Open Heavens Devotional - DIVINE WISDOM

Open Heavens 31 August 2017: Thursday daily devotional by Pastor E. A. Adeboye - Divine Wisdom

DIVINE WISDOM – Thursday August 31st 2017

Memorize: If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him. James 1:5

Read: Daniel 1:18-20 (KJV)
1:18 Now at the end of the days that the king had said he should bring them in, then the prince of the eunuchs brought them in before Nebuchadnezzar.

1:19 And the king communed with them; and among them all was found none like Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah: therefore stood they before the king.

1:20 And in all matters of wisdom and understanding, that the king enquired of them, he found them ten times better than all the magicians and astrologers that were in all his realm.

Bible in one year: 1st Chronicles 25:27, Ezekiel 33:21-29, Hymn: Sing hymn 16
MESSAGE:
Wisdom is the quality of discerning what is true, what is ethically right, and what should be done in different situations. Wisdom is fundamentally practical in nature. Although God alone possesses wisdom in the absolute sense, as benevolent God, He is willing to give His wisdom to all those who seek it in humble reverence (James 1:5). We see the wisdom of God manifested in the work of creation and in the provision of redemption from sin through Jesus Christ. Divine wisdom refers to the abilities given by God in every area of life including recognising and applying the provision of salvation through Christ Jesus, craftsmanship, knowledge and insight for right decisions in life, and several others. Divine wisdom cannot be received by those who put their confidence in worldly wisdom, which is based on human cleverness and insight without God’s revelation. God considers this human kind of wisdom to be foolishness. It may produce temporary success in life, but this will come to nothing on the long run. 1st Corinthians 3:19-20 says,

“For the wisdom of this world is foolishness with God. For it is written, He taketh the wise in their own craftiness. And again, The Lord knoweth the thoughts of the wise, that they are vain.”

Worldly wisdom builds pride and false hope in people, so much so that it makes them arrogate success to themselves to the exclusion of the Almighty God (Proverbs 26:12, Isaiah 47:10). In Isaiah 29:14, God has declared that worldly wisdom shall perish.

Wisdom has its roots in knowledge. Wisdom is the ability to correctly make use of acquired knowledge. Divine wisdom leads to proper conduct because it is built on the fear of God (Job 28:28). One of the dimensions that the Holy Spirit operates in is wisdom (Isaiah 11:2). Those who desire to possess divine wisdom will therefore need to cultivate an intimate relationship with Him (Proverbs 1:20-26). The Holy Spirit can fill a man’s heart with divine wisdom through the diligent study of God’s word (Psalms 19:7). He can also give divine wisdom through revelation. This revelation can come in the place of observing how others live their lives, or through the study of nature. Wisdom may also be received as a result of practical experiences of life and from parental guidance. Divine wisdom can only be received by those who are willing to give up all reliance on their own human insight and understanding. As you seek for divine wisdom by one or a combination of ways mentioned here, God will answer you and fill you up with His divine wisdom in Jesus’ Name.
Prayer Point:
Father, please teach me Your ways and lead me through the path of wisdom in Jesus’ Name.

Open Heavens Devotional - SURE AVENUES TO COMFORT

Open Heavens 30 August 2017: Wednesday daily devotional by Pastor E. A. Adeboye - Sure Avenue to Comfort

SURE AVENUES TO COMFORT – Wednesday August 30th 2017

Memorise: For whatsoever things were written aforetime were written for our learning, that we through patience and comfort of the scriptures might have hope. Romans 15:4

Read: Romans 15:4-5 (KJV)

15:4 For whatsoever things were written aforetime were written for our learning, that we through patience and comfort of the scriptures might have hope.

15:5 Now the God of patience and consolation grant you to be likeminded one toward another according to Christ Jesus:

Bible in one year: 1st Chronicles 22-24, Ezekiel 33:10-20, Hymn: Sing hymn 16

MESSAGE:
We are blessed to have a God that does not desert those who belong to Him. In Hebrews 13:5, God promised never to leave nor forsake His own. The divine presence of the Great Shepherd strengthens His sheep, so much so that they entertain no fear. If you are His sheep, He is always with you; even when you cannot feel Him. Do you know that in those moments when it appears as if God has gone on a journey, He is much more around you than you can imagine? When He promised to be with us always, He was not joking (Matthew 28:20). Are you a sheep of the Great Shepherd? Are you feeling lonely or does it appear that God has forsaken you? He has not. He is right there by your side. He can hear your voice and your whisper. He can even hear your unvoiced wishes, and He will answer you. However, do everything to remain His sheep. Remain within His fold and shun every temptation to stray to the left or to the right.

If Jesus is the Shepherd of your soul, you will not lack comfort because He has promised to comfort you through His rod and staff (Psalm 23:4). No one can make it through this pilgrim’s way without the comfort of the Great Shepherd. One way we receive comfort today, as followers of Jesus Christ, is through the Holy Spirit. Hence, John 14:16 says,

“And I will pray the Father, and he shall give you another Comforter, that he may abide with you forever.”


When you go through loss or experience some very painful situations, you need the comfort of the Spirit to restore you to a state of peace. The Holy Spirit is so good at this. If however you create a gulf between yourself and the Holy Spirit, how would you then be comforted in the time of need? From experience, the comfort you get from fellow human beings is grossly inadequate. Why? At best, man’s attempt at comforting you may satisfy mainly physical needs, but the comfort of the Holy Spirit can reach out to all areas of need, particularly the realm of the soul. Another way of accessing real soothing comfort is from the word of God. Romans 15:4 says that this kind of comfort does not only deal with the unrest in your heart, but it also gives you hope. This is one reason why you should never be far from the Bible. The word of God inspires hope. If you feel hopeless, check yourself; you may find out that God’s word is scarce in your heart. Are you feeling hopeless or in need of comfort? Reach out for God’s word today.
Key Point
One crucial time you need the comfort of the Holy Spirit is when you are passing through a wilderness experience.

Health Food Devotions - God’s Word Is Good.

Then said the Lord unto me, Thou hast well seen: for I will hasten my word to perform it.—JEREMIAH 1:12

God’s Word Is Good.

I remember another situation in which I had to act on what the banker said. I needed a car that could pull my trailer up mountainous roads. So I bought a 1955 V8 Chevrolet. Well, I didn’t have the money to buy it. I found a salesman who would let me have it at cost. However, instead of letting me have it at cost, it cost him one hundred and fifty dollars to sell it to me. So I called from California to Garland, Texas, to speak to my banker. I said, “Mr. Mitchell, I am buying a three-quarter ton pick-up truck.” Then I told him the price. He said, “Wow! There’s got to be some mistake here.”

So the salesman got on the phone with Mr. Mitchell and said, “I’m staying with the figure I gave him. We made a mistake. We figured it wrong. He’s getting the truck at one hundred and fifty dollars less than what we put in it. But I’m a man of my word. I’m going to stay with what I said. He can have it for that price.” Mr. Mitchell said, “All right. Just give the pick-up truck to him, and I’ll put the check in the mail for you.” Well, I drove that truck away in fifteen minutes. All the salesman and I had was the banker’s word. And all the banker had was my word. But we just acted on one another’s word and enjoyed the benefits thereof! I wonder if God’s Word is as good as Mr. Mitchell’s word! I wonder if God’s Word is as good as the car dealer’s word! I wonder if God will back His Word up! I wonder if you can depend on what He said! You have to know that God stands by His Word. Then you won’t be afraid to trust Him.

