Monthly Archives: July 2021

OPEN HEAVENS DAILY DEVOTIONAL. SUNDAY 1ST AUGUST, 2021. EMMANUEL (1).

MEMORISE:
Behold, a virgin shall be with child, and shall bring forth a son, and they shall call his name Emmanuel, which being interpreted is, God with us.
Matthew 1:23

READ: Matthew 1:18-25

18. Now the birth of Jesus Christ was on this wise: When as his mother Mary was espoused to Joseph, before they came together, she was found with child of the Holy Ghost.

19. Then Joseph her husband, being a just man, and not willing to make her a publick example, was minded to put her away privily.

20. But while he thought on these things, behold, the angel of the LORD appeared unto him in a dream, saying, Joseph, thou son of David, fear not to take unto thee Mary thy wife: for that which is conceived in her is of the Holy Ghost.

21. And she shall bring forth a son, and thou shalt call his name JESUS: for he shall save his people from their sins.

22.Now all this was done, that it might be fulfilled which was spoken of the Lord by the prophet, saying,

23. Behold, a virgin shall be with child, and shall bring forth a son, and they shall call his name Emmanuel, which being interpreted is, God with us.

24. Then Joseph being raised from sleep did as the angel of the Lord had bidden him, and took unto him his wife:

25. And knew her not till she had brought forth her firstborn son: and he called his name JESUS.

MESSAGE:
One purpose of the Gospel of Matthew is to show that Jesus fulfilled the Old Testament promises concerning the Messiah.

Isaiah 7:14 says:

“Therefore the Lord himself shall give you a sign; Behold, a virgin shall conceive, and bear a son, and shall call his name Immanuel.”

The name Emmanuel means God with us. God is the only being who is unlimited in His might.

There are numerous blessings to be enjoyed from being in the presence of God (Psalms 16:11 ).

Constantly being in the presence of the Lord ensures the fulfilment of ones divine destiny.

Romans 8:31 says:

“What shall we then say to these things? If God be for us, who can be against us?”

God has many names and they all work for the good of those who have Him as their Father.

God is the El-Shaddai – the AllSufficient One. God has enough resources to meet all your needs spiritual, physical, emotional as well as psychological. God is the Jehovah Jireh – the Great Provider. He has the ability to turn a fellows austerity to prosperity and poverty to wealth.

Philippians 4:19 says:

“But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus.”

God is the Great Healer. Are you sick? God has the ability to cure all ailments pathological (physical or mental) or spiritual. God is the Jehovah-Nissi – the man of war. Are you facing any battle? The Almighty God has the ability to fight all your battles and grant you total victory. Are the enemies of your life innumerable? Are they stronger than you? Turn to Jehovah-Nissi today. Let Him be your Emmanuel.

His promise is:

“He shall call upon me, and I will answer him: I will be with him in trouble; I will deliver him, and honour him”

“Psalm 91:15”

I prophesy that you will be victorious in every battle you face in Jesus name.

God is our righteousness Jehovah-Tsidkenu.

Divine Salvation is the greatest of all the numerous advantages of being a child of God.

John 3:3 says

“Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God.”

Are you born again? The reality of having God with you can only come to be when you give your life to Jesus.

REFLECTION:
There is nothing as good as having God with you.

AUTHOR: PASTOR E.A ADEBOYE.

BIBLE IN ONE YEAR:
Job 23:1-17,
Job 24:1-25

HYMN 1: ALL HAIL THE POWER OF JESUS NAME!

All hail the power of Jesus Name!
Let angels prostrate fall;
Bring forth the royal diadem,
and crown Him Lord of all.
Bring forth the royal diadem,
and crown Him Lord of all.

Let highborn seraphs tune the lyre,
and as they tune it, fall
Before His face Who tunes their choir,
and crown Him Lord of all.
Before His face Who tunes their choir,
and crown Him Lord of all.

Crown Him, ye morning stars of light,
Who fixed this floating ball;
Now hail the strength of Israels might,
and crown Him Lord of all.
Now hail the strength of Israels might,
and crown Him Lord of all.

Crown Him, ye martyrs of your God,
who from His altar call;
Extol the Stem of Jesses Rod,
and crown Him Lord of all.
Extol the Stem of Jesses Rod,
and crown Him Lord of all.

Ye seed of Israels chosen race,
ye ransomed from the fall,
Hail Him Who saves you by His grace,
and crown Him Lord of all.
Hail Him Who saves you by His grace,
and crown Him Lord of all.

