Memorise: At my first answer no man stood with me, but all men forsook me: I pray God that it may not be laid to their charge. 2 Timothy 4:16
 
Read: 2 Timothy 4:14-18, 2 Timothy 3:10-14
14 Alexander the coppersmith did me much evil: the Lord reward him according to his works:
15 Of whom be thou ware also; for he hath greatly withstood our words.
16 At my first answer no man stood with me, but all men forsook me: I pray God that it may not be laid to their charge.
17 Notwithstanding the Lord stood with me, and strengthened me; that by me the preaching might be fully known, and that all the Gentiles might hear: and I was delivered out of the mouth of the lion.
18 And the Lord shall deliver me from every evil work, and will preserve me unto his heavenly kingdom: to whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen.
2 Timothy 3:10-14
10 But thou hast fully known my doctrine, manner of life, purpose, faith, longsuffering, charity, patience,
11 Persecutions, afflictions, which came unto me at Antioch, at Iconium, at Lystra; what persecutions I endured: but out of them all the Lord delivered me.
12 Yea, and all that will live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution.
13 But evil men and seducers shall wax worse and worse, deceiving, and being deceived.
14 But continue thou in the things which thou hast learned and hast been assured of, knowing of whom thou hast learned them;
Bible in one year: 1 Chronicles 11-12, Acts 18:1-23

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

1. Every Christian is expected to be a standard for people around to emulate.
2. Standing out for God as a standard has a price tag attached to it.
3. The price of being God’s standard is compromised mainly of antagonism, loneliness and persecution. In John 16:2, our Lord Jesus Christ prepared our minds for what we should expect if we would be His standard in this world, saying: “They shall put you out of the synagogues: yea the time cometh, that whosoever killeth you will think that he doeth God service.” We live in times when these words are being fulfilled right before our eyes.
4. To live as God’s standard in this world, you have to be ready to walk on the cold road of loneliness sometimes.
5. God’s standards we celebrate today, such as Elijah and Apostle Paul, all faced this reality (1 Kings 19:14, 2 Timothy 4:16).
6. When you choose not to follow a multitude to sin, they will confront and antagonize you because you are different. When they realize that they cannot win you over to their side, they will sideline and isolate you. You must be willing to pay this price to avoid the contamination of the world.
7. Always have at the back of your mind that the Christian race you are called to is an individual race that can be lonely. However, be assured that the Lord will be with you always, and so you are never alone.
8. He stood by Paul in his moments of loneliness and He also strengthened Elijah in his time of despair (2 Timothy 4:17, Acts 27:23-25). You can be sure that what He did for them, He will do for you also.
9. To live as God’s standard in this generation, you must prepare your mind for it.
10. The secret of not conforming to the standards of this world lies in the continous renewing of your mind with the word of God.
11. The Holy Spirit revealed this truth to us in Romans 12:2, where He said: “And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect will of God.”
12. The reason is that what is in your mind determines what you would become and the nature of life you would live in this world.
13. Daniel, Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego stood out for God and they became standards and reference points in the Babylonian and Medo-Persian empires. Although they suffered a great deal, their sufferings yielded extraordinary promotions (Daniel 3:30, Daniel 6:26-28).
14. Anyone who wants to be a standard of godliness must be ready to suffer all sorts of evil from the enemies of the cross.
15. The good news is that Jesus Christ promised He is with us till the end of the world (Matthew 28:20b).

SHORT REFLECTION BY THE LIGHT POINTERS

The willingness to be God’s standard preceeds our determination to stand against all odds to fulfill this purpose. There is no account that shows us it is very easy to be God’s standard. There is always antagonism or persecution on the path of doing God’s will and if one is not determined it becomes very difficult to stand. This is why we need the Holyspirit to strengthen us as he strengthen apostle Paul through his journey in Christ. May God continually uphold and strengthen Pastor E.A Adeboye in Jesus name.