Confession: I know that God stands by His Word. His Word says that I’m healed, that I’m not sick anymore. So I believe Him. I know that God’s Word works for me.

Open Heavens Devotional - CHOSEN FOR A DIVINE PURPOSE

Open Heavens 29 August 2017: Tuesday daily devotional by Pastor E. A. Adeboye - Chosen for a divine purpose.

CHOSEN FOR A DIVINE PURPOSE – Tuesday August 29th 2017

Memorise: But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should shew forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvellous light: 1 Peter 2:9

Read: Acts 17:24-31 (KJV)
17:24 God that made the world and all things therein, seeing that he is Lord of heaven and earth, dwelleth not in temples made with hands;

17:25 Neither is worshipped with men's hands, as though he needed any thing, seeing he giveth to all life, and breath, and all things;

17:26 And hath made of one blood all nations of men for to dwell on all the face of the earth, and hath determined the times before appointed, and the bounds of their habitation;

17:27 That they should seek the Lord, if haply they might feel after him, and find him, though he be not far from every one of us:

17:28 For in him we live, and move, and have our being; as certain also of your own poets have said, For we are also his offspring.

17:29 Forasmuch then as we are the offspring of God, we ought not to think that the Godhead is like unto gold, or silver, or stone, graven by art and man's device.

17:30 And the times of this ignorance God winked at; but now commandeth all men every where to repent:

17:31 Because he hath appointed a day, in the which he will judge the world in righteousness by that man whom he hath ordained; whereof he hath given assurance unto all men, in that he hath raised him from the dead.

Bible in one year: 1st Chronicles 19-21, Ezekiel 32:29-33:9, Hymn: Sing hymn 8

MESSAGE:
Many Christians interpret today’s memory verse with the notion that God favours some individuals or groups of people over others. This idea eventually developed into doctrine of “Election”, which suggests that some people are predestined for salvation and others for damnation. Consequently, this doctrine of election has raised a lot of difficult questions in the minds of several people. Why should a just and loving God favour certain individuals or groups of people over others? Why should a loving God command the elimination of some people without mercy? A proper and diligent study of the Bible would lay these questions to rest permanently. Even a cursory look at the word of God shows clearly that God is good to all. He is not partial; neither is He a respecter of persons (Acts 10:34)

“For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.
John 3:16

The above scripture makes it clear that Jesus was given for all men and women from all nations on the face of the earth, and anyone who believes in Him will obtain salvation. Therefore, those with warped interpretations of Scriptures that present our God in bad light, all in the name of “theology”, are not speaking the mind of God. Through the manifestation of Jesus Christ, the whole world, without exception, stands before God with equal opportunity and access to the grace, mercy, favour and love of God. Romans 10:13 says,
“For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.”

No matter who you are, you can come to Jesus with boldness and He will never reject or turn you down. The statement in 1st Peter 2:9 is therefore absolutely correct for everyone who has accepted the Lordship of Jesus Christ over their lives. If you are one of such people, you can say with certainty that you are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, and a member of a holy nation. You are specially chosen to live in holiness and righteousness, to show forth the glory of God in all ramifications of life, and to live in good health, joy and peace. Since you have been chosen for a divine purpose, I pray that you will surely fulfil your destiny in Jesus’ Name.

Action Point
Thank God for who you are in Christ Jesus as revealed in 1st Peter 2:9. Confess each of the titles that describe your standing in Christ in this verse of Scripture.

Open Heavens Devotional - BUILDERS FOR GOD

Open Heavens 28 August 2017: Monday daily devotional by Pastor E. A. Adeboye - Builders for God

BUILDERS FOR GOD – Monday August 28th 2017

Memorise: Therefore, my beloved brethren, be ye stedfast, unmoveable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, forasmuch as ye know that your labour is not in vain in the Lord. 1st Corinthians 15:58

Read: Nehemiah 2:1-8 (KJV)
2:1 And it came to pass in the month Nisan, in the twentieth year of Artaxerxes the king, that wine was before him: and I took up the wine, and gave it unto the king. Now I had not been beforetime sad in his presence.

2:2 Wherefore the king said unto me, Why is thy countenance sad, seeing thou art not sick? this is nothing else but sorrow of heart. Then I was very sore afraid,

2:3 And said unto the king, Let the king live for ever: why should not my countenance be sad, when the city, the place of my fathers' sepulchres, lieth waste, and the gates thereof are consumed with fire?

2:4 Then the king said unto me, For what dost thou make request? So I prayed to the God of heaven.

2:5 And I said unto the king, If it please the king, and if thy servant have found favour in thy sight, that thou wouldest send me unto Judah, unto the city of my fathers' sepulchres, that I may build it.

2:6 And the king said unto me, (the queen also sitting by him,) For how long shall thy journey be? and when wilt thou return? So it pleased the king to send me; and I set him a time.

2:7 Moreover I said unto the king, If it please the king, let letters be given me to the governors beyond the river, that they may convey me over till I come into Judah;

2:8 And a letter unto Asaph the keeper of the king's forest, that he may give me timber to make beams for the gates of the palace which appertained to the house, and for the wall of the city, and for the house that I shall enter into. And the king granted me, according to the good hand of my God upon me.

Bible in one year: 1st Chronicles 16:18, Ezekiel 32:16-28, Hymn: Sing hymn: 14

MESSAGE:
A builder is a person who is capable of handling the design, planning and construction of a building project. A builder is obligated to execute a building project in compliance with the specifications of the blueprint he or she has been given. Throughout the Bible, terms like building, foundation, house, temple, building block and cornerstones, are used figuratively. For example, the Bible presents God as a Builder in Hebrews 11:10, while 1st Corinthians 3:11 presents the Christian faith as a building which has Jesus Christ as the foundation. Consequently, ministers of the gospel are co-labourers with God and also builder (1st Corinthians 3:9). Similarly, the duties and responsibilities of a minister of God can be compared to that of a builder in many ways. A builder should be a wise person who is skilled in the art and science of construction. Likewise, a minister of the gospel should be skilful in the art of building the souls of men. No ignorant preacher should be given this sensitive assignment. A builder takes special care to lay the right foundation and selects the right materials to make the building well suited for the foundation. In like manner, ministers of God must be mindful of the materials they use in building the Church of God. Christ is our Living Foundation who requires the use of living stones for building the Church (1st Peter 2:5-6). Sometimes, a builder must first pull down an old structure and remove the resultant debris before laying a new foundation. Ministers of the gospel must also pull down every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God, and remove the debris of many errors, indiscipline, false doctrines and damnable heresies.

