Memorise: Be sober, be vigilant; because the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour. 1 Peter 5:8
Read: Luke 4:1-8
1 And Jesus being full of the Holy Ghost returned from Jordan, and was led by the Spirit into the wilderness,
2 Being forty days tempted of the devil. And in those days he did eat nothing: and when they were ended, he afterward hungered.
3 And the devil said unto him, If thou be the Son of God, command this stone that it be made bread.
4 And Jesus answered him, saying, It is written, That man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word of God.
5 And the devil, taking him up into an high mountain, shewed unto him all the kingdoms of the world in a moment of time.
6 And the devil said unto him, All this power will I give thee, and the glory of them: for that is delivered unto me; and to whomsoever I will I give it.
7 If thou therefore wilt worship me, all shall be thine.
8 And Jesus answered and said unto him, Get thee behind me, Satan: for it is written, Thou shalt worship the Lord thy God, and him only shalt thou serve.
Bible in one year: 2 Chronicles 7-8, Acts 12-35

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

1. Delicacies are rich, luxurious or expensive food enjoyed by royals and the wealthy.
2. Satanic delicacies symbolize worldly goodies and pleasures that appeal to the eyes and are deemed good for the body, which Satan and his agents craftily offer in exchange for a man’s soul. Such delicacies could be anything that feeds the ego, such as fame, power and access to wealth.
3. They are labeled “satanic” because the Bible contains several instances of the devil using them as bait while tempting children of God. For example, Adam and Eve fell because the devil convinced them that the forbidden fruit was delicious, beautiful to behold and would inspire knowledge and wisdom (Genesis 3:4-6). In the same way, the devil offered beautiful women to Samson in exchange for his great anointing, and unfortunately he fell for it (Judges 16:18-20). Similarly, the man of God from Judah was tempted to eat bread and drink water, in direct disobedience to God’s directive, and this ended his ministry abruptly ( 1 Kings 13:11-22).
4. In today’s Bible reading, the devil offered tantalizing delicacies to our Lord Jesus Christ, but glory be to God, He triumphed over the devil by the power in the word of God. I pray that you will not become a victim of satanic delicacies in Jesus’ Name.
5. Satanic delicacies are often offered in attractive packages to simple minded people. However, full disclosure on the true contents of such packages and the consequences of accepting them are usually withheld. The same scenario plays out in every temptation -a person will only discover the consequences of his or her choices when it is virtually too late. I pray that you will not discover the truth about the satanic delicacies that are set before you when it is too late in Jesus’ Name.
6. The good news is that despite the craftiness and deceptive schemes of the devil, the Bible has provided the means to overcome his wicked devices. Watchfulness, intensive prayer, total submission to God and resisting the devil are all key elements of this provision (Matthew 26:41, James 4:7).
7. Abstaining from all appearances of evil is another effective means of overcoming satanic delicacies (1 Thessalonians 5:22).
8. Satanic delicacies are usually offered to seduce, persuade or cajole gullible people into sin. A Christian should never fall for this old trick or agree with the devil under any circumstance. Proverbs 1:10 says: “My son, if sinners entice thee, consent thou not.”
7. Above all, the Bible tells us that victory is assured because the devil is only fighting a lost battle (1 John 4:4). I pray that you will never lose the victory that Christ has won for you in Jesus’ Name.

SHORT REFLECTION BY THE LIGHT POINTERS

Delicacy of the devil is always appealing to the eyes when one has failed to look at it from the Spiritual point of view. However, when a believer remains watchful and alert, he will be able to desist and reject his delicacies. As the Bible says “ “Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.”‭‭Ephesians‬ ‭6:13. Let’s be watchful, vigilant and continue to resist the devil from our endeavors. God bless and empower Pastor E.A Adeboye for greater works in Jesus name.

 
Action Point: Think over any satanic delicacy that is set before you and apply the appropriate divine provisions to overcome them.
Hymn
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 power can eer pereval.
Chorus:
Conquerors are we, thr’o the blood of Jesus
God will give us victory, thro’ the blood of Jesus
Through 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 given,
Here to eat of hidden manna sent from Heaven,
Over yonder He the victors palm shall bear,
And a robe of white, and golden crown shall wear.

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20

Memorise: 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
Read: Matthew 5:14-16
14 Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on an hill cannot be hid.
15 Neither do men light a candle, and put it under a bushel, but on a candlestick; and it giveth light unto all that are in the house.
16 Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.
Bible in one year: 2 Chronicles 5-6, Acts 22:30-23:11

