Open Heavens 31 March 2016: Thursday daily devotion by Pastor E. A. Adeboye – Lord Jesus: A mere Slogan?

Open Heavens 31 March 2016: Thursday daily devotion by Pastor E. A. Adeboye – Lord Jesus: A mere Slogan?

Topic – Lord Jesus: A mere Slogan? [Thursday 31, March 2016]

Memorise: Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven. – Matthew 7:21

Read: Luke 6:43-46 (KJV)

43 For a good tree bringeth not forth corrupt fruit; neither doth a corrupt tree bring forth good fruit.

44 For every tree is known by his own fruit. For of thorns men do not gather figs, nor of a bramble bush gather they grapes.

45 A good man out of the good treasure of his heart bringeth forth that which is good; and an evil man out of the evil treasure of his heart bringeth forth that which is evil: for of the abundance of the heart his mouth speaketh.

46 And why call ye me, Lord, Lord, and do not the things which I say?

Bible in One Year: 1 Samuel 2, Proverbs 2:12-3:12

MESSAGE:

There are those who know God and there are those who claim to know Him, but do not submit to His Lordship. They came to the presence of God, but their sins do not allow His glory to rub off on them. They are religious in nature and partake in every ritual of the church but it is only for the benefits of being seen as members of the community of saints. They depend on their own righteousness and not the grace of God. They read the Scriptures but the Scriptures do not reflect in the way they live. They understand all the letters of the commandments but there is no life in their spirits. Their hypocritical nature draws people away from Christ. Do you know God, or you are only claiming to know Him? Is your life in harmony with the message you preach? It is the conduct of your life that will be used in justifying whether you know Him or not. As a tree in the vineyard of God, are you producing good fruits or bad fruits. Is your life a good example to people or have you lost your salt? Everyone whose life does not conform to the requirements of the Master cannot enter into the kingdom of God. When you hear the Word of God, do you obey it? Are you motivated by love to obey Him? One cannot claim to love Jesus and not willing to abide by His standards. There is no other foundation upon which one's life can be fruitful eternally outside Jesus. It is not enough to know what is in the Bible from Genesis to Revelation; what is require of us is to live by the Truth in His Word.

The people who are blessed are those who do not have a lifestyle of sin, because true joy comes from doing the will of God. You are to be defined by your desire to do that which is pleasing to God at all times. Your mind should be focused always on godly things. Let Jesus be your source of life so that you can truly live. The faith of a child of God is continually nourished by the Word of God. When you hear the Word of God, it should produce faith in you, and faith should compel you to do what is acceptable before Him. For those who know Him as Lord Jesus, they are blessed. If He is your Lord, there is no room for pride and arrogance in your life. You must empty yourself of self-reliance and submit to His Lordship. The one that is humble always look to Jesus and place all his inadequacies before the Cross. Your nature as a Christian who is under the rulership of Jesus must change for good; the focus is no longer on self. If Jesus is Lord over your life, you cannot seek the downfall of others. There will be no room in your heart for evil motives because your heart now reflects the pure nature of God. No room for hypocrisy

“1 A Psalm of David. LORD, who shall abide in thy tabernacle? who shall dwell in thy holy hill?
2 He that walketh uprightly, and worketh righteousness, and speaketh the truth in his heart.” - Psalms 15:1-2

Your heart should produce a holy life and be focused only on God. Apostle Paul said “that I may know Him” (Philippians 3:10). Is He your Lord or ‘Lord Jesus’ is a mere slogan to you?

Key Point: If He is your Lord, you will do His will.

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 March 2016: Wednesday daily devotion by Pastor E. A. Adeboye – The Faith of a Child

Open Heavens 30 March 2016: Wednesday daily devotion by Pastor E. A. Adeboye – The Faith of a Child

Topic: The Faith of a Child [Wednesday 30, March 2016]

Memorise: And said, Verily I say unto you, Except ye be converted, and become as little children, ye shall not enter into the kingdom of heaven. – Matthew 18:3

Read: Matthew 18:1-4 (KJV)

1 At the same time came the disciples unto Jesus, saying, Who is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven?

2 And Jesus called a little child unto him, and set him in the midst of them,

3 And said, Verily I say unto you, Except ye be converted, and become as little children, ye shall not enter into the kingdom of heaven.

4 Whosoever therefore shall humble himself as this little child, the same is greatest in the kingdom of heaven.

Bible in One Year: 1 Samuel 1, Proverbs 2:20-3:12

MESSAGE:

One of the greatest lessons to learn from little children is that they don't worry about anything. This is the way God expects us to relate with Him; relaxing and putting all matters in His care, knowing that it will always end up in our best interests. Nothing good can be achieved when we trust only in ourselves, because every step we take will always lead to one mistake or another. Your faith in God must be real. A father will promise his son an aeroplane even though the man does not own a bicycle, yet the child believes, because his father said so. As a child of Almighty God, you should humbly come before Jesus, surrendering all your desires and worries to Him. With this attitude, you will always leave His presence with a confirmation that all your requests are granted. Real faith goes beyond the natural to a point in which those things that seemed impossible become possible. Faith causes events contrary to natural laws to take place. Faith is required to move the immovable and to reverse the irreversible.

When you go into the presence of God, focus on Him and worship Him. He will wipe your tears and remove all forms of worries, sorrow and problems from your life. Seek the face of God concerning anything He wants you to do. As you release your faith and follow God as a child who trusts the instructions of his father, you will be amazed at the wonderful things that will begin to manifest in your life. Sometimes when I go before God with the aim of presenting my requests, He asks me to do something Sacrificial myself. At a moment in the History of RCCG, when we are not growing the way I wanted, I decided to seek the face of God by engaging in some spiritual exercises. Suddenly the Lord asked me what I would give Him, I responded by saying that I was ready to give anything in order to see the kind of Church I was praying for. Then, He told me to sow my Pajero Jeep which was as good as private jet to me at that time. I loved my Pajero so much because it was one car that never game me problems, but the Lord asked me to sow it into another ministry and I obeyed. The day the representative of that ministry came to pick it up, my driver wept; but that was the beginning of a turning point in my ministry. It was really painful to give out the car, but the pain could not be compared to the joy that I eventually had, simply because I believed in Gods faithfulness.

Faith in God is very vital to our walk as Christians. It is an expression of our confidence in God and on His promises. Nothing ever works without faith. Repentance is impossible without faith. The prodigal son had faith in his father, knowing that the worst that could happen was that he would be made a servant. Through his act of faith and his going before his father in true repentance, his sonship was restored. Do you think you have missed it beyond repairs? Have faith in God. Do you think that opportunity will never come again? Have faith in God.

"For whatsoever is born of God overcometh the world: and this is the victory that overcometh the world, even our faith." - 1 John 5:4

Key point: Nothing works without faith.

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 BY PASTOR E.A ADEBOYE MONDAY 28TH MARCH, 2016. YOUR KEY TO FREEDOM

OPEN HEAVENS BY PASTOR E.A ADEBOYE
MONDAY 28TH MARCH, 2016.

YOUR KEY TO FREEDOM

Memorise: And ye shall know the, and the truth shall make you free John 8:32
And Ye shall know the truth and the truth shall make you free. John 8:32

Read: John 3:16-18
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.
17 For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved.
18 He that believeth on him is not condemned: but he that believeth not is condemned already, because he hath not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God.

BIBLE IN ONE YEAR : Judges 20-21 and Proverbs 1:20-33

MESSAGE
The Old Testament law was not sufficient to make people flawless before God. So since no man could be adequately justified by the provision of the law, Jesus had to intervene through His blood to set man free from the law of sin and death. This is why as true disciples; obedience to the truth of God is the only way to liberty. The truth of God’s Word sets one free without any form of condemnation. No legal system or religious doctrine can ever bring true and complete freedom to people. Freedom comes only through the truth and grace in God’s Word. Freedom comes to those who are able to see the truth in God’s Word. You can’t come into the revelation of God’s Word and remain the same. The moment you have access to the Truth, bondage is automatically a stranger to your life. There are many people going to Church, but are still in bondage because they have not got access to the Truth. Lack of access to the Truth puts you in the same level with those who do not know God.

