Monthly Archives: December 2018

OPEN HEAVENS DEVOTIONAL MONDAY, DECEMBER 31 2018- VESSELS USED OF GOD

Memorise: If a man therefore purge himself from these, he shall be a vessel unto honour, sanctified, and meet for the master’s use, and prepared unto every good work. 2 Timothy 2:21
Read: 2 Timothy 2:20-22
20 But in a great house there are not only vessels of gold and of silver, but also of wood and of earth; and some to honour, and some to dishonour.
21 If a man therefore purge himself from these, he shall be a vessel unto honour, sanctified, and meet for the master’s use, and prepared unto every good work.
22 Flee also youthful lusts: but follow righteousness, faith, charity, peace, with them that call on the Lord out of a pure heart.
Bible in one year: Malachi 1 – 4, John 21:15-25

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

The God we serve is very result-oriented. He never does anything just for the fun of it, and so He created every one of us with a purpose in mind. Not one person on this earth exists without a special assignment. He expects our lives to yield pleasant results for Him. Unfortunately, many people live life on their own terms. They just glide through life without a specific divine goal; the wind directs them to the south and they go to the south, and the next minute, the wind carries the to the north and they follow. They do not live their lives with a purpose in mind, because they don’t value their existence.
There is nothing as rewarding as being used of the Lord; He is the best boss that anyone can ever have. It is only in His organization that very act of service is generously rewarded. However, our God is also driven by His principles. There are things that you have to do to in order to be used by Him. First of all, you have to be clean. God will use any type of vessel-broken vessels, young vessels, old vessels, poor vessels – but He will never use a dirty vessel, poor vessels – but He will never use a dirty vessel, except, of course, for dirty and irritable things. The Holy Spirit makes this clear in 2 Timothy 2:21, saying:
“If a man therefore purges himself from these, he shall be a vessel unto honour, sanctified, and meet for the master’s use, and prepared unto every good work.”
Secondly, you have to seek to know what specific assignment God has for you. Your assignment in life is specific to you. For example, even though there were many apostles in the early Church, God still chose Paul and sent him to the Gentiles. Even if it seems like you have similar assignments with your neighbor, you don’t have the same purpose with them. To know your specific purpose, your spiritual eyes must be open and fixed on God’s dictates. When your relationship with God is solid and strong, you will have no problem with keeping your purpose firm and focusing on Jesus. It is also in maintaining a strong relationship with God that you will find strength to do all that He asks of you. As you prepare to enter a new year, desire to know your specific assignment from God, and determine to be focused on it. in this coming year, God will greatly use you for His purpose in Jesus Name.

SHORT REFLECTION BY THE LIGHT POINTERS


Prayer Point:
Father, open my eyes of understanding to comprehend the specific assignment You have for me in life. I am ready Lord, please use me mightily.

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OPEN HEAVENS DEVOTIONAL SUNDAY, DECEMBER 30 2018- X-RAYING THE HEART

Memorise: A good man out of the good treasure of the heart bringeth forth good things: and evil man out of the evil treasure bringeth forth evil things. Matthew 12:35
Read: John 12:3-8
3 Then took Mary a pound of ointment of spikenard, very costly, and anointed the feet of Jesus, and wiped his feet with her hair: and the house was filled with the odour of the ointment.
4 Then saith one of his disciples, Judas Iscariot, Simon’s son, which should betray him,
5 Why was not this ointment sold for three hundred pence, and given to the poor?
6 This he said, not that he cared for the poor; but because he was a thief, and had the bag, and bare what was put therein.
7 Then said Jesus, Let her alone: against the day of my burying hath she kept this.
8 For the poor always ye have with you; but me ye have not always.
Bible in one year: Zechariah 11 – 14, John 20:24-21:14

