Monthly Archives: January 2018

OPEN HEAVENS DEVOTIONAL: THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 1ST 2018- DON’T WASTE GOD’S GRACE

Memorise: “We then, as workers together with him, beseech you also that ye receive not the grace of God in vain.” 2 Corinthians 6:1
Read: Genesis 6:1-8
1 And it came to pass, when men began to multiply on the face of the earth, and daughters were born unto them,
2 That the sons of God saw the daughters of men that they were fair; and they took them wives of all which they chose.
3 And the LORD said, My spirit shall not always strive with man, for that he also is flesh: yet his days shall be an hundred and twenty years.
4 There were giants in the earth in those days; and also after that, when the sons of God came in unto the daughters of men, and they bare children to them, the same became mighty men which were of old, men of renown.
5 And GOD saw that the wickedness of man was great in the earth, and that every imagination of the thoughts of his heart was only evil continually.
6 And it repented the LORD that he had made man on the earth, and it grieved him at his heart.
7 And the LORD said, I will destroy man whom I have created from the face of the earth; both man, and beast, and the creeping thing, and the fowls of the air; for it repenteth me that I have made them.
8 But Noah found grace in the eyes of the LORD.
Bible in One Year: Exodus 20-21, Romans 7

AS REVEALED BY PASTOR E.A ADEBOYE IN TODAY’S DEVOTIONAL

1. “For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God;” Romans 3:23
2. When you consider the implication of the above verse of scripture, and compare it with the way God related with Noah in today’s Bible text, you will understand that Noah’s story is a classical example of the grace of God at work in someone’s life.
3. To help you realize the enormity of God’s grace and what it can do for you, consider that at the time when the entire world was condemned to destruction by divine verdict, Noah was spared because he enjoyed divine grace. Genesis 6:7-8 says: “And the LORD said, I will destroy man whom I have created from the face of the earth; both man, and beast, and the creeping thing, and the fowls of the air; for it repenteth me that I have made them. But Noah found grace in the eyes of the LORD.”
4. Having understood the enormity of God’s grace, the wise at heart will earnestly seek to be blessed by it. As the grace of God spoke for Noah, I pray that it will speak for you at the point of your inadequacies in Jesus’s Name.
5. Without God’s grace, no man can escape His judgement. This special grace of God is personified in Jesus Christ, God’s own Son (Titus 2:11).
6. He is calling everyone today to come and partake of God’s benevolent grace in the form of the salvation He makes available for all mankind.
7. Have you partaken of the grace of God available in Jesus Christ? If you haven’t what are you waiting for? Today is the day of salvation; remember that tomorrow may be too late (2 Corinthians 6:2).
8. If you have received God’s grace in Jesus Christ, please don’t take it for granted.
9. Our memory verse implores us not to receive the grace of God in vain. Noah did not waste God’s grace upon his life. He promptly acted on God’s instructions by building the ark according to His specifications(Genesis 6:13-22).
10. Are you living your Chrisitan life according to divine specifications, or are you living as if your own heaven will be different from that of the early disciples?
11. If you reject God’s grace after hearing that it is available for you, or you end up missing heaven, you would have wasted this great grace. What a great waste that would be!
12. I pray that this will not be your story in Jesus’ Name.

SHORT REFLECTION BY THE LIGHT POINTERS

“Grace and peace be multiplied unto you through the knowledge of God, and of Jesus our Lord, According as his divine power hath given unto us all things that pertain unto life and godliness, through the knowledge of him that hath called us to glory and virtue: Whereby are given unto us exceeding great and precious promises: that by these ye might be partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust.” 2 Peter 1:2‭-‬4 Grace has been made available unto us through the death and resurrection of our Lord Jesus Christ. This is why Hebrews 4:15‭-‬16 says “For we have not an high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin. Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need.” We are daily refreshed as we study the Open Heavens devotional. May God continually increase Pastor E.A Adeboye in Jesus name.

Prayer Point
Father, in any area of my life Your grace is lying fallow or being wasted, open the eyes of my enlightenment to correct it in Jesus’ Name.
HYMN
1. I need Thee every hour, most gracious Lord;
No tender voice like Thine can peace afford.
Chorus:
I need Thee, oh, I need Thee;
Every hour I need Thee;
Oh, bless me now, my Savior,
I come to Thee.
2. I need Thee every hour, stay Thou nearby;
Temptations lose their power when Thou art nigh.
3. I need Thee every hour, in joy or pain;
Come quickly and abide, or life is vain.
4. I need Thee every hour; teach me Thy will;
And Thy rich promises in me fulfill.
5. I need Thee every hour, most Holy One;
Oh, make me Thine indeed, Thou blessed Son.

