Monthly Archives: August 2019

OPEN HEAVENS DAILY DEVOTIONAL MONDAY 12TH AUGUST 2019: EVERY MAN HAS HIS PLACE.

MEMORISE:
I have planted, Apollos watered; but God gave the increase. 1 Corinthians 3:6

READ: 1 Corinthians 12:7-18

7 But the manifestation of the Spirit is given to every man to profit withal.

8 For to one is given by the Spirit the word of wisdom; to another the word of knowledge by the same Spirit;

9 To another faith by the same Spirit; to another the gifts of healing by the same Spirit;

10 To another the working of miracles; to another prophecy; to another discerning of spirits; to another divers kinds of tongues; to another the interpretation of tongues:

11 But all these worketh that one and the selfsame Spirit, dividing to every man severally as he will.

12 For as the body is one, and hath many members, and all the members of that one body, being many, are one body: so also is Christ.

13 For by one Spirit are we all baptized into one body, whether we be Jews or Gentiles, whether we be bond or free; and have been all made to drink into one Spirit.

14 For the body is not one member, but many.

15 If the foot shall say, Because I am not the hand, I am not of the body; is it therefore not of the body?

16 And if the ear shall say, Because I am not the eye, I am not of the body; is it therefore not of the body?

17 If the whole body were an eye, where were the hearing? If the whole were hearing, where were the smelling?

18 But now hath God set the members every one of them in the body, as it hath pleased him.

MESSAGE

Whenever God calls a person into a special office, it is usually for the purpose of playing a unique role towards the accomplishment of God’s agenda for mankind in a particular generation. God calls people to serve Him, and not to occupy exalted positions or obtain titles. Indeed, we are called to be a blessing t many lives; this is why God gives us spiritual gifts through His Holy Spirit. However, it is obvious today that some recipients of these gifts are not using the spiritual offices they occupy to serve God’s purpose. If you have been called as a pastor, your responsibility is to shepherd the church and care for the spiritual needs of those God has put in your trust as a pastor. Sadly, many pastors are busy in the rat race for wealth, position and fame, leaving members of their flock to wander aimlessly around. Many Christians cannot identify their left from their right, simply because Church leaders present opposing views over important matters relating to Bible doctrine. There is no agreement amongst ministers of God over what the Bible says about tithing, divorce and marriage, homosexuality, divine healing and miracles. Children of God in general and ministers of God in particular must learn to let Paul plant and Apollo water. Simply put, we must see ourselves as co-laborers in God’s vineyard (1 Corinthians 3:9). Speaking on this, the Holy Spirit says in Roman 12:4-8.

“For as we have many members in one body, and all members have not the same office:So we, being many, are one body in Christ, and every one members one of another.Having then gifts differing according to the grace that is given to us, whether prophecy, let us prophesy according to the proportion of faith; Or ministry, let us wait on our ministering: or he that teacheth, on teaching;Or he that exhorteth, on exhortation: he that giveth, let him do it with simplicity; he that ruleth, with diligence; he that sheweth mercy, with cheerfulness.”

There are various problems in the Body of Christ today because people are not using their spiritual office for the purpose they were called by the Almighty God. Grace has been given to everyone according to the measure of the gift of Christ, and so people should stop causing division within the Body of Christ through their foolish struggle for supremacy. Spiritual offices are meant to accomplish each other for the edification and perfecting of the saints. The gifts that these offices represent are meant to be used together for the unity of the Church, so that God’s people can come into the full knowledge of Jesus Christ (Ephesians 4:13). I pray that God will help Him Church to understand and walk in these truths in Jesus, Name.

PRAYER POINT:

Father, please unite Your Church in faith, knowledge and doctrine in Jesus’ Name.

BIBLE IN ONE YEAR: 1 Samuel 12-13
Ezekiel 32:29-33:9

AUTHOR: PASTOR E. A. ADEBOYE

HYMN 3: TRUST AND OBEY.

1. When we walk with the Lord in the light of His Word,
What a glory He sheds on our way!
While we do His good will, He abides with us still,
And with all who will trust and obey.

o Refrain:
Trust and obey, for there’s no other way
To be happy in Jesus, but to trust and obey.

2. Not a shadow can rise, not a cloud in the skies,
But His smile quickly drives it away;
Not a doubt or a fear, not a sigh or a tear,
Can abide while we trust and obey.

3. Not a burden we bear, not a sorrow we share,
But our toil He doth richly repay;
Not a grief or a loss, not a frown or a cross,
But is blessed if we trust and obey.

4. But we never can prove the delights of His love
Until all on the altar we lay;
For the favor He shows, for the joy He bestows,
Are for them who will trust and obey.

5. Then in fellowship sweet we will sit at His feet,
Or we’ll walk by His side in the way;
What He says we will do, where He sends we will go;
Never fear, only trust and obey.

Please follow and like us:
20
Posted by admina

OPEN HEAVENS DAILY DEVOTIONAL SUNDAY 11TH AUGUST 2019:BE CONTENTED

MEMORISE:
Better is a dry morsel, and quietness therewith, than an house full of sacrifices with strife. Proverbs 17:1

READ: 1 Timothy 6:6-11

6 But godliness with contentment is great gain.

7 For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out.

8 And having food and raiment let us be therewith content.

9 But they that will be rich fall into temptation and a snare, and into many foolish and hurtful lusts, which drown men in destruction and perdition.