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

1. Light is the manifestation of God’s creative word.
2. Having been spoken into existence on the first day of creation, light came into being even before the sun and the moon, which were created on the fourth day.
3. Light was separated from darkness and declared by God to be good (Genesis 1:4&18).
4. Light and darkness are contrasted in several verses of the Bible, and in all cases, light is affirmed as superseding darkness.
5. Ecclesiastes 2:13 equates wisdom with light and foolishness with darkness.
6. Light is declared to be the path of righteousness, while darkness is the path of those who rebel against God (Proverbs 4:18, Job 18:50. I pray that the light of God will disperse every form of darkness in your life today in the mighty Name of Jesus.
7. At the beginning of creation, the world was filled with gross darkness. This prompted God to create light as a solution to the problem of darkness, which is why He is referred to as the Father of lights (James 1:17).
8. Jesus also declared Himself as the light of the world (John 8:12).
9. As light, Christ’s role throughout His earthly ministry was to destroy the darkness of this world and enable humanity become children of light through faith (John 12:46, 36). He succeeded in His assignment and raised for Himself a people who are the light of the world (Matthew 5:14).
10. As His chosen people, our light must shine before all men to provide guidance and leadership in a world full of sin, confusion, hatred, danger and all kinds of wickedness.
11. Jesus lived an exemplary life as the light of the world, and we also must follow in His footsteps. Jesus illuminated the world by preaching the good news of the gospel with love and compassion.
12. Through His own life, He showed us how to live in holiness and righteousness in a world full of sin. He brought joy to the hearts of men by healing the sick, delivering the oppressed and raising the dead. He was a father to the fatherless, husband to the widow and hope to the hopeless.
13. Functioning as light therefore signifies replicating everything that He did while He was here on earth ( 1John 2:6). We are to preach the good news of the gospel to all nations and ensure that lost souls are saved and properly made disciples of Christ.
14. Holiness and righteousness should be our watchword, and truth should be found in us always. We must be agents of peace and progress in our communities as we show good neighbourliness. Through us, the sick should receive healing and the captives should be set free. We must provide succor to the fatherless, widows and the helpless in our society.
15. We must speak out against sin, violence and wickedness in order to turn sinners to saints. The world must become a better place because of our presence and activities as light.

SHORT REFLECTION BY THE LIGHT POINTERS

We had a clear description of what light is and what it does in today’s devotional. A particular paragraph summarised it all. “Jesus lived an exemplary life as the light of the world, and we also must follow in His footsteps. Jesus illuminated the world by preaching the good news of the gospel with love and compassion and this we must also do!” May God equip and strengthen Pastor E.A Adeboye for greater works in Jesus name.

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

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20

Memorise: But she that liveth in pleasure is dead while she liveth. 1Timothy 5:6
Read: 2 Samuel 11:1-5
1 In the spring, at the time when kings go off to war, David sent Joab out with the king’s men and the whole Israelite army. They destroyed the Ammonites and besieged Rabbah. But David remained in Jerusalem.
2 One evening David got up from his bed and walked around on the roof of the palace. From the roof he saw a woman bathing. The woman was very beautiful, 3 and David sent someone to find out about her. The man said, “She is Bathsheba, the daughter of Eliam and the wife of Uriah the Hittite.”
4 Then David sent messengers to get her. She came to him, and he slept with her. (Now she was purifying herself from her monthly uncleanness.) Then she went back home.
5 The woman conceived and sent word to David, saying, “I am pregnant.”
Bible in one year: 1 Chronicles 28-29, Acts 21:37-22:11

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

1. While God is not against His people enjoying a comfortable life, He is against us living for pleasure.
2. There is a life of comfort and pleasure that can ultimately lead to spiritual death.
3. After God gave David rest from the life of wandering in the wilderness as a shepherd, fugitive, mercenary and warrior king, he started living in pleasure, so much so that he no longer went to battle. In the course of his life of leisure, pleasure and comfort, he fell into sin that would have destroyed his destiny, but for the mercies of God. He experienced spiritual death and had to cry to God for restoration (Psalm 51:1).
4. Spiritual death is a condition of alienation from God because of sin. It is the absence of spiritual life, which means being physically alive without having a relationship with God.
5. By nature, all of mankind is dead spiritually. However, whosoever accepts Jesus as Lord and Saviour becomes genuinely born again and experiences transformative change. Such a person is liberated from spiritual death and is made alive by the Holy Spirit.
6. After experiencing new life in Christ, we are encouraged to take pleasure in everything God has created, but never to allow pleasure in His creation to overshadow our pleasure in the Creator Himself.
7. We live in times when the desire to live a pleasurable life is most paramount on people’s mind.
8. We must not allow ourselves to become overtaken by the wanton desire for pleasure we see all around us. Remember that in last days, men will become lovers of pleasures more than lovers of God (2 Timothy 3:4).
9. In these perilous times, people are craving to satisfy the lust of the flesh through food, drinks, stimulants and sexual gratification.
10. They also strive to satisfy the lust of the eyes through fashion, materialism and the inordinate acquisition of the beautiful things of life.
11. Lastly, they live to satisfy the pride of life through the accumulation of titles, recognition, fame and other achievements.
12. Children of God must not be caught in the snare of the devil. With respect to the pleasure of this world, the Spirit of God recommends restraint and discipline to every child of God.
13. In 1 Corinthians 7:31, He says: “And they that use this world, as not abusing it: for the fashion of this world passeth away.” God’s people must have self-control, be generous and have consideration for others.
14. The Bible insists that anyone who places priority on pleasure or invests much time and resources into a pleasure-seeking lifestyle is spiritually dead, even though alive physically.
15. There are so many of such people in the church of God today (Revelation 3:1)!
16. I pray that God will help such people to recognize their state and move them to cry to Him for restoration.

