love be without dissimulation. Abhor that which is evil; cleave to that which is good.

10 Be kindly affectioned one to another with brotherly love; in honour preferring one another;

11 Not slothful in business; fervent in spirit; serving the Lord;

12 Rejoicing in hope; patient in tribulation; continuing instant in prayer;

13 Distributing to the necessity of saints; given to hospitality.

14 Bless them which persecute you: bless, and curse not.

15 Rejoice with them that do rejoice, and weep with them that weep.

16 Be of the same mind one toward another. Mind not high things, but condescend to men of low estate. Be not wise in your own conceits.

17 Recompense to no man evil for evil. Provide things honest in the sight of all men.

18 If it be possible, as much as lieth in you, live peaceably with all men.

19 Dearly beloved, avenge not yourselves, but rather give place unto wrath: for it is written, Vengeance is mine; I will repay, saith the Lord.

20 Therefore if thine enemy hunger, feed him; if he thirst, give him drink: for in so doing thou shalt heap coals of fire on his head.

21 Be not overcome of evil, but overcome evil with good.

BIBLE IN ONE YEAR: Judges 9, 2 Timothy 2.

MESSAGE:

The simple and expected response to the thought-provoking question in today’s topic is “no”. In practice however, this may not be the case. It is true that the people of this world can be terribly wicked, so much so that one may find it difficult to let go when the opportunity presents itself to pay them back in their own coin. Nevertheless, this is contrary to the nature of God that we bear as Christians. Speaking to us about this in Romans 12:19, the Holy Spirit says:

“Dearly beloved, avenge not yourselves, but rather give place unto wrath: for it is written, Vengeance is mine; I will repay, saith the Lord.”

The story of Samson is a good example of someone who chose to die with his enemies. Although he was born a Nazarite to God, he had many flaws in his character, the most lethal of which was vindictiveness. When a person is vindictive, such a fellow will be unforgiving, merciless and absolutely cruel. When his enemies bound him in chains and plucked out his eyes, instead of calling on God for the forgiveness of his sins, he chose to pray to God to avenge his eyes. Judges 16:28 says,

“And Samson called unto the LORD, and said, O Lord GOD, remember me, I pray thee, and strengthen me, I pray thee, only this once, O God, that I may be at once avenged of the Philistines for my two eyes.”

When one listens to the prayers of some people who ordinarily should be on their face asking God for mercy, one cannot but wonder if they are not praying to die with their enemies. Such people ask God to avenge them of their enemies, when they are the ones whose sins empowered the enemy to buffet them. No doubt, God will honor His word to recompense the evildoer. However, what do you stand to gain if your enemies die as a result of the evil they did to you, but you also die in your sins? That is not a wise thing to do. This is the reason why Romans 12:17 warns us that we should not repay any man evil for evil, but rather, we should overcome evil with good. When someone offends you and you decide not to settle with him or her, what you are indirectly saying is that you are ready to die with that enemy. You put the forgiveness of that fellow on hold and yours will not be released to you either. Mark 11:26 says,

“But if ye do not forgive, neither will your Father which is in heaven forgive your trespasses.”

We need to forgive those who wronged us for our own sake because the Scripture is clear that unless we do, we are in danger of preferring to die with our enemies instead of saving ourselves from the judgment to come upon this world.

PRAYER POINT: Father, please forgive my trespasses as I have forgiven those who trespassed against me.


HYMN 12: TAKE MY LIFE, AND LET IT BE.

1. Take my life and let it be
Consecrated, Lord, to Thee.
Take my moments and my days,
Let them flow in endless praise.

2. Take my hands and let them move
At the impulse of Thy love.
Take my feet and let them be
Swift and beautiful for Thee.

3. Take my voice and let me sing,
Always, only for my King.
Take my lips and let them be
Filled with messages from Thee.

4. Take my silver and my gold,
Not a mite would I withhold.
Take my intellect and use
Every power as Thou shalt choose.

5. Take my will and make it Thine,
It shall be no longer mine.
Take my heart, it is Thine own,
It shall be Thy royal throne.

