Monthly Archives: February 2018

Memorise: And she shall bring forth a son, and thou shalt call his name JESUS: for he shall save his people from their sins. Matthew 1:21
Read: Mark 16:15-18
15 And he said unto them, Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature.
16 He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be damned.
17 And these signs shall follow them that believe; In my name shall they cast out devils; they shall speak with new tongues;
18 They shall take up serpents; and if they drink any deadly thing, it shall not hurt them; they shall lay hands on the sick, and they shall recover.
Bible in one year: Leviticus 15-16, 1 Corinthians 6:12-7:16

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

1. Prior to the birth of our Lord Jesus Christ, God placed a high value on the Name to be given to His only begotten Son, so much so that He sent an angel to signify what His name should be (Matthew 1:21). There is absolutely nothing that the Name of Jesus Christ cannot accomplish for whosoever believes in Him. This Name cannot be ignored by the devil or any of his fallen angels.
2. Why is this Name so powerful? It is because God has bestowed astonishing power, privilege, authority and honour on that Name (Phillipians 2:9-11). Above all else this Name breaks the power of sin. Acts 10:43 says:“To him give all the prophets witness, that through his name whosoever believeth in him shall receive remission of sins.”
3. One amazing truth about this Name is that all its accomplishments are to the glory of God the Father, and for this reason, the Father will not spare anyone who despises it. Of course, the Name carries the authority of its Owner, and is capable of doing whatever its Owner can do. Just as your signature can take millions of money out of the bank without you necessarily being there, so also can the Name of Jesus perform the feasts that Jesus Christ performed, but only when all the necessary conditions for its use met by the user. Some of these conditions are spelt out in today’s Bible text.
4. Demons are cast out by the Name of Jesus Christ. You may not appreciate this function of His Name until your eyes of understanding are opened to the diabolical and destructive activities of demons in the lives of people. This Name also empowers us to lay hands on the sick for healing. One of the greatest weapons of torment in the hands of the devil is sickness, but through faith in the use of this Name, sicknesses and disease are vanquished.
5. A woman who was demonically attacked with a terrible cough was brought to one of our church programmes. A simple prayer was said for her in the Name of Jesus Christ and she was healed. The agent of the devil who inflicted her with this infirmity wondered how she got healed, because the one who prepared the charm for her said the sickness had no cure. The liberated lady told her adversary that she got her healing in the church. The wicked woman then begged her ex-victim to take her to Jesus where she confessed her sins and became a child of God as well.
6. The Name of Jesus indeed brings healing (Acts 3:1-16). Peter in Acts 3:16 testified thus about thus Name: “And his name through faith in his name hath made this man strong, whom ye see and know.”
This Name will also work wonders in your life; if you just believe, you will see the glory of God.

SHORT REFLECTION BY THE LIGHT POINTERS

“But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name:” John 1:12 Confessing His Lordship gives us the key to sonship. Being son of God creates a relationship that brings liberty. The knowledge of the power in the name of Jesus is not enough, application and usage of the name as and when necessary matters a lot. May God help us in Jesus name. We are grateful to God for blessing us with Pastor E.A Adeboye. May God renew his strength in Jesus name.

Action Point:
Apply the authority in the Name of Jesus to areas of your life that need healing and deliverance.
HYMN
Onward Christian soldiers!
Marching as to war,
With the cross of Jesus
Going on before.
Christ, the royal Master,
Leads against the foe;
Forward into battle,
See, His banners go!
Chorus:
Onward, Christian soldiers!
Marching as to war,
With the cross of Jesus,
Going on before.
At the name of Jesus
Satan’s host doth flee;
On then, Christian soldiers,
On to victory!
Hell’s foundations quiver
At the shout of praise:
Brothers, lift your voices,
Loud your Anthems raise!
Like a mighty army   
Moves the Church of God:
Brothers, we are treading
Where the saints have trod;
We are not divided,
All one Body we-
One in faith and Spirit
One eternally.
Crowns and thrones may perish
Kingdoms rise and wane;
But the Church of Jesus
Constant will remain.
Gates of hell can never
‘Gainst the Church prevail;
We have Christ’s own promise,
Which can never fail.
Onward, then, ye people!
Join our happy throng;
Blend with ours your voices
In the triumph song.
Glory, laud and honor
Unto Christ, the King;
This through countless ages
Men and angels sing.

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20

Memorise: Then Paul answered What mean ye to weep and to break mine heart? For I am ready not to be bound only, but also to die at Jerusalem for the name of the Lord Jesus. Acts 21:13
Read: Acts 21:8-14
8 And the next day we that were of Paul’s company departed, and came unto Caesarea: and we entered into the house of Philip the evangelist, which was one of the seven; and abode with him.
9 And the same man had four daughters, virgins, which did prophesy.
10 And as we tarried there many days, there came down from Judaea a certain prophet, named Agabus.
11 And when he was come unto us, he took Paul’s girdle, and bound his own hands and feet, and said, Thus saith the Holy Ghost, So shall the Jews at Jerusalem bind the man that owneth this girdle, and shall deliver him into the hands of the Gentiles.
12 And when we heard these things, both we, and they of that place, besought him not to go up to Jerusalem.
13 Then Paul answered, What mean ye to weep and to break mine heart? for I am ready not to be bound only, but also to die at Jerusalem for the name of the Lord Jesus.
14 And when he would not be persuaded, we ceased, saying, The will of the Lord be done.
Bible in one year: Leviticus 14, 1st Corinthians 5:1-6:11