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

“Through faith we understand that the worlds were framed by the word of God, so that things which are seen were not made of things which do appear.” Hebrews 11:3
From the above scripture, we understand that everything begins and ends with the word of God. Since the word if God is the architect, designer and builder of all that has ever existed, it means that nothing is hidden from its reach and power. This is good news to all lovers of God’s word. There is no hiding place for Satan to buffet you if the word of God is your teacher and guide. In today’s world, a lot of people hate the word of God, particularly those aspects that seem to encroach on their pleasures and “fundamental human rights”, such as homosexuality, incest, bestiality, alcoholism, smoking and drug addiction. Many hate what God’s word says about these acts not only because they indulge in them but also because these acts serve as means of livelihood for some of them. I encourage such people to receive the good news of change that comes through God’s word today, because the same word will stand to condemn them on the Day of Judgement if they continue to ignore it now. On the Day of Judgment, not only will God judge our acts, He will also judge the intent of our hearts, and He is already doing this today with His word (Hebrews 4:12).
In today’s Bible reading, we see how the word of God x-rayed the intent of Judas Iscariot’s heart. A woman came with costly ointment to anoint Jesus’ feet, and Judas Iscariot, being Jesus’ treasurer, saw this as a waste of resources. Besides the fact that Judas was wrong to condemn a sacrifice offered to Jesus, the word of God exposes the real reason he was “concerned” about keeping the money “for the poor”. John 12:6 says:
“This he said, not that he cared for the poor; but because he was a thief, and had the bag, and bare what was put therein.”
Today, some church treasurers may not support the acquisition of anything befitting for God’s house because the greater the credit balance in the church account, the more funds available for them to steal. Dealing with the rottenness of men’s hearts is very important to God because it controls their words and actions. A person who goes to church indecently dressed has more than meets the eye in his or her heart. When a man begins to plait his hair in the name of “fashion”, he needs to re-examine the motivations of his heart. A pastor who indiscriminately hugs congregation members should watch it with the opposite sex. Erotic jokes are an overflow of what is in the heart; don’t trivialize or condone them. May the Lord clear all forms of rottenness from our hearts in Jesus’ Name.

SHORT REFLECTION BY THE LIGHT POINTERS


Prayer Point:
Father, please clear away all rottenness in my heart, and help me to keep myself pure as light.

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OPEN HEAVENS DEVOTIONAL SATURDAY, DECEMBER 29 2018- RICHES STORED IN HEAVEN

Memorise: sell that ye have, and give alms; provide yourselves bags which wax not old, a treasure in the heavens that faileth not, where no thief approacheth, neither moth corrupteth. Luke 12:33
Read: Luke 12:30-37
30 For all these things do the nations of the world seek after: and your Father knoweth that ye have need of these things.
31 But rather seek ye the kingdom of God; and all these things shall be added unto you.
32 Fear not, little flock; for it is your Father’s good pleasure to give you the kingdom.
33 Sell that ye have, and give alms; provide yourselves bags which wax not old, a treasure in the heavens that faileth not, where no thief approacheth, neither moth corrupteth.
34 For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.
35 Let your loins be girded about, and your lights burning;
36 And ye yourselves like unto men that wait for their lord, when he will return from the wedding; that when he cometh and knocketh, they may open unto him immediately.
37 Blessed are those servants, whom the lord when he cometh shall find watching: verily I say unto you, that he shall gird himself, and make them to sit down to meat, and will come forth and serve them
Bible in one year: Zechariah 7 – 10, John 20:1-23

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

Prosperity is a very good thing. In fact, God wants His children to prosper and live in abundance. So many good things come with being rich. For example, a rich man is more likely to be respected and listened to than a poor man. Ecclesiastes 9:15-16 says:
“Now there was found in it a poor wise man, and he by his wisdom delivered the city; yet no man remembered that same poor man. Then said I, Wisdom is better than strength: nevertheless the poor man’s wisdom is despised, and his words are not heard.”
However, as good as riches are, they never really satisfy. We even understand through Ecclesiastes 5:12 that are abundance of man’s riches keeps him from good sleep. The humbling truth is that no matter how many treasures a man amasses here on earth, he will never take a penny with him when he dies.
In today’s Bible reading, our Lord Jesus Christ advised us to store our riches in heaven for a number of reasons. Firstly, riches stored in heaven are secure, because there are no moths, thieves or other devourers in heaven. Secondly, your heart will be wherever your riches are, and so if your riches are stored in heaven, your heart will also concentrate on the things of heaven (Matthew 6:21). Also, a person whose riches are stored in heaven will have just one master: God. Money has become the master of some people, and as the Bible says, no man can serve two masters (Matthew 6:24). The Holy Spirit makes it clear that the love of money is the root of all evil (1 Timothy 6:10).
How then can we store up our riches in heaven? Jesus answered this question in our memory verse, instructing us to give to the poor. This He said would guarantee us treasures in heaven. Paul also made the same connection in 1 Timothy 6:17-19, saying:
“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; laying up in store for themselves a good foundation against the time to come, that they may lay hold on eternal life.”
We can also store up our riches in heaven by investing in things that bring people to Jesus: financially supporting evangelism, bringing your tithe into God’s storehouse, and much more. Prospering here on earth is important, but nothing is as important as making it to heaven.

