Open Heavens 31 January 2016: Sunday daily devotion by Pastor E. A. Adeboye – Looking unto Jesus I

Open Heavens 31 January 2016: Sunday daily devotion by Pastor E. A. Adeboye – Looking unto Jesus I

Topic: Looking unto Jesus I [Sunday 31 January, 2016]

Memorise: And as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, even so must the Son of man be lifted up: – John 3:14

Read: Hebrews 12:1-2 (KJV)

1 Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us,

2 Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God.

Bible in One Year: Matthew 16:5-18:35; Job 13:17-14:6

MESSAGE:

Human beings have been in search of the way back to their Maker since after the fall. The soul of man pants after the peace that only his Maker can provide. This is the reason man invented means of getting along with God in the name of religion. Unfortunately, man was unable to adequately reach out to his Maker until God in His mercies revealed Himself to us through His son Jesus Christ.

”9 And the LORD God called unto Adam, and said unto him, Where art thou? 10 And he said, I heard thy voice in the garden, and I was afraid, because I was naked; and I hid myself.” -Genesis 3:9-10

Adam was sent out of the Garden of Eden and he became a wanderer and a destitute of the peace that he once had with his Maker. After many dispensations, God decided to reveal part of Himself to some people who sincerely sought to know Him. He related to Enoch, Noah, Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, Moses and the prophets to mention just a few. They did not only benefit from God’s self-revelation, they also helped their generation by pointing them to the Almighty God. Yet, the perfect relationship was not in view then. When the fullness of time came, God became man and lived among men in the person of Jesus Christ. When one of the disciples asked Him to reveal God the Father to them, Jesus said:

“…Have I been so long time with you and yet hast thou not known me, Phillip? He that hath seen me hath seen the Father; and how sayest thou then, show us the father? Believest thou not that I am in the Father, and the father in me?...” -John 14:9-10

Jesus Christ is the perfect revelation of God the Father. He came to reveal the father to us so that we may know how best to worship Him. It was through His teaching that we know that God is a spirit and whoever wants to worship Him must worship Him in spirit. He told us that unless we are born-again, we cannot see the Kingdom of God. Religious activities are exercise in futility without this experience. Not until He came, even Doctors of the Jewish religious laws were ignorant of these principles of God’s kingdom. Therefore we must always look unto Jesus for direction if we want to make it back to the One who created us in His image. Our text says to look up unto Jesus because He is the author and finisher of our faith.

I encourage someone reading this devotional to look unto Jesus for salvation, for deliverance, for healing, for material prosperity and eternal life.

Prayer Point: Jesus Christ my Saviour, I look unto You today, perfect everything concerning my life.

Open Heavens Daily Devotional guide was written by Pastor E.A. Adeboye, the General Overseer of the Redeemed Christian Church of God, one of the largest evangelical church in the world and also the President of Christ the Redeemer's Ministries. 

Open Heavens 30 January 2016: Saturday daily devotion by Pastor E. A. Adeboye - Counting your blessing II

Open Heavens 30 January 2016: Saturday daily devotion by Pastor E. A. Adeboye - Counting your blessing II

Topic: Counting your blessing II [Saturday 30 January, 2016]

Memorise: A Psalm of David. Blessed be the LORD my strength, which teacheth my hands to war, and my fingers to fight: – Psalms 144:1

Read: Psalms 103:1-5 (KJV)

1 A Psalm of David. Bless the LORD, O my soul: and all that is within me, bless his holy name.

2 Bless the LORD, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits:

3 Who forgiveth all thine iniquities; who healeth all thy diseases;

4 Who redeemeth thy life from destruction; who crowneth thee with lovingkindness and tender mercies;

5 Who satisfieth thy mouth with good things; so that thy youth is renewed like the eagle's.

Bible in One Year: Matthew 13:44-16:4; Job 13:1-16

MESSAGE:

Still dwelling on counting your blessings, we must consider some other things as highlighted by the great Psalmist so that we may understand what made him a great worshipper. There are many seen and unseen Hands of the Almighty God that have kept us alive. For life alone, we must bless the Lord. In our memory verse for today, the Psalmist blesses the Lord for teaching his hands to war and directing his fingers to fight aright. We must realize that not all fighters win in the battles of life, many are destroyed by the hostility of life. This might have influenced David to write:

“Bless the Lord o my soul… who redeemeth thy life from destruction...” - Psalms 103:4

Considering the numerous battles David fought, particularly against King Saul, one should know that but for God, David would have died a premature death. David lived to a very old age, though his beloved son overthrew him and sought his life; he survived his external and internal enemies. To him, the kindness God showed to him was not ordinary, it was the loving type. Meaning that kindness has categories! How I wish someone reading this devotional will appreciate God’s kindness to him as intensely as David did.

David saw good food, its nourishment and appetite to eat it as blessings from the Lord in verse 5 of our text today. What a grateful creature of the Almighty God David was. There is a story told of a woman, iIesa-land in the South-west Nigeria, who was fond of thanking God for good food and the appetite to eat well. Anytime Mama Ijesa came up for testimony, she would tell of how God provided not only good food but also appetite to eat it. Her Pastor became bored of the one and only testimony of this grateful woman and stopped her from giving testimonies in the Church. Not long after, the Pastor took ill, and on his sick bed, all sorts of food were brought to him but he had no appetite to eat any of them. When mama-Ijesa came visiting like other parishioners, she innocently asked whether her Pastor realized that having good food to eat is not enough, but having appetite to eat is equally praiseworthy.

Action Point: Take a minimum of 15 minutes to thank God for His goodness and Mercies over your life and that of your loved ones.

Open Heavens Daily Devotional guide was written by Pastor E.A. Adeboye, the General Overseer of the Redeemed Christian Church of God, one of the largest evangelical church in the world and also the President of Christ the Redeemer's Ministries.

Open Heavens 30 January 2016: Saturday daily devotion by Pastor E. A. Adeboye - Counting your blessing II

Open Heavens 30 January 2016: Saturday daily devotion by Pastor E. A. Adeboye - Counting your blessing II

Topic: Counting your blessing II [Saturday 30 January, 2016]

Memorise: A Psalm of David. Blessed be the LORD my strength, which teacheth my hands to war, and my fingers to fight: – Psalms 144:1

Read: Psalms 103:1-5 (KJV)

1 A Psalm of David. Bless the LORD, O my soul: and all that is within me, bless his holy name.

2 Bless the LORD, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits:

3 Who forgiveth all thine iniquities; who healeth all thy diseases;

4 Who redeemeth thy life from destruction; who crowneth thee with lovingkindness and tender mercies;

5 Who satisfieth thy mouth with good things; so that thy youth is renewed like the eagle's.

Bible in One Year: Matthew 13:44-16:4; Job 13:1-16

MESSAGE:

Still dwelling on counting your blessings, we must consider some other things as highlighted by the great Psalmist so that we may understand what made him a great worshipper. There are many seen and unseen Hands of the Almighty God that have kept us alive. For life alone, we must bless the Lord. In our memory verse for today, the Psalmist blesses the Lord for teaching his hands to war and directing his fingers to fight aright. We must realize that not all fighters win in the battles of life, many are destroyed by the hostility of life. This might have influenced David to write:

“Bless the Lord o my soul… who redeemeth thy life from destruction...” - Psalms 103:4

Considering the numerous battles David fought, particularly against King Saul, one should know that but for God, David would have died a premature death. David lived to a very old age, though his beloved son overthrew him and sought his life; he survived his external and internal enemies. To him, the kindness God showed to him was not ordinary, it was the loving type. Meaning that kindness has categories! How I wish someone reading this devotional will appreciate God’s kindness to him as intensely as David did.

