Devotionals

OPEN HEAVENS DEVOTIONAL: SATURDAY, AUGUST 19TH 2017- VICTORY THROUGH THE BLOOD OF JESUS

Memorise: And they overcame him by the blood of the Lamb, and by the word of their testimony; and they loved not their lives unto the death. Revelation 12:11
Read: Exodus 12:21-23
21 Then Moses called for all the elders of Israel, and said unto them, Draw out and take you a lamb according to your families, and kill the passover.
22 And ye shall take a bunch of hyssop, and dip it in the blood that is in the bason, and strike the lintel and the two side posts with the blood that is in the bason; and none of you shall go out at the door of his house until the morning.
23 For the Lord will pass through to smite the Egyptians; and when he seeth the blood upon the lintel, and on the two side posts, the Lord will pass over the door, and will not suffer the destroyer to come in unto your houses to smite you.
Bible in one year: 2nd Kings 21-22, Ezekiel 27:10-25

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

1. For various reasons, the battle of life has proved to be of tremendous difficulty to mankind in every generation.
2. First and foremost, the enemy is often difficult to identify correctly, coming in different forms and sizes.
3. Sometimes, the enemy comes in the form of human opposition, criticism and antagonism, and other times, in the form of physical challenges and obstacles.
4. The enemy also comes as natural occurrences which one would expect to naturally fade away with time, but down the line, such occurrences metamorphose into serious problems. The battles of life can come to us through a human agent in the most subtle but wicked manner and it can also take the form of a dramatic open challenge.
5. At the onset of every battle of life, its spiritual dimension is not usually obvious. However, the Bible teaches that there is a spiritual dimension to every battle. Ephesians 6:12 says, “For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.”
6. As a child of God, although the enemy of our soul may look intimidating, don’t be frightened by his visage or his history of destruction. Instead, focus on the truth of God’s word that reveals him as a conquered foe (Hebrews 2:14, Luke 10:18-19). This is the high standpoint of the Christian faith. This is the only ground on which a child of God should meet the devil and his agents. We are overcomers!
7. The element and resources of our victory clearly supersede the resources of our wicked foes. The element of our victory is the Blood of Jesus, and the weapon of our warfare is the word of God.
8. The battle cry in our conflict with the devil should always be the words of today’s memory verse.
9. You must continuously resist the devil with words of this scripture and believe its declaration in your heart.
10. You cannot confront the devil and his agents with human wisdom, scientific inventions, philosophy, or ethical principles; rather, confront them with the Blood of Jesus Christ, which signifies the seal of our victory in the Lord.
11. Always remember that the battle is not ours but the Lord’s. At the beginning of this conflict with devil in the Garden of Eden, it was prophesied that the seed of the woman will bruise the head of the serpent. Jesus is that seed of the woman!
12. Christians must enter the battle of life with confidence that the Lord is fighting for us, and that we are simply following His banner and claiming victory in His Name.
13. Let us praise and worship the Almighty God who has granted us victory through the Blood of Jesus.

SHORT REFLECTION BY THE LIGHT POINTERS

We are to manifest as conquerors in every facet of life. John 16:33 revealed that we have peace in Christ because He overcame for us. “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.” John 16:33. We are to fight every battle from the spiritual realm and have the consciousness of an overcomer as we do. Christ is our victory! God bless Pastor E.A Adeboye and equip him with greater wisdom for greater impact in the name of Jesus.

Prayer Point
Father, please completely destroy the works of the devil in my life and in Your Church in the Name of Jesus.
HYMN
What a friend we have in Jesus,
All our sins and griefs to bear!
What a privilege to carry
Everything to God in prayer!
Oh, what peace we often forfeit,
Oh, what needless pain we bear,
All because we do not carry
Everything to God in prayer!
Have we trials and temptations?
Is there trouble anywhere?
We should never be discouraged—
Take it to the Lord in prayer.
Can we find a friend so faithful,
Who will all our sorrows share?
Jesus knows our every weakness;
Take it to the Lord in prayer.
Are we weak and heavy-laden,
Cumbered with a load of care?
Precious Savior, still our refuge—
Take it to the Lord in prayer.
Do thy friends despise, forsake thee?
Take it to the Lord in prayer!
In His arms He’ll take and shield thee,
You wilt find a solace there.
  

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OPEN HEAVENS DEVOTIONAL: FRIDAY, AUGUST 18TH 2017-THE CROWN OF RIGHTEOUSNESS

Memorise: And when the chief Shepherd shall appear, ye shall receive a crown of glory that fadeth not away. 1st Peter 5:4
Read: 2nd Timothy 4:7-8
7 I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith:
8 Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day: and not to me only, but unto all them also that love his appearing.
Bible in one year: 2nd King 19-20, Ezekiel 26:19-27:9