Hail Him, ye heirs of Davids line,
Whom David Lord did call,
The God incarnate, Man divine,
and crown Him Lord of all,
The God incarnate, Man divine,
and crown Him Lord of all.

Sinners, whose love can neer forget
the wormwood and the gall,
Go spread your trophies at His feet,
and crown Him Lord of all.
Go spread your trophies at His feet,
and crown Him Lord of all.

Let every tribe and every tongue
before Him prostrate fall
And shout in universal song
the crownd Lord of all.
And shout in universal song
the crownd Lord of all.

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OPEN HEAVENS DAILY DEVOTIONAL SATURDAY 31ST JULY 2021. WHAT ARE YOUR PRIORITIES?

MEMORISE:

But as it is written, Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that love him.
1 Corinthians 2:9

READ: John 4:23-24.

23 But the hour cometh, and now is, when the true worshippers shall worship the Father in spirit and in truth: for the Father seeketh such to worship him.

24 God is a Spirit: and they that worship him must worship him in spirit and in truth.

MESSAGE:
The Scriptures present us with a marked difference between the priorities of our Lord Jesus Christ and the concerns of His disciples. Just like His disciples, many of us are too bothered with how to meet our physical, psychological and emotional needs, rather than on spiritual things. We immerse ourselves in temporal concerns. Jesus assured His disciples that the Father knew their needs and would always provide for them (Luke 11:11-13). Jesus described what should be the topmost priority of all Heaven-bound Christians in Matthew 6:33:
“But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.”

It is often said that passionate people make the greatest contributions to the society. Be passionate about the things of God. Seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, so that the necessities of daily life will be provided. It is time to reprioritize your life and passion.

God is called the God of glory in Act 7:2. There is a great expectation for all who serve God in holiness and truth. Everyone who dedicates themselves to serving God in spirit and in truth will enjoy divine favor is better than many years of labor. Divine favor is superior to luck or good fortune. I pray that you will experience divine favor from today, in Jesus’ name.

Heaven-bound Christians are focused on serving God in spirit and in truth (John 2:24). Material and worldly possessions are secondary to them, despite God’s assurance of His provision. There is fruitfulness for all who consecrate themselves to serving God in spirit and truth. Psalm 92:12 says:
“The righteous shall flourish like the palm tree: he shall grow like a cedar in Lebanon.”

There is an assurance of victory over all known and unknown enemies for those who serve God in righteousness. Psalm 132:18 says:
“His enemies will I clothe with shame: but upon himself shall his crown flourish.”

Are you consecrated to God? Do you love Him? Is the righteousness of God your priority? If your answer to each of these questions is ‘yes’, blessed are you. If not, seek a deeper relationship with the Lord from today and you would be blessed also.

PRAYER POINT:
Father, please grant me the grace to consecrate myself unto You. Help me to make righteousness my utmost priority, in Jesus’ name.

BIBLE IN ONE YEAR: Job 21-22.

AUTHOR: PASTOR E. A. ADEBOYE

HYMN 11: I NEED THEE EV’RY HOUR.
1. I need Thee every hour, most gracious Lord;
No tender voice like Thine can peace afford.

o Refrain:
I need Thee, oh, I need Thee;
Every hour I need Thee;
Oh, bless me now, my Savior,
I come to Thee.

2. I need Thee every hour, stay Thou nearby;
Temptations lose their pow’r when Thou art nigh.

3. I need Thee every hour, in joy or pain;
Come quickly and abide, or life is vain.

4. I need Thee every hour; teach me Thy will;
And Thy rich promises in me fulfill.

5. I need Thee every hour, most Holy One;
Oh, make me Thine indeed, Thou blessed Son.

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OPEN HEAVENS DAILY DEVOTIONAL FRIDAY JULY 30 2021 THE MARKS OF THE LORD JESUS

MEMORISE:

From henceforth let no man trouble me: for I bear in my body the marks of the Lord Jesus.
Galatians 6:17

READ:
Titus 2:11-15

11 For the grace of God that bringeth salvation hath appeared to all men,

12 Teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly, in this present world;

13 Looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ;

14 Who gave himself for us, that he might redeem us from all iniquity, and purify unto himself a peculiar people, zealous of good works.

15 These things speak, and exhort, and rebuke with all authority. Let no man despise thee.

MESSAGE:

A mark can be described as an impression, a distinguishing trait or quality. Every genuine child of God bears some mark within them that identifies him or her as a child of God.