There is an aspect of the building profession that involves creativity and craftsmanship. By these set of skills, much beauty, innovation, artistry, colour and style is achieved in a building project. Similarly, the introduction of creative ideas into various aspects of the work of the gospel has produced enviable results across the world. However, caution must be applied because the Bible views certain creative works as whitewashed sepulchres (Matthew 23:27). The decision to accept or reject any creative work is not driven by the work itself, but is determined by the spirit that motivates the worker. Fine craftsmen can prostitute their talents by producing beautiful idols. The Church of God is a work in progress and every Christian is duty-bound to make their contributions in compliance with the blueprint of Jesus and according to God’s specifications. Let everyone take heed and watch how they build on the foundation of Jesus Christ.

Prayer Point
Father, please don’t let me suffer lost in life and ministry; let my efforts and contributions to the advancement of the gospel be rewarded in Jesus’ Name.

Marriage Insight: Expert Marriage Advice

Marriage Insight: Expert Marriage Advice

We felt that God was impressing upon us this week to share with you some “expert marriage advice.” In other words, this will be advice we’ve gleaned from some great marriage experts. And WOW! We found some great stuff! The Marriage Missions web site is filled with it. We tell you this not to brag (truly), but to point out that there is SO MUCH great advice available. These “experts” have learned to walk the walk, as much as they talk the talk. So they truly are experts.

So, pray, read, glean, and see what you can apply in your own marriage. We hope your spouse will join you in reading this advice. Then talk about the marriage tips that are given. This can be a great bonding experience for both of you. We’re going to cascade one piece of advice off of the next. So, you may need to read it more than once because the advice is rich! So here goes:

To start out, here is some expert marriage advice from Steve Arteburn: "Don't use faith, the Bible, or God as a hammer." Remember: "God did not send His Son into the world to condemn it, but to save it." (John 3:17) - "Let love be your guidepost." We are told in the Bible, "Love is patient and kind. Love is not jealous or boastful or proud or rude. Love does not demand its own way. Love is not irritable and it keeps no record of when it has been wronged." (1 Corinthians 13:4-5) “Make it your goal to create a marriage that feels like it is the safest place on earth.” (Gary Smalley)

Keep in mind: “The best time to love with your whole heart is always now, this moment, because no breath beyond the current is promised.” (Fawn Weaver) This goes with another insight along that line: “The greatest weakness of most humans is their hesitancy to tell others how much they love them while they’re still alive.” (Orlando Battista) Today is a great day to say, “I love you!”

“To get divorced because love has died, is like selling your car because it has run out of gas.” (Diane Sollee) Work to grow your marriage. It won't automatically grow without some help. It takes effort, and time. “People say love doesn’t last. Well, neither does bathing. That’s why we recommend renewing it daily.” (Sheila Wray Gregoire) MAKE the time to grow your love for each other. “Don’t devote so much energy to the ‘squeaky wheel’ that you shortchange the people (spouse) in your life who matter the most.” (John Maxwell) Make your spouse a priority. We have a lot of tools on our web site that can help you do that, plus scriptures posted as GREAT advice for your marriage that you can read within this Insight at: https://marriagemissions.com/expert-marriage-advice/

And if you’re going through tough times right now, remember: "No matter how you started out, God can re-write your story and give you an ending you never thought possible." (Ngina Otiende) And we know that is true. God did that in our marriage, and we've seen Him do it in countless others. Please take encouragement from that. Don't buy the lie that just because things are one way now, they will always be that way. We serve a God of redemption. Even if you have a stubborn spouse, look to God and do things His way, even if it doesn’t make sense right now.

This goes along with two more great pieces of advice: “Our circumstances will not automatically line up to support our marriage vows. It’s our job to make sure they do.” (Ngina Otiende) “Love convinces a couple that they are the greatest romance that has ever been, that no two people have ever loved as they do. They vow to sacrifice absolutely anything in order to be together. And then marriage asks them to prove it.” (Mike Mason)

In closing, remember: “We won’t have an extraordinary relationship with our spouse when we settle for an ordinary relationship with God.” (Justin & Trisha Davis) “To expect a close, loving marriage without relying on the Lord is foolhardy.” (Dr. James Dobson) Above any other “expert marriage advice, keep in mind: “God’s Word is the perfect guidebook for marriage. Those who live by His Word reap the blessings that obedience brings.” (Darlene Schacht) 

Our prayer challenge for you & your spouse: "May the Lord direct your heart into God's love and Christ's perseverance." (2 Thessalonians 3:5) ~ Cindy and Steve Wright

Open Heavens Devotional - DON’T RESIST; RUN!

Open Heavens 27 August 2017: Sunday daily devotional by Pastor E. A. Adeboye - Don’t Resist; Run!

DON’T RESIST; RUN! – Sunday August 27th 2017

Memorise: For ye are bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God’s. 1st Corinthians 6:20

Read: 2nd Timothy 2:22-23 (KJV)
2:22 Flee also youthful lusts: but follow righteousness, faith, charity, peace, with them that call on the Lord out of a pure heart.

2:23 But foolish and unlearned questions avoid, knowing that they do gender strifes.

Bible in one year: 1st Chronicles 13-15, Ezekiel 32:1-15, Hymn: Sing hymn 6

MESSAGE:
While it is important for you to admit your mistakes with sorrowful heart, it is also important that you learn from these mistakes. Ask yourself: “How did I get here? What did I do wrong? How could I have avoided this outcome?” To live triumphantly in this world, you need to pay very close attention to what the word of God says and follow it to the letter. 1st Peter 5:8-9 says you should steadfastly resist the devil, so if you resist, but do not steadfastly resist, you will surely fall. On the other hand, in 1st Corinthians 6:18, we are commanded to flee fornication. In this case, God does not require resistance from you, but that you should take to your heels! If you then try to resist instead of running, you will surely fall. Similarly, 2nd Timothy 2:22 says,

“Flee also youthful lusts: but follow righteousness, faith, charity, peace, with them that call on the Lord out of a pure heart.”

Clearly, there is a time to stand and a time to run. If you stand when you should run, you will most likely fall.

Sometimes ago, I told male pastors not to have female secretaries, but some of them who thought they were wiser than I, called it gender discrimination. I told them that after they had become causalities of their wrong decisions, they would remember that I had earlier warned them. One of my very good sons, who knew the Bible very well, hired a female secretary. I asked him, “What are you doing? How can you be in the same office with this lady smiling at you? Eventually, you will end up working late with her. Go and ease her out.” He dragged his feet on this. Today, this same person is out of the ministry, out of his home and jobless. If not that he lives in a country where the government provides food for the jobless, he would have starved. Some leaders are still toying with danger. Some piglets once asked the mother pig, “Why are you always grunting? “The mother pig replied, “When you are as old as I am, you will know why.” Avoid any source of temptation! Resist when you should and run when you should. Some people take it as an act of cowardice to run from those they feel sexually attracted to. No! It is not cowardice, it is wisdom! God knows how He wired your body, so if He says you should run in a particular situation, please run for your dear life!

Action Point
The Bible has the antidote to every situation; apply it diligently and you will never fall.