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OPEN HEAVENS DEVOTIONAL: WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 31ST 2018- ONE WITH GOD IS MAJORITY

Memorise: “What shall we then say to these things? If God be for us, who can be against us?” Romans 8:31
Read: 2 Kings 6:11-17
11 Therefore the heart of the king of Syria was sore troubled for this thing; and he called his servants, and said unto them, Will ye not shew me which of us is for the king of Israel?
12 And one of his servants said, None, my lord, O king: but Elisha, the prophet that is in Israel, telleth the king of Israel the words that thou speakest in thy bedchamber.
13 And he said, Go and spy where he is, that I may send and fetch him. And it was told him, saying, Behold, he is in Dothan.
14 Therefore sent he thither horses, and chariots, and a great host: and they came by night, and compassed the city about.
15 And when the servant of the man of God was risen early, and gone forth, behold, an host compassed the city both with horses and chariots. And his servant said unto him, Alas, my master! how shall we do?
16 And he answered, Fear not: for they that be with us are more than they that be with them.
17 And Elisha prayed, and said, LORD, I pray thee, open his eyes, that he may see. And the LORD opened the eyes of the young man; and he saw: and, behold, the mountain was full of horses and chariots of fire round about Elisha.
Bible in One Year: Exodus 17-19, Romans 6

AS REVEALED BY PASTOR E.A ADEBOYE IN TODAY’S DEVOTIONAL

1. “There is no king saved by the multitude of an host: a mighty man is not delivered by much strength.” Psalm 33:16
2. Our God is the Lord of Hosts; He specialises in using a minority who put their trust in Him to perform great feats.
3. To a user of this Devotional: with God alone on your side, you will overcome that battle that has besieged your life. Don’t let your heart be troubled you are on top of that situation in the mighty Name of Jesus. In today’s memory verse, the Holy Spirit is confidently assuring us that as long as God is for us, nobody can be against us.
4. Through His word that cannot fail, the Almighty God further assures us of victory in Isaiah 54:17, saying “No weapon that is formed against thee shall prosper; and every tongue that shall rise against thee in judgment thou shalt condemn. This is the heritage of the servants of the LORD, and their righteousness is of me, saith the LORD.”
5. The most interesting part of this assurance is that victory is predicated on God’s righteousness and not ours. The devil, who is the accuser of the brethren, therefore has no say in this matter.
6. Our Bible text confirms the statement that says, “One with God is majority”. When the servant of Elisha saw the chariots and horses of the ungrateful king of Syria, whose general had previously been healed of leprosy, coming to attack his master, his heart melted. But the man of God in 2 Kings 6:16 declared to him thus: “…Fear not: for they that be with us are more than they that be with them.”
7. Wherever God is, legions of angelic hosts are present, and so when God is with you, His innumerable company of angelic hosts are also with you. This is the reason why a child of God cannot afford to either leave the presence of God or engage in things that would make God forsake him or her. My prayer for you is that you will not do anything that would make the Lord forsake you in Jesus’ Name.
8. The only way to make God your ally is to come to Jesus Christ with a humble heart of total submission to His will.
9. He is inviting you today to a life of victory and rest (Matthew 11:28).
10. Please come to Him and make Him the Lord of your life today.

SHORT REFLECTION BY THE LIGHT POINTERS

The Lord is a man of war: the Lord is his name. Exodus 15:3 Anyone that encounters the help of God in battle doesn’t need to lift a finger in such battle. This is because He is the Lord of Host. If only we obey, stay away from sin and stand firm in His love, then it doesn’t matter the number of people who are against us. May God give us victory on every side in Jesus name. God bless Pastor E.A Adeboye and renew h strength daily in Jesus name.

Prayer Point
Father, please come to my aid as I confront the battles of life that are before me. Please don’t leave me alone to be at the mercy of the enemies that seem stronger than me.
HYMN
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.Whenlife’s swift race is run,
Death’s cold work almost done
Be near to me.
Blest Saviour, then in love,
Fear and distrust remove;
Oh, bear me safe above,
A ransomed soul!

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OPEN HEAVENS DEVOTIONAL: TUESDAY, JANUARY 30TH 2018- A GODLY ROLE MODEL?

Memorise: “Be ye followers of me, even as I also am of Christ.” 1 Corinthians 11:1
Read: Philippians 3:7-14
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: Exodus 15-16, Romans 5

AS REVEALED BY PASTOR E.A ADEBOYE IN TODAY’S DEVOTIONAL

1. A role model is one who influences others to be like him or her.
2. While there are godly role models, there are also ungodly ones who influence their followers to make choices that will lead them to the pit of hell.
3. Today, we are reflecting on godly role models, and the Lord is asking you this question: “Are you a godly role model?”
4. Apostle Paul was so sure of himself and his position in Christ that he was bold enough to challenge those within his sphere of influence to imitate him as he himself imitated the Lord Jesus Christ (1 Corinthians 11:1).
5. From our Bible text today, we can learn some things about Apostle Paul which mirror the principles and life of our Lord Jesus Christ. The first of these is a lifestyle of godliness. Paul said that all he was after in life is the prize of the high calling of God in Christ.
6. Secondly, to learn how to please God, he wanted to know more about Christ, including the power of His resurrection, what it meant to share in His sufferings and how to be like Him in death.
7. Thirdly, he was relentless, not only in keeping himself pure but also in labouring for the harvest of lost souls.
8. Fourthly, for the greatness of knowing the Lord Jesus Christ, he forsook all his worldly achievements and followed after Christ.
9. This attitude mirrors the life of his Master, who left His glory in heaven and take up the image of a servant on earth. He humbled Himself so much that He even laid down His life for all mankind (Philippians 2:5-8). This lesson should challenge the Body of Christ in these end-times.
10. I have observed that some pastors are not so mindful of where members of their congregation will end the Christian race. This is evident in the type of sermon they preach: messages that play on human emotions and nothing more. Concerning such pastors, Apostle Paul has this to say: “Brethren, be followers together of me, and mark them which walk so as ye have us for an ensample. (For many walk, of whom I have told you often, and now tell you even weeping, that they are the enemies of the cross of Christ: Whose end is destruction, whose God is their belly, and whose glory is in their shame, who mind earthly things.)” Philippians 3:17-19
11. What a role model of the Christian faith we have in Apostle Paul! You will be wise to have such a godly driven personality as an influence in your life.