10 For the love of money is the root of all evil: which while some coveted after, they have erred from the faith, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows.

11 But thou, O man of God, flee these things; and follow after righteousness, godliness, faith, love, patience, meekness.

MESSAGE
One virtue that is gradually being eroded from the lives of 21st century Christians is contentment, and because contentment and godliness are actually inseparable twins (1 Timothy 6:6), it is therefore not surprising that there is also a dearth of godliness amongst us. The cure to this deficiency in the Body of Christ is the consistent teaching of God’s word on commitment. I therefore encourage all teachers of God’s word to arm themselves with the sword of the Spirit in this regard and combat this issue in the Church. We can learn a lot on commitment from our Lord Jesus Christ. Even though He created the whole universe, He was content to be born into a family that could only afford a manger as His birth place (Luke 2:7)! He owns the cattle on a thousand hills, yet His earthly parents could only afford to sacrifice two pigeons at the time of His dedication in the temple (Luke 2:22-24, Leviticus 12:8). The Holy Spirit also teaches us commitment in Ecclesiastes 5:10-12, which says:
“ He that loveth silver shall not be satisfied with silver; nor he that loveth abundance with increase: this is also vanity.When goods increase, they are increased that eat them: and what good is there to the owners thereof, saving the beholding of them with their eyes?The sleep of a labouring man is sweet, whether he eat little or much: but the abundance of the rich will not suffer him to sleep.”

The Holy Spirit is saying here that no matter how rich a person is, there will always be the urge to run after more wealth in an endless vicious circle, unless he or she has commitment from God. He also says that as we labor to accumulate more money, we might actually be laboring for people we do not know, who will consume what we have labored for and might not even say “thank you” after eating our sweat. When you consider the rich people in your country, I believe you can point to several hundreds of families who legitimately and illegitimately benefit from their labors and sleepless nights spent in accumulating wealth. What good have those stolen billions done for the bodies of those who loot the treasury of their countries, not to mention their souls? A poor laborer who has contentment will always have an appetite to eat the modest food available and sleep well at night. Conversely, rich people without contentment do not sleep well, because they are always thinking of how to accumulate more riches and how not to lose what they already have to have to those out to cheat them. For this reason, many of them are always suspicious of people around them, seeing everyone as cheats. Beloved, seek the Lord today if you want to enjoy life in abundance, and be content with the blessings He bestows on you.

KEY POINT:
The satisfaction that contentment give is more valuable than all the riches in the whole world.

BIBLE IN ONE YEAR: 1 Samuel 10-11
Ezekiel 32:16-28

AUTHOR: PASTOR E. A. ADEBOYE

HYMN 5: LET OTHERS SEE JESUS IN YOU.

1.While passing thro’ this world of sin,
and others your life shall view,
Be clean and pure without, within;
Let others see Jesus in you.

Refrain:
Let others see Jesus in you,
Let others see Jesus in you.
Keep telling the story, be faithful and true;
Let others see Jesus in you.

2. Your life’s a book before their eyes,
They’re reading it thro’ and thro’
Say, does it point them to the skis,
Do others see Jesus in you?

Refrain

3. Then live for Christ both day and night,
Be faithful, be brave and true,
and lead the lost to life and Christ.
Let others see Jesus in you.

Refrain

Please follow and like us:
20
Posted by admina

OPEN HEAVENS DAILY DEVOTIONAL SATURDAY 10TH AUGUST 2019:CIRCUMCISION OF THE HEART.

MEMORISE:
Ye stiffnecked and uncircumcised in heart and ears, ye do always resist the Holy Ghost: as your fathers did, so do ye. Acts 7:51

READ: Acts 2:36-41

36 Therefore let all the house of Israel know assuredly, that God hath made the same Jesus, whom ye have crucified, both Lord and Christ.

37 Now when they heard this, they were pricked in their heart, and said unto Peter and to the rest of the apostles, Men and brethren, what shall we do?

38 Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost.

39 For the promise is unto you, and to your children, and to all that are afar off, even as many as the LORD our God shall call.

40 And with many other words did he testify and exhort, saying, Save yourselves from this untoward generation.

41 Then they that gladly received his word were baptized: and the same day there were added unto them about three thousand souls.

MESSAGE

Circumcision of the heart speaks of internal consecration to godliness. It implies deep reverence for God which produces a practical awareness of Him in every aspect of one’s life, bringing about the desire to always do His will. Circumcision of the heart permeates every aspect of a person’s life, including appearance, speech and actions. A circumcised or consecrated prison will always transmit and radiate godliness, so much so that anyone who comes in contact with his or her will immediately feel the presence of God. Just as God mandated the Israelites to be circumcised in their bodies and hearts before approaching His tabernacle (Ezekiel 44:9), those who are members of the Body of Christ have the responsibility of keeping anything that is abominable or polluting away from God’s holy altar in their hearts. Speaking on this, Titus 2:11-12 says:

“For the grace of God that bringeth salvation hath appeared to all men,Teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly, in this present world;”

Furthermore, circumcision of the heart indicates the level of consecration or sanctification of a child of God (Romans 2:29). The Bible in a few cases used the term “walking with God” to reflect the level of consecration of some fathers of faith. One example is Enoch, of whom the Bible in Genesis 5:24 says:

“And Enoch walked with God: and he was not; for God took him.”