When things were no longer going on well for the prodigal son after wasting all the opportunities he had been given, the scriptures says “….he came to himself” (Luke 15:17). He had to come to knowledge of the Truth by saying “enough is enough; I should not continue to be foolish by allowing rebellion to destroy my life further”. He realised that it is foolishness to continue in self-government. Have things been so bad that you have been moving in a circle? Maybe you need to take a break and ask “why am I going through this?” don’t be deceived into believing that God is the cause of your predicament. I have noticed this insincerity on the part of many believers. The prodigal son was sincere. He sat himself down and reasoned. He compared where he was when he had a relationship with his father to where he had reached after he attained a pre-mature independence. Even servants in his father’s house were living like kings. I sometimes wonder when people who come to our programmes for the first time, return with multiple blessings from the Almighty God and some of those who are regular attendees have no testimonies.
“I have seen servants upon horses, and princes walking as servants upon the earth.” Ecclesiastes 10:7

It is important to tell yourself the truth and refuse to believe the lies of the enemy. It is time to put an end to a life of falsehood. You cannot serve God in spirit and in truth and still live in stagnation. Do not believe the lies of the devils that says without cheating you cannot be successful. Don’t believe that without engaging in fraud, you cannot be wealthy. Don’t believe that without pulling down others you cannot rise. Don’t believe that without sleeping around you cannot win the contract. Don’t believe that without examination malpractices you cannot gain admission. You need to ask for the grace to be true to yourself. It is the truth you know that will set you free. Jesus is the Truth. Do you know Jesus or you only claim to know Him?

Prayer Point:
Father, deliver me from the spirit of insincerity

HYMN 3: DEEPER, DEEPER.
Deeper, deeper in the love of Jesus
Daily let me go;
Higher, higher in the school of wisdom,
More of grace to know.
Chorus:
O deeper yet, I pray,
And higher every day,
And wiser, blessed Lord,
In Thy precious, holy Word.
Deeper, deeper, blessed Holy Spirit,
Take me deeper still,
Till my life is wholly lost in Jesus,
And His perfect will.
Chorus:
Deeper, deeper! though it cost hard trials,
Deeper let me go!
Rooted in the holy love of Jesus,
Let me fruitful grow.
Chorus:
Deeper, higher, every day in Jesus,
Till all conflict past,
Finds me conqu'ror, and in His own image
Perfected at last.
Chorus:
Deeper, deeper in the faith of Jesus,
Holy faith and true;
In His pow'r and soul exulting wisdom
Let me peace pursue.
Chorus.

Open Heavens 27 March 2016: Sunday daily devotion by Pastor E. A. Adeboye – Sin against the Body

Open Heavens 27 March 2016: Sunday daily devotion by Pastor E. A. Adeboye – Sin against the Body

Topic: Sin against the Body [Sunday 27, March 2016]

Memorise: Flee fornication. Every sin that a man doeth is without the body; but he that committeth fornication sinneth against his own body. – 1 Corinthians 6:18

Read: 1 Corinthians 6:15-20 (KJV)

15 Know ye not that your bodies are the members of Christ? shall I then take the members of Christ, and make them the members of an harlot? God forbid.

16 What? know ye not that he which is joined to an harlot is one body? for two, saith he, shall be one flesh.

17 But he that is joined unto the Lord is one spirit.

18 Flee fornication. Every sin that a man doeth is without the body; but he that committeth fornication sinneth against his own body.

19 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?

20 For ye are bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God's.

Bible in One Year: Judges 18-19, Proverbs 1:1-19

MESSAGE:

The scripture tells us that our bodies are the temple of the Almighty God. This is to let us know how important our body is to the Almighty God. He dwells in it. Can you imagine that divinity lives inside of you? As Christians, our bodies are the extension of Christ in this world. This is why we are being admonished not to conform to this world. The moment a person begins to sin against his body through fornication, that person is already doomed for destruction because you are taking the body of Christ and laying it with a harlot. All sins are against the Almighty God. Some sins are against those around us when we engage in certain acts, but the sin of fornication is destruction against one’s own body.

Your body is a tool entrusted into your hands by the Almighty God and everyone will give account of what they do with their body. You will be answerable to all the damages against your body because the body does not belong to you; it was only entrusted to your care by God. The moment a person gives his life to Christ, Jesus Christ becomes the owner and Lord of your life. Every part of your body becomes a tool in His hand. Your eyes, hands, legs, tongue, nose and every organ of your body becomes His. You can no longer sin with your body; you can no longer walk in the company of the ungodly. You can no longer taste alcohol, Indian hemp, smoke cigarettes, cocaine etc. Your hands become clean and for His glory alone. You are no longer the owner of your body. You are only the owner of something that you created. You did not create your body.

“And the LORD God formed man of the dust of the ground, and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life; and man became a living soul.” - Genesis 2:7

Fornication is a very terrible sin because it is a total abuse of the temple of the Almighty God. Anyone that destroys the temple of the Almighty God will see the wrath of God! The consequence is always disastrous on the part of the person abusing the temple of God.

There are different kinds of teachers today who trivialise some things that God has a great disgust for. You cannot play with fire and not have your fingers burnt. Are you the leader of a group and you are abusing the bodies of those God has put in your care? Are you an executive in the fellowship and you are sleeping around with the sisters in the name of ‘brotherly love’? Are you single but becoming so impatient that you have started doing what exclusively reserved for married people? You are looking for the ‘consuming fire’ side of God and you can be sure you will not be able to withstand the consequences. I want you to make up your mind this moment that enough is enough on every unholy relationship and affair. If you don’t want your destiny to be truncated by sin, you must FLEE from every appearance of evil.

Prayer Point: Father, please help me to honour You daily with my body.

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 March 2016: Thursday daily devotion by Pastor E. A. Adeboye – The Pure in Heart

Open Heavens 24 March 2016: Thursday daily devotion by Pastor E. A. Adeboye – The Pure in Heart

Topic: The Pure in Heart [Thursday 24, March 2016]

Memorise: Blessed are the pure in heart: for they shall see God. – Matthew 5:8

Read: Psalms 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: Judges 10-11, Job 41:18-24

MESSAGE:

There are certain encounters in the journey of an individual which birth a lifestyle of holiness in the individual. This is why we should always pray to God to encounter a touch of His glory. When Jesus was addressing His followers on the mountain, He taught them among other things the necessity of having a pure heart. Purity of the heart, as far as God is concerned, is a basic requirement in achieving and maintaining an uninterrupted fellowship with God. This is because the heart of man is the engine of his life. The heart, according to the Bible, should be guided diligently, because out of it are the issues of life.

The pure in heart refers to a heart that contains no other thing apart from God and His counsel. According to Philippians 4:8:

“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.”

The intents and contents of the human life go on in the heart so God is interested in the purity of our hearts. If the heart is pure, it will be reflected in the actions of a man. God wants our heart to be yielded to Him and not to the world or the pleasures in it. When the heart is pure, it will produce transparency in our dealings with other people. When our heart is pure, the motive behind our actions will not be evil spoken of and when they are misconstrued for something else; we will always have a good conscience towards God. A pure heart produces holy living.

“Either make the tree good, and his fruit good; or else make the tree corrupt, and his fruit corrupt: for the tree is known by his fruit.” - Matthew 12:33

I want you to examine your heart, is it pure? Are your motives correct? Are you speaking the truth in that report? If your heart is revealed by the Almighty God towards your boss, will he find love there or hatred? Do you really know God or are you playing along because of the crowd?