SHORT REFLECTION BY THE LIGHT POINTERS

We are ambassadors of Christ here on earth. As a believer the world should see Christ in us and everything we do and this should draw men to Christ. Matthew 5:16 says “Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.” May God continually uphold and strengthen Pastor E.A Adeboye in Jesus name.

Action Point
In your private study, examine the life of Paul and pray that God will give you the grace to manifest the virtues you desire in his life.
HYMN
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.

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OPEN HEAVENS DEVOTIONAL: MONDAY, JANUARY 29TH 2018- OPERATING UNDER PRESSURE?

Memorise: “Lay hands suddenly on no man, neither be partaker of other men’s sins: keep thyself pure.” 1 Timothy 5:22
Read: 1 Samuel 15:20-24
20 And Saul said unto Samuel, Yea, I have obeyed the voice of the LORD, and have gone the way which the LORD sent me, and have brought Agag the king of Amalek, and have utterly destroyed the Amalekites.
21 But the people took of the spoil, sheep and oxen, the chief of the things which should have been utterly destroyed, to sacrifice unto the LORD thy God in Gilgal.
22 And Samuel said, Hath the LORD as great delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices, as in obeying the voice of the LORD? Behold, to obey is better than sacrifice, and to hearken than the fat of rams.
23 For rebellion is as the sin of witchcraft, and stubbornness is as iniquity and idolatry. Because thou hast rejected the word of the LORD, he hath also rejected thee from being king.
24 And Saul said unto Samuel, I have sinned: for I have transgressed the commandment of the LORD, and thy words: because I feared the people, and obeyed their voice.
Bible in One Year: Exodus 13-14, Romans 4

AS REVEALED BY PASTOR E.A ADEBOYE IN TODAY’S DEVOTIONAL

1. One of the tactics of the devil to bring down God’s people is to orchestrate situations that will put them under pressure, and then he attacks while they are vulnerable. He does this because he knows that operating under pressure can result in costly mistakes.
2. In today’s memory verse, we can identify some dangers of operating under pressure. One of these is that operating under pressure can make a person an accomplice to an evil deed.
3. For instance, in the name of charitable acts, you may be pressurised to unknowingly harbour stolen goods. As a pastor, the devil can quote scriptures to you out of context and thereby pressurise and intimidate you into officiating the marriage of a divorcee to another person, thereby causing you to partake in another man’s sin.
4. Another danger of operating under pressure is that the scars resulting from errors committed while acting unwisely often leave indelible marks on the victim’s life.
5. King Saul is a classical example of someone who let himself fall into the trap of operating under pressure. As the first king of Israel, he was more concerned about the opinion of people than God’s opinion of him. Contrary to the instructions God gave him concerning the battle against the Amalekites, he spared not only the king but also the fatted cows and sheep. He took the spoils of a battle he did not actually fight. Some ministers of God have also fallen into this trap today. After they have been used by God to perform special miracles, they run after financial gratification like Gehazi did (2 Kings 5:20-27).
6. Have your parents or society placed you under pressure to marry? Be very careful so that you don’t regret your actions later. I have this word for someone today: God will make everything beautiful for you in His own time (Ecclesiastes 3:1). At God’s own appointed time, that partner will emerge from the throne of grace and you will have a home comparable to heaven on earth.
7. Is it employment that you seek and the personnel manager demands that you go out with him before you can get the job? Say NO to such advances! Don’t let the pressure of unemployment drag you into prostitution or drug trafficking.
8. Are your parents-in-law saying you should come over to the village to offer sacrifice to ancestral spirits so that you can have your baby? You must not cave in to such pressures. Let the Bible be your guide. Refuse to find alternative to Jehovah El-Shaddai.
9. May the word of God remain a lamp to your feet and a light to your path in Jesus’ Name.

SHORT REFLECTION BY THE LIGHT POINTERS

Sin and disobedience exposes believers to devil’s afflictions. It also deprives such believer of God’s help. May we never be afflicted by the devil in Jesus name. “Behold, the Lord’s hand is not shortened, that it cannot save; neither his ear heavy, that it cannot hear: But your iniquities have separated between you and your God, and your sins have hid his face from you, that he will not hear. For your hands are defiled with blood, and your fingers with iniquity; your lips have spoken lies, your tongue hath muttered perverseness.” Isaiah 59:1‭-‬3 We are daily refreshed as we study the Open Heavens devotional. May God continually increase Pastor E.A Adeboye in Jesus name.

Prayer Point
Father, grant me grace not to buckle under pressure, and help me to triumph like Your Son triumphed against the devil in the wilderness.
HYMN
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.

