Monthly Archives: May 2018

OPEN HEAVENS DEVOTIONAL: FRIDAY, JUNE 1ST 2018- WHAT ARE YOU LIVING FOR?

Memorise: For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain. Philippians 1:21
 
Read: Esther 4:5-16
5 Then called Esther for Hatach, one of the king’s chamberlains, whom he had appointed to attend upon her, and gave him a commandment to Mordecai, to know what it was, and why it was.
6 So Hatach went forth to Mordecai unto the street of the city, which was before the king’s gate.
7 And Mordecai told him of all that had happened unto him, and of the sum of the money that Haman had promised to pay to the king’s treasuries for the Jews, to destroy them.
8 Also he gave him the copy of the writing of the decree that was given at Shushan to destroy them, to shew it unto Esther, and to declare it unto her, and to charge her that she should go in unto the king, to make supplication unto him, and to make request before him for her people.
9 And Hatach came and told Esther the words of Mordecai.
10 Again Esther spake unto Hatach, and gave him commandment unto Mordecai;
11 All the king’s servants, and the people of the king’s provinces, do know, that whosoever, whether man or women, shall come unto the king into the inner court, who is not called, there is one law of his to put him to death, except such to whom the king shall hold out the golden sceptre, that he may live: but I have not been called to come in unto the king these thirty days.
12 And they told to Mordecai Esther’s words.
13 Then Mordecai commanded to answer Esther, Think not with thyself that thou shalt escape in the king’s house, more than all the Jews.
14 For if thou altogether holdest thy peace at this time, then shall there enlargement and deliverance arise to the Jews from another place; but thou and thy father’s house shall be destroyed: and who knoweth whether thou art come to the kingdom for such a time as this?
15 Then Esther bade them return Mordecai this answer,
16 Go, gather together all the Jews that are present in Shushan, and fast ye for me, and neither eat nor drink three days, night or day: I also and my maidens will fast likewise; and so will I go in unto the king, which is not according to the law: and if I perish, I perish.
Bible in one year: 1 King 11 Acts 4:1-22

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

1. It is important for everyone to know what he or she is living for.
2. When you do not live for something, you will exist for anything – good, bad or ugly.
3. Due to the nature of man, it takes determination to live for good (Ecclesiastes 9:3, Romans 7:21-24).
4. Those who live for God live for good, while those who live for the devil live for evil.
5. In Ecclesiastes 12:13b-14, the Holy Spirit reveals the essence of our living to us when He said: “Fear God, and keep His commandments: for this is the whole duty of man. For God shall bring every work into judgement, with every secret thing, whether it be good, or whether it be evil.” The question today is: What are you living for?
6. Esther 4:5-16 tells the story of a young lady who decided to live for God and His people. She was ready to die if only the will of God would be done in her life through it. Despite the fact that she was a queen, she declared, “If I perish, I perish” (Esther 4:16).
7. In a similar situation, the book of Daniel tells of how three Hebrew boys disobeyed the decree of King Nebuchadnezzar when he wanted to lead them into idolatry. Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego were willing to be thrown into the fiery furnace in order to obey their God (Daniel 3:16-18).
8. Today’s memory verse offers an answer to the question of what we should live for.
9. When we decide to live for Christ, everything will fall into place spiritually, and when we are settled spiritually, other aspects or our lives will receive meaning and fulfillment. This is the reason why our Lord Jesus Christ said in Matthew 6:31-33: “Therefore take no thought, saying, what shall we eat? Or, what shall we drink? Or, wherewithal shall we be clothed? (For after all these things do the Gentiles seek) for your heavenly Father knoweth that ye have need of all these things. But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.”
10. Some people live for the food they will eat, the clothe they will wear, the house they will live in and the car they will ride in, all at the expense of their soul. However, if you hearken diligently to the words of the Lord to seek Him and live for Him, everything else will follow.

SHORT REFLECTION BY THE LIGHT POINTERS

Our purpose in life should be to live for Him. We should live daily for all that is His and we can be sure of living a fulfilled life. This truth dawned on Apostle Paul when he made the declaration in our memory verse for today. May the light of this truth shine in our hearts also in Jesus name. God bless Pastor E.A Adeboye on every side in Jesus name.

SHORT REFLECTION BY THE LIGHT POINTERS


Prayer Point:
Father help me to live completely for You from today in Jesus’ Name
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 silver 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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OPEN HEAVENS DEVOTIONAL: THURSDAY, MAY 31ST 2018- DRY BONES SHALL LIVE AGAIN