There are lots of blessings attached to having a pure heart. When your heart is holy and pure, there will be no iota of fear and condemnation in you. You will have unlimited access to your Maker because there is no hindrance in you. Purity of heart will make your never lack the help of the Almighty God because He is interested in the cases of those whose hearts are pure and humble, He is committed to helping them (Psalms 73:1, 2 Chronicles 16:9). You need to nail all your affections to the cross and make your heart right with God. Exercise dominion over self and sin, both within and without. Let God rule over the affairs of your life so that there will be communion and unbroken fellowship with His presence.

Key Point: If God looks into your heart, what will He find?

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 March 2016: Wednesday daily devotion by Pastor E. A. Adeboye – Living in the Spirit

Open Heavens 23 March 2016: Wednesday daily devotion by Pastor E. A. Adeboye – Living in the Spirit

Topic: Living in the Spirit [Wednesday 23, March 2016]

Memorise: If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit. – Galatians 5:25

Read: Galatians 5:22-26 (KJV)

22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith,

23 Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law.

24 And they that are Christ's have crucified the flesh with the affections and lusts.

25 If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit.

26 Let us not be desirous of vain glory, provoking one another, envying one another.

Bible in One Year: Judges 8:29-9:57, Job 41:5-17

MESSAGE:

When you are not living in the Spirit, you will suffer spiritual famine. You will become victim of the works of the flesh such as adultery, fornication, uncleanness, idolatry, witchcraft, hatred, heresies envying etc. But when you allow your life to be directed by the Spirit, you will be able to express the fruits of the Spirit such as love, joy, peace, long suffering, meekness, patience, faith etc. Those who walk in the Spirit cannot make wrong decisions and even when they have decided to make a move, their moves will always lead to the right destinations, because they are guided by God. This is why it's important to allow God to speak to you so that you can hear His voice and find rest for your souls. When you live in Spirit, you will not grope around as someone in darkness. There are many people who have lost the energy required for the Christian race because they allowed their hearts to be taken over by the mundane things of this world. Don't be a carnal Christian. A carnal Christian enjoys what the world can offer as long as it it satisfies his ego. A carnal Christian is always a victim of sin because the body has not been trained to be disciplined. If you live in the spirit, you will no longer compete with the world in fashion. If you are walking in the Spirit you will not be comfortable exposing your body to cause others to fall into lust. You must make up your mind to break away from every act of carnality, so that the peace of God can rest on you.

“Because the carnal mind is enmity against God: for it is not subject to the law of God, neither indeed can be.” - Romans 8:7

Do not be consumed any longer with the lust of the flesh, the list of the eye and the pride of this life. Make up your mind to be ruled and governed by the Spirit of God. Our hearts, deeds and fruits we bear must be patterned to please God. One of the ways to ensure we live in the Spirit is to continue to fellowship with Him. Those who find it difficult to come to the presence of God and fellowship cannot experience the power of the Spirit. You are supposed to value the presence of God more than any other thing in life. You may be denied of every other thing but not the presence of God. Also, to grow in the Spirit we must create time for the study of the Word of God. Make the study of the Word of God important in your agenda. The moment you begin to have excuses for not attending fellowship and not studying Gods Word, you can be sure that the devil is already causing you to experience spiritual famine, and at the end , there will be a manifestation of the flesh. Some who are no longer walking in the Spirit have given themselves over to the false doctrines blowing across the world. If you are in this category, you have to cry to God to help you so that you will not be a victim of heresy. The flesh is programmed to always yield to sin. Ask God to deliver you from the desires of your flesh so that you will no longer gratify its dictates.

Prayer Point: Father, let not my flesh have dominion over me.

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 March 2016: Monday daily devotion by Pastor E. A. Adeboye – The Peace of God

Open Heavens 21 March 2016: Monday daily devotion by Pastor E. A. Adeboye – The Peace of God

Topic: The Peace of God [Monday 21, March 2016]

Memorise: And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus. – Philippians 4:7

Read: John 14:23-27 (KJV)

23 Jesus answered and said unto him, If a man love me, he will keep my words: and my Father will love him, and we will come unto him, and make our abode with him.

24 He that loveth me not keepeth not my sayings: and the word which ye hear is not mine, but the Father's which sent me.

25 These things have I spoken unto you, being yet present with you.

26 But the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in my name, he shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you.

27 Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.

Bible in One Year: Judges 5:1-6:35, Job 39:26-40:14

MESSAGE:

Peace is the result of one’s communion with God. Peace is an inner rest that cannot be expressed in words. Every God given direction and instruction is accompanied by peace. This is why the Psalmist said;

“He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters.” - Psalms 23:2

When God leads, it is always in the path that guarantees peace and rest. Whenever you want to make a decision and you lose your peace, there is a need for you to re-examine that decision because, if you do not have peace concerning that thing, God may not be involved. All the battles of my life till date have been fought by God; I just fold my hands and bask in His rest. There are people running from one point to the other, until you allow the peace of God to come into your heart, God cannot be at work in your life. With the peace of God in your life, there will be achievements of many feats. With the peace of God in your life, triumphs in your pursuits are guaranteed. As disciples of Jesus, we must seek for peace of God above all things and this can be achieved when we make our ways right with Him.

“Acquaint now thyself with him, and be at peace: thereby good shall come unto thee.” - Job 22:21

We must return to the will of God so that there can be peace in our hearts. Let us set our hearts on the truth of the Word of God, even if it means experiencing social intimidation. Let us pattern our lives after the will of God. Let us focus on that which is true, noble and right. Let us keep our minds on the pure, lovely and admirable ways of life which please God, so that all things can work together for our good. We live in a world where there is no peace except in Christ alone. Nations are lifting up arms against nations; there is so much tension in world affairs. Suicide rates are on the increase. Terrorism is spreading like fire. You never can tell what the next person standing next to you is capable of, yet in all these things assured us that;

“These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.” -  John 16:33

Jesus is the author of peace. He is the Prince of peace, when He dwells in you, war and crises cease.

Prayer Point: Father, please let Your peace never cease in my heart.

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 March 2016: Sunday daily devotion by Pastor E. A. Adeboye – Beware of enticing mockers

Open Heavens 20 March 2016: Sunday daily devotion by Pastor E. A. Adeboye – Beware of enticing mockers

Topic: Beware of enticing mockers [Sunday 20, March 2016]

Memorise: Wine is a mocker, strong drink is raging: and whosoever is deceived thereby is not wise. – Proverbs 20:1

Read: Genesis 19:30-38 (KJV)

30 And Lot went up out of Zoar, and dwelt in the mountain, and his two daughters with him; for he feared to dwell in Zoar: and he dwelt in a cave, he and his two daughters.

31 And the firstborn said unto the younger, Our father is old, and there is not a man in the earth to come in unto us after the manner of all the earth:

32 Come, let us make our father drink wine, and we will lie with him, that we may preserve seed of our father.

33 And they made their father drink wine that night: and the firstborn went in, and lay with her father; and he perceived not when she lay down, nor when she arose.

34 And it came to pass on the morrow, that the firstborn said unto the younger, Behold, I lay yesternight with my father: let us make him drink wine this night also; and go thou in, and lie with him, that we may preserve seed of our father.

35 And they made their father drink wine that night also: and the younger arose, and lay with him; and he perceived not when she lay down, nor when she arose.

36 Thus were both the daughters of Lot with child by their father.

37 And the firstborn bare a son, and called his name Moab: the same is the father of the Moabites unto this day.

38 And the younger, she also bare a son, and called his name Benammi: the same is the father of the children of Ammon unto this day.

Bible in One Year: Judges 3:7-4:24, Job 39:13-25

MESSAGE:

There are many people who argue as to whether it is a sin to take alcohol or not. This is amazing; simply have to look at the fruit of an action before you know whether it is good or not. In our Bible reading, the acts of the children of Lot wouldn’t have been possible if their father had not been drunk. So in his senseless state of mind, both daughters laid with him and conceived from his seed. The children born through this means became the Moabites and the Ammonites who become sworn-enemies of the children of Israel.