David saw good food, its nourishment and appetite to eat it as blessings from the Lord in verse 5 of our text today. What a grateful creature of the Almighty God David was. There is a story told of a woman, iIesa-land in the South-west Nigeria, who was fond of thanking God for good food and the appetite to eat well. Anytime Mama Ijesa came up for testimony, she would tell of how God provided not only good food but also appetite to eat it. Her Pastor became bored of the one and only testimony of this grateful woman and stopped her from giving testimonies in the Church. Not long after, the Pastor took ill, and on his sick bed, all sorts of food were brought to him but he had no appetite to eat any of them. When mama-Ijesa came visiting like other parishioners, she innocently asked whether her Pastor realized that having good food to eat is not enough, but having appetite to eat is equally praiseworthy.

Action Point: Take a minimum of 15 minutes to thank God for His goodness and Mercies over your life and that of your loved ones.

Open Heavens Daily Devotional guide was written by Pastor E.A. Adeboye, the General Overseer of the Redeemed Christian Church of God, one of the largest evangelical church in the world and also the President of Christ the Redeemer's Ministries.

Open Heavens 29 January 2016: Friday daily devotion by Pastor E. A. Adeboye - Counting your blessing I

Open Heavens 29 January 2016: Friday daily devotion by Pastor E. A. Adeboye - Counting your blessing I

Topic: Counting your blessing I [Friday 29 January, 2016]

Memorise: Praise the LORD; for the LORD is good: sing praises unto his name; for it is pleasant. – Psalms 135:3

Read: Psalms 103:1-5 (KJV)

1 A Psalm of David. Bless the LORD, O my soul: and all that is within me, bless his holy name.

2 Bless the LORD, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits:

3 Who forgiveth all thine iniquities; who healeth all thy diseases;

4 Who redeemeth thy life from destruction; who crowneth thee with lovingkindness and tender mercies;

5 Who satisfieth thy mouth with good things; so that thy youth is renewed like the eagle's.

Bible in One Year: Matthew 12:9-13:43; Job 12:13-25

MESSAGE:

Ingratitude is dangerous, particularly when it is directed at God, the Almighty. There are many things we enjoy from God’s benevolence, but we take for granted. As we saw in the Bible reading for today, when David seemed to be forgetful of the goodness of the Lord, he decided to preach to his soul. He took his time to list the blessings of God upon his life so that his soul could be grateful for each of them.

The first thing he mentioned was the benefit of forgiveness he enjoyed from the Holy One of Israel. Modern day Christians do not appreciate the blessing of forgiveness like David did. We often take work of redemption for granted. Anyone who appreciates the agonizing death of Jesus Christ on the Cross for the sin of humanity wouldn’t want to indulge in sin any more. The apostle asked rhetorically:

“What shall we say then? Shall we continue in sin, that grace may abound?” - Romans 6:1

Only those who take the issue of sin lightly would say, “Let us sin the more, so that we may enjoy the grace the more”, and they shall not be guiltless according to the scriptures:

“26 For if we sin wilfully after that we have received the knowledge of the truth, there remaineth no more sacrifice for sins, 27 But a certain fearful looking for of judgment and fiery indignation, which shall devour the adversaries.”- Hebrews 10:26-27

Another blessings David listed in his collection of God’s benefits is divine healing. The Psalmist blessed the Lord for healing, whereas, some of us who enjoy divine health have never said thank you to the Giver of good health. The Lord promised that He would not allow us to be plagued with the sickness and diseases that the Egyptians suffered and He made bold to say:

“And said, If thou wilt diligently hearken to the voice of the LORD thy God, and wilt do that which is right in his sight, and wilt give ear to his commandments, and keep all his statutes, I will put none of these diseases upon thee, which I have brought upon the Egyptians: for I am the LORD that healeth thee.” - Exodus 15:26

My prayer for someone using this devotional is that the Lord will grant you divine health which is far superior to healing in Jesus’ Name. However, we must not take God’s grace and blessings for granted. We must endeavour to show our appreciation by living for God alone and by glorifying Him in our bodies.

Action Point: Take some time to count the blessings of the Lord upon your life and give Him adequate gratitude in return.

Open Heavens Daily Devotional guide was written by Pastor E.A. Adeboye, the General Overseer of the Redeemed Christian Church of God, one of the largest evangelical church in the world and also the President of Christ the Redeemer's Ministries. 

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Open Heavens 28 January 2016: Thursday daily devotion by Pastor E. A. Adeboye - Making your marriage work II

Open Heavens 28 January 2016: Thursday daily devotion by Pastor E. A. Adeboye - Making your marriage work II

Topic: Making your marriage work II [Thursday 28 January, 2016]

Memorise: And said, For this cause shall a man leave father and mother, and shall cleave to his wife: and they twain shall be one flesh? –Matthew 19:5

Read: Ephesians 5:21-25 (KJV)

21 Submitting yourselves one to another in the fear of God.

22 Wives, submit yourselves unto your own husbands, as unto the Lord.

23 For the husband is the head of the wife, even as Christ is the head of the church: and he is the saviour of the body.

24 Therefore as the church is subject unto Christ, so let the wives be to their own husbands in every thing.

25 Husbands, love your wives, even as Christ also loved the church, and gave himself for it;

Bible in One Year: Matthew 9:27-12:8; Job 12:1-12

MESSAGE:

A marriage that has God in it is the best thing that can happen to any child of God. The Bible says:

“Whoso findeth a wife findeth a good thing, and obtaineth favour of the Lord” - Proverbs 18:22

This Scripture unequivocally dismisses the wrong notion of marriage being a burden. For your marriage to work, our memory verse for today reveals the first obligation on the part of the man (the husband) towards his wife: you must strictly adhere to this twin-command – leaving your parents and cleaving to your wife. Some men never leave their parents, particularly their mother. They are “mummy’s boys” and after marriage they still ‘eat from their mother’s pot’ on regular basis. This habit destroys a marriage relationship fast.

Unconditional love is another obligation a husband must perform towards his wife. This kind of love will make the man give his entire being to his wife without expecting anything in return. The Bible says:

“Husbands, love your wives, even as Christ also loved the church, and gave himself for it” -Ephesians 5:25

Some men, unfortunately, do not know what it means to be married. Marriage could be regarded as giving of one’s self to one’s spouse. Paul, an apostle of Jesus Christ, gave the real picture of marital obligation when he wrote:

“32 But I would have you without carefulness. He that is unmarried careth for the things that belong to the Lord, how he may please the Lord:33 But he that is married careth for the things that are of the world, how he may please his wife.” - 1 Corinthians 7:32-33

The truth in the above passage is that a man is under obligation to cater for his wife and to have an unreserved commitment to the joy and well-being of his wife. Some so-called Christians are so careless about their marriage that they neglect the divine mandates of caring for the family. As a result, the wife becomes disillusioned about the faith and the children vow never to follow their father to worship God. At the end of the day, the failure of the family eventually affects their Christian walk and ministry. Love must be experiential and substantial, men must show their love practically, and their spouses will not be in doubt as to whether or not they are loved.

Prayer Point: Father, please give me the ability to love my spouse unconditionally.

Open Heavens Daily Devotional guide was written by Pastor E.A. Adeboye, the General Overseer of the Redeemed Christian Church of God, one of the largest evangelical church in the world and also the President of Christ the Redeemer's Ministries.

Open Heavens 27 January 2016: Wednesday daily devotion by Pastor E. A. Adeboye

Open Heavens 27 January 2016: Wednesday daily devotion by Pastor E. A. Adeboye

Topic: Making your Marriage Work I [Wednesday 27 January, 2016]

Memorise: Who can find a virtuous woman? for her price is far above rubies. – Proverbs 31:10

Read: Ephesians 5:21-25 (KJV)

21 Submitting yourselves one to another in the fear of God.

22 Wives, submit yourselves unto your own husbands, as unto the Lord.

23 For the husband is the head of the wife, even as Christ is the head of the church: and he is the saviour of the body.

24 Therefore as the church is subject unto Christ, so let the wives be to their own husbands in every thing.

25 Husbands, love your wives, even as Christ also loved the church, and gave himself for it;

Bible in One Year: Matthew 7:1-9:26; Job 11:7-20

MESSAGE:

It takes a great commitment to make a marriage successful and blissful. This gift of God demands the commitment of those who are involved. The good thing is that the Bible is not silent on what couples must do to make their marriages work, I pray for couples reading this devotional; your marriage will be highly successful in Jesus Name.