Memorise: Jesus said unto her, I am the resurrection and the life: he that believeth in me, though he were dead, yet shall he live: John 11:25
Read: Ezekiel 37:1-10
1 The hand of the Lord was upon me, and carried me out in the spirit of the Lord, and set me down in the midst of the valley which was full of bones,
2 And caused me to pass by them round about: and, behold, there were very many in the open valley; and, lo, they were very dry.
3 And he said unto me, Son of man, can these bones live? And I answered, O Lord God, thou knowest.
4 Again he said unto me, Prophesy upon these bones, and say unto them, O ye dry bones, hear the word of the Lord.
5 Thus saith the Lord God unto these bones; Behold, I will cause breath to enter into you, and ye shall live:
6 And I will lay sinews upon you, and will bring up flesh upon you, and cover you with skin, and put breath in you, and ye shall live; and ye shall know that I am the Lord.
7 So I prophesied as I was commanded: and as I prophesied, there was a noise, and behold a shaking, and the bones came together, bone to his bone.
8 And when I beheld, lo, the sinews and the flesh came up upon them, and the skin covered them above: but there was no breath in them.
9 Then said he unto me, Prophesy unto the wind, prophesy, son of man, and say to the wind, Thus saith the Lord God; Come from the four winds, O breath, and breathe upon these slain, that they may live.
10 So I prophesied as he commanded me, and the breath came into them, and they lived, and stood up upon their feet, an exceeding great army.
Bible in one year: 1 Kings 9-10, Acts 3

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

1. Bones are often associated with dead bodies or with death itself.
2. Dry human bones symbolise a human body that has been dead for an extended period of time: in some cases, for hundreds or thousands of years. By this time, it is impossible for anyone in the right frame of mind to contemplate any means by which such bones will come back to life again. This was the situation in the valley of dry bones when God asked Ezekiel, “Son of man, can these bones live?” Knowing well that it is impossible by any human means for those bones to live, but also being conscious of the fact that he was standing before the One that created the universe by the power of His word, Ezekiel tactically answered by saying “O Lord God, thou knowest.” Then the Lord asked the prophet to prophesy to the bones, and in Ezekiel 37:7, as soon as he prophesied, this happened: “…there was a noise, and behold a shaking, and the bones came together, bone to his bone.” I therefore prophesy to everything that stands as dry bones in your life and to every symbol of death in your family; hear the word of the Lord: Be restored back to life now in the Name of Jesus.
3. In Ezekiel’s vision of dry bones brought back to life by God’s Spirit, the resurrection of the bones is used as a symbol.
4. Ezekiel’s vision is not directly related to life after death, but rather with the salvation of God’s people from captivity and exile.
5. Some people are locked up in a strange land, enjoying the pleasures of sin. Some are addicted to harmful behaviours, burdened by their conscience and far away from the Spirit of God. They are dead like the dry bones! However, as the Spirit of God sends the breath of life into them, their return to their Creator can be likened to new life rising from the grave.
6. To anyone that is in bondage, captivity or exile, to anyone that has been displace from his or her position, to point of no return in life, I decree once again: Let there be a noise and a shaking from heaven that will set you free from now on in Jesus’ Name.
7. The dry bones were sitting quietly in their forgotten state, fully surrendered to the power of death that held them bound. They were without any hope until God told Ezekiel to prophesy to them. One more time, I prophesy that the wind of the Holy Spirit will blow against every agent of death that is holding your life and destiny bound right now in the Name of Jesus.
8. This marks the beginning of real progress in your life, and henceforth you will be unstoppable in Jesus’ Name.

SHORT REFLECTION BY THE LIGHT POINTERS

Our faith is a great key to having dry bones live again. Our Lord Jesus Christ made it clear to us in Mark 9:23 that anything is possible regardless of how bad the situation is if we believe. “Jesus said unto him, If thou canst believe, all things are possible to him that believeth.” Mark 9:23 The ancient of days is our Father and there is nothing He cannot turn around. May we sing a new song as every dry bone in our lives receives life in Jesus name. We are daily refreshed as we study the Open Heavens devotional. May God continually uphold and strengthen Pastor E.A Adeboye in Jesus name.

 
Prayer Point:
Father, please let everything about me that is dead and dry live again by Your grace and power in Jesus’ Name.
Hymn
(Tune: There shall be showers of blessing)
We will soon shout Halleluyah
Because God will do new things
Sinners will soon be forgiven
Prodigals will come home soon.
Chorus:
Shout Halleluyah
Because God will do new things
Rivers in desert now flowing
Halleluyah to our king.
We will soon shout Halleluyah
Because God will do new things
Sickness and sorrow will be gone
Bondage will be forgotten.
We will soon shout Halleluyah
Because God will do new things
The barren will be fruitful soon
Failure will be forgotten.
We will soon shout Halleluyah
Because God will do new things
Poverty will be forgotten
Stagnancy will soon be gone.
We will soon shout Halleluyah
Because God will do new things
To all miracles are given
There shall be celebrations
We will soon shout Halleluyah
Because God will do new things
Many will have testimonies
Of prayers answered fully
We will soon shout Halleluyah
Because God will do new things
One of us will chase a thousand
Two will conquer ten thousands.
We will soon shout Halleluyah
Because God will do new things
Songs of praises we will sing
Halleluyah to our King.