The Spirit itself beareth witness with our spirit, that we are the children of God.
Romans 8:16

One distinguishing trait or quality that indicates ownership by the Lord Jesus is holiness which produces faithfulness and other Christian virtues. Everyone belonging to Christ is expected to be holy in order to exhibit His characteristics. Faithfulness is another hallmark of a Christian carrying the mark of Jesus. This results in our steadfastness in prayer, tithes and offerings, studying the word of God, our marital relationships, general human relations and our service to God. God expects you as His child to be faithful to Him, yourself and others.

Christ came to do the perfect will of God for His life. Hebrews 10:7 says:

Then said I, Lo, I come (in the volume of the book it is written of me,) to do thy will, O God.

Anything that brings shame or reproach to the name of the Lord is not His will for your life. Are you passionate about the things of God? Do you obey the Bible which is the written word of God?

Love is another mark of the Lord Jesus. John 13:1 says:

Now before the feast of the Passover, when Jesus knew that his hour was come that he should depart out of this world unto the Father, having loved his own which were in the world, he loved them unto the end.

Indicators of love include endurance, kindness, selflessness, humility, self-discipline and purity. Love subdues pride and vain glory; It is not puffed up with conceit. It is not insolent, neither does it despise others, trample on them, nor treat them with contempt and scorn. Love is selfless, the complete opposite of selfishness. It cannot harbour malice, neither can it plan evil.

Holiness and love are two marks of the Lord Jesus Christ.

Do you bear these marks?

PRAYER POINT:

Father, please let the marks of the Lord Jesus be evident in my life, for Your glory.

BIBLE IN ONE YEAR:
Psalm 90-92

AUTHOR:
PASTOR E. A. ADEBOYE

HYMN 9
HOLY, HOLY, HOLY, LORD GOD ALMIGHTY

1. Holy, holy, holy! Lord God Almighty!
Early in the morning our song shall rise to thee.
Holy, holy, holy! Merciful and mighty!
God in three Persons, blessed Trinity!

2. Holy, holy, holy! All the saints adore thee,
Casting down their golden crowns around the glassy sea;
Cherubim and seraphim falling down before thee,
Who wert, and art, and evermore shalt be.

3. Holy, holy, holy! Though the darkness hide thee,
Though the eye of sinful man thy glory may not see,
Only thou art holy; there is none beside thee,
Perfect in pow’r, in love, and purity.

4. Holy, holy, holy! Lord God Almighty!
All thy works shall praise thy name in earth and sky and sea.
Holy, holy, holy! Merciful and mighty!
God in three Persons, blessed Trinity!

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OPEN HEAVENS DAILY DEVOTIONAL THURSDAY 29TH JULY 2021. THE NEED FOR BODILY EXERCISE.

MEMORISE:

For bodily exercise profiteth little: but godliness is profitable unto all things, having promise of the life that now is, and of that which is to come. 1 Timothy 4:8

READ: 3 John 2

2 Beloved, I wish above all things that thou mayest prosper and be in health, even as thy soul prospereth.

MESSAGE:
Every sane person wishes to be healthy, wealthy, fulfilled and have longevity. 1 Chronicles 29:26-28 says:
“Thus David the son of Jesse reigned over all Israel… And he died in a good old age, full of days, riches, and honour:….”

Therefore, good health, long life and prosperity are the heritage of God’s children. Bodily exercise may indeed profit little compared to the spiritual benefits of godliness, but a healthy body is vital to successful living and longevity.

Man is a tripartite being. The Bible teaches that man consist of the spirit, soul and body. God is interested in our good health- physically. He desires that we should be sound and complete- spirit, soul and body. This healing of the whole man starts in our spirit, it begins when God touches our spirit with His Holy Ghost. Romans 8:16 says:
“The Spirit itself beareth witness with our spirit, that we are the children of God:”

God created the human body to be rugged. However, good food and regular exercise, and daily rest are vital for a healthy body.

A healthy body is required to carry out daily human endeavors. More so, divine assignments are usually tedious and demanding physically, emotionally and spiritually. Therefore, fitness and sound health are two factors that make God appoint people in their youth for special assignments. That is why strength and all-round fitness are common attributes of those that God used in the Bible.