SHORT REFLECTION BY THE LIGHT POINTERS


Key Point: How much wealth do you presently have in heaven?
hymn
1. 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
2. Take my hands, and let them move
At the impulse of Thy love;
Take my feet and let them be
Swift and beautiful for Thee,
Swift and beautiful for Thee.
3. Take my voice, and let me sing
Always, only, for my King;
Take my lips, and let them be
Filled with messages from Thee,
Filled with messages from Thee.
4. Take my silver and my gold;
Not a mite would I withhold;
Take my intellect, and use
Every power as Thou shalt choose,
Every power as Thou shalt choose.
5. Take my will, and make it Thine;
It shall be no longer mine.
Take my heart; it is Thine own;
It shall be Thy royal throne,
It shall be Thy royal throne
6. Take my love; my Lord, I pour
At Thy feet its treasure-store.
Take myself, and I will be
Ever, only, all for Thee,
Ever, only, all for Thee.

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OPEN HEAVENS DEVOTIONAL FRIDAY, DECEMBER 28 2018- COME AND REST

Memorise: There remaineth therefore a arrest to the people of God. Hebrews 4:9
Read: Mark 6:30-32
30 And the apostles gathered themselves together unto Jesus, and told him all things, both what they had done, and what they had taught.
31 And he said unto them, Come ye yourselves apart into a desert place, and rest a while: for there were many coming and going, and they had no leisure so much as to eat.
32 And they departed into a desert place by ship privately.
Bible in one year: Zechariah 1 – 6, John 19:17-42

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

Our God is not a slave driver. He is a loving Father who wants restful peace for His children always. Even though He cannot by any means get tired, He rested after six days of creation to demonstrate to us the need for rest (Genesis 2:2). Consequently, whenever we find ourselves in a stressful situation where one cannot even find rest in sleep, a prayerful probe into the matter usually points wither to human error or the threats of enemies. I pray for anyone passing through difficult times, burdened with the load of life and without any hope of deliverance in sight: receive God’s rest now in Jesus’ Name.
Rest from enemies and the travails of life has been the greatest concern of mankind from one generation to another. Since God’s judgement came on humanity for the wrongdoing of Adam and Eve, hardship, trouble and travail have become a daily experience for people (Genesis 3:17-19). Humanity labored under these harsh conditions without any respite until the advent of Jesus, the Messiah and Saviour of the world. In Matthew 11:28, He invited us to all-round rest in Himself, saying:
“Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.”
This proclamation presents Jesus as the source of rest from labour without reward, rest from adversaries, rest from life’s troubles, and the promised rest with God in eternity. All those who answer His call will receive all-round rest here on earth and eternal rest with God in heaven.
Rest can also be an expression of trust or reliance. When a person cease from all personal efforts in a troubled situation, it implies confidence in and dependence on the assistance of highest power. Those who turn to Jesus for rest can never be disappointed. Psalm 37:7 says:
“Rest in the LORD, and wait patiently for him,: fret not thyself because of him who prospereth in his way, because of the man who bringeth the wicked devices to pass.”
Through this scripture, the Holy Spirit is emphasizing that when an enemy is so powerful, well connected and reputed to have successfully carried out wicked plans in the past, you should rest in the Lord and patiently wait for His salvation, because our God is the final authority in heaven and on earth. As you accept the Lord’s invitation to come into His rest today, no matter what you are going through, you will find rest for your soul in Jesus’ Name.

SHORT REFLECTION BY THE LIGHT POINTERS


Prayer Point:
Father, please give me all round rest in the new year I am going into, in Jesus’ Name.

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OPEN HEAVENS DEVOTIONAL THURSDAY, DECEMBER 27 2018- BREAD ALONE?