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OPEN HEAVENS DEVOTIONAL: WEDNESDAY, MAY 30TH 2018- MERCY

Memorise: For I desired mercy, and not sacrifice; and the knowledge of God more than burnt offerings. Hosea 6:6
Read: Matthew 18:23-35
23 Therefore is the kingdom of heaven likened unto a certain king, which would take account of his servants.
24 And when he had begun to reckon, one was brought unto him, which owed him ten thousand talents.
25 But forasmuch as he had not to pay, his lord commanded him to be sold, and his wife, and children, and all that he had, and payment to be made.
26 The servant therefore fell down, and worshipped him, saying, Lord, have patience with me, and I will pay thee all.
27 Then the lord of that servant was moved with compassion, and loosed him, and forgave him the debt.
28 But the same servant went out, and found one of his fellowservants, which owed him an hundred pence: and he laid hands on him, and took him by the throat, saying, Pay me that thou owest.
29 And his fellowservant fell down at his feet, and besought him, saying, Have patience with me, and I will pay thee all.
30 And he would not: but went and cast him into prison, till he should pay the debt.
31 So when his fellowservants saw what was done, they were very sorry, and came and told unto their lord all that was done.
32 Then his lord, after that he had called him, said unto him, O thou wicked servant, I forgave thee all that debt, because thou desiredst me:
33 Shouldest not thou also have had compassion on thy fellowservant, even as I had pity on thee?
34 And his lord was wroth, and delivered him to the tormentors, till he should pay all that was due unto him.
35 So likewise shall my heavenly Father do also unto you, if ye from your hearts forgive not every one his brother their trespasses.
Bible in one year: 1 Kings 8, Acts 2:29-47

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

1. Mercy is an attitude of compassion, care and concern, grounded in love and sympathy towards others. It is God’s nature that is fundamental to His creation.
2. As one of God’s attributes, mercy is also a key character He demands from His people.
3. Our compassion towards others as Christians is usually activated by God’s compassion for people.
4. It is expected that those who have received mercy from God would respond to human suffering with much concern and work to ameliorate this suffering.
5. Apostle Paul recognized that his conversion from a life of rebellion against God and his subsequent call to the ministry was a product of God’s mercy. Here is his testimony in 1 Timothy 1:13: “Who was before a blasphemer, and a persecutor, and injurious: but I obtained mercy, because I did it ignorantly in unbelief.”
6. For this reason, he had so much passion to propagate God’s mercy to others through the gospel of reconciliation (2 Corinthians 5:18-20).
7. In today’s Bible reading, a servant who owed ten thousand talents was pardoned by his master, but as soon as he left the presence of his master, he met a fellow servant who owed him a hundred pence. He exacted the full force of his power on this poor fellow servant without mercy, casting him into prison. When this matter got to his master, in Matthew 18:33, his master simply asked him: “Shouldest not thou also have had compassion on thy fellowservant, even as I had pity on thee?” This clearly indicates to us that we are beneficiaries of the great mercy of God so that we also can become dispensers of this same mercy to all those who come in contact with us.
8. Apostle Paul valued his conversion as a product of great mercy, so much so that he spoke about mercy more than any individual in the Bible. His messages, interactions with people and handling of situations were based on the backdrop of God’s mercy.
9. God’s people who are beneficiaries of His great mercy are expected to be channels of divine mercy in the church and in the world. That is the reason why in Jesus’ teaching about the kingdom of God, He presents mercy as a primary characteristic of God’s kind of life and as a demonstration of His sovereignty.
10. The power of love embedded in the message of the gospel speaks of God’s mercy, while transforming the lives of men by destroying the works of the devil demonstrates this mercy.
11. Mercy ultimately leads to hunger for souls and to handling the people of God with tender care.

SHORT REFLECTION BY THE LIGHT POINTERS

If the nature of God is compassionate and mercy and we are truly His children, being merciful in our environments would not be a challenge. Our heart cry should be towards the perishing souls in our neighborhood if we are passionate about them. If you have known Light and you refuse to impact it upon your siblings who are still in darkness it is not good. Let’s pray to God to give us tender heart towards souls. 
God be praised for His son Pastor E A Adeboye in Jesus name.
 

Prayer Point:
Father, please fill my heart with Your tender mercy and a hunger for souls in Jesus’ Name.
Hymn
Wonderful story of love;
Tell it to me again;
Wonderful;
Wonderful story of love;
Wake the immortal of love;
Wake te immortal strain!
Angels with rapture announce it,
Shepherds with wonder receive it;
Sinner, oh, won’t you believe it?
Wonderful story of love.
Chorus:
Wonderful! Wonderful! Wonderful, wonderful story of love.
Wonderful story of love;
Though you are far away;
Wonderful story of love;
Still He doth call today;
Calling from Calvary’s mountain,
Down from the crystal-bright fountain,
E’en from the dawn of creation,
Wonderful story of love.
Wonderful story of love
Jesus provides a rest;
Wonderful story of love;
For all the pure and blest,
Rest in those mansions above us, with those who’ve gone on before us,
Singing the rapturous chorus,
Wonderful story of love.