SHORT REFLECTION BY THE LIGHT POINTERS

Comfort is good but allowing it to overshadow the will of God is more dangerous. As the Bible says that we are soldiers of Christ and soldiers are always alert even in their sleep. Many believers have missed the purpose of God concerning their lives as a result of comfort after victory. Let’s not major in minor and minor in major. We must try to constantly engage ourselves in the things and will of God. There is more battle to fight both physically and spiritually in this race than the pleasures of this world afterall this earth is not our home. Jesus fought, overcame and promised to grant us sit with Him on His throne if we fight till the end. “To him who overcomes I will grant to sit with Me on My throne, as I also overcame and sat down with My Father on His throne.” ‭‭Revelation‬ ‭3:21‬. However, we are not forbidden to enjoy comfort as believers but allowing it to cripple our spirituality is invaluable. God be praised for Pastor E.A Adeboye in Jesus name.

Prayer Point: Father, help me to overcome every craving in me that will lead to spiritual death in Jesus’ Name
Hymn
Nearer, my God, to Thee;
Nearer to Thee;
E’en though it be a cross
That raiseth me,
Still all my song shall be
Nearer, my God, to Thee,
Nearer, my God, to Thee,
Nearer to Thee.
Though, like a wanderer,
The sun gone down,
Darkness comes over me,
My rest a stone;
Yet in my dreams I’d be
Nearer, my God, to Thee,
Nearer, my God, to Thee,
Nearer to Thee.
There let me see the sight,
An open heaven;
All that Thou sendest me,
In mercy given;
Angels to beckon me
Nearer, my God, to Thee,
Nearer, my God, to Thee,
Nearer to Thee.
Then, with my waking thoughts
Bright with thy praise,
Out of my stony griefs
Bethel I’ll raise,
So by my woes to be
Nearer, my God, to Thee,
Nearer, my God, to Thee,
Nearer to Thee.

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20

Memorise: Blessed are ye, when men shall revile you, and persecute you, and shall say all manner of evil against you falsely, for my sake. Matthew 5:11
Read: Daniel 6 :3-10
3 Then this Daniel was preferred above the presidents and princes, because an excellent spirit was in him; and the king thought to set him over the whole realm.
4 Then the presidents and princes sought to find occasion against Daniel concerning the kingdom; but they could find none occasion nor fault; forasmuch as he was faithful, neither was there any error or fault found in him.
5 Then said these men, We shall not find any occasion against this Daniel, except we find it against him concerning the law of his God.
6 Then these presidents and princes assembled together to the king, and said thus unto him, King Darius, live for ever.
7 All the presidents of the kingdom, the governors, and the princes, the counsellors, and the captains, have consulted together to establish a royal statute, and to make a firm decree, that whosoever shall ask a petition of any God or man for thirty days, save of thee, O king, he shall be cast into the den of lions.
8 Now, O king, establish the decree, and sign the writing, that it be not changed, according to the law of the Medes and Persians, which altereth not.
9 Wherefore king Darius signed the writing and the decree.
10 Now when Daniel knew that the writing was signed, he went into his house; and his windows being open in his chamber toward Jerusalem, he kneeled upon his knees three times a day, and prayed, and gave thanks before his God, as he did aforetime.
Bible in one year: 1 Chronicles 26 – 27, Acts 21:17-36

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

1. Persecution is the harassment and suffering that people and institutions inflict upon others for being different in their faith, world view, culture or race, with the intention to intimidate, silence, denounce, convert or even kill them.
2. The story of man outside the Garden of Eden begins with the persecution of the righteous by the unrighteous in Genesis 4:3-8.
3. Abel was killed by Cain simply because God respected Abel’s offering and considered him to be righteous (Hebrews 11:4).
4. Lot’s experience, as narrated in 2 Peter 2:7-8, illustrates the suffering involved in refusing to conform to popular culture.
5. Daniel was persecuted because he disregarded the king’s decree by praying to the God of heaven.
6. Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego were persecuted because they refused to worship the image of the king (Daniel 3). Psalm 119:84-87 speaks of the cry of the righteous one who was being persecuted for upholding God’s word.
7. Various prophets of God in the Bible also suffered persecution because they tried to live out the will of God in adverse circumstances.
8. Jesus Himself noted in Luke 11:50-51 that the persecution of God’s people began from the foundation of the world and would continue throughout history. “Remember the word that I said unto you, The servant is not greater than his lord. If they have persecuted me, they will also persecute you…”
9. Based on these words of our Lord, persecution is a hard fact of life to be faced bravely, and a hallmark of genuine children of God.
10. Are your Christian virtues causing you problems with your friends, colleagues, neighbours, family members or boss? Have you been tagged antisocial because of your modest way of dressing, attitude to the opposite sex, refusal to consume alcohol or other stimulants, and rejection of a worldly lifestyle? Have you been told that you may never make it because you have refused to participate in illegal and fraudulent business practices? Have you been told as a woman that you may never get a man to marry you unless you wear skimpy dresses and make up excessively? Are you under any pressure to join a cult or swear allegiance to someone or something in order to make it in life? Are you under any attack because of your constant praises to God, Bible study or witnessing about Jesus? Do not yield to any of these threats or believe their lies.
11. Rejoice because the Lord has pronounced His blessings on everyone who endures persecution to the very end (Matthew 5:10-12).
12. The blessings of the Lord will be permanent in your life in Jesus’ Name.

