Monthly Archives: April 2018

Memorise: The secret of the LORD is with them that fear him; and he will shew them his covenant. Psalm 25:14
 
Read: Daniel 9:1-3, Daniel 9:20-22
1 In the first year of Darius the son of Ahasuerus, of the seed of the Medes, which was made king over the realm of the Chaldeans;
2 In the first year of his reign I Daniel understood by books the number of the years, whereof the word of the Lord came to Jeremiah the prophet, that he would accomplish seventy years in the desolations of Jerusalem.
3 And I set my face unto the Lord God, to seek by prayer and supplications, with fasting, and sackcloth, and ashes:
Daniel 9:20-22
20 And whiles I was speaking, and praying, and confessing my sin and the sin of my people Israel, and presenting my supplication before the Lord my God for the holy mountain of my God;
21 Yea, whiles I was speaking in prayer, even the man Gabriel, whom I had seen in the vision at the beginning, being caused to fly swiftly, touched me about the time of the evening oblation.
22 And he informed me, and talked with me, and said, O Daniel, I am now come forth to give thee skill and understanding.
Bible in one year: 1 Samuel 10-11, Hebrews 10:1-18

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

1. Our Heavenly Father has access to all the secret things of life, and He may choose to share some of these secrets with any of His children.
2. One reason why He does this is to provide information that will help in the fulfillment of our destinies. He also reveals secrets to help us avert pending calamity.
3. Daniel’s experience in today’s Bible reading reveals some of the God-ordained means of accessing hidden secrets that are vital to success in life. In the place of prayer and studying God’s word, Daniel gained access to secrets vital to the liberation of his people, may you receive access to hidden secrets that will accelerate the fulfillment of your destiny today in Jesus’ Name.
4. A lady once visited me in the office to complain about her inability to attract a suitor in marriage, and she was advancing in age. The Lord immediately revealed the source of her problem to me, and I told her to go and announce to her family members including her mother that anyone behind her problem would die within seven days, if the person refused to repent. A few days later, this lady came back to see me with her mother, who angrily demanded to know why I sent her daughter to pass a death sentence on her. I answered her that I did not pass a death sentence on her or anyone else for that matter, but that my Daddy clearly said that anyone behind her daughter’s inability to marry would die within seven days unless he or she chose to repent. This elderly woman then asked her daughter to excuse us for a private discussion. She asked me if what I said was the truth, and I told her in clear terms that this person would surely die within seven days unless he or she put an end to the wickedness against this lady. She then confessed to me that her daughter was the only one taking care of her, and so she was afraid that she would be abandoned if her daughter were to get married, which is why she did not want to let her go. I assured her that she would not be abandoned and that she would in fact enjoy better care and treatment after her daughter got married. She then immediately promised to let her go. A few weeks later, this lady met a suitor and got married thereafter. I decree that God will release hidden secrets that will accelerate the fulfillment of your destiny today in Jesus’ Name.
5. There are two main sources of knowledge: sense and revelation.
6. Many people operate at the level of sensual knowledge and are ignorant of the other. Sensual knowledge is available through formal or informal learning.
7. While sensual knowledge is earthly, revelation knowledge is supernatural and comes only from God.
8. Sensual knowledge is limited, sometimes inaccurate and often leads to uncertainty, but revelation knowledge brings assurance, confidence and peace.
9. Do you have access to revelation knowledge?

SHORT REFLECTION BY THE LIGHT POINTERS

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The knowledge of Christ gives us the grace to know His ability a well as enjoy constant fellowship with Him. We need to constantly study His word so as to know the hidden secrets of God. And this hidden truth shall be made know unto us through the Holy Spirit. We are grateful to God for blessing us with Pastor E.A Adeboye. May God renew his strength in Jesus name.

Prayer Point:
Father, please open my eyes to the secret things that will make a difference in my life, and help me make a difference in my community.
Hymn
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.
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.
There let me see the sight,
An open heaven;
All that Thou sendest me,
In mercy given;
Angels to beckon me
Nearer, my God, to Thee,
Nearer, my God, to Thee,
Nearer to Thee.
Then, with my waking thoughts
Bright with thy praise,
Out of my stony griefs
Bethel I’ll raise,
So by my woes to be
Nearer, my God, to Thee,
Nearer, my God, to Thee,
Nearer to Thee.

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20

Memorise: Take therefore the talent from him, and give it unto him which hath ten talents. Matthew 25:28
Read: Matthew 25:14-28
14 For the kingdom of heaven is as a man travelling into a far country, who called his own servants, and delivered unto them his goods.
15 And unto one he gave five talents, to another two, and to another one; to every man according to his several ability; and straightway took his journey.
16 Then he that had received the five talents went and traded with the same, and made them other five talents.
17 And likewise he that had received two, he also gained other two.
18 But he that had received one went and digged in the earth, and hid his lord’s money.
19 After a long time the lord of those servants cometh, and reckoneth with them.
20 And so he that had received five talents came and brought other five talents, saying, Lord, thou deliveredst unto me five talents: behold, I have gained beside them five talents more.
21 His lord said unto him, Well done, thou good and faithful servant: thou hast been faithful over a few things, I will make thee ruler over many things: enter thou into the joy of thy lord.
22 He also that had received two talents came and said, Lord, thou deliveredst unto me two talents: behold, I have gained two other talents beside them.
23 His lord said unto him, Well done, good and faithful servant; thou hast been faithful over a few things, I will make thee ruler over many things: enter thou into the joy of thy lord.
24 Then he which had received the one talent came and said, Lord, I knew thee that thou art an hard man, reaping where thou hast not sown, and gathering where thou hast not strawed:
25 And I was afraid, and went and hid thy talent in the earth: lo, there thou hast that is thine.
26 His lord answered and said unto him, Thou wicked and slothful servant, thou knewest that I reap where I sowed not, and gather where I have not strawed:
27 Thou oughtest therefore to have put my money to the exchangers, and then at my coming I should have received mine own with usury.
28 Take therefore the talent from him, and give it unto him which hath ten talents.
Bible in one year: 1 Samuel 8-9, Hebrews 9:11-28

