Open Heavens Daily Devotional

OPEN HEAVENS DAILY DEVOTIONAL


DATE:  THURSDAY 31ST MAY 2018


THEME:  DRY BONES SHALL LIVE AGAIN.


MEMORISE:

Jesus said unto her, I am the resurrection, and the life: he that believeth in me, though he were dead, yet shall he live: John 11:25

READ: Ezekiel 37:1-10

The hand of the LORD was upon me, and carried me out in the spirit of the LORD, and set me down in the midst of the valley which was full of bones,

2 And caused me to pass by them round about: and, behold, there were very many in the open valley; and, lo, they were very dry.

3 And he said unto me, Son of man, can these bones live? And I answered, O Lord GOD, thou knowest.

4 Again he said unto me, Prophesy upon these bones, and say unto them, O ye dry bones, hear the word of the LORD.

5 Thus saith the Lord GOD unto these bones; Behold, I will cause breath to enter into you, and ye shall live:

6 And I will lay sinews upon you, and will bring up flesh upon you, and cover you with skin, and put breath in you, and ye shall live; and ye shall know that I am the LORD.

7 So I prophesied as I was commanded: and as I prophesied, there was a noise, and behold a shaking, and the bones came together, bone to his bone.

8 And when I beheld, lo, the sinews and the flesh came up upon them, and the skin covered them above: but there was no breath in them.

9 Then said he unto me, Prophesy unto the wind, prophesy, son of man, and say to the wind, Thus saith the Lord GOD; Come from the four winds, O breath, and breathe upon these slain, that they may live.

10 So I prophesied as he commanded me, and the breath came into them, and they lived, and stood up upon their feet, an exceeding great army.

MESSAGE

Bones are often associated with dead bodies or with death itself. Dry human bones symbolize a human body that has been dead for an extended period of time: in some cases, for hundreds or thousands of years. By this time, it is impossible for anyone in the right frame of mind to contemplate any means by which such bones will come back to life again. This was the situation in the valley of dry bones when God asked Ezekiel, “Son of man, can these bones live?” knowing well that it was impossible by any human means for those bones to live, but also being conscious of the fact that he was standing before the one that created the universe by the power of His word, Ezekiel tactically answered by saying “O Lord God, thou knowest.” Then the Lord asked the prophet to prophesy to the bones, and in Ezekiel 37:7, as soon as he prophesied, this happened:

 “……there was a noise, and behold a shaking, and the bones came together, bone to his bone.”

I therefore prophesy to everything that stands as dry bones in your life and to every symbol of death in your family; hear the word of the Lord: Be restored back to life now in the Name of Jesus.

In Ezekiel’s vision of dry bones brought back to life by God’s Spirit, the resurrection of the bones is used as a symbol. Ezekiel’s vision is not directly related life after death, but rather with the salvation of God’s people from captivity and exile. Some people are locked up in a strange land, enjoying the pleasures of sin, some are addicted to harmful behaviors, burdened by their conscience and far away from the Spirit of God. They are dead like the dry bones! However, as the Spirit of God sends the breath of life into them, their return to their creator can be likened to new life rising from the grave. To anyone that is in bondage, captivity or exile, to anyone that has been displaced from his or her position, to anyone that is being told that he or she has reached a point of no return in life, I decree once again: Let there be a noise and a shaking from heaven that will set you free from now on in Jesus’ Name. The dry bones were sitting quietly in their forgotten state, fully surrendered to the power of death that held them bound. They were without any hope until God told Ezekiel to prophesy to them. One more time, I prophesy that the wind of the Holy spirit will blow against every agent of death that is holding your life and destiny bound right now in the Name of Jesus. This marks the beginning of real progress in your life and henceforth you will be unstoppable in Jesus’ Name.

PRAYER POINT:

Father, please let everything about me that is dead and dry live again by Your grace and power, in Jesus’ Name.


 
BIBLE IN ONE YEAR: 1 Kings 9-10;

Acts 3

AUTHOR: PASTOR E. A. ADEBOYE


HYMN 6: A NEW THING
 (Tune: There shall be showers of Blessing)
1. We will soon shout Halleluyah
Because GOD will do new things
Sinners will soon be forgiven
Prodigals will come home soon.

Chorus:
Shout Halleluyah
Because God will do new things
Rivers in desert now flowing
Halleluyah  to our king.

2. We will soon shout Halleluyah
Because God will do new things
Sickness and sorrow will be gone
Bondage will be forgotten.

3. We will soon shout Halleluyah
Because God will do new things
The barren will be fruitful soon
Failure will be forgotten

4. We will soon shout Halleluyah
Because God will do new things
Poverty will be forgotten
Stagnancy will soon be gone.

5. We will soon shout Hallelujah
Because God will do new things
To all miracles are given
There shall be celebrations

6. We will soon shout Halleluyah
Because God will do new things
Many will have testimonies
Of prayers answered fully

7. We will soon shout Halleluyah
Because God will do new things
One of us will chase a thousand
Two will conquer ten thousands.

8. We will soon shout Halleluyah
Because God will do new things
Songs of praises we will sing
Halleluyah to our King.

Open Heavens Daily Devotional

OPEN HEAVENS DAILY DEVOTIONAL


DATE:  WEDNESDAY 30TH MAY 2018


THEME:  MERCY.


MEMORISE:

For I desired mercy, and not sacrifice; and the knowledge of God more than burnt offerings. Hosea 6:6

READ: Matthew 18: 23-35

23 Therefore is the kingdom of heaven likened unto a certain king, which would take account of his servants.

24 And when he had begun to reckon, one was brought unto him, which owed him ten thousand talents.

25 But forasmuch as he had not to pay, his lord commanded him to be sold, and his wife, and children, and all that he had, and payment to be made.

26 The servant therefore fell down, and worshipped him, saying, Lord, have patience with me, and I will pay thee all.

27 Then the lord of that servant was moved with compassion, and loosed him, and forgave him the debt.

28 But the same servant went out, and found one of his fellowservants, which owed him an hundred pence: and he laid hands on him, and took him by the throat, saying, Pay me that thou owest.

29 And his fellowservant fell down at his feet, and besought him, saying, Have patience with me, and I will pay thee all.

30 And he would not: but went and cast him into prison, till he should pay the debt.

31 So when his fellowservants saw what was done, they were very sorry, and came and told unto their lord all that was done.

32 Then his lord, after that he had called him, said unto him, O thou wicked servant, I forgave thee all that debt, because thou desiredst me:

33 Shouldest not thou also have had compassion on thy fellowservant, even as I had pity on thee?

34 And his lord was wroth, and delivered him to the tormentors, till he should pay all that was due unto him.

35 So likewise shall my heavenly Father do also unto you, if ye from your hearts forgive not every one his brother their trespasses.

MESSAGE

Mercy is an attitude of compassion, care and concern, grounded in love and sympathy towards others. It is God’s nature that is fundamental to His interaction with His creation. As one of God’s attributes, mercy is also a key character He demands from His people. Our compassion towards others as Christians is usually activated by God’s compassion for people. It is expected that those who received mercy from God would respond to human suffering with much concern and work to ameliorate this suffering. Apostle Paul recognized that his conversion from a life of rebellion against God and his subsequent  call to the ministry was a product of God’s mercy. Here is his testimony in 1Timothy 1:13:

“Who was before a blasphemer, and a persecutor, and injurious: but I obtained mercy, because I did it ignorantly in unbelief.”