Memorise: And he humbled thee, and suffered thee to hunger, and fed thee with manna, which thou knewest not, neither did thy fathers know; that he might make thee know that man doth not live by bread only, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of the LORD doth man live. Deuteronomy 8:3
Read: John 6:24-27
24 When the people therefore saw that Jesus was not there, neither his disciples, they also took shipping, and came to Capernaum, seeking for Jesus.
25 And when they had found him on the other side of the sea, they said unto him, Rabbi, when camest thou hither?
26 Jesus answered them and said, Verily, verily, I say unto you, Ye seek me, not because ye saw the miracles, but because ye did eat of the loaves, and were filled.
27 Labour not for the meat which perisheth, but for that meat which endureth unto everlasting life, which the Son of man shall give unto you: for him hath God the Father sealed.
Bible in one year: Haggai 1-2, John 18:33-19:16

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

Your body is a very important asset that God has given you. Without your body, you have no license to remain on earth. One of your major responsibilities therefore is to take care of your body constantly by feeding it and keeping it clean. It the food we eat that gives our body the energy it needs to function well. However, not all the food we eat supplies our bodies with the kind of energy that it actually needs. There are healthy foods and there is junk food. When eaten, both types of food will supply energy to the body. However, while healthy food supplies the kind of energy that positively enhances the functions of our body and helps it build its resilience against diseases, the energy that that junk food supplies will do just the opposite, and over time, this will contribute to the body breaking down.
Although it is important to care for the body, much more importance should be placed on feeding the soul with healthy food. When we neglect our souls, so much more is at stake than sickness and physical death. Jesus does not just say things for the fun of it, and He was the one who said “man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceeds out of God’s mouth” (Matthew 4:4). He was saying that if feeding the body alone (eating bread) is all you do, then you will not live. Although your body will be nourished, your soul will starve and eventually die.
How then can our souls be fed? We feed our on the word of God written in the Bible. The habit of reading the Bible is fast becoming archaic, especially with how busy everyone has become with making ends meet. Nevertheless, 1 Timothy 4:13 says:
“Till I come, give attendance to reading, to exhortation, to doctrine.”
No one ever said you have to read a large portion of the Bible daily. If reading a chapter of the Bible per day is what you can properly reflect on, then start with a chapter per day. Furthermore, you should not stop at reading the Bible; it is also very important to reflect on what you have read. While reading is for the head, reflecting is for the heart. You have to meditate on what you have read by thinking it over and allowing it sink deep into your heart. A good way to do this is to have a book where you consciously think about these points during the day. Irrespective of what you do and how busy your schedule is, always endeavour to feed your soul daily. Remember, man shall not live by bread alone.

SHORT REFLECTION BY THE LIGHT POINTERS


Action Point: Feed your soul as regularly as you feed your body.
NEARER MY GOD TO THEE
1. Nearer, my God, to Thee;
Nearer to Thee;
E’en though it be a cross
That raiseth me,
Still all my song shall be
Nearer, my God, to Thee,
Nearer, my God, to Thee,
Nearer to Thee.
2. Though, like a wanderer,
The sun gone down,
Darkness comes over me,
My rest a stone;
Yet in my dreams I’d be
Nearer, my God, to Thee,
Nearer, my God, to Thee,
Nearer to Thee.
3. There let me see the sight,
An open heaven;
All that Thou sendest me,
In mercy given;
Angels to beckon me
Nearer, my God, to Thee,
Nearer, my God, to Thee,
Nearer to Thee.
4. Then, with my waking thoughts
Bright with thy praise,
Out of my stony griefs
Bethel I’ll raise,
So by my woes to be
Nearer, my God, to Thee,
Nearer, my God, to Thee,
Nearer to Thee.

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OPEN HEAVENS DEVOTIONAL WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 26 2018- THE REALITY OF EVIL

Memorise: And forgive us our sins; for we also forgive every one that is indebted to us. And lead us not into temptation; but deliver us from evil. Luke 11:4
Read: Psalm 91:1-16
He that dwelleth in the secret place of the most High shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty.
2 I will say of the Lord, He is my refuge and my fortress: my God; in him will I trust.
3 Surely he shall deliver thee from the snare of the fowler, and from the noisome pestilence.
4 He shall cover thee with his feathers, and under his wings shalt thou trust: his truth shall be thy shield and buckler.
5 Thou shalt not be afraid for the terror by night; nor for the arrow that flieth by day;
6 Nor for the pestilence that walketh in darkness; nor for the destruction that wasteth at noonday.
7 A thousand shall fall at thy side, and ten thousand at thy right hand; but it shall not come nigh thee.
8 Only with thine eyes shalt thou behold and see the reward of the wicked.
9 Because thou hast made the Lord, which is my refuge, even the most High, thy habitation;
10 There shall no evil befall thee, neither shall any plague come nigh thy dwelling.
11 For he shall give his angels charge over thee, to keep thee in all thy ways.
12 They shall bear thee up in their hands, lest thou dash thy foot against a stone.
13 Thou shalt tread upon the lion and adder: the young lion and the dragon shalt thou trample under feet.
14 Because he hath set his love upon me, therefore will I deliver him: I will set him on high, because he hath known my name.
15 He shall call upon me, and I will answer him: I will be with him in trouble; I will deliver him, and honour him.
16 With long life will I satisfy him, and shew him my salvation.
Bible in one year: Zephaniah 1 – 3, John 18:15-32