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

1. God Almighty has called all of mankind to a life of diligence. After He created Adam, He charged him to keep and diligently dress the beautiful garden He bequeathed to him (Genesis 2:15). The Almighty indeed rewards diligence. In Proverbs 10:4, He enlightens us on the reward that await diligent people:
“He becometh poor that dealeth with a slack hand: but the hand of the diligent maketh rich.”
2. The Lord Jesus Christ further drove home this point with the story of a diligent servant to whom his master had entrusted five talents to trade with. He was so diligent that these talents yielded five more talents. When his master returned to take stock of his activities, he was commended and handsomely rewarded. Matthew 25:21 says:
“His lord said unto him, Well done, thou good and faithful servant: thou hast been faithful over a few things, I will make thee ruler over many things: enter thou into the joy of thy lord.”
3. In this same parable, we also see the direct opposite of diligence and its consequences. The servant with one talent mischievously kept the talent and refused to trade with it. His reward was the loss of his talent and outright rejection from the joy of his lord. On the other hand, the diligent servant who started with five talents gained the talent that was taken away from the indolent servant, and ended up with eleven talents in all.
4. Beloved, laziness, in whatever guise it may come, is not a Christian virtue. Every child of God must be diligent. In Proverbs 6:6-8, the Lord instructs the lazy to learn from the ants, saying:
”Go to the ant, thou sluggard; consider her ways, and be wise: Which having no guide, overseer, or ruler, provideth her meat in the summer, and gathereth her food in the harvest.”
5. As a matter of fact, from Proverbs 6:10-11, we understand that penury is the outcome of laziness:
“Yet a little sleep, a little slumber, a little folding of the hands to sleep: So shall thy poverty come as one that travelleth, and thy want as an armed man.”
6. Proverbs 27:23-27 further highlights the rewards of diligence. The Lord promised to bless the work of your hands, not your idleness. Know for sure that faithful is He who has promised you this, and He will fulfill all He has said if you diligently play your own part (Deuteronomy 28:1-5, Hebrews 10:23).

SHORT REFLECTION BY THE LIGHT POINTERS

One of the bible references from today’s devotional is enough evidence of the rewards of idleness and diligence respectively. “He becometh poor that dealeth with a slack hand: but the hand of the diligent maketh rich” Proverbs 10:4. We have treated diligence severally from daily devotionals from Pastor E.A Adeboye, today is a reminder to us not to be carried away by the things of this world. God still rewards diligence. Are you diligent in your service to God? examine yourself and if guilty, please adjust your ways. God bless Pastor E.A Adeboye.

Prayer Point:
Father, please bless the works o my hands and cause me to prosper in the land of the living.
Hymn
TRUST AND OBEY
1. When we walk with the Lord in the light of His word,
What a glory He shed on our way!
While we do His good will, He abides with us still,
And with all who will trust and obey.
Chorus:
Trust and obey, for there’s no other way
To be happy in Jesus, but to trust and obey.
2. Not a shadow can rise, not a cloud in the skies,
But His smile quickly drives it away;
Not a doubt or a fear, not a sigh or tear,
Can abide while we trust and obey.
3. Not a burden we bear, not a sorrow we share,
But our toil He doth richly repay;
Not a grief or a loss, not a frown or a cross,
But is blessed if we trust and obey.
4. But we never can prove the delights of His love
Until all on the altar we lay;
For the favor He shows, for the joy He bestows,
Are for them who will trust and obey.
5. Then in fellowship we will sit at His feet,
Or we’ll walk by His side in the way;
What He says we will do, where He sends we will go;
Never fear, only trust and obey

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20

Memorise: And the man waxed great, and went forward, and grew until he became very great: Genesis 26:13
 
Read: Genesis 26:1-14
1 And there was a famine in the land, beside the first famine that was in the days of Abraham. And Isaac went unto Abimelech king of the Philistines unto Gerar.
2 And the Lord appeared unto him, and said, Go not down into Egypt; dwell in the land which I shall tell thee of:
3 Sojourn in this land, and I will be with thee, and will bless thee; for unto thee, and unto thy seed, I will give all these countries, and I will perform the oath which I sware unto Abraham thy father;
4 And I will make thy seed to multiply as the stars of heaven, and will give unto thy seed all these countries; and in thy seed shall all the nations of the earth be blessed;
5 Because that Abraham obeyed my voice, and kept my charge, my commandments, my statutes, and my laws.
6 And Isaac dwelt in Gerar:
7 And the men of the place asked him of his wife; and he said, She is my sister: for he feared to say, She is my wife; lest, said he, the men of the place should kill me for Rebekah; because she was fair to look upon.
8 And it came to pass, when he had been there a long time, that Abimelech king of the Philistines looked out at a window, and saw, and, behold, Isaac was sporting with Rebekah his wife.
9 And Abimelech called Isaac, and said, Behold, of a surety she is thy wife; and how saidst thou, She is my sister? And Isaac said unto him, Because I said, Lest I die for her.
10 And Abimelech said, What is this thou hast done unto us? one of the people might lightly have lien with thy wife, and thou shouldest have brought guiltiness upon us.
11 And Abimelech charged all his people, saying, He that toucheth this man or his wife shall surely be put to death.
12 Then Isaac sowed in that land, and received in the same year an hundredfold: and the Lord blessed him.
13 And the man waxed great, and went forward, and grew until he became very great:
14 For he had possession of flocks, and possession of herds, and great store of servants: and the Philistines envied him.
Bible in one year: 1 Samuel 6-7, Hebrews 8:1-9:10
 