Abraham was energetic and fit enough to produce children at over a hundred years of age (Genesis 25:1-4). Moses trekked through the wilderness and climbed mountains at over eighty years of age (Exodus 7:7). David displayed agility and strength in the fight against lions, bears, Goliath and various armies, even from his youth, Elijah exhibited speed and stamina, as he was aided by the Holy Spirit to outrun the chariot of king Ahab. The exploits of Joshua, Caleb, Samson, Deborah, Peter, Paul, Stephen, Philip, John the Beloved and others, show clearly that they were physically fit.

Bodily exercise is required to keep the body fit and strong for the accomplishment of great and mighty things God.

ACTION POINT:
Henceforth, ensure that you get involved in regular exercise for healthy living even as your soul continues to prosper.

BIBLE IN ONE YEAR: Psalm 87-89.

AUTHOR: PASTOR E. A. ADEBOYE

HYMN 1: ALL HAIL THE POW’R.

1. All hail the pow’r of Jesus’ Name!
Let angels prostrate fall;
Bring forth the royal diadem,
And crown Him Lord of all!

2. Ye chosen seed of Israel’s race,
Ye ransomed from the fall,
Hail Him Who saves you by His grace,
And crown Him Lord of all!

3. Let every kindred, every tribe,
On this terrestrial ball,
To Him all majesty ascribe,
And crown Him Lord of all!

4. Oh, that with yonder sacred throng
We at His feet may fall!
We’ll join the everlasting song,
And crown Him Lord of all!

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OPEN HEAVENS DAILY DEVOTIONAL. WEDNESDAY 28TH JULY, 2021. THE BLOOD OF JESUS.

MEMORISE:
“For the life of the flesh is in the blood: and I have given it to you upon the altar to make an atonement for your souls: for it is the blood that maketh an atonement for the soul.”
(Leviticus 17:11)

READ: Hebrews 9:24-28 (KJV)

24. For Christ is not entered into the holy places made with hands, which are the figures of the true; but into heaven itself, now to appear in the presence of God for us;

25. Nor yet that he should offer himself often, as the high priest entereth into the holy place every year with blood of others;

26. For then must he often have suffered since the foundation of the world; but now once in the end of the world hath he appeared to put away sin by the sacrifice of himself.

27. And as it is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgment;

28. So Christ was once offered to bear the sins of many; and unto them that look for him shall he appear the second time without sin unto salvation.

MESSAGE:
There is power in the blood. Leviticus 17:10-12 contains seven prohibitions regarding eating anything that is still bleeding.

Our memory verse explains that firstly, blood is inherently necessary to maintain animal life, so the life of an animal is in its blood.

Secondly, God has chosen blood as a fitting symbol for atonement and forgiveness of sins.

Hebrews 9: 22 says:

And almost all things are by law purged with blood; and without shedding of blood is no remission.

The blood of Jesus is the most effective in all creation. It is recognized both in Heaven and on earth.

It cleanses from all sins:

But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin. – (1 John 1:7).

With the blood of Jesus every believer has the boldness to enter into the presence of God – the holiest place in Heaven and the earth.

Having therefore, brethren, boldness to enter into the holiest by the blood of Jesus. – (Hebrews 10:19).

You can see from the verse above that the blood of Jesus grants you access to all that you want from God.

There are however, other things you can do with the blood of Jesus, like covering yourself and your loved ones with it.

Through the Holy Communion, you can drink the blood of Jesus and eat His flesh.

Demons fear the blood of Jesus. You can cover your home and environment with the blood of Jesus. You can also plead the blood of Jesus upon your food or drinks so no demon can touch them.

The blood of Jesus has the potency to heal and deliver from all evils, including attacks from witches, wizards and other agents of darkness.

The blood of Jesus however, will only work for those who have put themselves under the direct protection of Christ.These are those who are born again and are living holy.

Are you covered by the blood of Jesus?

ACTION POINT:
Wash yourself in the blood of Jesus today.

AUTHOR: PASTOR E.A ADEBOYE.

BIBLE IN ONE YEAR: Psalms 84-86

HYMN 29: WHAT CAN WASH AWAY MY SIN?

1. What can wash away my sin?
Nothing but the blood of Jesus;
What can make me whole again?
Nothing but the blood of Jesus.

REFRAIN:
Oh! precious is the flow
That makes me white as snow!
No other fount I know,
Nothing but the blood of Jesus.

2. For my pardon this I see
Nothing but the blood of Jesus;
For my cleansing this my plea;
Nothing but the blood of Jesus.