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OPEN HEAVENS DEVOTIONAL: SUNDAY, JANUARY 28TH 2018- EVIL COMMUNICATION

Memorise: “Be not deceived: evil communications corrupt good manners.” 1 Corinthians 15:33
Read: Proverbs 1:10-19
10 My son, if sinners entice thee, consent thou not.
11 If they say, Come with us, let us lay wait for blood, let us lurk privily for the innocent without cause:
12 Let us swallow them up alive as the grave; and whole, as those that go down into the pit:
13 We shall find all precious substance, we shall fill our houses with spoil:
14 Cast in thy lot among us; let us all have one purse:
15 My son, walk not thou in the way with them; refrain thy foot from their path:
16 For their feet run to evil, and make haste to shed blood.
17 Surely in vain the net is spread in the sight of any bird.
18 And they lay wait for their own blood; they lurk privily for their own lives.
19 So are the ways of every one that is greedy of gain; which taketh away the life of the owners thereof.
Bible in One Year: Exodus 11-12, Romans 3:9-31

AS REVEALED BY PASTOR E.A ADEBOYE IN TODAY’S DEVOTIONAL

1. In today’s memory verse, the wisdom of God warns us that evil communication corrupts good manners.
2. A wise person would take this divine warning seriously in order to escape the corrupting influence that associating with evil people will have on his or her good manners.
3. Some people have allowed overconfidence to destroy their lives through careless and even deadly associations.
4. Some young people with bright and promising futures, sent to school to prepare them for fulfilled adult lives, have been derailed through evil associations with destiny destroyers like secret cults, sex-for-hire rings, partying and clubbing friends, drinking, smoking and gambling pals.
5. Our Bible text warns us against the enticement of sinners. The revelation here is that sinners are capable of enticing us; we must therefore be careful not to fall prey of their enticing antics.
6. One bait sinners use in luring good souls into their fold is the promise of material gain and comfort. In Proverbs 1:13-14, the Holy Spirit warns that sinners will say sweet words like these to entice you: “We shall find all precious substance, we shall fill our houses with spoil: Cast in thy lot among us; let us all have one purse:” But it’s a lie; the target is your soul.
7. There are many channels of evil communication. One avenue is through business partnerships. Children of God should be careful of the type of people they partner with in business. Someone who pays his or her tithe regularly may begin to default after forming a business alliance with someone who does not believe in giving God a tenth of his or her income. Gradually, such children of God would begin to rob God, and consequently, the blessings of Abraham they claim as their portion will begin to elude them until they lose it all.
8. Another channel of evil communication is marriage. In Deuteronomy 7:3-4, the Lord gave the children of Israel this injunction on marriage with those who did not share their faith: “Neither shalt thou make marriages with them; thy daughter thou shalt not give unto his son, nor his daughter shalt thou take unto thy son. For they will turn away thy son from following me, that they may serve other gods: so will the anger of the LORD be kindled against you, and destroy thee suddenly.”
9. This principle also applies to the Body of Christ today. Those who disobey this injunction never have a good story to tell down the line (1 Kings 11:4).
10. I pray that you will not be a victim of evil communication in Jesus’ Name.

SHORT REFLECTION BY THE LIGHT POINTERS

2 Corinthians 6:14‭-‬18 summaries today’s devotional. It says “Be ye not unequally yoked together with unbelievers: for what fellowship hath righteousness with unrighteousness? and what communion hath light with darkness? And what concord hath Christ with Belial? or what part hath he that believeth with an infidel? And what agreement hath the temple of God with idols? for ye are the temple of the living God; as God hath said, I will dwell in them, and walk in them; and I will be their God, and they shall be my people. Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean thing; and I will receive you, And will be a Father unto you, and ye shall be my sons and daughters, saith the Lord Almighty.” God be praised for Pastor E.A Adeboye in Jesus name.

Action Point
Examine the lives of those you associate with, determine those who are a negative influence on you and break off from them.
HYMN
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.

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OPEN HEAVENS DEVOTIONAL: SATURDAY, JANUARY 27TH 2018- FRUIT OF THE SPIRIT V

Memorise: “But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you;” Matthew 5:44
Read: Acts 7:54-60
54 When they heard these things, they were cut to the heart, and they gnashed on him with their teeth.
55 But he, being full of the Holy Ghost, looked up stedfastly into heaven, and saw the glory of God, and Jesus standing on the right hand of God,
56 And said, Behold, I see the heavens opened, and the Son of man standing on the right hand of God.
57 Then they cried out with a loud voice, and stopped their ears, and ran upon him with one accord,
58 And cast him out of the city, and stoned him: and the witnesses laid down their clothes at a young man’s feet, whose name was Saul.
59 And they stoned Stephen, calling upon God, and saying, Lord Jesus, receive my spirit.
60 And he kneeled down, and cried with a loud voice, Lord, lay not this sin to their charge. And when he had said this, he fell asleep.
Bible in One Year: Exodus 9-10, Romans 2:12-3:8