For this reason, he had so much passion to propagate God’s mercy to others through the gospel of reconciliation (2 Corinthians 5:15-20). In today’s Bible reading, a servant who owed ten thousand talents was pardoned by his master, but as soon as he left the presence of his master, he met a fellow servant who owed him a hundred pence.  He exacted the full force of his power on this poor fellow servant without mercy, casting him into prison. When this matter got to his master, in Matthew 18:33, his master simply asked him:


 “Shouldest not thou also have had compassion on thy fellowservant, even as I had pity on thee?”

This clearly indicates to us that we are beneficiaries of the great mercy of God so that we also can become dispensers of this same mercy to all those who come in contact with us.

Apostle Paul valued his conversion as a product of great mercy, so much so that he spoke about mercy more than any individual in the Bible. His messages, interactions with people and handling of situations were based on the backdrop of God’s mercy. God’s people who are beneficiaries of His great mercy are expected to be channels of divine mercy in the church and in the world. That is the reason why in Jesus’ teachings about the kingdom of God, He presents mercy as a primary characteristic of God’s kind of life and as a demonstration of His sovereignty. The power of love embedded in the message of the gospel speaks of God’s mercy, while transforming the lives of men by destroying the works of the devil demonstrates this mercy. Mercy ultimately leads to hunger for souls and to handling the people of God with tender care.

PRAYER POINT:

Father, please fill my heart with Your tender mercy and a hunger for souls in Jesus’ Name.


BIBLE IN ONE YEAR: 1 Kings 8;

Acts 2: 29-47

AUTHOR: PASTOR E. A. ADEBOYE


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:  TUESDAY 29TH MAY 2018


THEME:  SOLDIERS OF THE CROSS.


MEMORISE:

Thou therefore endure hardness, as a good soldier of Jesus Christ. 2 Timothy 2:3

READ: 2 Timothy 2:1-11

1Thou therefore, my son, be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus.

2 And the things that thou hast heard of me among many witnesses, the same commit thou to faithful men, who shall be able to teach others also.

3 Thou therefore endure hardness, as a good soldier of Jesus Christ.

4 No man that warreth entangleth himself with the affairs of this life; that he may please him who hath chosen him to be a soldier.

5 And if a man also strive for masteries, yet is he not crowned, except he strive lawfully.

6 The husbandman that laboureth must be first partaker of the fruits.

7 Consider what I say; and the Lord give thee understanding in all things.

8 Remember that Jesus Christ of the seed of David was raised from the dead according to my gospel:

9 Wherein I suffer trouble, as an evil doer, even unto bonds; but the word of God is not bound.

10 Therefore I endure all things for the elect's sakes, that they may also obtain the salvation which is in Christ Jesus with eternal glory.

11 It is a faithful saying: For if we be dead with him, we shall also live with him:

MESSAGE

It is important for a child of God to recognize and understand the multifaceted life we are called to by God. For this reason, the Holy Spirit reveals to us in 2 timothy 2:3 that we have been called to be soldiers of Jesus Christ. A soldier does certain things to fulfill his or her vocation. Enduring hardness, shunning worldly pleasures and distractions, and keeping to the rules of military service are some of the basic characteristics expected of a soldier. Soldiers are also required to fight to defend the territorial integrity of their country from external attacks. In addition, they are to engage in warfare to expand the territory of their commander-in-chief, monarch or emperor. As it is in the physical, so it is in the spiritual. The comportment of a soldier is that of discipline, and a Christian soldier should be even more disciplined. This will help him or her to endure hardness, which means learning to be full and also empty as the situation demands (Philippians 4:12). If a soldier of the cross is not disciplined enough to endure hardness, he or she will end up like Esau, who sold his birthright for a plate of pottage (Hebrews 12:16). Our Lord Jesus had laid down a good example for us to follow in this regard when He refused to turn stone to bread even though He was hungry (Luke 4:3-4). A soldier of Jesus Christ avoids any distraction that would take his or her focus away from the way of the cross he or she is fighting to defend. Materialism is not a problem for a true soldier of Jesus Christ who has learnt to be modest. Concerning this,, our Commander-in-Chief in Luke 12:15 said this to us:


“And he said unto them, Take heed, and beware of covetousness: for a man's life consisteth not in the abundance of the things which he possesseth.”


Just as soldiers fight to defend the territorial integrity of the kingdom of their king, a soldier of Jesus Christ fights against sin, which destroys mankind and God’s created world, by preaching the gospel. He or she preaches the love of God so that men may embrace it and live a good life that will impact the lives of others positively. Soldiers of Jesus Christ do not only fight to defend, they also attack the opposing kingdom of the devil. They do this by proclaiming the word of God, which is alive and powerful, against the workers of iniquity. While putting on the whole armor of God, soldiers of Christ also exercise their divinely given authority in the place of prayer. They have no time for frivolities because they are always watchful. Beloved, are you numbered among the soldiers of Jesus Christ? Are you thriving in spite of the challenges of the call to fight against unrighteousness? May the Lord see you through to the very end in Jesus Name.

PRAYER POINT:

Father, please uphold me to the very end, deliver me from all forms of worldly entanglement and grant me grace to please you all the way.

 
BIBLE IN ONE YEAR: 1 Kings 7;

Acts 2:1-28

AUTHOR: PASTOR E. A. ADEBOYE


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 BY PST. ENOCH .A. ADEBOYE

MONDAY 28TH MAY,2018

GRACE II

MEMORISE:
For the law was given by Moses, but grace and truth came by Jesus Christ. John 1:17

READ:
Romans 3:20-25
20 Therefore by the deeds of the law there shall no flesh be justified in his sight: for by the law is the knowledge of sin.
21 But now the righteousness of God without the law is manifested, being witnessed by the law and the prophets;
22 Even the righteousness of God which is by faith of Jesus Christ unto all and upon all them that believe: for there is no difference:
23 For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God;
24 Being justified freely by his grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus:
25 Whom God hath set forth to be a propitiation through faith in his blood, to declare his righteousness for the remission of sins that are past, through the forbearance of God;

BIBLE IN ONE YEAR:
1 Kings 5-6 & Acts 1

MESSAGE:
Grace is God’s character by which he shows Himself as being compassionate, loving, merciful, accepting and generous to all of mankind. God’s grace shields’s sinful mankind from His wrath, grants them forgiveness and bestows on them His righteousness so that they can live and grow in faith and obedience to Him. Grace and mercy are particularly expressed through God’s covenant with His chosen people and through Jesus Christ’s atoning death on the cross. Throughout the Bible, the notion of grace is abundantly present even where the word is not mentioned. Whenever Jesus brought healing to the sick and deliverance to the oppressed, divine grace was on display. The grace of God is especially expressed through salvation from sin, offered by Jesus to all of mankind. Speaking about Jesus as the embodiment of God’s grace, Titus 2:11 says,

 “For the grace of God that bringeth salvation hath appeared to all men,”

Jesus vividly explained the notion of grace through the parables of the prodigal son and the tax collector who was justified after praying for God’s mercy as a sinner (Luke 15:11-32, Luke 18:9-14). Grace is a core part of the message of the Christian faith, and hence the message of the gospel is repeatedly labeled the “gospel of the grace of God” (Acts 14:3, Acts 20:24).

“And the grace of our Lord was exceeding abundant with faith and love which is in Christ Jesus.” 1Timothy 1:14

It is important to note that divine grace is a gift of God, and it is abundant enough to secure forgiveness and redemption for anyone who is dead in sin, raising them up and making them sit together in heavenly places in Christ Jesus (Ephesians 2:5-6). This abundant grace also opens the door to healing from all kinds of sickness, and it delivers from captivity, oppression and all kinds of demonic powers. Furthermore, it is able to break down the strongholds of the devil and produce transformation in lives. It is equally important to note that this abundant grace, though underserved, is available for free! No one can ever meet the requirements or fulfill the conditions necessary for accessing the benefits that God’s grace gives. The least you can do is to thank God for it. Ephesians 2:8-9 says,

“For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God:Not of works, lest any man should boast.”

