Memorise: But Jesus perceived their wickedness, and said, why tempt ye me, ye hypocrites? Matthew 22:18
Read: Luke 11:37-44 (King James Version)
37 And as he spake, a certain Pharisee besought him to dine with him: and he went in, and sat down to meat.
38 And when the Pharisee saw it, he marvelled that he had not first washed before dinner.
39 And the Lord said unto him, Now do ye Pharisees make clean the outside of the cup and the platter; but your inward part is full of ravening and wickedness.
40 Ye fools, did not he that made that which is without make that which is within also?
41 But rather give alms of such things as ye have; and, behold, all things are clean unto you.
42 But woe unto you, Pharisees! for ye tithe mint and rue and all manner of herbs, and pass over judgment and the love of God: these ought ye to have done, and not to leave the other undone.
43 Woe unto you, Pharisees! for ye love the uppermost seats in the synagogues, and greetings in the markets.
44 Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye are as graves which appear not, and the men that walk over them are not aware of them.
Bible in one year: Genesis 21:23, Isaiah 45:14-25.

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

1. One of the characteristics which the Holy Spirit warns us will be rife in the last days is hypocrisy (1st Timothy 4:2). No wonder the Lord Jesus Christ made it very clear that many who expect to be granted access through the pearly gates will be turned back on the last day (Luke 13:24-27).
2. Do you know that many bishops, pastors, general overseers, apostles, etc who are professing Christ today will not make it on the day of judgement? May that not be your lot in Jesus’ Name. To prevent this from happening to you, you need to periodically examine yourself to see if you are still in the faith, as received from the Lord.
3. Ask yourself if your name is still written in the Book of Life. Does the Spirit of God still bear witness with your spirit that you are a bona fide child of God? Is your conscience free from guilt and dead works? Can the devil and his agents testify that truly, you are no longer in their camp? Don’t pretend to be a child of God when you know you are on your way to perdition.
3. The greatest challenges Jesus had with the Pharisees was the issue of their mindset. They appeared to have good intentions, but it was all a lie.
4. Hypocritical? Jesus knew the state of their hearts. The human heart is like a computer. Whatever you feed it with will determine what comes out of it. The heart of a man is what shapes his destiny. The reason why some people come to church and are still not blessed is the state of their heart. Their hypocritical hearts are hardened, and so they cannot receive anything from God.
5. If the Pharisees had allowed the message of Jesus Christ to penetrate their hearts, their perception would have been different. If you allow God to work on your heart, your breakthrough will be immeasurable.
6. Our heart is a reflection of who we are. Every time Jesus performed a miracle, instead of being happy that someone in need had received help from God, the Scribes and Pharisees would rather question by what authority He did it (John 9:13-27, Luke 20:1-2). That is what a hypocritical heart looks like.
7. I wish we all knew that God is watching not just our actions but also our motives.He hears and watches everything we do behind closed doors. There is nothing hidden from Him that will not be exposed on the last day.

SHORT REFLECTION BY THE LIGHT POINTERS

The prayer point for today’s devotion is very powerful and deep. Self-deception preceeds Self destruction. When some settles for deceiving self then such person has got to a delicate state. Our Lord Jesus Christ during His work on earth never ceased to address hypocrisy especially among the Pharisees. If we carefully take a look at some Christians in our world of today are hypocrites! And this very act surrounds itself with several dangerous fruits that can only lead to deterioration, destruction and even death. Man can never deceive God even if he/she deceives fellow human being. Galatians 6:7 tells us “Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap.” Let us examine ourselves deeply and uproot every hypocrisy or seed of deception that can lead to self destruction. Let’s guard our heart with all diligence against every satanic influence that can bring us to a place of disobedience of God’s instructions and disadvantage in God. We are delivered from all forms of deception in Jesus name. God bless Pastor E.A Adeboye for this great insight into the word of God. His strength is renewed in Jesus’ name.

Prayer point
Father, deliver me from all forms of self-deception.
HYMN
On a hill far away stood an old rugged cross,
the emblem of suffering and shame;
and I love that old cross where the dearest and best
for a world of lost sinners was slain.
Refrain:
So I’ll cherish the old rugged cross,
till my trophies at last I lay down;
I will cling to the old rugged cross,
and exchange it some day for a crown.
O that old rugged cross, so despised by the world,
has a wondrous attraction for me;
for the dear Lamb of God left his glory above
to bear it to dark Calvary. Refrain
In that old rugged cross, stained with blood so divine,
a wondrous beauty I see,
for ’twas on that old cross Jesus suffered and died,
to pardon and sanctify me. Refrain
To the old rugged cross I will ever be true;
its shame and reproach gladly bear;
then he’ll call me some day to my home far away,
where his glory forever I’ll share. Refrain