AS REVEALED BY PASTOR E.A ADEBOYE IN TODAY’S DEVOTIONAL

1. To conclude our reflection on the fruit of the Spirit, we shall today be considering temperance.
2. To be temperate is to have self-control.
3. Temperance enables you to remain cool, calm and collected in the midst of dire situations.
4. Through the manifestation of temperance, you will save yourself the pain of hasty and rash pronouncements that you will later regret.
5. Temperance will restrain you from overreacting in situations that could make you lose your integrity.
6. It takes the restraint of the Holy Spirit to turn the other cheek to those who despitefully use you (Luke 6:29).
7. To better understand temperance, just picture Stephen in excruciating pain and about to die, praying for God’s mercy on those who stoned him to death. This is the hallmark of a life full of the Holy Spirit (Acts 7:55).
8. The Lord Jesus Christ also manifested this nature on the cross of Calvary (Luke 23:34). When He was arrested and tried, it was temperance that enabled Him to restrain Himself from putting up a defence.
7. There would have been no redemption if Jesus Christ had defended Himself. Matthew 27:13-14 says, “Then said Pilate unto him, Hearest thou not how many things they witness against thee? And he answered him to never a word; insomuch that the governor marvelled greatly.”
8. I reckon that in the course of His trial, the Holy Spirit would have continually brought to His remembrance what was written concerning Him in Isaiah 53:7-8.
9. When you cultivate a relationship with the Holy Spirit, whenever you are faced with a situation of conflict, in order to restrain you, the Holy Spirit will remind you of who you are and where you are going.
10. He will also put words in your mouth if there is a need for you to respond. This is how His nature of temperance is manifested in our character.
11. As we conclude our study on the fruit of the Spirit, you need to be reminded that walking in the Spirit is the process that brings about the manifestation of the fruit of the Spirit in us.
12. The Holy Spirit is a Person and not a force, and so He will not compel you to fellowship with Him, even though He resides inside you.
13. You need to yield yourself to Him and cultivate His friendship for His fruit to manifest in your life. Here is the key to walking in the Spirit, from Amos 3:3 “Can two walk together, except they be agreed?”
14. Your life needs to be in agreement with His principles for you to walk with Him. He is the Promise of the Father, and He is willing to abide with you if you will make your life habitable for Him.

SHORT REFLECTION BY THE LIGHT POINTERS

Blessed be the Lord for another awesome topic about the Fruit of the Spirit. Temperance will restrain you from overreacting in situations that could make you lose your integrity. 
It’s unfortunate that many believers are only connected and allow the Spirit of God  during church service or when among brethren but outside they can’t control their arrogance and pride. Such exhibitions is lack of temperance and not walking in the Spirit. No wonder Apostle says “If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit.” Galatians‬ ‭5:25‬. We bless God for Pastor E.A Adeboye and pray for him to be equipped for greater works in Jesus name.

Action Point
Take out time to sing to the Holy Spirit, and tell Him how much you appreciate His ministry in your life.
HYMN
1. I Need Thee every hour,
Most gracious Lord;
No tender voice like Thine
Can peace afford.
Chorus:
I need Thee, Oh, I need Thee,
Every hour I need Thee;
Oh bless me now, my Saviour;
I come to Thee.
2. I need Thee every hour;
Stay Thou near by;
Temptations lose their pow’r
When Thou art nigh.
3. I need Thee every hour,
In joy or pain;
Come quickly and abide,
Or life is vain.
4. I need Thee every hour;
Teach me Thy will,
And Thy rich promises
In me fulfil.
5. I need Thee every hour,
Most Holy One;
O make me Thine indeed,
Thou blessed Son.

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OPEN HEAVENS DEVOTIONAL: FRIDAY, JANUARY 26TH 2018- FRUIT OF THE SPIRIT IV

Memorise: “But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him.” Hebrews 11:6
Read: 1 Corinthians 2:9-14
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.
Bible in One Year: Exodus 7-8, Romans 1:18-2:11

AS REVEALED BY PASTOR E.A ADEBOYE IN TODAY’S DEVOTIONAL

1. I trust God that over the past few days of our study on the fruit of the Spirit, your relationship with the Holy Spirit has been revolutionised.
2. Yesterday, we reflected on gentleness and goodness, and today by God’s grace we will reflect on faith and meekness.
3. What is faith? In simple terms, faith is taking God at His word and accepting His verdict in all situations.
4. Let’s consider what the Holy Spirit has to say about faith in Hebrews 11:6: “But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him.”
5. This statement makes faith a fundamental virtue of the Christian life.
6. Our God operates in the realm of the spirit, and so when He speaks, His words come across as foolishness to the natural man (1 Corinthians 2:14).
7. How do you believe something that appears foolish? How can a natural man believe in what the senses cannot comprehend? Well, glory be to God, our Lord knows our frame and understands the limitation of the natural body we inhabit (Psalm 103:13-14). It is for this reason that He sent the Holy Spirit to live within us, thereby empowering us to live above our limitations (Romans 8:11, 26).
8. It takes walking with the Holy Spirit to rise above the senses and operate in the realm of faith.
9. Faith is the nature of the Holy Spirit, and so those who cultivate a relationship with Him are enrolled in the school of faith where their faith is developed to the level where they effortlessly manifest the character of faith (John 14:26).
10. Faith in God opens the doors of possibilities beyond the wildest imagination.
11. What is meekness? When someone has the power to retaliate a wrong done against him or her but decides to let go in the spirit of forgiveness: that is meekness.
12. A commander-in-chief who is insulted and laughs it off with the sincerity it takes to forgive and forget can be said to be meek.
13. This character trait is necessary for peace to reign in the Body of Christ and for her to be one.
14. If Christians manifest this nature and engage in governance, the world would be at peace.
15. The meekness of our Lord Jesus Christ is perfectly described as a signpost for us in Isaiah 53:7: “He was oppressed, and he was afflicted, yet he opened not his mouth: he is brought as a lamb to the slaughter, and as a sheep before her shearers is dumb, so he openeth not his mouth.”
16. May the Lord make you an embodiment of faith and meekness in Jesus’ Name.