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

Many people in the 21st century do not believe in the reality of evil in this world, because of the high level of secular knowledge and enlightenment they have attained. Prominent among the reasons why some people find it difficult to accept the reality of evil is the fact that almost all the thing attributed to evil can be significantly explained away. However, physical and biblical evidence abound to prove the reality of evil. The Bible is filled with accounts of events that show the reality of evil: the activities of Pharaoh’s magicians, human sacrifices, idol worshipping and much more. In the world today, we are often confronted with situations that defy any human understanding or scientific explanation. These are cases where an attack in the dream becomes reality after waking up. There are also cases of evil manifestations working strongly against people’s health. While all medical tests reveal that all is well, such people continue to experience incapacitating illness. Many have even lost their lives in such circumstance. In Ephesians 6:12, the Holy Spirit reveals the root of the matter, saying:
“For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.”
The entities identified in Ephesians 6:12 are all demonic powers under the control of their master the devil. Since the expulsion of Satan from heaven and his arrival on earth, evil has become an integral part of this present world (Revelation 12:12). Satan, who is the god of this world, is a spirit-being operating in the spiritual realm (2 Corinthians 4:4). His spiritual activities manifest in the form of suffering, sickness, death, failure and other calamities. For this reason, 1 Peter 5:8 says,
“Be sober, be vigilant, because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour”
The devil indeed goes about destroying who is ignorant of his activities. The solution to the devil’s rampant attack on humanity is found in 1 John 3:8b, which says:
“For this purpose the Son of God was manifested, that he might destroy the works of the devil.”
All powers belong to Jesus. At the mention of His Name, even the devil trembles (James 2:19). To bring evil to a permanent end, the devil will be cast into the Lake of Fire forever (Revelation 20:7-10). I pray that God will permanently silence evil in your life in Jesus’ Name.

SHORT REFLECTION BY THE LIGHT POINTERS


Prayer Point:
Father, please don’t allow evil to prevail over me and my loved ones in Jesus’ Name.
Hymn
1. Onward Christian soldiers!
Marching as to war,
With the cross of Jesus
Going on before.
Christ, the royal Mater,
Leads against the fore;
Forward into battle,
See, His banners go!
Chorus:
Onward, Christian soldiers!
Marching as to war,
With the cross of Jesus,
Going on before.
2. At the name of Jesus
Satan’s host doth flee;
On then, Christian soldiers,
On to victory!
Hell’s foundations quiver
At the shout of praise:
Brothers, lift your voices,
Loud your anthems raise!
3. Like a mighty army
Moves the Church of God:
Brothers, we are treading
Where the saints have trod;
We are not divided,
All one Body we___
One in faith and Spirit,
One eternally.
4. Crowns and thrones may perish,
Kingdoms rise and wane;
But the church of Jesus
Constant will remain
Gates of hell can never
‘Gainst the Church prevail;
We have Christ’s own promise,
Which can never fail.
5. Onward, then, ye people!
Join our happy throng;
Blend with ours your voices
In the triumph song.
Glory, laud and honour
Unto Christ, the King;
This through countless ages
Men and angels sing.