SHORT REFLECTION BY THE LIGHT POINTERS

Our Lord Jesus Christ who is our role model suffered persecution and this we should be prepared for also. Several scriptures prepared us in this line. “And ye shall be betrayed both by parents, and brethren, and kinsfolks, and friends; and some of you shall they cause to be put to death. And ye shall be hated of all men for my name’s sake.” Luke 21:16‭-‬17 We are daily refreshed as we study the Open Heavens devotional. May God continually increase Pastor E.A Adeboye in wisdom and grace in Jesus Name.

Prayer Point: Father, please strengthen my resolve to endure persecution to the very end in Jesus’ Name
Hymn
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.

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20

Memorise: Ye therefore, beloved, seeing ye know these things before, beware lest ye also, being led away with the error of the wicked, fall from your own steadfastness. 2 Peter 3:17
Read: Ezekiel 33:12-20
12 Therefore, thou son of man, say unto the children of thy people, The righteousness of the righteous shall not deliver him in the day of his transgression: as for the wickedness of the wicked, he shall not fall thereby in the day that he turneth from his wickedness; neither shall the righteous be able to live for his righteousness in the day that he sinneth.
13 When I shall say to the righteous, that he shall surely live; if he trust to his own righteousness, and commit iniquity, all his righteousnesses shall not be remembered; but for his iniquity that he hath committed, he shall die for it.
14 Again, when I say unto the wicked, Thou shalt surely die; if he turn from his sin, and do that which is lawful and right;
15 If the wicked restore the pledge, give again that he had robbed, walk in the statutes of life, without committing iniquity; he shall surely live, he shall not die.
16 None of his sins that he hath committed shall be mentioned unto him: he hath done that which is lawful and right; he shall surely live.
17 Yet the children of thy people say, The way of the Lord is not equal: but as for them, their way is not equal.
18 When the righteous turneth from his righteousness, and committeth iniquity, he shall even die thereby.
19 But if the wicked turn from his wickedness, and do that which is lawful and right, he shall live thereby.
20 Yet ye say, The way of the Lord is not equal. O ye house of Israel, I will judge you every one after his ways.
Bible in one year: 1 Chronicles 23-25, Acts 20:36-21:16

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

1. Yesterday, we started reflecting on the doctrine of eternal security. We considered what this false doctrine teaches and the character of its teachers.
2. Today, we will be looking at the truth of what God’s word says in contrast to this doctrine. If there was no possibility of falling away and losing one’s inheritance in Christ, the Holy Spirit would not have given the counsel we have in today’s memory verse. In fact, the Holy Spirit in 2 Thessalonians 2:3 also warns:
“Let no man deceive you by any means: for that day shall not come, except there come a falling away first, and that man of sin be revealed, the son of perdition;”
3. Only those who occupy a high position need fear a fall. The “falling away” in this scripture therefore refers to the falling away from grace of those seated with Christ in heavenly places. The possibility of a saved person falling is registered in these scriptures and in several others (Galatians 5:4, Revelation 2:5).
4. Also, in today’s Bible reading, God Almighty told Prophet Ezekiel the truth which disproves the doctrine of eternal security.
5. The Lord is therefore warning everyone who chooses to live a godly life never to depart from the path of righteousness, or else his or her past righteous deeds will not be remembered on the day he or she departs to do evil.
6. Some people argue that nobody sends his child away to the lions because he or she sins, and so God will not judge His children for their sin. What such people don’t seem to understand is that you cannot equate the ways of God with that of mere mortal men. They fail to recognize that a person who continues to live in sin after being saved does not have the nature of God and is therefore not a child of God.
7. This is made clear in 1John 3:8 devil.
“He that commiteth 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.”
Furthermore, while forewarning us of things to come in Matthew 24:12-13, Jesus Christ said:
“And because iniquity shall abound, the love of many shall wax cold. But he that shall endure to the end, the same shall be saved.”
8. In other words, the global increase in iniquity will not exonerate a backslider on the Day of Judgement. This is a lesson for those who think that because the world is changing, God should change His standards (2 Timothy2 : 19).
9. Beloved, it would be immoral for God to accept from us what He did not accept from those who ran the Christian race before us. Don’t be deceived; there is no eternal security.
10. The wages of sin is death: this is the truth of God’s word that is forever settled.