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

1. In several passages of Scriptures, the Christian life is compared to being engaged in a sporting activity, particularly the analogy of running a race.
2. In order to finish strong like Apostle Paul did, we need to pay close attention to these analogies and apply their lessons to our Christian life.
3. 1st Corinthians 9:24-26 makes it clear that everyone that participates in a race does so for the purpose of winning. It also says that winning requires serious training and perseverance. Furthermore, this passage states that of the many participants in the race, only one person emerges as winner.
4. 2nd Timothy 2:5 reveals that you must play according to the rules and regulations of the game to be declared the winner.
5. From Hebrews 12:1-3, we understand that we must have our minds set on the reward in order to endure the rigours and pains of training.
6. 2nd Timothy 2:4 says athletes must observe a discipline, controlled, and regimented lifestyle like soldiers while preparing for a competition.
7. You need to measure your Christian life by these analogies to know how well you are fairing in the race to Heaven.
8. You should not be satisfied with just being a Christian who enjoys the support and encouragement of the spectators only; your ultimate goal should be to make it to Heaven and receive the crown of righteousness.
9. You should be prepared for rigorous training in the word of God, and persevere through the process of sanctification.
10. Like the eagle, you should take the flight towards Heaven as a personal endeavour and ignore the multitude.
11. You must strictly obey every detail in the word of God without reservation.
12. Your mind must be fixed on the crown of righteousness and the glory that awaits the saints in Heaven, so that you can finish your course in this world with joy.
13. Furthermore, you must submit yourself to the discipline, control and regimented lifestyle described in the word of God and as directed from time to time by your divinely appointed coach: the Holy Spirit.
14. The crown of righteousness is something of value promised to every Christian that would serve God faithfully in this world and endure the persecutions and tests of faith that comes with following Jesus Christ.
15. This crown is meant for those who would joyfully accept discipline and training in righteousness, those who will remain obedient to the word of God regardless of the dictates of popular culture, and soul winners who determined to sacrifice everything in order to make Heaven.
16. I hereby pray for everyone who is earnestly looking forward to eternal life, that you will not lose your crown in Jesus’ Name.

SHORT REFLECTION BY THE LIGHT POINTERS

Every step we take and every move we make as believer in our Christian race should be towards the big day when the Father will boldly say well done thou good and faithful servant. Anything that will deprive us of the great crown of righteousness should be avoided like a plague. For what shall it profit a man, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul? Mark 8:36 May we not miss our crown in Jesus name. God be praised for Pastor E.A Adeboye for this great insight through the Holy Spirit. May His strength be renewed in Jesus name.

Prayer Point
Father, please help me to pay the price of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus, and help me make it to Heaven in Jesus’ Name.
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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OPEN HEAVENS DEVOTIONAL: THURSDAY, AUGUST 17TH 2017- EVERLASTING FATHER

Memorise: I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the ending, saith the Lord, which is, and which was, and which is to come, the Almighty. Revelation 1:8
Read: Isaiah 9:6-7
6 For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace.
7 Of the increase of his government and peace there shall be no end, upon the throne of David, and upon his kingdom, to order it, and to establish it with judgment and with justice from henceforth even for ever. The zeal of the Lord of hosts will perform this.
Bible in one year: 2nd Kings 18, Ezekiel 26:7-18
 

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

1. A father is the male personality among the two parents from whom children originate.
2. Parents are uniquely linked to their children by blood, and they are the source of the fundamental and distinctive characteristics of their children. This special connection is responsible for the usual display of filial affection between parents and their children.
3. There is a kind of deep love, compassion, dedication, trust, respect, devotion and loyalty that usually exists in the relationship between parents and their children that may not exist in other forms of relationships.
4. Furthermore, good fathers are known to provide leadership, protection, provision, discipline, spiritual guidance, and emotional stability for members of their family.
5. Obviously, mothers are equally important and their role as parents and leaders in the family cannot be overemphasised.
6. However, under normal circumstances, the balance of a family is usually maintained by its organisation around a father-figure. This is why homes without a father tend to become dysfunctional families. I therefore pray that God will restore all broken homes, support all single parents, and rebuke death in our families in the Name of Jesus.
7. Meanwhile, there is a Father of fathers that can do far more than any earthly father. He is the ever present one who can never die. He is called the Everlasting Father in Isaiah 9:6.
8. Through this Name, the Holy Spirit is indicating to us that all those who trust in God and yield to the Lordship of Jesus Christ will never be without a Father.
9. Because Jesus is the Everlasting Father, true Christians can enjoy all the benefits of divine fatherhood unhindered for eternity.
10. When the storms of life rage or when your are overwhelmed by difficult circumstances, you can safely trust in the love and support of the Everlasting Father. When poverty, failure, sickness or death stares at you in the face, just call upon the Everlasting Father, and your night will be turned to day.
11. If you are out of turn with your Creator, if you are perpetually living under the influence of any power that is beyond your control, if your life is upside down and you are desperately looking for a way out, then I have good news for you.
12. Jesus is the Everlasting Father with compassion for His children. He pities his children and shelters them with His love (Psalm 103:13). His mercy endures forever and you can anticipate his forgiveness with joy.
13. Above all, these benefits are yours to enjoy for eternity, if only you surrender your life to Him.
14. I decree to every troubled soul that is reading this devotional, receive the intervention of the Everlasting Father now in the Name of Jesus.