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20

Memorise: It is a good thing to give thanks unto the LORD, and to sing praises unto thy name, O most High: Psalm 92:1
Read: 1st Samuel 25:4-17
4 And David heard in the wilderness that Nabal did shear his sheep.
5 And David sent out ten young men, and David said unto the young men, Get you up to Carmel, and go to Nabal, and greet him in my name:
6 And thus shall ye say to him that liveth in prosperity, Peace be both to thee, and peace be to thine house, and peace be unto all that thou hast.
7 And now I have heard that thou hast shearers: now thy shepherds which were with us, we hurt them not, neither was there ought missing unto them, all the while they were in Carmel.
8 Ask thy young men, and they will shew thee. Wherefore let the young men find favour in thine eyes: for we come in a good day: give, I pray thee, whatsoever cometh to thine hand unto thy servants, and to thy son David.
9 And when David’s young men came, they spake to Nabal according to all those words in the name of David, and ceased.
10 And Nabal answered David’s servants, and said, Who is David? and who is the son of Jesse? there be many servants now a days that break away every man from his master.
11 Shall I then take my bread, and my water, and my flesh that I have killed for my shearers, and give it unto men, whom I know not whence they be?
12 So David’s young men turned their way, and went again, and came and told him all those sayings.
13 And David said unto his men, Gird ye on every man his sword. And they girded on every man his sword; and David also girded on his sword: and there went up after David about four hundred men; and two hundred abode by the stuff.
14 But one of the young men told Abigail, Nabal’s wife, saying, Behold, David sent messengers out of the wilderness to salute our master; and he railed on them.
15 But the men were very good unto us, and we were not hurt, neither missed we any thing, as long as we were conversant with them, when we were in the fields:
16 They were a wall unto us both by night and day, all the while we were with them keeping the sheep.
17 Now therefore know and consider what thou wilt do; for evil is determined against our master, and against all his household: for he is such a son of Belial, that a man cannot speak to him.
Bible in one year: Genesis 19-20, Isaiah 44:21-45:13

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

1. God plays a prominent role in every successful endeavour (Lamentations 3:37). No human effort would suffice if God is not involved (Psalm 127:1). This is why you need to be grateful to God for every achievement you experience.
2. Some people disdain God each time they are asked to give offerings to Him. They wonder why they have to give 10% of their profit or income to God. They see this as irrational. Yes, irrational minds cannot see the faithfulness of God.
3. We should be grateful to God, and our gratitude should be expressed through our actions to Him and to our fellow men. Every time we bless others with our possessions out of a sincere heart, we are saying to God that we are grateful He made us a channel of blessing.
4. You can move God to do more for you through the heart of gratitude. Those who show gratitude to God achieve significant things in life. Solomon showed his gratitude to God through his offerings (1st Kings 3:3-15). He remembered and reflected on all the intrigues and battles that led to his emergence as king, and he was moved to give thanks. Also, King David was so grateful to God that he expressed it in his dance, to the point where he was disdained (2nd Samuel 6:16). He forgot he was a king, because he was demonstrating his gratitude to the King of kings.
5. For those with a heart of gratitude to God, when things are working, they praise God, and when things are not going in the direction they envisaged, they still praise God, knowing well that the faithfulness of God will never allow them to suffer loss.
6. Are you surrounded by enemies you can’t number? Don’t be troubled. Trust in Lord, and you will see His salvation. Are you going through situations that you can’t see yourself overcoming? Put your trust in God, and you will have total victory. Just take the step of faith and begin to bless the Name of the Lord. Even if a sack letter from your job was handed over to you yesterday, just begin to bless the Lord because something awesome is about to happen to you, and the world will hear your testimony.

SHORT REFLECTION BY THE LIGHT POINTERS

Every child of God must possess a heart of gratitude. It is an act we must imbibe in us and even everyone around us. It must be so visible and true that others around us can literally see and be prompted to emulate. Let’s explore our feelings about someone expressing gratitude to us for something we did or they received from us. We are somehow displeased about continuous act of ingratitude of a benefactor even as human. And the one that is grateful always have priority over the ungrateful. In the same vein our God is moved by our gratitude to do more for us. A grateful heart paves way for a graceful life. Let’s take on the praise declaration of David in Psalm 34:1 that says: “I will bless the Lord at all times: his praise shall continually be in my mouth.” Our gratitude goes to God for the gift of a father and teacher in person of Pastor E.A Adeboye and for great insight into God’s word that birthed Open Heavens devotional. May His name be praised forever.

Action Point
With a heart of gratitude to God, count your blessings and name them one by one.
HYMN
When upon life’s billows you are tempest-tossed,
When you are discouraged, thinking all is lost,
Count your many blessings, name them one by one,
And it will surprise you what the Lord has done.
Refrain:
Count your blessings, name them one by one,
Count your blessings, see what God has done!
Count your blessings, name them one by one,
*Count your many blessings, see what God has done.
[*And it will surprise you what the Lord has done.]
Are you ever burdened with a load of care?
Does the cross seem heavy you are called to bear?
Count your many blessings, every doubt will fly,
And you will keep singing as the days go by.
When you look at others with their lands and gold,
Think that Christ has promised you His wealth untold;
Count your many blessings—*money cannot buy [*wealth can never buy]
Your reward in heaven, nor your home on high.
So, amid the conflict whether great or small,
Do not be discouraged, God is over all;
Count your many blessings, angels will attend,
Help and comfort give you to your journey’s end.