1. It is very dangerous for a person to believe in religious falsehood, particularly because the love a person has for what he or she worships can be stronger than death.
2. We can see the negative impact of this manifestation in the proliferation of suicide bombers in the world we live in today. 
3. The unfortunate and sad aspect of this satanic phenomenon is that people engaged in such acts believe that they are dying for God’s cause, but nothing could be further from the truth.
4. No wonder Jesus, in John 4:22, said to the woman at Jacob’s well in Samaria: “Ye worship ye know not what: we know what we worship: for salvation is of the Jews.”
5. One man who knew who he was worshipping and worshipped Him in spirit and truth was Paul. His worship of God was based on his love for Him and his love for fellow men. This is unlike some today, whose worship is based on the hatred of others who do not share their ideology; hence their commitment to bring sorrow, tears and even death to them.
6. A demonstration of the strong love Paul had for God is seen in today’s Bible reading, His determination to please the Master is highly intimidating to those of us living in such times as these. He was determined to pay the supreme price, if that was the will of God for his life. This contrasts with what’s happening in the Church today, where people are still arguing about whether they need to give up the worldly lifestyle they were living before becoming born again.
7. Some people find it difficult to change the content of their wardrobe which contradicts the new life they profess to have embraced.
8. Some so-called Christians do not have the love of Christ that is strong enough to make them abandon their appetite for alcohol and other sinful substances.
9. The commitment some people have for Christ does not take their eyes away from women other than their wives.
10. Unlike such people, Paul refused to back down from proclaiming the Name of Jesus to the world, despite the accurate prophecy concerning the suffering his commitment to the cause of the gospel would bring to him (Acts 21:13).
11. How God would love to have many more Christians like Paul today!
12. Heaven clearly acknowledged and recorded the sacrifices and trials of those who have gone ahead of us in Hebrews 11:36-37: “And others had trial of cruel mockings and scourgings, yea, moreover of bonds and imprisonment: they were stoned, they were sawn asunder, were tempted, were slain with the sword: they wandered about in sheepskins and goatskins; being destitute, afflicted, tormented;”
13. Is your committed to Christ comparable to the commitment shown by them?
14. Examine your commitment to Christ today and determine whether you are worthy of being called His disciples.

Our love for God must be as solid as rock, un negotiable, deep and true. The giver of life and breath in our nostrils deserves our all. He’s got power over death and can raise the dead. No one gives to the Lord and lose. “Then said Jesus unto his disciples, If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me. For whosoever will save his life shall lose it: and whosoever will lose his life for my sake shall find it. For what is a man profited, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul? or what shall a man give in exchange for his soul? For the Son of man shall come in the glory of his Father with his angels; and then he shall reward every man according to his works. Verily I say unto you, There be some standing here, which shall not taste of death, till they see the Son of man coming in his kingdom.” Matthew 16:24‭-‬28. God bless Pastor E.A Adeboye in Jesus name.

Prayer Point
Father, please help me love You, even as YOU love me.
HYMN
Take my life, and let it be
Consecrated, Lord, to Thee;
Take my moments and my days,
Let them flow in ceaseless praise,
Let them flow in ceaseless praise.
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.
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.
Take my sliver and my gold;
Not a mite would I withhold;
Take my intellect, and use
Every power as Thou shalt choose
Every power as Thou shalt choose.
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.
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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20

Memorise: Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that believeth on me, the works that I do shall he do also; and greater works than these shall he do; because I go unto my Father. John 14:12
Read: 2nd Kings 2:9-15
9 And it came to pass, when they were gone over, that Elijah said unto Elisha, Ask what I shall do for thee, before I be taken away from thee. And Elisha said, I pray thee, let a double portion of thy spirit be upon me.
10 And he said, Thou hast asked a hard thing: nevertheless, if thou see me when I am taken from thee, it shall be so unto thee; but if not, it shall not be so.
11 And it came to pass, as they still went on, and talked, that, behold, there appeared a chariot of fire, and horses of fire, and parted them both asunder; and Elijah went up by a whirlwind into heaven.
12 And Elisha saw it, and he cried, My father, my father, the chariot of Israel, and the horsemen thereof. And he saw him no more: and he took hold of his own clothes, and rent them in two pieces.
13 He took up also the mantle of Elijah that fell from him, and went back, and stood by the bank of Jordan;
14 And he took the mantle of Elijah that fell from him, and smote the waters, and said, Where is the Lord God of Elijah? and when he also had smitten the waters, they parted hither and thither: and Elisha went over.
15 And when the sons of the prophets which were to view at Jericho saw him, they said, The spirit of Elijah doth rest on Elisha. And they came to meet him, and bowed themselves to the ground before him.
Bible in one year: Leviticus 13, 1st Corinthians 4