 

SHORT REFLECTION BY THE LIGHT POINTERS

One joyful thing to take note of about our Everlasting Father is that He is God of all times. There is no tenure to His reign and His mercy is new every morning. It is a pity that many believers get distracted and forget who they are in Christ. “If we trust in God and yield to the Lordship of Jesus Christ then we will never be without a Father.” I like the amplified version of Hebrews 13:5 which says: “Let your character [your moral essence, your inner nature] be free from the love of money [shun greed—be financially ethical], being content with what you have; for He has said, “I will never [under any circumstances] desert you [nor give you up nor leave you without support, nor will I in any degree leave you helpless], nor will I forsake or let you down or relax My hold on you [assuredly not]!” What a promise! Our God honours His word and so we should remain strong in faith and give glory to God at all times. We pray that God will always empower Pastor E.A Adeboye for greater works in Jesus name.

Action Point
Pray that the Everlasting Father will heal every broken home and dysfunction in your family and local church.
HYMN Action Point
O Lord my God, when I in awesome wonder
Consider all the worlds thy hands have made,
I see the stars, I hear the rolling thunder,
Thy power throughout the universe displayed:
Chorus
Then sings my soul, my Savior God, to thee:
How great thou art! How great thou art!
Then sings my soul, my Savior God, to thee:
How great thou art! How great thou art!
When through the woods and forest glades I wander
And hear the birds sing sweetly in the trees,
When I look down from lofty mountain grandeur,
And hear the brook and feel the gentle breeze:
And when I think that God, his Son not sparing,
Sent him to die, I scarce can take it in,
That on the cross, my burden gladly bearing,
He bled and died to take away my sin.
When Christ shall come with shout of acclamation
And take me home, what joy shall fill my heart!
Then I shall bow in humble adoration,
And there proclaim, My God, how great thou art!

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OPEN HEAVENS DEVOTIONAL: WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 16TH 2017- THE KING OF KINGS

Memorise: And he hath on his vesture and on his thigh a name written, KING OF KINGS, AND LORD OF LORDS. Revelation 19:16
Read: Daniel 4:34-37
34 And at the end of the days I Nebuchadnezzar lifted up mine eyes unto heaven, and mine understanding returned unto me, and I blessed the most High, and I praised and honoured him that liveth for ever, whose dominion is an everlasting dominion, and his kingdom is from generation to generation:
35 And all the inhabitants of the earth are reputed as nothing: and he doeth according to his will in the army of heaven, and among the inhabitants of the earth: and none can stay his hand, or say unto him, What doest thou?
36 At the same time my reason returned unto me; and for the glory of my kingdom, mine honour and brightness returned unto me; and my counsellors and my lords sought unto me; and I was established in my kingdom, and excellent majesty was added unto me.
37 Now I Nebuchadnezzar praise and extol and honour the King of heaven, all whose works are truth, and his ways judgment: and those that walk in pride he is able to abase.
Bible in one year: 2nd Kings 16-17, Ezekiel 25:8-26:6
 

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

1. In the New Testament, there are three instances where the title “King of kings” was used. In each of these three instances, it was used along with the title “Lord of lords”.
2. Obviously, the two titles are linked, but they also have their marked differences.
3. The underlying thought of kingship is the exercise of authority, while that of lordship is the exercise of power.
4. A military junta may have the power to overthrow the government of a nation but it lacks the authority to do so, thereby make it an illegitimate government.
5. On the other hand, a policeman can simply use his upraised hand to stop a heavy truck. He is able to achieve this by the authority vested in him, which is well recognised by the truck driver.
6. Similarly, kingship, authority and submission always go together. Any edict issued by a king must be expressly obeyed. Refusal to comply is interpreted as civil disobedience, anarchy or rebellion.
7. It is important to note here that from eternity past, Jesus has continuously reigned in majestic splendour as the only Potentate, the King of glory and the Lord of all (1st Timothy 6:15)
8. When Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judaea, angels celebrated and worshipped Him as King (Hebrews 1:6, Luke 2:10-14). He grew up, lived among the people and went about doing good: healing the sick, delivering those oppressed by the devil, and spreading the good news of the kingdom. Yet, at His triumphant entry into Jerusalem, only those who believed in Him cried, “Hosanna, blessed is the king that comes in the Name of the Lord” (John 12:12-13).
9. A day also came that Jesus was presented to His own people by Pontius Pilate saying, “Behold your King!” The people however responded with a great roar, “Away with him, crucify him.” He was therefore crucified with a crown of thorns on His head (John 19). Therefore, He died, rose from the dead and was received into Heaven.
10. Very soon, He is coming back again. This time, He is not coming with a crown of thorns on His head but with many glorious crowns, and He will rule the nations of the earth with rod of iron in His hands. He is returning in power and glory to establish His kingdom on earth, covered with glory and accompanied by the hosts of Heaven’s armies.
11. His title shall be boldly written upon His clothing and on His thigh: “KING OF KINGS, AND LORD OF LORDS”.
12. While we are waiting for the appearance of the soon-coming King, let us totally submit to His authority and acknowledge His Lordship over our lives. We must worship His majesty and offer Him the sacrifice of praise.
13. Let us bow down before the throne of the everlasting King in total adoration of His royal majesty. All hail the King of glory. Hallelujah!