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OPEN HEAVENS DEVOTIONAL TUESDAY, DECEMBER 25 2018- WISE MEN INDEED

Memorise: Give instruction to a wise man, and he will be yet wiser: teach a just man, and he will increase in learning. Proverb 9:9
Read: Matthew 2:9-15
9 When they had heard the king, they departed; and, lo, the star, which they saw in the east, went before them, till it came and stood over where the young child was.
10 When they saw the star, they rejoiced with exceeding great joy.
11 And when they were come into the house, they saw the young child with Mary his mother, and fell down, and worshipped him: and when they had opened their treasures, they presented unto him gifts; gold, and frankincense and myrrh.
12 And being warned of God in a dream that they should not return to Herod, they departed into their own country another way.
13 And when they were departed, behold, the angel of the Lord appeareth to Joseph in a dream, saying, Arise, and take the young child and his mother, and flee into Egypt, and be thou there until I bring thee word: for Herod will seek the young child to destroy him.
14 When he arose, he took the young child and his mother by night, and departed into Egypt:
15 And was there until the death of Herod: that it might be fulfilled which was spoken of the Lord by the prophet, saying, Out of Egypt have I called my son.
Bible in one year: Habakkuk 1 – 3, John 17:20-18:14

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

One proof that a man is wise is that he listens to instructions and takes to correction. In this regard, Proverbs 10:8 says:
“The wise in heart will receive commandments: but a prating fool shall fall.”
Wisdom is considered to be the correct application of knowledge; it is therefore a wise thing to seek knowledge. The wise men from the east demonstrated their wisdom by applying their knowledge of stars to seek after the new-born King, Jesus. Wisdom is not determined by number if academic qualifications gathered but by the products of the quest for knowledge. These wise men saw a unique star, and they sought after its meaning until it led them to the Bright and Morning Star. The learned rabbis in Israel did not see what the wise men saw, even though it was happening in their own backyard. How amazing! Of course, this is why these men from the east were considered to be wise. Although only God knows what these wise men did with their discovery of the King of the Jews, also born to be the King of the world, their wisdom would have been in doubt if they had not heeded the Lord’s instruction that they should not return to King Herod. Their efforts would have been wasted and they would have gone back to their country frustrated and in sorrow, because the wicked King Herod would have slaughtered the Holy Child right before them. Thank God they were not just philosophers and theologians, but also men who heard from God. They were not carried away by the allure of gifts they would have received from the king of their great discovery; rather, they heeded the voice of the Lord. This world would have been a better place if our philosophers and theologians were also prophets.
“Wisdom is the principal thing; therefore get wisdom: and with all thy getting get understanding.” Proverbs 4:7
The wisdom of God in the above scripture recommends that we deploy everything we have in the quest for understanding. The surest way of getting understanding is through Scriptures. Unfortunately, some foolish people think they are wise are always undermining the Bible, which is the true source of knowledge and understanding (Psalm 119:104). Beloved, ensure that your knowledge is based on the word of God, and that your understanding of things is influenced by the mind of God as revealed in His word. Merry Christmas!

SHORT REFLECTION BY THE LIGHT POINTERS


Key Point:
Always seeking after the interest of God’s kingdom, which Jesus Christ came to establish in the world, makes you wise indeed.

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OPEN HEAVENS DEVOTIONAL MONDAY, DECEMBER 24 2018- CATALYST FOR SOUL WINNING

Memorise: But when he saw the multitudes, he was moved with compassion on them, because they fainted, and were scattered abroad, as sheep having no shepherd. Matthew 9:36
Read: Jude 1:20-25
20 But ye, beloved, building up yourselves on your most holy faith, praying in the Holy Ghost,
21 Keep yourselves in the love of God, looking for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ unto eternal life.
22 And of some have compassion, making a difference:
23 And others save with fear, pulling them out of the fire; hating even the garment spotted by the flesh.
24 Now unto him that is able to keep you from falling, and to present you faultless before the presence of his glory with exceeding joy,
25 To the only wise God our Saviour, be glory and majesty, dominion and power, both now and ever. Amen.
Bible in one year: Nahum 1 – 3, John 17:1-19