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20

Memorise: But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name. John 1:12.
Read: 1 John 3:1-3
Behold, what manner of love the Father hath bestowed upon us, that we should be called the sons of God: therefore the world knoweth us not, because it knew him not.
2 Beloved, now are we the sons of God, and it doth not yet appear what we shall be: but we know that, when he shall appear, we shall be like him; for we shall see him as he is.
3 And every man that hath this hope in him purifieth himself, even as he is pure.
Bible in one year: Genesis 16-18, Isaiah 44:9-20

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

1. You cannot discover your true identity if you are not in Christ. You need to recognise your true self through the light of the Scripture. If you know your true identity, it will help you not to compromise the call of God on your life.
2. The secret of blessings lies in your being able to walk in the divine purpose for your life. As a believer, you are the light in the midst of darkness, called to shine forth. You are the bridge to the destinies of men. If you don’t discover your destiny, the destinies of many others will be buried.
2. I once asked the Almighty God why He allowed me to “waste” twenty-seven years studying mathematics, when He knew that I would eventually become a pastor. The Lord told me that it was simply for the purpose of being able to preach mathematically. It then dawned on me that indeed all things work together for good for the children of God (Romans 8:28).
3. You are not a child of God just to attend church; you need to find out what God has empowered for you, and do exploits in that area. The reason why you are a child of God is not just to feel cool but to be driven by God’s purpose and mission. When you recognise that you belong to God, it will be practically impossible for anyone to get you derailed (Acts 27:23-24).
4. The power you have received as a child of God is not for nothing. It is expected that you will use this power in raising the dead, in opening the eyes of those still walking and living in ignorance, and in setting captives free from the bondage of Satan.
5. As children of God, let us wake up from our slumber and do the needful urgently. Every child of God is meant to be a fighter – a fearless fighter. You must not be weak in doing exploits for the Lord. You must not give in to fear despite the obstacles before you. All you need is the confidence that as a child of God, you have the backing of your Father.
6. A lot of people pass through life without being noticed because they have failed to understand the plan and programme of God for their lives. I pray for you that, in the Name of Jesus, you will find your place in God. By His grace, you will begin to experience prosperity, excellence and extraordinary breakthroughs, and before the end of your life, you will make a lasting change in the world.

SHORT REFLECTION BY THE LIGHT POINTERS

Some people came to the world and left without any impact. Some names are still mentioned today by generations after the because of their works while on earth. Some disciples of Jesus, deacons, kings, prophets and individual’s are known than the other because of the account of their works written in the Bible. They made greater impact than the others whose names we hardly remember. Likewise in our environment, home country and the world as a whole, some great sons of God have come to this world and gone yet the impact of their great works lives on. “Behold, what manner of love the Father hath bestowed upon us, that we should be called the sons of God: therefore the world knoweth us not, because it knew him not.”1 John 3:1 We should live for Him whom has called us His. We should emulate Jesus in all we do as sons of God. We should be sold out for Him like apostle Paul and be a blessing to those around us. We should indeed make manifest the savour of his knowledge by us in every place. The Lord will help us to live up to His standard for us in Jesus name. And we shall fulfil His purpose for our lives in Jesus name. We are grateful to God for blessing us with Pastor E.A Adeboye. Our knowledge of the word of God is increased each day as we study the Open Heavens devotional. More grace for greater works in Jesus’ Name.

Prayer Point
Father, as you did for the disciples of old, grant me boldness to speak your word
HYMN
O Jesus, I have promised
To serve Thee to the end;
Be Thou forever near me,
My Master and my Friend;
I shall not fear the battle
If Thou art by my side,
Nor wander from the pathway
If Thou wilt be my Guide.
Oh, let me hear Thee speaking,
In accents clear and still,
Above the storms of passion,
The murmurs of self-will;
Oh, speak to reassure me,
To hasten, or control;
Oh, speak, and make me listen,
Thou Guardian of my soul.
O Jesus, Thou hast promised
To all who follow Thee
That where Thou art in glory
There shall Thy servant be;
And Jesus, I have promised
To serve Thee to the end;
Oh, give me grace to follow,
My Master and my Friend.
Oh, let me see Thy footprints,
And in them plant mine own;
My hope to follow duly
Is in Thy strength alone.
Oh, guide me, call me, draw me,
Uphold me to the end;
And then to rest receive me,
My Savior and my Friend.

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20

Memorise: Yet a little while, and the world seeth me no more; but ye see me: because I live, ye shall live also. John 14:19
Read: Mark 16:1-6
And when the sabbath was past, Mary Magdalene, and Mary the mother of James, and Salome, had bought sweet spices, that they might come and anoint him.
2 And very early in the morning the first day of the week, they came unto the sepulchre at the rising of the sun.
3 And they said among themselves, Who shall roll us away the stone from the door of the sepulchre?
4 And when they looked, they saw that the stone was rolled away: for it was very great.
5 And entering into the sepulchre, they saw a young man sitting on the right side, clothed in a long white garment; and they were affrighted.
6 And he saith unto them, Be not affrighted: Ye seek Jesus of Nazareth, which was crucified: he is risen; he is not here: behold the place where they laid him.
Bible in one year: Genesis 12-15, Isaiah 43:16-44:8