Open Heavens Devotional - THE REWARD OF PROFITABLE STEWARDSHIP

Open Heavens 26 August 2017: Saturday daily devotional by Pastor E. A. Adeboye - The reward of profitable stewardship

THE REWARD OF PROFITABLE STEWARDSHIP – Saturday August 26th 2017

Memorise: And, behold, I come quickly; and my reward is with me, to give every man according as his work shall be. Revelation 22:12

Read: Matthew 25:14-23 (KJV)
25:14 For the kingdom of heaven is as a man travelling into a far country, who called his own servants, and delivered unto them his goods.

25:15 And unto one he gave five talents, to another two, and to another one; to every man according to his several ability; and straightway took his journey.

25:16 Then he that had received the five talents went and traded with the same, and made them other five talents.

25:17 And likewise he that had received two, he also gained other two.

25:18 But he that had received one went and digged in the earth, and hid his lord's money.

25:19 After a long time the lord of those servants cometh, and reckoneth with them.

25:20 And so he that had received five talents came and brought other five talents, saying, Lord, thou deliveredst unto me five talents: behold, I have gained beside them five talents more.

25:21 His lord said unto him, Well done, thou good and faithful servant: thou hast been faithful over a few things, I will make thee ruler over many things: enter thou into the joy of thy lord.

25:22 He also that had received two talents came and said, Lord, thou deliveredst unto me two talents: behold, I have gained two other talents beside them.

25:23 His lord said unto him, Well done, good and faithful servant; thou hast been faithful over a few things, I will make thee ruler over many things: enter thou into the joy of thy lord.

Bible in one year: 1st Chronicles 11:12, Ezekiel 31:10-18, Hymn: Sing hymn: 14

MESSAGE:
Christianity entails total submission to the will of God as revealed in His word. A Christian must view God as the ultimate owner of everything, who decides to delegate and distribute a certain measure of His resources to each and every person, according to their ability, for the purpose of making profit. In reality, all that we own isn’t really ours; they are blessings that have been graciously bestowed on us by the Lord (John 3:27). For all that God has given to us, there’s an expectation that comes along with them. The word “stewardship” summarises this arrangement. A steward is a special servant employed to oversee and manage the affairs of a household according to the dictates of the owner. He or she is simply a servant who has been entrusted with the authority to make decisions on behalf of his or her master. All purchases pertaining to the running of a household are made by the steward. Even some very important decisions are made by stewards. For example, Abraham entrusted his steward, Eliezer of Damascus, with the crucial responsibility of choosing a wife for his son Isaac (Genesis 24:2-4). A true Christian operates under the same dynamics today. As a steward over the heritage of God, you should be able to operate without supervision. Everything you do should be done as unto the Lord. You should make certain that the resources you are entrusted with are put to proper use for God and not for personal gain. As God’s steward, you should do everything to ensure that the Lord’s resources are carefully deployed to accomplish His agenda. A steward is a trustworthy ambassador that sometimes stands in the place of God to make decisions and take actions that could have far-reaching effects on people lives. Christian stewardship is therefore an awesome responsibility that should be handled with utmost care. May you never mishandle your responsibility as a representative of the Almighty God in Jesus’ Name.


God has very important assignments He wants to execute in this world, and He has entrusted some of these into your hands. One of such assignments is the Great Commission (Matthew 28:19-20). God has chosen you as His primary tool to accomplish this awesome task, and He has appointed and equipped you to carry His message of salvation to those who are lost in sin. You must therefore take up this responsibility and fulfil the heartbeat of God. In conclusion, here in this world, there are innumerable benefits awaiting all obedient servants of God. However, the most important reward for profitable stewardship is to be a guest of Jesus at His marriage supper, and to stand before God’s throne to receive commendation and the crown of life from the Master. You will make it in Jesus’ Name.

Prayer Point
Father, help me to be worthy of the ultimate reward for profitable stewardship in Jesus’ Name.

Open Heavens Devotional - THE UNPROFITABLE SERVANT

Open Heavens 25 August 2017: Friday daily devotional by Pastor E. A. Adeboye - The Unprofitable Servant

THE UNPROFITABLE SERVANT – Friday August 25th 2017

Memorise: And that servant, which knew his lord’s will, and prepared not himself, neither did according to his will, shall be beaten with many stripes. Luke 12:47

Read: Matthew 25:24-30 (KJV)
25:24 Then he which had received the one talent came and said, Lord, I knew thee that thou art an hard man, reaping where thou hast not sown, and gathering where thou hast not strawed:

25:25 And I was afraid, and went and hid thy talent in the earth: lo, there thou hast that is thine.

25:26 His lord answered and said unto him, Thou wicked and slothful servant, thou knewest that I reap where I sowed not, and gather where I have not strawed:

25:27 Thou oughtest therefore to have put my money to the exchangers, and then at my coming I should have received mine own with usury.

25:28 Take therefore the talent from him, and give it unto him which hath ten talents.

25:29 For unto every one that hath shall be given, and he shall have abundance: but from him that hath not shall be taken away even that which he hath.

25:30 And cast ye the unprofitable servant into outer darkness: there shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth.
open-heavens-25-august-2017-friday-daily-devotional-lessons
Bible in one year: 1st Chronicles 8-10, Ezekiel 30:20-31:9, Hymn: Sing hymn 14

MESSAGE:
An unprofitable servant is generally identified as a steward that fails to put his or her talents to profitable use for his or her master. He or she is a wasteful person who is pleased to keep the master’s investment from yielding any profit.  Among all the servants mentioned in the Bible, it was only the unprofitable servant that had the disrespectful behaviour of complaining and bringing charges against his lord. He had the audacity to accuse his master to his face of being a difficult and greedy person, wanting to reap where he did not sow! He created the impression that his master had all along been wicked, unfair and insensitive. Although the unprofitable servant tried to portray himself as a humble and obedient servant, he ended up giving himself off as a self-righteous person, who had mastered the art of making excuses to cover up for slothfulness and failure. Trying to justify himself, he falsely argued that he became indolent and unproductive out of fear for his master. He forgot that a master’s commandment is a servant’s duty. As a master of fact, a servant always owes a debt of service to his or her master (Luke 17:7-10). The unprofitable servant tried so hard to justify himself but he failed woefully. God is not mocked; the excuses you have prepared to use on the Day of Judgment will not stand the rest of His scrutiny.


Brethren, every excuse that we give for failure to obey the commandments of God with regards to the use of our talents is simply evidence of rebellion against God. The excuse that the unprofitable servant gave is the command plea of many Christians today, who complain that the Almighty God has no right to demand for the use of their time, money and ability for the promotion of His kingdom. If you fail to put your God-given talents to profitable use, on the day of reckoning, you will hear the denunciation pronounced against the unprofitable servant: “Take therefore the talent from him!” I plray that you will never receive words of condemnation from God in Jesus’ Name. Many would ask, “What wrong have I done?” Search your heart. Have you fixed your Lord’s money in huge deposits and savings accounts, or tied up his investments in properties, exotic cars, exclusive furniture and an expensive lifestyle, all the while leaving souls to perish in their sins? Do you prefer to bury your talents out of selfishness because you care more about yourself and less about God and the expansion of His kingdom? Have you deliberately refused to put God’s endowments in your life to profitable use; thereby causing the benefits and profits due to God and man to be totally lost? To be commended by the Master, we need to repent of our selfish lifestyle and yield to God in complete obedience.