3. Nothing can for sin atone,
Nothing but the blood of Jesus:
Naught of good that I have done,
Nothing but the blood of Jesus.

4. This is all my hope and peace.
Nothing but the blood of Jesus:
This is all my righteousness;
Nothing but the blood of Jesus.

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OPEN HEAVENS DAILY DEVOTIONAL. TUESDAY 27TH JULY, 2021. RENEWING THE MIND.

MEMORISE:
“And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.”
(Romans 12:2)

READ: Romans 12:1-2 (KJV)

1. I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service.

2. And be not conformed to this world; but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.

MESSAGE:
One striking thing about holiness is that it is what makes God who He is.

As human beings, if we were to be asked the question “Who is God?” we might say “God is love, God is powerful, God is merciful, God is faithful…”

However, if any member of the hosts of heavens were to be asked the same question they would chorus “God is Holy!” (Isaiah 6:1-4, Revelation 4:6-8). To know God more intimately requires the deep study of His word.

It is imperative for every child of God to study and meditate on the word of God, day and night (Joshua 1:8).

Mere reading the word of God is different from studying and serious meditation. Studying is a deliberate effort to gain knowledge.

Meditation on the word of God involves reflecting, or pondering on His word. God instructed Joshua to meditate on the word of God day and night because constant meditation leads to good success (Joshua 1:8).

There is a sequence to knowing the Most High more intimately.

First, meditate on the word of God on a daily basis.

Second, be observant enough to obey the word of God unconditionally.

To this effect, Deuteronomy 6:6-7 says:

And these words, which I command thee this day, shall be in thine heart; And thou shalt teach them diligently unto thy children, and shalt talk of them when thou sittest in thine house, and when thou walkest by the way, and when thou liest down, and when thou risest up.

Do you desire to know the perfect will of God for every aspect of your life? Renew your mind through constant studying and meditation on the word of God. Keep God’s word in your heart, allow it to take root in your entire being and act on it.

Let God know that you will only do what is pleasing to Him from now and He will never leave you (John 8:29).

Your life will become completely transformed by the power of the Most High God, in Jesus’ name.

ACTION POINT:
Create a plan for studying the Bible and meditating on a specific Scripture daily. The Bible in one Year in this devotional should help.

AUTHOR: PASTOR E. A ADEBOYE.

BIBLE IN ONE YEAR: Psalms 81-83

HYMN 14: JESUS, MY LORD, MY GOD, MY ALL.

1. Jesus, my Lord, my God, my all,
Hear me, blest Saviour, when I call;
Hear me, and from Thy dwelling place
Pour down the riches of Thy grace;

REFRAIN:
Jesus, my Lord, I Thee adore;
O make me love Thee more and more.

2. Jesus, too late I Thee have sought;
How can I love Thee as I ought?
And how extol Thy matchless fame,
The glorious beauty of Thy name?

3. Jesus, what didst Thou find in me,
That Thou hast dealt so lovingly?
How great the joy that Thou hast brought
So far exceeding hope or thought!

4. Jesus, of Thee shall be my song,
To Thee my heart and soul belong;
All that I have or am is Thine,
And Thou, blest Saviour, Thou art mine.

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OPEN HEAVENS DAILY DEVOTIONAL MONDAY 26TH JULY 2021. PRAYER, PRAISE AND WORSHIP.

MEMORISE:

Pray without ceasing. 1 Thessalonians 5:17

READ: Acts 16:25-34.

25 And at midnight Paul and Silas prayed, and sang praises unto God: and the prisoners heard them.

26 And suddenly there was a great earthquake, so that the foundations of the prison were shaken: and immediately all the doors were opened, and every one’s bands were loosed.

27 And the keeper of the prison awaking out of his sleep, and seeing the prison doors open, he drew out his sword, and would have killed himself, supposing that the prisoners had been fled.

28 But Paul cried with a loud voice, saying, Do thyself no harm: for we are all here.

29 Then he called for a light, and sprang in, and came trembling, and fell down before Paul and Silas,

30 And brought them out, and said, Sirs, what must I do to be saved?

31 And they said, Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved, and thy house.

32 And they spake unto him the word of the Lord, and to all that were in his house.

33 And he took them the same hour of the night, and washed their stripes; and was baptized, he and all his, straightway.

34 And when he had brought them into his house, he set meat before them, and rejoiced, believing in God with all his house.

