Monthly Archives: October 2021

OPEN HEAVENS DAILY DEVOTIONAL TUESDAY 19TH OCTOBER 2021. A VERY PRESENT HELP.

MEMORISE:

And call upon me in the day of trouble: I will deliver thee, and thou shalt glorify me. Psalm 50:15

READ: 1 Samuel 1:9-20

9 So Hannah rose up after they had eaten in Shiloh, and after they had drunk. Now Eli the priest sat upon a seat by a post of the temple of the Lord.

10 And she was in bitterness of soul, and prayed unto the Lord, and wept sore.

11 And she vowed a vow, and said, O Lord of hosts, if thou wilt indeed look on the affliction of thine handmaid, and remember me, and not forget thine handmaid, but wilt give unto thine handmaid a man child, then I will give him unto the Lord all the days of his life, and there shall no razor come upon his head.

12 And it came to pass, as she continued praying before the Lord, that Eli marked her mouth.

13 Now Hannah, she spake in her heart; only her lips moved, but her voice was not heard: therefore Eli thought she had been drunken.

14 And Eli said unto her, How long wilt thou be drunken? put away thy wine from thee.

15 And Hannah answered and said, No, my lord, I am a woman of a sorrowful spirit: I have drunk neither wine nor strong drink, but have poured out my soul before the Lord.

16 Count not thine handmaid for a daughter of Belial: for out of the abundance of my complaint and grief have I spoken hitherto.

17 Then Eli answered and said, Go in peace: and the God of Israel grant thee thy petition that thou hast asked of him.

18 And she said, Let thine handmaid find grace in thy sight. So the woman went her way, and did eat, and her countenance was no more sad.

19 And they rose up in the morning early, and worshipped before the Lord, and returned, and came to their house to Ramah: and Elkanah knew Hannah his wife; and the Lord remembered her.

20 Wherefore it came to pass, when the time was come about after Hannah had conceived, that she bare a son, and called his name Samuel, saying, Because I have asked him of the Lord.

MESSAGE:

When a child of God is confronted with a challenge in life, all he or she needs to do is call out to the Lord in prayer. When Jesus was travelling in a ship with His disciples, a great storm blew up and the disciples were afraid. The Bible says “And his disciples came to him, and awoke him, saying, Lord, save us: we perish.” (Matthew 8:25).

The good thing about calling upon God in the time of trouble is that He is ever ready to rise to the occasion. The Bible further says “And he saith unto them, Why are ye fearful, O ye of little faith? Then he arose, and rebuked the winds and the sea; and there was a great calm.” (Matthew 8:26).

Some Christians pretend that all is well, even in the presence of the Lord, whereas they may be having serious spiritual, health, material and even financial issues. In the case of the disciples however, they cried to the Lord for help; they told Him exactly how they felt about the storm. Jesus Christ responded to their cry and stilled the storm. I pray that as you cry to the Lord today, He will not just hear but also respond in Jesus’ name. The storm of your life will miraculously cease today, in Jesus’ name.

In our Bible reading of today, we can see what one must do when he or she needs a miracle. Hannah needed a miracle but from year to year she had been going to Shiloh until that wonderful year when she realized she needed to do what she had not been doing before- fervent and heart-felt prayer! A times when I see how some of my children pray during the various programmes at the Camp, I rejoice because the tempo of their prayers signifies that they are in need of urgent miracles.

God has promised never to forsake his children so, whenever you are faced with any challenge, call on Him and He will answer you. Psalm 46:1 says:

“God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.”

I am always excited to join my faith with those of my children-in-the-Lord when I see them praying desperately. My prayer is that as you cry to God today, your miracle will reach you sooner than you expect, in Jesus’ name.

ACTION POINT:

Pray as you have never done before. Today, is your day for answered prayers, in the mighty name of Jesus.

BIBLE IN ONE YEAR: 1 Chronicles 11-15.

AUTHOR: PASTOR E. A. ADEBOYE

HYMN 28: WHAT A FRIEND WE HAVE IN JESUS.

What a friend we have in Jesus,
All our sins and griefs to bear!
What a privilege to carry
Everything to God in prayer!
Oh, what peace we often forfeit,
Oh, what needless pain we bear,
All because we do not carry
Everything to God in prayer!

Have we trials and temptations?
Is there trouble anywhere?
We should never be discouraged—
Take it to the Lord in prayer.
Can we find a friend so faithful,
Who will all our sorrows share?
Jesus knows our every weakness;
Take it to the Lord in prayer.