The saving grace of Jesus Christ is available to all human beings without exception; do not reject or ignore it, but rather accept it with thanksgiving and your life will never be the same again. Amen!

ACTION POINT:
Thank God for the work His redeeming grace has done in your life, recounting them to Him.

HYMN 3:
1. What can wash away my sin?
Nothing but the blood of Jesus;
What can make me whole again?
Nothing but the blood of Jesus.

Chorus:
Oh! precious is the flow
That makes me white as snow;
No other fount I know,
Nothing but the blood of Jesus.

2. For my cleansing this I see,
Nothing but the blood of Jesus;
For my pardon this my plea,
Nothing but the blood of Jesus.

3. Nothing can for sin erase
Nothing but the blood of Jesus;
Naught of works, ‘tis all of grace,
Nothing but the blood of Jesus.

4. This is all my hope and peace,
Nothing but the blood of Jesus;
This is all my righteousness,
Nothing but the blood of Jesus.

Open Heavens Daily Devotional

OPEN HEAVENS BY PST. ENOCH .A. ADEBOYE

SUNDAY 27TH MAY, 2018

GRACE I

MEMORISE:
Surely he scorneth the scorners: but he giveth grace unto the lowly. Proverbs 3:34

READ:
Genesis 6:1-8

BIBLE IN ONE YEAR:
1 Kings 3-4; & Jude 1

MESSAGE:
Grace is commonly used in the Bible to describe the demonstration of God’s goodwill towards mankind, embodied in the person of our Lord Jesus Christ, and the effects of that goodwill on human lives. Throughout the Bible, God showed Himself gracious in His dealings with mankind. In the Old Testament, the grace of God is spoken of in relation to three overlapping terms, which are goodness, love and mercy. Each time the word “grace” is used in the Bible, it connotes God’s goodness, love and mercy towards humanity. I pray that God will be gracious to you, and that you will continue to enjoy His grace throughout your life in Jesus’ Name.

God’s grace was responsible for Noah’s appointment into the special assignment that led to his entire family surviving the flood (Genesis 6:8). However, Psalm 145:9 says:

 “The LORD is good to all: and his tender mercies are over all his works.”

Although the application of God’s grace can be selective like in Noah’s case, it is available to all the works of God. Everything that God created, both living and non-living things, enjoy God’s grace. God upholds those who are falling and lifts up those who are bowed down by His grace. He opens His hands to supply all creatures their food and sustenance, thereby satisfying the desire of every living thing. God by His love and mercy provides for plants and animals alike, ensuring that whatever they need is made available within their reach. After pondering the goodness of the Lord, the Psalmist in psalm 145 declared that God is near to all those who call upon Him, and He meets all their needs by His grace. While speaking on the grace of God in several passages of the Bible, the Holy Spirit demonstrates that this grace is universal in nature. The Holy Spirit speaks about God’s providence in caring for His creatures, His help for the needy, His love and compassion for the oppressed and His concern for the sickly and the weak. All these are demonstrations of God’s grace; anyone who is thoughtful will find abundant evidence of the steadfast love of the Lord demonstrated throughout the whole universe. That is why Psalm 150:6 says,

 “Let every thing that hath breath praise the LORD. Praise ye the LORD.”

God by His grace, has counted us worthy to be chosen from amongst the people of the world as His own special people, redeemed by the precious Blood of His Son, thereby making us His own special possession (1 Peter 2:9). Obviously, God has not treated us according to what our evil deeds deserve. Our continued existence testifies to His redeeming grace, and this same grace provides the basis for our status as children of the Most High God. Let somebody shout halleluyah!

PRAYER POINT:
Father, please do not let Your grace go to waste in my life in Jesus’ Name.

HYMN 13:
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: SATURDAY 26TH MAY 2018

THEME: GOOD NEIGHBOURLINESS II

MEMORISE:
For I was an hungered, and ye gave me meat: I was thirsty, and ye gave me drink: I was a stranger, and ye took me in: Matthew 25:35

READ: Luke 10:30-37

30 And Jesus answering said, A certain man went down from Jerusalem to Jericho, and fell among thieves, which stripped him of his raiment, and wounded him, and departed, leaving him half dead.

31 And by chance there came down a certain priest that way: and when he saw him, he passed by on the other side.

32 And likewise a Levite, when he was at the place, came and looked on him, and passed by on the other side.

33 But a certain Samaritan, as he journeyed, came where he was: and when he saw him, he had compassion on him,

34 And went to him, and bound up his wounds, pouring in oil and wine, and set him on his own beast, and brought him to an inn, and took care of him.

35 And on the morrow when he departed, he took out two pence, and gave them to the host, and said unto him, Take care of him; and whatsoever thou spendest more, when I come again, I will repay thee.

36 Which now of these three, thinkest thou, was neighbour unto him that fell among the thieves?

37 And he said, He that showed mercy on him. Then said Jesus unto him, Go, and do thou likewise.

MESSAGE

In Matthew 25:31-33, the Lord Jesus Christ gave us a sneak preview of what Judgement Day will be like, and it is surprising that good neighbourliness is the only standard that was used to separate the sheep from the goats in this narrative. The Lord did this to prepare our minds for the events of the last days when people would become selfish and individualism would be rife. 2 Timothy 3:1-2 says,

“This know also, that in the last days perilous times shall come. For men shall be lovers of their own selves…”

May I announce to you that this time is upon us. We live in time when the advent of social media and smartphones has drastically reduced human to human interaction, with the attendant effect that people have little or no empathy and wicked acts are the norm. These days, people hardly know what is going on with their next door neighbour while they are very much aware of what is going on with people thousands of miles away whom they have never met. May the Lord open our hearts to what is needful in Jesus' Name.

Good neighbourliness involves sacrifice. When you consider the parable of the Good Samaritan, it is easy to imagine what was going through the mind of the priest who passed by the wounded man and did nothing. He might have assumed that the poor man's situation was beyond remedy. He might have said to himself that it was not in his place to help since he was not a medical practitioner or a law enforcement agent. He might have pondered in his heart that the location was not safe for anyone to delay, and that while trying to help, robbers might attack him and make him another of their victims. He might also have thought that stopping to assist the wounded man would eat terribly into his time, thereby making him late for his important appointment. Although these are all valid reasons not to stop by and help, anyone who is willing to make a sacrifice will set aside all these reasons and help a neighbour in distress. The Church of God must fill the gap created by the deficiency of modern society, which has brought about unemployment, domestic violence, child abuse, divorce, drug addiction, sexual immorality and other unfortunate situations. The Christian community must provide human warmth, homeliness, love and care in places ravaged by individualism, loneliness and lack of trust. As modern society becomes increasingly hostile and dehumanising, children of God must become increasingly accommodating, peaceful, hospitable and caring. Good neighbourliness is a very important fruit of a transformed life and confirms that we possess the nature of God.

ACTION POINT:
Plan a course of action to reach out to lonely people around you with God’s love.

BIBLE IN ONE YEAR:
1 Kings 2
2 John
3 John.

AUTHOR: PASTOR E. A. ADEBOYE

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,
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,
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,
Filled with messages from Thee.