Prayer point
Father, please give me the grace to serve You profitably to the end in Jesus’ Name.

Open Heavens Devotional - THE CHURCH OF GOD II

Open Heavens 23 August 2017: Wednesday daily devotional by Pastor E. A. Adeboye - The Church of God II

THE CHURCH OF GOD II – Wednesday August 23rd 2017

Memorize: Till we all come in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ: Ephesians 4:13

Read: 1st Corinthians 1:1-11 (KJV)
1:1 Paul called to be an apostle of Jesus Christ through the will of God, and Sosthenes our brother,

1:2 Unto the church of God which is at Corinth, to them that are sanctified in Christ Jesus, called to be saints, with all that in every place call upon the name of Jesus Christ our Lord, both their's and our's:

1:3 Grace be unto you, and peace, from God our Father, and from the Lord Jesus Christ.

1:4 I thank my God always on your behalf, for the grace of God which is given you by Jesus Christ;

1:5 That in every thing ye are enriched by him, in all utterance, and in all knowledge;

1:6 Even as the testimony of Christ was confirmed in you:

1:7 So that ye come behind in no gift; waiting for the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ:

1:8 Who shall also confirm you unto the end, that ye may be blameless in the day of our Lord Jesus Christ.

1:9 God is faithful, by whom ye were called unto the fellowship of his Son Jesus Christ our Lord.

1:10 Now I beseech you, brethren, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that ye all speak the same thing, and that there be no divisions among you; but that ye be perfectly joined together in the same mind and in the same judgment.

1:11 For it hath been declared unto me of you, my brethren, by them which are of the house of Chloe, that there are contentions among you.

Bible in one year: 1st Chronicles 4-5, Ezekiel 29:10-30:4, Hymn: Sing hymn 18

MESSAGE:
The Church of God is the embodiment of Christ here on earth and for all eternity (Ephesians 1:23). God will continue to inhabit His people, and His people will continue to live in Him and worship His majesty forever (John 14:16). The Church of God on earth is the representation of His personality among men. She is the Body of Christ, filled and controlled by the Holy Spirit, and so, she renders all honour and adoration to God the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit. Although the Church is operating in the world, there is no room for the world in the Church (John 17:16)

“Behold, how good and how pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity!”
Psalm 133:1

The Church of God called to live in blameless unity. Unity is a characteristic that distinguishes God’s people. We derived this characteristic from the nature of God in us; therefore, God expects His Church to manifest unity, through commitment to one another. In essence, the Church of God is one, because it is founded on one gospel, united in one Lord and walking in one Spirit (Ephesians 4:4-6). However, the unity of the Church is constantly under attack because the enemy knows she is unstoppable when she walks in unity. Because it is inherent in our fallen human nature for people to be divisive, unity needs to be continually maintained and actively expressed in fellowship. The fellowship that Christians share as a result of our common union with God through Jesus Christ is expressed as we share the triumphs and challenges of life together. The Bible strongly emphasizes the importance of Christian unity. Act 4:32 says,

“And the multitude of them that believed were of one heart and of one soul: neither said any of them that ought of the things which he possessed was his own; but they had all things common.”

God exhorts the Church to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace (Ephesians 4:3-16). We as Christians are to preserve the oneness that the Spirit imparts to all are baptised into the Body of Christ, which is identical to the oneness of the Holy Trinity. The unity of the Church should be evident in our love for one another, in worshipping together and in a practical commitment to one another, which is demonstrated through deep concern for the weak and a readiness to provide for the poor and needy.

Prayer point
Father, please baptise your Church with true love and bind the Body of Christ together with a strong cord of unity in Jesus’ Name.

Open Heavens Devotional - THE CHURCH OF GOD I

Open Heavens 22 August 2017: Tuesday daily devotional by Pastor E. A. Adeboye- The Church of God I

THE CHURCH OF GOD I – Tuesday August 22nd 2017

Memorise: And hath put all things under his feet, and gave him to be the head over all things to the church, which is his body, the fullness of him that filleth all in all. Ephesians 1:22-23

Read: 2nd Thessalonians 1:1-12 (KJV)
1:1 Paul, and Silvanus, and Timotheus, unto the church of the Thessalonians in God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ:

1:2 Grace unto you, and peace, from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.

1:3 We are bound to thank God always for you, brethren, as it is meet, because that your faith groweth exceedingly, and the charity of every one of you all toward each other aboundeth;

1:4 So that we ourselves glory in you in the churches of God for your patience and faith in all your persecutions and tribulations that ye endure:

1:5 Which is a manifest token of the righteous judgment of God, that ye may be counted worthy of the kingdom of God, for which ye also suffer:

1:6 Seeing it is a righteous thing with God to recompense tribulation to them that trouble you;

1:7 And to you who are troubled rest with us, when the Lord Jesus shall be revealed from heaven with his mighty angels,

1:8 In flaming fire taking vengeance on them that know not God, and that obey not the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ:

1:9 Who shall be punished with everlasting destruction from the presence of the Lord, and from the glory of his power;

1:10 When he shall come to be glorified in his saints, and to be admired in all them that believe (because our testimony among you was believed) in that day.

1:11 Wherefore also we pray always for you, that our God would count you worthy of this calling, and fulfil all the good pleasure of his goodness, and the work of faith with power:

1:12 That the name of our Lord Jesus Christ may be glorified in you, and ye in him, according to the grace of our God and the Lord Jesus Christ.

Bible in one year: 1st Chronicles 1-3, Ezekiel 28:25-29:9, Hymn: Sing hymn 14

MESSAGE:
The Church is a body of saints being prepared as the Bride of Christ to be married to Him at His second coming (Ephesians 5:25-27). It is also a spiritual body of which Jesus Christ is the Head (Colossians 1:18). The Church of God is the meeting place of God and man, created as a means of uniting all people with God and with one another. The manifold wisdom of God, His mysteries, His nature, character and His attributes are revealed through His Church. Among all of God’s creatures, He did not find any of them worthy to be His dwelling place. However, He specifically designed and built His Church to be His dwelling place: a place of His rest. God cherishes His Church so much that He showers much care on her, and through her, He spreads Himself across the face of the earth.

In Matthew 16:18, the Lord decreed that the gates of hell shall not prevail against His Church; consequently, the Church of God is served by the ministry of angels (Hebrews 1:14). It is the only institution on earth that angels pay attention to as a matter of duty. The angels of God dote on His Church and admire her beauty (1st Peter 1:12). It is the only institution on earth which the angels of God take interest in, and every bit of progress that the Church makes in this world brings joy to them and causes them to celebrate (Luke 15:7). If you have not given your life to Christ, you can cause the angels of God to rejoice today by accepting Jesus as your Lord and personal Saviour, thereby becoming a member of the body of Christ, which is the Church. As a member of the Church of God, you are expected to continually express your love for God in worship and practical service, which includes enduring hardness, afflictions and tribulations for the sake of God’s kingdom. Always remember that Christianity is not bread and butter alone. Despite all the good promises of God to you, Jesus, in John 16:33b, also says to you,

“In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.”