6. Take my love, my Lord, I pour
At Thy feet its treasure store.
Take myself and I will be
Ever, only, all for Thee.

Open Heavens Daily Devotional

OPEN HEAVENS DAILY DEVOTIONAL

DATE: WEDNESDAY 18TH APRIL 2018

THEME: FORGETTING THE PAST

MEMORISE: “Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended: but this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before,” – Philippians 3:13

READ: Philippians 3:7-14 (KJV)

7 But what things were gain to me, those I counted loss for Christ.

8 Yea doubtless, and I count all things but loss for the excellency of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord: for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and do count them but dung, that I may win Christ,

9 And be found in him, not having mine own righteousness, which is of the law, but that which is through the faith of Christ, the righteousness which is of God by faith:

10 That I may know him, and the power of his resurrection, and the fellowship of his sufferings, being made conformable unto his death;

11 If by any means I might attain unto the resurrection of the dead.

12 Not as though I had already attained, either were already perfect: but I follow after, if that I may apprehend that for which also I am apprehended of Christ Jesus.

13 Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended: but this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before,

14 I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.

BIBLE IN ONE YEAR: Judges 7-8, 2Timothy 1.

MESSAGE:

In several portions of Scriptures, the Holy Spirit admonishes us not to forget several things, especially things that relate to God’s commandments (Proverbs 3:1, Hebrews 13:16). In fact, one of the mandates of the Holy Spirit in our lives is to bring to our remembrance all things the master has told us, so that we don’t forget them (John 14:26). However, in today’s Bible reading, the same Holy Spirit encourages us to forget the things that are behind us. Why does He want us to forget those things? The reason is that if we don’t forget some things of the past, they may prevent us from reaching forth to those things ahead of us, someone once said that ‘good’ is the enemy of better. When you hold tenaciously to the good, something better may elude you.

Furthermore, when you refuse to forget the days of your terrible past, you may never be able to live in the realm of the new beginning God has given to you. This is another danger of not forgetting the past. Many people still hold themselves hostage to their past life, long after they have been forgiven by God Almighty. They fail to recognize the term of the New Testament they are operating under. Here is part of what the Holy Spirit says about the new covenant in the Blood of Jesus:

“For I will be merciful to their unrighteousness, and their sins and their iniquities will I remember no more.” – Hebrews 8:12

An elderly man was brought to us years ago he was terribly sick. We witnessed to him about Jesus Christ who forgives sins so that he may confess his sins and be forgiven. Surprisingly, he felt that the magnitude of his sins was too big for pardon. We assured him that this was not the case, and thanks be to God, the Holy Spirit eventually convinced him of what we were saying. His problem was tied to his refusal to forget his terrible past. When an old friend of mine came face to face with me after I had become born again and a pastor, she could not believe that God could use me to heal her ailing child. I assured her that if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature; old things have passed away and all things have become new (2 Corinthians 5:17). She believed, and her sick child was healed. Today, many people find it difficult to forgive others because they refused to forget the past misdeeds done to them. This even more dangerous than refusing to forget your own past misdeeds (Mark 11:25-26). Beloved, keeping the record of your ugly past or that of others may rob you of the joy of forgiveness and the peace that emanates from forgetting the past.

PRAYER POINT: Father, teach my heart to forgive and forget in Jesus’ Name

HYMN 15: NEARER MY GOD TO THEE

1. Nearer, my God to Thee,
Nearer to Thee!
E’en though it be a cross
That raiseth me,
Still all my song shall be.
Nearer, my God to Thee!
Nearer, my God to Thee!
Nearer to Thee!

2. Though like the wanderer,
The sun gone down.
Darkness be over me,
My rest a stone.
Yet in my dreams I’d be
Nearer, my God to Thee!
Nearer, my God to Thee!
Nearer to Thee!

3. There let the way appear
Steps unto heaven;
All that Thou send’st to me
In mercy given:
Angels to beckon me
Nearer, my God, to Thee!
Nearer, my God to Thee!
Nearer to Thee!

4. Then, with my waking thoughts
Bright with Thy praise,
Out of my stony griefs
Bethel I’ll raise
So by my woes to be
Nearer, my God, to Thee!
Nearer, my God to Thee!
Nearer to Thee!

Open Heavens Daily Devotional

OPEN HEAVENS DAILY DEVOTIONAL

DATE: TUESDAY 17TH APRIL 2018

THEME: WHAT TO DO TO FINISH WELL

MEMORISE: “And when Abram was ninety years old and nine, the LORD appeared to Abram, and said unto him, I am the Almighty God; walk before me, and be thou perfect.” – Genesis 17:1

READ: Hebrews 12:1-8 (KJV)

1 Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us,

2 Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God.