1. When Elisha requested for the double portion of Elijah’s anointing, he was simply asking for the ability to do greater works than what his master had done. Here is Elijah’s response to his request: “… Thou hast asked a hard thing: nevertheless, if thou see me when I am taken from thee, it  shall be so unto thee; but if not, it shall not be so.” 2nd Kings 2:10
2. One lesson we should quickly learn from this response is that any child of God asking God for more of His gifts or blessings is actually courting higher responsibilities.
3. Asking for a double portion of Elijah’s spirit required great faith on the part of the upcoming prophet. In the same vein, it requires faith from us to believe that we can do greater things than Christ did.
4. As far as Elisha was concerned, nothing could be allowed to come between him and the anointing for greater works. He therefore keenly watched and followed the footsteps of his master. As they took a walk and talked, a chariot of fire and flaming horses parted them. Elisha beheld this, and he cried out to signify that he saw everything and had met the condition Elijah laid down for him. He tore his clothes and picked up the mantle that fell from Elijah while he was being transported to heaven, signifying that he was ready to change his old garment to a new one for a new life of greater exploits.
5. I have good news for you: someone greater than Elijah is now present with us, and His Name is Jesus Christ, the Son of the Living God. He came to die for our sins and to rescue us from all forms of damnation. The Bible testifies that He went about doing good and healing all that were oppressed of the devil (Acts 10:38).
6. To be able to do what He did and even greater things than He did, you must decide to follow Him all the way, just as Elisha did with Elijah.
7. In order to be intimate with Jesus Christ, doing His bidding is not optional.
8. After Elisha got the double portion of Elijah’s spirit, other sons of the prophets had to acknowledge the beautiful thing that had taken place in his life, and they all bowed to him. A greater experience awaits those who give their lives to Christ, because demons will begin to bow to them. This is just part of the Lord’s promise to us (Mark 16:17-18)
9. What is expected of us, therefore, is to abide in Him and follow His way of life and the ideals He brought from His Father, even if this requires our having to suffer for Him. 1st Peter 2:21 says “For even hereunto were ye called: because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that ye should follow his steps.”

“Ye have not chosen me, but I have chosen you, and ordained you, that ye should go and bring forth fruit, and that your fruit should remain: that whatsoever ye shall ask of the Father in my name, he may give it you.” John 15:16 He chose us to be His a bring forth fruits that will abide. By doing this greater works shall be evident through us. We bless God for Pastor E.A Adeboye and pray that God will continue to uphold him in Jesus name.

Prayer Point
Father, please count me worthy to do greater works than my Master did while on earth, and let Your Name be glorified through me.
HYMN
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
I need Thee every hour,
Stay Thou nearby;
Temptations lose their power
When Thou art nigh.
I need Thee every hour,
In joy or pain;
Come quickly and abide,
Or life is vain.
I need Thee every hour,
Teach me Thy will;
And Thy rich promises
In me fulfil.
I need Thee every hour
Most Holy One;
Oh, make me Thine Indeed,
Thou blessed Son.

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20

Memorise: For even in Thessalonica ye sent once and again unto my necessity. Philippians 4:16
Read: 2nd Samuel 23:8-23
8 These be the names of the mighty men whom David had: The Tachmonite that sat in the seat, chief among the captains; the same was Adino the Eznite: he lift up his spear against eight hundred, whom he slew at one time.
9 And after him was Eleazar the son of Dodo the Ahohite, one of the three mighty men with David, when they defied the Philistines that were there gathered together to battle, and the men of Israel were gone away:
10 He arose, and smote the Philistines until his hand was weary, and his hand clave unto the sword: and the Lord wrought a great victory that day; and the people returned after him only to spoil.
11 And after him was Shammah the son of Agee the Hararite. And the Philistines were gathered together into a troop, where was a piece of ground full of lentiles: and the people fled from the Philistines.
12 But he stood in the midst of the ground, and defended it, and slew the Philistines: and the Lord wrought a great victory.
13 And three of the thirty chief went down, and came to David in the harvest time unto the cave of Adullam: and the troop of the Philistines pitched in the valley of Rephaim.
14 And David was then in an hold, and the garrison of the Philistines was then in Bethlehem.
15 And David longed, and said, Oh that one would give me drink of the water of the well of Bethlehem, which is by the gate!
16 And the three mighty men brake through the host of the Philistines, and drew water out of the well of Bethlehem, that was by the gate, and took it, and brought it to David: nevertheless he would not drink thereof, but poured it out unto the Lord.
17 And he said, Be it far from me, O Lord, that I should do this: is not this the blood of the men that went in jeopardy of their lives? therefore he would not drink it. These things did these three mighty men.
18 And Abishai, the brother of Joab, the son of Zeruiah, was chief among three. And he lifted up his spear against three hundred, and slew them, and had the name among three.
19 Was he not most honourable of three? therefore he was their captain: howbeit he attained not unto the first three.
20 And Benaiah the son of Jehoiada, the son of a valiant man, of Kabzeel, who had done many acts, he slew two lionlike men of Moab: he went down also and slew a lion in the midst of a pit in time of snow:
21 And he slew an Egyptian, a goodly man: and the Egyptian had a spear in his hand; but he went down to him with a staff, and plucked the spear out of the Egyptian’s hand, and slew him with his own spear.
22 These things did Benaiah the son of Jehoiada, and had the name among three mighty men.
23 He was more honourable than the thirty, but he attained not to the first three. And David set him over his guard.
Bible in one year: Leviticus 10-12, 1st Corinthians 3