4. Take my silver and my gold,
Not a mite would I withhold.
Take my intellect and use
Every pow’r as Thou shalt choose,
Every pow’r 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,
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,
Ever, only, all for Thee.

Open Heavens Daily Devotional

OPEN HEAVENS DAILY DEVOTIONAL

DATE: TUESDAY 22ND MAY 2018

THEME: EXERCISING YOUR DELEGATED AUTHORITY

MEMORISE:
And the LORD said unto Moses, Wherefore criest thou unto me? speak unto the children of Israel, that they go forward:
Exodus 14:15

READ: Exodus 14:10-16, Luke 10:19

10 And when Pharaoh drew nigh, the children of Israel lifted up their eyes, and, behold, the Egyptians marched after them; and they were sore afraid: and the children of Israel cried out unto the LORD.

11 And they said unto Moses, Because there were no graves in Egypt, hast thou taken us away to die in the wilderness? wherefore hast thou dealt thus with us, to carry us forth out of Egypt?

12 Is not this the word that we did tell thee in Egypt, saying, Let us alone, that we may serve the Egyptians? For it had been better for us to serve the Egyptians, than that we should die in the wilderness.

13 And Moses said unto the people, Fear ye not, stand still, and see the salvation of the LORD, which he will show to you to day: for the Egyptians whom ye have seen to day, ye shall see them again no more for ever.

14 The LORD shall fight for you, and ye shall hold your peace.

15 And the LORD said unto Moses, Wherefore criest thou unto me? speak unto the children of Israel, that they go forward:

16 But lift thou up thy rod, and stretch out thine hand over the sea, and divide it: and the children of Israel shall go on dry ground through the midst of the sea.

Luke 10:19
Behold, I give unto you power to tread on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy: and nothing shall by any means hurt you.

MESSAGE

It is one thing to be given authority, and it is another thing to exercise the authority delegated. Some Christians are suffering today because they do not exercise the divine authority given to them as children of God. Some children of God are like Moses in today's Bible reading, crying helplessly at the Red Sea with the army of Pharaoh fast approaching. The children of Israel also did not help matters because they murmured against his leadership at this critical point. The perfect storm faced by Moses at the Red Sea made him forget who he was and the enormous power God had vested in him. In Exodus 7:1, God had told him:

“And the LORD said unto Moses, See, I have made thee a god to Pharaoh: and Aaron thy brother shall be thy prophet.”

Unfortunately, either Moses forgot this or his mind could not grasp the extent of its meaning. Although crying to God is not wrong by itself, there is time for everything (Ecclesiastes 3:1). This was not the time for Moses to cry; rather, it was a time for him to exercise the authority given to him by God. Nevertheless, God graciously reminded Moses that the authority to deal with the situation was already at his disposal. In Exodus 14:15-16, God said to him:

“…Wherefore criest thou unto me? speak unto the children of Israel, that they go forward: But lift thou up thy rod, and stretch out thine hand over the sea, and divide it: and the children of Israel shall go on dry ground through the midst of the sea.”

Beloved, do you know that God has given you the authority to tread upon serpents and scorpions and everything they represent? Jesus Christ has given to us the power and authority to tread on all the powers of the enemy, and He promised that nothing shall by any means hurt us (Luke 10:19). However, to exercise this authority, we must live according to the dictates of the One who delegated His authority to us. A lesson from today's story about Moses is that he exercised authority by the instructions of the Almighty God. He was not presumptuous as many would have been. His cry to God could mean "what should I do in this situation?" Another lesson is that although the Lord had equipped him with the rod, he did not know the full extent of its power in solving the problems of the people he was leading. In other words, God has equipped His children with the necessary authority and power not only to defend themselves but also to rescue the perishing. You have the authority to bring change to the chaos in the world around you, but are you putting this to use?

ACTION POINT:
Stop any activity of the devil in your life and in the world around you by the authority given to you in the Name of Jesus Christ.

BIBLE IN ONE YEAR: 2 Samuel 19-20, 1 John 2:7-27.

AUTHOR: PASTOR E. A. ADEBOYE

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 armour,
And watching unto prayer,
Where duty calls, or danger,
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: MONDAY 21ST MAY 2018

THEME: UNDER AUTHORITY?

MEMORISE:
And Mary said, Behold the handmaid of the Lord; be it unto me according to thy word. And the angel departed from her. Luke 1:38

READ: Matthew 8:5-13

5 And when Jesus was entered into Capernaum, there came unto him a centurion, beseeching him,

6 And saying, Lord, my servant lieth at home sick of the palsy, grievously tormented.

7 And Jesus saith unto him, I will come and heal him.

8 The centurion answered and said, Lord, I am not worthy that thou shouldest come under my roof: but speak the word only, and my servant shall be healed.

9 For I am a man under authority, having soldiers under me: and I say to this man, Go, and he goeth; and to another, Come, and he cometh; and to my servant, Do this, and he doeth it.

10 When Jesus heard it, he marvelled, and said to them that followed, Verily I say unto you, I have not found so great faith, no, not in Israel.

11 And I say unto you, That many shall come from the east and west, and shall sit down with Abraham, and Isaac, and Jacob, in the kingdom of heaven.

12 But the children of the kingdom shall be cast out into outer darkness: there shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth.

13 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.

MESSAGE

The reason why many children of God are not living a triumphant life daily is because they refuse to submit themselves to the authority and lordship of their Father, the Almighty. Some are like the prodigal son who sought premature freedom and independence from his father (Luke 15:12-13). In today's Bible reading, we see a man who knew what it was to be under authority and the blessings that come along with it. This man is the centurion, whose faith our Lord Jesus Christ described as great. After Jesus had decided to go with him to heal his servant, this centurion did not deem it necessary for Jesus to go to his house, because he was a man under authority and he understood the attendant implications of this. He knew Jesus Christ was under authority and had great authority. He also believed that if Jesus exercised His authority over demons from where He was, they would obey Him. Hear what he said in Matthew 8:8b:

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

It is interesting to note the contrast between the proud attitude of Naaman and the humble disposition of this centurion to spiritual authority (2 Kings 5:11). The Holy Spirit reveals the secret to spiritual authority in James 4:7 where He says,

“Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.”

This is where the problem lies with some children of God. First things first: we must submit to the authority of God in His word before we can resist the devil and his attacks. When we follow this order, the devil will definitely flee from us because we are operating under God's authority in His word. Regardless of who is speaking it, the word of God must be respected and given its rightful place in our lives. You must submit to the authority of God's word by being a doer of it if you will experience a performance of its purpose in your life (James 1:25). Beloved, are you under the authority of the Almighty God in His word? It is all well and good if you are. However, if you find it difficult to submit to God's authority in His word, you will experience the frustration of the word not working for you. If you are in this situation, repent today and submit to God's authority in His word that is forever settled. One more lesson you should learn from today's Bible reading is that while many shall come from all over the world to benefit from the blessings of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob, the children of the kingdom who refuse to submit to God's authority would be cast away. This will not be your portion in Jesus' Name.

PRAYER POINT:
Father, please keep me under the pavilion of the authority in Your word today. Don’t let me depart from Your secret place.

BIBLE IN ONE YEAR: 2 Samuel 17-18, 1 John 1:1-2:6.

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

Chorus:
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 nor a fear
Not a sigh nor 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 nor a loss,
Not a frown nor a cross,
But is blest 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 favour He shows,
And 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: SATURDAY 19TH MAY 2018

THEME: A CHILD OF ABRAHAM?