Noah is another example of one who walked with God in perfection (Genesis 6:9). Other great examples include Simeon and Anna (Luke 2:25, Luke 2:37). Their lives teach us that our hearts must be circumcised if we are to know God and be known by Him.

One characteristic of a circumcised heart is contentment (1 Timothy 6:6). Good expects His children to be pleased with whatever He has blessed them with spiritually, physically, financially and materially. The Bible also teaches that godly sorrow for sins committed is another sign of a circumcised heart (Joel 2:13). A circumcised heart produces a godly life whose benefits cannot be over emphasized. 1 Timothy 4:8 tells us that godliness is profitable unto all things, both in life and in eternity. Today’s memory verse states that the uncircumcised in heart have the habit of always resisting the Holy Spirit. In other words, an uncircumcised heart is at the root of all acts of disobedience and apostasy among children of God. Is your heart circumcised?

PRAYER POINT:

Father, please circumcise my heart and make me obedient to your word in Jesus’ Name.

BIBLE IN ONE YEAR: 1 Samuel 8-9 and Ezekiel 32:1-15

AUTHOR: PASTOR E. A. ADEBOYE

HYMN 12: DEEPER, DEEPER IN THE LOVE OF JESUS

• Deeper, deeper in the love of Jesus
Daily let me go;
Higher, higher in the school of wisdom,
More of grace to know.
• Refrain:
Oh, deeper yet, I pray,
And higher every day,
And wiser, blessed Lord,
In Thy precious, holy Word.

• Deeper, deeper, blessed Holy Spirit,
Take me deeper still,
Till my life is wholly lost in Jesus,
And His perfect will.

• Deeper, deeper! though it cost hard trials,
Deeper let me go!
Rooted in the holy love of Jesus,
Let me fruitful grow.

• Deeper, higher, every day in Jesus,
Till all conflict past,
Finds me conqu’ror, and in His own image
Perfected at last.

• Deeper, deeper in the faith of Jesus,
Holy faith and true;
In His pow’r and soul exulting wisdom
Let me peace pursue.

Please follow and like us:
20
Posted by admina

OPEN HEAVENS DAILY DEVOTIONAL FRIDAY 9TH AUGUST 2019:WIVES, BUILD YOUR HOMES.

MEMORISE:

Every wise woman buildeth her house: but the foolish plucketh it down with her hands. Proverbs 14:1

READ: 1 Peter 3:1-6

1Likewise, ye wives, be in subjection to your own husbands; that, if any obey not the word, they also may without the word be won by the conversation of the wives;

2 While they behold your chaste conversation coupled with fear.

3 Whose adorning let it not be that outward adorning of plaiting the hair, and of wearing of gold, or of putting on of apparel;

4 But let it be the hidden man of the heart, in that which is not corruptible, even the ornament of a meek and quiet spirit, which is in the sight of God of great price.

5 For after this manner in the old time the holy women also, who trusted in God, adorned themselves, being in subjection unto their own husbands:

6 Even as Sara obeyed Abraham, calling him lord: whose daughters ye are, as long as ye do well, and are not afraid with any amazement.

MESSAGE

In His wisdom, the Holy Spirit has chosen to speak to wives in today’s devotional. Please note that He is speaking to wives and not just women. Obviously, not all women are wives. However, every wife is first a woman before becoming a wife. Are you a woman trusting God change your status from single to married? I pray that God will grant you your good heart’s desire this season in Jesus’ name. In God’s kingdom, only wives are given the assignment of building homes, not mistresses or “bed partners”. In other words, a mistress or bed-partner does not have the divine grace to build a godly family. With divine wisdom, a woman develops into a wife who builds her home. This wisdom come through the fear of God, which dwells on every woman who has received Jesus into her heart (Proverbs 9:10, Revelation 3:20). Jesus is the embodiment of God’s wisdom (1 Corinthians 1:24), and in this age of enlightenment, it takes Jesus in the life of a woman to do according to all that the Holy Spirit instructs in today’s Bible reading.

Godly wives are distinguishable by their chastity and general attitude to life, which is a product of the fear of God they possess and not necessarily because of the fear of their husbands. It is a wise thing for a wife to build her home; only a foolish person would pull down the house he or she lives in. many women who have pulled down their homes are now roaming the “streets of life”. Although they may pretend that all is well, they are actually hurting and nursing regrets over their past actions. Sadly, any such women are now encouraging naïve wives to act against the interest of their homes so that they can become their companions in misery. No wonder the Holy Spirit warns in 1 Timothy 4:7 saying:

“But refuse profane and old wives’ fables, and exercise thyself rather unto godliness.”