SHORT REFLECTION BY THE LIGHT POINTERS

Faith and meekness are 2 powerful fruit of the Spirit as seen in our today’s devotional. Faith is essential for our Christian work and being meek is Christ like. May we be doers of the word in Jesus. God bless and continually strengthen Pastor E.A Adeboye in Jesus name.

Prayer Point
Sweet Holy Spirit, You are my Teacher; teach me to rise above the limitations of my senses into the realms of faith, and help me to operate in Your power with meekness.
HYMN
1. I Need Thee every hour,
Most gracious Lord;
No tender voice like Thine
Can peace afford.
Chorus:
I need Thee, Oh, I need Thee,
Every hour I need Thee;
Oh bless me now, my Saviour;
I come to Thee.
2. I need Thee every hour;
Stay Thou near by;
Temptations lose their pow’r
When Thou art nigh.
3. I need Thee every hour,
In joy or pain;
Come quickly and abide,
Or life is vain.
4. I need Thee every hour;
Teach me Thy will,
And Thy rich promises
In me fulfil.
5. I need Thee every hour,
Most Holy One;
O make me Thine indeed,
Thou blessed Son.

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OPEN HEAVENS DEVOTIONAL: THURSDAY, JANUARY 25TH 2018- FRUIT OF THE SPIRIT III

Memorise: “How God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Ghost and with power: who went about doing good, and healing all that were oppressed of the devil; for God was with him.” Acts 10:38
Read: Luke 22:47-53
47 And while he yet spake, behold a multitude, and he that was called Judas, one of the twelve, went before them, and drew near unto Jesus to kiss him.
48 But Jesus said unto him, Judas, betrayest thou the Son of man with a kiss?
49 When they which were about him saw what would follow, they said unto him, Lord, shall we smite with the sword?
50 And one of them smote the servant of the high priest, and cut off his right ear.
51 And Jesus answered and said, Suffer ye thus far. And he touched his ear, and healed him.
52 Then Jesus said unto the chief priests, and captains of the temple, and the elders, which were come to him, Be ye come out, as against a thief, with swords and staves?
53 When I was daily with you in the temple, ye stretched forth no hands against me: but this is your hour, and the power of darkness.
Bible in One Year: Exodus 4-6, Romans 1:1-17

AS REVEALED BY PASTOR E.A ADEBOYE IN TODAY’S DEVOTIONAL

1. In continuation of our reflection on the fruit of the Spirit, we will be considering the following dimensions of the Holy Spirit’s character: gentleness and goodness.
2. Gentleness is a nature that maintains the appropriate comportment in the face of provocative events.
3. Only the Holy Spirit can help a mortal being behave correctly or appropriately in the face of an event that seems to threaten his or her peace, or which stands in his or her way to actualising a desired goal.
4. In today’s Bible reading, we see the Lord Jesus Christ manifesting this character in the Garden of Gethsemane. In spite of Judas’ betrayal, the sorrow of bearing the burden of sin and the degrading treatment meted out to Him, He still healed the ear of Malchus, servant of the high priest, which Peter had chopped off in His defence.
5. The gravity of the character exhibited here by the Lord becomes more sobering when we realise that He could have asked for more than twelve legions of angels to fight for Him and they would have been granted Him, but He chose not to do this in order to achieve His goal of finishing the work of salvation for mankind (Matthew 26:53-54).
6. Beloved, we need to manifest the nature of gentleness if we will not take laws into our hands.
7. Romans 12:19 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.”
8. The Lord will always fight our battles for us, if only we will allow Him to do it in His own way. “But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you;” – Matthew 5:44
9. How can a man obey these words? How can a person do good to those who hate him or her? The Lord Himself showed us the possibility of obeying this difficult injunction by doing good to those who out of hatred came to arrest and crucify Him.
10. How was He able to do it? Acts 10:38 answers this question; it reveals that the Lord Jesus Christ went about doing good because He had a relationship with the Holy Spirit.
11. The character of goodness is the nature of the Holy Spirit, and only by cultivating a relationship with Him can we manifest this character.
12. If we don’t do good to others, our faith is useless and without meaning (James 2:14-26).
13. I encourage you therefore to be doer of good deeds, because by this your soul-winning efforts will be effective.

SHORT REFLECTION BY THE LIGHT POINTERS

Being like Christ is possible with the help of the Holy Spirit. As many that yield to the leading of the Holy Spirit finds it easy to exhibit gentleness and goodness. May our lives draw many to Christ in Jesus name. We are grateful to God for blessing our generation with Pastor E.A Adeboye. God will continue to be with him in Jesus name.