3 For consider him that endured such contradiction of sinners against himself, lest ye be wearied and faint in your minds.

4 Ye have not yet resisted unto blood, striving against sin.

5 And ye have forgotten the exhortation which speaketh unto you as unto children, My son, despise not thou the chastening of the Lord, nor faint when thou art rebuked of him:

6 For whom the Lord loveth he chasteneth, and scourgeth every son whom he receiveth.

7 If ye endure chastening, God dealeth with you as with sons; for what son is he whom the father chasteneth not?

8 But if ye be without chastisement, whereof all are partakers, then are ye bastards, and not sons.

BIBLE IN ONE YEAR: Judges 5-6, 1 Timothy 6.

MESSAGE:

“Better is the end of a thing than the beginning thereof:” – Ecclesiastes 7:8a

The devil is not bothered about how well we start our Christian journey, but he is concerned about how we end it. His ultimate desire is for us to end badly. From the above passage of scripture, we can see that it is important to ensure that we have a better ending in life. I pray that you will end well and strong in Jesus’ Name. The secrets to ending well in life are contained in today’s memory verse and Bible reading. The first secret is to live a perfect life as demanded by the God of Abraham in Genesis 17:1. To live a perfect life is very simple if we can study those who have successfully gone ahead of us. Father Abraham is a typical example of someone who obeyed God. Beginning from leaving his comfort zone in his father’s house to the point of sacrificing his only son, Isaac, Abraham obeyed God all the way (Genesis 12:1; 22:1-14). In order words, simple childlike obedience to God and His word is a secret for finishing well. This was what enabled my father-in-the-Lord, the founder of Redeemed Christian Church of God, to finish well. Even when he was grievously wronged by the head of another church, God commanded him to make peace and he obeyed.

Another secret for finishing well is to look up to no one else but the Lord Jesus Christ (Hebrews 12:2). The Almighty God has given Him to us as a better example than father Abraham. He is the Sinless one who suffered shame for the sinful. Some people try to justify themselves on some wrong actions they make by using the wickedness of other men around them as an excuse. Today’s Bible reading is saying that we should follow the perfect example of Jesus Christ, who was falsely accused and subjected to shame but did not retaliate, because He believed that vengeance belonged to the Father. He did not try to defend Himself in order to fulfill His destiny as our Redeemer. The Holy Spirit encouraged us to consider him who endured such opposition from sinners against Himself, lest we become weary and give up (Hebrews 12:3). In addition, we are encouraged to resist the opposition of sin and strive against it to the point of death. May the good Lord strengthen us in this regard in Jesus’ Name. Beloved, the key to living a perfect life for the successful ending of your Christian journey lies in your obedience to the word of God, (Psalm 119:9). The devil is trying to derail the Christian faith by faulting the word of God, describing it as a moribund treatise of the Jewish religion. Beware of this if you want to finish well and strong.

PRAYER POINT: Father, help me to finish well by giving me grace to uphold Your word in its rightful place in my life.

HYMN 5: I HAVE DECIDED TO FOLLOW JESUS

1. I have decided to follow Jesus;
I have decided to follow Jesus;
I have decided to follow Jesus;
No turning back, no turning back.

2. The world behind me, the cross before me;
The world behind me, the cross before me;
The world behind me, the cross before me;
No turning back, no turning back.

3. Though none go with me, still I will follow;
Though- none go with me, still I will follow;
Though none go with me, still I will follow;
No turning back, no turning back.

4. My cross I’ll carry, till I see Jesus;
My cross I’ll carry, till I see Jesus;
My cross I’ll carry, till I see Jesus;
No turning back, no turning back.

5. Will you decide now to follow Jesus?
Will you decide now to follow Jesus?
Will you decide now to follow Jesus?
No turning back, no turning back

Open Heavens Daily Devotional

OPEN HEAVENS DAILY DEVOTIONAL BY PASTOR E.A ADEBOYE

DATE: MONDAY 16TH APRIL 2018

THEME: ABBA, FATHER

MEMORISE: “For ye have not received the spirit of bondage again to fear; but ye have received the Spirit of adoption, whereby we cry, Abba, Father.” – Romans 8:15

READ: Romans 8:14-17 (KJV)

14 For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons of God.

15 For ye have not received the spirit of bondage again to fear; but ye have received the Spirit of adoption, whereby we cry, Abba, Father.