Some years ago, one f my daughters started having problems with her marriage, and she asked that me to counsel her. I discovered that she was getting carried away by her academic achievements, because she had bagged a PhD like her husband. So, I told her to be submissive to her husband if she really wanted to have a home. This suggestion was so ridiculous to her that she reminded me that she had a PhD like her husband! I said to her, “No problem, since your PhD can solve your marital challenges, go ahead and apply its philosophical principles to build yourself a happy home.” She got the message and began to yield to her husband. Before long, peace, joy and progress returned to her home. My prayer for someone reading this devotional today is that your troubled home will receive peace and unspeakable joy in Jesus’ Name. Be wise and invite Jesus Christ into your home today, and you will be glad you did.

PRAYER POINT:

Father, give me Your wisdom to build my home according to Your pattern, in Jesus Name.

BIBLE IN ONE YEAR: 1 Samuel 6-7
Ezekiel 31:10-18

AUTHOR: PASTOR E. A. ADEBOYE

HYMN 16: GOD GIVE US CHRISTIAN HOMES

1. God, give us christian homes!
Homes where the Bible is loved and taught,
Homes where the master’s
Will is sought,
Homes crowned with beauty thy love hath wrought;
God, give us christian homes;
God, give us christian homes!

2. God, give us christian homes!
Homes where the father is true and strong,
Homes that are free from the blight of wrong,
Homes that are joyous with love and song;
God, give us christian homes;
God, give us christian homes!

3. God, give us christian homes!
Homes where the mother, in queenly quest
Strive to show others thy way is best
Homes where the lord is an honoured guest;
God, give us christian homes;
God, give us christian homes!

4. God, give us christian homes!
Homes where the children are led to know
Christ in His beauty who loves them so,
Homes where the altar fires burn and glow;
God, give us christian homes;
God, give us christian homes!
Amen.

Please follow and like us:
20
Posted by admina

OPEN HEAVENS DAILY DEVOTIONAL THURSDAY 8TH AUGUST 2019:MORE THAN ENOUGH.

MEMORISE:

Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need. Hebrews 4:16

READ: 2 Corinthians 12:1-9

1It is not expedient for me doubtless to glory. I will come to visions and revelations of the Lord.

2 I knew a man in Christ above fourteen years ago, (whether in the body, I cannot tell; or whether out of the body, I cannot tell: God knoweth;) such an one caught up to the third heaven.

3 And I knew such a man, (whether in the body, or out of the body, I cannot tell: God knoweth;)

4 How that he was caught up into paradise, and heard unspeakable words, which it is not lawful for a man to utter.

5 Of such an one will I glory: yet of myself I will not glory, but in mine infirmities.

6 For though I would desire to glory, I shall not be a fool; for I will say the truth: but now I forbear, lest any man should think of me above that which he seeth me to be, or that he heareth of me.

7 And lest I should be exalted above measure through the abundance of the revelations, there was given to me a thorn in the flesh, the messenger of Satan to buffet me, lest I should be exalted above measure.

8 For this thing I besought the Lord thrice, that it might depart from me.

9 And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me.

MESSAGE

The word “grace” is commonly used in the Bible to describe the demonstration of God’s goodwill towards humanity and its effect on our lives. Grace is simply the unmerited favor of God, the supreme expression of which is the redemption of sinners and the full forgiveness they freely receive through faith in Jesus Christ the grace of God is more than enough to cover every weakness and challenge in the life of anyone who comes to Him through Jesus Christ ( 1 Timothy 1:14). Throughout the Bible, we see God’s grace spoken of in relation to three overlapping terms: goodness, love and mercy. Grace is therefore a product of God’s goodness, love and mercy towards humanity. We all owe the blessings of life to the goodwill of the Almighty God, who makes His sun rise on the evil and good, and sends His rain on the just and the unjust. There is therefore no one who has not tasted of God’s grace. Beyond this, there is a higher level of grace that sets a people apart unto God, granting them privileges which others don’t enjoy. I pray that God will be gracious to you, and you will progressively experience higher levels of His grace throughout your lifetime in Jesus’ Name.

Those who desire to enjoy the benefits of being distinguished by grace need to recognize that God’s grace is made known today in Jesus Christ. John 1:7 says:

“For the law was given by Moses, but grace and truth came by Jesus Christ.”

Truly divine grace is a gift of God that is exceedingly abundant in securing forgiveness and redemption for anyone dead in sin. God’s grace raises sinners up from the dunghill of shame and makes them sit together with Christin heavenly realms (Ephesians 2:6). In addition to being more than enough, God’s grace also opens the door to healing from all kinds of sicknesses and deliverance from captivity, breaking down satanic strongholds and transforming lives. Amazingly, even though no one deserves this grace, it is abundantly available to us all for free. Indeed, no one can ever meet the requirements or fulfil the conditions necessary to access the benefits associated with God’s grace. This is why 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.”

We should therefore always be thankful for grace. The saving grace of Jesus Christ is available to all human beings without exception; please, don’t reject or ignore it! Accept it with thanksgiving to God, and your life will never be the same again. Amen!

ACTION POINT:

Spend time expressing gratitude to God for the many benefits His grace has bestowed on your life.