 
Prayer Point:
Father, please grant me grace to stand firm as Your standard in this crooked generation
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: And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose. Romans 8:28
 
Read: Genesis 50:15-21
15 And when Joseph’s brethren saw that their father was dead, they said, Joseph will peradventure hate us, and will certainly requite us all the evil which we did unto him.
16 And they sent a messenger unto Joseph, saying, Thy father did command before he died, saying,
17 So shall ye say unto Joseph, Forgive, I pray thee now, the trespass of thy brethren, and their sin; for they did unto thee evil: and now, we pray thee, forgive the trespass of the servants of the God of thy father. And Joseph wept when they spake unto him.
18 And his brethren also went and fell down before his face; and they said, Behold, we be thy servants.
19 And Joseph said unto them, Fear not: for am I in the place of God?
20 But as for you, ye thought evil against me; but God meant it unto good, to bring to pass, as it is this day, to save much people alive.
21 Now therefore fear ye not: I will nourish you, and your little ones. And he comforted them, and spake kindly unto them.
Bible in one year: 1 Chronicles 8-10, Acts 17:16-34

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

1. God in His unfathomable wisdom sometimes connects us to our destiny through some strange helpers.
2. Such destiny helpers appear strange to us because they are people we least expect help from.
3. This is the reason why the Holy Spirit teaches in our memory verse that we need to see God’s hand in all things that happen to us. The Holy Spirit also makes it clear that this truth will only work for those who are called according to Gods purpose, walking in line with His precepts and instructions.
4. A good example of strange destiny helpers is Joseph’s brothers. While they were aiding the fulfillment of Joseph’s destiny, they did not even know it. They thought they were selling him into slavery, but they only helped in transporting him to the land where he was destined to become the prime minister. Joseph had other strange destiny helpers along his way to becoming the prime minister of Egypt, such as Potiphar’s wife, Pharaoh’s cup bearer and Pharaoh’s baker. All these different encounters worked together for his good until he became the first prime minister of Egypt.
5. Genesis 41:39-41 tells of the awesome promotion he received in one day through the aid of strange destiny helpers: “And Pharaoh said unto Joseph, forasmuch as God hath shewed thee all this, there is none so discreet and wise as thou art: thou shalt be over my house, and according unto thy word shall all my people be ruled: only in the throne will I be greater than thou. And Pharaoh said unto Joseph, See, I have set thee over all the land of Egypt.”
6. Joseph’s experience shows that every person you meet in any situation can be one of your destiny helper. I pray for you today that your destiny helpers will emerge from the places you least expect in Jesus’ Name.
7. The things worked out for Joseph because he was faithful to God and could not imagine sinning against Him. This same attitude is expected of every Christian today.
8. You need to remain faithful and true to God, so that you can be assured of His hand in all that is happening to you. At the end of it all, Joseph also became a destiny helper to the whole of Egypt. An ex-convict and slave ended up saving an entire country from famine.
9. No one is too small to be your destiny helper.
10. Beloved, if you will love God with all you heart, all things will continue to work together for good in Jesus’ Name.

SHORT REFLECTION BY THE LIGHT POINTERS

If I were you I will claim and confess one of the powerful prayer points from the devotional as prayed by Pastor E.A that our destiny helpers will emerge from places we least expect. Just a little advice, be sensitive in the Spirit so as not to drive them away with your attitude. Those that will be instrumental to your breakthrough in this season are around you, don’t chase them away. God bless His son Pastor E.A Adeboye for this devotional.

A deep truth revealed to us through the Holy Spirit in today’s devotional is that we need to see God’s hand in all things that happen to us. However, we must also walk according to Gods purpose as well as in line with His precepts and instructions. We must be full of faith and know that whatever we are experiencing will end in praise with God on our side. The Lord will renew the strength of Pastor E.A Adeboye in Jesus name.

Action Point:
Father, please send my destiny helpers to me this season in Jesus’ Name
Hymn
(Tune: There shall be showers of blessing)
We will soon shout Halleluyah
Because God will do new things
Sinners will soon be forgiven
Prodigals will come home soon.
Chorus:
Shout Halleluyah
Because God will do new things
Rivers in desert now flowing
Halleluyah to our king.
We will soon shout Halleluyah
Because God will do new things
Sickness and sorrow will be gone
Bondage will be forgotten.
We will soon shout Halleluyah
Because God will do new things
The barren will be fruitful soon
Failure will be forgotten.
We will soon shout Halleluyah
Because God will do new things
Poverty will be forgotten
Stagnancy will soon be gone.
We will soon shout Halleluyah
Because God will do new things
To all miracles are given
There shall be celebrations
We will soon shout Halleluyah
Because God will do new things
Many will have testimonies
Of prayers answered fully
We will soon shout Halleluyah
Because God will do new things
One of us will chase a thousand
Two will conquer ten thousands.
We will soon shout Halleluyah
Because God will do new things
Songs of praises we will sing
Halleluyah to our King.