MESSAGE:
God’s desire for all His children is greatness. He wishes that they proper, be in health even as their souls prosper (3 John 2). However, a study of the word of God reveals that there are certain requirements for greatness, three of which are prayers, praises and worship. John 4:24 says:
“God is a Spirit: and they that worship him must worship him in spirit and in truth.”

Prayer is category communication with God in line with His will. In praises we thank God for what He has done, what He is doing and what He is yet to do. In worship, we appreciate God for who He is. God expects all of creation to worship Him; however, there are various categories of worshippers.

One category of worshippers comprises those who, at one time or the other, received a blessing from God (Psalm 150:6). No matter how little you think the goodness of the Lord in your life may be, it is imperative that you praise Him.

The next category of worshippers are the afflicted ones. These include the bereaved, the sorrowful, the disappointed and the discouraged in our midst. A classic example is job. Job was a man who worshipped God in prosperity (Job 1:1-5), in the midst of satanic afflictions (Job 1:15 to 2:9) and at the point of his turnaround (Job 42:1-6).

The third category of worshippers are the vessels unto honor (1 Timothy 2:19-21). Vessels unto dishonor are those used by devil to change joy to sorrow. There are the agents of the devil. A vessel unto honor however, is someone God can use anytime, anyway and anywhere He wants to. Worship characterizes vessels unto honor. In addition, vessels unto honor are chosen by God (John 15:16). Such people are willing to be chosen and ready to live holy all the time.

Are you a vessel unto honor? If yes, go ahead and give high praise to God. If not, repent and cry unto God for mercy.

May the Lord make and keep you as a vessel unto honor in the mighty name of Jesus.

PRAYER POINT:
Father, please give me a grateful heart and the grace to praise and worship You always, in Jesus’ name.

BIBLE IN ONE YEAR: Psalm 78-80.

AUTHOR: PASTOR E. A. ADEBOYE

HYMN 19: PRAISE HIM, PRAISE HIM, JESUS OUR BLESSED REDEEMER.

1. Praise Him! Praise Him! Jesus, our blessed Redeemer!
Sing, O Earth, His wonderful love proclaim!
Hail Him! Hail Him! Highest archangels in glory;
Strength and honor give to His holy Name!
Like a shepherd, Jesus will guard His children,
In His arms He carries them all day long.

o Refrain:
Praise Him! Praise Him! Tell of His excellent greatness;
Praise Him! Praise Him! Ever in joyful song!

2. Praise Him! Praise Him! Jesus, our blessed Redeemer!
For our sins He suffered, and bled, and died.
He our Rock, our hope of eternal salvation,
Hail Him! Hail Him! Jesus the Crucified.
Sound His praises! Jesus who bore our sorrows,
Love unbounded, wonderful, deep and strong.

3. Praise Him! Praise Him! Jesus, our blessed Redeemer!
Heav’nly portals loud with hosannas ring!
Jesus, Savior, reigneth forever and ever;
Crown Him! Crown Him! Prophet, and Priest, and King!
Christ is coming! over the world victorious,
Pow’r and glory unto the Lord belong.

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OPEN HEAVENS DAILY DEVOTIONAL. SUNDAY 25TH JULY, 2021. LET YOUR LIGHT SO SHINE.

MEMORIZE:
Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.
Matthew 5:16

BIBLE READING:
DANIEL 6:25-28

25. Then king Darius wrote unto all people, nations, and languages, that dwell in all the earth; Peace be multiplied unto you.

26. I make a decree, That in every dominion of my kingdom men tremble and fear before the God of Daniel: for he is the living God, and stedfast for ever, and his kingdom that which shall not be destroyed, and his dominion shall be even unto the end.

27. He delivereth and rescueth, and he worketh signs and wonders in heaven and in earth, who hath delivered Daniel from the power of the lions.

28. So this Daniel prospered in the reign of Darius, and in the reign of Cyrus the Persian.

MESSAGE
God wants His children to shine as stars. From the Bible reading of today, you would see that Daniel shone and indeed outshone his colleagues.

If you haven’t done so already, you must surrender your life to God today, shun iniquity totally and begin to love righteousness if you also want to shine.

Psalms 75:6-7 says:

“For promotion cometh neither from the east, nor from the west, nor from the south. But God is the judge: he putteth down one, and setteth up another.”

If you are a parent, then you have a crucial role to play in the lives of your children so that they can be stars (Proverbs 22:6).