BIBLE IN ONE YEAR: 1 Samuel 3-5
Ezekiel 30:20-31:9

AUTHOR: PASTOR E. A. ADEBOYE

HYMN 1: THERE SHALL BE SHOWERS OF BLESSINGS

• There shall be showers of blessing:
This is the promise of love;
There shall be seasons refreshing,
Sent from the Savior above.
• Refrain:
Showers of blessing,
Showers of blessing we need:
Mercy-drops round us are falling,
But for the showers we plead.

• There shall be showers of blessing,
Precious reviving again;
Over the hills and the valleys,
Sound of abundance of rain.

• There shall be showers of blessing;
Send them upon us, O Lord;
Grant to us now a refreshing,
Come, and now honor Thy Word.

• There shall be showers of blessing:
Oh, that today they might fall,
Now as to God we’re confessing,
Now as on Jesus we call!

• There shall be showers of blessing,
If we but trust and obey;
There shall be seasons refreshing,
If we let God have His way.

Please follow and like us:
20
Posted by admina

OPEN HEAVENS DAILY DEVOTIONAL WEDNSDAY 7TH AUGUST 2019:THE COUNTDOWN HAS BEGUN.

MEMORISE:
This know also, that in the last days perilous times shall come. 2 Timothy 3:1

READ: Matthew 24:4-13

4 And Jesus answered and said unto them, Take heed that no man deceive you.

5 For many shall come in my name, saying, I am Christ; and shall deceive many.

6 And ye shall hear of wars and rumours of wars: see that ye be not troubled: for all these things must come to pass, but the end is not yet.

7 For nation shall rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom: and there shall be famines, and pestilences, and earthquakes, in divers places.

8 All these are the beginning of sorrows.

9 Then shall they deliver you up to be afflicted, and shall kill you: and ye shall be hated of all nations for my name’s sake.

10 And then shall many be offended, and shall betray one another, and shall hate one another.

11 And many false prophets shall rise, and shall deceive many.

12 And because iniquity shall abound, the love of many shall wax cold.

13 But he that shall endure unto the end, the same shall be saved.

MESSAGE

Every discerning mind connected to heaven knows beyond any reasonable doubt that perilous times are here. Happenings in different parts of the world are beginning to align very accurately with what the prophets of old and the Lord Jesus Christ foretold about the end times. This is why it is very urgent that we maximize the time we have left to propagate the gospel of the Lord to those who are yet to know Him. Speaking to us on this in Ephesians 5:14-16, the Holy Spirit says:

“Wherefore he saith, Awake thou that sleepest, and arise from the dead, and Christ shall give thee light.See then that ye walk circumspectly, not as fools, but as wise,Redeeming the time, because the days are evil.”

Today, even the elect are straying from the flock of the Good Shepherd. The devil is attacking our faith from all angles, and some brethren have been hit by his evil arrows, making their love wax cold. The faith of some others has suffered shipwreck and their love is now directed at the pleasures of this world. Those things that should not even be mentioned in the house of God are now being celebrated on some pulpits. There are now more lovers of pleasures in the Church than lovers of God. We are in dire times indeed.

In this modern age where people are ever learning but never able to come to the knowledge of the truth, believers must watch against satanic wiles and temptations. We must avoid all forms of false doctrine being spread by the devil and his agents in the Church. Let us remain in the simple gospel of Jesus, which is able to see us through to the very end. There are false teachers rising up every day with different kinds of teachings and beliefs, using their influence to spread erroneous teachings to unsuspecting believers. Avoid such people and reject their teachings. Let us run with the message of the true gospel to every part of the world, reminding people that those who are not on the Lord’s side on the last day will face eternal damnation. Let us do the work of an evangelist \, which includes going after those people straying from the flock of Christ. These are those who started well but have become consumed with the cares of this world and the deceitfulness of riches. The signs of the second coming of Christ are daily being fulfilled before our very eyes. In order not to be caught unawares, we must prepare ourselves daily through self-examination. The enemy of our soul is out there seeking how to devour us, and we must not allow him to truncate our destinies. We must not make room for the flesh and we must put out all works of darkness around us. As you occupy in the Lord’s service until He returns, be wise and circumspect in all that you do. Above all, always be fully prepared for the second coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.

PRAYER POINT:

Father, help me to be a true ambassador of Christ, showing forth Your praise, in Jesus name.

BIBLE IN ONE YEAR: 1 Samuel 1-2
Ezekiel 30:5-19

AUTHOR: PASTOR E. A. ADEBOYE

HYMN 17: HOLD THE FORT
1. Ho, my comrades, see the signal, waving in the sky!
Reinforcements now appearing, victory is nigh.

o Refrain:
“Hold the fort, for I am coming,” Jesus signals still;
Wave the answer back to Heaven, “By Thy grace we will.”

2. See the mighty host advancing, Satan leading on;
Mighty ones around us falling, courage almost gone!

3. See the glorious banner waving! Hear the trumpet blow!
In our Leader’s Name we triumph over every foe.

4. Fierce and long the battle rages, but our help is near;
Onward comes our great Commander, cheer, my comrades, cheer!

Please follow and like us:
20
Posted by admina

OPEN HEAVENS DAILY DEVOTIONAL TUESDAY 6TH AUGUST 2019:A SHEEP OF HIS PASTURE?