 

SHORT REFLECTION BY THE LIGHT POINTERS

We should not be too familiar with God who is the King of kings and then forget to submit totally to His authority. As believers we have clearly stated instructions to be obeyed as written in the Bible. We should be consious of the fact that our father is incharge of all things and even kings submit to His kingship. Kings are men of honour. Their word is a law that must be honoured without any question but they are to submit to the word of our King. Please let us carefully meditate on the advice given by our father in the Lord in today’s devotional that “While we are waiting for the appearance of the soon-coming King, we should totally submit to His authority and acknowledge His Lordship over our lives. We must worship His majesty and offer Him the sacrifice of praise. Let us bow down before the throne of the everlasting King in total adoration of His royal majesty. God bless and uphold Pastor E.A Adeboye in Jesus name.

Action Point
Worship God as the King of kings, and live your life in submission to Him.
HYMN
O Lord my God, when I in awesome wonder
Consider all the *worlds thy hands have made,
I see the stars, I hear the *rolling thunder,
Thy power throughout the universe displayed:
Chorus
Then sings my soul, my Savior God, to thee:
How great thou art! How great thou art!
Then sings my soul, my Savior God, to thee:
How great thou art! How great thou art!
When through the woods and forest glades I wander
And hear the birds sing sweetly in the trees,
When I look down from lofty mountain grandeur,
And hear the brook and feel the gentle breeze:
And when I think that God, his Son not sparing,
Sent him to die, I scarce can take it in,
That on the cross, my burden gladly bearing,
He bled and died to take away my sin.
When Christ shall come with shout of acclamation
And take me home, what joy shall fill my heart!
Then *I shall bow in humble adoration,
And there proclaim, My God, how great thou art!

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OPEN HEAVENS DEVOTIONAL: TUESDAY, AUGUST 15TH 2017- HAVE FAITH IN GOD

Memorise: But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him. Hebrews 11:6
Read: Mark 11:21-24
21 And Peter calling to remembrance saith unto him, Master, behold, the fig tree which thou cursedst is withered away.
22 And Jesus answering saith unto them, Have faith in God.
23 For verily I say unto you, That whosoever shall say unto this mountain, Be thou removed, and be thou cast into the sea; and shall not doubt in his heart, but shall believe that those things which he saith shall come to pass; he shall have whatsoever he saith.
24 Therefore I say unto you, What things soever ye desire, when ye pray, believe that ye receive them, and ye shall have them.
Bible in one year: 2nd Kings 14-15, Ezekiel 24:15-25:7

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

1. Faith is a sense of reliance and trust in the Almighty God. It is a guiding belief and also a committed sense of loyalty.
2. Faith is a central emphasis of Christianity, and for this reason, Christians are commonly called “believers”.
3. A commitment to Christianity typically involves a confession of faith.
4. The centrality of faith in Christianity reflects the significance given to it in the Bible.
5. The Bible teaches faith towards God, and also the doctrine of justification by faith (Romans 5:1). Moreover, faith includes belief in the written word of God and also belief in the trustworthiness of God’s ability to keep His promise of reward to his followers (John 14:1-3).
6. The Bible records that the fathers of faith like Abel, Enoch, Noah, Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, and others, pleased God through the exhibition of their faith. The Bible also makes it clear that it is impossible to please God without faith (Hebrews 11:6).
7. The Christian faith embraces the belief that God was made manifest in the flesh, in the person of Jesus Christ.
8. We belief that He lived to manifest the nature and character of God, and that He died so that we, who were dead in our sins, might receive forgiveness through His Blood that was shed for the atonement of our sins.
9. We believe that the crucifixion of our sinful nature on the Cross through His Body has empowered us to live above sin in this world.
10. We believe that He resurrected so that we can receive a new life in God that is fashioned in the image of His resurrected nature. We believe that anyone can be a partaker of this divine nature when he or she believes in his or her heart all that Jesus Christ has done, confesses his or her sins to God and accepts the Lordship of Jesus Christ over his or her life through confession and action.
11. Our memory verse teaches some spiritual truths that touch the spiritual life of every Christian. The passage emphasises the method of pleasing God, the necessity of believing in His existence, and the certainty that He answers prayers.
12. We can only please God by walking with Him in faith. We must trust Him completely and rely on Him totally as our Father and closest friend.
13. We manifest our trust in God when we pray to Him.
14. The existence of God is settled in the mind of anyone who is a true Christian.
15. Therefore, whenever a Christian prays to God, He or she is demonstrating faith in God’s existence.
16. When a Christian repeatedly refuses to pray to God, he or she ignores God. However, God desires that all Christians pray continually.
17. Therefore, we must constantly and earnestly present our requests and supplications to Him in prayers, with full confidence and assurance that He answers the prayers of His children.

SHORT REFLECTION BY THE LIGHT POINTERS

Having faith in God is a major and important character a Christian must possess. Without faith we cannot please God. To please God we must believe that He is, He can do all things and He is the Creator of all things. Once we are able to see God as the Almighty in faith then, we are limitless. May God help us to have faith in Him in Jesus name. God bless Pastor E.A Adeboye in Jesus name.