16 The Spirit itself beareth witness with our spirit, that we are the children of God:

17 And if children, then heirs; heirs of God, and joint-heirs with Christ; if so be that we suffer with him, that we may be also glorified together.

BIBLE IN ONE YEAR: Judges 3-4, 1 Timothy 5.

MESSAGE:

There are many names to describe God in the Holy Scriptures. While all His names are important in many ways, the name “Abba” is one of the most significant names of God in understanding how He relates with mankind. The word “Abba” is an Aramaic word that means “Daddy” in common parlance. It is a loving name that young children use to address their fathers. This name shows the intimate relationship that exists between father and child, and it conveys the absolute trust children have in their father.

It is important to recognize that although all those who believe in the Almighty can call Him God, not all of them can call Him Abba. Who then can refer to the Almighty as Abba? Only those who have enjoyed the grace of the adoption into the family of God have the boldness to call Him “Daddy”. These are people who believe in Jesus, the Son of the Living God and in the work of atonement He has accomplished for all mankind (John 1:12-13).

Galatians 4:6 says,

“And because ye are sons, God hath sent forth the Spirit of his Son into your hearts, crying, Abba, Father.”

Furthermore, only those who honor God as a child honors his or her daddy can call the Almighty Abba. Malachi 1:6a says,

“A son honoureth his father, and a servant his master: if then I be a father, where is mine honour?”

Your attitude towards God as a Father will determine whether you can call Him Abba, because Abba is an appellation that confirms your intimate relationship with the Almighty. You may want to ask: How can I honor God as Abba? You honor Him by keeping His commandments. Some so-called children of God erroneously believe that grace means lawlessness. They couldn’t be further from the truth (Romans 6:1-2)! There are many blessings we receive when we are true children of the Great Abba. In Genesis 17:1, Abba Father declared Himself as the Almighty God. Because He is Almighty, He grants His children their request and daily loads them with His blessings (Psalm 3:4, Psalm 68:19). Beloved, do you belong to this loving Daddy? I congratulate you if indeed the Almighty God is also your Abba. However, if your attitude towards Him is that of total disregard for His person or blatant disobedience to His commandments, then you need to change your ways today. You stand to lose a whole lot if you don’t have God as your Father.

PRAYER POINT: Abba, Father, transform my attitude towards You and draw me close to You in Jesus’ Name.

HYMN 15: NEARER MY GOD TO THEE

1. Nearer, my God to Thee,
Nearer to Thee!
E’en though it be a cross
That raiseth me,
Still all my song shall be.
Nearer, my God to Thee!
Nearer, my God to Thee!
Nearer to Thee!

2. Though like the wanderer,
The sun gone down.
Darkness be over me,
My rest a stone.
Yet in my dreams I’d be
Nearer, my God to Thee!
Nearer, my God to Thee!
Nearer to Thee!

3. There let the way appear
Steps unto heaven;
All that Thou send’st to me
In mercy given:
Angels to beckon me
Nearer, my God, to Thee!
Nearer, my God to Thee!
Nearer to Thee!

4. Then, with my waking thoughts
Bright with Thy praise,
Out of my stony griefs
Bethel I’ll raise
So by my woes to be
Nearer, my God, to Thee!
Nearer, my God to Thee!
Nearer to Thee!

Open Heavens Daily Devotional

OPEN HEAVENS DAILY DEVOTIONAL BY PASTOR ENOCH ADEBOYE

DATE: SUNDAY 15TH APRIL 2018

THEME: TOUCH NOT MY ANOINTED

MEMORISE: “But I say unto you, That every idle word that men shall speak, they shall give account thereof in the day of judgment.” – Matthew 12:36

READ: Numbers 12:1-15 (KJV)

1 And Miriam and Aaron spake against Moses because of the Ethiopian woman whom he had married: for he had married an Ethiopian woman.

2 And they said, Hath the LORD indeed spoken only by Moses? hath he not spoken also by us? And the LORD heard it.

3 (Now the man Moses was very meek, above all the men which were upon the face of the earth.)