Are we weak and heavy-laden,
Cumbered with a load of care?
Precious Savior, still our refuge—
Take it to the Lord in prayer.
Do thy friends despise, forsake thee?
Take it to the Lord in prayer!
In His arms He’ll take and shield thee,
Thou wilt find a solace there.

Blessed Savior, Thou hast promised
Thou wilt all our burdens bear;
May we ever, Lord, be bringing
All to Thee in earnest prayer.
Soon in glory bright, unclouded,
There will be no need for prayer—
Rapture, praise, and endless worship
Will be our sweet portion there.

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OPEN HEAVENS DAILY DEVOTIONAL TUESDAY 19TH OCTOBER 2021. A VERY PRESENT HELP.

MEMORISE:

And call upon me in the day of trouble: I will deliver thee, and thou shalt glorify me. Psalm 50:15

READ: 1 Samuel 1:9-20

9 So Hannah rose up after they had eaten in Shiloh, and after they had drunk. Now Eli the priest sat upon a seat by a post of the temple of the Lord.

10 And she was in bitterness of soul, and prayed unto the Lord, and wept sore.

11 And she vowed a vow, and said, O Lord of hosts, if thou wilt indeed look on the affliction of thine handmaid, and remember me, and not forget thine handmaid, but wilt give unto thine handmaid a man child, then I will give him unto the Lord all the days of his life, and there shall no razor come upon his head.

12 And it came to pass, as she continued praying before the Lord, that Eli marked her mouth.

13 Now Hannah, she spake in her heart; only her lips moved, but her voice was not heard: therefore Eli thought she had been drunken.

14 And Eli said unto her, How long wilt thou be drunken? put away thy wine from thee.

15 And Hannah answered and said, No, my lord, I am a woman of a sorrowful spirit: I have drunk neither wine nor strong drink, but have poured out my soul before the Lord.

16 Count not thine handmaid for a daughter of Belial: for out of the abundance of my complaint and grief have I spoken hitherto.

17 Then Eli answered and said, Go in peace: and the God of Israel grant thee thy petition that thou hast asked of him.

18 And she said, Let thine handmaid find grace in thy sight. So the woman went her way, and did eat, and her countenance was no more sad.

19 And they rose up in the morning early, and worshipped before the Lord, and returned, and came to their house to Ramah: and Elkanah knew Hannah his wife; and the Lord remembered her.

20 Wherefore it came to pass, when the time was come about after Hannah had conceived, that she bare a son, and called his name Samuel, saying, Because I have asked him of the Lord.

MESSAGE:

When a child of God is confronted with a challenge in life, all he or she needs to do is call out to the Lord in prayer. When Jesus was travelling in a ship with His disciples, a great storm blew up and the disciples were afraid. The Bible says “And his disciples came to him, and awoke him, saying, Lord, save us: we perish.” (Matthew 8:25).

The good thing about calling upon God in the time of trouble is that He is ever ready to rise to the occasion. The Bible further says “And he saith unto them, Why are ye fearful, O ye of little faith? Then he arose, and rebuked the winds and the sea; and there was a great calm.” (Matthew 8:26).

Some Christians pretend that all is well, even in the presence of the Lord, whereas they may be having serious spiritual, health, material and even financial issues. In the case of the disciples however, they cried to the Lord for help; they told Him exactly how they felt about the storm. Jesus Christ responded to their cry and stilled the storm. I pray that as you cry to the Lord today, He will not just hear but also respond in Jesus’ name. The storm of your life will miraculously cease today, in Jesus’ name.

In our Bible reading of today, we can see what one must do when he or she needs a miracle. Hannah needed a miracle but from year to year she had been going to Shiloh until that wonderful year when she realized she needed to do what she had not been doing before- fervent and heart-felt prayer! A times when I see how some of my children pray during the various programmes at the Camp, I rejoice because the tempo of their prayers signifies that they are in need of urgent miracles.

God has promised never to forsake his children so, whenever you are faced with any challenge, call on Him and He will answer you. Psalm 46:1 says:

“God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.”

I am always excited to join my faith with those of my children-in-the-Lord when I see them praying desperately. My prayer is that as you cry to God today, your miracle will reach you sooner than you expect, in Jesus’ name.

ACTION POINT:

Pray as you have never done before. Today, is your day for answered prayers, in the mighty name of Jesus.

BIBLE IN ONE YEAR: 1 Chronicles 11-15.

AUTHOR: PASTOR E. A. ADEBOYE

HYMN 28: WHAT A FRIEND WE HAVE IN JESUS.

What a friend we have in Jesus,
All our sins and griefs to bear!
What a privilege to carry
Everything to God in prayer!
Oh, what peace we often forfeit,
Oh, what needless pain we bear,
All because we do not carry
Everything to God in prayer!