In our Bible reading for today, we are blessed with some principles which will help us make our marriage work. The first one that catches our attention is the mutual submission between the husband and the wife. Both the husband and the wife must learn to mutually submit to one another. The reason is found in the first epistle of Paul of the Corinthians:

“3 Let the husband render unto the wife due benevolence: and likewise also the wife unto the husband. 4 The wife hath not power of her own body, but the husband: and likewise also the husband hath not power of his own body, but the wife.” - I Corinthians 7:3-4

Another principle that any woman who wants her marriage to succeed should imbibe is unconditional submission. This is the submission that does not attach any condition to compliance. The Christian wife must learn to submit to her husband. When she does this, she receives a blessing which money cannot buy from God.

“5 For after this manner in the old time the holy women also, who trusted in God, adorned themselves, being in subjection unto their own husbands: 6 Even as Sara obeyed Abraham, calling him lord: whose daughters ye are, as long as ye do well, and are not afraid with any amazement.” - 1 Peter 3:5-6

It is dangerous for a woman to go into a marriage partnership with a man who she will not submit herself to. It is better for such woman not to get married at all. When the Word of God says,” Wives, submit….” some people take this as a piece of advice.  However, it is not a piece of advice, but an express command; it must be obeyed. As a matter of fact, the Bible goes further to reveal the degree of submission; it says:”…as the church is subject unto Christ, so let the wives be to their husbands in everything.” Years ago, I counselled one of my daughters along this line when she began to have problems with her marriage. Initially, she did not find it pleasant, but I told her that she could not do contrary if she really wanted her marriage to work. The problem with her then was that she was highly educated as her husband and she felt she had equal rights with her husband and she felt she had equal rights with her husband. May the Lord bless your home with eternal peace in Jesus’ Name.

Action Point: Take a practical step of voluntary submission to your husband as unto the Lord today, and the Lord will give you a peaceful home.

Open Heavens Daily Devotional guide was written by Pastor E.A. Adeboye, the General Overseer of the Redeemed Christian Church of God, one of the largest evangelical church in the world and also the President of Christ the Redeemer's Ministries.

Open Heavens 27 January 2016: Wednesday daily devotion by Pastor E. A. Adeboye

Open Heavens 27 January 2016: Wednesday daily devotion by Pastor E. A. Adeboye

Topic: Making your Marriage Work I [Wednesday 27 January, 2016]

Memorise: Who can find a virtuous woman? for her price is far above rubies. – Proverbs 31:10

Read: Ephesians 5:21-25 (KJV)

21 Submitting yourselves one to another in the fear of God.

22 Wives, submit yourselves unto your own husbands, as unto the Lord.

23 For the husband is the head of the wife, even as Christ is the head of the church: and he is the saviour of the body.

24 Therefore as the church is subject unto Christ, so let the wives be to their own husbands in every thing.

25 Husbands, love your wives, even as Christ also loved the church, and gave himself for it;

Bible in One Year: Matthew 7:1-9:26; Job 11:7-20

MESSAGE:

It takes a great commitment to make a marriage successful and blissful. This gift of God demands the commitment of those who are involved. The good thing is that the Bible is not silent on what couples must do to make their marriages work, I pray for couples reading this devotional; your marriage will be highly successful in Jesus Name.

In our Bible reading for today, we are blessed with some principles which will help us make our marriage work. The first one that catches our attention is the mutual submission between the husband and the wife. Both the husband and the wife must learn to mutually submit to one another. The reason is found in the first epistle of Paul of the Corinthians:

“3 Let the husband render unto the wife due benevolence: and likewise also the wife unto the husband. 4 The wife hath not power of her own body, but the husband: and likewise also the husband hath not power of his own body, but the wife.” - I Corinthians 7:3-4

Another principle that any woman who wants her marriage to succeed should imbibe is unconditional submission. This is the submission that does not attach any condition to compliance. The Christian wife must learn to submit to her husband. When she does this, she receives a blessing which money cannot buy from God.

“5 For after this manner in the old time the holy women also, who trusted in God, adorned themselves, being in subjection unto their own husbands: 6 Even as Sara obeyed Abraham, calling him lord: whose daughters ye are, as long as ye do well, and are not afraid with any amazement.” - 1 Peter 3:5-6

It is dangerous for a woman to go into a marriage partnership with a man who she will not submit herself to. It is better for such woman not to get married at all. When the Word of God says,” Wives, submit….” some people take this as a piece of advice.  However, it is not a piece of advice, but an express command; it must be obeyed. As a matter of fact, the Bible goes further to reveal the degree of submission; it says:”…as the church is subject unto Christ, so let the wives be to their husbands in everything.” Years ago, I counselled one of my daughters along this line when she began to have problems with her marriage. Initially, she did not find it pleasant, but I told her that she could not do contrary if she really wanted her marriage to work. The problem with her then was that she was highly educated as her husband and she felt she had equal rights with her husband and she felt she had equal rights with her husband. May the Lord bless your home with eternal peace in Jesus’ Name.

Action Point: Take a practical step of voluntary submission to your husband as unto the Lord today, and the Lord will give you a peaceful home.

Open Heavens Daily Devotional guide was written by Pastor E.A. Adeboye, the General Overseer of the Redeemed Christian Church of God, one of the largest evangelical church in the world and also the President of Christ the Redeemer's Ministries.

Open Heavens 26 January 2016: Tuesday daily devotion by Pastor E. A. Adeboye

Open Heavens 26 January 2016: Tuesday daily devotion by Pastor E. A. Adeboye

Topic: Free Indeed [Tuesday 26 January, 2016]

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

Read: John 8:34-36 (KJV)

34 Jesus answered them, Verily, verily, I say unto you, Whosoever committeth sin is the servant of sin.

35 And the servant abideth not in the house for ever: but the Son abideth ever.

36 If the Son therefore shall make you free, ye shall be free indeed.

Bible in One Year: Matthew 4:23-6:34; Job 10:18-11:6

MESSAGE:

Many people claim to be free, but they are not free indeed! The only genuine freedom is available in Jesus Christ. Anyone that still commits sin and claims to be free is living in self-deceit. The greatest task-master in the world is sin. Whoever is under its grip is not free and as a matter of fact, has no mind of his own.

During the days of Jesus here on earth, the Jews did not know they were in bondage. Hence, they were surprised when Jesus said that the words which He was spreading to them would set them free. In the scriptural passage before us today, Jesus Christ revealed the source of bondage which people entangle themselves in. 

“Jesus answered them, Verily, verily, I say unto you, Whosoever committeth sin is the servant of sin” - John 8:34

Only the truth of the Word of God can set man free from the slavery of sin. The question is how can we know the truth? Jesus is the only truth that can set us free from the slavery of sin. No other means can afford us the desired freedom. Another liberating truth in the Word of God is that whoever commits sin is of the devil, but the Son of God has come to destroy the power of sin in man.

“He that committeth sin is of the devil; for the devil sinneth from the beginning. For this purpose the Son of God was manifested, that he might destroy the works of the devil.” - 1 John 3:8

In Acts 4:12, we read that there is no salvation by any other, because there is no other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved. Beloved, if you are being intimidated by the task-master of sin (the devil), the good news is that Jesus Christ is able to set you free, if you will come to him today in total repentance. It is only Jesus that can make you free indeed. Believe Him today, and you will be free from all forms of bondage.

Prayer Point: Father, please set me free from all forms of bondage in which the enemy has kept me in Jesus’ Name.

Open Heavens Daily Devotional guide was written by Pastor E.A. Adeboye, the General Overseer of the Redeemed Christian Church of God, one of the largest evangelical church in the world and also the President of Christ the Redeemer's Ministries. 