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OPEN HEAVENS DEVOTIONAL: TUESDAY, MAY 29TH 2018- SOLDIERS OF THE CROSS

Memorise: Thou therefore endure hardness, as a good soldier of Jesus Christ. 2 Timothy 2:3
 
Read: 2 Timothy 2:1-11
1 Thou therefore, my son, be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus.
2 And the things that thou hast heard of me among many witnesses, the same commit thou to faithful men, who shall be able to teach others also.
3 Thou therefore endure hardness, as a good soldier of Jesus Christ.
4 No man that warreth entangleth himself with the affairs of this life; that he may please him who hath chosen him to be a soldier.
5 And if a man also strive for masteries, yet is he not crowned, except he strive lawfully.
6 The husbandman that laboureth must be first partaker of the fruits.
7 Consider what I say; and the Lord give thee understanding in all things.
8 Remember that Jesus Christ of the seed of David was raised from the dead according to my gospel:
9 Wherein I suffer trouble, as an evil doer, even unto bonds; but the word of God is not bound.
10 Therefore I endure all things for the elect’s sakes, that they may also obtain the salvation which is in Christ Jesus with eternal glory.
11 It is a faithful saying: For if we be dead with him, we shall also live with him:
Bible in one year: 1 Kings 7, Acts 2:1-28

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

1. It is important for a child of God to recognize and understand the purpose and the multifaceted life we are called to by God. For this reason, the Holy Spirit reveals to us in 2 Timothy 2:3 that we have been called to be soldiers of Jesus Christ.
2. A soldier does certain things to fulfill his or her vocation. Enduring hardness, shunning worldly pleasures and distractions, and keeping to the rules of military service are some of the basic characteristics expected of a soldier.
3. Soldiers are also required to fight to defend the territorial integrity of their country from external attacks. In addition, they are to engage in warfare to expand the territory of their commander-in-chief, monarch or emperor.
4. As it is in the physical so it is in the spiritual. The comportment of a soldier is that of discipline, and a Christian soldier should be even more disciplined. This will help him or her to endure hardness, which means learning to be full and also to be empty as the situation demands (Phillipians 4:12).
5. If a soldier of the cross is not disciplined enough to endure hardness, he or she will end up like Esau, who sold his birthright for a plate of pottage (Hebrews 12:16).
6. Our Lord Jesus laid down a good example for us to follow in this regard when He refused to turn stone into bread even though He was hungry (Luke 4:3-4).
7. A soldier of Jesus Christ avoids any distraction that would take his or her focus away from the way of the cross he or she is fighting to defend. Materialism is not a problem for a true soldier of Jesus Christ who has learnt to be modest. Concerning this, our Commander-in-chief in Luke 12:15 said this to us: “….Take heed, and beware of covetousness: for a man’s life consisteth not in the abundance of the things which he posseseth.”
8. Just as soldiers fight to defend the territorial integrity of the kingdom of their king, a soldier of Jesus Christ fights against sin, which destroys mankind and God’s created world, by preaching the gospel. He or she preaches the love of God so that men may embrace it and live a good life that will impact the lives of others positively.
9. Soldiers of Jesus Christ do not only fight to defend, they also attack the opposing kingdom of the devil. They do this by proclaiming the word of God, which is alive and powerful, against the workers of iniquity.
10. While putting on the whole armour of God, soldiers of Christ also exercise their divinely given authority in the place of prayer. They have no time for frivolities because they are always watchful.
11. Beloved, are you numbered among the soldiers of Jesus Christ? Are you thriving in spite of the challenges of the call to fight against unrighteousness? May the Lord see you through to the very end in Jesus’ name.

SHORT REFLECTION BY THE LIGHT POINTERS

One of the characteristics of a true soldier of Christ is discipline. It is very important for every believer to always remember their main assignment on earth and not allow vain pleasures of this age to distract them from the purpose of God. One of the key words from today’s devotional is “prayer”. Hence, diligence in the place of prayer equip and empowers soldiers of Christ to be able to devastate the kingdom of darkness. Moreover, righteousness is also key as the Bible says “The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much.”James‬ ‭5:16‬b. God be praised for His son Pastor E.A Adeboye.

 
Prayer Point:
Father, please uphold me to the very end, deliver me from all forms of worldly entanglement and grant me grace to please You all the way.
Hymn
Stand up! Stand up for Jesus!
Ye soldiers of the cross;
Lift high His royal banner,
It must not suffer loss:
From vict’ry unto vict’ry
His army shall He lead,
Till every foe is vanquished
And Christ is Lord indeed.
Stand up! Stand up for Jesus!
The rumpet call obey;
Forth to the mighty conflict
In this His glorious day.
Ye that are men, now serve Him
Against unnumbered foes;
Let courage rise with danger.
And strength to strength oppose.
Stand up! Stand up for Jesus!
Stand in His strength alone;
The arm of flesh will fail you;
Ye dare not trust your won
Put on the Gospel armor,
And, watching unto prayer,
Where duty calls, or danger,
Be never wanting there.
Stand up! Stand up for Jesus!
The strife will not be long:
This day the noise of battle,
The next the victor’s song;
To him that overcometh
A crown of life shall be;
He, with the King of glory,
Shall reign eternally.