Have we trials and temptations?
Is there trouble anywhere?
We should never be discouraged—
Take it to the Lord in prayer.
Can we find a friend so faithful,
Who will all our sorrows share?
Jesus knows our every weakness;
Take it to the Lord in prayer.

Are we weak and heavy-laden,
Cumbered with a load of care?
Precious Savior, still our refuge—
Take it to the Lord in prayer.
Do thy friends despise, forsake thee?
Take it to the Lord in prayer!
In His arms He’ll take and shield thee,
Thou wilt find a solace there.

Blessed Savior, Thou hast promised
Thou wilt all our burdens bear;
May we ever, Lord, be bringing
All to Thee in earnest prayer.
Soon in glory bright, unclouded,
There will be no need for prayer—
Rapture, praise, and endless worship
Will be our sweet portion there.

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OPEN HEAVENS DAILY DEVOTIONAL MONDAY 18TH OCTOBER 2021. GLORY BELONGS TO GOD.

MEMORISE:
I am the LORD, your Holy One, the creator of Israel, your King. Isaiah 43:15

READ: Daniel 4:30-37
30 The king spake, and said, Is not this great Babylon, that I have built for the house of the kingdom by the might of my power, and for the honour of my majesty?

31 While the word was in the king’s mouth, there fell a voice from heaven, saying, O king Nebuchadnezzar, to thee it is spoken; The kingdom is departed from thee.

32 And they shall drive thee from men, and thy dwelling shall be with the beasts of the field: they shall make thee to eat grass as oxen, and seven times shall pass over thee, until thou know that the most High ruleth in the kingdom of men, and giveth it to whomsoever he will.

33 The same hour was the thing fulfilled upon Nebuchadnezzar: and he was driven from men, and did eat grass as oxen, and his body was wet with the dew of heaven, till his hairs were grown like eagles’ feathers, and his nails like birds’ claws.

34 And at the end of the days I Nebuchadnezzar lifted up mine eyes unto heaven, and mine understanding returned unto me, and I blessed the most High, and I praised and honoured him that liveth for ever, whose dominion is an everlasting dominion, and his kingdom is from generation to generation:

35 And all the inhabitants of the earth are reputed as nothing: and he doeth according to his will in the army of heaven, and among the inhabitants of the earth: and none can stay his hand, or say unto him, What doest thou?

36 At the same time my reason returned unto me; and for the glory of my kingdom, mine honour and brightness returned unto me; and my counsellors and my lords sought unto me; and I was established in my kingdom, and excellent majesty was added unto me.

37 Now I Nebuchadnezzar praise and extol and honour the King of heaven, all whose works are truth, and his ways judgment: and those that walk in pride he is able to abase.

MESSAGE:
Seven years after Nebuchadnezzar was deposed from his throne and disgraced to the point of eating grass like an ox, he realized that the Most High God rules in the kingdom of men. Nebuchadnezzar had erroneously thought that he became great by the “might of his power” (Daniel 4:30), but later realized that it was God who made him great. Many people commit this same error today by proclaiming that their success came by “dint of hard work”. Beloved, what is it that a man has that he did not receive (1 Corinthians 4:7)? Any achievement that will not lead us back to the original Achiever- the Almighty God, is deadly.

The Bible warns against being boastful without giving glory to God, in James 4:13-15:
“Go to now, ye that say, To day or to morrow we will go into such a city, and continue there a year, and buy and sell, and get gain: Whereas ye know not what shall be on the morrow. For what is your life? It is even a vapour, that appeareth for a little time, and then vanisheth away. For that ye ought to say, If the Lord will, we shall live, and do this, or that.”

It is the Almighty God who has the power to will and to do because He is Sovereign. It is an abominable thing in the sight of the Sovereign God for anyone to boast of not only what he has achieved as though it were by his ability, but even what he could do in the future. James 4:16 says “But now ye rejoice in your boastings: all such rejoicing is evil.”

We should never ascribe to ourselves the glory due to God as King Herod did. All he had to do was redirect the glory of God but he failed to do so and this cost him his life, as we see in Acts 12:21-23:
“And upon a set day Herod, arrayed in royal apparel, sat upon his throne, and made an oration unto them. And the people gave a shout, saying, It is the voice of a god, and not of a man. And immediately the angel of the Lord smote him, because he gave not God the glory: and he was eaten of worms, and gave up the ghost.”

Glory belongs to God. Make it a habit to return all glory to God always and He will keep promoting you, in the mighy name of Jesus.