Wine is a mocker that leads to uncontrollable behaviour. I have seen very quiet people who will never, under normal circumstances, say anything that will put them into trouble. But the moment these people come under the influence of strong drink, they become someone else. There are many people who have lost precious things under the influence of alcohol. Many have lost their wives as a result of alcohol. With a ‘little shot’ many have been poisoned through alcohol. There are people who have experienced fatal accidents because they were not in control of themselves. Some were duped because they were under the influence of alcohol. Unfortunately, the devil is always waiting for such times when people are out of their senses to strike. He allows some of them to suffer damages which they may never recover from.

“Give strong drink unto him that is ready to perish, and wine unto those that be of heavy hearts.” - Proverbs 31:6

Those who cannot stay away from alcohol will always be victims of wrong decisions. They will never be able to judge well. Men of integrity who value the life that God has given to them will control themselves and not allow the desire of the flesh to derail them.

Alcohol is an instrument of unrighteousness and you should not yield to it. If you love God, it will show in your attitude to such things. God wants you to abstain from the old wine of sin and embrace the new wine of life in the Spirit of God. This is the wine of the Holy Spirit which is totally devoid of the input of man. There is no addition of chemical that will do your harm. The new wine produces joy and happiness in the Holy Ghost, while the old wine of flesh produces death and shame. You will not be a victim of mockery in Jesus’ name.

Key Point: It is a sin to engage in what destroys you.

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 March 2016: Monday daily devotion by Pastor E. A. Adeboye – Assurance of Sonship

Open Heavens 14 March 2016: Monday daily devotion by Pastor E. A. Adeboye – Assurance of Sonship

Topic: Assurance of Sonship [Monday 14, March 2016]

Memorise: The Spirit itself beareth witness with our spirit, that we are the children of God: –Romans 8:16

Read: 1 John 3:7-10 (KJV)

7 Little children, let no man deceive you: he that doeth righteousness is righteous, even as he is righteous.

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.

9 Whosoever is born of God doth not commit sin; for his seed remaineth in him: and he cannot sin, because he is born of God.

10 In this the children of God are manifest, and the children of the devil: whosoever doeth not righteousness is not of God, neither he that loveth not his brother.

Bible in One Year: Joshua 13:8-15:63, Job 36:17-33

MESSAGE:

It is very important to know our identity in Christ Jesus; it makes all the difference in our lives. If you don’t know your status, you will be denied many things. Your identity will help you know what you are qualified for and what you can do. When people ask who you are, the response you give them will determine the level of respect they accord you from that moment on. Who you are determine your actions. There were certain things you used to do before you become born again that you can no longer do. I know that I am the son of the Most High God. My Father rules over the Heavens and the Earth. He owns all you can see, both visible and invisible. This is why I don’t ask my Father for peanuts, I ask Him for big things, if they are not available at the moment of my asking, He will create them just for my sake.

My heavenly father owns everything and they belong to me. Joy, peace, riches, victory, success, healing, anointing, exploits are all my rights in Him. The fact that you are also a child of God should inform you that you are not permitted to stay in bondage. If you claim to have an assurance of your sonship in Christ and you are still a slave to fear, then something must be wrong somewhere.

“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

Many people do not understand when I call God ‘Daddy’ or when I say “my Father said”. They see God as mystery that cannot be communicated with, but He is my Father and He speaks with me. When the Holy Spirit guides you, you cannot make mistakes, and that is why we cannot afford not to be led by Him. It also assures you of your sonship in God. Having this assurance, you are to live holy.

“Whosoever 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 3:9

You cannot be toying with sin and expect to maintain your sonship in God. Sin is a destroyer. No matter how big the temptation to sin is, there is a seed in you that gives you the power to overcome. Joseph knew who he was in God and so he said “how can I do this great wickedness and sin against God.” Once you know who you are and where God is taking you to, you will not live carelessly. The moment you surrender your life to Jesus; your status changes. You become a member of the highest royal family in the universe and you possess the greatest weapon against the devil.

Key Point: If you are not saved, your status cannot change.

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 13 March 2016: Sunday daily devotion by Pastor E. A. Adeboye – A Word to the Lazy

Open Heavens 13 March 2016: Sunday daily devotion by Pastor E. A. Adeboye – A Word to the Lazy

Topic: A Word to the Lazy [Sunday 13, March 2016]

Memorise: For even when we were with you, this we commanded you, that if any would not work, neither should he eat. – 2 Thessalonians 3:10

Read: Proverbs 6:4-11 (KJV)

4 Give not sleep to thine eyes, nor slumber to thine eyelids.

5 Deliver thyself as a roe from the hand of the hunter, and as a bird from the hand of the fowler.

6 Go to the ant, thou sluggard; consider her ways, and be wise:

7 Which having no guide, overseer, or ruler,

8 Provideth her meat in the summer, and gathereth her food in the harvest.

9 How long wilt thou sleep, O sluggard? when wilt thou arise out of thy sleep?

10 Yet a little sleep, a little slumber, a little folding of the hands to sleep:

11 So shall thy poverty come as one that travelleth, and thy want as an armed man.

Bible in One Year: Joshua 10:29-13:7, Job 36:5-16

MESSAGE:

The third month is almost gone in the “New Year”. What have you done with these first three months? As we prepare for the fourth month, make sure you do something tangible to prove to God and man that you are worthy to be alive. Some people are merely existing and not living. God wants you to live life to the fullest by impacting your immediate environment. There are still people who have so many excuses to give as reasons for doing nothing tangible since the beginning of this year. Time waits for no one, get something doing. It may be small, but God will breathe on it and make it great. Stop waiting for that loan from the bank before you start the business. Challenge yourself to launch out into the deep through the instruction of the Almighty God, and you will be surprised that there is life on the other side. Even if you don’t have your own business, you can get busy volunteering your services for others, you never can tell how God will meet you. In Exodus 3:1-4, Moses had an encounter with God while tending to his father-in-law’s flock. Gideon was busy threshing wheat when an Angel came visiting. Your breakthrough and blessing can locate you anywhere. There are many people who are unemployed because they are waiting for appointments from oil companies. It is not the job you do that will determine your prosperity; it is how you do what you do. You can be selling recharge cards today and become a dealer tomorrow if you don’t give in to laziness.

If you are a lazy believer, it doesn’t matter how many days you spend in church and how many prayer meetings you attend, nobody will commit great things into your hand. There are some people who have the habit of always deferring the work they are supposed to do today till tomorrow. This is procrastination, and it renders one ineffective where results are expected, because you will never be able to deliver. There are some people who are always sleeping on duty; some even spend the whole day moving from one office to the other talking away the day. By the time such people come to their senses, the year is almost ending and they have nothing substantial to show for the time gone. This is also very important in spiritual matters; if you are not ready to work hard you cannot be a vessel unto honour in God’s hand. Those that God used in the Bible were already busy in their various businesses before God called them. It is on record that Peter toiled all night. Lazy people sleep all night and they want to wake up and begin to command wonders. Don’t be a sluggard. The sluggard has so many untouched files on his table, yet he is gallivanting around. The sluggard will fold his hands and invite God to take control of all his assignments, yet he will be the one to complain if his wages are delayed for a moment.

Key Point: For God to use you, you must be productively engaged.

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 11 March 2016: Friday daily devotion by Pastor E. A. Adeboye – Joint-Heir, Joint Sufferer

Open Heavens 11 March 2016: Friday daily devotion by Pastor E. A. Adeboye – Joint-Heir, Joint Sufferer

Topic: Joint-Heir, Joint Sufferer [Friday 11, March 2016]

Memorise: If we suffer, we shall also reign with him: if we deny him, he also will deny us:  – 2 Timothy 2:12

Read: Romans 8:12-17 (KJV)

12 Therefore, brethren, we are debtors, not to the flesh, to live after the flesh.

13 For if ye live after the flesh, ye shall die: but if ye through the Spirit do mortify the deeds of the body, ye shall live.