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OPEN HEAVENS DEVOTIONAL: MONDAY, MAY 28TH 2018- GRACE II

Memorise: For the law was given by Moses, but grace and truth came by Jesus Christ. John 1:17
 
Read: Romans 3:20-25
20 Therefore by the deeds of the law there shall no flesh be justified in his sight: for by the law is the knowledge of sin.
21 But now the righteousness of God without the law is manifested, being witnessed by the law and the prophets;
22 Even the righteousness of God which is by faith of Jesus Christ unto all and upon all them that believe: for there is no difference:
23 For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God;
24 Being justified freely by his grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus:
25 Whom God hath set forth to be a propitiation through faith in his blood, to declare his righteousness for the remission of sins that are past, through the forbearance of God;
Bible in one year: 1 Kings 5-6, Acts 1

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

1. Grace is God’s character by which He shows Himself as being compassionate, loving, merciful, accepting and generous to all of mankind.
2. God’s grace shields sinful mankind from His wrath, grants them forgiveness and bestows on them His righteousness so that they can live and grow up in faith and obedience to Him.
3. Grace and mercy are particularly expressed through God’s covenant with His chosen people and through Jesus Christ’s atoning death on the cross.
4. Throughout the Bible, the notion of grace is abundantly present even where the word is not mentioned. Whenever Jesus brought healing to the sick and deliverance to the oppressed, divine grace was on display. The grace of God is especially expressed through salvation from sin, offered by Jesus to all of mankind.
5. Speaking about Jesus as the embodiment of God’s grace, Titus 2:11 says, “For the grace of God that bringeth salvation hath appeared to all men,” Jesus vividly explained the notion of grace through the parables of the prodigal son and the tax collector who was justified after praying for God’s mercy as a sinner (Luke 15:11-32, Luke 18:9-14).
6. Grace is a core part of the message of the Christian faith, and hence the message of the gospel is repeatedly labelled the “gospel of the grace of God” (Acts 14:3, Acts 20:24). “And the grace of our Lord was exceeding abundant with faith and love which is in Christ Jesus.” 1 Timothy 1:14
7. It is important to note that divine grace is a gift of God, and it is abundant enough to secure forgiveness and redemption for anyone who is dead in sin, raising them up and making them sit together in heavenly places in Christ Jesus (Ephesians 2:5-6).
8. This abundant grace also opens the door to healing from all kinds of sicknesses, and it delivers from captivity, oppression and all kinds of demonic powers. Furthermore, it is able to break down the strongholds of the devil and produce transformation in lives.
9. It is equally important to note that this abundant grace, though undeserved, is available for free! No one can ever meet the requirements or fulfil the conditions necessary for accessing the benefits that God’s grace gives. The least you can do is to thank God for it. Ephesians 2:8-9 says, “For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast.”
10. The saving grace of Jesus Christ is available to all human beings without exception; do not reject or ignore it, but rather accept it with thanksgiving and your life will never be the same again. Amen!

SHORT REFLECTION BY THE LIGHT POINTERS

“It is important to note that divine grace is a gift of God, and it is abundant enough to secure forgiveness and redemption for anyone who is dead in sin, raising them up and making them sit together in heavenly places in Christ Jesus (Ephesians 2:5-6).” This grace however is not to be abused but we should rather take advantage of it to lead glorious and peaceable life and also be blessings to others thereby extending God’s grace and love to them. We are daily refreshed as we study the Open Heavens devotional. May God empower Pastor E.A Adeboye for greater works in Jesus name.
 

Action Point:
Thank God for the work His redeeming grace has done in your life, recounting them to Him
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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OPEN HEAVENS DEVOTIONAL: SUNDAY, MAY 27TH 2018- GRACE I

Memorise: Surely he scorneth the scorners: but he giveth grace unto the lowly. Proverbs 3:34
 
Read: Genesis 6:1-8
1 And it came to pass, when men began to multiply on the face of the earth, and daughters were born unto them,
2 That the sons of God saw the daughters of men that they were fair; and they took them wives of all which they chose.
3 And the Lord said, My spirit shall not always strive with man, for that he also is flesh: yet his days shall be an hundred and twenty years.
4 There were giants in the earth in those days; and also after that, when the sons of God came in unto the daughters of men, and they bare children to them, the same became mighty men which were of old, men of renown.
5 And God saw that the wickedness of man was great in the earth, and that every imagination of the thoughts of his heart was only evil continually.
6 And it repented the Lord that he had made man on the earth, and it grieved him at his heart.
7 And the Lord said, I will destroy man whom I have created from the face of the earth; both man, and beast, and the creeping thing, and the fowls of the air; for it repenteth me that I have made them.
8 But Noah found grace in the eyes of the Lord.
Bible in one year: 1 kings 3-4, Jude 1

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

1. Grace is commonly used in the Bible to describe the demonstration of God’s goodwill towards mankind, embodied in the person of our Lord Jesus Christ, and the effects of that goodwill on human lives.
2. Throughout the Bible, God showed Himself gracious in His dealings with mankind.
3. In the Old Testament, the grace of God is spoken of in relation to three overlapping terms, which are goodness, love and mercy.
4. Each time the word ‘grace’ is used in the Bible, it connotes God’s goodness, love and mercy towards humanity. I pray that God will be gracious to you, and that you will continue to enjoy His grace throughout your life in Jesus’ Name.
5. God’s grace was responsible for Noah’s appointment into the special assignment that led to his entire family surviving the flood (Genesis 6:8). However, Psalm 145:9 says: “The LORD is good to all: an his tender mercies are over all his works.”
6. Although the application of God’s grace can be selective like in Noah’s case, it is available to all the works of God.
7. Everything that God created, both living and non-living things, enjoy God’s grace.
8. God upholds those who are falling and lifts up those who are bowed down by His grace. He opens His hands to supply all creatures their food and sustenance, thereby satisfying the desire of every living thing.
9. God by His love and mercy provides for plants and animals alike, ensuring that whatever they need is made available within their reach.
10. After pondering the goodness of the Lord, the Psalmist in Psalm 145 declared that God is near to all those who call upon Him, and He meets all their needs by His grace.
11. While speaking on the grace of God in several passages of the Bible, the Holy Spirit demonstrate that this grace is universal in nature.
12. The Holy Spirit speaks about God’s providence in caring for all His creatures, His help for needy, His love and compassion for the oppressed, and His concern for the sickly and the weak. All these are demonstrations of God’s grace.
13. Anyone who is thoughtful will find abundant evidence of the steadfast love of the Lord demonstrated throughout the whole universe. That is why Psalm 150:6 says, “Let every thing that hath breath praise the LORD. Praise ye the Lord.”
14. God, by His grace, has counted us worthy to be chosen from amongst the people of the world as His own special people, redeemed by the precious Blood of His Son, thereby making us His own special possession (1 Peter 2:9). Obviously, God has not treated us according to what our evil deeds deserve.
15. Our continued existence testifies to His redeeming grace, and this same grace provides the basis for our status as children of the Most High God.
16. Let somebody shout hallelujah!