Prayer Point
Father, please increase my faith, and help me to be completely dependant on You in all I do.
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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OPEN HEAVENS DEVOTIONAL: MONDAY, AUGUST 14TH 2017- THERE SHALL BE NO BARRIER

Memorise: There shall not any man be able to stand before thee all the days of thy life: as I was with Moses, so I will be with thee: I will not fail thee, nor forsake thee. Joshua 1:5
Read: Zechariah 4:6-9
6 Then he answered and spake unto me, saying, This is the word of the Lord unto Zerubbabel, saying, Not by might, nor by power, but by my spirit, saith the Lord of hosts.
7 Who art thou, O great mountain? before Zerubbabel thou shalt become a plain: and he shall bring forth the headstone thereof with shoutings, crying, Grace, grace unto it.
8 Moreover the word of the Lord came unto me, saying,
9 The hands of Zerubbabel have laid the foundation of this house; his hands shall also finish it; and thou shalt know that the Lord of hosts hath sent me unto you.
Bible in one year: 2nd Kings 12-13, Ezekiel 24:1-14

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

1. The Lord spoke the words of today’s memory verse to Joshua at a very crucial time in his life.
2. Moses, the man of God, had just departed and handed over the baton of spiritual and political leadership of Israel to him. Obviously, this was a very scary thing for Joshua. Having been the servant of Moses, he knew the severity of the spiritual assignment ahead. He also had firsthand experience of the several episodes of political intrigue and multiple rebellions against his master. Joshua least expected the leadership mantle to fall on him, since there were (at least) seventy elders ahead of him, most of whom he esteemed to be better suited as political leaders compared to himself. There was also the family of priests, members of which he reckoned to be more experienced for the spiritual leadership of Israel. Nevertheless, although age, experience and maturity may not have favoured him, it still pleased the Lord to appoint him as the replacement of Moses; and knowing Joshua’s fearful state of mind, He therefore spoke those words of assurance to encourage and embolden Him in his new assignment.
3. I pray for you today, you will receive divine support and assurance that will propel you to success in Jesus’ Name.
4. Today, God is telling you that there shall be no barrier to your promotion, success and breakthrough.
5. God has the power to make such declarations about you because He is the Creator of the heavens and the earth, and He is the Author and Finisher of your faith. All powers in heaven and on earth belong to Him, and His word is Yea and Amen.
6. Numbers 23:19 says this about Him: “God is not a man, that he should lie; neither the son of man, that he should repent: hath he said, and shall he not do it? or hath he spoken, and shall he not make it good?”
7. We have assurance in the word of God that God is able to bring whatever He says to reality. I therefore encourage you to rely on His promise to you, knowing well that He is the Creator or all things – whether visible or invisible, all things were created by Him and for Him (Colossians 1:16).
8. Furthermore, you also have reasons to believe strongly that there shall be no barrier to the fulfilment of your destiny because of His mighty acts both in history and even now.
9. He is the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob, the Holy One of Israel, who delivered the Israelites from 430 years of captivity. He parted the Red Sea and provided manna in the wilderness. He is the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, our Saviour and Redeemer, who heals, delivers and raises the dead. May His Name be praised forever.

SHORT REFLECTION BY THE LIGHT POINTERS

The journey of the Israelites revealed at various points that with God there is no barrier. Moses recognised this fact through the journey and that is why he said in Exodus 33:15 “And he said unto him, If thy presence go not with me, carry us not up hence.” The wall of Jericho was a barrier encountered by the children of Israel as recorded in Joshua 6 but it was taken away by the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob. “So the people shouted when the priests blew with the trumpets: and it came to pass, when the people heard the sound of the trumpet, and the people shouted with a great shout, that the wall fell down flat, so that the people went up into the city, every man straight before him, and they took the city.” Joshua 6:20 As we reverence God, every barrier shall be taken off our ways in Jesus name. We pray that God will continually uphold Pastor E.A Adeboye for greater works in Jesus name.

Prayer Point
Father, please speak a word of support and assurance into my life today that will send jitters down the spine of my enemies and detractors in Jesus’ Name.
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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OPEN HEAVENS DEVOTIONAL: SUNDAY, AUGUST 13TH 2017- CAPTIVES OF THE MIGHTY

Memorise: If the Son therefore shall make you free, ye shall be free indeed. John 8:36
Read: John 5:1-9
1 After this there was a feast of the Jews; and Jesus went up to Jerusalem.
2 Now there is at Jerusalem by the sheep market a pool, which is called in the Hebrew tongue Bethesda, having five porches.
3 In these lay a great multitude of impotent folk, of blind, halt, withered, waiting for the moving of the water.
4 For an angel went down at a certain season into the pool, and troubled the water: whosoever then first after the troubling of the water stepped in was made whole of whatsoever disease he had.
5 And a certain man was there, which had an infirmity thirty and eight years.
6 When Jesus saw him lie, and knew that he had been now a long time in that case, he saith unto him, Wilt thou be made whole?
7 The impotent man answered him, Sir, I have no man, when the water is troubled, to put me into the pool: but while I am coming, another steppeth down before me.
8 Jesus saith unto him, Rise, take up thy bed, and walk.
9 And immediately the man was made whole, and took up his bed, and walked: and on the same day was the sabbath.
Bible in one year: 2nd Kings 10-11, Ezekiel 23:35-49