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

1. Every time I ponder on the glory awaiting all those who make it to Heaven, I feel so excited. It is so magnificent that the ordinary human heart cannot fathom it.
2. If you will partake of his glory, you must not be discouraged in your walk of faith with God.
3. You must have the assurance in your heart that the Lord Christ, who is your Redeemer, is alive, and because He is alive, your faith is not in vain (1st Corinthians 15:14 & 20).
4. There are some who are at the point of giving up their faith. They are no longer excited about their confession of faith in Jesus Christ. Some are fainting in their spirit, and their level of commitment has waned. If you are in such situation, the Holy Spirit in Hebrew 10:38-39 says this to you: “Now the just shall live by faith: but if any man draw back, my soul shall have no pleasure in him. But we are not of them who draw back unto perdition; but of them that believe to the saving of the soul.”
5. The purpose of discouragement is to make you backslide. It is aimed at stopping the good things you started.
6. Some of the activities of the Pharisees were aimed at discouraging the followers of Jesus, but their plots failed. Although they had Him crucified, some of His followers still followed Him to the very end. How amazing it was for them when they realised that Jesus had risen from the dead! The place where they laid His body was empty, and it remains so till today!
7. I prophecy into your life that the very spot where the enemy hoped you will remain shall become empty!
8. I declare to you that there is power in the resurrection of Jesus. Every arrow of discouragement shot at you to make you faint shall instead birth a spirit of boldness in you in Jesus’ Name.
9. Without faith, it is impossible to please God. You need to have faith in Jesus, the Redeemer of mankind. He lives forever more and no situation is beyond Him.
10. Every delay you have experienced is just to make your testimony more glorious.
11. You need to persist in the place of prayer. As long as you are still awaiting your testimony, don’t stop confessing the promises of God.
12. Take practical steps to actualise God’s plan and purpose for your life. The women kept going to the tomb because there was an assurance in their spirit efforts would not be wasted.
13. May be you have tried all you can, and yet there remains a Goliath in your life. Because your Redeemer lives, that problem will not overcome you. Because your Redeemer lives, that sickness will come to an end.
14. Problems respond to either the call of faith or doubt. Make sure all your challenges hear the call of faith from you saying: “because He lives, I can face tomorrow; my tomorrow shall be alright whether the devil likes it or not.” It shall be so in Jesus’ Name.

SHORT REFLECTION BY THE LIGHT POINTERS

I decree and declare with boldness that my redeemer lives! And regardless of what comes my way, I am victorious in Christ Jesus. The type of boldness displayed by the three Hebrew boys in the book of Daniel is a show that they were convinced about their God. They were sure that they can’t be left with no help. We know that whatever comes out of the mouth of our Lord Jesus Christ is true. He told us in John 16:33 that “These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.” Why not take God by His word and keep your faith up and firm. Once He says it and you believe that settles it all. We thank God for Pastor E.A Adeboye for blessing us and inspiring us in today’s devotional. God bless him in strength and greater ability in Jesus’ name.

Action Point
Make this confession of faith: Lord Jesus, because you live, I shall also live and not die
HYMN
1 Through the love of God our Saviour,
all will be well.
Free and changeless is his favour,
all, all is well.
Precious is the blood that healed us,
perfect is the grace that sealed us,
strong the hand stretched forth to shield us,
all must be well.
2 Though we pass through tribulation,
all will be well.
Ours is such a full salvation,
all, all is well.
Happy, still in God confiding,
fruitful, if in Christ abiding,
holy, through the Spirit’s guiding,
all must be well.
3 We expect a bright tomorrow,
all will be well.
Faith can sing through days of sorrow,
‘All, all is well.’
On our Father’s love relying,
Jesus every need supplying,
in our living, in our dying,
all must be well.

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20

Memorise: For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strong holds; 2 Corinthian 10:4
Read: 2 Chronicles 20:21-26
21 And when he had consulted with the people, he appointed singers unto the LORD, and that should praise the beauty of holiness, as they went out before the army, and to say, Praise the LORD; for his mercy endureth for ever.
22 And when they began to sing and to praise, the LORD set ambushments against the children of Ammon, Moab, and mount Seir, which were come against Judah; and they were smitten.
23 For the children of Ammon and Moab stood up against the inhabitants of mount Seir, utterly to slay and destroy them: and when they had made an end of the inhabitants of Seir, every one helped to destroy another.
24 And when Judah came toward the watch tower in the wilderness, they looked unto the multitude, and, behold, they were dead bodies fallen to the earth, and none escaped.
25 And when Jehoshaphat and his people came to take away the spoil of them, they found among them in abundance both riches with the dead bodies, and precious jewels, which they stripped off for themselves, more than they could carry away: and they were three days in gathering of the spoil, it was so much.
26 And on the fourth day they assembled themselves in the valley of Berachah; for there they blessed the LORD: therefore the name of the same place was called, The valley of Berachah, unto this day.
Bible in one year: Genesis 9-11, Isaiah 43:1-15

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

1. The easiest way to access victory in the kingdom of God is through praise.
2. Each time we praise the Name of the Lord, great and marvellous things are bound to happen.
3. If you are a believer and you do not yet know the essence of praise, you are missing a lot of blessings, opportunities and privileges. Our God is all-powerful, all-knowing and is the Almighty.
4. The moment we are committed to the realm of praise, things begin to happen at His command.
5. There are people who have been knocking on certain doors of opportunities before now, but to no avail. Why don’t you try praise? You will be surprised at how fast those doors will open.
6. The fact that you are praising the One that is higher than the highest should give you the assurance that your case is settled.
7. Praise to God is an indication of absolute trust in Him. Those who put their confidence in God will always praise Him until they receive their victory, and even after receiving their victory, they still praise Him.
8. It is the desire of the Almighty God that all His children should move from one level of victory to the other.
9. When the people of God praise Him, infirmities, yokes, bondage, barrenness and all the works of the devil are destroyed.
10. In the realm of praise, every limitation gives way.
11. In the battle of life, some are victors while some are victims. I decree into your life that you will continue to enjoy the victory of the Lord in Jesus’ Name.
12. Victors know how to move God into action. God is looking for people who can move Him through their praise. Such people will enjoy His mercy instead of receiving His judgement.
13. Praise is the most powerful instrument we can use to move God. The whole of creation was designed to praise God (Psalm 150:5, Psalm 148). The greatest assignment of angels in Heaven is praising God (Revelations 4:8-9, Psalm 148:2). When we get to heaven, our assignment will be to keep praising God (Revelations 7:14-15, Psalm 145:2).
14. Praise has greater impact whenever we come together to offer it to God, because His throne is set wherever His people are praising Him (Psalm 22:3).
15. When you bow before God in praise, you are showing that He alone is the Most High. Jehoshaphat enjoyed the victory of the Lord without fighting a battle! This is what praise can do. While the enemies were gathering their mercenaries and weapons of war against Judah, the people of God gathered momentum for praise. They believed in the victory of the Lord by faith, and all their enemies were smitten before them.
16. From today, as you praise the Lord, He will stand in your place and take over every battle of your life, and your victory shall be total in Jesus’ Name.