God’s attention is focused on His Church, and as a result, the devil can never prevail against you. However, you must learn to endure afflictions, and you must confidently confront evil. You must not be ashamed or afraid of witnessing for Jesus. Always be mindful of the fact that the Holy Spirit is in you and the angels of God are at your service wherever you go.

Prayer Point
Father, in Jesus’ Name, please give me the grace to endure hardship, afflictions and tribulations for the sake of Your Name.

Open Heavens Devotional - THE TEMPLE OF THE HOLY SPIRIT

Open Heavens 21 August 2017: Monday daily devotional by Pastor E. A. Adeboye- The Temple of the Holy Spirit

THE TEMPLE OF THE HOLY SPIRIT – Monday August 21st 2017

Memorise: For ye are bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God’s. 1st Corinthians 6:20

Read: 1st Corinthians 3:16-17 (KJV)

3:16 Know ye not that ye are the temple of God, and that the Spirit of God dwelleth in you?

3:17 If any man defile the temple of God, him shall God destroy; for the temple of God is holy, which temple ye are.

Bible in one year: 2nd Kings 24-25, Ezekiel 28:11-24, Hymn: Sing hymn 6

MESSAGE:
The response of the Lord Jesus Christ to the question of a Samaritan woman on God’s approval location of acceptable worship, in John 4:20, put an end to the era where God could only be worshipped in specific places. John 4:21& 23 says,

“Jesus saith unto her, Woman, believe me, the hour cometh, when ye shall neither in this mountain, nor yet at Jerusalem, worship the Father. 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.”

Jesus taught her that the time has come when true worshippers of God are not required to visit any physical temple or be present in any particular location in order to worship God acceptably. True worshipper can now worship the Father in spirit and in truth.

Building on this teaching, Apostle Paul expounded that the dwelling of God is no longer in temples made by human hands (Acts 17:24). He further revealed that God, in the person of the Holy Spirit, now dwells in the body of those who have yielded to the Lordship of Jesus Christ. In 1st Corinthians 6:19 He wrote this:

“What? Know ye not that your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost which is in you, which ye have of God, and ye are not your own?”

If you are indeed a Christian, your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit. Out of love for you, God gave you a unique body; and He wants you to reciprocate His love by making good use of it. The question is, are you conscious of the fact that God’s Holy Spirit dwells in you? Are you aware that you are not your own, and that you are bought with a price? Are you aware that you are to glorify God in your body (1st Corinthians 6:20)? As a child of God, God has taken ownership of your body. You therefore have no preferences in matters concerning your body. You must commit your body to God as a living sacrifice and consciously conduct yourself as the dwelling place of His Holy Spirit. A Christian cannot therefore make choices about sexual orientation or engage in behaviours on the basis of personal preference. Without any ambiguity, God has made clear the purpose of our body; therefore, any notion about freedom of choice regarding sexuality and sexual acts is essentially incompatible with God’s word. God also warns that He will destroy those who defile His temple, which is our body. Take note of this and be wise!

Prayer Point
Father, please abide in me; make my body Your dwelling place, and give me the grace to resist any temptation to misuse my body, in Jesus’ Name.

Open Heavens Devotional - THE GREAT VIRTUE

Open Heavens 20 August 2017: Sunday daily devotional by Pastor E. A. Adeboye- The Great Virtue

THE GREAT VIRTUE – Sunday August 20th 2017

Memorise: And now abideth faith, hope, charity, these three; but the greatest of these is charity. 1st Corinthians 13:13

Read: 1st Corinthians 13:1-3 (KJV)
13:1 Though I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, and have not charity, I am become as sounding brass, or a tinkling cymbal.

13:2 And though I have the gift of prophecy, and understand all mysteries, and all knowledge; and though I have all faith, so that I could remove mountains, and have not charity, I am nothing.

13:3 And though I bestow all my goods to feed the poor, and though I give my body to be burned, and have not charity, it profiteth me nothing.

Bible in one year: 2nd Kings 23, Ezekiel 27:26-28:10, Hymn: Sing hymn 18

MESSAGE:
“The LORD hath appeared of old unto me, saying, Yea, I have loved thee with an everlasting love: therefore with loving-kindness have I drawn thee.”
Jeremiah 31:3

Love is a decision of commitment that is expressed as a strong feeling of affection and attraction. Based on God’s nature and actions, the Scripture gives us insight into the source, character and value of love. The Bible teaches that God is the source of love and that His very character is love. If you have ever been deeply in love with someone to the point of obsession, you will discover that you may lose your appetite and forget to eat because of that person (Song of Solomon 5:2-8). Your mind will become occupied with nothing else but that person. The object of your love is the last thing you think of when you go to bed and the first thing you think of when you wake up. Love involves the totality of a person’s thoughts, feelings and actions. Love is a central theme of the Christian faith and is a primary characteristic of God’s nature.

“Jesus said unto him, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind. This is the first and great commandment.”
Matthew 22:37-38

The first object of our love should be God. We are enjoined to love God with all our heart, soul and mind. Indeed, you need to understand the love of God for you before you can appreciate what true love is. Having received the love of God, God expects you to reciprocate His love by worshipping Him in truth and by showing His love to others. The love of God was manifested on the cross of Calvary. Jesus, with these words, revealed the extent of God’s love for us in John 3:16:

“For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.”

Out of love, God gave His only begotten Son as the ultimate sacrifice for the salvation of humanity. He then commanded every one of us that has received His love to reciprocate it by loving one another (1st John 4:7-8). The Bible makes it very clear that the proof of love is its expression through actions, especially actions that are taken in the interest of others. Children of God should never be identified with envy, hatred, pride, selfishness, or any form of wickedness. These vices are contrary to God’s nature in us. As Christians, we must always radiate the love of God with meekness, kindness, patience, peace and joy.

Prayer Point
Father, please fill my heart with Your love, so that Your love may flow through me to others.

Open HEAVENS Devotional - VICTORY THROUGH THE BLOOD OF JESUS

Open Heavens 19 August 2017: Saturday daily devotional by Pastor E. A. Adeboye- Victory through the blood of Jesus

VICTORY THROUGH THE BLOOD OF JESUS – Saturday August 19th 2017

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 (KJV)
12:21 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.

12:22 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.

12:23 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, Hymn: Sing hymn 2

MESSAGE:
From various reasons, the battle of life has proved to be of tremendous difficulty to mankind in every generation. First and foremost, the enemy is often difficult to identify correctly, coming in different forms and sizes. Sometimes, the enemy comes in the form of human opposition, criticism and antagonism, and other times, in the form of physical challenges and obstacles. 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. 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.”

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! 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. The battle cry in our conflict with the devil should always be the words of today’s memory verse. You must continuously resist the devil with words of this scripture and believe its declaration in your heart. 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. 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! 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. Let us praise and worship the Almighty God who has granted us victory through the Blood 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.