SHORT REFLECTION BY THE LIGHT POINTERS

The word of God should be the only basis for the doctrine every believer will ever accept. It is also important for us to have a strong relationship with the holyspirit. This is because the holyspirit teaches us as we study the word of God and he as well help us to discern what is true and what is not true. May God strengthen our relationship with the holyspirit in Jesus name. God bless and strengthen Pastor E.A Adeboye on every side in Jesus name.

Prayer Point: Father, please uphold me to the very end, and keep my heart away from false doctrines in Jesus’ Name
Hymn
Take my life, and let it be
Consecrated, Lord, to Thee;
Take my moments and my days,
Let them flow in ceaseless praise,
Let them flow in ceaseless praise
Take my hands, and let them move
At the impulse of Thy love;
Take my feet and let them be
Swift and beautiful for Thee,
Swift and beautiful for Thee.
Take my voice, and let me sing
Always, only, for my King;
Take my lips, and let them be
Filled with messages from Thee,
Filled with messages from Thee.
Take my silver and my gold;
Not a mite would I withhold;
Take my intellect, and use
Every power as Thou shalt choose,
Every power as Thou shalt choose.
Take my will, and make it Thine;
It shall be no longer mine.
Take my heart; it is Thine own;
It shall be Thy royal throne,
It shall be Thy royal throne
Take my love; my Lord, I pour
At Thy feet its treasure-store.
Take myself, and I will be
Ever, only, all for Thee,
Ever, only, all for Thee.

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20

Memorise: Notwithstanding I have a few things against thee, because thou sufferest that woman Jezebel, which calleth herself a prophetess, to teach and to seduce my servants to commit fornication, and to eat things sacrificed unto idols. Revelation 2:20
Read: Revelation 2:18-23
Bible in one year: 1 Chronicles 21- 22, Acts 20:17-35

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

1. One deadly error in some quarters of the Christians faith is the doctrine of eternal security. Those advancing this doctrine use the Scriptures to convince their followers that once you are saved, you are forever saved, irrespective of the type of life you live after receiving salvation. It is therefore not surprising that in circles where this doctrine is taught, a loose lifestyle of sin is the norm. in order to appease the conscience of their followers, some modern day teachers of this doctrine have tried to repackage it be redefining what sin is. Some even teach that a Christian cannot sin. It is unfortunate that some people still fail for this old deception of the devil which resurges from time to time.
2. When you critically examine the life of those teaching this doctrine, you will observe that they themselves fell into the error of this falsehood because of secret sin in their lives which they could not overcome. Instead of humbly submitting themselves to God in an environment of accountability for their character to be built up, they proudly developed another “gospel” to justify themselves and deaden their conscience. The unfortunate thing is that several innocent souls who genuinely want to serve God end up being destroyed by these teachers. Because they see such teachers exhibiting the gifts of God, they believe that whatever is coming from their mouth is sanctioned by God. These beguiled souls forget that Romans 11:29 says:
“For the gifts and calling of God are without repentance.”
3. Based on the principle established by this verse of scripture, a person who received the gifts of God’s Spirit while teaching the truth of the gospel will continue to manifest these gifts after they fall into the error of another “gospel”, even if it’s for a while. It is error for this very reason the Lord Jesus Christ in Matthew 7:22-23 clearly said: “Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? And in thy name done many wonderful works? And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity.”
4. From the words of the Master Himself, it is obvious to any serious student of the Bible that the working of miracles or the manifestation of the gifts of the Spirit is not a wholesale stamp of approval by God. Therefore, beware! Any teaching not founded on the totality of the truth in God’s word should not be accepted, irrespective of the charisma of the teacher. When it is all said and done, you will stand alone to give account of your life before God.

SHORT REFLECTION BY THE LIGHT POINTERS

’

It is obvious that in the body of Christ today that many believers have been misled and brainwashed with false doctrines. This illusion is worst that some believe that salvation is once regardless of wickedness you keep doing after been saved. They have ignored the truth in the word of God Wherefore, my beloved, as ye have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling. It will be painful if at the end, so called prophets, apostles and many believers will not be worthy to stand before the Lord. May this never be our portion.

Action Point:
Minister the truth of God’s word to those who have been ensnared by the false doctrine of eternal security.
Hymn
1. Take my life, and let it be
Consecrated, Lord, to Thee;
Take my moments and my days,
Let them flow in ceaseless praise,
Let them flow in ceaseless praise
2. Take my hands, and let them move
At the impulse of Thy love;
Take my feet and let them be
Swift and beautiful for Thee,
Swift and beautiful for Thee.
3. Take my voice, and let me sing
Always, only, for my King;
Take my lips, and let them be
Filled with messages from Thee,
Filled with messages from Thee.
4. Take my silver and my gold;
Not a mite would I withhold;
Take my intellect, and use
Every power as Thou shalt choose,
Every power as Thou shalt choose.
5. Take my will, and make it Thine;
It shall be no longer mine.
Take my heart; it is Thine own;
It shall be Thy royal throne,
It shall be Thy royal throne
6. Take my love; my Lord, I pour
At Thy feet its treasure-store.
Take myself, and I will be
Ever, only, all for Thee,
Ever, only, all for Thee.