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20

Memorise: And having in a readiness to revenge all disobedience, when your obedience is fulfilled. 2 Corinthians 10:6
 
Read: 2 Kings 5:8-14
8 And it was so, when Elisha the man of God had heard that the king of Israel had rent his clothes, that he sent to the king, saying, Wherefore hast thou rent thy clothes? let him come now to me, and he shall know that there is a prophet in Israel.
9 So Naaman came with his horses and with his chariot, and stood at the door of the house of Elisha.
10 And Elisha sent a messenger unto him, saying, Go and wash in Jordan seven times, and thy flesh shall come again to thee, and thou shalt be clean.
11 But Naaman was wroth, and went away, and said, Behold, I thought, He will surely come out to me, and stand, and call on the name of the Lord his God, and strike his hand over the place, and recover the leper.
12 Are not Abana and Pharpar, rivers of Damascus, better than all the waters of Israel? may I not wash in them, and be clean? So he turned and went away in a rage.
13 And his servants came near, and spake unto him, and said, My father, if the prophet had bid thee do some great thing, wouldest thou not have done it? how much rather then, when he saith to thee, Wash, and be clean?
14 Then went he down, and dipped himself seven times in Jordan, according to the saying of the man of God: and his flesh came again like unto the flesh of a little child, and he was clean.
Bible in one year: 1 Chronicles 6-7, Acts 17:1-15

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

1. In the Body of Christ, we often talk about how Noah found grace in the sight of God, but we hardly ever mention what the Bible says about him in Genesis 6:22 “Thus did Noah; according to all that God commanded him, so did he.”
2. Noah was an obedient instrument in the hands of the Most High God, and God cherished him for that. To show to extent to which God cherishes obedience, Prophet Samuel in 1 Samuel 15:22 said: “…Hath the LORD a s great delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices as in obeying the voice of the LORD? Behold, to obey is better than sacrifice, and to hearken than the fat of rams.”
3. Naaman’s story teaches that only complete obedience to divine instructions is rewarded. Prophet Elisha had instructed Naaman to go and wash in river Jordan seven times in order to receive healing from his leprosy. When he first heard this, he felt insulted for not being given a dignified reception as Elisha did not even grant him face to face audience. He also felt insulted at the simplicity of what he was asked to do and where he was asked to do it. He was instructed to wash seven times in “dirty” River Jordan. His initial response to God’s instructions is captured in 2 Kings 5:12 as follows: “Are not Abana and Pharpa, rivers of Damascus, better than all the waters of Israel? , may I not wash in them and be clean? So he turned and went away in a rage?”
4. Thank God he had servants who persuaded him to do what the prophet had said. After his servants succeeded in persuading him, the result that followed shows that the pains of complete obedience pale in comparisons to its benefits. 2 Kings 5:14 says, “Then went he down, and dipped himself seven times in Jordan, according to the saying of the man of God: and his flesh came again like unto the flesh of a little child, and he was clean.”
5. Beloved, only after Naaman’s obedience was complete did he receive his miracle. The loss would have been great if Naaman had stopped sipping his body in the river after the fifth or sixth attempt, since nothing about his situation had changed.
6. I pray that your obedience to the word of God will be complete, and you will receive your miracles thereafter in Jesus’ Name.

SHORT REFLECTION BY THE LIGHT POINTERS

Every instruction from God whether simple, big, small or difficult should be carefully observed and obeyed to the last letter. We have seen on several occasions and account in the bible how disobedience caused many to loose great things, promise and even lives. Obedience however brings man into his or her inheritance. Deuteronomy 28 : 1-2 (NIV) “If you fully obey the Lord your God and carefully follow all his commands I give you today, the Lord your God will set you high above all the nations on earth. All these blessings will come on you and accompany you if you obey the Lord your God:”. Note that this version says fully. Many believers conveniently obey certain part of God’s instruction with the thought that they obeying a part is more than enough. I believe we have being touched and will repent from such act having studied today’s devotional. May God help us all in Jesus name. God be praised for Pastor E.A Adeboye. May he wax stronger and greater in Jesus name.