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

1. When the Bible says that we should study to show ourselves approved unto God, it means that we should study the successful heroes of faith who have gone ahead of us and learn their ways (2 Timothy 2:15, 1 Corinthians 10:11).
2. A very good example of someone who experienced steady and progressive prosperity is Isaac. If you want to have steady and progressive prosperity like Isaac did, wisdom demands that you learn his ways.
3. How did Isaac manage to become so prosperous in the time of famine, so much so that the king and natives of the land in which he sojourned envied him?
4. The first thing Isaac did to experience steady and progressive prosperity was to enquire of the Lord on where to go during an austere time. Genesis 26:2-6 reveals the outcome of Isaac enquiry. The Lord told him not to move an inch from Gerar. This is a great lesson to all those who plan to prosper by the hand of the Lord. Some people would say to you, “Follow your heart”, but based on God’s command, that is folly. Jeremiah 17:9 says, “The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked: who can know it?”
5. Isaac did not follow his heart; rather he followed God’s command. He stayed in Gerar. Proverbs 3:5-7 also says, “Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths. Be not wise in thine own eyes: fear the LORD, and depart from evil.”
6. What else did Isaac do that earned him steady and progressive prosperity? He sowed in the land (Genesis 26:12).
7. If you don’t engage your hands in something the Lord can multiply, your expectation of steady and progressive prosperity will end in disappointment.
8. The Almighty God knows the appropriate time for whatever a man puts forth his hand to do.
9. It is counterintuitive to sow in the time of famine, but God knew this was the best time for Isaac to cash in on the demand created by scarcity. This is the reason why God is telling you to seek His face before you embark on that project at hand.
10. Isaac prospered progressively because God was in his business. Have you invited God into your business as the Senior Partner? Does God call the shots in your business transactions or you don’t even involve him at all? Do you pay your tithes? Do you give offerings? Do you honour God with your first fruits? Learn from the life of Isaac today.

SHORT REFLECTION BY THE LIGHT POINTERS

Progressive prosperity is of God and it works  for His obedient children who diligently  pay attention to whatever He is saying. The Bible says ““The blessing of the Lord, it maketh rich, and he addeth no sorrow with it.” Proverbs 10:22. God be praised for blessing us with Pastor E.A Adeboye. May he wax stronger in Jesus name.

Prayer Point:
Father, please open my eyes to the opportunities around me, and teach my heart to yeild to the wisdom of Your own timing in Jesus’ Name.
Hymn
When we walk with the Lord in the light of His word,
What a glory He shed on our way!
While we do His good will, He abides with us still,
And with all who will trust and obey.
Chorus:
Trust and obey, for there’s no other way
To be happy in Jesus, but to trust and obey.
Not a shadow can rise, not a cloud in the skies,
But His smile quickly drives it away;
Not a doubt or a fear, not a sigh or tear,
Can abide while we trust and obey.
Not a burden we bear, not a sorrow we share,
But our toil He doth richly repay;
Not a grief or a loss, not a frown or a cross,
But is blessed if we trust and obey.
But we never can prove the delights of His love
Until all on the altar we lay;
For the favor He shows, for the joy He bestows,
Are for them who will trust and obey.
Then in fellowship we will sit at His feet,
Or we’ll walk by His side in the way;
What He says we will do, where He sends we will go;
Never fear, only trust and obey

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20

Memorise: And ye shall be hated of all men for my name’s sake: but he that endureth to the end shall be saved. Matthew 10:22
 
Read: 1 Peter 1:1-9
1 Peter, an apostle of Jesus Christ, to the strangers scattered throughout Pontus, Galatia, Cappadocia, Asia, and Bithynia,
2 Elect according to the foreknowledge of God the Father, through sanctification of the Spirit, unto obedience and sprinkling of the blood of Jesus Christ: Grace unto you, and peace, be multiplied.
3 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, which according to his abundant mercy hath begotten us again unto a lively hope by the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead,
4 To an inheritance incorruptible, and undefiled, and that fadeth not away, reserved in heaven for you,
5 Who are kept by the power of God through faith unto salvation ready to be revealed in the last time.
6 Wherein ye greatly rejoice, though now for a season, if need be, ye are in heaviness through manifold temptations:
7 That the trial of your faith, being much more precious than of gold that perisheth, though it be tried with fire, might be found unto praise and honour and glory at the appearing of Jesus Christ:
8 Whom having not seen, ye love; in whom, though now ye see him not, yet believing, ye rejoice with joy unspeakable and full of glory:
9 Receiving the end of your faith, even the salvation of your souls.
Bible in one year: 1 Samuel 3-5, Hebrews 7
 