ACTION POINT:
Are there times you have ascribed God’s glory to yourself? Repent now and return all glory to Him.

BIBLE IN ONE YEAR: 1 Chronicles 6-10.

AUTHOR: PASTOR E. A. ADEBOYE

HYMN 1: ALL HAIL THE POWER OF JESUS NAME.

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 SUNDAY 17TH OCTOBER 2021. THE UNCHANGEABLE CHANGER.

MEMORISE:
Jesus Christ the same yesterday, and to day, and for ever. Hebrews 13:8

READ: Genesis 32:24-32
24 And Jacob was left alone; and there wrestled a man with him until the breaking of the day.

25 And when he saw that he prevailed not against him, he touched the hollow of his thigh; and the hollow of Jacob’s thigh was out of joint, as he wrestled with him.

26 And he said, Let me go, for the day breaketh. And he said, I will not let thee go, except thou bless me.

27 And he said unto him, What is thy name? And he said, Jacob.

28 And he said, Thy name shall be called no more Jacob, but Israel: for as a prince hast thou power with God and with men, and hast prevailed.

29 And Jacob asked him, and said, Tell me, I pray thee, thy name. And he said, Wherefore is it that thou dost ask after my name? And he blessed him there.

30 And Jacob called the name of the place Peniel: for I have seen God face to face, and my life is preserved.

31 And as he passed over Penuel the sun rose upon him, and he halted upon his thigh.

32 Therefore the children of Israel eat not of the sinew which shrank, which is upon the hollow of the thigh, unto this day: because he touched the hollow of Jacob’s thigh in the sinew that shrank.

MESSAGE:
One thing every child of God must always remember is that our Father is the ‘Unchangeable Changer’. In Genesis we read how God changed a chaotic situation to peaceful and orderly universe. The Unchangeable Changer effected the changes without Himself being changed.
“And the earth was without form, and void; and darkness was upon the face of the deep. And the Spirit of God moved upon the face of the waters. And God said, Let there be light: and there was light.” Genesis 1:2-3

The Almighty God- the Unchangeable Changer, changed the unfruitful situation of Sarah to fruitfulness (Genesis 21). He did the same thing for Hannah (1 Samuel 2) and turned Jacob’s life around for good by changing his name to Israel, as recorded in our Bible reading of today. This clearly proves that what God did in the life of the father of faith (Abraham) He could do in the life of his descendants also. This is why I know that you will encounter this Great Changer who does not change. As He did for those who sought and called Him in the past, so will He do for you today, in the mighty name of Jesus.

Sometime ago, a certain young man who was afflicted with the spirit of madness asked his relatives to bring him to the Redemption Camp, he was delivered completely, even before anybody could pray for him. I also recall the case of a highly educated who was unable to get a job in spite of his qualifications. He surrendered his life to Jesus and we prayed a simple prayer for him. Before he got home that day, three employment offers were waiting for him. The Unchangeable Changer changed his hopeless situation and he began to sing a new song.

I have good news for you: Jesus Christ never changes; if He did it before, He can certainly do it again. As the Lord was performing miracles during His earthly ministry, so is He still doing today. Beloved, put your trust in Him and He will not let you down because He is the Unchangeable Changer. If you would only call on Him now, He would change your situation for the better in the mighty name of Jesus.

PRAYER POINT:
Father, please change my situation for the better from today, in the mighty name of Jesus.

BIBLE IN ONE YEAR: 1 Chronicles 1-5

AUTHOR: PASTOR E. A. ADEBOYE

HYMN 16: O GOD OUR HELP IN AGES PAST.

1. O God, our help in ages past,
Our hope for years to come,
Our shelter from the stormy blast,
And our eternal home.

2. Under the shadow of Thy throne
Thy saints have dwelt secure;
Sufficient is Thine arm alone,
And our defense is sure.

3. Before the hills in order stood,
Or earth received her frame,
From everlasting Thou art God,
To endless years the same.

4. Thy Word commands our flesh to dust,
“Return, ye sons of men”:
All nations rose from earth at first,
And turn to earth again.

5. A thousand ages in Thy sight
Are like an evening gone;
Short as the watch that ends the night
Before the rising sun.

6. The busy tribes of flesh and blood,
With all their lives and cares,
Are carried downwards by the flood,
And lost in foll’wing years.

7. Time, like an ever-rolling stream,
Bears all its sons away;
They fly, forgotten, as a dream
Dies at the op’ning day.

8. Like flow’ry fields the nations stand
Pleased with the morning light;
The flow’rs beneath the mower’s hand
Lie with’ring ere ’tis night.