Prayer Point
Gentle Holy Spirit, I covet your gentle nature. Let this character of Yours manifest in my life and empower to do good deeds to all those around me.
HYMN
1. I Need Thee every hour,
Most gracious Lord;
No tender voice like Thine
Can peace afford.
Chorus:
I need Thee, Oh, I need Thee,
Every hour I need Thee;
Oh bless me now, my Saviour;
I come to Thee.
2. I need Thee every hour;
Stay Thou near by;
Temptations lose their pow’r
When Thou art nigh.
3. I need Thee every hour,
In joy or pain;
Come quickly and abide,
Or life is vain.
4. I need Thee every hour;
Teach me Thy will,
And Thy rich promises
In me fulfil.
5. I need Thee every hour,
Most Holy One;
O make me Thine indeed,
Thou blessed Son.

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OPEN HEAVENS DEVOTIONAL: WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 24Th 2018- FRUIT OF THE SPIRIT II

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: Acts 27:20-36
20 And when neither sun nor stars in many days appeared, and no small tempest lay on us, all hope that we should be saved was then taken away.
21 But after long abstinence Paul stood forth in the midst of them, and said, Sirs, ye should have hearkened unto me, and not have loosed from Crete, and to have gained this harm and loss.
22 And now I exhort you to be of good cheer: for there shall be no loss of any man’s life among you, but of the ship.
23 For there stood by me this night the angel of God, whose I am, and whom I serve,
24 Saying, Fear not, Paul; thou must be brought before Caesar: and, lo, God hath given thee all them that sail with thee.
25 Wherefore, sirs, be of good cheer: for I believe God, that it shall be even as it was told me.
26 Howbeit we must be cast upon a certain island.
27 But when the fourteenth night was come, as we were driven up and down in Adria, about midnight the shipmen deemed that they drew near to some country;
28 And sounded, and found it twenty fathoms: and when they had gone a little further, they sounded again, and found it fifteen fathoms.
29 Then fearing lest we should have fallen upon rocks, they cast four anchors out of the stern, and wished for the day.
30 And as the shipmen were about to flee out of the ship, when they had let down the boat into the sea, under colour as though they would have cast anchors out of the foreship,
31 Paul said to the centurion and to the soldiers, Except these abide in the ship, ye cannot be saved.
32 Then the soldiers cut off the ropes of the boat, and let her fall off.
33 And while the day was coming on, Paul besought them all to take meat, saying, This day is the fourteenth day that ye have tarried and continued fasting, having taken nothing.
34 Wherefore I pray you to take some meat: for this is for your health: for there shall not an hair fall from the head of any of you.
35 And when he had thus spoken, he took bread, and gave thanks to God in presence of them all: and when he had broken it, he began to eat.
36 Then were they all of good cheer, and they also took some meat.
Bible in One Year: Exodus 1-3, Revelation 22

AS REVEALED BY PASTOR E.A ADEBOYE IN TODAY’S DEVOTIONAL

1. Yesterday we established that the manifestation of the fruit of the Spirit in the life of a person is a result of cultivating a relationship with the Holy Spirit, a process which the Bible refers to as walking in the Spirit.
2. We also started taking a closer look at individual character traits that emanate from such a relationship. Together, these character traits form the totality of the character of the Holy Spirit.
3. Today, we will consider the dimensions of this character that enables the Holy Spirit reach out to us as the Comforter: Joy, Peace and Longsuffering.
4. Joy is a nature of gladness in the spirit that is not impacted by external circumstances. How does a person manifest joy in the midst of sorrow and calamity?
5. A person who walks in the Spirit is able to manifest joy because he or she is privy to heaven’s information and is therefore able to see the bigger picture of what God is doing in every situation.
6. Due to his or her relationship with the Holy Spirit, such a person receives secret information from heaven on the true state of things (John 16:13). This was why Paul, even as a prisoner about to be shipwrecked, was able to eat, drink and give thanks in the middle of a storm! The Holy Spirit had already revealed to him what was going to happen, and so he was full of good cheer, unmoved by the external circumstances around him. I pray that from today, you will be filled with joy in the Holy Ghost in Jesus’ Name.
7. Similar to joy, peace is a nature of calmness that reflects a freedom from strife within.
8. To understand peace, just watch a little child sleep. The Lord Jesus Christ manifested this when He was able to sleep in the midst of a raging storm. When He was awoken by the disciples, He was able to extend the nature of peace within Him to the stormy environment around Him (Mark 4:37-39). This is what He expects of us also (John 14:27).
9. You can only manifest the peace of God when you are at peace with the Holy Spirit dwelling in you.
10. You cannot be at peace with the Holy Spirit if you are involved in anything that is contrary to His nature. If you confess that you are saved, yet you are not at peace, examine your ways and motives; there might be some things contrary to the nature of the Holy Spirit hiding somewhere.
11. Longsuffering is a nature built on the hope of a greater glory that lies ahead after enduring sufferings.
12. How does a man hold on to his faith in the midst of adversity? When the Holy Spirit reveals to you the glory that is reserved for you after overcoming hardship, you will manifest a longsuffering nature. This nature continually propelled Paul in the face of adversities (Romans 8:18, 2 Corinthians 11:23-27).
13. How we need the Spirit in these perilous times!