Prayer Point:
Father, make my heart a fertile ground that is yielded to the complete obedience of divine instructions in Jesus’ Name
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: Thou hast loved righteousness, and hated iniquity; therefore God, even thy God, hath anointed thee with the oil of gladness above thy fellows. Hebrews 1:9
 
Read: Romans 1:28-32
28 And even as they did not like to retain God in their knowledge, God gave them over to a reprobate mind, to do those things which are not convenient;
29 Being filled with all unrighteousness, fornication, wickedness, covetousness, maliciousness; full of envy, murder, debate, deceit, malignity; whisperers,
30 Backbiters, haters of God, despiteful, proud, boasters, inventors of evil things, disobedient to parents,
31 Without understanding, covenantbreakers, without natural affection, implacable, unmerciful:
32 Who knowing the judgment of God, that they which commit such things are worthy of death, not only do the same, but have pleasure in them that do them. 
Bible in one year: 1 Chronicles 4-5, Acts 16:16-40

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

1. During a Solemn Assembly at the Redemption Camp, Nigeria, the Lord instructed me to teach my children who were present some pairs of two-legged” divine instructions which every Christian should adhere to.
2. What we see today is that most Christians are obeying only one of these instruction pairs while deliberately ignoring the other.
3. Today, we will be considering the pair of instructions revealed in our memory verse.
4. While it is easy for every Christian to love righteousness, hating iniquity is what is beginning to fade away.
5. Christians are beginning to give consideration to and show sympathy for iniquity.
6. Issues that are clearly called out as iniquity in the Bible are being tolerated by Christians and have even become subjects of discussion in the Church of God. Such acts of iniquity include sexual immorality like fornication, adultery, homosexuality, bestiality and the likes.
7. These two passages of scripture reveal the danger of harbouring such disposition: “And even as they did not like to retain God in their knowledge, God gave them over to a reprobate mind, to do those things which are not convenient;” Romans 1:28 ”Who knowing the judgement of God, that they which commit such things are worthy of death, not only do the same, but have pleasure in them that do them.” Romans 1:32
8. Based on the truth contained in these verses, a lot of Christians have fallen from the position of grace, and God has given them over to a reprobate mind.  Although they are usually still able to speak all the right Christian words and phrases, their doctrines and principles are no longer in line with the Scriptures.
9. Some have even gone ahead to start their own congregation where false doctrines are being taught.  The Lord warns us against false prophets in Revelation 2:20.  
10. The only way to avoid falling prey to false prophets and ensure you remain on the straight and narrow path is to have a personal relationship with God.
11. You need to study the word of God yourself to know what it says is right and wrong.
12. Your Christian life should not be built on your pastor’s interpretation of Scriptures.
13. I pray that you will grow in your knowledge of God as you study your Bible more.‎

SHORT REFLECTION BY THE LIGHT POINTERS

Having a close relationship with the Holy Spirit and deep knowledge of the word of God through diligent study daily does not only open us up to God’s grace, it also shield us from deviles wiles and lies. It gives us right direction and we become totally submissive to God’s Word and instructions. May we receive grace to do that which is right in God’s sight in Jesus name. We are daily refreshed as we study the Open Heavens devotional. May God bless and uphold Pastor E.A Adeboye on every side in Jesus name.

Prayer Point:
Father, please grant me grace to be diligent in doing Your bidding when it is convenient and when it is not.
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 when the chief Shepherd shall appear, ye shall receive a crown of glory that fadeth not away. 1 Peter 5:4
 
Read: 1 Peter 5:1-4
1 The elders which are among you I exhort, who am also an elder, and a witness of the sufferings of Christ, and also a partaker of the glory that shall be revealed:
2 Feed the flock of God which is among you, taking the oversight thereof, not by constraint, but willingly; not for filthy lucre, but of a ready mind;
3 Neither as being lords over God’s heritage, but being examples to the flock.
4 And when the chief Shepherd shall appear, ye shall receive a crown of glory that fadeth not away. 
Bible in one year: 2 Kings 24-25, Acts 15:12-35