14 For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons of God.

15 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.

16 The Spirit itself beareth witness with our spirit, that we are the children of God:

17 And if children, then heirs; heirs of God, and joint-heirs with Christ; if so be that we suffer with him, that we may be also glorified together.

Bible in One Year: Joshua 7:1-8:29, Job 34:31-35:8

MESSAGE:

Have you compared yourself with many other believers around you and it seems that what you are going through is very different from their own experiences, and you are beginning to ask God why me? I congratulate you, because you are in for a special testimony. What you are going through is evidence that you are a child of destiny and the devil is all out to truncate it knowing what you are to become. How do you think Joseph felt when he was thrown into the pit by his own brother? He was sold to the Egyptians before finally landing in the house of Potiphar, where everything was committed into his hand. I am sure he would have been consoled by this and would have thanked God that he was finally in a safe place. Little did he know that there was a new devil in that house in the person of Mrs Potiphar. For every new level in the life of a child of God, there is always a new devil, this is why I always remind my children not to rest on their success, and because that is the time the devil will come and knock you out. He watches for your unguarded hour. When you see the devil fighting you at all corners, you should know you are special of God. My prayer is that Satan will never win the battle over you in Jesus’ name.

“When thou passeth through the waters, I will be with thee; and through the rivers, they shall not overflow thee: when thou walkest through the fire, thou shall not be burned; neither shall the flame kindle upon thee.” - Isaiah 43:2

In this assurance you should rejoice that despite the numerous tests and trials you are going through and the ones you will still go through, God is with you. The level of suffering you go through will also determine the level of glory you will attain in God if you don’t give in. The extent you are prepared to go through for Christ is also the extent to which you will reign with Him.

“But he knoweth the way that I take; when he hath tried me, I shall come forth as gold” - Job 23:10

To a user of this devotional, I decree in the Name that is above all names; there will be a glorious testimony from your present trials in Jesus’ name. Continue to look unto Jesus, the Alpha and the Omega and do not allow the devil knock you down. Believe that your tomorrow will be alright and don’t let the present situation nullify the permanent promises of God for your life. 

Key Point: You are not a victim but a victor in Christ Jesus.

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 10 March 2016: Thursday daily devotion by Pastor E. A. Adeboye – Let God help you

Open Heavens 10 March 2016: Thursday daily devotion by Pastor E. A. Adeboye – Let God help you

Topic: Let God help you [Thursday 10, March 2016]

Memorise: Come now, and let us reason together, saith the LORD: though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they be red like crimson, they shall be as wool. –Isaiah 1:18

Read: Matthew 11:28-30 (KJV)

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.

30 For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.

Bible in One Year: Joshua 4-6, Job 34:16-30

MESSAGE:

Those who realised their spiritual poverty have been given the invitation by the Lord Jesus to come to Him for help. This invitation is for those who need grace and mercy, and those who know that unless the Lord helps them they will never be able to amount to anything. Laws and good works are good but they are never sufficient as a condition for our right standing with God. We need to acknowledge our helplessness and come to the one who can help us out of our weaknesses. Today, there are so many struggles we go through out of self-imposed religious rites and traditions, but Jesus is telling us that there is the need to be free from these burdens.

It is the help we receive from Jesus that makes our yoke very light. When we are motivated through the help of God in the grace and love we receive, we can always approach him and He will always reason with us. Until God helps a man, he can never find rest for his soul. The commandments of the lord are not a burden, but they are profitable for doctrine, reproof, correction, and for instruction in righteousness so that at the end of the day, we all can be thoroughly furnished unto good works. You immediately find peace when you see that your sins are forgiven by God. You find peace when you see that your sins are forgiven by God. You find peace when you see the work of Christ on the cross being appropriated in your life. It is in Christ alone that one can cast all the anxieties of this life, knowing well that He will never fail you.

Are you in a tight corner, a corner so tight that unless God helps you, you will never be able to survive? Then you are a candidate for the help of God. At every given point in our lives, God is always ready to move in and give you your miracle. You must be ready to cooperate with God through obedience to His word in all circumstance. Those who believe their sins are not ‘too bad’ cannot get anything from God. Those who are in the business of always rationalizing what God asks them to do, cannot get anything significant from God.

To receive help from God, be willing to do what God says. Turn away from your head knowledge and look at the Word of liberty that is able to save you and present you blameless before your maker. If there are un-confessed sins in your life, you need to come straight to God and get it right with Him. It is on this premises that you can receive the help of the Almighty God. When there is nothing standing between you and God, then you can come with confidence and boldness to Him and ask for help in times of need.

Key Point: If there are sins you haven’t confessed in your life, God will not be able to help you.

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 9 March 2016: Wednesday daily devotion by Pastor E. A. Adeboye – Authority over demons

Open Heavens 9 March 2016: Wednesday daily devotion by Pastor E. A. Adeboye – Authority over demons

Topic: Authority over demons [Wednesday 9, March 2016]

Memorise: And these signs shall follow them that believe; In my name shall they cast out devils; they shall speak with new tongues; –Mark 16:17

Read: Luke 9:1-2 (KJV)

1 Then he called his twelve disciples together, and gave them power and authority over all devils, and to cure diseases.

2 And he sent them to preach the kingdom of God, and to heal the sick.

Bible in One Year: Joshua 1-3, Job 34:1-15

MESSAGE:

Authority is a very powerful tool. Authority indicates an extent of ownership and silences any opposition. There is no way we can survive as Christians in our daily lives without the authority of God. It took authority for Jesus to put the devil and the gods of this world where they belong. Satan came and did all he could to derail Jesus, but at the end of the day, he lost on all fronts because of the authority which Jesus has over the devil and his cohorts. Authority is a powerful tool for good or for justification, and it is with this authority that you can rule over nations and kingdoms. It takes authority to pull down, to root out, to destroy the schemes of men, and throw down the altars of darkness. You also need authority to take your place in life both in building and in planting. When you have the backing of the Almighty God and men begin to fight against you, they will never be able to prevail against you because the Lord will deliver you and many signs and wonders will continue to be made manifest in your life and ministry. This is why it is very important that as children of God we must not exchange our authority in Christ Jesus for anything.

When the devil appeared to Jesus after He had fasted for 40 days, Jesus used the authority He had to dislodge the strength of the devil and to frustrate his plans further. At the end of the day, the devil had to flee. In the Name that is above all names, I cast out every demon on assignment over your family right now in Jesus’ name. The end-time army of God must reflect the outward evidence in the demonstration of the authority of God with many signs following. As a child of God, you are to spoil principalities and powers and make a public show of them,

“And having spoiled principalities and powers, he made a shew of them openly, triumphing over them in it.” - Colossians 2:15

The truth remains that the authority given to the church has not been effectively used by the church to its advantage. Many of us have abandoned intimacy with God as a relationship to be exercised by only ‘great men of God’.

If there is anything a pastor needs very urgently, it is this tool called authority. It was this authority that the Roman Centurion understood which made him to suggest to Jesus that He should just speak a word and the healing would be done. When you carry authority, there will be no room for struggles in your ministry. Devil and all his activities will always bow to the voice of God. You need to submit yourself totally to God for his authority to work for you. The devil himself knows that as long as you are under the authority of God, there is nothing he can do with your life. Demons and unpleasant situations will always bow to the authority of Jesus, but with evidence that the person exercising the authority is operating in Christ alone. This was why the seven sons of Sceva met trouble when they were trying to cast out devils. The demons asked them by whose authority they were attempting to do so, and they could not reply, thus they were beaten up and disgraced by the demons. Never allow anything to disconnect you from the Lordship of Jesus Christ.