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

Salvation through Christ originated from God as an act of love towards humanity. It was specially designed to be the only way out of human sinfulness, indebtedness and bondage to the devil. The foundational role of love in the process of salvation is made clear to us in John 3:16, which says:
‘For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.”
It was divine love that propelled God, as a compassionate Father, to offer His beloved Son, Jesus Christ, as the ultimate sacrifice for our salvation. Out of love for humanity, Jesus accepted His Father’s will and came into this world to relate with sinful men and women, working out our salvation feely and unconditionally. Considering all His labour of love and the suffering He endured in His final hours before death, the Bible in 1 John 4:9 rightly concluded:
“In this was manifested the love of God toward us, because that God sent His only begotten Son into the world, that we might live through him.”
Therefore, the role that love plays as the catalyst for soul-winning has its roots in God Himself, and it is transmitted to those who have partaken of His divine nature through Jesus Christ our Lord.
For obvious reasons, soul-winning requires love. Winning a soul involves fierce competition and confrontation with the kingdom of darkness. It is apparent to anyone involved in soul-winning at any level that Christians are competing with the devil for the souls of men. Because eternal life is involved, the stakes could not be any higher. Therefore, soul-winning is of everlasting importance, and it demands determination, commitment and sacrifice. All of these can only flow from a heart overflowing with love for Christ and perishing souls. Anyone who confesses Christ as Lord and Saviour is compelled by the love of God to spread the love he or she has received to others who are still living in sin (2 Corinthians 5:14-15). The golden rule set by Jesus is to love your neighbour as yourself (Matthew 22:39), and He identifies your neighbour to be anyone who has a need within your sphere of influence (Luke 10:29-37). Are you then moved by the knowledge that anyone without Christ is lost and hell-bound if they remain unsaved? Has this knowledge moved you to share the gospel with your family members, neighbours, co-workers, schoolmates and the society at large? The Christmas holiday is a good opportunity to do this. I pray that God will fill your heart with love for perishing souls today, in Jesus’ Name.

SHORT REFLECTION BY THE LIGHT POINTERS


Prayer Point:
Father, please empower me as I share the gospel in this festive season in Jesus’ Name
Hymn
1. 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.
2. Wonderful story of love;
Though you are far away;
Wonderful story of love;
Still He doth call today;
Calling from Calvary’s mountain,
Down from the crystal-bright fountain,
E’en from the dawn of creation,
Wonderful story of love.
3. Wonderful story of love
Jesus provides a rest;
Wonderful story of love;
For all the pure and blest,
Rest in those mansions above us, with those who’ve gone on before us,
Singing the rapturous chorus,
Wonderful story of love.

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OPEN HEAVENS DEVOTIONAL SUNDAY, DECEMBER 23 2018- GOOD MEASURE

Memorise: Give, and it shall be given unto you; good measure, pressed down, and shaken together, and running over, shall men give into your bosom. Luke 6:38a
Read: Proverbs 11:24-25
24 There is that scattereth, and yet increaseth; and there is that withholdeth more than is meet, but it tendeth to poverty.
25 The liberal soul shall be made fat: and he that watereth shall be watered also himself.
Bible in one year: Micah 5 – 7, John 16:16-33

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

The principle of giving is one of the cardinal principles that God has put in place for the benefit of His children. God wants us to prosper and be wealthy, to the extent that we can afford to lend to nations. However, the measure of God’s liberality to us is determined by our liberality to Him. All of God’s principles are simple and straight forward. This principle we are considering today simply says “Give, and it will be given to you.” In other words, you have to give so as to receive. Unfortunately, as simple as this principle is, many Christians do not apply it, because deep down in their hearts they don’t believe it.
When you sow a seed, you never get back the exact seed you gave out. For example, a farmer who plants a water melon seed will reap multiple water melons with much more seeds in them; all from that single seed. That is the meaning of good measure. God always multiplies whatever you give to Him, and He never owes anyone. He always pays back His debts, and that is why Genesis 8:22 says that seed time and harvest will never cease. If you are faithful to your seed time, you can rest assured that He will be faithful enough to give you your due harvest.
Why do many people sow without receiving in good measure? This might be because they don’t give willingly. 2 Corinthians 9:7 says that we must not give grudgingly or as though we are under compulsion. In other words, for us to reap the benefit of our sowing, it must be done willingly from the heart. Our God loves a cheerful giver, and for this reason, aside from the fact that you have to willingly give, you also have to do it joyfully. I was invited to a certain church a while ago, and because I was there, they were calling for all manner of offerings. I was getting annoyed already when they still called for one more offering. Grumbling, I put my hand in my pocket for get money out and I heard God say to me “Keep your money! If you want to grumble while giving Me an offering, then don’t bother.” I quickly changed my attitude before giving the offering. Do you know that if you grumble to give an offering, you are just throwing away your money? That sort of offering is not accepted by God, it is better for you not to give at all.
Correct your attitude to giving from today. Whenever you have the opportunity to give, remember that when you give joyfully, you will also receive in good measure.