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

1. It is disheartening to note that many hunters have crept into the Body of Christ, disguising themselves as shepherds.
2. How do we distinguish a hunter from a shepherd?
3. A hunter is an opportunist who feeds on the flesh of animals he did not rear. He kills his game indiscriminately without consideration for the wellbeing of the animals he kills.
4. A shepherd, on the other hand, knows even the smallest details about the state of his or her flock. His disposition to the flock is captured beautifully in Psalm 23:1-2 says, “The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want. He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: heleadeth me beside the still waters. He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name’s sake.”
5. All those occupying the office of shepherd in the Body of Christ are instructed on God’s expectation of them in today’s Bible reading. They are expected to feed the flock of God and watch over them without any constraint or covetousness.
6. Unlike a hunter that goes after a kill, the shepherd must nurture, preserve and ensure the safety of the sheep. He pampers the lambs and leads the sheep towards green pastures.
7. The shepherd defends the flock against external aggression of wolves and other carnivores. Jesus Christ is our perfect example of a shepherd. In John 10:11, He said:“ I am the good shepherd: the good shepherd giveth his life for the sheep.”
8. God expects us to be good shepherds just as our Lord Jesus Christ is.
9. In the Body of Christ today, it is unfortunate that we have unsuspecting sheep who are being led by hunters instead of shepherds.
10. Paul wrote concerning them in Phillippians 3:18-19, saying: “For many walk, of whom I have told you often, and now tell you even weeping, that they are the enemies of the cross of Christ: whose end is destruction, whose God is their belly, and whose glory is in their shame, who mind earthly things.”
11. Beloved, you need to identify the shepherds and the hunters in the Body of Christ and ensure you are not being led by a hunter.
12. Any pastor whose primary concern is what he or she can get out of you not how you will be nurtured and built up in Christ is a hunter.
13. I pray that God will open your eyes of understanding and enable you to discern if you are under a hunter or a shepherd.

SHORT REFLECTION BY THE LIGHT POINTERS

The first and primary goal of every pastor or shepherd should be to ensure that they do all in their capacity to guide every sheep in their care into all truth that can make them fulfil God’s purpose for their lives and make heaven at the end of it all. Being a shepherd is not limited to pastor to brethren alone but can also be in many different ways e.g father to child, Husband to wife, friend to friend and vice versa. We must therefore find out whose shepherd we are and ensure that we do not take the lead of a hunter instead of a shepherd. May God bless and strengthen Pastor E.A Adeboye in Jesus name.

Prayer Point:
Father, please rid Your Church of hunters disguised in the coats of shepherds 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: My brethren, be not many masters, knowing that we shall receive the greater condemnation. James 3:1
 
Read: Acts 28:1-6
1 And when they were escaped, then they knew that the island was called Melita.
2 And the barbarous people shewed us no little kindness: for they kindled a fire, and received us every one, because of the present rain, and because of the cold.
3 And when Paul had gathered a bundle of sticks, and laid them on the fire, there came a viper out of the heat, and fastened on his hand.
4 And when the barbarians saw the venomous beast hang on his hand, they said among themselves, No doubt this man is a murderer, whom, though he hath escaped the sea, yet vengeance suffereth not to live.
5 And he shook off the beast into the fire, and felt no harm.
6 Howbeit they looked when he should have swollen, or fallen down dead suddenly: but after they had looked a great while, and saw no harm come to him, they changed their minds, and said that he was a god.
Bible in one year: 2 Kings 23, Acts 14:19-15:11

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

1. In a bid to evade the verbal chastisement of the word of God coming from the mouth of fellow believers, some Christians quote these words of Jesus in Matthew 7:1-2: “Judge not, that ye be not judged. For with what judgement ye judge, ye shall be judged: and with what measure ye mete, it shall be measured to you again.” Such Christian conveniently forget the words of 2 Timothy 4:2, which says, “Preach the word; be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all longsuffering and doctrine.”
2. While it is true that some Christians today are quick to judge others for the situation they are passing through, which is an attitude the Lord warned us against, it does not mean that we cannot declare the counsel of God whenever we are so moved by the Spirit of God to do so. The question is, what is the difference between having a judgement attitude and declaring the whole counsel of God through teaching or preaching? Just like vengeance, judgement also is the prerogative of the Almighty God.
3. As demonstrated in the story of the adulterous woman, He alone is the accurate and righteous Judge. From that story, we see that man’s judgement can be faulty, because the one judging others may be guilty of the same sin (John 8:7-9). Only God is without sin, therefore He alone is competent enough to pass judgement. Indeed, He has passed judgement through His word, and He will confirm this judgement through the Lord Jesus Christ on a day He has appointed (John 12:48, Romans 2:16).
4. To be judgemental is to judge wrongly. Many are prone to doing this, and this is the reason why we were warned not to judge.
5. Paul’s experience in today’s Bible reading is a typical example of the error of man’s judgement. The Lord had just spared the lives of Paul and those whom he was travelling with on account of Paul’s right standing with Him. While the apostle was gathering stocks to increase the heat of the fire that was keeping them warm, a poisonous snake caught him by the hand. Some of the native people of the land where they were shipwrecked jumped to the conclusion that Paul was evil and that was why nemesis was still after him, even though he had managed to survive a shipwreck (Acts 28:4). How wrong they were!
6. Let us therefore be cautious before drawing connections between events because our knowledge is limited.
7. Let us allow the word of God speak the judgement of God by itself and not insert our own speculations and motives into the fray.