SHORT REFLECTION BY THE LIGHT POINTERS

David was not just a king but an all time praiser of the almighty God. This gave him an edge over situation and his enemies despite the fact that he was a sinner. The Lord seek for worshippers who will worship Him spirit and truth. John 4:23 “But the hour cometh, and now is, when the true worshippers shall worship the Father in spirit and in truth: for the Father seeketh such to worship him.” When we give Him quality praise, He blesses us in turn. The truth about praising God is that He is worthy of our praise. And praising God should be like a default action daily. Whatever God demands from us is not to increase Him but to increase us. Let’s make a true worship and praise our lifestyle and daily dish out quality praise to Him who alone deserve the praise. We pray that the Lord will strengthen our Father in the Lord Pastor E.A Adeboye for greater works in Jesus name.

Prayer Point
Father, let your praise never cease from my lips.
HYMN
1 Through the love of God our Saviour,
all will be well.
Free and changeless is his favour,
all, all is well.
Precious is the blood that healed us,
perfect is the grace that sealed us,
strong the hand stretched forth to shield us,
all must be well.
2 Though we pass through tribulation,
all will be well.
Ours is such a full salvation,
all, all is well.
Happy, still in God confiding,
fruitful, if in Christ abiding,
holy, through the Spirit’s guiding,
all must be well.
3 We expect a bright tomorrow,
all will be well.
Faith can sing through days of sorrow,
‘All, all is well.’
On our Father’s love relying,
Jesus every need supplying,
in our living, in our dying,
all must be well.

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20

Memorise: Bless the LORD, O my soul: and all that is within me, bless his holy name. Psalms 103:1
Read: Psalms 50:14-15
14 Offer unto God thanksgiving; and pay thy vows unto the most High:
15 And call upon me in the day of trouble: I will deliver thee, and thou shalt glorify me.
Bible in one year: Genesis 6-8, Isaiah 42:10-45

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

1. Without any iota of doubt, the Lord has been so good to us. He has never ceased to be faithful and kind. If it had not been for the Lord on our side, the devil would have destroyed us.
2. We are who we are in Christ because of the goodness of God. For these reasons and many more, we need to make thanksgiving our lifestyle.
3 Thanksgiving is an indispensable activity for every child of God.
4. For our lives to experience the blessings of the Lord on a continuous basis, we need to thank Him.
5. I sometimes marvel when I see people complain about their situation. Before complaining about your situation, take a critical look at another man’s situation and you will realise that you have enjoyed the goodness of the Lord.
6. A lifestyle of thanksgiving can make a lot of difference in our lives within a short time. Through thanksgiving, lost glory can be restored, as was the case with King Nebuchadnezzar (Daniel 4:34-37).
7. When you adore and reverence the Almighty God, when you acknowledge Him as the source of your wealth and greatness, and see all you have achieved as being made possible by His hand, then God will be committed to preserving all He has given you.
8. Thanksgiving is the door that ushers you into God’s blessings. For His greatness, goodness and wonderful works to the children of men, we must thank Him.
9. The only reason why many of us are not on the street begging is because He is our Great Provider.
10. We walk with our shoulders high because He is our Defence and Deliverer. He remains our Rock and source of strength in every situation.
11. Wherever we gather together as a congregation, I tell my children to praise and thank God wholeheartedly.
12. Thanksgiving is not something you do in a hurry because God also takes His time as He blesses us with unprecedented miracles. There are blessings reserved for those who thank the Lord. He will always launch them to the realm of unimaginable favour.
13. Our thanksgiving will only be acceptable to God if it comes from a heart of worship.
14. For you to worship God in truth, you must live a holy life.
15. Believers will always win the battles of life, as long as there is no impediment to their worship of God.
16. We must be able to lift up clean hands and a pure heart to our Maker at all times (Psalm 24:3-4, Philippians 4:6). We must be honest and upright in character and reflect the nature of God in our dealings. Keep your heart pure so that your joy can be full.
17. With a pure heart, you can make your request known to God and there will be instant response from the throne of grace.