9. O God, our help in ages past,
Our hope for years to come,
Be Thou our guard while troubles last,
And our eternal home.

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OPEN HEAVENS DAILY DEVOTIONAL SATURDAY 16TH OCTOBER 2021. GROW IN GRACE.

MEMORISE:
And that ye put on the new man, which after God is created in righteousness and true holiness. Ephesians 4:24

READ: Ephesians 4:22-25
22 That ye put off concerning the former conversation the old man, which is corrupt according to the deceitful lusts;

23 And be renewed in the spirit of your mind;

24 And that ye put on the new man, which after God is created in righteousness and true holiness.

25 Wherefore putting away lying, speak every man truth with his neighbour: for we are members one of another.

MESSAGE:
The Bible says in Romans 8:5:
“…they that are after the flesh do mind the things of the flesh; but they that are after the Spirit the things of the Spirit.”

There is therefore the need to find and put on the ‘new man’ according to today’s memory verse. This however, can only be possible through our reliance on the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ.

To put on the ‘new man’, we must accept Jesus Christ as our Lord and Savior. When one submits to the lordship of Jesus Christ, the fellow must endeavor to grow in that new experience so that he or she would not fall away. 2 Peter 3:18 says:
“But grow in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. To him be glory both now and for ever. Amen.”

When a born-again person is not growing, the old man will resurface. We have many such among brethren today- troubling the Body of Christ because they are not growing in grace.

Are you one of those who believe that the gospel of the Lord is outdated and no longer relevant to the 21st century Christian? Are you living your life without any concern for holiness? You need to repent so that the adamic nature will give way to godly lifestyle anchored on the fear of God. This forms the foundation for growing in grace and living holy. This is what Jesus meant when He said:
“Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls.” Matthew 11:29

Apostle Paul said further in Galatians 5:16-17:
“ This I say then, Walk in the Spirit, and ye shall not fulfil the lust of the flesh. For the flesh lusteth against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh: and these are contrary the one to the other: so that ye cannot do the things that ye would.”

Beloved, today’s memory verse is an express command from God. Let us put on the new man- created in righteousness and true holiness, as the perfect image of the almighty God.

PRAYER POINT:
Father, please help me to grow in grace, to put on the image of Your only begotten Son, in the name of Jesus.

BIBLE IN ONE YEAR: 2 Kings 21-25.

AUTHOR: PASTOR E. A. ADEBOYE

HYMN 11: I NEED THEE EVERY 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 7FRIDAY 15TH OCTOBER 2021. A NEW CREATURE!

MEMORISE:
Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new. 2 Corinthians 5:17

READ: John 3:3-6
3 Jesus answered and said unto him, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God.

4 Nicodemus saith unto him, How can a man be born when he is old? can he enter the second time into his mother’s womb, and be born?

5 Jesus answered, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God.

6 That which is born of the flesh is flesh; and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit.

MESSAGE:
One major sign of a person who has become born-again is the newness of the life he or she lives. This change of spiritual living standards is always obvious. When Zacchaeus the publican encountered Jesus Christ in Jericho, his life did not remain the same. The notoriously corrupt tax collector said:

“…Behold, Lord, the half of my goods I give to the poor; and if I have taken any thing from any man by false accusation, I restore him fourfold.” Luke 19:8

These days however, many people confess that they have become born again but still carry on with their sinful lifestyles as though nothing in them had changed. The thief is still stealing and yet he claims to be born again. The adulterous woman who succeeded in snatching another woman’s legally wedded husband is still living comfortably with the man, yet speaking in ‘tongues’!

When a person truly becomes born again the person’s life must show that a transformation has occurred. John the Baptist, when addressing those that came to be baptized by him encouraged them to bear the fruit of genuine repentance. Genuine repentance leads to a total turnaround from past sinful living. The Bible says:
“But when he saw many of the Pharisees and Sadducees come to his baptism, he said unto them, O generation of vipers, who hath warned you to flee from the wrath to come? Bring forth therefore fruits meet for repentance:”
Matthew 3:7-8

The religious leaders of John the Baptist’s time humbled themselves and came to him to be baptized for their spiritual growth. This is a lesson for those claiming to have risen through the ranks and files of established Church and ministries: there is an ever present need to seek spiritual growth. This may also account for many of the older generation embracing the Pentecostal experience. Such people should however be sure to “bring fruits meet for repentance”, forsaking their past sinful habits and lifestyles.

A regenerated spirit is one that has undergone a change. There may be a need to change friends, eating and dressing habits and so on, in order to conform to the image of the Son of the Living God.