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

1. The reason why many people are so helpless in life today is because they are in captivity. Many are in the bondage of sin, sickness, poverty, addiction, demonic possession and other evil conditions.
2. The resultant effects of captivity include loss of freedom, psychological imbalance, and emotional trauma, loss of contact with loved ones, hopelessness and dejection.
3. A captive is a person with a lost identity. Such a person may have been royalty before being captured by the enemy, but he or she has become a slave and must now live at the mercy of his or her new owner.
4. A captive loses dignity and suffers from low self-esteem and emotional trauma from thinking about the situation that led to his or her captivity.
5. A captive is in a worse situation than an ordinary prisoner because a prisoner’s jail term is fixed, but a captive has no hope of being set free. Above all, the situation of a captive is hopelessly filled with regret.
6. The big question is, can a captive find true freedom? The Holy Spirit answers this question in Isaiah 49:24-25 “Shall the prey be taken from the mighty, or the lawful captive delivered? But thus saith the LORD, Even the captives of the mighty shall be taken away, and the prey of the terrible shall be delivered: for I will contend with him that contendeth with thee, and I will save thy children.”
7. Hallelujah! A captive can indeed be set free. Jesus in Luke 4:18 declared that He came to set the captive free: “The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he hath anointed me to preach the gospel to the poor; he hath sent me to heal the broken-hearted, to preach deliverance to the captives, and recovering of sight to the blind, to set at liberty them that are bruised,”
8. I bring you good news today: no matter how difficult your experience in captivity has been, and no matter how heavy the chain of your affliction is, JESUS is here to set you free!
9. Jesus Christ is the promised Messiah, Redeemer and Deliverer, sent to set everyone who will accept Him as the Lord and Saviour of their lives from the bondage of Satan, the world and the flesh.
10. What is your problem? Are you operating under the powerful grip of a secret sin, sexual immorality, a secret society, a blood covenant or any form of addiction?
11. Jesus, in John 8:36, has those words for you: “If the Son therefore shall make you free, ye shall be free indeed.” Jesus came to set the captives free; call on His Name for your deliverance now!  

SHORT REFLECTION BY THE LIGHT POINTERS

As rightly stated in today’s devotional “many are in the bondage of sin, sickness, poverty, addiction, demonic possession and other evil conditions” and the consequence of such affliction if not quickly dealt with can lead to death. However, when you have a genuine relationship with the Almighty God, an end comes to every captivity of your life. Praise God! We pray that God will increase Pastor E.A Adeboye in wisdom and strength in Jesus name.

Prayer Point
Lord Jesus, Please manifest your power to set me free from every form of captivity I am experiencing today.
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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OPEN HEAVENS DEVOTIONAL: SATURDAY, AUGUST 12TH 2017- TRICKS OF THE DEVIL II

Memorise: Be not desirous of his dainties for they are deceitful meat. Proverbs 23:3
Read: Luke 4:5-8
5 And the devil, taking him up into an high mountain, shewed unto him all the kingdoms of the world in a moment of time.
6 And the devil said unto him, All this power will I give thee, and the glory of them: for that is delivered unto me; and to whomsoever I will I give it.
7 If thou therefore wilt worship me, all shall be thine.
8 And Jesus answered and said unto him, Get thee behind me, Satan: for it is written, Thou shalt worship the Lord thy God, and him only shalt thou serve.
Bible in one year: 2nd Kings 9, Ezekiel 23:22-34

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

1. Today, we are considering another trick of the devil, which is trapping a person through inordinate desires.
2. This tactic often takes the form of a sweet and generous offer used in sugar-coating a poisonous pill.
3. Such offers can come as a gift, an appointment or a promise of greatness.
4. The packaging of such offers is always tasteful, attractive and elegant, but inside lies destruction. The devil tried to play this trick on the Lord Jesus Christ Himself in today’s Bible reading.
5. In many cases, no matter how much you try, you may not see anything wrong with the whole arrangement at the initial stage, but at the end of the day, you will find yourself entrapped to do the bidding of your “benefactor” against your wish.
6. The rich and powerful of this world deploy this trick in getting what they want. They use the luxuries they can provide to entrap the less wealthy and vulnerable, who may feel obligated to do their bidding. Many victims of this scam have been disappointed, enslaved and some have even lost their lives.
7. I enjoin Christians youths to be warned that those who are addicted to pleasure, who always have their eyes roving and seeking for a luxurious lifestyle, will easily be sucked in and entrapped by these wicked predators. The language of Satan and his agents is “All this power will I give thee, and the glory of them” (Luke 4:6). I pray that you will not be deceived or fall victim of such mean and wicked deceivers in the mighty Name of Jesus.
8. For diverse reasons, this particular trick of the devil is especially potent and effective in this generation more than any other time in the history of mankind.
9. We are in a world where instant riches, riotous living, exhibition of immorality and the pursuit of extreme pleasure have become attractive to people.
10. Now, wealth and fame derived from participation in vices (such as corruption, gambling and drug-trafficking) are being celebrated, even among some so-called Christians.
11. Some attributes that used to be highly valued in society, such as integrity, diligence, moral principle and godliness, have become things of the past and are now looked down on. The younger generation seems to have a warped idea of what success really means.
12. Consequently, predators are using the weapon of deception to entice vulnerable individuals into evil deeds, such as sexual gratification in exchange for favours, drug-related businesses, human trafficking, organised crime, internet fraud, and many others, promising quick money, political appointments, business opportunities, rapid job promotions etc. Is anyone promising you something in exchange for “nothing”? Ensure that you do not fall for any deceptive proposal of the devil.
13. The rich and powerful do not give away their favours for free. They always ask for something in return, and their demand is usually much greater than their initial investment. If care is not taken, you may lose your own soul in the process.
14. Don’t be carried away by any “delicious” offer, because it is really nothing but deceitful food laden with poison. You’ve been warned!