1. Everybody needs at least one destiny helper in his or her life time. In spite of the amount of wealth you may think you have, it is a grievous mistake to ever think you can be a lone ranger.
2. Our Lord Jesus Christ came to accomplish the work of redemption, and yet He needed destiny helpers. Here is what the Bible says concerning Him in Mark 3:14; “And he ordained twelve, that they should be with him, and that he might send them forth to preach.”
3. It is equally amazing to discover that even mighty angels requires help in carrying out their assignments (Daniel 10:12-13).  
4. In our text today, a roll call of David’s destiny helpers is given. Even though David was a mighty man of valour, his destiny would have been truncated time and again, but for the intervention of these destiny helpers, especially when opposition, persecution and even death stared him in the face. Read what the Scripture says about the impact made by one of his destiny helpers in 2nd Samuel 21:15-17: “Moreover the Philistines had yet war again with Israel; and David went down, and his servants with him, and fought against the Philistines: and David waxed faint. And Ishbidenob, which was of the sons of the giant, the weight of whose spear weighed three hundred shekels of brass in weight he being grided with a new sword, thought, to have slain David. But Abishai the son of Zeruiah succoured him, and smote the Philistine, and killed him. Then the men of David sware unto him, saying, Thou shalt go no more out with us to battle, that thou quench not the light of Israel.”
5. Just like David, Apostle Paul also had several destiny helpers, even though he was highly anointed. He made reference to one of such helpers in today’s memory verse.
6. You must never think of living life as a lone ranger.
7. Destiny helpers are those who assist you in accomplishing your God-given assignment in life. They hold up your hands when you are weary and cover up your inadequacies when you are weak.
8. One common character with which you can recognise destiny helpers is their unflinching love towards the one they are meant to help. Against all odds, they are always there to help.
9. Think about those you consider to be your destiny helpers; as they really destiny helpers or destiny destroyers?
10. You must seek God’s face to provide appropriate destiny helpers for your life, and you must appreciate them as God’s gift and encourage them.
11. Note that all of David’s destiny helpers became generals in his army when he became settled on the throne: don’t use and dump your destiny helpers.

your destiny helpers.

Destiny helpers are hand lifters, burden carriers and all time companion fashioned by God for such purpose. It is important to ask God for such helpers at certain point in life. One helper can do the work of a thousand men. May we never lack helpers in Jesus name. God be praised for Pastor E.A Adeboye and we pray that God will give him strength on every side in Jesus name.

Prayer Point
Father, Please send me my destiny helpers today. Grant them grace to help me accomplish my assignment, and make them unrelenting in helping me fulfil my destiny in life.
HYMN
O God, our help in ages past,
Our hope for years to come,
Our shelter from the stormy blast,
And our eternal home.
Under the shadow of Thy throne
Thy saints have dwelt secure;
Sufficient is Thine arm alone,
And our defence is sure
Before the hills in order stood,
Or earth receive her frame,
From everlasting Thou art God,
To endless years the same.
A thousand ages in Thy sight
Are like an evening gone;
Short as the watch that ends the
night
Before the rising sun.
Time, like an ever-rolling stream,
Bears all its sons away
They fly forgotten, as a dream
Dies at the opening day.
O God. Our help in ages past,
Our hope for years to come,
Be Thou our guard while life
Shall last,
And our external home.

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20

Memorise: And when he is come, he will reprove the world of sin, and of righteousness, and of judgment. John 16:8
Read: John 16:7-11
7 Nevertheless I tell you the truth; It is expedient for you that I go away: for if I go not away, the Comforter will not come unto you; but if I depart, I will send him unto you.
8 And when he is come, he will reprove the world of sin, and of righteousness, and of judgment:
9 Of sin, because they believe not on me;
10 Of righteousness, because I go to my Father, and ye see me no more;
11 Of judgment, because the prince of this world is judged.
Bible in one year: Leviticus 8-9, 1st Corinthians 2

1. Looking at the title of today’s study, you may begin to wonder how a person can prosecute a case and be compassionate at the same time. This is ironic because a prosecutor is expected to press the case for the law to have its full course.
2. Who then is this persecutor who manages to indict and show compassion all at once? The Lord Jesus Christ answers this question in today’s memory verse. The person He refers to is the Holy Spirit.
3. Based on this revelation of the Lord, let us consider the three-pronged strategy by which the Holy Spirit carries out His assignment of prosecuting the world.
4. Note first of all that it is compassion that motivates the Holy Spirit to prosecute the world while there is still time to make amends. A time will come when the whole world will stand before the throne of Christ to be judge of all their works (2nd Corinthians 5:10). There will be no excuses permitted on that day, because the Compassionate Prosecutor would have already given each man a dress rehearsal of what will happen in heaven’s court.
5. The first of the Holy Spirit’s three-pronged strategy is to make the world aware of the destructive nature of sin and cause each and everyone to run away from it. This is why those who preach the gospel must allow the Holy Spirit to use them to read the “riot act” to their audiences and not shy away from the reality of the pending doom that awaits those who will not believe in or accept the Holy Saviour of mankind.
6. The early disciples allowed the Holy Spirit to do this work through them and a sample of the result is glaring in Acts 2:37: “Now when they heard this, they were pricked in their heart, and said unto Peter and to the rest of the apostles, Men and brethren, what shall we do?
7. The second arm of His strategy is to make the world see the need to be upright in heart, and the need to be in right standing with the righteous God through the Mediator of the new covenant, Jesus Christ.
8. Thirdly, the Holy Spirit works to make the world aware of the judgement and punishment that awaits the devil and his cohorts. He does this so that men may be wary of listening to the devil and avoid being condemned along with him. The Compassionate Prosecutor speaks truth to all those who will listen and be free from the eternal consequences of God’s judgement (John 16:12, John 8:32).
9. How friendly are you with the Holy Spirit? Do you only love Him because He comforts you in times of distress, or do you still love him when He probes into your life and reproves you?
10. I encourage you to make the Holy Spirit your Senior Partner, Guide, Mentor and Confidant; He will never lead you astray.