Prayer Point: Father, by your authority let every unpleasant situation bow in my life 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 8 March 2016: Tuesday daily devotion by Pastor E. A. Adeboye – He knows the end from the Beginning

Open Heavens 8 March 2016: Tuesday daily devotion by Pastor E. A. Adeboye – He knows the end from the Beginning

Topic: He knows the end from the Beginning [Tuesday 8, March 2016]

Memorise: I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end, the first and the last. –Revelation 22:13

Read: Jeremiah 1:1-5 (KJV)

1 The words of Jeremiah the son of Hilkiah, of the priests that were in Anathoth in the land of Benjamin:

2 To whom the word of the LORD came in the days of Josiah the son of Amon king of Judah, in the thirteenth year of his reign.

3 It came also in the days of Jehoiakim the son of Josiah king of Judah, unto the end of the eleventh year of Zedekiah the son of Josiah king of Judah, unto the carrying away of Jerusalem captive in the fifth month.

4 Then the word of the LORD came unto me, saying,

5 Before I formed thee in the belly I knew thee; and before thou camest forth out of the womb I sanctified thee, and I ordained thee a prophet unto the nations.

Bible in One Year: John 19:17-21:25, Job 33:19-33

MESSAGE:

In every land, everyone reckons with the fact that Christ is central to world history and that everything revolves around Him. When you are in Christ, you are repositioning yourself for a divine purpose. When you are outside Christ, you can never discover your true identity. A classic example of someone who had a new beginning in Christ was Apostle Paul. Prior to his meeting the Lord, he felt he was doing well because he was a blasphemer, a persecutor and an injurious person to the Body of Believers. God doesn't always see what we see. We saw a sinner in Saul but God was seeing a saint in him.

“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

Before Jeremiah was born, God has chosen him for a special purpose. While Moses was in the palace, God had an ultimate purpose for him. Despite the situation and circumstances of Ruth, there was an ultimate purpose in the mind of God. I have good news for someone reading this devotional; the ultimate plan and purpose of God for your life will never be truncated in Jesus' Name. The same Saul that was causing havoc was the same person God used to bring about special miracles (Acts 9:11). Immediately he received the Lord, he became a wonder and evidence that there is no sinner without a future.

In world history, the greatest and most enduring works of reformation took place through an encounter with Christ. The transformation through Christ changes a man from within and the change manifests in his lifestyle. Paul was not just a man of a new beginning; he was a man of many beginnings. Paul discovered from his encounter with Christ that being born again is not all that Christ had to offer. He went on to discover the secrets of living a life of purpose and he made it his pursuit until the end of his life. We need to understand that there is divine mandate for anyone who is in Christ Jesus. God knows the beginning from the end. He knows what He has designed you for. He is not unaware of your present situation, and His promises over your life are sure. He wants to set you apart for His glory, so that through Him, you can perform valiantly. When the Lord touches your mouth, He gives you a voice and a message that is distinct. You are to reign over and be a threat to those things that are threatening others. You have power to root out all the unpleasant situations around you. You are to destroy all the works of the devil and pull down all the altars of the enemy. However, there is a part for you to play; you have to embrace a life of holiness and love. You must pursue divine desires and ignore the mundane things of this world. With a heart of thanksgiving, you will begin to experience God's promises for your life on daily basis.

Prayer Point: Father, let your ultimate purpose for my life be fulfilled 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 7 March 2016: Monday daily devotion by Pastor E. A. Adeboye – Recover your stolen Blessings

Open Heavens 7 March 2016: Monday daily devotion by Pastor E. A. Adeboye – Recover your stolen Blessings

Topic: Recover your stolen Blessings [Monday 7, March 2016]

Memorise: Like as a father pitieth his children, so the LORD pitieth them that fear him. – Psalms 103:13

Read: 2 Chronicles 7:12-14 (KJV)

12 And the LORD appeared to Solomon by night, and said unto him, I have heard thy prayer, and have chosen this place to myself for an house of sacrifice.

13 If I shut up heaven that there be no rain, or if I command the locusts to devour the land, or if I send pestilence among my people;

14 If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land.

Bible in One Year: John 17:1-19:16, Job 33:8-18

MESSAGE:

Time and time again, we have seen God dealing with us as a father deals with his children. This is because we are His children and He is our father. God has been so gracious to us on many occasions. He will not always punish us without showing mercy, even when it is glaring that we deserve condemnation. There are many of us who have lost precious things due to our rebellion, negligence and carelessness, but our Father is always there to show us mercy and grace. If things are bad and you want a positive turn around, there are steps you must be willing to take to recover all your stolen blessings. God does not want His children to be at the mercy of Satan; the Almighty God is willing and eager to deliver us. You have to first of all acknowledge the areas, in which you have given room to the devil, find out the specific area you missed it and seek the face of the Almighty God for restoration. God wants you to recover your lost lands, your lost status and all the beautiful accomplishments that you have lost to the devil. The moment you recover these lost grounds, you must say to yourself that you will never be a victim again. The only way to guarantee this is to keep in constant touch with your creator and the restorer of your blessings. You need to love the Lord like never before.

“And thou shalt love the LORD thy God with all thine heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy might.” - Deuteronomy 6:5

You should make up your mind to obey His voice alone in every area of life. Obedience to the Word of God will lead you into a life of fruitfulness. There are many people who look for God when the devil is dealing with them, but as soon as they are fully delivered from the hands of the devil, they stop doing the will of God. With this kind of attitude, there cannot be complete restoration of lost blessings; you have to remain connected to God by serving Him.

“And thou, Solomon my son, know thou the God of thy father, and serve him with a perfect heart and with a willing mind: for the LORD searcheth all hearts, and understandeth all the imaginations of the thoughts: if thou seek him, he will be found of thee; but if thou forsake him, he will cast thee off for ever.” - 1 Chronicles 28:9

God has placed conditions for the restoration of lost blessings and these conditions are not as stringent as what people go through in the hands of the devil. We are expected to change our attitudes and actions in order for God to answer our prayers. We are to humble ourselves before him and be fully obedient to His will; there should be practical evidence of humility and obedience to His word. I decree in the name of Jesus, an end has come to those who have been going round in circles. Every curse over anyone reading this devotional is broken in the name of Jesus. In the Name that is above every other name you are moving out of the wilderness and entering into your own land flowing with milk and honey in Jesus’ name.

Prayer Point: Father, let my restoration be permanent 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 5 March 2016: Saturday daily devotion by Pastor E. A. Adeboye – Living Above Natural Limits

Open Heavens 5 March 2016: Saturday daily devotion by Pastor E. A. Adeboye – Living Above Natural Limits

Topic: Living Above Natural Limits [Saturday 5, March 2016]

Memorise: Jesus saith unto her, Said I not unto thee, that, if thou wouldest believe, thou shouldest see the glory of God? – John 11:40

Read: Psalms 67:1-7 (KJV)

1 To the chief Musician on Neginoth, A Psalm or Song. God be merciful unto us, and bless us; and cause his face to shine upon us; Selah.

2 That thy way may be known upon earth, thy saving health among all nations.

3 Let the people praise thee, O God; let all the people praise thee.

4 O let the nations be glad and sing for joy: for thou shalt judge the people righteously, and govern the nations upon earth. Selah.

5 Let the people praise thee, O God; let all the people praise thee.

6 Then shall the earth yield her increase; and God, even our own God, shall bless us.

7 God shall bless us; and all the ends of the earth shall fear him.

Bible in One Year: John 12:20-14:14, Job 32:1-14

MESSAGE:

The presence of God in a life makes the difference. When you carry the presence of God, you will see the invisible and hear the inaudible. Prior to my becoming a member of the Redeemed Christian Church of God, I realized that with all my degrees and certificates, I was still going through a lot of hardship, but the moment I surrendered my whole life to the Lord, I began to experience the supernatural. God saw my hunger for Him and He responded to my needs. God is always ready to do great things through the lives of those who seek Him. The moment you yield totally to Him, you will begin to operate above natural limits. Without this supernatural ability, you will remain a common man and you will always have common results.