Open Heavens 25 January 2016: Monday daily devotion by Pastor E. A. Adeboye

Open Heavens 25 January 2016: Monday daily devotion by Pastor E. A. Adeboye

Topic: The Lord strong and mighty [Monday 25 January, 2016]

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: Psalms 24:7-10 (KJV)

7 Lift up your heads, O ye gates; and be ye lift up, ye everlasting doors; and the King of glory shall come in.

8 Who is this King of glory? The LORD strong and mighty, the LORD mighty in battle.

9 Lift up your heads, O ye gates; even lift them up, ye everlasting doors; and the King of glory shall come in.

10 Who is this King of glory? The LORD of hosts, he is the King of glory. Selah.

Bible in One Year: Matthew 1:1-4:22; Job 10:6-17

MESSAGE:

It should be surprising to see children of God cringing in the presence of forces that threaten not only their physical lives, but also relationships with their Father in heaven. This attitude is unlike that of Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego in Babylon. These young Hebrew men knew their God to be strong and mighty, and they were bold enough to declare it to the absolute dictator, king Nebuchadnezzar. This is what is expected of us as children of the Most High God.

In the testimony of the Psalmist in our Bible reading for today, we read of him speaking about the God who is strong and mighty in battle. This God has never lost any battle. Like I have preached on many occasions, this God is a war-Lord. He is more effective than any Chief of Naval staff when it comes when it comes to offensive air battles. This was proven in the battle he fought on behalf of the children of Israel under the leadership of Joshua:

“And it came to pass, as they fled from before Israel, and were in the going down to Bethhoron, that the LORD cast down great stones from heaven upon them unto Azekah, and they died: they were more which died with hailstones than they whom the children of Israel slew with the sword.” - Joshua 10:11

Beloved, I am pleased to announce to you that if truly you are born-again, your God is strong and mighty. Hence, you have no reason to fear any attack of the enemies. The Bible says:

“19 So shall they fear the name of the LORD from the west, and his glory from the rising of the sun. When the enemy shall come in like a flood, the Spirit of the LORD shall lift up a standard against him. 20 And the Redeemer shall come to Zion, and unto them that turn from transgression in Jacob, saith the LORD.” - Isaiah 59:19-20

There is something very important to note in the above scripture; “.. unto them that turn from transgression..” The Lord, strong and mighty can only fight on behalf of those who have reconciled with Him through genuine repentance. Sin exposes an individual to enemy attack. Therefore, I appeal to someone reading this devotional; ensure that your life is void of iniquity which makes you vulnerable to the attack of the enemy. Our God is strong and mighty. Those who have walked with Him sincerely have this as their testimony. It will be yours too in Jesus’ name.

Prayer Point: Father, please show yourself strong and mighty in my life so that my enemies may fear, repent and surrender to your Almightiness.

Open Heavens Daily Devotional guide was written by Pastor E.A. Adeboye, the General Overseer of the Redeemed Christian Church of God, one of the largest evangelical church in the world and also the President of Christ the Redeemer's Ministries.

Open Heavens 24 January 2016: Sunday daily devotion by Pastor E. A. Adeboye

Open Heavens 24 January 2016: Sunday daily devotion by Pastor E. A. Adeboye

Topic: Divine Transformation II [Sunday 24 January, 2016]

Memorise: And the Spirit of the LORD will come upon thee, and thou shalt prophesy with them, and shalt be turned into another man. – 1 Samuel 10:6

Read: 1 Samuel 10:1-6 (KJV)

1 Then Samuel took a vial of oil, and poured it upon his head, and kissed him, and said, Is it not because the LORD hath anointed thee to be captain over his inheritance?

2 When thou art departed from me to day, then thou shalt find two men by Rachel's sepulchre in the border of Benjamin at Zelzah; and they will say unto thee, The asses which thou wentest to seek are found: and, lo, thy father hath left the care of the asses, and sorroweth for you, saying, What shall I do for my son?

3 Then shalt thou go on forward from thence, and thou shalt come to the plain of Tabor, and there shall meet thee three men going up to God to Bethel, one carrying three kids, and another carrying three loaves of bread, and another carrying a bottle of wine:

4 And they will salute thee, and give thee two loaves of bread; which thou shalt receive of their hands.

5 After that thou shalt come to the hill of God, where is the garrison of the Philistines: and it shall come to pass, when thou art come thither to the city, that thou shalt meet a company of prophets coming down from the high place with a psaltery, and a tabret, and a pipe, and a harp, before them; and they shall prophesy:

6 And the Spirit of the LORD will come upon thee, and thou shalt prophesy with them, and shalt be turned into another man.

Bible in One Year: Deuteronomy 32:46-34:12; Job 9:25-10:5

MESSAGE:

The Almighty God at creation set the natural laws in motion, and they started to function just as He commanded them. For example, the sun rises and sets at the appointed times and so does the moon. However, whenever God decides to showcase His sovereignty, He may decide to suspend these laws and do things as He pleases. He may even decide to bring something out of nothing or make somebody out of nobody. This is what people call ‘a miracle’. My prayer to someone using this devotional today is that a divine transformation will make you somebody where you have been looked upon as nobody in Jesus’ Name.

The story in our Bible reading today reveals a divine transformation in the life of the first king of Israel, King Saul. He was not just anointed as a king; he started to prophesy. The good news is that a better transformation which is equally divine is now available to whoever is willing to surrender his life to Jesus Christ. The Bible says in 2 Corinthians 5:17:

“Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away: behold all things are become new.”

As a result of this experience, the believer becomes very important personality. Apostle Peter called us chosen, royal priesthood and peculiar. Beloved, do you desire divine transformation? There is only one person who can give you this experience; and this is Jesus Christ. The Bible says;

“He raiseth up the poor out of the dust, and lifteth up the beggar from the dunghill, to set them among princes, and to make them inherit the throne of glory: for the pillars of the earth are the LORD'S, and he hath set the world upon them.” 1 Samuel 2:8

However, the divine transformation which makes an enemy of God become a friend of this same God, takes some responsibilities. Old things must pass away and the fellow must now live according to the principles of the Kingdom of God. The Bible says;

“And every man that hath this hope in him purifieth himself, even as he is pure.” - 1 John 3:3

The reality which King Saul did not pay close attention to might have been responsible for his dethronement. This may also account for the downfall of many children of God, who God transformed and raised to be His ministers, but took the grace of transformation for granted and lost their position both in the ministry and in the Kingdom of God. This will not be your portion in Jesus’ Name.

Prayer Point: Father, please use Your almighty power to give me a pleasant transformation this season in Jesus’ Name.

Open Heavens Daily Devotional guide was written by Pastor E.A. Adeboye, the General Overseer of the Redeemed Christian Church of God, one of the largest evangelical church in the world and also the President of Christ the Redeemer's Ministries.

Open Heavens 23 January 2016: Saturday daily devotion by Pastor E. A. Adeboye

Open Heavens 23 January 2016: Saturday daily devotion by Pastor E. A. Adeboye

Topic: Divine Transformation I [Saturday 23 January, 2016]

Memorise: Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new. – 2 Corinthians 5:17

Read: 1 Corinthians 6:9-11 (KJV)

9 Know ye not that the unrighteous shall not inherit the kingdom of God? Be not deceived: neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor effeminate, nor abusers of themselves with mankind,

10 Nor thieves, nor covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor extortioners, shall inherit the kingdom of God.

11 And such were some of you: but ye are washed, but ye are sanctified, but ye are justified in the name of the Lord Jesus, and by the Spirit of our God.

Bible in One Year: Deuteronomy 31:14-32:47; Job 9:13-24

MESSAGE:

Yesterday, we read about the state of the heart of man being very wicked. We also read about spiritual surgery which can bring about divine transformation. The work of redemption performed by Jesus Christ makes divine transformation possible.

In the Bible reading for today, we note the terrible things that man is capable of. Paul, an apostle of Jesus Christ, unequivocally said that those who do those things shall not inherit the kingdom of God. However, he wrote:

“And such were some of you: but ye are washed, but ye are sanctified, but ye are justified in the name of the Lord Jesus, and by the Spirit of our God.” - 1 Corinthians 6:11

Our Lord Jesus Christ was speaking to Nicodemus about divine transformation when He said to him: “Verily, verily, I say unto thee, except a man is born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God.” Being born of water and of the Spirit brings about divine transformation.