SHORT REFLECTION BY THE LIGHT POINTERS


Key Point: A cheerful giver is a guaranteed receiver.
HYMN 6
A NEW THING
(tune: There shall be showers of blessing)
1. We will soon shout Halleluyah
Because God will do new things
Sinners will soon be forgiven
Prodigals will come home soon.
Chorus:
Shout Halleluyah
Because God will do new things
Rivers in desert now flowing
Halleluyah to our king.
2. We will soon shout Halleluyah
Because God will do new things
Sickness and sorrow will be gone
Bondage will be forgotten.
3. We will soon shout Halleluyah
Because God will do new things
The barren will be fruitful soon
Failure will be forgotten.
4. We will soon shout Halleluyah
Because God will do new things
Poverty will be forgotten
Stagnancy will soon be gone.
5. We will soon shout Halleluyah
Because God will do new things
To all miracles are given
There shall be celebrations
6. We will soon shout Halleluyah
Because God will do new things
Many will have testimonies
Of prayers answered fully
7. We will soon shout Halleluyah
Because God will do new things
One of us will chase a thousand
Two will conquer ten thousands.
8. We will soon shout Halleluyah
Because God will do new things
Songs of praises we will sing
Halleluyah to our King.

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OPEN HEAVENS DEVOTIONAL SATURDAY, DECEMBER 22ND 2018- THE PRINCE OF PEACE

Memorise: 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. Mark 4:39
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: Micah 1-4, John 15: 18-16:15

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

1. One of the great titles of our Lord is “Prince of Peace” (Isaiah 9:6). He is the possessor of peace and He has bequeathed this peace to us all. In John 14:27, He said: “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.”
2. In today’s Bible reading, Jesus demonstrated to us that His ability to instill peace was no fluke. After a successful preaching assignment, He told His disciples that they should sail to the other side of the sea in order to continue their assignment there. On their way, a great storm arose on the sea that was about to cause their ship to capsize. Interestingly, the Prince of Peace was in the inner part of the ship, sleeping. Out of fear, the disciples woke Him up, indicting Him for not showing concern about their situation. With the benefit of hindsight you might say, “What a faithless group of disciples these were.” However, if you were to be sincere with yourself, have you not also been in situations that have caused you to indict Jesus in your heart? Nevertheless, Mark 4:39, says: “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.”
That is our Master for you – compassionate, loving, omniscient and understanding of our frame.
3. After He stilled the storm, He rebuked the disciples for their lack of faith. Do you also feel that He does not care about you? He is also rebuking you today. I found myself in such a situation some years ago. I thought that I had been forsaken and nobody cared about me. Nevertheless, the Lord sent a little girl to give me a cake like He did for Elijah (1 Kings 19:6).
4. Beloved, Jesus cares. He will not leave you in that situation. As a matter of fact, His peace will overwhelm the current storm in your life and there shall be great calm. This calmness will surpass the rage of storm, and it shall be as though you never experienced a storm in your life.
5. One truth you can learn from this story is that working for God does not make you immune to the storms of life. Jesus and the disciples had just had a successful outreach and there came a storm. As a matter of fact, the storm came because their exploits wreaked havoc on the kingdom of Satan. What worked in favour of the disciples was that the Stiller of Storms was with them. He promised us also that He would be with us till the end of the age (Matthew 28:20).
6. Learn from this story that you must always keep Jesus in the boat of your life at all times. Don’t ever undertake a journey or project without His involvement. Moreover, we should outgrow crying like babies in Christ. He has given us authority to still storms ourselves, but not without abiding in Him (Luke 10:19, John 15:4).

SHORT REFLECTION BY THE LIGHT POINTERS

 
Action Point: Apply your authority in Christ to still every storm raging against you or around you.
Hymn
The Great Physician now is near,
The sympathizing Jesus;
He speaks the drooping heart to cheer,
Oh, hear the voice of Jesus!
Chorus:
Sweetest note in seraph song;
Sweetest name on mortal tongue;
Sweetest carol ever sung:
Jesus, blessed Jesus!
Your many sins are all forgv’n
Oh, hear the voice of Jesus;
The veil ‘twixt you and God is riven,
Redemption wrought by Jesus.
All glory to the dying Lamb!
I now believe in Jesus;
I love the blessed Saviour’s name,
I love the name of Jesus.
His name dispels my guilt and fear,
No other name but Jesus;
Oh, how my soul delight to hear
The precious name of Jesus!

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