In Acts 2:1-4, after the disciples had encounter with the Holy Spirit on the day of Pentecost, they began to speak with new tongues which turned them into a class of different people. They began to do exploit. The things they could not do before became very easy for them. They were casting out devils and speaking with new tongues. The Lord was confirming their ministry daily with signs and wonders. The moment you believe God and you allow Him to do His will in your life, you will become a visible evidence for the world to see. Your prayers become easily answered and every fear of the impossible will begin to give way to boldness. You will begin to do what you wouldn’t have thought you were capable of doing. This is why I am always conscious of His presence in my life, because if His presence is removed, I no longer exist. God does not want you to remain and operate in the valley. If your eyes are set on the Lord, you will discover that the closer you get to Him, the higher and farther away He is.

When we see the miracles of God around us, it means we are beholding the glory of God. As we study the immeasurable miracles of God as recorded in the scriptures and as seen in our everyday life, it bears record of what God is capable of doing. One of my daughters got a report from the doctor saying that she will never be able to bear a child. This report was premised on the fact that her womb was too small to nurture a child to the point of delivery, so she had been having miscarriages whenever the pregnancies got to a certain month. But a medical report is not always God’s report, besides, it is whatever report you believe that will manifest in your life, so my daughter believed the report of the Lord and she was getting ready to see the glory of God. At this particular time, she was pregnant and the Lord kept her till the point of delivery. By the time she was about to deliver, this same daughter whose medical report indicated she will never be able to keep a baby delivered four babies at the same time. There is a user of this devotional, I prophesy into your life; every negative report you are carrying that is making you weep shall be rendered useless in Jesus’ name. If only you can believe in the Word of God, you will experience the glory of God. God dwells in the realms of the supernatural, and as a child of God, you are expected to experience the miraculous at all times.

Key Point: When you follow God nothing will be able to limit you.

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 4 March 2016: Friday daily devotion by Pastor E. A. Adeboye – The Spirit of Excellence

Open Heavens 4 March 2016: Friday daily devotion by Pastor E. A. Adeboye – The Spirit of Excellence

Topic: The Spirit of Excellence [Friday 4, March 2016]

Memorise: For to one is given by the Spirit the word of wisdom; to another the word of knowledge by the same Spirit; – 1 Corinthians 12:8

Read: Daniel 6:1-3 (KJV)

1 It pleased Darius to set over the kingdom an hundred and twenty princes, which should be over the whole kingdom;

2 And over these three presidents; of whom Daniel was first: that the princes might give accounts unto them, and the king should have no damage.

3 Then this Daniel was preferred above the presidents and princes, because an excellent spirit was in him; and the king thought to set him over the whole realm.

Bible in One Year: John 10:22-12:19, Job 31:29-40

MESSAGE:

One of the gems that made Joshua took over the mantle of leadership from his master was the excellent spirit he carried. Joshua excelled in all matters that most of his age mates and contemporaries. Those who remain in the crowd cannot become excellent in life, because excellence is a private matter, but with a public pronouncement. The spirit of excellence will never permit you to do things at a level which others are comfortable with. You cannot be flocking around the multitude and achieve greatness in life and ministry. This is why Jesus was always withdrawing His disciples to Himself at the point of every exploit. He did not want them to be carried away with the songs of the crowd. He knew the crowd well and he knew that those who were shouting “hail hail” would be the ones to say “crucify Him” the next day. Excellence is necessary for anyone to become a useful vessel in the hands of the Almighty God. Excellence is what releases the gem in a man’s life and makes him the envy of his generation. The spirit of Excellence is a crucial requirement for being useful and relevant in the scheme of things. It is what puts you on edge in God’s programme and makes you a formidable force.

“Thou hast loved righteousness, and hated iniquity; therefore God, even thy God, hath anointed thee with the oil of gladness above thy fellows.” - Hebrews 1:9

Exploits in life have never been a function of a higher educational qualification or popularity; it is through the spirit of excellence. When you carry the presence of God, it releases the spirit of excellence in you which in turn gives you the wisdom to access the mysteries of life. The presence of God gives you deep insight and wisdom for every difficult situation of life and makes you become a master over situations and circumstances through His presence. You cannot have an excellent spirit and lack understanding. Your level of knowledge will begin to command the attention of all and sundry as we saw when the Queen of Sheba came visiting King Solomon.

Excellence is a goal, so you have to strive for it. Excellence is the attainment of the highest level of perfection in anything you do. It means operating in a class of your own. Those who do things the way others do them cannot become excellent. You have to be willing to go the extra mile. You have to identify your goal and begin to pursue it with vigour. Joseph understood this early and it worked continuously for him until he becomes a reference point in a strange land. Daniel understood this early and he focused on it and remained a formidable force in the reign of three kings. The kings were leaving him behind, but the grace of God upon his life made him relevant under different circumstances. The spirit of excellence will help you to concentrate on your assignment until you become a standard.

However, this spirit can only come from God. If you don’t know God, there is no way you can do exploits (Daniel 11:32). I pray that from this moment, as you surrender totally to God, you will begin to experience the miraculous in Jesus’ name.

Prayer Point: Father, remove every hindrance on my way to greatness 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 3 March 2016: Thursday daily devotion by Pastor E. A. Adeboye – Work: A Divine Mandate

Open Heavens 3 March 2016: Thursday daily devotion by Pastor E. A. Adeboye – Work: A Divine Mandate

Topic - Work: A Divine Mandate [Thursday 3, March 2016]

Memorise: But Jesus answered them, My Father worketh hitherto, and I work.  – John 5:17

Read: Genesis 2:8-11 (KJV)

8 And the LORD God planted a garden eastward in Eden; and there he put the man whom he had formed.

9 And out of the ground made the LORD God to grow every tree that is pleasant to the sight, and good for food; the tree of life also in the midst of the garden, and the tree of knowledge of good and evil.

10 And a river went out of Eden to water the garden; and from thence it was parted, and became into four heads.

11 The name of the first is Pison: that is it which compasseth the whole land of Havilah, where there is gold;

Bible in One Year: John 8:31-10:21, Job 31:16-28

MESSAGE:

It is amazing to know that even though the work of creation ended millions of years ago, the Creator is still working on His creation. The Father has not gone to sleep like many biblical scholars and theologians believe. The Trinity is still very much at work. The Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit have not ceased to work amongst men. God, through redemption, is still working today in order to fulfill the reason for which the world was created.

There are many people who in the name of having faith have refused to do anything productive with their hands. They resign to fate and live their lives by chance. That was not the example God laid when He created the world. Despite His sovereignty, His work was still threatened by darkness and it was in the process of still working, that He pronounced the appearance of light. God went through the process of forming man and breathing into his nostrils, before man could become a living soul. God had to grow every tree in the garden before asking man to tender it. If God worked and is still working, what excuses do you have not to work?

Life is beautiful when you are committed to your work. Moses, Daniel and Paul were men who worked for the intellectual good of their time. They had to work hard to know a great deal about the world and the times they were in. through hard work they knew what their contemporaries did not know and this was why they remained relevant till the end of their lives. We should be ready through hard-work to contribute to the church and our immediate environment. There is so much beauty in working. Jesus did not avoid work and it sustained Him. He said that His food was to do the will of God and to accomplish His work (John 4:34).Philippians 2:12-13 enjoins us to work out our salvation with fear and trembling for it is God who is at work in us both to will and to work for His good pleasure.

People are not ready to work any longer. They want to loaf around and settle for overnight miracles, but God does not operate that way. There are principles that must be followed for certain blessings to come your way, and stay permanently. Hard-work does not kill, and those who avoid hard-work at the time they are supposed to embrace it will end up with a hard life. Have you not seen people who at the age when they are supposed to be retired, still struggled to get menial job? Before Jesus healed that man who was born blind in John 9:1-3, Jesus rubbed clay on the man’s face which he had to wash off before the physical laws could be set aside in order for him to experience the supernatural law of God. If he had not followed the instructions of Jesus, he would not have been healed. Paul also said “Whereunto I also labour, striving according to his working, which worketh in me mightily.Colossians 1:29. I want to assure you that as you obey this divine instruction, things will begin to work for you.