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

1. There is a phrase commonly used throughout the whole Bible which should serve as comfort to all Christian pilgrims, particularly when they are passing through situations that are not so pleasant. That phrase it the title of today’s devotional – “it came to pass”. To someone using this devotional today, all your challenges shall pass in Jesus’ Name.
2. The Lord Jesus Christ did not promise us that the Christian walk would be a walk in the park. He actually promised us persecutions and trials as part of the Christians experience (John 16:33, Mark 10:30). He even said in Matthew 10:22 that a time will come when we will be hated of all men. Be aware that this time is fast approaching. As God would have it, longsuffering is part of the fruit of the Spirit, which is made manifest in our lives as we daily walk in the Spirit (Galatians 5:22).
3. Know for sure that from the inception of the Christian faith, believers in Christ have always faced trials of cruel mockings, scourging, imprisonment and even death. Nevertheless, be encouraged by the words of Apostle Peter to some brethren who were also going through trials and persecutions: “Wherein ye greatly rejoice, though now for a season, if need be, ye are in heaviness through manifold temptations: That the trial of your faith, being much more precious than gold that perisheth, though it be tried with fire, might be found unto praise and honour and glory at the appearing of Jesus Christ: ” 1 Peter 1:6-7
4. Just as the trying periods of the heroes of faith who have gone ahead of you “came to pass”, yours also will come to pass.
5. Let your gaze be set on the reward that is ahead of you, which the Holy Spirit spoke in James 1:12, saying: “Blessed is the man that endureth temptation: foe when he is tried, he shall receive the crown of life, which the Lord hath promised to them that love him.”
6. In Revelation 22:12-14, the Lord spoke of the reward we will receive, having endured unpleasant situations in this world.
7. Beloved, the Lover of your soul, Jesus, will soon appear; be of good cheer therefore because all your trials of faith will soon be over, Just make sure you do not deny the faith. Don’t be like Demas who loved this present world and forsook the Lord (2 Timothy 4:10).
8. May the Lord keep you holy till His appearing in Jesus’ Name.

If you ignore everything in today’s devotional, don’t ignore the prayer from Pastor E.A. Adeboye, as he prayed “ To someone using this devotional today, all your challenges shall pass in Jesus’ Name”. Challenges and problems should strengthen the faith of every believer and bring glory to God. Just as the disciples were worried and Jesus said “ “But before all these, they shall lay their hands on you, and persecute you, delivering you up to the synagogues, and into prisons, being brought before kings and rulers for my name’s sake. And it shall turn to you for a testimony.” Luke 21:12-13. Why not consider the promises of God before giving up. May God continually increase and strengthen Pastor E.A Adeboye in Jesus name.

Prayer Point:
Father, please let me not lose sight of the rewards that await me at Your appearing. Please grant unto me the grace to endure to the very end.
HYMN
My faith look up to Thee,
Thou Lamb of Calvary,
Savior divine!
Now hear me while I pray,
Take all my guilt away,
Oh, let me from this day
Be wholly Thine!
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!
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.
When ends life’s transient dream,
When death’s cold, sullen stream shall o’er me roll;
Blest Savior, then in love,
Fear and distrust remove;
Oh, bear me safe above,
A ransomed soul!

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20

Memorise: And all things, whatsoever ye shall ask in prayer, believing, ye shall receive. Matthew 21:22
 
Read: Luke 17:11-19
11 And it came to pass, as he went to Jerusalem, that he passed through the midst of Samaria and Galilee.
12 And as he entered into a certain village, there met him ten men that were lepers, which stood afar off:
13 And they lifted up their voices, and said, Jesus, Master, have mercy on us.
14 And when he saw them, he said unto them, Go shew yourselves unto the priests. And it came to pass, that, as they went, they were cleansed.
15 And one of them, when he saw that he was healed, turned back, and with a loud voice glorified God,
16 And fell down on his face at his feet, giving him thanks: and he was a Samaritan.
17 And Jesus answering said, Were there not ten cleansed? but where are the nine?
18 There are not found that returned to give glory to God, save this stranger.
19 And he said unto him, Arise, go thy way: thy faith hath made thee whole.
Bible in one year: 1 Samuel 1-2, Hebrews 5:11-6:20
 

1. The faith of the ten lepers in today’s Bible text can best be described as practical faith. They cried to Jesus for healing and He told them to go and show themselves to the priests to certify their cleansing. These lepers immediately proceeded as Jesus directed, even though the physical manifestation of their cleansing was not apparent. This is a classical demonstration of faith. Whether they came back to say “thank you” to Jesus or not is another subject of discussion.
2. For you to better understand the practical faith demonstrated by these lepers, you need to read Leviticus chapter 14 which describes the painstaking process of certifying the cleansing of lepers.
3. There are other examples of practical faith which can teach us some vital lessons on faith that works. Take for instance the servants at the wedding in Cana of Galilee (John 2:1-9). These servants were commanded by Jesus Christ to take the water they had put in water pots by themselves to the master of ceremony as wine to be served to guests. The fact that they knew all about the water that was poured into the water pots should have denied them the faith that was needed to receive this miracle of supernatural provision. However, they obeyed because they remembered the instruction of Jesus’ mother when she said to them in John 2:5b: “Whatsoever he saith unto you, do it.”
4. Beloved, do you desire a miracle? You need to demonstrate the practical faith that exalts the Almighty God. The lepers in today’s story went ahead to show themselves to the priests because the Great Healer told them to do so. What is the Lord telling you to do so that you can have your financial breakthrough? Are you doing it? Are you paying your tithes and offering? Are you honouring God with your first fruits and engaging in other forms of continuous giving (Luke 6:38)?
5. The Bible also says that we should pray without ceasing because it is when we ask that we will receive. Obeying such divine instructions as these demonstrated our faith in the God who gave these instructions, and He honours our faith by doing what only He can do in our lives.
6. There are many times the Almighty God would ask me to do things that are very ridiculous by human standards, but I have learnt that unless I keep on doing the ridiculous, there is no way I can experience the miraculous which my knowledge of mathematics can never do for me. This is why I have been living a miraculous life daily, and it shall continue to be so till I see my Master in glory. My prayer is that the practical faith that you need to experience the miraculous will be given to you today in Jesus’ Name.