Open Heavens Devotional - THE CROWN OF RIGHTEOUSNESS

Open Heavens 18 August 2017: Friday daily devotional by Pastor E. A. Adeboye- The Crown of righteousness

THE CROWN OF RIGHTEOUSNESS – Friday August 18th 2017

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 (KJV)
4:7 I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith:

4:8 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, Hymn: Sing hymn 14

MESSAGE:
In several passages of Scriptures, the Christian life is compared to being engaged in a sporting activity, particularly the analogy of running a race. In other to finish strong like Apostle Paul did, we need to pay close attention to these analogies and apply their lessons to our Christian life. 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. 2nd Timothy 2:5 reveals that you must play according to the rules and regulations of the game to be declared the winner. 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. 2nd Timothy 2:4 says athletes must observe a discipline, controlled, and regimented lifestyle like soldiers while preparing for a competition. You need to measure your Christian life by these analogies to know how well you are fairing in the race to Heaven. 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. You should be prepared for rigorous training in the word of God, and persevere through the process of sanctification. Like the eagle, you should take the flight towards Heaven as a personal endeavour and ignore the multitude. You must strictly obey every detail in the word of God without reservation. 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. 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.

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. 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 determined to sacrifice everything in order to make Heaven. I hereby pray for everyone who is earnestly looking forward to eternal life, that you will not lose your crown 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.

Open HEAVENS Devotional - EVERLASTING FATHER

Open Heavens 17 August 2017: Thursday daily devotional by Pastor E. A. Adeboye- Everlasting Father

EVERLASTING FATHER – Thursday August 17 2017

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 (KJV)
9:6 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.

9:7 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, Hymn: Sing hymn 3

MESSAGE:
A father is the male personality among the two parents from whom children originate. 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. 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. Furthermore, good fathers are known to provide leadership, protection, provision, discipline, spiritual guidance, and emotional stability for members of their family. Obviously, mothers are equally important and their role as parents and leaders in the family cannot be overemphasised. 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.

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. 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. Because Jesus is the Everlasting Father, true Christians can enjoy all the benefits of divine fatherhood unhindered for eternity. 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 you in the face, just call upon the Everlasting Father, and your night will be turned to day. 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. 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. Above all, these benefits are yours to enjoy for eternity, if only you surrender your life to Him. I decree to every troubled soul that is reading this devotional, receive the intervention of the Everlasting Father now in the Name of Jesus.

Action Point
Pray that the Everlasting Father will heal every broken home and dysfunction in your family and local church.

Open Heavens Devotional - THE KING OF KINGS

Open Heavens 16 August 2017: Wednesday daily devotional by Pastor E. A. Adeboye- The King of Kings

THE KING OF KINGS – Wednesday August 16 2017

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 (KJV)

4:34 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:

4:35 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?

4;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.

4:37 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, Hymn: Sing hymn 3

MESSAGE:
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”. Obviously, the two titles are linked, but they also have their marked differences. The underlying thought of kingship is the exercise of authority, while that of lordship is the exercise of power. 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. 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. 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. 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)

When Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judaea, angles 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 these who believed in Him cried, “Hosanna, blessed is the king that comes in the Name of the Lord” (John 12:12-13). 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. 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. His title shall be boldly written upon His clothing and on His thigh: “KING OF KINGS, AND LORD OF LORDS”. 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. 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!

Action Point
Worship God as the King of kings, and live your life in submission to Him.

Open Heavens Devotional - HAVE FAITH IN GOD

Open Heavens 15 August 2017: Tuesday daily devotional by Pastor E. A. Adeboye- Have faith in God

HAVE FAITH IN GOD – Tuesday August 15th 2017

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 (KJV)
11:21 And Peter calling to remembrance saith unto him, Master, behold, the fig tree which thou cursedst is withered away.

11:22 And Jesus answering saith unto them, Have faith in God.

11:23 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.

11:24 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, Hymn: Sing hymn 1

MESSAGE:
Faith is a sense of reliance and trust in the Almighty God. It is a guiding belief and also a committed sense of loyalty. Faith is a central emphasis of Christianity, and for this reason, Christians are commonly called “believers”. A commitment to Christianity typically involves a confession of faith. The centrality of faith in Christianity reflects the significance given to it in the Bible. 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). 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). The Christian faith embraces the belief that God was made manifest in the flesh, in the person of Jesus Christ. 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. 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. 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.

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. We can only please God by walking with Him by faith. We must trust Him completely and rely on Him totally as our Father and closest friend. We manifest our trust in God when we pray to Him. The existence of God is settled in the mind of anyone who is a true Christian. Therefore, whenever a Christian prays to God, He or she is demonstrating faith in God’s existence. When a Christian repeatedly refuses to pray to God, he or she ignores God. However, God desires that all Christians pray continually. 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.

Prayer Point.
Father, please increase my faith, and help me to be completely dependant on You in all I do.

Open Heavens Devotional - THERE SHALL BE NO BARRIER

Open Heavens 14 August 2017: Monday daily devotional by Pastor E. A. Adeboye- There shall be no barrier

THERE SHALL BE NO BARRIER – Monday August 14th 2017

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 (KJV)
4:6 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.

4:7 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.

4:8 Moreover the word of the Lord came unto me, saying,

4;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, Hymn: Sing hymn 1

MESSAGE:
The Lord spoke the words of today’s memory verse to Joshua at a very crucial time in his life. 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. I pray for you today, you will receive divine support and assurance that will propel you to success in Jesus’ Name.

Today, God is telling you that there shall be no barrier to your promotion, success and breakthrough. 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. 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?”

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). 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. 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.

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.

Open Heavens Devotional - CAPTIVES OF THE MIGHTY

Open Heavens 13 August 2017: Sunday daily devotional by Pastor E. A. Adeboye- Captives of the mighty

CAPTIVES OF THE MIGHTY – Sunday August 13th 2017

Memorise: If the Son therefore shall make you free, ye shall be free indeed. John 8:36

Read: John 5:1-9 (KJV)
5:1 After this there was a feast of the Jews; and Jesus went up to Jerusalem.
 5:2 Now there is at Jerusalem by the sheep market a pool, which is called in the Hebrew tongue Bethesda, having five porches.

5:3 In these lay a great multitude of impotent folk, of blind, halt, withered, waiting for the moving of the water.

5:4 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.

5:5 And a certain man was there, which had an infirmity thirty and eight years.

5:6 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?

5:7 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.

5:8 Jesus saith unto him, Rise, take up thy bed, and walk.

5:9 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, Hymn: Sing hymn 4

MESSAGE:
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, addition, demonic possession and other evil conditions. The resultant effects of captivity include loss of freedom, psychological imbalance, and emotional trauma, loss of contact with loved ones, hopelessness and dejection. 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. 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. 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. 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.”

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,”


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!  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. 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 addition? 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!

Prayer Point
Lord Jesus, Please manifest your power to set me free from every form of captivity I am experiencing today.