A regenerated spirit is one that has undergone a change. There may be a need to change friends, eating and dressing habits and so on, in order to conform to the image of the Son of the Living God.

May the Lord make you a new creature indeed, in the mighty name of Jesus.

ACTION POINT:
Examine your life carefully and make all the necessary changes required for you to truly becomes a new creature in Jesus Christ.

BIBLE IN ONE YEAR: 2 Kings 16-20.

AUTHOR: PASTOR E. A. ADEBOYE

HYMN 24: TAKE MY LIFE, AND LET IT BE.

1. Take my life and let it be
all you purpose, Lord, for me;
consecrate my passing days,
let them flow in ceaseless praise.

2. Take my hands, and let them move
at the impulse of your love;
take my feet, and let them run
with the news of victory won.

3. Take my voice, and let me sing
always, only, for my King;
take my lips, let them proclaim
all the beauty of your name.

4. Take my wealth all I possess,
make me rich in faithfulness;
take my mind that I may use
every power as you shall choose.

5. Take my motives and my will,
all your purpose to fulfil;
take my heart it is your own,
it shall be your royal throne.

6. Take my love my Lord, I pour
at your feet its treasure-store;
take myself, and I will be
yours for all eternity.

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OPEN HEAVENS DAILY DEVOTIONAL THURSDAY 14TH OCTOBER 2021. PRIDE DESTROYS.

MEMORISE:
But he giveth more grace. Wherefore he saith, God resisteth the proud, but giveth grace unto the humble. James 4:6

READ: Isaiah 14:12-15
12 How art thou fallen from heaven, O Lucifer, son of the morning! how art thou cut down to the ground, which didst weaken the nations!

13 For thou hast said in thine heart, I will ascend into heaven, I will exalt my throne above the stars of God: I will sit also upon the mount of the congregation, in the sides of the north:

14 I will ascend above the heights of the clouds; I will be like the most High.

15 Yet thou shalt be brought down to hell, to the sides of the pit.

MESSAGE:
The Bible says in Proverbs 16:18:
“Pride goeth before destruction, and an haughty spirit before a fall.”

As we see in our Bible reading of today, Lucifer, who later became the devil, was thrown out of heaven because of pride.
“How art thou fallen from heaven, O Lucifer, son of the morning! how art thou cut down to the ground, which didst weaken the nations! For thou hast said in thine heart, I will ascend into heaven, I will exalt my throne above the stars of God: I will sit also upon the mount of the congregation, in the sides of the north:” Isaiah 14:12-13

When the devil realized that pride leads to destruction, he made it one of his major weapons, he deceived Adam and Eve, telling them that when they ate the forbidden fruit they would be as wise God.
“And when the woman saw that the tree was good for food, and that it was pleasant to the eyes, and a tree to be desired to make one wise, she took of the fruit thereof, and did eat, and gave also unto her husband with her; and he did eat.” Genesis 3:6

Adam and Eve fell. The glory of the Lord that covered them departed and they realized they were naked and exposed. Pride disgraces its hosts beyond measure. The story of Pharoah is another case in point. It was pride that caused him and his soldier to drown in the Red Sea. One would expect that after experiencing the ten terrible plagues God sent to him and his people, Pharoah would humble himself before Most High, but instead, he remained stubborn, asking “Who is the LORD, that I should obey his voice to let Israel go” (Exodus 5:2)?

By the time he realized that the Lord is the Almighty, it was too late for him to repent.

To escape the spirit of pride you need to be genuinely born again and sanctified so that the mind of Jesus Christ may be in you. Philippians 2:5-7 described the humility of Jesus Christ in spite of His greatness. Humility elevates while pride destroys. Choose wisely.

PRAYER POINT:
Father, please help me to voluntarily humble myself so that You may exalt me, in Jesus’ name.

BIBLE IN ONE YEAR: 2 Kings 11-15.

AUTHOR: PASTOR E. A. ADEBOYE

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

1. Jesus, my Lord, my God, my all,
hear me, blest Savior, 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 Savior, thou art mine.

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OPEN HEAVENS DAILY DEVOTIONAL WEDNESDAY 13TH OCTOBER 2021. ARE YOU A SPIRITUAL PACESETTER?

MEMORISE:
Be ye followers of me, even as I also am of Christ. 1 Corinthians 11:1

READ: 1 Corinthians 11:1-2
1 Be ye followers of me, even as I also am of Christ.

2 Now I praise you, brethren, that ye remember me in all things, and keep the ordinances, as I delivered them to you.

MESSAGE:
While it is true that there are spiritual pacesetters in the body of Christ today, it is however most unfortunate that such people are quite few. 1 Thessalonians 1:6-7 says:
“And ye became followers of us, and of the Lord, having received the word in much affliction, with joy of the Holy Ghost. So that ye were ensamples to all that believe in Macedonia and Achaia.”