Many times as believers, we ignore the Holy Spirit when he reproves, correct or direct us. We pretend that we did not hear him speak to us. This act is terrible. The Holy Spirit is a helper in different ramification and this make us embrace him and his leading at all time. May God continually increase Pastor E.A Adeboye in Jesus name.

Prayer Point
Compassionate Holy Spirit, please strongly reprove the people in my locality of sin, of righteousness and of judgement, and let Your work of conviction have free course in their hearts in Jesus’ Name.
HYMN
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.
For my cleansing this I see
Nothing but the blood of Jesus!
For my pardon this my plea
Nothing but the blood of Jesus!
Nothing can my sin erase
Nothing but the blood of Jesus!
Naught of works, ‘tis all of grace
Nothing but the blood of Jesus!
This is all my hope and peace
Nothing but the blood of Jesus!
This is all my righteousness
Nothing but the blood of Jesus!

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20

Memorise: Because he hath set his love upon me, therefore will I deliver him: I will set him on high, because he hath known my name. Psalm 91:14
Read: Daniel 1:1-8
1 In the third year of the reign of Jehoiakim king of Judah came Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon unto Jerusalem, and besieged it.
2 And the Lord gave Jehoiakim king of Judah into his hand, with part of the vessels of the house of God: which he carried into the land of Shinar to the house of his god; and he brought the vessels into the treasure house of his god.
3 And the king spake unto Ashpenaz the master of his eunuchs, that he should bring certain of the children of Israel, and of the king’s seed, and of the princes;
4 Children in whom was no blemish, but well favoured, and skilful in all wisdom, and cunning in knowledge, and understanding science, and such as had ability in them to stand in the king’s palace, and whom they might teach the learning and the tongue of the Chaldeans.
5 And the king appointed them a daily provision of the king’s meat, and of the wine which he drank: so nourishing them three years, that at the end thereof they might stand before the king.
6 Now among these were of the children of Judah, Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah:
7 Unto whom the prince of the eunuchs gave names: for he gave unto Daniel the name of Belteshazzar; and to Hananiah, of Shadrach; and to Mishael, of Meshach; and to Azariah, of Abednego.
8 But Daniel purposed in his heart that he would not defile himself with the portion of the king’s meat, nor with the wine which he drank: therefore he requested of the prince of the eunuchs that he might not defile himself.
Daniel: 6:18-22
18 Then the king went to his palace, and passed the night fasting: neither were instruments of musick brought before him: and his sleep went from him.
19 Then the king arose very early in the morning, and went in haste unto the den of lions.
20 And when he came to the den, he cried with a lamentable voice unto Daniel: and the king spake and said to Daniel, O Daniel, servant of the living God, is thy God, whom thou servest continually, able to deliver thee from the lions?
21 Then said Daniel unto the king, O king, live for ever.
22 My God hath sent his angel, and hath shut the lions’ mouths, that they have not hurt me: forasmuch as before him innocency was found in me; and also before thee, O king, have I done no hurt.
Bible in one year: Leviticus 6-7, 1st Corinthians 1

1. According to Psalm 91:14, one sure weapon against experiencing destruction and calamity is a life of holiness.
2. Opinions differ on what it means to live a holy life, and to some, such a lifestyle is unattainable. However, with reference to biblical heroes of faith, I have been able to explain what holiness is all about. Holiness simply means obedience to God’s instructions.
3. As long as you obey God’s commands, He sees you as an acceptable carrier of His image and He will love you for that. In John 14:21 and 23b, the Lord Jesus Christ expounded on this truth, saying: “He that hath my commandments, and keepeth them, he it is that loveth me: and he that loveth me shall be loved of my Father, and I will love him, and will manifest myself to him…. If a man love me, he will keep my words: and my Father will love him, and we will come unto him, and make our abode with him.”
4. Every child of God who knows God’s holy nature will also know that before the Trinity would decide to dwell within a person, he or she must be living a consecrated and holy life. In our text for today, we see how Daniel guarded himself against the calamity and destruction that would have terminated his destiny later in life. Daniel 1:8a says “But Daniel purposed in his heart that he would not defile himself with the portion of the king’s meat, nor with the wine which he drank:”
5. Please note that a portion of the king’s meat and some measure of the king’s wine were part of Daniel’s entitlements as an undergraduate in the University of Babylon where he was studying in preparation for service in the king’s court, but he declined having them. Glory to God that Daniel’s modest life of consecration to God paid off for him on the day of calamity when he was thrown into the den of lions. He could testify to his friend, King Darius, in Daniel 6:22, saying: “My God hath sent his angel, and hath shut the lions’ mouths, that they have not hurt me: forasmuch as before him innocency was found in me; and also before thee, O king, have I done no hurt.”
6. Beloved, endeavour to live holy through a modest life of consecration unto God, and you can be sure of divine protection because of God’s love.

“I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service. And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God. For I say, through the grace given unto me, to every man that is among you, not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think; but to think soberly, according as God hath dealt to every man the measure of faith.” Romans 12:1‭-‬3 God bless and equip Pastor E.A Adeboye for greater works in Jesus name.