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Memorise: I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith: 2 Timothy 4:7
 
Read: Genesis 14:14-24
14 And when Abram heard that his brother was taken captive, he armed his trained servants, born in his own house, three hundred and eighteen, and pursued them unto Dan.
15 And he divided himself against them, he and his servants, by night, and smote them, and pursued them unto Hobah, which is on the left hand of Damascus.
16 And he brought back all the goods, and also brought again his brother Lot, and his goods, and the women also, and the people.
17 And the king of Sodom went out to meet him after his return from the slaughter of Chedorlaomer, and of the kings that were with him, at the valley of Shaveh, which is the king’s dale.
18 And Melchizedek king of Salem brought forth bread and wine: and he was the priest of the most high God.
19 And he blessed him, and said, Blessed be Abram of the most high God, possessor of heaven and earth:
20 And blessed be the most high God, which hath delivered thine enemies into thy hand. And he gave him tithes of all.
21 And the king of Sodom said unto Abram, Give me the persons, and take the goods to thyself.
22 And Abram said to the king of Sodom, I have lift up mine hand unto the Lord, the most high God, the possessor of heaven and earth,
23 That I will not take from a thread even to a shoelatchet, and that I will not take any thing that is thine, lest thou shouldest say, I have made Abram rich:
24 Save only that which the young men have eaten, and the portion of the men which went with me, Aner, Eshcol, and Mamre; let them take their portion.
Bible in one year: 1 Chronicles 18-20, Acts 20:1-16

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

1. Is it possible to be meek and militant at the same time?
2. To be meek is to do what other people want without imposing your own opinion.
3. It is having the power to act but refusing to use it to oppress others.
4. Being militant on the other hand means to use force or pressure to achieve your goals.
5. How is it possible for a Christian to be meek and militant at the same time?
6. Our Lord, as part of the Sermon on the Mount, clearly taught us that it is a blessed thing to be meek (Matthew 5:5). In his letter to the Galatians, Apostle Paul also declared that meekness is a part of the fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22-23).
7. Our Lord Jesus Christ demonstrated meekness when He was arrested in the Garden of Gethsemane. Hear what He said in Mathew 26:53-54, when He was about to be arrested: “Thinkestthou that I cannot now pray to my Father, and he shall presently give me more than twelve legions of angels? But how then shall the scriptures be fulfilled, that thus it must be!”
8. This same Jesus tells us that there are times when we need to be violent. In Matthew 11:12, He said: “And from the days of John the Baptist until now the kingdom of heaven suffereth violence and the violent take it by force.”
9. Paul further expounded on this truth, telling us the reason why we are in battle and providing the guidelines for how to shield and prepare ourselves for this violent warfare.
10. In Ephesians 6:12, He wrote: “For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.”
11. The beautiful swan which vigorously paddles away under the water to stay afloat is viewed as one of the most graceful animals on water because it appears calm on the surface.
12. Our Christian life needs to emulate the posture of the swan.
13. In the spirit realm, we need to display all the militancy that is needed to secure us a place in heaven and push the agenda of the kingdom of our God on earth, at the same time, in the physical realm, the fruit of the Spirit – meekness – must be visible in our lives.

SHORT REFLECTION BY THE LIGHT POINTERS

Perfect example when it comes to meekness is our Lord Jesus Christ. He’s companionate and He’s called the Lamb, at the same time He can also manifest as Lion depending on the situation. Consider what he said  in Mathew 26:53-54, when He was about to be arrested: “Thinkestthou that I cannot now pray to my Father, and he shall presently give me more than twelve legions of angels? But how then shall the scriptures be fulfilled. We should not forget that same Jesus rebuked them of merchandising in the House of His father. Spirituality does not cripple you of exercising your power when needed. God bless and strengthen Pastor E.A Adeboye in Jesus name.

Key Point:
You cannot keep the faith without giving the devil a fight
Hymn
Stand up! Stand up for Jesus!
Ye soldiers of the cross;
Lift high His royal banner,
It must not suffer loss:
From vict’ry unto vict’ry
His army shall He lead,
Till every foe is vanquished
And Christ is Lord indeed.
Stand up! Stand up for Jesus!
The rumpet call obey;
Forth to the mighty conflict
In this His glorious day.
Ye that are men, now serve Him
Against unnumbered foes;
Let courage rise with danger.
And strength to strength oppose.
Stand up! Stand up for Jesus!
Stand in His strength alone;
The arm of flesh will fail you;
Ye dare not trust your won
Put on the Gospel armor,
And, watching unto prayer,
Where duty calls, or danger,
Be never wanting there.
Stand up! Stand up for Jesus!
The strife will not be long:
This day the noise of battle,
The next the victor’s song;
To him that overcometh
A crown of life shall be;
He, with the King of glory,
Shall reign eternally.