SHORT REFLECTION BY THE LIGHT POINTERS

Faith is  practical and therefore must be demonstrated by whoever desire miracles from the Almighty God. The Bible says “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 . We can’t get anything from the Almighty without demonstrating our faith regardless of how little it is. You don’t have to see to believe, in the case of the ten lepers, the miracles was not apparent but they acted as instructed by faith. May God bless and equip Pastor E.A Adeboye for greater works in Jesus name.

Key Point:
Doing the ridiculous in obedience to the Lord’s instructions will always yield the miraculous.
Hymn
My faith look up to Thee,
Thou Lamb of Calvary,
Savior divine!
Now hear me while I pray,
Take all my guilt away,
Oh, let me from this day
Be wholly Thine!
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!
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.
When ends life’s transient dream,
When death’s cold, sullen stream shall o’er me roll;
Blest Savior, then in love,
Fear and distrust remove;
Oh, bear me safe above,
A ransomed soul!

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20

Memorise: For he saith, I have heard thee in a time accepted, and in the day of salvation have I succored thee: behold, now is the accepted time; behold, now is the day of salvation. 2 Corinthians 6:2
 
Read: Luke 16:19-26
19 There was a certain rich man, which was clothed in purple and fine linen, and fared sumptuously every day:
20 And there was a certain beggar named Lazarus, which was laid at his gate, full of sores,
21 And desiring to be fed with the crumbs which fell from the rich man’s table: moreover the dogs came and licked his sores.
22 And it came to pass, that the beggar died, and was carried by the angels into Abraham’s bosom: the rich man also died, and was buried;
23 And in hell he lift up his eyes, being in torments, and seeth Abraham afar off, and Lazarus in his bosom.
24 And he cried and said, Father Abraham, have mercy on me, and send Lazarus, that he may dip the tip of his finger in water, and cool my tongue; for I am tormented in this flame.
25 But Abraham said, Son, remember that thou in thy lifetime receivedst thy good things, and likewise Lazarus evil things: but now he is comforted, and thou art tormented.
26 And beside all this, between us and you there is a great gulf fixed: so that they which would pass from hence to you cannot; neither can they pass to us, that would come from thence.
Bible in one year: Ruth 3-4, Hebrews 4:8-5:10
 

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

1. Whether you believe it or not, the verdict of God is irrevocable: all men have sinned and come short of His glory (Romans 3:23).
2. To escape the everlasting punishment that is the consequence of this verdict, there is the need to cry to God for mercy, obtain forgiveness and live a life of righteousness.
3. Some may say, “I want to enjoy my life the way I deem fit; don’t upset me with your message of doom.” May I further announce to you that there is a limited amount of time for you to cry to God for mercy on account of your sins and be heard.
4. The Bible speaks of this limitation in Hebrews 9:27: “And as it is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgement:”
5. Your cry for mercy can only be heard while you are still alive on earth. You can only die once, and immediately after you die you will come face to face with God’s judgement. At this point you can no longer cry for mercy, and there will be no second chances. For this reason, the Lord is warning you today against crying for mercy belatedly.
6. The rich man in today’s Bible text is an example of someone who belatedly cried for mercy. HIs cries came after he had closed his eyes in death. Hear his plea to Abraham in Luke 16:23-24: “And in hell he lift up his eyes, being in torments, and seeth Abraham afar off, and Lazarus in his bosom. And he cried and said, Father Abraham, have mercy on me, and send Lazarus, that he may dip the tip of his finger in water, and cool my tongue; for I am tormented in this flame.”
7. Alas, it was too late. The rich man’s cries could have been heard if they had been expressed while he was still alive, but he ignored the warnings of God sent through His messengers.
8. On the other hand, the publican in Luke 18:9-14 is a good example of someone who cried for mercy while he could still be heard.
9. The cry for mercy of the thief at Jesus’ side on the cross also came just in the nick of time, before he gave up the ghost.
10. Beloved, today’s memory verse if is food for thought that I want you to consider.
11. If you have never asked God to forgive your sins, do it now for the salvation of your soul.
12. I can assure you that it is either you cry for mercy here and obtain salvation, which is timely, or you will cry for mercy in the hereafter, which will be too late.