One thing we can learn from the apostles of old is that they received the word of God with joy. Modern day Christians however, have a habit of selecting what part of the word of God to obey. Nowadays, preachers carefully select messages that would not be considered ‘offensive’ by their congregations. Let every minister of God take heed to the following words:
“Thou therefore which teachest another, teachest thou not thyself? thou that preachest a man should not steal, dost thou steal? Thou that sayest a man should not commit dultery, dost thou commit adultery? thou that abhorrest idols, dost thou commit sacrilege?” Romans 2:21-22

Apart from warning evildoers and sinners against wickedness, a spiritual pacesetter must live by what he or she preaches. A Christian must shine brightly as light in this world (Matthew 5:14), living by the word of God. Acts 1:1 says:
“…. of all that Jesus began both to do and teach,”

Jesus practiced His teachings. The early disciples also preached the gospel and lived their lives according to the word of God. They preached the gospel with both their words and their lifestyles.

Christian should set the pace for unbelievers in holiness. We are called to be examples to our generation. Jesus Christ said in Matthew 5:16:
“Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.”

God expects Christians, as ambassadors of Christ in this world, to live by example. May you not disappoint God in your daily living, in Jesus’ name.

PRAYER POINT:
Father, please make me a spiritual pacesetter so that millions may come to Your kingdom through me, in the mighty name of Jesus.

BIBLE IN ONE YEAR: 2 Kings 6-10.

AUTHOR: PASTOR E. A. ADEBOYE

HYMN 8: HO, MY COMRADES! SEE THE SIGNAL.

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!

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OPEN HEAVENS DAILY DEVOTIONAL TUESDAY 12TH OCTOBER 2021. VICTORIOUS THROUGH HOLINESS.

MEMORISE:
Righteousness exalteth a nation: but sin is a reproach to any people. Proverbs 14:34

READ: Daniel 6:19-23
19 Then the king arose very early in the morning, and went in haste unto the den of lions.

20 And when he came to the den, he cried with a lamentable voice unto Daniel: and the king spake and said to Daniel, O Daniel, servant of the living God, is thy God, whom thou servest continually, able to deliver thee from the lions?

21 Then said Daniel unto the king, O king, live for ever.

22 My God hath sent his angel, and hath shut the lions’ mouths, that they have not hurt me: forasmuch as before him innocency was found in me; and also before thee, O king, have I done no hurt.

23 Then was the king exceedingly glad for him, and commanded that they should take Daniel up out of the den. So Daniel was taken up out of the den, and no manner of hurt was found upon him, because he believed in his God.

MESSAGE:
There is victory in holiness. When the eyes of a child of God are open to this revelation, he or she would begin to live righteously. Today’s memory verse presents a two-edge sword of the truth: while righteousness exalts a nation, sin or unrighteousness brings reproach that comes in the form of defeat to the people.

In today’s Bible reading, Danie said:
“My God hath sent his angel, and hath shut the lions’ mouths, that they have not hurt me: forasmuch as before him innocency was found in me; and also before thee, O king, have I done no hurt.”

Here is victory in holy living, confirmed by the testimony of the prophet.

The Bible says in Hebrews 1:9:
“Thou hast loved righteousness, and hated iniquity; therefore God, even thy God, hath anointed thee with the oil of gladness above thy fellows.”

Heaven and earth shall pass away but the word of God shall remain, according to our Lord Jesus Christ in Matthew 24:35. Some Christian claim that it is impossible to live holy. Like I always tell my children in the Redeemed Christian Church o God, the fact that you are not living holy does not mean it is impossible to do so. The Bible says:
“Little children, let no man deceive you: he that doeth righteousness is righteous, even as he is righteous. He that committeth sin is of the devil; for the devil sinneth from the beginning. For this purpose the Son of God was manifested, that he might destroy the works of the devil.” 1 John 3:7-8

A person is either holy or sinful- there is no midpoint. No sinner will make it to heaven. For this reason, Jesus came to destroy the works of the devil in our live. You are righteous by grace. This grace is what removes boasting because it is not you but Christ in you. This however, does not make us deny that God helps people to live holy. Pray earnestly for the grace to live holy because of the blessing that come with it. Daniel triumphed over all his enemies; they perished in his place because of his life of holiness! I pray that the grace to live holy will come upon you today and you will live every day in victory from now, in Jesus’ name.