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Memorise: And he ordained twelve, that they should be with him, and that he might send them forth to preach. Mark 3:14
 
Read: Exodus 18:13-27
13 And it came to pass on the morrow, that Moses sat to judge the people: and the people stood by Moses from the morning unto the evening.
14 And when Moses’ father in law saw all that he did to the people, he said, What is this thing that thou doest to the people? why sittest thou thyself alone, and all the people stand by thee from morning unto even?
15 And Moses said unto his father in law, Because the people come unto me to enquire of God:
16 When they have a matter, they come unto me; and I judge between one and another, and I do make them know the statutes of God, and his laws.
17 And Moses’ father in law said unto him, The thing that thou doest is not good.
18 Thou wilt surely wear away, both thou, and this people that is with thee: for this thing is too heavy for thee; thou art not able to perform it thyself alone.
19 Hearken now unto my voice, I will give thee counsel, and God shall be with thee: Be thou for the people to God-ward, that thou mayest bring the causes unto God:
20 And thou shalt teach them ordinances and laws, and shalt shew them the way wherein they must walk, and the work that they must do.
21 Moreover thou shalt provide out of all the people able men, such as fear God, men of truth, hating covetousness; and place such over them, to be rulers of thousands, and rulers of hundreds, rulers of fifties, and rulers of tens:
22 And let them judge the people at all seasons: and it shall be, that every great matter they shall bring unto thee, but every small matter they shall judge: so shall it be easier for thyself, and they shall bear the burden with thee.
23 If thou shalt do this thing, and God command thee so, then thou shalt be able to endure, and all this people shall also go to their place in peace.
24 So Moses hearkened to the voice of his father in law, and did all that he had said.
25 And Moses chose able men out of all Israel, and made them heads over the people, rulers of thousands, rulers of hundreds, rulers of fifties, and rulers of tens.
26 And they judged the people at all seasons: the hard causes they brought unto Moses, but every small matter they judged themselves.
27 And Moses let his father in law depart; and he went his way into his own land.
Bible in one year: 1 Chronicles 16-17, Acts 19:21-41

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

1. It is amazing that not only are many leaders guilty of self-abuse by working more than is necessary, they are also guilty of stressing themselves out to the point of exhaustion, thereby leading to their untimely death.
2. When God created man, He created us in His own image and likeness and so we are expected to be like Him in many respects. One area we should resemble Him is in the attribute of delegating responsibility.
3. Genesis 2:15&19 reveals how God readily delegated the responsibility of keeping the Garden of Eden and the naming of animals to Adam. There is no monopoly of responsibility in the attributes of God. We need to begin to emulate God by sharing and delegating responsibilities with our colleagues, subordinates and neighbours to avoid burning ourselves out and even killing ourselves.
4. In Exodus 18:13-27, Moses was taught the art of division of labour by his father-in-law, Jethro. When Jethro came visiting, he observed that Moses hardly had time to rest, because he was ever busy attending to every case brought to him by his people – even minor cases that were domestic in nature.
5. Although the reason Moses gave for Jethro pointed out the folly of what he was doing to him. In Exodus 18:17b, Jethro said: ‘The thing that thou doest is not good. Thou will surely wear away, both thou, and this people that is with thee: for this thing is too heavy for thee; thou art not able to perform it thyself alone.” Jethro then taught him how to delegate his judicial responsibilities to elders who were able and capable. Moses heeded his advice and it worked: judgement was no longer delayed and Moses had time to take care of himself.
6. Members of the Body of Christ need to be willing to work, and their pastors need to be willing to prepare them to take responsibilities. Nevertheless, responsibilities must not be delegated carelessly.
7. They should not be passed on to those who would destroy the work you have labored so much for. In delegating responsibility, adhere to what Paul said in 2 Timothy2:2: “And the things that thou hast heard of me among many witnesses, the same commit thou to faithful men, who shall be able to teach others also.”
8. Apply this principle in your church, business and family and you will find rest for your soul

SHORT REFLECTION BY THE LIGHT POINTERS

Prayerfully delegating responsibilities ease the leader of so much stress and regret of wrong delegation. We should therefore follow the direction of the Holy spirit in sharing our responsibilities. God be praised for Pastor E.A Adeboye. May he wax stronger in Jesus name.