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

READ: John 8:39-43

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

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

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

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

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

MESSAGE

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

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

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

“That in blessing I will bless thee, and in multiplying I will multiply thy seed as the stars of the heaven, and as the sand which is upon the sea shore; and thy seed shall possess the gate of his enemies; And in thy seed shall all the nations of the earth be blessed…”

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

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

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

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

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

BIBLE IN ONE YEAR: 2 Samuel 14, 2 Peter 2.

AUTHOR: PASTOR E. A. ADEBOYE

HYMN 10: MY FAITH LOOKS UP TO THEE

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

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

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

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

Open Heavens Daily Devotional

OPEN HEAVENS DAILY DEVOTIONAL

DATE: FRIDAY 18TH MAY 2018

THEME: SEEING THE INVISIBLE

MEMORISE: The eyes of your understanding being enlightened; that ye may know what is the hope of his calling, and what the riches of the glory of his inheritance in the saints, – Ephesians 1:18

READ: 2 CORINTHIANS 12:1-4 (KJV)

1 It is not expedient for me doubtless to glory. I will come to visions and revelations of the Lord.

2 I knew a man in Christ above fourteen years ago, (whether in the body, I cannot tell; or whether out of the body, I cannot tell: God knoweth;) such an one caught up to the third heaven.

3 And I knew such a man, (whether in the body, or out of the body, I cannot tell: God knoweth;)

4 How that he was caught up into paradise, and heard unspeakable words, which it is not lawful for a man to utter.

BIBLE IN ONE YEAR: 2 Samuel 12-13, 2 Peter 1

MESSAGE:

The Bible tells us about the reality of both the physical world, which is the natural habitat of human beings, and a spirit world that is ruled and controlled by the Almighty God. Although God created mankind and granted us access to the spiritual realm for the purpose of fellowshipping with Him, we lost that access when Adam and Eve sinned (John 4:24, Genesis 3:8). However, the moment a person becomes born again, that access to the realm of the spirit is immediately restored. Unconverted souls remain permanently disconnected from the heavenly realm. That is why 1 Corinthians 2:14 says,

“But the natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God: for they are foolishness unto him: neither can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned.”

The spiritual world is very much as real as the physical world, but only those who have access to it can see the sights, hear the sound and even participate in the activities of heaven. I pray that God will sanctify you and grant you express access to the realm of the spirit in Jesus’ Name.

Living in the Spirit requires faith. Just as the eye produces conviction about the reality of objects in the physical world, so does the faith produce the same conviction about things in the realm of the spirit, which are invisible to the natural eye. Faith manifests itself by producing the assurance that what we hope for will happen. It also provides insight into the reality of things in the unseen world. These unseen realities from God offer an effective power for daily living to every man and woman of faith. Speaking about the faith of Moses, Hebrews 11:27 says:

“By faith he forsook Egypt, not fearing the wrath of the king: for he endured, as seeing him who is invisible.”

Faith sees the invisible, believes the unbelievable and receives the impossible. This is the testimony of every great child of God who has walked on the face of the earth, such as Abraham, Moses, the prophets and the apostles. They all saw things that others could not see and they believed them until they were manifested physically. This is also the testimony of the Redeemed Christian Church of God. My father in the Lord saw some things through the eyes of faith that were practically impossible to believe at that time, but they have become history today. When I became the General Overseer of the Church, we could only afford a one-bedroom apartment; I therefore started praying to God for a suitable home to accommodate my family. God then spoke to me one day that I should stop praying for a house because He had decided to build me a city. I received it by faith and today, this city has become a reality, and God is not done with us yet. I pray that you will begin to see the invisible from today in Jesus’ Name.

PRAYER POINT: Father, please sanctify me and open my eyes of faith in Jesus’ Name.

HYMN 10: MY FAITH LOOKS UP TO THEE

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

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

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

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

Open Heavens Daily Devotional

OPEN HEAVENS DAILY DEVOTIONAL

DATE: THURSDAY 17TH MAY 2018

THEME: THE NATURE OF THE CHRISTIAN RACE

MEMORISE:
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. Hebrews 12:2

READ: 2 Timothy 2:1-10

1 Thou therefore, my son, be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus.

2 And the things that thou hast heard of me among many witnesses, the same commit thou to faithful men, who shall be able to teach others also.

3 Thou therefore endure hardness, as a good soldier of Jesus Christ.

4 No man that warreth entangleth himself with the affairs of this life; that he may please him who hath chosen him to be a soldier.

5 And if a man also strive for masteries, yet is he not crowned, except he strive lawfully.

6 The husbandman that laboureth must be first partaker of the fruits.

7 Consider what I say; and the Lord give thee understanding in all things.

8 Remember that Jesus Christ of the seed of David was raised from the dead according to my gospel:

9 Wherein I suffer trouble, as an evil doer, even unto bonds; but the word of God is not bound.

10 Therefore I endure all things for the elect's sakes, that they may also obtain the salvation which is in Christ Jesus with eternal glory.

MESSAGE

The Holy Spirit often uses the imagery of running a race or participating in a sporting activity to portray the Christian Life. He does this to help us have a better understanding of the nature of Christian life we are called to live, and to help us develop the right attitude required to be successful in it. In 1 Corinthians 9:24-25, He says:

“Know ye not that they which run in a race run all, but one receiveth the prize? So run, that ye may obtain. And every man that striveth for the mastery is temperate in all things. Now they do it to obtain a corruptible crown; but we an incorruptible.”

Three important points are in focus in this passage. First, there are many participants in a sporting event but only the winner receives the prize. We are therefore encouraged to run the Christian race with a mindset of striving hard to obtain the reward and not just for the mere purpose of participating. Secondly, as athletes struggle to reduce unforced errors in order to achieve expertise in their chosen sport, we are also advised to strive for mastery. Thirdly, just as professional athletes must be disciplined in all things before they can achieve the level of skill required to become champions, so also must we be calm, moderate, self-controlled and disciplined in all things. Christianity is very much like boxing or running a marathon: if your attitude towards training and preparation is lackadaisical, relaxed and carefree, then you just be prepared for a painful defeat or even a knockout on the big stage. I pray that you will never suffer defeat in the hands of your enemies in Jesus' Name.

God is using this medium to bring to your attention the precaution and diligence that is required to secure victory in the Christian race in these perilous times. He is urging you to give the race you re running all the attention needed to ensure success. He also presents before you the crown of glory which He will award to all those who are faithful to the end of the race (1 Peter 5:4). This crown is not a perishable bunch of flowers or a gold-plated medal of little value, but the glorious crown of everlasting life, which awaits all those who have successfully completed the Christian race. You will be wise to give heed to the words of today's memory verse by continually looking unto Jesus, who for the reward that was set before Him endured the cross, despised the shame, and is now seated at the right hand of the throne of God. Nothing can be more glorious than making it to heaven and beholding the face of Jesus forever. Will you make it there?

PRAYER POINT:
Father, please help me to be successful in the Christian race in Jesus’ Name.

BIBLE IN ONE YEAR: 2 Samuel 10-11, 1 Peter 4:12-5:14

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, I still will follow;
Though none go with me, I still will follow;
Though none go with me, I still 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: WEDNESDAY 16TH MAY 2018

THEME: HOSPITABLE?

MEMORISE: The liberal soul shall be made fat: and he that watereth shall be watered also himself. – Proverbs 11:25

READ: 2 Kings 4:8-17 (KJV)

8 And it fell on a day, that Elisha passed to Shunem, where was a great woman; and she constrained him to eat bread. And so it was, that as oft as he passed by, he turned in thither to eat bread.