You must give them proper training spiritually, intellectually and morally (Deuteronomy11:19).

I thank God always for my mother; she did a good job of raising me. She encouraged me to study even when other children were out playing.

I am what I am today by the grace of God and her efforts.

Teachers too must be involved – at school and in the Church. God bless my Mathematics teacher; he made a star in the subject out of me.

He usually challenged the few of us who showed an interest in the subject, to make a hundred percent in our assignments.

One day, we did and were very happy, hoping that we had finally impressed him. His reaction however kept us in check.

He said “Look at you, your mates are now undergraduates and here you are bragging because you scored a hundred percent in Ordinary Level Mathematics!” He was clearly telling us to strive harder for excellence.

You can also influence your shining through hard work (Proverbs 22:29).

Children should not waste their time playing when there are more profitable things to do. Breakthroughs do not come to lazy people.

Look at Daniel, for example: he was diligent even when he was a nobody- a slave.

This young man was eventually enlisted as a minister in Babylon (Daniel 1:1-21).

If you would shine, you must also strive to obtain the blessing of your parents (both biological and spiritual) by honouring them.

My mother would always pray for me thus, “when you call on one fellow, two hundred will respond.”

Today, it is a reality in my life.

Your light will shine, in Jesus name.

PRAYER POINT:
Father, please help me to do what I should in order to shine for You from now, in Jesus’ name.

AUTHOR: PASTOR E. A ADEBOYE.

BIBLE READING IN ONE YEAR:
PSALMS 75:1-10,
PSALMS 76:1-12,
PSALMS 77:1-20

HYMN 11: I NEED THEE EVERY HOUR.

1. I need thee every hour,
most gracious Lord;
no tender voice like thine
ca
n peace afford.

CHORUS

Refrain:
I need thee, O I need thee;
every hour I need thee!
O bless me now, my Saviour,
I come to thee.

2. I need thee every hour,
stay thou near by;
temptations lose their power
when thou art nigh.

3. I need thee every hour,
in joy or pain;
come quickly, and abide,
or life is vain.

4. I need thee every hour;
teach me thy will,
and thy rich promises
in me fulfill.

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OPEN HEAVENS DAILY DEVOTIONAL FRIDAY 23RD JULY 2021. WHEN REVIVAL COMES I.

MEMORISE:

Wilt thou not revive us again: that thy people may rejoice in thee
Psalm 85:6

READ: Psalm 85:4-7.

4 Turn us, O God of our salvation, and cause thine anger toward us to cease.

5 Wilt thou be angry with us for ever? wilt thou draw out thine anger to all generations?

6 Wilt thou not revive us again: that thy people may rejoice in thee?

7 Shew us thy mercy, O LORD, and grant us thy salvation.

MESSAGE:
In Christianity, revival generally refers to increased spiritual fervency or renewal in the congregation of believers.

What happens when revival comes? According to our Bible reading of today, people turn away from their wickedness when revival comes. Salvation becomes a household commodity and the anger of God ceases to burn against people. One pleasant thing about God concerning sinners is that He would always warn them of the dangers of a sinful life so they may repent and escape His fiery judgement. The Bible says in Ezekiel 18:21 -23:
“But if the wicked will turn from all his sins that he hath committed, and keep all my statutes, and do that which is lawful and right, he shall surely live, he shall not die. All his transgressions that he hath committed, they shall not be mentioned unto him: in his righteousness that he hath done he shall live. Have I any pleasure at all that the wicked should die? saith the Lord GOD: and not that he should return from his ways, and live?”

Another thing that happens when revival comes is that God answers the prayers of sinners- contrary to the general opinion that He does not. However, it is the prayer of repentance from a sinner that God honors before any other, according to 2 Chronicles 33:12-13. Revival brings about total restoration of both spiritual and physical wellbeing as seen in 2 Chronicles 33:14-15:
“ Now after this he built a wall without the city of David, on the west side of Gihon…. And he took away the strange gods, and the idol out of the house of the LORD, and all the altars that he had built in the mount of the house of the LORD, and in Jerusalem, and cast them out of the city.”

The true sign of revival is a genuine departure from an ungodly lifestyle, both publicly and even when we are in our closet. This is contrary to what we experience in the Church today when people claim to be born-again but still maintain their sinful lifestyles. Manasseh dies a penitent sinner and had peace. According to 2 Chronicles 33:18-20. Your beginning may not matter much but your end certainly will. You shall end well in Jesus’ name.