Action Point:
Join an empowerment programme that would increase your effectiveness today
Hymn
When we walk with the Lord in the light of His word,
What a glory He shed on our way!
While we do His good will, He abides with us still,
And with all who will trust and obey.
Chorus:
Trust and obey, for there’s no other way
To be happy in Jesus, but to trust and obey.
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 tear,
Can abide while we trust and obey.
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.
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.
Then in fellowship 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

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20

Memorise: And grieve not the Holy Spirit of God, whereby ye are sealed unto the day of redemption. Ephesians 4:30
 
Read: Numbers 20:1-12
1 Then came the children of Israel, even the whole congregation, into the desert of Zin in the first month: and the people abode in Kadesh; and Miriam died there, and was buried there.
2 And there was no water for the congregation: and they gathered themselves together against Moses and against Aaron.
3 And the people chode with Moses, and spake, saying, Would God that we had died when our brethren died before the Lord!
4 And why have ye brought up the congregation of the Lord into this wilderness, that we and our cattle should die there?
5 And wherefore have ye made us to come up out of Egypt, to bring us in unto this evil place? it is no place of seed, or of figs, or of vines, or of pomegranates; neither is there any water to drink.
6 And Moses and Aaron went from the presence of the assembly unto the door of the tabernacle of the congregation, and they fell upon their faces: and the glory of the Lord appeared unto them.
7 And the Lord spake unto Moses, saying,
8 Take the rod, and gather thou the assembly together, thou, and Aaron thy brother, and speak ye unto the rock before their eyes; and it shall give forth his water, and thou shalt bring forth to them water out of the rock: so thou shalt give the congregation and their beasts drink.
9 And Moses took the rod from before the Lord, as he commanded him.
10 And Moses and Aaron gathered the congregation together before the rock, and he said unto them, Hear now, ye rebels; must we fetch you water out of this rock?
11 And Moses lifted up his hand, and with his rod he smote the rock twice: and the water came out abundantly, and the congregation drank, and their beasts also.
12 And the Lord spake unto Moses and Aaron, Because ye believed me not, to sanctify me in the eyes of the children of Israel, therefore ye shall not bring this congregation into the land which I have given them.
Bible in one year: 1 Chronicles 13-15, Acts 18:24-19:20

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

1. One reality of life that many people, particularly children of God, find difficult to believe is that a meek person can be offended.
2. People who are meek are assumed to always be calm and saint-like, and hence people around them tend to take them for granted and abuse them in many ways.
3. We all know that meekness is a constituent of the fruit of the Spirit, but our memory verse clearly shows that the Holy Spirit can be offended. For this reason, you need to realize that the person carrying the Holy Spirit can also be offended.
4. Although Numbers 12:3 describes Moses as the meekest among all men on the face of the earth, in today’s Bible reading, this same man got so upset that instead of speaking to the rock as God commanded, he struck it with the rod twice, to the Lord’s displeasure. The consequence of this outburst of anger and frustration by Moses was grievous: the Lord rebuked him and denied him entrance into the Promised Land, after forty years of laboring hard to lead all the Israelites from Egypt.
5. The key lesson we need to learn from Moses’ experience is that our brethren and leaders are still living in human bodies, and so we need to be sensitive to their humanity and not overstretch them because we believe that as meek people, they will not break.
6. Another lesson is that the meek should not allow themselves to be solely people-driven; they should instead focus on following the instructions given by God.
7. While we live in this human body, we will always experience offence or provocations from different sources. However, we need to exercise self-control, which is another constituent of the fruit of the Spirit, in all situations.
8. The Bible is clear that only the foolish burst out in anger; you must refuse to be foolish. Proverbs 14:17a says, “He that is soon angry dealeth foolishly:”
9. Beloved, what are you known for? Are you the kind of person that engages in confrontation with everyone, or are you known to be an example of someone who manifests the fruit of the Spirit?

SHORT REFLECTION BY THE LIGHT POINTERS

We all agree that meekness is one of the fruit of the Spirit “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law.” ‭‭Galatians‬ ‭5:22-23‬. However, many have misinterpreted it to be weakness because of calm attitude often disputed by the meek. People should therefore not take them for granted but rather respect their gentleness. When Jesus realized that the wanted to turn the house of prayer to place of merchants, he was seriously displeased and reacted. 
“And Jesus went into the temple of God, and cast out all them that sold and bought in the temple, and overthrew the tables of the moneychangers, and the seats of them that sold doves, And said unto them, It is written, My house shall be called the house of prayer; but ye have made it a den of thieves.”
‭‭Matthew‬ ‭21:12-13‬ We bless God for Pastor E.A Adeboye. May he wax stronger in Jesus name.

Prayer Point:
Spirit of the living God, please manifest more of Your self-control in my life everyday in Jesus’ Name
Hymn
Nearer, my God, to Thee;
Nearer to Thee;
E’en though it be a cross
That raiseth me,
Still all my song shall be
Nearer, my God, to Thee,
Nearer, my God, to Thee,
Nearer to Thee.
Though, like a wanderer,
The sun gone down,
Darkness comes over me,
My rest a stone;
Yet in my dreams I’d be
Nearer, my God, to Thee,
Nearer, my God, to Thee,
Nearer to Thee.
There let me see the sight,
An open heaven;
All that Thou sendest me,
In mercy given;
Angels to beckon me
Nearer, my God, to Thee,
Nearer, my God, to Thee,
Nearer to Thee.
Then, with my waking thoughts
Bright with thy praise,
Out of my stony griefs
Bethel I’ll raise,
So by my woes to be
Nearer, my God, to Thee,
Nearer, my God, to Thee,
Nearer to Thee.

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