SHORT REFLECTION BY THE LIGHT POINTERS

One of the key points in today’s devotional  as stated by Pastor E A ADEBOYE is “Your cry for mercy can only be heard while you are still alive on earth”. If we are cognizant of this truth and diligently work out our salvation with fear and trembling, we will never be too proud to quickly cry for mercy when necessary. Let’s not wait until it’s too late and the good thing is that God is full of mercy and ready to forgive. “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” 1 John 1:9 . We are daily refreshed as we study the Open Heavens devotional. May God continually uphold and increase Pastor E.A Adeboye in Jesus name.

Prayer Point:
Father, have mercy on me; please forgive me and help me never to do again those things that will send me to eternal torment.
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 pleas
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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Memorise: Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid. John 14:27
 
Read: Mark 4:35-41
35 And the same day, when the even was come, he saith unto them, Let us pass over unto the other side.
36 And when they had sent away the multitude, they took him even as he was in the ship. And there were also with him other little ships.
37 And there arose a great storm of wind, and the waves beat into the ship, so that it was now full.
38 And he was in the hinder part of the ship, asleep on a pillow: and they awake him, and say unto him, Master, carest thou not that we perish?
39 And he arose, and rebuked the wind, and said unto the sea, Peace, be still. And the wind ceased, and there was a great calm.
40 And he said unto them, Why are ye so fearful? how is it that ye have no faith?
41 And they feared exceedingly, and said one to another, What manner of man is this, that even the wind and the sea obey him?
Bible in one year: Ruth 1-2, Hebrews 3:7-4:7
 

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

1. Life can be very turbulent indeed, but thank God there is a Stiller of Storms, who is the Lord Jesus Christ.
2. The wise will therefore anchor their life on Him (Hebrews 6:19).
3. One truth is that at one point or the other in the course of life, everyone will experience a storm. It is therefore wise to prepare for storms by giving heed to what the word of God teaches about them.
4. Here is what the Stiller of Storms says about storms in Matthew 7:24-25: “Therefore whosoever heareth these sayings of mine, and doeth them, I will liken him unto a wise man, which built his house upon a rock: And the rain descended, and the floods came, and the winds blew, and beat upon that house; and it fell not: for it was founded upon a rock.”
5. In the above verses of Scripture, the Stiller of Storms likens His teachings to the power that stabilises a structure battered by storms. A wise man will therefore take these teachings very seriously.
6. Although the word of God is powerful, for it to work for you, you must be a doer of the word. James 1:22 says’ “But be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving your own selves.”
7. The story in Mark 4:35-41 reveals Jesus Christ as the Stiller of Storms. He was travelling in a ship with disciples when a great storm arose, putting the ship and its occupants in jeopardy.
8. Meanwhile, even in the midst of this storm, Jesus Christ was fast asleep, and the frightened disciples hurriedly woke Him up. When He awoke, He first rebuked the wind and then commanded peace to reign. In obedience to Him, the wind ceased and the Bible reports that there was immediately a great calm (Mark 4:39). After restoring calm, He rebuked His disciples for being fearful and faithless. Hear what the scripture says in Mark 4:41: “And they feared exceedingly, and said one to another, What manner of man is this, that even the wind and the sea obey him?”
9. Beloved, what kind of storm are you currently facing? I am using this opportunity to introduce to you that same Jesus the Stiller of Storms. He can still that storm raging in your life, be it sickness, poverty, failure or disappointment of a great magnitude. Only believe, and you will see the glory of God.
10. I advise you to invite Jesus Christ into your life if you have not done so before. He is eager to still your storms today.

SHORT REFLECTION BY THE LIGHT POINTERS

Good news! We have Stiller of Storms whose power can stabilise every form of storms regardless of its greatness. The only remedy to the storms of life is divine peace and Jesus expressed “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 . With this assurance from the one who is able to deliver from the storms of life, believers should desist from fear and put their trust in Jesus.  May God continually increase Pastor E.A Adeboye in wisdom and strength in Jesus name.

Prayer Point:
Jesus, You are the Stiller of Storms, please still every storm raging in my life today.
Hymn
My faith look up to Thee,
Thou Lamb of Calvary,
Savior divine!
Now hear me while I pray,
Take all my guilt away,
Oh, let me from this day
Be wholly Thine!
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!
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.
When ends life’s transient dream,
When death’s cold, sullen stream shall o’er me roll;
Blest Savior, then in love,
Fear and distrust remove;
Oh, bear me safe above,
A ransomed soul!

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Memorise: And they that use this world, as not abusing it: for the fashion of this world passeth away. I Corinthians 7:31
Read: 1 John 2:15-17
15 Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world. If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him.
16 For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world.
17 And the world passeth away, and the lust thereof: but he that doeth the will of God abideth for ever.
Bible in one year: Judges 20-21, Hebrews 2:5-3:6
 