The mystery of the new birth cannot be explained by human reasoning except through the enlightenment by the Spirit of our God. For example, in the epistle of John:

“8 He that committeth sin is of the devil; for the devil sinneth from the beginning. For this purpose the Son of God was manifested, that he might destroy the works of the devil. 9Whosoever is born of God doth not commit sin; for his seed remaineth in him: and he cannot sin, because he is born of God.” - 1 John 3:8-9

There are two main avenues for experiencing divine transformation: the first is genuine repentance; when a man voluntarily submits his will to God in obedience. The other one is the power in the blood of Jesus Christ; the blood of the new covenant is much more superior to the blood of the bull(Hebrews 10:4). Therefore, for divine transformation, Jesus Christ is the answer. I pray that all the necessary transformation you need to live an acceptable life before God will be given to you through Jesus Christ, our Lord.

Prayer Point: Father, please cleanse me from all impurities and let my life conform to Your original image.

Open Heavens Daily Devotional guide was written by Pastor E.A. Adeboye, the General Overseer of the Redeemed Christian Church of God, one of the largest evangelical church in the world and also the President of Christ the Redeemer's Ministries. 

Open Heavens 22 January 2016: Friday daily devotion by Pastor E. A. Adeboye

Open Heavens 22 January 2016: Friday daily devotion by Pastor E. A. Adeboye

Topic: Walking with God III [Friday 22 January, 2016]

Memorise: He that hath clean hands, and a pure heart; who hath not lifted up his soul unto vanity, nor sworn deceitfully. – Psalm 24:4

Read: Psalm 24:3-6 (KJV)

3 Who shall ascend into the hill of the LORD? or who shall stand in his holy place?

4 He that hath clean hands, and a pure heart; who hath not lifted up his soul unto vanity, nor sworn deceitfully.

5 He shall receive the blessing from the LORD, and righteousness from the God of his salvation.

6 This is the generation of them that seek him, that seek thy face, O Jacob. Selah.

Bible in One Year: Deuteronomy 19:1-31:13; Job 8:20-9:12

MESSAGE:

Walking with God requires living holy because God is holy. According to the Scriptures, two can’t walk together if they do not agree. When we live holy, we are in agreement with God. The Lord spoke with Abram thus:

“And when Abram was ninety years old and nine, the LORD appeared to Abram, and said unto him, I am the Almighty God; walk before me, and be thou perfect.” - Genesis 17:1

In our Bible reading for today, we are confronted with some fundamental requirements for an acceptable walk with God. The first one is clean hands. If your hands are defiled, you cannot walk with God. What is it that defiles a man’s hands? Blood money is one; money that belongs to another person or organization but you have taken unlawfully is another. Also your hands are defiled by the unlawful touch of another man’s wife or another woman’s husband.

“27 Can a man take fire in his bosom, and his clothes not be burned? 28 Can one go upon hot coals, and his feet not be burned? 29 So he that goeth in to his neighbour's wife; whosoever toucheth her shall not be innocent.” - Proverbs 6:27-29

Moreover, only a man with pure heart can effectively and acceptably walk with God. The heart is deceitful and desperately wicked, but God is able to remove this wickedness. This is why everyone must surrender his or her heart to God for spiritual surgery through genuine repentance. The Scripture says all have sinned and come short of the glory of God. If we confess our sins to God, He is faithful to forgive us and cleanse us from all unrighteousness. God also promises:

“19 And I will give them one heart, and I will put a new spirit within you; and I will take the stony heart out of their flesh, and will give them an heart of flesh: 20 That they may walk in my statutes, and keep mine ordinances, and do them: and they shall be my people, and I will be their God.” Ezekiel 11:19-20

Jesus Christ said that we cannot serve God and Mammon. Also, the Bible enjoins us not to love the world and its vanities. Failure to heed this scriptural injunction is lifting up our soul unto vanity. The love of money can hinder our Christian walk with God. It makes Christians do such things as swearing false affidavits. May the Lord deliver you from anything that works against your walk with God in Jesus’ Name.

Action Point: Using 2 Corinthians 6:14-18:
“14 Be ye not unequally yoked together with unbelievers: for what fellowship hath righteousness with unrighteousness? and what communion hath light with darkness? 15 And what concord hath Christ with Belial? or what part hath he that believeth with an infidel? 16And what agreement hath the temple of God with idols? for ye are the temple of the living God; as God hath said, I will dwell in them, and walk in them; and I will be their God, and they shall be my people. 17 Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean thing; and I will receive you, 18 And will be a Father unto you, and ye shall be my sons and daughters, saith the Lord Almighty.”

Pray that God will enable you to shun anything that will hinder your walk with Him.

Open Heavens Daily Devotional guide was written by Pastor E.A. Adeboye, the General Overseer of the Redeemed Christian Church of God, one of the largest evangelical church in the world and also the President of Christ the Redeemer's Ministries.

Open Heavens 21 January 2016: Thursday daily devotion by Pastor E. A. Adeboye

Open Heavens 21 January 2016: Thursday daily devotion by Pastor E. A. Adeboye

Topic: Walking with God II [Thursday 21 January, 2016]

Memorise: Therefore thus saith the Lord GOD, Behold, I lay in Zion for a foundation a stone, a tried stone, a precious corner stone, a sure foundation: he that believeth shall not make haste. – Isaiah 28:16

Read: Deuteronomy 8:1-6 (KJV)

1 All the commandments which I command thee this day shall ye observe to do, that ye may live, and multiply, and go in and possess the land which the LORD sware unto your fathers.

2 And thou shalt remember all the way which the LORD thy God led thee these forty years in the wilderness, to humble thee, and to prove thee, to know what was in thine heart, whether thou wouldest keep his commandments, or no.

3 And he humbled thee, and suffered thee to hunger, and fed thee with manna, which thou knewest not, neither did thy fathers know; that he might make thee know that man doth not live by bread only, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of the LORD doth man live.

4 Thy raiment waxed not old upon thee, neither did thy foot swell, these forty years.

5 Thou shalt also consider in thine heart, that, as a man chasteneth his son, so the LORD thy God chasteneth thee.

6 Therefore thou shalt keep the commandments of the LORD thy God, to walk in his ways, and to fear him.

Bible in One Year: Deuteronomy 28; Job 8:1-19

MESSAGE:

Walking with God requires knowing His ways. There is no way you can walk with God if you do not know His ways, this is because God is invisible and yet only walking with Him guarantees safety and prosperity. Another thing about walking in His ways is that His ways are often not our ways: The Bible says:

“8 For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, saith the LORD.9 For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways, and my thoughts than your thoughts.” - Isaiah 55:8-9

In our Bible reading for today, God says that His people should remember all the ways in which He led them for forty years. One striking thing about this passage is the fact that man survives majorly on the word of God and not by bread alone. How did God show His people this truth? He gave them food and water on a daily basis without them labouring. Even their clothes and sandals did not wear out!

“3 And he humbled thee, and suffered thee to hunger, and fed thee with manna, which thou knewest not, neither did thy fathers know; that he might make thee know that man doth not live by bread only, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of the LORD doth man live. 4Thy raiment waxed not old upon thee, neither did thy foot swell, these forty years.” –Deuteronomy 8:3-4

The above passage shows that people of God should not disobey God because of what they will eat or drink. Many today are on their way to hell because of what they will eat, drink or put on. This was the truth that guided Jesus when the devil wanted to bring Him down with food in Luke 4:4 Jesus taught his disciples, re-assuring them that as long as they walked with God in His ways through His words, all their needs would be met. He said:

”Therefore I say unto you, Take no thought for your life, what ye shall eat, or what ye shall drink; nor yet for your body, what ye shall put on. Is not the life more than meat, and the body than raiment?” – Matthew 6:25

Beloved, I encourage you to begin to walk with God by His word from today, and you will experience His Almighty benevolence in Jesus’ name.