9 And she said unto her husband, Behold now, I perceive that this is an holy man of God, which passeth by us continually.

10 Let us make a little chamber, I pray thee, on the wall; and let us set for him there a bed, and a table, and a stool, and a candlestick: and it shall be, when he cometh to us, that he shall turn in thither.

11 And it fell on a day, that he came thither, and he turned into the chamber, and lay there.

12 And he said to Gehazi his servant, Call this Shunammite. And when he had called her, she stood before him.

13 And he said unto him, Say now unto her, Behold, thou hast been careful for us with all this care; what is to be done for thee? wouldest thou be spoken for to the king, or to the captain of the host? And she answered, I dwell among mine own people.

14 And he said, What then is to be done for her? And Gehazi answered, Verily she hath no child, and her husband is old.

15 And he said, Call her. And when he had called her, she stood in the door.

16 And he said, About this season, according to the time of life, thou shalt embrace a son. And she said, Nay, my lord, thou man of God, do not lie unto thine handmaid.

17 And the woman conceived, and bare a son at that season that Elisha had said unto her, according to the time of life.

Bible in One Year: 2 Samuel 7-9, 1 Peter 3:8-4:11

MESSAGE:

Hospitality is the act of generosity and friendship shown towards strangers, and it includes the responsibility of protecting the interests of those received as guests. God admonishes His children to be hospitable as part of our duty to others and in gratitude for the salvation, favour and mercy we have received from Him (Exodus 22:21). Several passages of Scripture emphasise hospitality as a godly virtue (Romans 12:13, 1 Peter 4:9). Hebrews 13:2 says,

“Be not forgetful to entertain strangers: for thereby some have entertained angels unawares.”

Furthermore, the Bible mentions hospitality as one of the preconditions for becoming a leader in the Church (1 Timothy 3:2). Hospitality has played a very important role in the Redeemed Christian of God right from its very beginning. It forms part of our core beliefs and practices. We teach that you don’t have to be rich to look after visitors. You can entertain four people with a single orange by slicing into four parts and presenting it nicely on a decent plate with glasses of water. May you receive the true spirit of hospitality today in Jesus’ Name.

The Bible admonishes that since we naturally desire to receive hospitality from others, we should show it to others as well. The Lord in Matthew 7:12 says,

“Therefore all things whatsoever ye would that men should do to you, do ye even so to them: for this is the law and the prophets.”

Even when describing the type of fast that God finds acceptable, the Holy Spirit in Isaiah 58:7a said:

“Is it not to deal thy bread to the hungry, and that thou bring the poor that are cast out to thy house?”

Deuteronomy 26:12 also speaks about feeding the stranger, the fatherless and the widow. All these verses of scripture show that we are duty-bound as children of God to provide for the needs of these classes of people regularly. More importantly, Jesus clearly teaches that hospitality is going to be a major criterion that will be used to separate the sheep from the goats on the last day (Matthew 25:33-35). This means that it will be practically impossible for anyone to enter heaven without being hospitable. Jesus expects every Christian to love their neighbour as themselves. He expects us to use hospitality as a tool to spread the love of God and the good news of the gospel all over the world. I pray that you will yield yourself as an instrument of spreading God’s love everywhere through hospitality in Jesus’ Name.

Action Point: Think of how you can use hospitality to spread the love of God and the message of the gospel in your locality. Draw up a plan and implement it.

If you missed yesterday devotional, please click to read Open Heavens 15 May 2018 Tuesday daily devotional by Pastor E. A. Adeboye – Divine Connection

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,
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,
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,
Filled with messages from Thee.

4. Take my silver and my gold,
Not a mite would I withhold.
Take my intellect and use
Every pow’r as Thou shalt choose,
Every pow’r 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,
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,
Ever, only, all for Thee.

For Open Heavens Daily Devotional, do check https://sodmosblog.blogspot.com.ng

Open Heavens Daily Devotional

OPEN HEAVENS DAILY DEVOTIONAL

DATE: TUESDAY 15TH MAY 2018

THEME: DIVINE CONNECTION

MEMORISE:
And a certain man found him, and, behold, he was wandering in the field: and the man asked him, saying, What seekest thou?
Genesis 37:15

READ: Genesis 24:12-26

12 And he said, O LORD God of my master Abraham, I pray thee, send me good speed this day, and show kindness unto my master Abraham.

13 Behold, I stand here by the well of water; and the daughters of the men of the city come out to draw water:

14 And let it come to pass, that the damsel to whom I shall say, Let down thy pitcher, I pray thee, that I may drink; and she shall say, Drink, and I will give thy camels drink also: let the same be she that thou hast appointed for thy servant Isaac; and thereby shall I know that thou hast showed kindness unto my master.

15 And it came to pass, before he had done speaking, that, behold, Rebekah came out, who was born to Bethuel, son of Milcah, the wife of Nahor, Abraham's brother, with her pitcher upon her shoulder.

16 And the damsel was very fair to look upon, a virgin, neither had any man known her:  and she went down to the well, and filled her pitcher, and came up.

17 And the servant ran to meet her, and said, Let me, I pray thee, drink a little water of thy pitcher.

18 And she said, Drink, my lord: and she hasted, and let down her pitcher upon her hand, and gave him drink.

19 And when she had done giving him drink, she said, I will draw water for thy camels also, until they have done drinking.

20 And she hasted, and emptied her pitcher into the trough, and ran again unto the well to draw water, and drew for all his camels.

21 And the man wondering at her held his peace, to wit whether the LORD had made his journey prosperous or not.

22 And it came to pass, as the camels had done drinking, that the man took a golden earring of half a shekel weight, and two bracelets for her hands of ten shekels weight of gold;

23 And said, Whose daughter art thou? tell me, I pray thee: is there room in thy father's house for us to lodge in?

24 And she said unto him, I am the daughter of Bethuel the son of Milcah, which she bare unto Nahor.

25 She said moreover unto him, We have both straw and provender enough, and room to lodge in.

26 And the man bowed down his head, and worshipped the LORD.

MESSAGE

Divine connection simply means the connection of an individual to sources that would help to fast-track the fulfilment of his her destiny. In Psalm 37:23, the Holy Spirit teaches:

“The steps of a good man are ordered by the LORD: and he delighteth in his way.”

This was the testimony of Abraham's servant in today's Bible text. He was amazed at the way the God of His master answer his simple childlike prayer of faith. Beyond his wildest imagination, things worked out in his favour because God had already sent His angels ahead of him to work everything out. When you are divinely connected, people will think that you are wise or brilliant. Some may even mistake you for a genius! I pray for you today that God will give you divine connections that will confound everyone who hears about it in Jesus' Name.

When we draw close to God and do His bidding, we earn ourselves divine connections (James 4:8). Hebrews 6:10 says,

“For God is not unrighteous to forget your work and labour of love, which ye have showed toward his name, in that ye have ministered to the saints, and do minister.”

Some people complain about following Jesus without anything to show for it. Such people may be in their season of sowing, or they might not have been following Him according to pattern He has laid down. The Lord is a faithful covenant-keeper who cannot like. In Matthew 19:29, He said:

“And every one that hath forsaken houses, or brethren, or sisters, or father, or mother, or wife, or children, or lands, for my name's sake, shall receive an hundredfold, and shall inherit everlasting life.”

If you have been walking with God with nothing to show for it spiritually and materially, take time to carefully evaluate your walk.