Key Point: He who does not work hard now, will retire into hardship later.

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 2 March 2016: Wednesday daily devotion by Pastor E. A. Adeboye – A Witness or A Betrayer

Open Heavens 2 March 2016: Wednesday daily devotion by Pastor E. A. Adeboye – A Witness or A Betrayer

Topic: A Witness or A Betrayer [Wednesday 2, March 2016]

Memorise: Now he that betrayed him gave them a sign, saying, Whomsoever I shall kiss, that same is he: hold him fast.  – Matthew 26:48

Read: John 1:20-34 (KJV)

20 And he confessed, and denied not; but confessed, I am not the Christ.

21 And they asked him, What then? Art thou Elias? And he saith, I am not. Art thou that prophet? And he answered, No.

22 Then said they unto him, Who art thou? that we may give an answer to them that sent us. What sayest thou of thyself?

23 He said, I am the voice of one crying in the wilderness, Make straight the way of the Lord, as said the prophet Esaias.

24 And they which were sent were of the Pharisees.

25 And they asked him, and said unto him, Why baptizest thou then, if thou be not that Christ, nor Elias, neither that prophet?

26 John answered them, saying, I baptize with water: but there standeth one among you, whom ye know not;

27 He it is, who coming after me is preferred before me, whose shoe's latchet I am not worthy to unloose.

28 These things were done in Bethabara beyond Jordan, where John was baptizing.

29 The next day John seeth Jesus coming unto him, and saith, Behold the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world.

30 This is he of whom I said, After me cometh a man which is preferred before me: for he was before me.

31 And I knew him not: but that he should be made manifest to Israel, therefore am I come baptizing with water.

32 And John bare record, saying, I saw the Spirit descending from heaven like a dove, and it abode upon him.

33 And I knew him not: but he that sent me to baptize with water, the same said unto me, Upon whom thou shalt see the Spirit descending, and remaining on him, the same is he which baptizeth with the Holy Ghost.

34 And I saw, and bare record that this is the Son of God.

Bible in One Year: John 6:60-8:30, Job 31:5-15

MESSAGE:

A witness is someone who bears record that Jesus is the Son of God for heavenly objectives to be realised, while a betrayer is also someone who bears the same record but for destructive reasons; so that the objectives of the Devil can be realised. I have a strong conviction within me that when Judas Iscariot was carrying out this destructive goal, he did not know that it would end so badly. He felt he knew Christ through and through. He was a very smart guy who believed that Jesus as usual would find a way of escape from the Roman soldiers, but unfortunately, the story did not end the way he envisaged. Are you a betrayer or a witness? There are many people that started out as witnesses but ended up as betrayers. They were portraying signs which they did not see as too bad. They thought it was not dangerous. They believed that they knew how to help themselves, till they met their fall. May this not be your portion in Jesus’ name.

The kiss of Judas was a customary form of affectionate greeting among the Jews, and this was the same gesture that Judas used in identifying Jesus to the band of officers and Pharisees. The act of betrayal came from someone who was a companion of Jesus in His ministry. A betrayer could be one of your equals who is not happy with what God is doing in your life. Your betrayer may be your guide or your acquaintance, like we saw in the story of the false prophet and the younger prophet. Those who are most likely to betray you might not be far from those you take counsel from, and walk to the house of God with. This is why you must never allow anything to stand between you and God, because He is the only one who can deliver you from their wickedness and mischief. If you don’t know how to call upon God who alone can save you from the hands of betrayers, then you are in trouble.

Amidst the opposition of the unbelieving and disobedient Jews, John the Baptist decided to be a witness. John was not in the palace, his ministry was in the wilderness, yet people were going there to hear the Word of God because he was a true witness of the gospel of Jesus Christ. Though John was not the Elijah they wanted to see, they saw him witnessing about the person of Jesus with the zeal and the power of a prophet. As a witness he was a lone voice in the wilderness. The happenings of his day did not alter his message, and lives were being changed and transformed. He preached repentance and he alerted the minds of the people to the presence of God. Such messages are scarce on the pulpits of 21st century Pastors and Evangelists. No wonder some are beginning to doubt what they once believed, which is eventually leading them to becoming betrayers rather than witnesses.

Action Point: Are you a betrayer or a witness of the gospel? Pray for me on this my special day, that God should continue to strengthen me as I take the gospel to more nations of the world.

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 1 March 2016: Tuesday daily devotion by Pastor E. A. Adeboye – Cast and Catch

Open Heavens 1 March 2016: Tuesday daily devotion by Pastor E. A. Adeboye – Cast and Catch

Topic: Cast and Catch [Tuesday 1, March 2016]

Memorise: There is that scattereth, and yet increaseth; and there is that withholdeth more than is meet, but it tendeth to poverty.  –Proverbs 11:24

Read: Luke 5:4-7 (KJV)

4 Now when he had left speaking, he said unto Simon, Launch out into the deep, and let down your nets for a draught.

5 And Simon answering said unto him, Master, we have toiled all the night, and have taken nothing: nevertheless at thy word I will let down the net.

6 And when they had this done, they inclosed a great multitude of fishes: and their net brake.

7 And they beckoned unto their partners, which were in the other ship, that they should come and help them. And they came, and filled both the ships, so that they began to sink.

Bible in One Year: John 5:19-6:59, Job 30:24-31:4

MESSAGE:

There are rewards for righteous behaviour and there are punishments for evil deeds. The person who gives freely will never lack any good thing while the one who believes that there is wisdom is being stingy will never receive anything. There are some people who mainly focus on their wealth. They are never concerned about the welfare of others. Unfortunately, they are short-changing themselves because when you don't give, you can never have an opportunity to be blessed.

After speaking to the multitude from Peter’s boat, He told him to launch out into the deep, and the miracle of that catch was so evident that it has a lasting impact on all the beholders, this is what is considered the quality of a true miracle. There is a user of this devotional, I decree in the Name that above all names, my father will give you a mouthwatering miracle in Jesus name. It doesn't matter how hard things may be, your blessings will be daily manifested to the world in Jesus name. There is nothing as pleasant as the Lord instructing you. The moment I hear my father instructing me on anything, it doesn't matter how hard it may be, I obey, knowing that it will always end in favor. The reason some people withhold what they have is because they don't want it to leave their hands, but in the economy of God, whatever leaves your hand does not leave your life, it will always bring forth a great harvest.

From the Experience of Peter and his colleagues, their nets broke so bad that they had to beckon on others to help them. I always said this; there is at least one of my children who when he goes to the bank to deposit money, because of how much the money usually is, the bank closes for 3 days. And I believe this will be your portion in Jesus name. No matter how hard it is to believe, God is not bothered, because He will still do what He wants to do just to show the world that He is God.

In the words of a hymn writer, you must always remember that you are not your own, you are bought with a price (1 Corinthians 6:19-20). Give your whole life to Jesus; let Him take all your moments and your days. Withhold not your hands from moving for him. Let him take all your moments and your days. Withhold not your hands from moving for Him. Let your feet be swift in His business. The moment we give our lives to the Lord, we become partners with Christ. Just as in a partnership, there are nominal partners and there are active partners. This is equally applicable in your relationship with Christ; you cannot put in your all and lack any good thing. Some people have money, but some of the most precious things in life are priceless. God has divinely selected you so that He can be glorified in your life. Peter waited on the Lord with his boat. He wasn't in a hurry, he did not see himself wasting away while others were busy catching fish, and one instruction from God made the results of others pale in comparison to his. As you wait on the Lord with your sacrifice, service and gifts, the Almighty God who controls the times and seasons will give you an unprecedented breakthrough in Jesus' name.

Key Point: If you honor God, He will honor you 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.