Prayer Point: Father, please help me to always trust and take you by your infallible Word in Jesus’ name.

Open Heavens Daily Devotional guide was written by Pastor E.A. Adeboye, the General Overseer of the Redeemed Christian Church of God, one of the largest evangelical church in the world and also the President of Christ the Redeemer's Ministries.

Open Heavens 20 January 2016: Wednesday daily devotion by Pastor E. A. Adeboye

Open Heavens 20 January 2016: Wednesday daily devotion by Pastor E. A. Adeboye

Topic: Walking with God I [Wednesday 20 January, 2016]

Memorise: And Enoch walked with God: and he was not; for God took him. – Genesis 5:24

Read: Deuteronomy 5:30-33 (KJV)

30 Go say to them, Get you into your tents again.

31 But as for thee, stand thou here by me, and I will speak unto thee all the commandments, and the statutes, and the judgments, which thou shalt teach them, that they may do them in the land which I give them to possess it.

32 Ye shall observe to do therefore as the LORD your God hath commanded you: ye shall not turn aside to the right hand or to the left.

33 Ye shall walk in all the ways which the LORD your God hath commanded you, that ye may live, and that it may be well with you, and that ye may prolong your days in the land which ye shall possess.

Bible in One Year: Deuteronomy 25:5-27:26; Job 7:7-21

MESSAGE:

Walking with God can be highly rewarding if we can pay the price. The price, however, is very easy if we are humble-hearted, after all Jesus said: “for my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.”

In our Bible reading of today, we are confronted with what it takes to walk with God. Walking with God takes complete obedience to His Word. Failure to do this brought calamity upon the human race in the Garden of Eden. The Bible says:

“16 And the LORD God commanded the man, saying, Of every tree of the garden thou mayest freely eat: 17 But of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, thou shalt not eat of it: for in the day that thou eatest thereof thou shalt surely die.” - Genesis 2:16-17

The First man and woman listened to the devil who deceived them by telling them that God’s word was a lie. He persuaded them to eat the forbidden fruit, and as a result, they bungled their walk with and God’s presence began to frighten them.

“And when the woman saw that the tree was good for food, and that it was pleasant to the eyes, and a tree to be desired to make one wise, she took of the fruit thereof, and did eat, and gave also unto her husband with her; and he did eat.” - Genesis 3:6

This is exactly what is still happening today. People find it difficult to live by the words of the Holy Scriptures because they feel it is out-dated. Some theologians are already saying that the ideals of Christ in the gospels are no longer relevant or tenable in the 21st century! These only remind me of what God said concerning His word and concerning the latter days; Jesus said:

“18 For verily I say unto you, Till heaven and earth pass, one jot or one tittle shall in no wise pass from the law, till all be fulfilled. 19Whosoever therefore shall break one of these least commandments, and shall teach men so, he shall be called the least in the kingdom of heaven: but whosoever shall do and teach them, the same shall be called great in the kingdom of heaven. -” Matthew 5:18-19

Beloved, walking with God is a command that doesn’t just please God but also benefits us greatly. The Bible says: “…that ye may live and that it may be well with you, and that ye may prolong your days in the land which ye shall possess.” - Deuteronomy 5:33

Prayer Point: Father, please help me to walk with You in complete obedience to Your Word.

Open Heavens Daily Devotional guide was written by Pastor E.A. Adeboye, the General Overseer of the Redeemed Christian Church of God, one of the largest evangelical church in the world and also the President of Christ the Redeemer's Ministries.

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Open Heavens 19 January 2016: Tuesday daily devotion by Pastor E. A. Adeboye

Open Heavens 19 January 2016: Tuesday daily devotion by Pastor E. A. Adeboye

Topic: Qualified for commendation? [Tuesday 19 January, 2016]

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 25:19-21 (KJV)

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

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.

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.

Bible in One Year: Deuteronomy 22:13-25:4; Job 6:24-7:6

MESSAGE:

Man is wonderfully and fearfully made. Created in the image of God, man is a “god” to other creatures. God Almighty created man for a divine purpose and for His pleasure. At the same time, He has earmarked a reward for every man who chooses to fulfill God’s purpose for his life. This is why in our memory verse today, we read about Jesus Christ saying He rewards men according to their works.

In our Bible reading today, the faithful servant who made good use of the talents given to him by his master received commendation. This story is no doubt talking about the commendation and rewards awaiting believers who faithfully serve the purpose and interest of the Lord. The question confronting us in today’s reading is “Are we qualified for commendation?” Jesus Christ said:

“Ye have not chosen me, but I have chosen you, and ordained you, that ye should go and bring forth fruit, and that your fruit should remain: that whatsoever ye shall ask of the Father in my name, he may give it you.” - John 15:16

The Lord is encouraging someone reading this devotional today; He is taking note of your labour of love in the Church and to humanity. Though your pastor or superior may not commend you, the Almighty God will reward you handsomely if you will not be weary in well doing.Galatians 6:9 says:

“And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not.”

The outspoken Peter asked the Lord what their reward would be seeing that they left everything to follow Him. Jesus answered by saying:

“29 And Jesus answered and said, Verily I say unto you, There is no man that hath left house, or brethren, or sisters, or father, or mother, or wife, or children, or lands, for my sake, and the gospel's, 30 But he shall receive an hundredfold now in this time, houses, and brethren, and sisters, and mothers, and children, and lands, with persecutions; and in the world to come eternal life.” - Mark 10:29-30

Beloved, if you want to receive commendation from the Lord on the last day, first step is to give your life to Christ. Then, begin to work for Him, serve Him and His Church through soul winning and sacrificial giving. You will surely be commended. Remember He said, “I come quickly and my reward is with me…”

Action Point: Think of a way to use your God given talents to expand God’s kingdom on earth: be it through giving or aggressive soul winning.

Open Heavens Daily Devotional guide was written by Pastor E.A. Adeboye, the General Overseer of the Redeemed Christian Church of God, one of the largest evangelical church in the world and also the President of Christ the Redeemer's Ministries.

Open Heavens 18 January 2016: Monday daily devotion by Pastor E. A. Adeboye

Open Heavens 18 January 2016: Monday daily devotion by Pastor E. A. Adeboye

Topic – Weep: A divine command [Monday 18 January, 2016]

Memorise: Rejoice evermore. – 1 Thessalonians 5:16

Read: Luke 7:12-15 (KJV)

12 Now when he came nigh to the gate of the city, behold, there was a dead man carried out, the only son of his mother, and she was a widow: and much people of the city was with her.

13 And when the Lord saw her, he had compassion on her, and said unto her, Weep not.

14 And he came and touched the bier: and they that bare him stood still. And he said, Young man, I say unto thee, Arise.

15 And he that was dead sat up, and began to speak. And he delivered him to his mother.

Bible in One Year: Deuteronomy 19:15-22:12; Job 6:8-23

MESSAGE:

At times, children of God lose the import of God’s command, which invariably is for our good if we do not take it as a suggestion but as a command. Positively, one of such commands is one of the shortest verses in the New Testament; “Rejoice evermore.”

In today’s Bible reading, we were given a command; “Weep Not". This command is easier read than obeyed, but then, it should be obeyed. A widow lost her only son and Jesus Christ commanded her not to weep! This command came before the action that justified it in that situation. To someone reading this devotional, Jesus is telling you; “weep not” because He will intervene in that situation which is causing you to weep. One terrible thing about weeping is that it does not solve the problem at hand. So, why engage in what will not change the situation? Once again I say, “Weep not”. Jesus Christ who asks you not to weep knows what He is going to do about that situation, like in the case of the widow of Nain. The Bible says that Jesus came and touched the coffin that was bearing the dead young man and commanded life to come back to the lifeless body. Death then immediately released the soul of the young man at the command of the One whose Name is the Resurrection and the Life.