If you need divine connection, you must be faithful to the profession of faith you made when you gave your life to Christ. Our calling, like that of Abraham the father of faith, is a call unto holiness (Genesis 17:1, 1 Thessalonians 4:7). Abraham did not compromise his calling by going back to his father's house. Don't ever contemplate going back to the world; there is nothing for you there. To be divinely connected, you need to add virtue and brotherly kindness to your faith, because faith without work is dead (James 2:17). Renew your relationship with the Lord and let holiness become your watchword. Endeavour to please Him in all your ways just as the early church did, and you will then experience divine connection.

PRAYER POINT:
Father, please grant me divine connections that will lead to my breakthrough in Jesus’ Name.

BIBLE IN ONE YEAR: 2 Samuel 5-6, 1 Peter 2:13-3:7

AUTHOR: PASTOR E. A. ADEBOYE

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: MONDAY 14TH MAY 2018

THEME: WHEN GOD REMEMBERS YOU

MEMORISE:
And God remembered Rachel, and God hearkened to her, and opened her womb.
Genesis 30:22

READ: Genesis 8:1-5

1 And God remembered Noah, and every living thing, and all the cattle that was with him in the ark: and God made a wind to pass over the earth, and the waters asswaged;

2 The fountains also of the deep and the windows of heaven were stopped, and the rain from heaven was restrained;

3 And the waters returned from off the earth continually: and after the end of the hundred and fifty days the waters were abated.

4 And the ark rested in the seventh month, on the seventeenth day of the month, upon the mountains of Ararat.

5 And the waters decreased continually until the tenth month: in the tenth month, on the first day of the month, were the tops of the mountains seen.

MESSAGE

Remembrance is the process of recalling the past or being able to bring to the fore of one's mind an awareness of someone or something. Although it is not in the nature or character of God to forget anything like we humans do (because He is the All-knowing God), the word "remember" is used in relation to God in several passages of the Bible to connote the reception of special attention from Him. When God remembers a person for good, that person's situation is transformed immediately. This is the reason why several people in the Bible cried to God to remember them. The Lord will hear your cry for remembrance today in Jesus' Name.

In Judges 16:28, Samson cried “Lord God, remember me”, and the Lord answered him immediately. In Nehemiah 13:14, Nehemiah also cried “Remember me; O my God.” When King Hezekiah was faced with death, He cried to God “Remember how I walked before you in truth and with a loyal heart” (Isaiah 38:3). Furthermore, Jeremiah cried unto God to remember His covenant with Israel (Jeremiah 14:21). In all these cases of people calling unto God for remembrance, He responded favourably and intervened in their situations. I pray that God will remember you for good and intervene in your situation today in Jesus’ Name.

When God remembers you, He will immediately put an end to everything that is working against your peace, just as He did for Noah when He commanded the flood waters to cease (Genesis 8:1). When God remembers you, He will deliver you from all your troubles as He did for Lot and his family in Genesis 19:29. He will also put an end to barrenness and open your womb for fruitfulness, just as He did for Rachel and Hannah (Genesis 30:22, 1 Samuel 1:19). By the grace of God, we have heard several heart-warming testimonies in the Redeemed Christian Church of God about what happens when God remembers His people for good after years of suffering, sorrow and pain. Barrenness of over twenty years has been terminated, incurable diseases have been healed, mental illnesses have been cured, captives have been delivered, generational curses have been cancelled, poverty has been terminated and destinies have been restored. I remember several previously barren women whom God remembered and blessed with twins and triplets. God remembered a certain lady who still used to wet her bed at over thirty years of age, and the bedwetting stopped instantly. Just has Jesus healed the impotent man after 38 years of being at the pool side (John 5), we have heard testimonies of wicked embargoes on marriage being lifted even after attaining 50 years of age. God will remember you for good and give special attention to your case in Jesus' Name.

PRAYER POINT:
Father, please remember me for good today in Jesus’ Name.

BIBLE IN ONE YEAR: 2 Samuel 3-4, 1 Peter 1:13-2:12.

AUTHOR: PASTOR E. A. ADEBOYE

HYMN 6: A NEW THING
(Tune: There shall be showers of Blessing)

1. We will soon shout Halleluyah
Because GOD will do new things
Sinners will soon be forgiven
Prodigals will come home soon.

Chorus:
Shout Halleluyah
Because God will do new things
Rivers in desert now flowing
Halleluyah to our king.

2. We will soon shout Halleluyah
Because God will do new things
Sickness and sorrow will be gone
Bondage will be forgotten.

3. We will soon shout Halleluyah
Because God will do new things
The barren will be fruitful soon
Failure will be forgotten

4. We will soon shout Halleluyah
Because God will do new things
Poverty will be forgotten
Stagnancy will soon be gone.

5. We will soon shout Hallelujah
Because God will do new things
To all miracles are given
There shall be celebrations

6. We will soon shout Halleluyah
Because God will do new things
Many will have testimonies
Of prayers answered fully

7. We will soon shout Halleluyah
Because God will do new things
One of us will chase a thousand
Two will conquer ten thousand.

8. We will soon shout Halleluyah
Because God will do new things
Songs of praises we will sing
Halleluyah to our King.

Open Heavens Daily Devotional

OPEN HEAVENS DAILY DEVOTIONAL

DATE: SUNDAY 13TH MAY 2018

THEME: DECISION-MAKING II

MEMORISE:
Lest there be any fornicator, or profane person, as Esau, who for one morsel of meat sold his birthright. Hebrews 12:16

READ: Genesis 25:29-34

29 And Jacob sod pottage: and Esau came from the field, and he was faint:

30 And Esau said to Jacob, Feed me, I pray thee, with that same red pottage; for I am faint: therefore was his name called Edom.

31 And Jacob said, Sell me this day thy birthright.

32 And Esau said, Behold, I am at the point to die: and what profit shall this birthright do to me?

33 And Jacob said, Swear to me this day; and he sware unto him: and he sold his birthright unto Jacob.

34 Then Jacob gave Esau bread and pottage of lentiles; and he did eat and drink, and rose up, and went his way: thus Esau despised his birthright.

MESSAGE

The original intention and will of God for mankind is that we would maintain our innocence while still exercising our free will to make decisions in total obedience to His word. His desire is for us to make decisions in conscious and deliberate submission to His authority, not out of ignorance but in innocence. Life involves making decisions at different levels and under various circumstances. To help us navigate our way through life successfully, the Scripture offers us guidance on how we should make decisions, while providing examples of good and bad decisions and their consequences. Relying on the human knowledge of good and evil motivates people to reason things out and arrive at seemingly good decisions that are based on prevailing culture, level of intelligence and personal preferences, without any serious consideration for obedience to the will of God. The truth is, decision-making is the most vital aspect of life because the quality of a person's decision determines the level of success or failure he or she attains.

The Bible narrates some classical examples of bad decisions made over the ages and their consequences. The most harmful of this is found in Genesis 3:6:

“And when the woman saw that the tree was good for food, and that it was pleasant to the eyes, and a tree to be desired to make one wise, she took of the fruit thereof…”

This was the decision that got the whole of humanity into trouble, but thank God for Jesus who redeemed us by His Blood. Another example is Esau who chose to sell his birthright for bread and pottage, and he lost it forever. Samson also made bad choices, including his decision to mingle with strange women, which destroyed his life, made him lose his power and caused him to die in the camp of his enemies (Judges 16:1). Furthermore, in 1 Samuel 13:8-9, King Saul's decision to offer the required burnt offering in the absence of Prophet Samuel made him lose everything. The Lord will restore everything you have lost today in Jesus' Name.