SHORT REFLECTION BY THE LIGHT POINTERS

We’ve been enjoined as well as warned not to fall victim of the devil’s tricks in today’s devotional. Satan is after believer’s salvation and he tries to get to it by throwing different enticing things at his target just to make him or her leave the way of the Lord. He will never succeed in our lives in Jesus name. God bless Pastor E.A Adeboye and strengthen him more in Jesus name.

Prayer Point
Father, please keep me from ever falling for the tricks of the devil or becoming a victim of fraudsters.
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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OPEN HEAVENS DEVOTIONAL: FRIDAY, AUGUST 11TH 2017- TRICKS OF THE DEVIL I

Memorise: Pride goeth before destruction, and an haughty spirit before a fall. Proverbs 16:18
Read: Isaiah 14:12-16
12 How art thou fallen from heaven, O Lucifer, son of the morning! how art thou cut down to the ground, which didst weaken the nations!
13 For thou hast said in thine heart, I will ascend into heaven, I will exalt my throne above the stars of God: I will sit also upon the mount of the congregation, in the sides of the north:
14 I will ascend above the heights of the clouds; I will be like the most High.
15 Yet thou shalt be brought down to hell, to the sides of the pit.
16 They that see thee shall narrowly look upon thee, and consider thee, saying, Is this the man that made the earth to tremble, that did shake kingdoms;
Bible in one year: 2nd Kings 7-8, Ezekiel 23:1-21

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

1. A trick is a cunning act or scheme intended to deceive or outwit a person.
2. One of the greatest tricks by which the devil deceives men today is to cause their hearts to be lifted up in pride.
3. Through pride, the hearts of mankind have rebelled against the knowledge and authority of God. Pride comes with arrogance, pomp, presumption, conceit, self-satisfaction, boasting, high-mindedness and haughtiness.
4. It is especially dangerous because of its silence and the stealth by which it operates.
5. When pride is well seated in the heart and has taken full charge of a person, it becomes extremely difficult to pin down. However, we thank God because the light of God’s word is bright enough to expose it in all its forms.
6. To understand pride, we need to consider the first entity in whom pride was found: Satan. Isaiah 14:13-14 reveals the thoughts of his heart that made God depose him from his exalted position in Heaven: “For thou hast said in thine heart, I will ascend into heaven, I will exalt my throne above the stars of God: I will sit also upon the mount of the congregation, in the sides of the north: I will ascend above the heights of the clouds; I will be like the most High.”
7. A careful consideration of the above scripture shows that pride is basically a sin that has its roots in the attitude of the heart. Hence, Proverbs 21:4 speaks of “a haughty look” and “a proud heart” as sin.
8. The first thing to watch out for in a man or woman with pride in their heart is the emphasis on their person in their speech. The speech of such people is normally laden with the personal pronoun ‘I’. In a single short statement, Satan made reference to himself five times: “I will ascend, I will exalt my throne, I will sit, I will ascend above, and I will be like the most High.”
9. Secondly, the proud displays an unwarranted attitude of confidence and inordinate ambition, such as displayed by Satan. He was not satisfied with where God placed him, and he actually wanted to supplant God Himself. He was so confident of himself that he thought he could ascend into Heaven and exercise dominion over all the angels of God, all by himself.
10. However, pride cannot remain internalised and hidden. It often finds expressions: through speech (such as boasting), through looks and through behaviour, such as acts of impatience and contemptible treatment of others.
11. The Bible highlights the inevitable downfall of a proud person, and we should learn from what happened to Satan (Proverbs 16:18, Ezekiel 28:16-19).
12. The proud will not escape God’s terrible judgement; therefore, be warned!