SHORT REFLECTION BY THE LIGHT POINTERS

There are some deep statements I want us to ponder upon in today’s devotional. It is important that we meditate and reflect on them personally. The first one is that “Believers will always win the battles of life, as long as there is no impediment to their worship of God.” Secondly, “We must be able to lift up clean hands and a pure heart to our Maker at all times” Thirdly “We must be honest and upright in character and reflect the nature of God in our dealings.” Fourthly, “Keep your heart pure so that your joy can be full.” And lastly, “With a pure heart, you can make your request known to God and there will be instant response from the throne of grace.” After pondering on these and we make thanksgiving our lifestyle we can be sure of free access to continuous blessing from the Lord. As we praise Him, joy, blessings and testimonies shall know no bound in Jesus name. God has blessed us with a vessel unto honour through which we are supplied the word of truth. God bless Pastor E.A Adeboye for this great devotional.

Key Point
Those who come before God with thanksgiving can never live by the mercy of men.
HYMN
There shall be showers of blessing:
This is the promise of love;
There shall be seasons refreshing,
Sent from the Savior above.
Refrain:
Showers of blessing,
Showers of blessing we need:
Mercy-drops round us are falling,
But for the showers we plead.
There shall be showers of blessing,
Precious reviving again;
Over the hills and the valleys,
Sound of abundance of rain.
There shall be showers of blessing;
Send them upon us, O Lord;
Grant to us now a refreshing,
Come, and now honor Thy Word.
There shall be showers of blessing:
Oh, that today they might fall,
Now as to God we’re confessing,
Now as on Jesus we call!

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Memorise: Now the Spirit speaketh expressly, that in the latter times some shall depart from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits, and doctrines of devils; 1 Timothy 1:4.
Read: 2 Timothy 3:1-5
1.This know also, that in the last days perilous times shall come.
2 For men shall be lovers of their own selves, covetous, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy,
3 Without natural affection, trucebreakers, false accusers, incontinent, fierce, despisers of those that are good,
4 Traitors, heady, highminded, lovers of pleasures more than lovers of God;
5 Having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof: from such turn away.
Bible in one year : Genesis 3-5, Isaiah 41:21-42:9

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

1. With all that we see happening in different parts of the world today, it is no longer news that we are already in perilous times
2. It is very urgent that we maximise the times that we have left in propagating the gospel of the Lord to those who are yet to know Him.
3. In this modern age , where people are ever learning but never able to come to the knowledge of the truth, believers must watch against satanic wiles and temptations.
4. Let us remain in the simple gospel of Jesus which is capable of seeing us through to the very end.
5. Those who go to church today only get excited when they are told what they want to hear.
6. In order not to be caught unawares, you must prepare yourself daily through self examination.
7. The emeny of your soul is out there, seeking how to devour you; don’t allow him to truncate your destiny.
8. Ensure that you make no provision for the flesh, and put out all the works of darkness around you , Be prepared for His second coming.

SHORT REFLECTION BY THE LIGHT POINTERS

The coming of Jesus the second time is not a joke, believers must be aware of this profitable notice that have been preached, that is being preached and will continue to be preached until the entire world hears the gospel . According to the word of God, many believers fail to reach out to those that are unsaved and expects Jesus to come soon, forgetting that we are the one delaying His coming. If we read Matthew 24:14 ” And this gospel of the kingdom shall be preached in all the world for a witness unto all nations; and then shall the end come” this meaning of that verse is that Christ awaits you to reach out to all nations then the end will come, that is why it is a mandate for us to go and spread the news across every nation. However, with all that we see happening around the world today, false prophets arising, wars here and there etc, these are enough signals to inform you that the perilous times are here. God bless our Father Pastor E.A Adeboye and equip him with greater wisdom to impact us more in Jesus name.

Prayer Point
Father, fill me with the consciousness of the second coming of Christ at all times.
HYMN
Wonderful story of love;
Tell it to me again;
Wonderful story of love;
Wake the immortal strain!
Angels with rapture announce it,
Shepherds with wonder receive it;
Sinner, oh, won’t you believe it?
Wonderful story of love.
Refrain:
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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Memorise: For it is written in the book of Psalms, Let his habitation be desolate, and let no man dwell therein: and his bishoprick let another take. Acts 1:20
Read: 1 Samuel 15:16-16:1
16 Then Samuel said unto Saul, Stay, and I will tell thee what the LORDhath said to me this night. And he said unto him, Say on.
16:1 And the LORD said unto Samuel, How long wilt thou mourn for Saul, seeing I have rejected him from reigning over Israel? fill thine horn with oil, and go, I will send thee to Jesse the Bethlehemite: for I have provided me a king among his sons.
Bible in one year: Genesis 3:5, Isaiah 41:21 -42:9