The Bible also contains examples of those who made good decisions. Joseph refused the sexual advances of his master's wife, and God ensured that his dream came to pass (Genesis 39:7-9). In Ruth 1:15-16, against all odds, Ruth decided to stay with Naomi, her mother-in-law, and the God of Israel settled her. She became the great grandmother of King David, and our Lord Jesus Christ later came out of her lineage. I pray they you will not make the wrong decisions that will change the course of your destiny for evil in the mighty Name of Jesus.

PRAYER POINT:
Father, please help me depend on You for all my decisions in life in Jesus’ Name.

BIBLE IN ONE YEAR: 2 Samuel 1-2, 1 Peter 1:1-12.

AUTHOR: PASTOR E. A. ADEBOYE

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.

Chorus:
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: SATURDAY 12TH MAY 2018

THEME: DECISION-MAKING I

MEMORISE:
And if it seem evil unto you to serve the LORD, choose you this day whom ye will serve; whether the gods which your fathers served that were on the other side of the flood, or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land ye dwell: but as for me and my house, we will serve the LORD. Joshua 24:15

READ: Ruth 1:11-18

11 And Naomi said, Turn again, my daughters: why will ye go with me? are there yet any more sons in my womb, that they may be your husbands?

12 Turn again, my daughters, go your way; for I am too old to have an husband. If I should say, I have hope, if I should have an husband also to night, and should also bear sons;

13 Would ye tarry for them till they were grown? would ye stay for them from having husbands?  nay, my daughters; for it grieveth me much for your sakes that the hand of the LORD is gone out against me.

14 And they lifted up their voice, and wept again: and Orpah kissed her mother in law; but Ruth clave unto her.

15 And she said, Behold, thy sister in law is gone back unto her people, and unto her gods: return thou after thy sister in law.

16 And Ruth said, Entreat me not to leave thee, or to return from following after thee:  for whither thou goest, I will go; and where thou lodgest, I will lodge: thy people shall be my people, and thy God my God:

17 Where thou diest, will I die, and there will I be buried: the LORD do so to me, and more also, if ought but death part thee and me.

18 When she saw that she was stedfastly minded to go with her, then she left speaking unto her.

MESSAGE

Are you presently at any of life's crossroads? God expects that your decision would be the end-result of a process of reflection on the available choices before you, informed and sustained by a concern to please Him. You therefore need guidance from the Holy Spirit before making up your mind on any issue, especially the difficult ones. Our loving Father has provided assistance for our decision-makng process through the Holy Spirit, the Scriptures, individuals and the natural world around us. In Joshua chapter 24, the All-knowing God new that the Israelites would soon have to make the conscious decision of either serving Him or the gods of the nations around them. He therefore presented His case on why they should serve Him by reminding them of how He brought Abraham their father out of his native land, across the river, into the Promised Land. He further recounted how He delivered them from slavery in Egypt and took them through the wilderness with miracles, signs and wonders attending every aspect of their journey. The Lord then announced to them that if they found it difficult to serve Him wholeheartedly after everything he had done for them, they were free to choose whom they will serve. However, Joshua immediately answer for himself that he and his family would serve the Lord.

Why would God give His people the option of serving other gods? The truth of the matter is, our God's leadership is not authoritarian or forceful. He will tell you His rules and regulations, and make his position on issues very clear. He will also reveal what awaits you in the future based on the choices you make today. You can be sure that He will allow you to have your way, and He will also give you the opportunity to exercise your free will. However, you must be ready to accept the repercussions of your choices and take responsibility for your actions at the end of it all. If you are a good student of the Bible, you will observe that each time anyone acted contrary to God's word, they always suferered terribly for it. For example, contrary to God's warning, Israel decided to have a king instead of letting God lead them through His prophets. They turned deaf ears to God's warning in 1 Samuel 8:18 and they suffered terribly for it in the hands of Solomon and the succeeding kings. Rather than act in defiance to God's instructions, it is always better to heed His counsel. Be ready to reason with God in His word and through prayers, and you will be rewarded with divine direction that will lead to your breakthrough (Isaiah 1:18).

PRAYER POINT:
Father, please help me to always act according to Your will and to remain in Your favour in Jesus’ Name.

BIBLE IN ONE YEAR: 1 Samuel 29-31, James 5.

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, I still will follow;
Though none go with me, I still will follow;
Though none go with me, I still 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: FRIDAY 11TH MAY 2018

THEME: SPIRITUAL SENSITIVITY

MEMORISE:
Be not forgetful to entertain strangers: for thereby some have entertained angels unawares. Hebrews 13:2

READ: 1 Corinthians 2:9-16

9 But as it is written, Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that love him.

10 But God hath revealed them unto us by his Spirit: for the Spirit searcheth all things, yea, the deep things of God.

11 For what man knoweth the things of a man, save the spirit of man which is in him?  even so the things of God knoweth no man, but the Spirit of God.

12 Now we have received, not the spirit of the world, but the spirit which is of God; that we might know the things that are freely given to us of God.

13 Which things also we speak, not in the words which man's wisdom teacheth, but which the Holy Ghost teacheth; comparing spiritual things with spiritual.

14 But the natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God: for they are foolishness unto him: neither can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned.

15 But he that is spiritual judgeth all things, yet he himself is judged of no man.

16 For who hath known the mind of the Lord, that he may instruct him?  But we have the mind of Christ.

MESSAGE:
In the physical realm, sentivity can be viewed from the perspective of a deep feeling of love and compassion for a person, which usually translates to a commesurate level of understanding for the person's needs, leading to appropriate actions being taken in that person's insterest. In the spiritual realm however, sensitivity is a quality of life generated by the Spirit of God. It is the ability to perceive and respond to the call of God or the spiritual demands of the moment. A lack of spiritual sensitivity affects the physical and spiritual wellbeing of God's children and must be avoided at all costs. Beginning from today, your spiritual antennae will begin to receive heavenly signals in the Name of Jesus. Concerning spiritual sensitivity, 1 Corinthians 2:14 says,

“But the natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God: for they are foolishness unto him: neither can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned.”

From this verse, we understand that spiritual sensitivity is a grace that comes from living under the control of the Holy Spirit. Are you spiritually sensitive?

In Isaiah 11:3b, the Holy Spirit painted a picture of our spiritual nature, which is fashioned after Christ, saying:

“…and he shall not judge after the sight of his eyes, neither reprove after the hearing of his ears:”

Our Lord Jesus Christ manifested this nature in John 4:17-19 and in several other passages of the gospels. Because we are fashioned after Him, we ought to walk as He walked. Spiritual sensitivity was Jesus' lifestyle, and so, any Christian that is not spiritually sensitive will not walk in the reality of the abundant life that he or she possesses. Without spiritual sensitivity, a person is bound to depend on suspicion, natural intelligence, educational awareness and natural senses. These are all deficient in receiving the things of God. Without spiritual sensitivity, Abraham would have missed his blessing and the opportunity to save Lot and his family from destruction (Genesis 18:1-33), Samson's parents would have missed a wonderful chance of a lifetime (Judges 13:3-25), and the great Prophet Samuel would have anointed the wrong person as king over Israel (1 Samuel 16:4-13). When decisions are made based on physical evidence alone, no matter how incontrovertible the evidence may seem, there is still always the possibility of miscarriage of justice. This has wrongly sent people to prison and even death. I pray that your spiritual sensitivity will become sharpened today in Jesus Name.

PRAYER POINT:
Father, I want to be vibrant for You; please set me on fire for You today in Jesus’ Name.

BIBLE IN ONE YEAR: 1 Samuel 26-28, James 3:13-4:17.

AUTHOR: PASTOR E. A. ADEBOYE

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!