MEMORISE:
I am the good shepherd, and know my sheep, and am known of mine. John 10:14

READ: 1 Psalm 100:1-5

1Make a joyful noise unto the LORD, all ye lands.

2 Serve the LORD with gladness: come before his presence with singing.

3 Know ye that the LORD he is God: it is he that hath made us, and not we ourselves; we are his people, and the sheep of his pasture.

4 Enter into his gates with thanksgiving, and into his courts with praise: be thankful unto him, and bless his name.

5 For the LORD is good; his mercy is everlasting; and his truth endureth to all generations.

MESSAGE

In today’s memory verse, Jesus Christ identifies who He is with respect to His responsibility towards His own. To fully partake of all He has to offer, you need to play close attention to what He is saying here. In that verse, he does not introduce Himself as any ordinary shepherd but as the Good Shepherd who has intimate knowledge of His sheep on an individual basis. He also says the litmus test to know those who belong to Him is that they are able to recognize His voice, follow His guidance and obey His instructions (John 10:27). He confirms to us through these words that He is personally concerned about those who are his own. He does not deal with us on an impersonal basis or bureaucratically from a distance. This is made clear in Hebrews 4:15, which says:

“For we have not an high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin.”

Through the parable of the lost sheep, the Lord also assures us that He cares personally about every single member of His flock, so much so that even if one of them is lost, He will search until He finds that one (Luke 15:3-7).

Identity is very important to God. Just as Jesus presented Himself as the Good Shepherd who knows His sheep and calls them by name, He also expects His sheep to recognize His voice and come to His willingly. More so, He expects that His sheep would disregard the voice of strangers. He said in John 10:4-5:

“And when he putteth forth his own sheep, he goeth before them, and the sheep follow him: for they know his voice.And a stranger will they not follow, but will flee from him: for they know not the voice of strangers.”

The Lord clearly indicates that He is only responsible for those who identify with Him and obey His commandments. Are you one of those? As the Good shepherd, the Lord watches over His sheep and protects them, even to the point of giving His life as the ultimate sacrifice for them (John 10:11). Furthermore, Matthew 10:30 teaches that God has meticulously numbered every strand of our hair, and He is committed to doing everything necessary to protect us from every form of attack or harm. He has proven in times past and even today that He keeps His commitments. God consistently affirms in His word that His personal relationship with us is important to Him (2 Timothy 2:19). Even though His providence extends to all of humanity, He specially cares for those who belong to Him (Hebrews 13:5, Matthew 5:45). Therefore, if I were you, I would ensure that I belong to His fold for the rest of my life, to continue enjoying the awesome benefits He gives. Are you part of His sheep?

PRAYER POINT:

Father, please revive Your people and return us to the path of faith in Jesus name.

BIBLE IN ONE YEAR: Ruth 3-4
Ezekiel 29:10-30:4

AUTHOR: PASTOR E. A. ADEBOYE

HYMN 10: I HAVE DECIDED TO FOLLOW JESUS

• I have decided to follow Jesus;
I have decided to follow Jesus;
I have decided to follow Jesus;
No turning back, no turning back.

• The world behind me, the cross before me;
The world behind me, the cross before me;
The world behind me, the cross before me;
No turning back, no turning back.

• Though none go with me, still I will follow;
Though- none go with me, still I will follow;
Though none go with me, still I will follow;
No turning back, no turning back.

• My cross I’ll carry, till I see Jesus;
My cross I’ll carry, till I see Jesus;
My cross I’ll carry, till I see Jesus;
No turning back, no turning back.

• Will you decide now to follow Jesus?
Will you decide now to follow Jesus?
Will you decide now to follow Jesus?
No turning back, no turning back.

Please follow and like us:
20
Posted by admina

OPEN HEAVENS DAILY DEVOTIONAL MONDAY 5TH AUGUST 2019:UNDERSTANDING TIMES & SEASONS.

MEMORISE:
While the earth remaineth, seedtime and harvest, and cold and heat, and summer and winter, and day and night shall not cease. Genesis 8:22

READ: 1 Chronicles 12:32-33

32 And of the children of Issachar, which were men that had understanding of the times, to know what Israel ought to do; the heads of them were two hundred; and all their brethren were at their commandment.

33 Of Zebulun, such as went forth to battle, expert in war, with all instruments of war, fifty thousand, which could keep rank: they were not of double heart.

MESSAGE

As children of the Most High, we need a good understanding of the times and seasons we live in as an important part of enjoying our relationship with God, and to make us successful in our endeavors in this world. We must not ignore the Holy Spirit’s teaching in Ecclesiastes 3:1 which says:

“To every thing there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the
heaven:”

It is clear from the verse that our God is a God of plan and purpose who in His infinite wisdom has predetermined the times and season to activate His plan and fulfil His purpose. Today’s memory verse is very insightful in this regard. It is amazing that the words God spoke to Noah so many years ago are still relevant to us in this generation. We understand from the verse that even though we should be heaven-minded, as this word is not our home, we must also be active and productive as long as we remain in this world. As profitable stewards of the resources of God’s kingdom, we must prepare for every season and put in our very best to make the most of every opportunity God gives to us. We must not occupy the back seat in the affairs of this world or accept servitude and poverty as our lot. We must refuse unfavorable circumstances and reject mediocrity disguised as spirituality. I pray that the Almighty God will give you perfect understanding of the times and seasons He makes available to you in Jesus’ Name.