SHORT REFLECTION BY THE LIGHT POINTERS

God’s grace is a gift from God to us. This grace has given us the opportunity to live and enjoy much more than we deserve. Glory to God for His grace and loving kindness. We pray that God will continue to uphold and strengthen Pastor E.A Adeboye in Jesus name.

Prayer Point:
Father, please do not let Your grace go to waste in my life in Jesus’ Name.
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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OPEN HEAVENS DEVOTIONAL: SATURDAY, MAY 26TH 2018- GOOD NEIGHBOURLINESS II

Memorise: For I was an hungred, and ye gave me meat: I was thirsty, and ye gave me drink: I was a stranger, and ye took me in: Matthew 25:35
 
Read: Luke 10:30-37
30 And Jesus answering said, A certain man went down from Jerusalem to Jericho, and fell among thieves, which stripped him of his raiment, and wounded him, and departed, leaving him half dead.
31 And by chance there came down a certain priest that way: and when he saw him, he passed by on the other side.
32 And likewise a Levite, when he was at the place, came and looked on him, and passed by on the other side.
33 But a certain Samaritan, as he journeyed, came where he was: and when he saw him, he had compassion on him,
34 And went to him, and bound up his wounds, pouring in oil and wine, and set him on his own beast, and brought him to an inn, and took care of him.
35 And on the morrow when he departed, he took out two pence, and gave them to the host, and said unto him, Take care of him; and whatsoever thou spendest more, when I come again, I will repay thee.
36 Which now of these three, thinkest thou, was neighbour unto him that fell among the thieves?
37 And he said, He that shewed mercy on him. Then said Jesus unto him, Go, and do thou likewise.
Bible in one year: 1 Kings 2, 2 John, 3 John

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

1. In Matthew 25:31-33, the Lord Jesus Christ gave us a sneak preview of what Judgement Day will be like, and it is surprising that good neighbourliness is the only standard that was used to separate the sheep from the goats in this narrative.
2. The Lord did this to our minds for the events of the last days when people would become selfish and individualism would be rife. 2 Timothy 3:1-2 says, “This know also, that in the last days perilous times shall come. For men shall be lovers of their own selves…”
3. May I announce to you that this time is upon us. We live in times when the advent of social media and smartphones has drastically reduced human to human iteraction, with the attendant effect that people have little or no empathy and wicked acts are the norm.
4. These days, people hardly know what is going on with their next door neighbor while they are very much aware of what is going on with people thousands of miles away whom they have never met. May the Lord open our hearts to what is needful in Jesus’ Name.
5. Good neighourliness involves sacrifice.
6. When you consider the parable of the Good Samaritan, it is easy to imagine what was going through the mind of the priest who passed by the wounded man and did nothing. He might have assumed that the poor man’s situation was beyond remedy. He might have said to himself that it was not his place to help since he was not a medical practitioner or law enforcement agent. He might have pondered in his heart that the location was not safe for anyone to delay, and that while trying to help, robbers might attack him and make another of their victims. He might also have thought that stopping to assist the wounded man would eat terribly into his time, thereby making him late for his important appointment. Although these are all valid reasons not to stop by and help, anyone who is willing to make a sacrifice will set aside all these reasons and help a neighbor in distress.
7. The Church of God must fill the gap created by the deficiency of modern society, which has brought about unemployment, domestic violence, child abuse, divorce, drug addiction, sexual immorality and other unfortunate situations.
8. The Christian community must provide human warmth, homeliness, love and care in places ravaged by individualism, loneliness and lack of trust.
9. As modern society becomes increasingly hostile and dehumanizing, children of God must become increasingly accommodating, peaceful, hospitable and caring.
10. Good neighbourliness is a very important fruit of a transformed life and confirms that we possess the nature of God.