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

1. Fashion is based on culture, and so people’s taste for fashion differs from one culture to another.
2. Every form of culture and its attendant fashion must be subjected to the light of God’s word because they are all creations of mankind.
3. Today’s memory verse reminds us that the fashion of this world is transient. Consider the fact that most things that were in vogue ten or twenty years ago are no longer desired today, and yet some people shipwrecked their faith while pursuing them.
4. As Christian pilgrims, transient things should not enslave us. Every by-product of culture that is not in alignment with the tenets of God’s word is dangerous and should therefore be avoided.
5. Today’s Bible text warns us against being obsessed with fashion. The Christian life is a life of modesty and we must not lose sight of this for anything. Phillipians 4:5 says, “Let your moderation be known unto all men. The Lord is at hand.”
6. It is unfortunate that some teachers now teach that moderation is relative. They teach that what is moderate to one person based on his or her level of wealth might not be moderate to some other persons. Such teachers and those seduced by their teachings choose to ignore that when the Holy Spirit said we should be apparent to all men and not just to those who belong to our class of wealth.
7. The Holy Spirit also teaches us to be content with whatever we have (Hebrews 13:5).
8. Furthermore, the Lord said we should beware of covetousness, because a person’s life does not depend on the abundance of variety of goods he or she possesses (Luke 12:15).
9. Covetousness enslaves people and drives them into being obsessed with fashion. Thankfully, the cure for this is given in 1 Timothy 6:17-18 which says: “Charge them that are rich in this world, that they be not high minded, nor trust in uncertain riches, but in the living God, who giveth us richly all things to enjoy; That they do good, that they be rich in good works, ready to distribute, willing to communicate;”
10. The good thing about the above admonition is that when you have material possessions and you do good with them by distributing to the needy, there is no way these possessions will intoxicate you to the level of abuse.
11. Sister, what are you doing with a thousand pairs of shoes? They should be distributed to those in need, particularly those of the household of faith.
12. If you are a hoarder of things, or you are enslaved to fashion, godliness with contentment is the panacea prescribed by the Holy Spirit for your deliverance (1 Timothy 6:6-8). Willingly submit yourself to His remedy, and you will be free.

SHORT REFLECTION BY THE LIGHT POINTERS

As believers, we are the ones reigning and shouldn’t be carried away by the reigning things of this world. If we imbibe the habit of contentment we will not be covetous. This in turn will be of great advantage to us. “But godliness with contentment is great gain.” 1 Timothy 6:6 God will continue to uphold and strengthen Pastor E.A Adeboye in Jesus name.

Action Point:
Ask the Lord to deliver you from the enslavement of fashion and give you contentment.
Hymn
On a hill far away stood an old rugged cross,
The emblem of suffering and shame;
And I love that old cross where the dearest and best
For a world of lost sinners was slain.
Chorus:
So I’ll cherish the old rugged cross
Till my trophies at last I lay down;
I will cling to the old rugged cross,
And exchange it someday for a crown.
O that old rugged cross, so despised by the world,
Has a wondrous attraction for me;
For the dear Lamb of God left his glory above
To bear it to dark Calvary.
In that old rugged cross, I stained with blood so divine,
A wondrous beauty I see,
For ‘twas on that old cross Jesus suffered and died,
To pardon and sanctify me.
To that old rugged cross I will ever be true
Its shame and reproach gladly bear;
Then he’ll call me some day to my home far away,
Where his glory forever I’ll share.

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Memorise: In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. John1:1
Read: Hebrews 4:1-12
1 Let us therefore fear, lest, a promise being left us of entering into his rest, any of you should seem to come short of it.
2 For unto us was the gospel preached, as well as unto them: but the word preached did not profit them, not being mixed with faith in them that heard it.
3 For we which have believed do enter into rest, as he said, As I have sworn in my wrath, if they shall enter into my rest: although the works were finished from the foundation of the world.
4 For he spake in a certain place of the seventh day on this wise, And God did rest the seventh day from all his works.
5 And in this place again, If they shall enter into my rest.
6 Seeing therefore it remaineth that some must enter therein, and they to whom it was first preached entered not in because of unbelief:
7 Again, he limiteth a certain day, saying in David, To day, after so long a time; as it is said, To day if ye will hear his voice, harden not your hearts.
8 For if Jesus had given them rest, then would he not afterward have spoken of another day.
9 There remaineth therefore a rest to the people of God.
10 For he that is entered into his rest, he also hath ceased from his own works, as God did from his.
11 Let us labour therefore to enter into that rest, lest any man fall after the same example of unbelief.
12 For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.
Bible in one year: Judges 19, Hebrews 1:1-2:4

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

1. John 1:1 describes Word of God as God Himself. This implies that since God is the Almighty, the Word of God is also Almighty. It is therefore dangerous to trivialize the Word of God. No wonder Psalm 138:2 says, “I will worship toward thy holy temple, and praise thy name for thy lovingkindness and for thy truth: for thou hast magnified thy word above all thy name.”
2. In light of this scripture, and considering the immense power embedded in the Name of Jesus, can you then imagine how powerful the word of God truly is?
3. The power in the word of God was demonstrated at the creation of the world.
4. To therefore understand the power in God’s word, just take a look at the universe around you. The Almighty God spoke the word and the word produced the entire universe. Psalm 148:3-5 says, “Praise ye him, sun and moon: praise him, all ye stars of light. Praise him, ye heavens of heavens, and ye waters that be above the heavens, let them praise the name of the LORD: for the commanded, and they were created.”
5. You may want to ask: what can the word do for me? Well, for one thing, the word can heal you. In Matthew 8:5-13, there is the story of a centurion who begged Jesus Christ to heal his servant, and Jesus agreed to go with him to his house to heal this servant. However, the centurion demonstrated his understanding of the power in the spoken word, particularly that of the Almighty God. In Matthew 8:8 He profoundly said,
“..Lord, I am not worthy that thou shouldest come under my roof: but speak the word only, and my servant shall be healed.”
6. In response to this demonstration of faith in the power of God’s word, Jesus Christ released the word and the required healing occurred. Matthew 8:13 says, “And Jesus said unto the centurion, Go thy way; and as thou hast believed, so be it done unto thee. And his servant was healed in the selfsame hour.”
7. From this example, it is obvious that space and time are not a limitation to the power in God’s word It does not matter where you are or how far gone the situation is; the word of God can touch you right where you are.
8. All you need to do is believe (Mark 9:23). I therefore release the word of God to you today: ”Be healed of every infirmity that ails you now, because the stripes of Jesus have set you free from that infirmity.”
9. Beloved, believe in the power of God’s word today, and it will make you triumph over every situation of life. It is well with you.