Children of God need to know that the same God who commanded us to be sober, vigilant and to watch carefully for the second coming of our Lord Jesus Christ also instructed us to occupy till He returns (Luke 19:13). Therefore, as we continue to say “Come, Lord Jesus” and intensify our efforts to take His gospel to every corner of the earth, we must also continue to prosper and multiply in all aspects of life. We must also continue to prosper and multiply in all aspects of life. We must continue in our efforts to dominate our world and subdue it for the Almighty God. Isaiah 49:8 says:

“Thus saith the LORD, In an acceptable time have I heard thee, and in a day of salvation have I helped thee: and I will preserve thee, and give thee for a covenant of the people, to establish the earth, to cause to inherit the desolate heritages;”

I pray that your understanding will become open to realize that this is the acceptable time and season that our God in His wisdom has set to favor His children. Therefore, to as many as are determined to do exploits for God, I say the Lord will preserve you, and all your efforts to win souls for Christ will be richly rewarded. God will empower you to be established and cause you to inherit the desolate heritages of the earth, in the Name of Jesus.

PRAYER POINT:

Father, please awaken me to the opportunities You have set before me in this generation in Jesus name.

BIBLE IN ONE YEAR: Ruth 1-2
Ezekiel 28:25-29:9

AUTHOR: PASTOR E. A. ADEBOYE

HYMN 1: THERE SHALL BE SHOWERS OF BLESSINGS

• There shall be showers of blessing:
This is the promise of love;
There shall be seasons refreshing,
Sent from the Savior above.
• Refrain:
Showers of blessing,
Showers of blessing we need:
Mercy-drops round us are falling,
But for the showers we plead.

• There shall be showers of blessing,
Precious reviving again;
Over the hills and the valleys,
Sound of abundance of rain.

• There shall be showers of blessing;
Send them upon us, O Lord;
Grant to us now a refreshing,
Come, and now honor Thy Word.

• There shall be showers of blessing:
Oh, that today they might fall,
Now as to God we’re confessing,
Now as on Jesus we call!

• There shall be showers of blessing,
If we but trust and obey;
There shall be seasons refreshing,
If we let God have His way.

Please follow and like us:
20
Posted by admina

OPEN HEAVENS DAILY DEVOTIONAL SUNDAY 4TH AUGUST 2019: WORD OF LIFE.

MEMORISE:
It is the spirit that quickeneth; the flesh profiteth nothing: the words that I speak unto you, they are spirit, and they are life. John 6:63

READ: John 6:66-69

66 From that time many of his disciples went back, and walked no more with him.

67 Then said Jesus unto the twelve, Will ye also go away?

68 Then Simon Peter answered him, Lord, to whom shall we go? thou hast the words of eternal life.

69 And we believe and are sure that thou art that Christ, the Son of the living God.

MESSAGE

For as the Father hath life in himself; so hath he given to the Son to have life in himself; John 5:26

Life is an essential gift that God gives to every living entity in His creation. God is the Source and Author of life. This means that life cannot be acquired or possessed independently by any creature in the universe. Don’t be deceived; life is not an incidental product of nature; neither can nature take care of itself without God. Nature cannot produce life on its own because it is God’s special gift, produced and ordered by God himself. Our Lord Jesus Christ was begotten of the Father and not created, and being one with the Father, he has the same life-giving power that the Father possesses; so that just as the Father gave life as a gift at creation, Jesus is also able to give life freely to all those who come to Him through redemption.

And the LORD God formed man of the dust of the ground, and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life; and man became a living soul. Genesis 2:7

This scripture describes how the first Adam received life. The breath of God transmitted life into man’s inanimate body and he became a living soul. This process closely mirrors what the Second Adam (Jesus Christ) is saying in today’s memory verse. He is revealing to us that just as the Father gave life through His breath in the beginning, He also gives life through His words today. Therefore, the words of Jesus Christ are literarily the “Word of life”, not only in His own mouth but also in the mouth of those He has committed it to. No wonder John wrote in 1 John 1:1&3:

“That which was from the beginning, which we have heard, which we have seen with our eyes, which we have looked upon, and our hands have handled, of the Word of life; That which we have seen and heard declare we unto you, that ye also may have fellowship with us: and truly our fellowship is with the Father, and with his Son Jesus Christ.”

The word of life carries the creative power of God that is able to bring life to any dead situation. This is the same power that framed the universe! If you catch this revelation, you will realize the magnitude of the power at your disposal. You can speak the word of life to any situation in which death reigns and the life of God will come into it. The same word of life that the early disciples used in turning the world “upside down” is what God has committed to your mouth (Acts 5:20, Acts 17:6, Philippians 2:15-16). I therefore decree that beginning from today, the word of God will become like fire in your mouth that will turn the world upside down for Christ in Jesus’ Name.

PRAYER POINT:

Father, please let the word of life become effective in my mouth in Jesus name.