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

1. One truth that everyone born of God must have at the back of their minds is that God has substitutes. He can therefore never be held to ransom by anyone.
2. Whenever God decides to use a person, if that fellow does not yield to God at the time of His requisition, God will move on to use another person to fulfil His purpose.
3. More often than not, such substitutes are better than the original recipients of God’s mandate. Such was the case with King Saul. “And Samuel said unto him, the LORD hath rent the kingdom of Israel from thee this day, and hath given it to a neighbour of thine, that is better than thou. 1st Samuel 15:28
4. When a man feels too big to obey God’s instruction, he is not fit for God’s use.
5. In the family of the works of the flesh, pride, stubbornness and rebellion are kinsmen, with witchcraft as their first cousin (Galatians 5:19-21).
6. The Lord through Samuel reminded King Saul that there was nothing special about him before He made him king over Israel. King Saul himself did not see himself as qualified, yet God’s grace preferred him, despite the fact that he came from the least of the tribes of Israel (1st Samuel 9:21).
7. This is the reason why whosoever God decides to use should not allow himself or herself get carried away by the glamour of the office he or she is occupying.
8. The fellow should always keep in mind where he or she is coming from and what he or she used to be. God does not use the qualified; rather, He qualifies the fellow He wants to use.
9. When King Saul began to feel too big to obey the Lord’s commandment, he was replaced with a ready-made substitute, whom the Lord declared to be better than King Saul.
10. My prayer for you is that you will not be replaced in the scheme of things in God’s kingdom in Jesus’ Name.
11. Beloved, we should know that God has substitutes that can readily replace us if we fail to yield to His instructions.
12. Never see yourself as being indispensable before God.
13. Take heed to what the Lord Jesus Christ said concerning this in Matthew 3:9 “And think not to say within yourselves, We have Abraham to our father: for I say unto you, that God is able of these stones to raise up children unto Abraham.”

SHORT REFLECTION BY THE LIGHT POINTERS

How striking today’s devotional message is! The maker of all things have access to whatever or whoever He needs. It is wisdom for anyone He calls to quickly respond and after response keep to every instruction and take note of every detail for a successful discharge of that duty. When God replaces someone, the living of such person ends right there. It doesn’t matter if the person is still alive, the relevance of such being dies immediately. I pray we will never find ourselves in such position in Jesus name. Pastor E.A Adeboye is a great blessing to us. We pray that God will daily water him too in Jesus name.

Prayer Point
Father, please help me to overcome anything I am doing now that may eventually make you find a substitute for me in Your kingdom. Please, don’t replace with anyone or anything.
HYMN
1 Take my life and let it be
consecrated, Lord, to thee.
Take my moments and my days;
let them flow in endless praise,
let them flow in endless 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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20

Memorise: For as the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without works is dead also. James 2:26
Read: James 2:14-26 (KJV)
14 What doth it profit, my brethren, though a man say he hath faith, and have not works? can faith save him?
15 If a brother or sister be naked, and destitute of daily food,
16 And one of you say unto them, Depart in peace, be ye warmed and filled; notwithstanding ye give them not those things which are needful to the body; what doth it profit?
17 Even so faith, if it hath not works, is dead, being alone.
18 Yea, a man may say, Thou hast faith, and I have works: shew me thy faith without thy works, and I will shew thee my faith by my works.
19 Thou believest that there is one God; thou doest well: the devils also believe, and tremble.
20 But wilt thou know, O vain man, that faith without works is dead?
21 Was not Abraham our father justified by works, when he had offered Isaac his son upon the altar?
22 Seest thou how faith wrought with his works, and by works was faith made perfect
23 And the scripture was fulfilled which saith, Abraham believed God, and it was imputed unto him for righteousness: and he was called the Friend of God.
24 Ye see then how that by works a man is justified, and not by faith only.
25 Likewise also was not Rahab the harlot justified by works, when she had received the messengers, and had sent them out another way?
26 For as the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without works is dead also.
Bible in one year: John 20:21, Isaiah 40:24-41:7.

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

1. One common error in Christendom today is to think that it is scriptural to confess your way to success without backing up such confessions with works.
2. Faith in practice is actually the opposite of this. It is not just about confessing scriptures, but about acting it out when confronted with real life circumstances and situations. Faith in practice is what produces the miracle-working power of God.
3. In contrast of faith, unbelief upsets God and we must all run away from it. The children of Israel could not enter into the Promised Land because of unbelief (Hebrews 3:19).
4. In Mark 2:1-12, a paralytic man was brought before Jesus by four men who broke the roof of a house to get him there. This was faith in practice. They were practically saying to all the forces and situations surrounding this man’s life that they were ready to get injured while climbing and nothing would stop them. They were also ready to take up the financial burden of damaging and repairing the roof of a house that was not theirs. They did all this because they knew that the challenges facing them were nothing when compared with the blessedness of having their paralytic friend receive his miracle.
5. There are people who have many different versions of the Bible in their homes but do not practice the faith they read in it.
6. Some even possess a PhD in the study of the Bible but still have no faith. This is because they read and study it, but they don’t apply its content to their lives.
7. Some years back, we went to Haiti to hold a city-wide crusade, and we were blessed to have a live broadcast of it on radio. There was man just lying on a bed in his house who accidentally turned his radio to the station airing our programme. In the course of preaching, the Lord said to me that there was someone within the reach of my voice who was impotent and that He was healing him right away. I relayed this message as I was told. When this man heard it, he said to himself, “How did this Pastor know that I am impotent even though He cannot see me?” He immediately checked himself and realised he had been completely healed. He then left all he was doing, found his way to the crusade ground and surrendered his life to Jesus.
8. If only you can believe and act on what God says, you also will share your own testimony in Jesus’ Name.
9. Who are the Goliaths harassing you? Consider that Goliath came to the battle with a sword, spear and shield, while David came in the Name of the Lord of hosts (1st Samuel 17:45). Although David challenged Goliath with his mouth, he did not stop there. He picked up five smooth stones, not just one (1st Samuel 17:40). Even though one stone was enough to bring down Goliath, David did not take chances. That is faith in practice.
10. I decree that every Goliath that is standing between you and your miracles shall be brought down completely in Jesus’ Name.