SHORT REFLECTION BY THE LIGHT POINTERS

Please check back for this part of the devotional few hours to the due date. God bless you in Jesus name.
Action Point:
Plan a course of action to reach out to lonely people around you with God’s love.
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 silver 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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OPEN HEAVENS DEVOTIONAL: FRIDAY, MAY 25TH 2018- GOOD NEIGHBOURLINESS I

Memorise: And he answering said, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy strength, and with all thy mind; and thy neighbor as thyself. Luke 10:27
 
Read: 2 Kings 4:1-6
1 Now there cried a certain woman of the wives of the sons of the prophets unto Elisha, saying, Thy servant my husband is dead; and thou knowest that thy servant did fear the Lord: and the creditor is come to take unto him my two sons to be bondmen.
2 And Elisha said unto her, What shall I do for thee? tell me, what hast thou in the house? And she said, Thine handmaid hath not any thing in the house, save a pot of oil.
3 Then he said, Go, borrow thee vessels abroad of all thy neighbours, even empty vessels; borrow not a few.
4 And when thou art come in, thou shalt shut the door upon thee and upon thy sons, and shalt pour out into all those vessels, and thou shalt set aside that which is full.
5 So she went from him, and shut the door upon her and upon her sons, who brought the vessels to her; and she poured out.
6 And it came to pass, when the vessels were full, that she said unto her son, Bring me yet a vessel. And he said unto her, There is not a vessel more. And the oil stayed.
Bible in one year: 1 Kings 1, 1 John 5

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

1. Today’s Bible reading tells the story of the widow of one of the sons of prophets, whose late husband owed some money to a heartless creditor, who threatened to take away her two sons as slaves.
2. After listening to her complaint, the man of God said to her in 2 Kings 4:3 “….Go, borrow thee vessels abroad of all thy neighbours, even empty vessels; borrow a few.”
3. This instruction indirectly placed the solution to her problem in the hands of her neighbours, because her ability to get the many empty vessels she needed depended on how good a neighbor she had been.
4. Among the Jewish people in Bible days, loans were not supposed to be commercial in nature; rather, they were to be given on a charitable terms. For example, interest-free loans would be given to assist a peasant farmer during a period of poverty.
5. The primary motivation of borrowers was to obtain relief from need rather than to further their economic enterprises. For this reason, lending with interest to the poor was prohibited in Exodus 22:25. God’s expectation is that lending to the poor will be a form of sacrifice motivated by the spirit of mercy and compassion in obedience to Him (Proverbs 3:27-28).
6. Although the Bible encourages us not to deny the poor and needy who approach us for help, we determine who deserves our help and how far we are ready to go on their behalf based on factors such as good neighbourliness.
7. In acts 9:36-41, the neighbours of Tabitha protested vehemently against her death and pleaded passionately with Apostle Peter for her to be raised back to life because she was full of good works and alms deed. In Luke 7:1-10, the elders of the Jews approached Jesus on behalf of a centurion who had a sick. They pleaded with Him, saying this man deserved His assistance because he had shown his love for them by building them a synagogue.
8. Without controversy, good neighbourliness played a very big role in these cases we have considered. In the case of the widow in 2 Kings 4:1-6, the fact that she went to her neighbours and got the vessels she needed indicates that she had been a good neighbor to them.
9. Imagine if she was the kind of person who was not known to her neighbours or if she was a proud and difficult person; she would have been denied the vessels she needed and her miracle would have been a mirage.
10. God charged us in Romans 12:18 to live peaceably with all men, knowing fully well that apart from it being a source of blessing to us, peaceful coexistence with our neighbours will give us the much needed opportunity to preach the good news to them.

SHORT REFLECTION BY THE LIGHT POINTERS

Sometimes believers are deprived of God’s wonderful opportunities due to ignorance of what is assumed to be unnecessary. It is evident from today’s devotional and our bible reading that some destinies are just dependent on the kind of relationship and reputation with neighbors. The question is, who are you to your neighbors? Examine yourself today and make peace with your neighbors for kingdom sake. May God be praised for His son Pastor E. A Adeboye.

Action Point:
Make peace with every neighbor you are not at peace with.
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 silver 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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OPEN HEAVENS DEVOTIONAL: THURSDAY, MAY 24TH 2018- OBSERVING THE TIMES & SEASONS?

Memorise: Watch therefore: for ye know not what hour your Lord doth come. Matthew 24:42
 
Read: 2 Timothy 3:1-9
1 This know also, that in the last days perilous times shall come.
2 For men shall be lovers of their own selves, covetous, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy,
3 Without natural affection, trucebreakers, false accusers, incontinent, fierce, despisers of those that are good,
4 Traitors, heady, highminded, lovers of pleasures more than lovers of God;
5 Having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof: from such turn away.
6 For of this sort are they which creep into houses, and lead captive silly women laden with sins, led away with divers lusts,
7 Ever learning, and never able to come to the knowledge of the truth.
8 Now as Jannes and Jambres withstood Moses, so do these also resist the truth: men of corrupt minds, reprobate concerning the faith.
9 But they shall proceed no further: for their folly shall be manifest unto all men, as their’s also was.
Bible in one year: 2 Samuel 23-24, 1 John 4