SHORT REFLECTION BY THE LIGHT POINTERS

Satan fell because of pride and he was disgraced and did not only lose his position but was also sent away from heaven. He therefore made up his mind to disgrace as many that will allow him dominate their heart with one of his wiles which is pride. Proverbs 11:2 reveals that “When pride cometh, then cometh shame: but with the lowly is wisdom.” God’s reaction to satan’s attitude makes it clear that He is not pleased with the proud and pride disgusts Him. “But he giveth more grace. Wherefore he saith, God resisteth the proud, but giveth grace unto the humble.” James 4:6. However, the next verses tells us how to overcome the devil as well as his wicked plight against men. “Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. Draw nigh to God, and he will draw nigh to you. Cleanse your hands, ye sinners; and purify your hearts, ye double minded. Be afflicted, and mourn, and weep: let your laughter be turned to mourning, and your joy to heaviness. Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and he shall lift you up.” James 4:7‭-‬10. All these above reveals that humility brings grace, wisdom and upliftment. We should therefore embrace God and His word and then satan will flee from us and his wiles won’t prosper in our lives in Jesus name. God be praised for Pastor E.A Adeboye in Jesus name.

Prayer Point
Father, please expose every hidden tendency of pride and related attitudes in my life and completely destroy them, in Jesus’ Name.
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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OPEN HEAVENS DEVOTIONAL: THURSDAY, AUGUST 10TH 2017- SPIRITUAL ARMOUR

Memorise: Nay, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him that loved us. Romans 8:37
Read: Ephesians 6:10-18
10 Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might.
11 Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil.
12 For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.
13 Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.
14 Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness;
15 And your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace;
16 Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked.
17 And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God:
18 Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints
Bible in one year: 2nd Kings 5-6, Ezekiel 22:17-31

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

1. Weapons of war usually fall under two major categories: offensive and defensive.
2. Body armour can be classified as defensive weapons of war against missiles, projectiles and handheld combat weapons; they work as protective covering, designed to safeguard vital parts of the body.
3. Today’s Bible reading talks about spiritual warfare, revealing how the different parts of physical body armour mirror the spiritual armour available to us as believers in Christ.
4. We have at our disposal invisible weapons of spiritual warfare that are potent against the wicked assault of the enemy.
5. In Ephesians 6:11, our spiritual armour is referred to as the armour of God, which implies that it possesses divine attributes, making it indestructible by the power of the devil. We are invited to “put on the whole armour of God”. However, this armour is inaccessible to those who have not accepted the Lordship of Jesus Christ over their lives.
6. Putting on the armour of God is equivalent to putting on Jesus, and He is more than enough to protect us against all evil and temptations we may encounter. Romans 13:14 says, “But put ye on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make not provision for the flesh, to fulfil the lusts thereof.”
7. Putting on Jesus involves accepting Him as Lord and Saviour, meditating on His word day and night, living a life of holiness, and spreading His gospel. I pray that in the heat of the battles of life, the armour of God will be your strong defence in Jesus’ Name.
8. The Bible used the imagery of physical warfare to communicate a powerful spiritual message to us in Ephesians 6:10-18. Firstly, we are asked to grid our waist with the sturdy belt of truth. It’s with this same belt that our sword is fastened to our body. In the days of old, a soldier girded in this manner was recognised as being on active duty. We are expected to grid ourselves with truth as the foundation of all our spiritual activities. Next, we are to find our protection in righteousness by putting on the breastplate of righteousness. Also, our feet should be ever ready to move with the gospel of peace. We should then arm ourselves with the shield of faith to quench all the fiery arrows of the enemy. To protect our head, the most important part of our body, we must put on the helmet of salvation. The helmet of salvation is required to protect our spiritual destiny. Finally, as soldiers of Christ, we are to wield the “Sword of the Spirit”, which is the spoken word of God. As the only offensive weapon mentioned, this is the soldier’s most important weapon, and it is supplied by the Holy Spirit. I decree that God will fortify you and make you untouchable to the devil in Jesus’ Name.

SHORT REFLECTION BY THE LIGHT POINTERS

A battle fought using spiritual armour is sure of victory. From the spiritual realm we can handle a physical battle and win without stress. Praise is also a spiritual armour with which we can fight and win as seen in 2 Chronicles 20: 21-22 “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. 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.” The word of God is another spiritual weapon with which we can conquer. Using all the above armour as stated in our Bible reading guarantees us success. As we utilise the word and these armours we shall experience victory in Jesus name. We bless God for Pastor E.A Adeboye and pray that God will equip him for greater impact in Jesus name.

Prayer Point
Father, please prepare and equip me for battle as a good soldier of Christ in Jesus’ Name.
HYMN
1 Onward, Christian soldiers, 
marching as to war,
With the cross of Jesus
going on before!
Christ, the royal Master,
leads again the foe;
Forward into battle,
see his banner go!
Refrain:
Onward, Christian soldiers,
marching as to war,
With the cross of Jesus
going on before!
2 At the sign of triumph
Satan’s host doth flee;
On, then, Christian soldiers,
on to victory!
Hell’s foundations quiver
at the shout of praise;
Brothers, lift your voices,
loud your anthems raise! [Refrain]
3 Like a mighty army
moves the church of God;
Brothers, we are treading
where the saints have trod;
We are not divided;
all one body we,
One in hope and doctrine,
one in charity. [Refrain]
4 Onward, then, ye people,
join our happy throng,
Blend with ours your voices
in the triumph song;
Glory, laud, and honor,
unto Christ the King;
This thro’ countless ages
men and angels sing. [Refrain]

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