SHORT REFLECTION BY THE LIGHT POINTERS

’

It is far better for us as believers to carefully and sincerely admonish other believer in an occasion whereby such is involved or engaged in a wrong doing than being judgemental. Many are guilty of jumping into conclusion when another is wrong even when they are not sure of what they are saying or thinking. It is my prayer that every little foxes that spoils the vine shall be removed from our lives in Jesus name. 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.

Action Point:
Study to show yourself approved unto God, a workman that needs not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth (2 Timothy 2:15)
Hymn
Wonderful story of love;
Tell it to me again;
Wonderful;
Wonderful story of love;
Wake the immortal of love;
Wake te immortal strain!
Angels with rapture announce it,
Shepherds with wonder receive it;
Sinner, oh, won’t you believe it?
Wonderful story of love.
Chorus:
Wonderful! Wonderful! Wonderful, wonderful story of love.
Wonderful story of love;
Though you are far away;
Wonderful story of love;
Still He doth call today;
Calling from Calvary’s mountain,
Down from the crystal-bright fountain,
E’en from the dawn of creation,
Wonderful story of love.
Wonderful story of love
Jesus provides a rest;
Wonderful story of love;
For all the pure and blest,
Rest in those mansions above us, with those who’ve gone on before us,
Singing the rapturous chorus,
Wonderful story of love.

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20

Memorise: But every man is tempted, when he is drawn away of his own lust, and enticed. James 1:14
 
Read: James 1:12-16
12 Blessed is the man that endureth temptation: for when he is tried, he shall receive the crown of life, which the Lord hath promised to them that love him.
13 Let no man say when he is tempted, I am tempted of God: for God cannot be tempted with evil, neither tempteth he any man:
14 But every man is tempted, when he is drawn away of his own lust, and enticed.
15 Then when lust hath conceived, it bringeth forth sin: and sin, when it is finished, bringeth forth death.
16 Do not err, my beloved brethren.
Bible in one year: 2 Kings 21-22, Acts 13:48-14:18

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

1. The message from the Holy Spirit to you today is that you must take responsibility for your actions in life.
2. It is important to note that many trials and temptations we encounter in life are neither from God nor from the devil. You may then want to know where temptations emanate from.
3. The Bible is clear on this: we cannot put the blame at God’s doorstep. James 1:13-14 says “Let no man say when he is tempted, I am tempted of God: for God cannot be tempted with evil, neither tempteth he any man: But every man is tempted, when he is drawn away of his own lust, and enticed.”
4. It is expedient for us to differentiate between temptation and examination.
5. Examination is intended to yield a positive result, whereas temptation is intended to yield a negative result.
6. Concerning temptations, if you are unable to overcome, you end up in a worse place or state compared to where you were before being tempted. However, with regard to examinations, you usually get promoted once you successfully complete the examination.
7. We can conveniently say that God examines those He wants to entrust with divine assignments (Genesis 22:1, Deuteronomy 8:2).
8. Conversely, the devil, also referred to as the tempter, takes advantage of a man’s lust and vulnerabilities to tempt him or her, using the lust of the eyes, the lust of the flesh and the pride of life (1 Thessalonians 3:5, 1 John2:16).
7. The truth of the matter is that man is responsible for his actions and inactions. However, the problem with us is that while we love to enjoy the freewill divinely bestowed on us, we are often not comfortable with being held responsible for whatever repercussions or actions bring to our lives.
8. We can see a classic example of man denying responsibility in the way Adam responded to God’s query as to why he ate the forbidden fruit. Genesis 3:11-12 says, “And he said, Who told thee that thou wast naked? Hast thou eaten of the tree, whereof I commanded thee that thou shouldest not eat? And the man said, The woman whom thou gavest to be with me, she gave me of the tree, and I did eat.”
9. Beloved, you are responsible for your own actions and inactions. Adam misused his freewill, and his descendants are still suffering the consequences.
10. Misuse of freedom leads to bondage, so beware!