4 And the LORD spake suddenly unto Moses, and unto Aaron, and unto Miriam, Come out ye three unto the tabernacle of the congregation. And they three came out.

5 And the LORD came down in the pillar of the cloud, and stood in the door of the tabernacle, and called Aaron and Miriam: and they both came forth.

6 And he said, Hear now my words: If there be a prophet among you, I the LORD will make myself known unto him in a vision, and will speak unto him in a dream.

7 My servant Moses is not so, who is faithful in all mine house.

8 With him will I speak mouth to mouth, even apparently, and not in dark speeches; and the similitude of the LORD shall he behold: wherefore then were ye not afraid to speak against my servant Moses?

9 And the anger of the LORD was kindled against them; and he departed.

10 And the cloud departed from off the tabernacle; and, behold, Miriam became leprous, white as snow: and Aaron looked upon Miriam, and, behold, she was leprous.

11 And Aaron said unto Moses, Alas, my lord, I beseech thee, lay not the sin upon us, wherein we have done foolishly, and wherein we have sinned.

12 Let her not be as one dead, of whom the flesh is half consumed when he cometh out of his mother’s womb.

13 And Moses cried unto the LORD, saying, Heal her now, O God, I beseech thee.

14 And the LORD said unto Moses, If her father had but spit in her face, should she not be ashamed seven days? let her be shut out from the camp seven days, and after that let her be received in again.

15 And Miriam was shut out from the camp seven days: and the people journeyed not till Miriam was brought in again.

BIBLE IN ONE YEAR: Judges 1-2, 1Timothy 4.

MESSAGE:

It is confounding that most children of God see it as an obligation to speak out against different forms of abuse in the society, but do not deem it necessary to raise their voice against anyone blaspheming the Lord of the universe or His anointed representative on earth. The Lord did not mince words in 1 Chronicles 16:22 when He commanded “Touch not my anointed!” As it is today, so it was in the time of the Lord Jesus Christ. Several people spoke out against Him, and some even accused Him of casting out demons by Beelzebub, the prince of demons! See the Lord’s response to this outrageous allegation in Matthew 12:36:

“But I say unto you, That every idle word that men shall speak, they shall give account thereof in the day of judgment.”

Speaking against the Lord’s ministers and their spirit-motivated deeds is a typical way of touching the Lord’s anointed. Beloved, it is idle talk when you attribute an act of the Holy Spirit in a man of God to the power of familiar spirits or charms and rituals of the occult, and this is punishable on the Day of Judgment. Can you imagine the sin of idle talk waylaying you on the Day of Judgment? If you are guilty of this, you must repent and restitute your ways before it is too late, never join a multitude to say terrible things against a minister of God when you are not very sure that what they are saying about him or her is true. Take heed to these instructions of God in Exodus 23:2:

“Thou shalt not follow a multitude to do evil; neither shalt thou speak in a cause to decline after many to wrest judgment:”

Today’s Bible reading narrates how Moses’ two siblings Miriam and Aaron, spoke out against him because of the Ethiopian woman he had married. Even though Moses actually married an Ethiopian woman, what did that have to do with the assignment or role God asked him to play? The truth of the matter is that Miriam and Aaron were just being jealous and mischievous. God saw through their motives, and He decided to put them in their place and punish them. Miriam became leprous! Beloved, it is not until you cast a man of God into prison before you touch him or her in an evil way. Watch your tongue and stop any move that is detrimental to the assignment given to an anointed man or woman of God.

PRAYER POINT: Father, please forgive me in any way I have touched Your anointed with my words, actions and inaction.


HYMN 16: STAND UP, STAND UP FOR JESUS

1. Stand up, stand up for Jesus! ye soldiers of the cross;
Lift high His royal banner, it must not suffer loss:
From vict’ry unto vict’ry, His army shall He lead,
Till every foe is vanquished, and Christ is Lord indeed.

2. Stand up, stand up for Jesus! The trumpet call obey:
Forth to the mighty conflict, in this His glorious day;
Ye that are men now serve Him against unnumbered foes;
Let courage rise with danger, and strength to strength oppose.