SHORT REFLECTION BY THE LIGHT POINTERS

The word of God is potent. It produc result and fulfil what it talks about. John 10:35 says “If he called them gods, unto whom the word of God came, and the scripture cannot be broken;” The word of God can bring to existence and make to stop from existing. God bless and continually strengthen Pastor E.A Adeboye in Jesus name.

Action Point:
Speak the appropriate word of God to that challenge facing you today.
Hymn
Immortal, invisible, God only wise,
In light inaccessible hid from our eyes,
Most blessed, most glorious, the Ancient of Days,
Almighty, victorious, Thy great name we praise
Unresting, unhasting, and silent as light,
Nor wanting, nor wasting, Thou rulest in might;
Thy justice like mountains high soaring above
Thy clouds which are fountains of goodness and love
To all life Thou givest, to both great and small;
In all life Thou livest, the rue life of all;
We blossom and flourish as leaves on the tree,
And wither and perish, but nought changeth Thee.
Great Father of Glory, pure Father of Light.
Thine angels adore Thee, all veiling their sight;
All laud we would render, O help us to see:
‘Tis only the splendor of light hideth Thee.
Immortal, invisible, God only wise,
In light inaccessible hid from our eyes,
Most blessed, most glorious, the Ancient of Days,
Almighty, Victorious, Thy great name we praise

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Memorise: And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil: For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever. Amen. Matthew 6:13
 
Read: Matthew 26:37-41
37 And he took with him Peter and the two sons of Zebedee, and began to be sorrowful and very heavy.
38 Then saith he unto them, My soul is exceeding sorrowful, even unto death: tarry ye here, and watch with me.
39 And he went a little farther, and fell on his face, and prayed, saying, O my Father, if it be possible, let this cup pass from me: nevertheless not as I will, but as thou wilt.
40 And he cometh unto the disciples, and findeth them asleep, and saith unto Peter, What, could ye not watch with me one hour?
41 Watch and pray, that ye enter not into temptation: the spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak.
Bible in one year: Judges 17-18, Philemon

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

1. The name of Jesus is infused with so much power that it can deliver from every form of satanic bondage.
2. The devil’s weapon of choice to lead men into bondage is temptation, but the use of the name of Jesus in the place of prayer is able to deliver from this weapon of the enemy.
3. Since the Lord has given us the go-ahead to pray in His Name for anything we need, deliverance from temptation falls under the category of things we can ask for, and we will surely be delivered if we do (John 14:14). Confirming this truth, our Lord Jesus Christ taught the disciples to pray against temptation (Matthew 6:9-13).
4. Furthermore, at the Garden of Gethsemane, our Lord instructed His three closest disciples to put into practice what He had taught them on prayer in order to overcome temptation. In Matthew 26:41, he said to them, “Watch and pray, that ye enter not into temptation: the spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak.”
5. There are many lessons we can learn from today’s Bible reading, one of which is that temptation is a reality of life.
6. The tempter has been at work right from the Garden of Eden and he has not retired. Another lesson is that the tempter and his temptations are no respecters of any person; they did not even spare Jesus Christ. the Bible in Luke 4:1-2 says “And Jesus being full of the Holy Ghost returned from Jordan, and was led by the Spirit into the wilderness, Being forty days tempted of the devil.”
7. It is noteworthy that although Jesus Christ was full of the Holy Ghost, the devil still tempted Him. Thank God He defeated the tempter! I pray that you will not be overcome by the tempter in Jesus’ Name.
8. Every believer in Christ should therefore take the Lord’s injunction to watch and pray against temptations very seriously.
9. We can overcome temptation if we would pray against it in the Name of Jesus.
10. We must be prepared to shield ourselves against the wiles of the tempter.
11. Ordinary church members, workers, ministers and pastors are all targets of the tempter. Learn from the experience of the disciples.
12. Shortly after Jesus Christ instructed them to watch and pray, temptation indeed came. Unfortunately, they were all asleep, and they could not resist the urge to run away after their Master was arrested. One of the only two disciples who managed to follow closely behind even denied the Master (John 18:15-17).
13. I pray that the Lord will give you victory over any temptation that come your way in Jesus’ Name.

SHORT REFLECTION BY THE LIGHT POINTERS

There are somethings we cannot conquer by our might but by God’s help. One of such is victory over the devil and his wiles. We need to abide in Christ and with Him in us, we can conquer and be victorious in all temptation. The Lord will strengthen our feeble knees in Jesus name. God be praised for Pastor E.A Adeboye in Jesus name. May he wax stronger in Jesus name.

Prayer Point:
Father, please shield me from the arrows of temptation and deliver me from all forms of evil
Hymn
I have decided 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.
Though none go with me, still I will follow;
Though none go with me, still I will follow;
Though none go with me, still I will follow;
No turning back, no turning back.
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.
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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