Weeping could be very detrimental to those who indulged in it. Apart from being a deviant behaviour against a divine command, it blurs your vision and reasoning. Also, weeping, particularly when God has spoken against it, is an indirect way of protesting against God’s word. It is equal to murmuring which is also rebellious. The Bible assuredly says :

“For his anger endureth but a moment; in his favour is life: weeping may endure for a night, but joy cometh in the morning.” - Psalms 30:5.

Blessed are we, if we believe this scripture. In addition, the Bible says that weeping blurred Mary Magdalene’s vision on the resurrection morning so much that she mistook Jesus Christ for a gardener!

“Jesus saith unto her, Woman, why weepest thou? whom seekest thou? She, supposing him to be the gardener, saith unto him, Sir, if thou have borne him hence, tell me where thou hast laid him, and I will take him away.” - John 20 : 15.

An antidote for weeping is the reading of God’s Word concerning His promises to us in time of trouble. Another one is high praises to God who specializes in reversing the irreversible. The Bible says that when David was distressed at Ziglag because his wives and children had been taken away by raiders, he appealed to God for consolation, and he was not only consoled, but was also assured of the reversal of the unpleasant situation. Beloved, trust the Lord for the reversal of that seemingly unpleasant situation in your life and that of your loved ones and you will laugh last.

Prayer Point: Father, please wipe away all tears from my eyes by removing those situations that cause me to weep today.

Open Heavens Daily Devotional guide was written by Pastor E.A. Adeboye, the General Overseer of the Redeemed Christian Church of God, one of the largest evangelical church in the world and also the President of Christ the Redeemer's Ministries.

Open Heavens 17 January 2016: Sunday daily devotion by Pastor E. A. Adeboye

Open Heavens 17 January 2016: Sunday daily devotion by Pastor E. A. Adeboye

Topic: Like Teacher, Like Student [Sunday 17 January, 2016]

Memorise: Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth. – 2 Timothy 2:15

Read: Philippians 3:14-17 (KJV)

14 I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.

15 Let us therefore, as many as be perfect, be thus minded: and if in any thing ye be otherwise minded, God shall reveal even this unto you.

16 Nevertheless, whereto we have already attained, let us walk by the same rule, let us mind the same thing.

17 Brethren, be followers together of me, and mark them which walk so as ye have us for an ensample.

Bible in One Year: Deuteronomy 16:18-19:14; Job 5:17-6:7

MESSAGE:

In our Bible reading for today, we read of Paul, an outstanding apostle of Jesus Christ. He spoke of his relentless efforts to reach the mark for the high calling of God in Christ Jesus. The following are what he did to attain the approval of God through the righteousness that can only be found in Christ. He endeavoured to know more of Jesus Christ in order to do His will. He was never satisfied with an average Christian life, he made bold to say:

“17 Brethren, be followers together of me, and mark them which walk so as ye have us for an ensample. 18 (For many walk, of whom I have told you often, and now tell you even weeping, that they are the enemies of the cross of Christ:19 Whose end is destruction, whose God is their belly, and whose glory is in their shame, who mind earthly things.) ” - Philippians 3:17-19

Beloved, any Church leader who cannot say what Paul said above is not worth following. Show me your teacher and I will tell you who you are and how far you can go in the Christian journey. When I gave my life to Christ, I was blessed with a leader that was heaven-bound; the founder of the Redeemed Christian Church of God. The first time I saw him, I saw the glory of God and the image of Jesus Christ in him and there and then, I knew that if I could follow in his footsteps, I would make it in my Christian race. He was impeccably transparent, a lover of the cross of His Master and Saviour. He did not only teach but practiced what he taught to the letter. Paul, the apostle wrote:

“8 But though we, or an angel from heaven, preach any other gospel unto you than that which we have preached unto you, let him be accursed. 9 As we said before, so say I now again, If any man preach any other gospel unto you than that ye have received, let him be accursed..” - Galatians 1:8-9

It is necessary for Christians to prove all things in the light of the revealed truth in the Bible and then hold fast that which is good. Only the truth, and nothing but the truth can set you free from the errors of the end-time. Jesus Christ is the Truth.

When the Bible enjoins you to “study to show thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth”, it simply means, study closely those who lived before you and enjoyed the approval of God, learn those things which they did that earned them God’s approval.

Prayer Point: Father, please reveal yourself to me afresh through Your Son, Jesus Christ, my Lord.

Open Heavens Daily Devotional guide was written by Pastor E.A. Adeboye, the General Overseer of the Redeemed Christian Church of God, one of the largest evangelical church in the world and also the President of Christ the Redeemer's Ministries.

Open Heavens 16 January 2016: Saturday daily devotion by Pastor E. A. Adeboye

Open Heavens 16 January 2016: Saturday daily devotion by Pastor E. A. Adeboye

Topic: The New Anointing [Saturday 16 January, 2016]

Memorise: And he that sat upon the throne said, Behold, I make all things new. And he said unto me, Write: for these words are true and faithful. –Revelation 21:5

Read: Acts 1:7-8 (KJV)

7 And he said unto them, It is not for you to know the times or the seasons, which the Father hath put in his own power.

8 But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth.

Bible in One Year: Deuteronomy 14:1-16:17; Job 5:1-16

MESSAGE:

Jeremiah 31:31 says,

“Behold, the days come, saith the LORD, that I will make a new covenant with the house of Israel, and with the house of Judah:”

The implication of this passage is that the new covenant presupposes a new anointing which is represented by Jesus Christ. He makes many things new including our mode of worship. After Jesus Christ had completed the work of our redemption, before He ascended to be with His father, He promised the disciples the power of the Holy Ghost(Acts1:5, 8). The coming of the Holy Ghost brought the new anointing which does many things in the life of a believer. One of such is the conviction of sin. Another thing the new anointing does is found in Luke 4:18-19

“18 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 brokenhearted, to preach deliverance to the captives, and recovering of sight to the blind, to set at liberty them that are bruised, 19 To preach the acceptable year of the Lord.”

The new anointing brings the good news of salvation to sinners. It also brings healing, deliverance and the recovery of sight to both spiritually and physically blind individuals.

With the new anointing, we are shielded from seducing and lying spirits. We are properly groomed into all godliness without having to struggle on our own. Also, the Bible says:

“But the anointing which ye have received of him abideth in you, and ye need not that any man teach you: but as the same anointing teacheth you of all things, and is truth, and is no lie, and even as it hath taught you, ye shall abide in him.”- 1 John 2:27

Our Lord Jesus Christ, under the influence of the new anointing, went about doing good, preaching the gospel of peace between man and the Almighty God. When a new believer comes under the new anointing, 2 Corinthians 5:17explains what happens;

“Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.”

My prayer for someone using this devotional is that the blessing of the new anointing will be your portion in Jesus’ Name. However, you must surrender your life to Jesus Christ first.

Action Point: Activate the new anointing upon your life by praying in Jesus’ Name for the baptism of the Holy Spirit.

Open Heavens Daily Devotional guide was written by Pastor E.A. Adeboye, the General Overseer of the Redeemed Christian Church of God, one of the largest evangelical church in the world and also the President of Christ the Redeemer's Ministries.

Open Heavens 15 January 2016: Friday daily devotion by Pastor E. A. Adeboye

Open Heavens 15 January 2016: Friday daily devotion by Pastor E. A. Adeboye

Topic: The right side [Friday 15 January, 2016]

Memorise: Then Moses stood in the gate of the camp, and said, Who is on the LORD'S side? let him come unto me. And all the sons of Levi gathered themselves together unto him.  –Exodus 32:26

Read: John 21:1-6 (KJV)

1 After these things Jesus shewed himself again to the disciples at the sea of Tiberias; and on this wise shewed he himself.

2 There were together Simon Peter, and Thomas called Didymus, and Nathanael of Cana in Galilee, and the sons of Zebedee, and two other of his disciples.

3 Simon Peter saith unto them, I go a fishing. They say unto him, We also go with thee. They went forth, and entered into a ship immediately; and that night they caught nothing.

4 But when the morning was now come, Jesus stood on the shore: but the disciples knew not that it was Jesus.

5 Then Jesus saith unto them, Children, have ye any meat? They answered him, No.

6 And he said unto them, Cast the net on the right side of the ship, and ye shall find. They cast therefore, and now they were not able to draw it for the multitude of fishes.