PRAYER POINT:
Father, please help me to live a life that is holy unto You, in the mighty name of Jesus.

BIBLE IN ONE YEAR: 2 Kings 1-5.

AUTHOR: PASTOR E. A. ADEBOYE

HYMN 4: CONQUERORS AND OVERCOMERS NOW ARE WE.
Conquerors and overcomers now are we,
Thro’ the precious blood of Christ we’ve victory,
If the Lord be for us, we can never fail;
Nothing ‘gainst his mighty pow’r can e’er prevail.

Refrain:
Conquerors are we, thro’ the blood, thro’ the blood;
God will give us victory, thro’ the blood, thro’ the blood,
Thro’ the Lamb for sinners slain,
Yet who lives and reigns again,
More than conquerors are we,
More than conquerors are we.

In the name of Israel’s God we’ll onward press,
Overcoming sin and all unrighteousness;
Not to us, but unto him the praise shall be,
For salvation and for blood-bought victory.

Unto him that overcometh shall be giv’n
Here to eat of hidden manna sent from heav’n;
Over yonder he the victor’s palm shall bear,
And a robe of white, and golden crown shall wear.

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OPEN HEAVENS DAILY DEVOTIONAL MONDAY 11TH OCTOBER 2021. AN AVENUE FOR DEMON-POSSESSION.

MEMORISE:
And be not drunk with wine, wherein is excess; but be filled with the Spirit; Ephesians 5:18

READ: Proverbs 23:29-35

29 Who hath woe? who hath sorrow? who hath contentions? who hath babbling? who hath wounds without cause? who hath redness of eyes?

30 They that tarry long at the wine; they that go to seek mixed wine.

31 Look not thou upon the wine when it is red, when it giveth his colour in the cup, when it moveth itself aright.

32 At the last it biteth like a serpent, and stingeth like an adder.

33 Thine eyes shall behold strange women, and thine heart shall utter perverse things.

34 Yea, thou shalt be as he that lieth down in the midst of the sea, or as he that lieth upon the top of a mast.

35 They have stricken me, shalt thou say, and I was not sick; they have beaten me, and I felt it not: when shall I awake? I will seek it yet again.

MESSAGE:
There are many avenues through which demons can possess an individual. One of them is alcoholism. The consumption of alcohol is a subtle habit that opens the door to various types of sins, all directed by one demon or the other. These includes violence, sexual immorality, pride, evil imaginations, folly and so on. It is unfortunate that some believers are beginning to consider ‘moderation’ in the consumption of alcohol, quoting today’s memory verse out of context by insisting that the Bible does not caution us against drinking alcohol, but rather against getting drunk. Sadly, it is this liberal approach to the handling of the issue of alcohol consumption that is increasing demonic operations in the lives that are supposed to be filled with the Holy Spirit.

How does alcoholism invite demons? One of the symptoms of demonic possession is sorrow and in today’s Bible reading, a question was asked “Who hath sorrow?” and the answer was also provided straightaway “…they that go to seek mix wine.” The Scripture goes ahead to warn “Look not thou upon the wine when it is red, when it giveth his colour in the cup, when it moveth itself aright.” (Proverbs 23:31).

The demon of sorrow is given access through the consumption of alcohol. In addition, our Bible text says “Thine eyes shall behold strange women…” Here, the demon of sexual immorality is set in motion by alcohol. A married person does not remember his or her marriage vows when put under the influence of alcohol. Alcohol has been known to promote all sort of sexual immorality including incest.

Genesis 19:31-38 tells the story of how two sisters got their father drunk and took turns to sleep with him. The products of these incestuous acts were the Moabites and Ammonites- two nations that later became enemies of the Israelites.

The word of God is forever settled; turn your back completely on alcohol. Alcohol creates an avenue for the devil to operate freely in the life of a person.

I enjoin you to stop creating an avenue for demons to possess you; rather, seek to be filled with the Holy Spirit and the Lord will do wonderous things through you.

I pray that you will be delivered from every demonic activity in your life today, in the mighty name of Jesus.

ACTION POINT:
Flee the consumption of alcohol from today and counsel everyone around you to do same.

BIBLE IN ONE YEAR: 1 Kings 20-22.

AUTHOR: PASTOR E. A. ADEBOYE

HYMN 29: WHAT CAN WASH AWAY MY STAIN?

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.

o 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.

5. Now by this I’ll overcome—
Nothing but the blood of Jesus;
Now by this I’ll reach my home—
Nothing but the blood of Jesus.

6. Glory! Glory! This I sing—
Nothing but the blood of Jesus,
All my praise for this I bring—
Nothing but the blood of Jesus.

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