SHORT REFLECTION BY THE LIGHT POINTERS

“Wherefore let him that thinketh he standeth take heed lest he fall. There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it. Wherefore, my dearly beloved, flee from idolatry.” 1 Corinthians 10:12‭-‬14 We must prayerfully strive to overcome every temptation that com our way. Whe w resist the devil, he flees from us. May God continually uphold and strengthen us and Pastor E.A Adeboye even as he is equipped for greater works in Jesus name.

Prayer Point:
Father, please give me the wisdom to make the best use of the liberty I have obtained through Christ my Lord.
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: Bless the LORD, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits: Psalm 103:2
 
Read: Psalm 103:1-5
1 Bless the Lord, O my soul: and all that is within me, bless his holy name.
2 Bless the Lord, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits:
3 Who forgiveth all thine iniquities; who healeth all thy diseases;
4 Who redeemeth thy life from destruction; who crowneth thee with lovingkindness and tender mercies;
5 Who satisfieth thy mouth with good things; so that thy youth is renewed like the eagle’s.
Bible in one year: 2 Kings 19-20, Acts 13:26-47

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

1. There is a wise saying in my native language which says, “If you don’t know how to think of God’s goodness, you are not likely to know how to give Him thanks.”
2. Thinking about God’s goodness is one great attitude we need to learn from today’s Bible reading. In this passage of Scripture, David preached to himself on the need to praise, worship, thank and reverence God. He also outlined some of the reasons why he needed to be thankful. I believe we should emulate David’s attitude and borrow from his list of reasons to be thankful.
3. On his list of reasons to be thankful, David first considered the forgiveness of his sins. We so often take the blessing of forgiveness of sins for granted, but we need to remember that it is because of the Lord’s graciousness and mercy that He chooses to forgive our sins.
4. It is not difficult to simply say “Lord, I thank You for the forgiveness of my sins.” We also need to remember and be thankful that our Lord Jesus Christ is still engaged in intercessory prayers for us continually (Romans 8:34).
5. The next thing David mentioned on his list is the blessing of healing. The doctors often use a slogan that reads: “We care, God heals”. Who then besides God should take the glory?
6. David also mentioned deliverance from destruction. We all know that evil pervades the world we live in; it’s only the mercy of God that keeps His children from harm. Do you thank Him for this?
7. What about His lovingkindness: a kindness that is not ordinary but full of love? What about His tender mercies: mercy that is affectionate and adds no sorrow?
8. Do you thank Him for the food you eat? He satisfied your mouth with good things so that you are energized to go about your daily tasks, and He renews your strength like that of the eagle. Do you thank Him for all these?
9. Beloved, be sincere with yourself today. Do you think you are grateful to this Great Father who has been sustaining you physically and spiritually? You have walked in the valley of the shadow of death several times and He has kept you. You have been tempted severally but you escaped the net of the devil and his agents.
10. Take a look around you and count your blessings; name them one by one, and it will surprise you what the Lord has done. It is expedient for you to spend quality time in God’s presence today to worship Him like never before.
11. However, let this not be a one-off event in your life; ensure you sustain a habit of thanksgiving from today.

SHORT REFLECTION BY THE LIGHT POINTERS

Most of us are guilty of ingratitude to God. It is my prayer for God to please have mercy on us. Numerous blessing we enjoy is by grace and not by the works of our hands. Thank You God this day for all we enjoy in You. We are grateful to God for blessing our generation with Pastor E.A Adeboye. May His name alone be praised.
 

Action Point:
Withdraw to a private place and worship God like never before.
Hymn
Now thank we all our God
With heart and hands and voices
Who wondrous things has done,
In whom his world rejoices;
Who from our mothers’ arms
Has blessed us on our way
With countless gifts of love,
And still is ours today.
O may this bounteous God
Through all or life be near us,
With ever joyful hearts
And blessed peace to cheer us,
To keep us in his grace,
And guide us when perplexed,
And free us from all ills
Of this world in the next.
All praise and thanks to God
The Father now be given,
The Son and Spirit blest,
Who reign in highest heaven
The one eternal God,
Whom heaven and earth adore,
For thus it was, is now,
And shall be evermore.