Bible in One Year: Deuteronomy 12-13; Job 4:7-21

MESSAGE:

Being on the wrong side of life is very dangerous. Many things go wrong when you are not in the right place. My prayer for someone using this devotional is that you will never be on the wrong side of life in Jesus’ name. And if you are on the wrong side already, may the Lord move you to the right side of life in Jesus’ name.

In the Bible reading for today, we read about the disciples’ encounter with the resurrected Jesus at the sea of Tiberias. They toiled throughout the night and caught nothing. When Jesus came to them, they did not recognize Him. Jesus teased them and asked “Children, have ye any meat?” The answer was obviously negative. When you are not where you should be, you are on the wrong side and this can bring untold sorrow and lack. The compassionate Jesus then issued a directive that they should throw their net on the “right side” of the ship for a catch. Amazingly, they caught a multitude of fishes. One lesson we must learn from this story is that every child of God must find out which is the right side to be. In Genesis, we read about the wrong side Lot went to when he separated himself from Abraham.

“10 And Lot lifted up his eyes, and beheld all the plain of Jordan, that it was well watered every where, before the LORD destroyed Sodom and Gomorrah, even as the garden of the LORD, like the land of Egypt, as thou comest unto Zoar. 11Then Lot chose him all the plain of Jordan; and Lot journeyed east: and they separated themselves the one from the other.” - Genesis 13:10-11

Lot greedily chose the land that seemed good for his flock without considering his elder uncle who gave him the option to choose first. Unfortunately, it was the wrong side; it was a place that was marked for destruction, after Lot had become “successful”, the iniquity of that land brought total destruction upon it and Lot took nothing out of the land. As a matter of fact, he lost his wife in the land.

“24 Then the LORD rained upon Sodom and upon Gomorrah brimstone and fire from the LORD out of heaven; 25 And he overthrew those cities, and all the plain, and all the inhabitants of the cities, and that which grew upon the ground.26 But his wife looked back from behind him, and she became a pillar of salt.” - Genesis 19:24-26

Beloved, the side of the Lord is the right side. Jesus said: “Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden and I will give you rest.” Come to the Lord’s side today if you are yet to answer His call. Repent and accept Him as your Lord and Saviour. He will prosper you and give you all-round rest as He has promised.

Prayer Point: Father, please take me away from the wrong side of life and bring me to the right side.

Open Heavens Daily Devotional guide was written by Pastor E.A. Adeboye, the General Overseer of the Redeemed Christian Church of God, one of the largest evangelical church in the world and also the President of Christ the Redeemer's Ministries.

Open Heavens 14 January 2016: Thursday daily devotion by Pastor E. A. Adeboye

Open Heavens 14 January 2016: Thursday daily devotion by Pastor E. A. Adeboye

Topic: That I may know Him [Thursday 14 January, 2016]

Memorise: If any man will do his will, he shall know of the doctrine, whether it be of God, or whether I speak of myself.  – John 7:17

Read: Philippians 4:7-10 (KJV)

7 And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.

8 Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.

9 Those things, which ye have both learned, and received, and heard, and seen in me, do: and the God of peace shall be with you.

10 But I rejoiced in the Lord greatly, that now at the last your care of me hath flourished again; wherein ye were also careful, but ye lacked opportunity.

Bible in One Year: Deuteronomy 9:13-11:32; Job 3:20-4:6

MESSAGE:

Being with Jesus brings about knowing Him as we ought to. Many blessings await the one who knows Jesus correctly. Paul an apostle of Jesus Christ prayed he might know Him, because he knew the attendant blessings of knowing the Author of life. The question is what does it entail to know Jesus Christ? It takes staying with Him, learning from Him, doing His bidding and loving the brethren. He said:

“28 Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. 29 Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls.” - Matthew 11:28-29.

There are lots of things we must learn from Jesus if we really want to know Him as He is. For example, in the three great temptations that confronted Him in the wilderness, He proved true and faithful to His Father in Heaven. He did not misuse His power, authority and privilege of being the son of the God with whom there is no impossibility. So, He refused to turn stone to bread. He also turned down the offer of being the richest man on earth when the condition was to worship the devil. Jesus Christ was confronted with the pride of life when He was prodded by the devil to engage in a show of power but He refused to jump from the pinnacle of the temple.

It is interesting to note that these were the three main temptations that rocked the human race in the Garden of Eden, and our first parents fell headlong into them. The lust of flesh, the lust of the eyes and the pride of life (Genesis 3: 6, 1 John 2:16). As we know Jesus Christ, we learn to do His bidding and when we do His bidding we are blessed. Our lack of the knowledge of Him makes us alien to God and we short-change ourselves by this. The Bible says:

“And such as do wickedly, against covenant shall he corrupt by flatteries; but the people that do know their God shall be strong and do exploits.” - Daniel 11:32.

The apostles of old knew the importance of knowing the true God and one of them said: ‘… shew us the father, and it sufficeth us.” (John 14: 8). Brethren, we must know Jesus through and through.

Action Point: Using Philippians 3:10, pray earnestly to God that He may reveal Himself to you.

Open Heavens 13 January 2016: Wednesday daily devotion by Pastor E. A. Adeboye

Open Heavens 13 January 2016: Wednesday daily devotion by Pastor E. A. Adeboye

Topic: Being with Jesus [Wednesday 13 January, 2016]

Memorise: Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls.  – Matthew 11:29

Read: Acts 4:13-14 (KJV)

13 Now when they saw the boldness of Peter and John, and perceived that they were unlearned and ignorant men, they marvelled; and they took knowledge of them, that they had been with Jesus.

14 And beholding the man which was healed standing with them, they could say nothing against it.

Bible in One Year: Deuteronomy 7:1-9:12; Job 3:3-19

MESSAGE:

It is one thing to answer the call of Jesus Christ, and it is another thing to stay put with Him after we answer the call. There are casual followers of Jesus Christ and there are die-hard followers as well. The casual followers of Jesus Christ have their reasons for casually following Him. One of it may be because they cannot live by the ideals that Jesus teaches in His gospel. Being with Jesus means living by His teachings, He once lamented:

"And why call ye me, Lord, Lord, and do not the things which I say?” - Luke 6:46

Many call Jesus “Lord” with their mouth but indeed, they do not regard Him as the Lord of their lives. This is why, for the avoidance of doubt, Jesus said:

“31 Then said Jesus to those Jews which believed on him, If ye continue in my word, then are ye my disciples indeed; 32 And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.” -John 8:31-32

Two things are clear from our Bible reading for today; the first is, if you have been with Jesus indeed, boldness will be your trademark. The Bible says:

“For ye have not received the spirit of bondage again to fear; but ye have received the Spirit of adoption, whereby we cry, Abba, Father.” -Romans 8:15

When a so-called child of God is living in fear, we must check out whether indeed he has been with Jesus. Secondly; someone who has been with Jesus lives a daily miraculous life, this is another trademark of genuine followers of Jesus Christ. The Bible says:

“And beholding the man which was healed standing with them, they could say nothing against it.” - Acts 4:14

I have taught my children in the School of Disciples that we can do more than Jesus did according to His promise. When we believe this, we stop being caricatures of His Ambassadors on earth. Then, we shall bring the whole world to their knees, when we confidently tell them that Jesus is Lord. We are indeed the light and salt of the world if we chose to be with Jesus, living according to His ideals. Two great blessings of being with Jesus are: we shall learn of Him and when we learn of Him, we shall find rest for our souls. Come to Jesus today and decide to stay put. Don’t be a casual or temporary follower of Jesus Christ.

Action Point: Make up your mind to live the rest of your life for and with Jesus today and you will be a blessed person.

Open Heavens Daily Devotional guide was written by Pastor E.A. Adeboye, the General Overseer of the Redeemed Christian Church of God, one of the largest evangelical church in the world and also the President of Christ the Redeemer's Ministries.