3. Stand up, stand up for Jesus! Stand in His strength alone,
The arm of flesh will fail you, ye dare not trust your own;
Put on the gospel armor, and watching unto prayer,
Where calls the voice of duty, be never wanting there.

4. Stand up, stand up for Jesus! the strife will not be long;
This day the noise of battle, the next the victor’s song;
To him that overcometh a crown of life shall be;
He with the King of glory shall reign eternally.

Open Heavens Daily Devotional

OPEN HEAVENS DAILY DEVOTIONAL

DATE: SATURDAY 14TH APRIL 2018

THEME: THE LORD NEEDS IT!

MEMORISE: “And if any man ask you, Why do ye loose him? thus shall ye say unto him, Because the Lord hath need of him.” – Luke 19:31

READ: Luke 19:29-35 (KJV)

29 And it came to pass, when he was come nigh to Bethphage and Bethany, at the mount called the mount of Olives, he sent two of his disciples,

30 Saying, Go ye into the village over against you; in the which at your entering ye shall find a colt tied, whereon yet never man sat: loose him, and bring him hither.

31 And if any man ask you, Why do ye loose him? thus shall ye say unto him, Because the Lord hath need of him.

32 And they that were sent went their way, and found even as he had said unto them.

33 And as they were loosing the colt, the owners thereof said unto them, Why loose ye the colt?

34 And they said, The Lord hath need of him.

35 And they brought him to Jesus: and they cast their garments upon the colt, and they set Jesus thereon.

BIBLE IN ONE YEAR: Joshua 23-24, 1 Timothy 2-3.

MESSAGE:

A salient truth that everyone, particularly children of God, should not be ignorant of is that God created everything for a purpose. This is why we call the almighty God the God of plan and purpose. For example, in Genesis 1:26, when man was to be created, God first declared his purpose before creating him, saying:

“And God said, Let us make man in our image, after our likeness: and let them have dominion over the fish of the sea, and over the fowl of the air, and over the cattle, and over all the earth, and over every creeping thing that creepeth upon the earth.”

God will not create what He does not need. Whatever you find on earth has a reason for existing. Not knowing the usefulness of an entity in God’s creation does not negate the reason why God created it. It is just unfortunate that more often than not, we abuse, misuse or completely neglect the use of many things created for one divine purpose or the other. In today’s Bible reading, even the owner of the donkey did not know the eternal purpose God had for his donkey until the Lord’s message got to him, asking him to release it to fulfill the prophecy concerning it (Zechariah 9:9). This donkey looked ordinary to its owner, but to its Maker it was a unique donkey. You therefore, need to look at things through the eyes of the Creator to understand their purpose.

Many years ago, I told some ministers who had just answered the divine call into full-time ministry that whatever skills they had acquired should be kept because such skills would be needed in the running of the church. These days, there is a tendency for an architect to drop his or her skill set when going into ministry. Such people fail to realize that the Church needs architects to design her buildings. Who would do a better job of this than a Spirit-filled architect? In Exodus 36:1-2, God purposely raised Bezaleel and Aholiab for the purpose of the building of His tabernacle. Indeed every good and perfect gift comes from the Father of lights (James 1:17).

Beloved, the Lord needs that skill, that gift, that money and that position you have. I appeal to you to use your talents primarily for God and secondarily as your meal ticket. May the Lord bless you as you bless Him with your divine endowments in Jesus’ Name.

Prayer Point: Father, please open my eyes to see the divine purpose for existence. Grant me grace to use the gifts, skills, position and wealth you have endowed me with for Your glory and pleasure.

HYMN 12: TAKE MY LIFE, AND LET IT BE.

1. Take my life and let it be
Consecrated, Lord, to Thee.
Take my moments and my days,
Let them flow in endless praise.

2. Take my hands and let them move
At the impulse of Thy love.
Take my feet and let them be
Swift and beautiful for Thee.

3. Take my voice and let me sing,
Always, only for my King.
Take my lips and let them be
Filled with messages from Thee.

4. Take my silver and my gold,
Not a mite would I withhold.
Take my intellect and use
Every power as Thou shalt choose.

5. Take my will and make it Thine,
It shall be no longer mine.
Take my heart, it is Thine own,
It shall be Thy royal throne.

6. Take my love, my Lord, I pour
At Thy feet its treasure store.
Take myself and I will be
Ever, only, all for Thee.