Prayer Point
Father, please help me to live holy for You and keep me safe in the holiness of your Son, Jesus Christ my Lord.
HYMN
I have decide to follow Jesus;
I have decided to follow Jesus;
I have decided to follow Jesus;
No turning back, no turning back.
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.
Through none go with me, still I
Will follow;
Through none go with me, still I
Will follow;
Through none go with me, still I
Will follow;
No turning back, no turning back.
My cross 1’ll carry, till I see Jesus;
My cross 1’ll carry, till I see Jesus;
My cross 1’ll carry, till I see Jesus;
No turning back, no turning back.
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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Memorise: Take ye heed, watch and pray: for ye know not when the time is. Mark 13:33
Read: 1st Samuel 30:1-6
1 And it came to pass, when David and his men were come to Ziklag on the third day, that the Amalekites had invaded the south, and Ziklag, and smitten Ziklag, and burned it with fire;
2 And had taken the women captives, that were therein: they slew not any, either great or small, but carried them away, and went on their way.
3 So David and his men came to the city, and, behold, it was burned with fire; and their wives, and their sons, and their daughters, were taken captives.
4 Then David and the people that were with him lifted up their voice and wept, until they had no more power to weep.
5 And David’s two wives were taken captives, Ahinoam the Jezreelitess, and Abigail the wife of Nabal the Carmelite.
6 And David was greatly distressed; for the people spake of stoning him, because the soul of all the people was grieved, every man for his sons and for his daughters: but David encouraged himself in the Lord his God.
Bible in one year: Leviticus 4-5, Romans 16

1. I have watched with pity and dismay as many children of God, particularly ministers of God, carelessly fight spiritual battles at the expense of their own lives and family.
2. If you desire to be triumphant in every area of life, you need to pay close attention to what the Lord Jesus Christ told His disciples in today’s memory verse.
3. You need to apply caution and be strategic in all that you do.
4. To see the big picture of the challenges confronting you, you need to watch.
5. To get direction and strength from heaven to help you confront these challenges, you need to pray.
6. In today’s Bible text, we have the story of a careless group of warriors: David and his mighty men of valour. While they went about fighting for survival as mercenaries, they left their own camp unprotected. Before they returned from their raid, their own camp had been raided and burnt, and their wives and children were taken away as captives by the enemy. When they discovered what the enemy had done, these men of war were so distressed that they wept like babies. They didn’t just weep, they wept until they had no more strength to weep. In their grief, they even revolted against their leader, David, and spoke of stoning him to death. However, faced with his volatile situation, David did something worthy of emulation: he encouraged himself in the Lord (1st Samuel 30:6)
7. There are a good number of lessons we can learn from this story; first of which is that you fight the Lord’s battles, even the Lord of Hosts expects to watch your back.
8. Our God does not expect you to be presumptuous.
9. The words of our Lord Jesus Christ concerning counting the cost before building a tower or fighting a foe are pointers to strategic planning in spiritual warfare (Luke 14:28-32).
10. Secondly, there should be division of labour in spiritual warfare. We should not all be at the war front at the same time. All bases must be covered.
11. The early church realised this truth on time, and so the apostles gave themselves to the ministry of the word and prayer while they appointed others to look after the administration of corporate social responsibilities (Acts 6:1-7).
12. Thirdly, persons in leadership positions should always be proactive. David’s proactive move to seek God’s face was what saved the day. He inquired of the Lord on how to go about recovering all that they had lost (1st Samuel 30:7-8). At the end of the day, what they should have done in the first place was what they later did. They learnt that they should always organise themselves into bands with different roles. When they pursed to recover all, not all of them pursued after the raiders, but when they shared the spoils of war, those who waited behind to look after their stuff. The principle did not go down well with some of David’s men who did not understand it (1st Samuel 30:21-24).
13. Indeed, God’s ways are not our ways (Isaiah 55:8)!

Difficult and unclear situation becomes clear and easy when handed over to God. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths. Proverbs 3:6 His strategies results in victory and this is recorded in several accounts in the Bible. Let us learn to receive direction from Him and then we can be sure to fight our battles with wisdom. We bless God for Pastor E.A Adeboye and pray that may he wax stronger in Jesus name.

Key Point
Watch and pray as you engage in spiritual warfare.
HYMN
Onward Christian soldiers!
Marching as to war,
With the cross of Jesus
Going on before.
Christ, the royal Master,
Leads against the foe;
Forward into battle,
See, His banners go!
Chorus:
Onward, Christian soldiers!
Marching as to war,
With the cross of Jesus,
Going on before.
At the name of Jesus
Satan’s host doth flee;
On then, Christian soldiers,
On to victory!
Hell’s foundations quiver
At the shout of praise:
Brothers, lift your voices,
Loud your Anthems raise!
Like a mighty army   
Moves the Church of God:
Brothers, we are treading
Where the saints have trod;
We are not divided,
All one Body we-
One in faith and Spirit
One eternally.
Crowns and thrones may perish
Kingdoms rise and wane;
But the Church of Jesus
Constant will remain.
Gates of hell can never
‘Gainst the Church prevail;
We have Christ’s own promise,
Which can never fail.
Onward, then, ye people!
Join our happy throng;
Blend with ours your voices
In the triumph song.
Glory, laud and honor
Unto Christ, the King;
This through countless ages
Men and angels sing.