PRAYER POINT:
If you are a sinner, pray for the salvation of your soul. If you are a backslider, pray for revival and complete restoration.

BIBLE IN ONE YEAR: Psalm 69-71.

AUTHOR: PASTOR E. A. ADEBOYE

HYMN 13: I’VE A MESSAGE FROM THE LORD, HALLELUYAH.
1. I’ve a message from the Lord, hallelujah!
This message unto you I’ll give,
’Tis recorded in His word, hallelujah!
It is only that you “look and live.”

o Refrain:
“Look and live,” my brother, live,
Look to Jesus now, and live;
’Tis recorded in His word, hallelujah!
It is only that you “look and live.”

2. I’ve a message full of love, hallelujah!
A message, O my friend, for you,
’Tis a message from above, hallelujah!
Jesus said it, and I know ’tis true.

3. Life is offered unto you, hallelujah!
Eternal life thy soul shall have,
If you’ll only look to Him, hallelujah!
Look to Jesus who alone can save.

4. I will tell you how I came, hallelujah!
To Jesus when He made me whole—
’Twas believing on His name, hallelujah!
I trusted and He saved my soul.

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OPEN HEAVENS DAILY DEVOTIONAL THURSDAY 22ND JULY 2021. ASPIRING TO HIGHER LEVELS?

MEMORISE:

And whosoever shall exalt himself shall be abased; and he that shall humble himself shall be exalted.
Matthew 23:12

READ: Psalm 61:2

2 From the end of the earth will I cry unto thee, when my heart is overwhelmed: lead me to the rock that is higher than I.

MESSAGE:
There are various levels in life. When we talk about health, we have those who are sick; even among the sick, there are levels of sickness- some are sick, some are very sick while some have terminal sickness. Some may even be dying. When we talk about wealth, there are destitute. The poor, the comfortable, the rich, the very rich, the wealthy and the flourishing. The flourishing are those who, according to the Bible lend to nations. There are also those who have so much abundance that it is difficult to imagine. In 2 Chronicles 9:20 we read:
“And all the drinking vessels of king Solomon were of gold…..”

There are also various levels of joy. There are those who are sad, there are sympathizers, these are those who have joy and those with great joy. The Bible in Psalm 16:11 talks about the fulness of joy that is available in the presence of God. The Bible also talks about “joy unspeakable” in 1 Peter 1:8.

There are also varying levels of victory. There is victory after a fight, victory without a fight and victory when the enemy miraculously disappears. There is also a kind of victory recorded in Psalm 23:5:
“Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over.” There is nothing as glorious as rejoicing in the presence of our enemies.

In any aspect of life, everyone is at one level or the other. It doesn’t matter where you are, there is a higher level you can get to. Moving from one level to the other involves three possibilities: One, you want to move to the next level unassisted. Two, you want to move to the next level with assistance. Three and lastly, you are trying to move to the next level, but facing resistance.

It is easier to move to the next level of your life when you have the Lord Jesus as your ally. The Bible says the blessing of the Lord maketh rich and addeth no sorrow with it (Proverbs 10:22). Surrender your life to Christ now so that He can take you to the next level. No one can resist or stop Jesus from doing whatever He is determined to do, according to Psalm 24. The plan of God is to take you to the next level according to Jeremiah 29:11 which says:
“ For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the LORD, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end.”

ACTION POINT:
Think of the level you should attain that would make stagnation history in your life, then call on the name of Jesus for divine assistance.

BIBLE IN ONE YEAR: Psalm 66-68.

AUTHOR: PASTOR E. A. ADEBOYE

HYMN 10: I’M PRESSING ON THE UPWARD WAY.
1. I’m pressing on the upward way,
New heights I’m gaining every day;
Still praying as I’m onward bound,
“Lord, plant my feet on higher ground.”

o Refrain:
Lord, lift me up and let me stand,
By faith, on Heaven’s tableland,
A higher plane than I have found;
Lord, plant my feet on higher ground.

2. My heart has no desire to stay
Where doubts arise and fears dismay;
Though some may dwell where those abound,
My prayer, my aim, is higher ground.

3. I want to live above the world,
Though Satan’s darts at me are hurled;
For faith has caught the joyful sound,
The song of saints on higher ground.

4. I want to scale the utmost height
And catch a gleam of glory bright;
But still I’ll pray till heav’n I’ve found,
“Lord, plant my feet on higher ground.”

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