SHORT REFLECTION BY THE LIGHT POINTERS

Faith is in practice when you go beyond just declaring but you reach out. In other words when we say we have faith we should also act in line of our faith. As severally said on this platform in line with the word of God, God honours great faith and rewards it by granting what such person is exhibiting faith on. As we declare words of faith we should back it up with work and act accordingly that we may receive great reward which will be evident for all to see in Jesus name. We are grateful to God for blessing us with Pastor E.A Adeboye. Our knowledge of the word of God is increased each day as we study the Open Heavens devotional. More grace for greater works in Jesus’ Name.

Key Point
Faith is acting on the word of God.
HYMN
1. My faith looks up to thee,
thou Lamb of Calvary,
Savior divine!
Now hear me while I pray,
take all my guilt away,
O let me from this day
be wholly thine!
2. May thy rich grace impart
strength to my fainting heart,
my zeal inspire!
As thou hast died for me,
O may my love to thee
pure, warm, and changeless be,
a living fire!
3. While life’s dark maze I tread,
and griefs around me spread,
be thou my guide;
bid darkness turn to day,
wipe sorrow’s tears away,
nor let me ever stray
from thee aside.
4. When ends life’s transient dream,
when death’s cold, sullen stream
shall o’er me roll;
blest Savior, then in love,
fear and distrust remove;
O bear me safe above,
a ransomed soul!

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20

Memorise: Pure religion and undefiled before God and the Father is this, To visit the fatherless and widows in their affliction, and to keep himself unspotted from the world. James 1:27
Read: Romans 12:1-2 (KJV)
1 I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service.
2 And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.
Bible in one year: John 18:19, Isaiah 40:6-23

1. In these end times, the Lord is looking for those who are ready to consecrate themselves to His use.
2. If you are ready to partner with God in His service, you can be sure that your reward will not only be great on earth but also in heaven.
3. However, for you to be a vessel unto honour in the service of the Lord, you must be ready to admit your insignificance before Him (Isaiah 40:17). You must also be ready to follow the Lord all the way, cheerfully and heartily.
4. You should see it as a great honour for God to count you worthy of being called into the service of His kingdom.
5. Furthermore, God is holy, and so, for you to be a vessel in His service, you must also be holy in thought, character and conduct.
6. Those who want to continue in sin and also live a hypocritical lifestyle cannot be blessed in God’s service. You must surrender your life to Christ genuinely. This is a prerequisite in offering acceptable service to the Lord. Any defiled or polluted person cannot behold the glory of God’s holiness.
7. In the scriptures, those who offered acceptable service, such as Enoch, Daniel, Elijah and Job, made up their minds that they would not allow anything to pollute their lives.
8. Note however that you cannot all by yourself keep yourself from the vanities of this world; neither can you live a holy life through your morality.
9. You can only live a holy and acceptable life by yielding to the grace of God. God’s grace enables us to offer acceptable service before Him. Expounding on this grace, Titus 2:11-12 says, “For the grace of God that bringeth salvation hath appeared to all men, Teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly, in this present world”
10. Although there are several winds of false doctrine blowing across the world today, the Lord expects us to continue in the pure and undiluted word of God (2nd Peter 3:16-18). This is the anchor that keeps us from being tossed about (Hebrews 6:18-19).
11. This undefiled word of God will help us keep that which is committed into our hands as we offer our service to God in these last days. We must be watchful so that our works will not be adjudged as imperfect before the throne of God. In the Body of Christ today, many people serve God amiss. They are working, but not asking themselves if their labour follows the due order of heaven (1st Chronicles 15:13).
12. If you fail to assess the methods you are using to achieve the mandate of the Commission, you will be shocked at the judgement seat of Christ (2nd Corinthians 5:10, 1st Corinthians 3:13-15).
13. What are the motives behind what you do in Church? What attitude do you display when your pastor is not there to watch over you? How are you utilizing the resources entrusted to your care?

It is the grace of God that helps our imperfection to become perfect. Atimes we act thinking we are on the right track doing the right thing but at that point in time we are acting amiss. Let’s take the story of uzzah as an example here. He thought his act was right but in the eyes of God it was irrelevant. 2 Samuel 6:1-7 “David again brought together all the able young men of Israel—thirty thousand. He and all his men went to Baalaha in Judah to bring up from there the ark of God, which is called by the Name,b the name of the Lord Almighty, who is enthroned between the cherubim on the ark. They set the ark of God on a new cart and brought it from the house of Abinadab, which was on the hill. Uzzah and Ahio, sons of Abinadab, were guiding the new cart with the ark of God on it,c and Ahio was walking in front of it. David and all Israel were celebrating with all their might before the Lord, with castanets,d harps, lyres, timbrels, sistrums and cymbals. When they came to the threshing floor of Nakon, Uzzah reached out and took hold of the ark of God, because the oxen stumbled. The Lord’s anger burned against Uzzah because of his irreverent act; therefore God struck him down, and he died there beside the ark of God” Let us take into account the reason or motive behind our service to God and ask God for grace to serve Him in an acceptable way. We thank God for Pastor E.A Adeboye for blessing us and inspiring us in today’s devotional. God bless him in strength and greater ability in Jesus’ name.

Action Point
Access your service in God’s Kingdom. Does it follow God’s pattern?
HYMN
1 Take my life and let it be
consecrated, Lord, to thee.
Take my moments and my days;
let them flow in endless praise,
let them flow in endless 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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