Open Heavens Devotional - TRICKS OF THE DEVIL II

Open Heavens 12 August 2017: Saturday daily devotional by Pastor E. A. Adeboye- Tricks of the devil II

TRICKS OF THE DEVIL II – Saturday August 12th 2017

Memorise: Be not desirous of his dainties for they are deceitful meat. Proverbs 23:3

Read: Luke 4:5-8 (KJV)
4:5 And the devil, taking him up into an high mountain, shewed unto him all the kingdoms of the world in a moment of time.

4:6 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.

4:7 If thou therefore wilt worship me, all shall be thine.

4:8 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, Hymn: Sing hymn 7
MESSAGE:
Today, we are considering another trick of the devil, which is trapping a person through inordinate desires. This tactic often takes the form of a sweet and generous offer used in sugar-coating a poisonous pill. Such offers can come as a gift, an appointment or a promise of greatness. 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. 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. 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. I enjoyed 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.

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. We are in a world where instant riches, riotous living, exhibition of immorality and the pursuit of extreme pleasure have become attractive to people. 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. 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. 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. 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. Don’t be carried away by any “delicious” offer, because it is really nothing but deceitful food laden with poison. You’ve been warned!
Prayer point
Father, please keep me from ever falling for the tricks of the devil or becoming a victim of fraudsters.

Open Heavens Devotional - TRICKS OF THE DEVIL I

Open Heavens 11 August 2017: Friday daily devotional by Pastor E. A. Adeboye- Tricks of the devil I

TRICKS OF THE DEVIL I – Friday August 11th 2017

Memorise: Pride goeth before destruction, and an haughty spirit before a fall. Proverbs 16:18

Read: Isaiah 14:12-16 (KJV)
14:12 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!

14:13 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:

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

14:15 Yet thou shalt be brought down to hell, to the sides of the pit.

14:16 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, Hymn: Sing hymn 7

MESSAGE:
A trick is a cunning act or scheme intended to deceive or outwit a person. One of the greatest tricks by which the devil deceives men today is to cause their hearts to be lifted up in pride. 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. It is especially dangerous because of its silence and the stealth by which it operates. 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. 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.”

A careful consideration of the above scripture shows that pride is basically a sin that has its roots in the attitude the heart. Hence, Proverbs 21:4 speaks of “a haughty look” and “a proud heart” as sin. 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.” 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.

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. 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). The proud will not escape God’s terrible judgement; therefore, be warned!

Prayer Point
Father, please expose every hidden tendency of pride and related attitudes in my life and completely destroy them, in Jesus’ Name.

Open Heavens Devotional - SPIRITUAL ARMOUR

Open Heavens 10 August 2017: Thursday daily devotional by Pastor E. A. Adeboye- Spiritual Armour

SPIRITUAL ARMOUR – Thursday August 10th 2017

Memorise: Nay, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him that loved us. Romans 8:37

Read: Ephesians 6:10-18 (KJV)

6:10 Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might.

6:11 Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil.

6:12 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.

6:13 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.

6:14 Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness;

6:15 And your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace;

6:16 Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked.

6:17 And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God:

6:18 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, Hymn: Sing hymn 18

MESSAGE:
Weapons of war usually fall under two major categories: offensive and defensive. 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. 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. We have at our disposal invisible weapons of spiritual warfare that are potent against the wicked assault of the enemy. 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.

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.”

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.

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 gird 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 gird 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.
Prayer Point
Father, please prepare and equip me for battle as a good soldier of Christ in Jesus’ Name.

Open Heavens Devotional - JEHOVAH NISSI

Open Heavens 9 August 2017: Wednesday daily devotional by Pastor E. A. Adeboye- Jehovah Nissi

JEHOVAH NISSI – Wednesday August 9th 2017

Memorise: Plead my cause, O LORD, with them that strive with me: fight against them that fight against me. Psalm 35:1

Read: Exodus 17:8-16 (KJV)
17:8 Then came Amalek, and fought with Israel in Rephidim.

17:9 And Moses said unto Joshua, Choose us out men, and go out, fight with Amalek: to morrow I will stand on the top of the hill with the rod of God in mine hand.

17:10 So Joshua did as Moses had said to him, and fought with Amalek: and Moses, Aaron, and Hur went up to the top of the hill.

17:11 And it came to pass, when Moses held up his hand, that Israel prevailed: and when he let down his hand, Amalek prevailed.

17:12 But Moses hands were heavy; and they took a stone, and put it under him, and he sat thereon; and Aaron and Hur stayed up his hands, the one on the one side, and the other on the other side; and his hands were steady until the going down of the sun.

17:13 And Joshua discomfited Amalek and his people with the edge of the sword.

17:14 And the Lord said unto Moses, Write this for a memorial in a book, and rehearse it in the ears of Joshua: for I will utterly put out the remembrance of Amalek from under heaven.

17:15 And Moses built an altar, and called the name of it Jehovahnissi:

17:16 For he said, Because the Lord hath sworn that the Lord will have war with Amalek from generation to generation.

Bible in one year: 2nd Kings 3-4, Ezekiel 22:1-16, Hymn: Sing hymn 4

MESSAGE:
Jehovah Nissi is the third revealed compound Name of God, meaning “The Lord is my Banner”. It was the Name Moses gave the altar he built following Israel’s victory over Amalek in Exodus 17:15. The word “nissi” means banner, standard or flag. A banner is the rallying point for warriors in the time of battle. Moses named the altar “the Lord is my banner” to acknowledge God’s active role in fighting for the nation of Israel, and at the same time, to testify to God’s continued war against the people of Amelek from generation to generation (Exodus 17:16). This altar stood as a witness to the whole world that the God of Israel was behind the victory over the Amalekites. You may recall that this battle with Amalek took place under the upraised hands of Moses, holding the rod of God. Moses therefore named the altar Jehovah Nissi with the consciousness of the role that God played in the battle. Starting from today, the hand of God will be so evident against all your enemies and detractors that you will begin to sing “The Lord is my Banner” in Jesus’ Name.

It is amazing to note that the ordinary rod that Moses used in his years as a shepherd had become the rod of God in today’s Bible reading. This shows that anything we surrender to God or commit into His hands in support of His kingdom is made to pass through an unseen divine transformation over time. I therefore pray that as you submit yourself under the mighty hand of God today, He will transform you and your natural gifts into supernatural objects and vessels of honour to achieve great and mighty things for His Name in Jesus’ Name. It is important to note that Amalek came out of the blues and decided to wage war against Israel without any provocation. This provoked the anger of God against them, so much so that He promised to completely wipe out the memory of Amalek from the face of the earth (Exodus 17:14). Therefore, I decree by the word of the Lord that Jehovah Nissi will raise His standard against anyone who is angry with you and plotting evil against you without cause, or fighting against you without any provocation, and they will be completely destroyed in the mighty Name of Jesus. The story in our Bible reading is more like a blueprint of how God’s children should deal with anyone or anything that is identified as an enemy of God’s kingdom. The strategic tools deployed here include fervent prayers, knowledge of God’s word, the advocacy of Jesus, the rod of divine judgement, and believers’ unity. We should learn to deploy these tools to spur Jehovah Nissi into action against the enemy on our behalf.

Prayer Point
Jehovah Nissi, please fight every enemy that is stirred up against the advancement of Your Kingdom in every corner of the world.