BIBLE IN ONE YEAR: Judges 20-21
Ezekiel 28:11-24

AUTHOR: PASTOR E. A. ADEBOYE

HYMN 11: WHEN THE POWER OF GOD DESCENDED

1. When the power of God descended
On the day of Pentecost,
All the day of waiting ended,
They received the Holy Ghost

Refrain:
O Lord, send the power just now,
O Lord send the power just now,
O Lord send the power just now,
And baptize, every one.

2. Tongues of flame came down upon them,
And they preached the word in power,
Listening multitudes awakened
Turned to God that very hour.

3. We are waiting Holy Spirit
We are all of one accord,
Lord fulfill just now the promise
That is given in thy Word.

4. Fill and thrill us with Thy presence,
Grant the blessing that we need
Flood our souls with wondrous glory,
While the prayer of faith we plead.

Please follow and like us:
20
Posted by admina

OPEN HEAVENS DAILY DEVOTIONAL SATURDAY 3RD AUGUST 2019:DOUBT STEALS MIRACLE.

MEMORISE:
But let him ask in faith, nothing wavering. For he that wavereth is like a wave of the sea driven with the wind and tossed. James 1:6

READ: Matthew 14:25-32

25 And in the fourth watch of the night Jesus went unto them, walking on the sea.

26 And when the disciples saw him walking on the sea, they were troubled, saying, It is a spirit; and they cried out for fear.

27 But straightway Jesus spake unto them, saying, Be of good cheer; it is I; be not afraid.

28 And Peter answered him and said, Lord, if it be thou, bid me come unto thee on the water.

29 And he said, Come. And when Peter was come down out of the ship, he walked on the water, to go to Jesus.

30 But when he saw the wind boisterous, he was afraid; and beginning to sink, he cried, saying, Lord, save me.

31 And immediately Jesus stretched forth his hand, and caught him, and said unto him, O thou of little faith, wherefore didst thou doubt?

32 And when they were come into the ship, the wind ceased.

MESSAGE

Since the Bible declares that man was created in God’s image, to any objective person, a look at man’s creative works should reflect how creative God is (Genesis 1:26). Just as there can be no house without a builder or a car without a manufacturer, so also is it impossible to have a universe so organized without a creator. God is indeed the Creator of all things in heaven and on earth. Colossians 1:16 says:

“For by him were all things created, that are in heaven, and that are in earth, visible and invisible, whether they be thrones, or dominions, or principalities, or powers: all things were created by him, and for him:”

A consideration of the intelligent design of everything in creation should convince anyone that the Creator of it all must be a great and mighty God. No wonder Psalm 19:1 says:

“The heavens declare the glory of God; and the firmament sheweth his handywork.”

Indeed, the signature of the Almighty God is seen in the firmament and everywhere throughout creation: from the perfectly organized, precision-driven cosmos to the wonders of the human body. The spectacles of God’s creative power are on display in various plants, insects, animals, mountains, rock formations, waterfalls and beautiful landscapes all over the world. All of these are meant to leave us without an iota of doubt that there is nothing impossible with the Almighty God, who is all-knowing and all-powerful. Speaking on this, the Holy Spirit says in Romans 1:20:

“For the invisible things of him from the creation of the world are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even his eternal power and Godhead; so that they are without excuse:”

Having revealed Himself throughout the observable universe in diverse ways, those who still doubt God’s existence or His ability to do all things only rob themselves of partaking in His miraculous works. They are like the government official in 2 Kings 7:2 who doubted the word of God declared by Elisha. Although His eyes saw the fulfilment of God’s word, he did not live to partake of it. Similarly, the Israelites who doubted God in Numbers 13:26-33 also denied themselves the pleasure of entering the Promised Land, as they all perished in the wilderness. That is what doubt does in the life of a person. I encourage you therefore not to doubt God. Your doubt will not diminish Him in any way; it will only rob you of His purpose and provision for your life. May the Lord completely destroy the root of doubt in your life and family today in Jesus’ Name.

KEY PRAYER POINT:

Doubt is an arrow of the devil designed to steal God’s purpose and provisions for your life.

BIBLE IN ONE YEAR: Judges 19
Ezekiel 27:26-28:10

AUTHOR: PASTOR E. A. ADEBOYE

HYMN 8: MY FAITH LOOKS UP TO THEE
My faith looks up to Thee,
Thou Lamb of Calvary,
Savior divine!
Now hear me while I pray,
Take all my guilt away,
Oh, let me from this day
Be wholly Thine!

May Thy rich grace impart
Strength to my fainting heart,
My zeal inspire!
As Thou hast died for me,
Oh, may my love to Thee
Pure, warm, and changeless be,
A living fire!

While life’s dark maze I tread,
And griefs around me spread,
Be Thou my guide;
Bid darkness turn to day,
Wipe sorrow’s tears away,
Nor let me ever stray
From Thee aside.

When ends life’s transient dream,
When death’s cold, sullen stream
Shall o’er me roll;
Blest Savior, then in love,
Fear and distrust remove;
Oh, bear me safe above,
A ransomed soul!

Please follow and like us:
20
Posted by admina