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

1. In the realm of the spirit, being watchful means being alert to the current needs of the Christian race and being prepared for future happenings that will impact your eternal destination.
2. The most prominent of all future events predicted in the Bible is the second coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, which will precede the eventual end of the world.
3. The disciples asked Jesus about 2000 years ago, what would be the sign of His second coming and of the end of the world. In Matthew chapter 24, Jesus responded with a detailed explanation of the events that will signal His impending arrival.
4. In today’s Bible reading, children of God are advised to get ready for perilous times, false doctrines, deceivers, false prophets, high-mindedness of men, physical and spiritual warfare, increase in knowledge and technological advancements, worldliness and apostasy. In addition, all of humanity is enjoined to get ready for the judgement to come. I pray that you will not be left behind when the rapture occurs in Jesus’ Name.
5. “Watch ye therefore: for ye know not when the master of the house cometh, at even, or at midnight, or at the cockcrowing, or in the morning: lest coming suddenly he find you sleeping. And what I say unto you I say unto all, Watch.” Mark 13:35-37
6. The admonition of our Lord to us in times as these is to watch. Current happenings around the world show clearly that we are in the end times.
7. As children of God, we cannot afford to lose focus for a moment. Our hearts must be kept with all diligence under constant watchfulness.
8. We must be on the lookout for the crafty approach of the enemy to attack the authority of the Bible.
9. We must watch against worldliness and the quest for ungodly pleasures.
10. We must watch against deception, false prophets, the introduction of another “gospel”, sexual immorality and societal acceptance of sinful practices.
11. On a personal level, you must be sober and vigilant in watching against temptation such as pride, high-mindedness, self-righteousness, complacency, lukewarmness, backsliding, spiritual bareness, stagnancy and rebellion against constituted authority.
12. You must not be confounded by the negative news on wars, natural disasters, acts of terrorism, economic meltdowns, national tragedies and civil unrest around the world. You should rather respond appropriately as one who has been adequately informed and is therefore well prepared for the rapture.
13. The Lord expects you to be sober, vigilant and very consistent in prayer.
14. You must pray for your leaders, the Church of God, your community and your family.
15. My desire is that if the trumpet should sound today, you will be raptured in Jesus’ Name.

SHORT REFLECTION BY THE LIGHT POINTERS

We must go about our daily work with the Lord with the consciousness of His return. We must not be carried away by the many distractions that we
are surrounded with. This is why we must call on God often to help us because we cannot do anything by our strength. We pray that God will help us all in this race in Jesus name. God bless Pastor E.A Adeboye on every side in Jesus name.

Key Point:
What concrete steps have you taken this year to prepare for Christ’s second coming?
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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OPEN HEAVENS DEVOTIONAL: WEDNESDAY, MAY 23RD 2018- TOTAL SUBMISSION

Memorise: Therefore doth my Father love me, because I lay down my life, that I might take it again. John 10:17
 
Read: Philippians 2:5-8
5 Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus:
6 Who, being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God:
7 But made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men:
8 And being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross. 
Bible in one year: 2 Samuel 21-22, 1 John 2:28-3:24

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

1. Submission is a humble attitude wherein authority is duly recognized and obedience is willingly rendered without any resistance whatsoever.
2. God commands submission to Himself, to civil authorities and to appointed leaders in His church (James 4:7, 1 Peter 2:13, Hebrews 13:17).
3. Submission is also commanded in relationships such as marriage (Colossians 3:18).
4. The crux of the message of our Lord Jesus Christ is submission to the will and purpose of God as revealed in His word.
5. In Matthew 7:24-27, He said those who hear the word of God and submit to its authority in obedience can be likened to a wise person who built his or her house upon the rock, and the house survived a terrible storm. In contrast, He compared those who reject the authority of God’s word to a foolish person who built his or her house on sandy soil without strong foundations, and the house was destroyed by the storm. Therefore, not being submissive to the word of God, which manifests itself as disobedience, is very costly indeed. I pray that you will receive the grace to submit totally to the will of God concerning your life today in Jesus’ Name.
6. Our Lord Jesus Christ is the perfect example of submission.
7. Today’s Bible reading reveals the extent He went to in order to submit Himself to His Father. No wonder the Holy Spirit wants us to have the same mind that He had.
8. In John 10:17, Jesus revealed that total submission is the secret of the Father’s love for Him. Hear what He said to the Father in Hebrews 10:7 when He was coming into the world: “Then said I, lo, I come (in the volume of the book it is written of me,) to do thy will, O God.” Concerning the submission of the Lord Jesus Christ, Hebrews 5:8 also says: “Though he were a Son, yet learned he obedience by things which he suffered;”
9. Jesus learnt to obey God’s instructions even when He knew it would yield personal loss and suffering for Him. Little wonder the Bible says He was obedient unto death.
10. This obedience unto death was demonstrated in Matthew 26:39 when He was faced with the reality of death on the cross, and He made this agonizing prayer to God saying: “… O my Father, if it be possible, let this cup pass from me: nevertheless not as I will, but as thou wilt.”
11. For Jesus, obedience to God was His primary concern, and every other thing, including His personal interest, was secondary. May the Lord give His Church this same mindset in Jesus’ Name

SHORT REFLECTION BY THE LIGHT POINTERS

Total submission means total obedience even when it is not convenient. Our lifestyle must be a replica of that of our Lord Jesus Christ. With obedience to God’s word comes great reward. May God grant us the ability and grace to submit totally to Him. God bless Pastor E.A Adeboye and equip him with greater wisdom for greater works in Jesus name.

Key Point:
If you want to get the same result that Jesus got, be submissive to God like He was.
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 silver 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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