SHORT REFLECTION BY THE LIGHT POINTERS

And I will pray the Father, and he shall give you another Comforter, that he may abide with you for ever; John 14:16 The holy spirit was sent to us to abide with us and with him are the fruit we saw in Galatians 5:22-23. It means that when we welcome him and allow him lead us we shall enjoy all the fruit of the Spirit. May God continually increase Pastor E.A Adeboye on every side in Jesus name.

Prayer Point
Father, let the nature of Your Spirit in joy, peace and longsuffering find expression in my life in Jesus’ Name.
HYMN
1. I Need Thee every hour,
Most gracious Lord;
No tender voice like Thine
Can peace afford.
Chorus:
I need Thee, Oh, I need Thee,
Every hour I need Thee;
Oh bless me now, my Saviour;
I come to Thee.
2. I need Thee every hour;
Stay Thou near by;
Temptations lose their pow’r
When Thou art nigh.
3. I need Thee every hour,
In joy or pain;
Come quickly and abide,
Or life is vain.
4. I need Thee every hour;
Teach me Thy will,
And Thy rich promises
In me fulfil.
5. I need Thee every hour,
Most Holy One;
O make me Thine indeed,
Thou blessed Son.

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OPEN HEAVENS DEVOTIONAL: TUESDAY, JANUARY 23RD 2018- FRUIT OF THE SPIRIT I

Memorise: Love worketh no ill to his neighbour: therefore love is the fulfilling of the law. Romans 13:10
Read: Galatians 5:22-26
22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith,
23 Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law.
24 And they that are Christ’s have crucified the flesh with the affections and lusts.
25 If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit.
26 Let us not be desirous of vain glory, provoking one another, envying one another.
Bible in one year: Genesis 48-50, Revelation 21:9-27

AS REVEALED BY PASTOR E.A ADEBOYE IN TODAY’S DEVOTIONAL

1. Over the next few days, we shall be taking a closer look at the important subject of the fruit of the Spirit.
2. Our Bible text spells out the fruit of the Spirit as these; love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness and temperance. In considering this important subject matter, the keywords to take hold of are “Fruit” and “Spirit”.
3. From these keywords, we understand that the fruit of the Spirit have their origin in the Person of the Holy Spirit. Therefore, a person who has no relationship with the Holy Spirit cannot exhibit the fruit of the Spirit, no matter how hard he or she tries.
4. The good news is, if you have given your life to Christ, the Holy Spirit dwells inside you. This truth is established in Romans 8:9b which says: “Now if any man have not the Spirit of Christ he is none of his.”
5. However, for you to manifest the fruit of the Holy Spirit dwelling inside of you, you need to cultivate a relationship with the Holy Spirit by walking side by side with Him every day. This is the reason why, after outlining the fruit of the Spirit, Paul in Galatians 5:6 wrote, “If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit.”
6. What does it mean to walk in the Spirit?
7. It means interacting with the Holy Spirit like a friend that you can see. It means asking Him what His opinion is before making any move, and yielding to His directions even when they are contrary to yours. It means listening to His voice before wearing that outfit, taking that job or picking that spouse. It means speaking what He suggests to you as the appropriate thing to say to that person. It means keeping quite when He instructs you to shut your mouth. It means giving out what gift that He nudges you to bless that fellow with. It means yielding to His voice when He reminds you to forgive that person who wronged you.
8. When you cultivate such a relationship, the fruit of the Spirit will no longer be a checklist of character traits to be worked on. It will become your nature, effortlessly flowing from within you.
9. Let’s take a closer look at each of the character traits that emanate from walking with the Holy Spirit.
10. Today, we will begin with love. Without the manifestation of love, our confession of faith becomes hypocritical (1st John 3:16-18).
11. To love can be tough and difficult sometimes, and this is why we need to daily ask the Holy Spirit to pour out His love into our hearts (Romans 5:5).
12. We need to demonstrate the God kind of love for the world to know that we are Christ’s disciples indeed.
13. This will motivates them to join us as we journey to heaven with joy unspeakable, full of glory.

SHORT REFLECTION BY THE LIGHT POINTERS

And hope maketh not ashamed; because the love of God is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Ghost which is given unto us. Romans 5:5 With the Holy spirit in us, expressing love to everyone easy. As believers, the world should see Christ’s love in us and through us such that they can’t deny the love. We should open up to the holy spirit for daily direction. May we never grieve the Holyspirit in Jesus name. God bless Pastor E.A Adeboye on every side in Jesus name.

Prayer Point
Precious Holy Spirit, as I walk with You day by day, speak to me, comfort me, teach me, guide me and show me things to come, just like the Lord Jesus Christ said You would. Amen.
HYMN
1. I need Thee every hour,
Most gracious Lord;
No tender voice like Thine
Can peace afford.
Chorus
I need Thee, oh, I need Thee;
Every hour I need Thee;
Oh, bless me now, my Savior!
I come to Thee
2. I need Thee every hour,
Stay Thou nearby;
Temptations lose their power
When Thou art nigh.
3. I need Thee every hour,
In joy or pain;
Come quickly and abide,
Or life is vain.
4. I need Thee every hour,
Teach me Thy will;
And Thy rich promises
In me fulfil.
5. I need Thee every hour
Most Holy One;
Oh, make me Thine Indeed,
Thou blessed Son.

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