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Memorise: And this is the condemnation, that light is come into the world, and men loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil. John 3:19
Read: John 7:1-7
1. After these things Jesus walked in Galilee: for he would not walk in Jewry, because the Jews sought to kill him.
2 Now the Jews’ feast of tabernacles was at hand.
3 His brethren therefore said unto him, Depart hence, and go into Judaea, that thy disciples also may see the works that thou doest.
4 For there is no man that doeth any thing in secret, and he himself seeketh to be known openly. If thou do these things, shew thyself to the world.
5 For neither did his brethren believe in him.
6 Then Jesus said unto them, My time is not yet come: but your time is alway ready.
7 The world cannot hate you; but me it hateth, because I testify of it, that the works thereof are evil.
Bible in One Year: Leviticus 1-3, Romans 15:14-33

1. When the devil was cast out of heaven, he brought spiritual darkness and everything that it represents along with him to the earth. God then created mankind to serve as bearers of light on the earth and gave man a mandate to illuminate the whole world with His glory (Genesis 1:28).
2. Through the fall of man in the Garden of Eden, the devil succeeded in putting out the light of God in man, thereby infusing him with his own darkness (Ephesians 5:8).
3. The devil stole the power over this world which God had given to man, and he now wields it as the power of darkness (Luke 4:6, Luke 22:53). However, those who have received Jesus Christ, the Light of the world, into their lives have been delivered from this power of darkness and have been handed the keys to a kingdom far greater than that which was given to Adam (Colossians 1:13).
4. The presence of darkness in this world is therefore due to spiritual factors, and not physical ones.
5. Although man is not liable for the presence of darkness in this world, he will be held accountable if he chooses to embrace darkness instead of light.
6. Today’s memory verse reveals why mankind embraces darkness, and the consequence of this choice. From this insight, the unimaginable level of atrocities carried out in this world under the cover of darkness should therefore be of no surprise.
7. Jesus Christ is the Light of the world (John 8:12), and He is hated by those who are under the manipulation of the power of darkness.
8. Why do the people of this world hate Jesus Christ, considering the benefits that light brings to mankind? The devil, his cohorts and evil men of this world do not only represent darkness, they are darkness personified.
9. Jesus Christ, being the Light that came purposely not only to expose darkness but also to exterminate it, is therefore bound to be hated. Whoever decides to love Jesus Christ and reflect His light is also bound to be hated.
10. Each of us must choose where we belong: the company of the Light or company of darkness. What is your own choice today?
11. Whichever you choose has its rewards and consequences.
12. I encourage you to embrace Jesus Christ, the Light of the world. Embracing Him means renouncing all hidden works of darkness in your life (1 Corinthians 6:9-10).
13. You need to confess and forsake them as the Holy Spirit convicts you of them all.
14. You will be forgiven and set free from all the consequences associated with them.
15. May God bless you as you take this decision for Christ today.

We are encouraged by our father in the Lord Pastor E.A Adeboye to embrace Jesus Christ the light of the world. It is soothing and pleasant to know that there is an assurance that we will be answered and saved when we do. “For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.” Romans 10:13 May God bless and strengthen Pastor E.A Adeboye in Jesus name.
Action Point
Examine your life, and if there is any work of darkness present, renounce them, seeking prayer and assistance through counseling from any anointed minister of God.
HYMN
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.

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Memorise: I counsel thee to buy of me gold tried in the fire, that thou mayest be rich;  and white raiment, that thou mayest be clothed, and that the shame of thy nakedness do not appear; and anoint thine eyes with eyeslave, that thou mayest see. Revelation 3:18
Read: Luke 13:24-30
24 Strive to enter in at the strait gate: for many, I say unto you, will seek to enter in, and shall not be able.
25 When once the master of the house is risen up, and hath shut to the door, and ye begin to stand without, and to knock at the door, saying, Lord, Lord, open unto us; and he shall answer and say unto you, I know you not whence ye are:
26 Then shall ye begin to say, We have eaten and drunk in thy presence, and thou hast taught in our streets.
27 But he shall say, I tell you, I know you not whence ye are; depart from me, all ye workers of iniquity.
28 There shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth, when ye shall see Abraham, and Isaac, and Jacob, and all the prophets, in the kingdom of God, and you yourselves thrust out.
29 And they shall come from the east, and from the west, and from the north, and from the south, and shall sit down in the kingdom of God.
30 And, behold, there are last which shall be first, and there are first which shall be last.
Bible in one year: Exodus 39-40, Romans 14:13-15:13

1. In plain terms, disappointment is sadness caused by unmet expectations.
2. Although it is disheartening when a person’s expectations are not met, it is much more grievous when the disappointment experienced is of the ultimate or irreversible type. For example, it could be disappointing for someone to miss a train or bus but much more disappointing if the missed train or bus happens to be the last one for the day. It simply means such a fellow is stranded. My prayer for you is that you will not experience what it is to be stranded ultimately in Jesus’ Name.
3. Our Lord Jesus Christ counsels His Church in today’s memory verse to do some things that would prevent us from experiencing the ultimate disappointment. He gave us this counsel because, according to His promise, the Church is eventually expected to be with her Lord in eternity (John 14:1-3). It would therefore be a great disappointment, an ultimate one for that matter, if He returns and what we hear from Him are the words of Luke 13:27b: “I know you not whence ye are; depart from me, all ye workers of iniquity.”
4. This will not be your portion in Jesus’ Name. For this not to be your portion, you must take certain precautions.
5. Firstly, you must strive to enter in through the strait gate. This is not easy adventure, and thankfully, the Lord Jesus Christ has put us on notice about this. He forewarned us that many shall not be able to enter in through this gate because of persecution, the cares of this world, and the deceitfulness of riches (Matthew 13:21-22).
6. The Lord Jesus Christ also said that those who will suffer the ultimate disappointment will be surprised at His verdict on them because their expectation would be to receive His commendation, due to their closeness to the altar of God and the abundance of their activities in Church. Matthew 7:22-23, says, “Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works? And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity.”
7.What a terrible disappointment this would be! In order not to be counted in the number of those who will experience this ultimate disappointment, let us watch and pray, and let us examine ourselves to see if we are actually in the faith.
8. May the Lord grant you understanding in Jesus’ Name.