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20

Memorise: Ye have not chosen me, but I have chosen you, and ordained you, that ye should go and bring forth fruit, and that your fruit should remain: that whatsoever ye shall ask of the Father in my name, he may give it you. John 15:16
 
Read: Proverbs 11:30-31, Matthew 28:18-20
30 The fruit of the righteous is a tree of life; and he that winneth souls is wise.
31 Behold, the righteous shall be recompensed in the earth: much more the wicked and the sinner.
Matthew 28:18-20
18 And Jesus came and spake unto them, saying, All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth.
19 Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost:
20 Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you always, even unto the end of the world. Amen.
Bible in one year: 2 Kings 18, Acts 13:1-25

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

1. Queen Esther shows us one example of how to get our request granted quickly. Although she had prepared a sumptuous banquet for the king and fed him well, she did not dwell on her own needs; neither did she make any request of him on the first banquet night. She prepared another banquet the second night, and after being treated well again by the queen we see the king himself insisting that Queen Esther ask whatever she wanted. Esther 7:2 says, “And the king said again unto Esther on the second day at the banquet of wine. What is thy petition, queen Esther? And it shall be granted thee: and what is thy request? And it shall be performed, even to the half of the kingdom.” At this point, the queen presented her request and it was granted without delay. When you follow Queen Esther’s example in your prayer life, you will get expedited answers to your prayers.
2. Today’s memory verse reveals one of the ways of receiving expedited answers to your prayers. It clearly state that if you are fruitful, whatever you ask the Father in the Name of Jesus will be granted.
3. Many people do not realize the blessings that accompany the great assignment of soul-winning.
4. I have taught my children on several occasions that the shortest route to receiving answers to their prayers is through soul-winning. This is a divine truth that cannot be wished away, because it is the word of God.
5. The good thing about this assignment is that you are not the one to win souls: Jesus Christ through His Holy Spirit does the job. The Holy Spirit is responsible for convicting the hearts of sinners (John 16:8). All Jesus wants of you is to make your mouth, resources and time available for His use.
6. What happened to Peter when he made his boat available to Jesus at the lake of Gennesaret will happen to you as you yield yourself and your resources to God for soul-winning today in Jesus’ Name (Luke 5:1-7). It is interesting to note that after Peter surrendered his boat for God’s use, Jesus Christ did not wait for Peter to ask for a miracle; He just went ahead and granted Peter what he did not ask or bargain for: a great catch of fish that that filled two boats. If He could do it for Peter, He will also do it for you when you table your requests after you have yielded yourself to soul-winning.

SHORT REFLECTION BY THE LIGHT POINTERS

There is a deep part of God we can access only through soul winning. This means that we cannot enjoy some particular blessings until we begin to win souls! Many desire to step out and win souls severally but couldn’t due to one thing or the other. However, the Holy Spirit can help us to be bold and also equip us with all the things we may need in the cause of the soul winning. I therefore enjoin us to dare to experience God in a totally different dimension, renew our relationship with the Holy Spirit and start reaching out to lost souls today. May God continually uphold and increase Pastor E.A Adeboye in Jesus name.

Prayer Point:
Father, grant me the grace to make myself and my resources available for soul-winning today in Jesus’ Name.
Hymn
Wonderful story of love;
Tell it to me again;
Wonderful;
Wonderful story of love;
Wake the immortal of love;
Wake te immortal strain!
Angels with rapture announce it,
Shepherds with wonder receive it;
Sinner, oh, won’t you believe it?
Wonderful story of love.
Chorus:
Wonderful! Wonderful! Wonderful, wonderful story of love.
Wonderful story of love;
Though you are far away;
Wonderful story of love;
Still He doth call today;
Calling from Calvary’s mountain,
Down from the crystal-bright fountain,
E’en from the dawn of creation,
Wonderful story of love.
Wonderful story of love
Jesus provides a rest;
Wonderful story of love;
For all the pure and blest,
Rest in those mansions above us, with those who’ve gone on before us,
Singing the rapturous chorus,
Wonderful story of love.

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20