Nothing is as good and glorious as entering into the joy of the Lord after our work here on earth. “His Lord said unto him, Well done, good and faithful servant; thou hast been faithful over a few things, I will make thee ruler over many things: enter thou into the joy of thy Lord.” Matthew 25:23 It is indeed a big task for every believer to keep our focus on God and eternity in all we do but the glory ahead is worth the sacrifice. May we never receive damnation in Jesus name. We are daily refreshed as we study the Open Heaven devotional. May God bless Pastor E.A Adeboye in Jesus name.

Action Point
Consider the counsel of the Lord in today’s memory verse and yield to the wisdom of His counsel.
HYMN
I have decide to follow Jesus;
I have decided to follow Jesus;
I have decided to follow Jesus;
No turning back, no turning back.
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.
Through none go with me, still I
Will follow;
Through none go with me, still I
Will follow;
Through none go with me, still I
Will follow;
No turning back, no turning back.
My cross 1’ll carry, till I see Jesus;
My cross 1’ll carry, till I see Jesus;
My cross 1’ll carry, till I see Jesus;
No turning back, no turning back.
Will you decide now to follow
Jesus?
Will you decide now to follow
Jesus?
No turning back, no turning back.

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20

Memorise: “And now abideth faith, hope, charity, these three; but the greatest of these is charity.”
1 Corinthians 13:13
Read: Romans 12:9-10
9 Let love be without dissimulation. Abhor that which is evil; cleave to that which is good.
10 Be kindly affectioned one to another with brotherly love; in honour preferring one another;
Bible in One Year: Exodus 37-38, Romans 13:8-14:12

1. In conclusion of our series on what is expected of you now that you are saved, today we shall be reflecting on brotherly kindness and charity as key ingredients of the Christian life (2 Peter 1:7).
2. What is brotherly kindness? Brotherly kindness is benevolence that springs forth from the heart of a Christian, whose nature has been translated from the darkness of sin and is now conformed to the nature of the Lord Jesus Christ.
3. Brotherly kindness is sincere and does not attach any satanic strings to its gesture. This is the type of kindness our Lord Jesus Christ demonstrated when He was here on earth.
4. It was brotherly kindness that made Him teach the word of God to people who were without purpose in life and feed them with bread when He was done teaching (Mark 6:34-37). This type of kindness made Him acquit the woman caught in adultery (John 8:1-11). Not only did He acquit her, He also liberated her from the hold of sin by declaring over her life: “Go and sin no more”.
5. Similar to brotherly kindness is charity. Charity is love: God’s type of love. It is pure, untainted and without ulterior motives.
6. This love is void of partiality. Here is how the Holy Spirit describes it in 1 Corinthians 13:4-7 “Charity suffereth long, and is kind; charity envieth not; charity vaunteth not itself, is not puffed up, Doth not behave itself unseemly, seeketh not her own, is not easily provoked, thinketh no evil; Rejoiceth not in iniquity, but rejoiceth in the truth; Beareth all things, believeth all things, hopeth all things, endureth all things.”.
7. Considering this special type of love, one would agree that it is indeed the greatest of all ingredients required to build the Christian life.
8. There is one aspect of charity that is worthy of note in 1 Corinthians 13:4, which is that it “rejoiceth not in iniquity”.
9. Many misinterpret charity as being tolerant to sin. It should not be so.
10. Believers, especially those put in charge of the flock of the Great Shepherd, should not mistake discipline for wickedness.
11. As a matter of fact, disciplining a member of the flock who errs is a demonstration of God’s love. This is the type of love God demonstrated to Adam and Eve by sending them out of the garden of Eden so that their redemption and that of their descendants would not become impossible (Genesis 3:22-24).
12. Mankind would have lived for ever without the remedy of salvation but for God proactively blocking them from eating from the tree of life, which would have perpetuated their state under the curse of sin eternally.
13. I pray that you will not find yourself in an environment where you will not be corrected in the name of love.

We have been blessed greatly with this topic these past days. I enjoin us to follow the action Point and do the needful. God bless us as we do in Jesus name. We bless God for Pastor E.A Adeboye and we pray that God will give him strength on every side for greater works in Jesus name.

Action Point
Reflect on all we have discussed in the past four days and work on every area where you do not yet measure up to stature of the fullness of Christ.
HYMN
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 a wanderer
The sun gone down,
Darkness comes 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 me see the sight,
An open heaven;
All that thou sendest me,
In mercy given;
Angles to beckon me
Nearer, my God, to Thee
Nearer, my God, to Thee
Nearer to Thee
4. Then, with my walking 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

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