Open Heavens 31 July 2017: Monday daily devotional by Pastor Adeboye – Provision Before Need

Open Heavens 31 July 2017: Monday daily devotional by Pastor Adeboye – Provision Before Need

Topic: Provision Before Need [Monday 31, July 2017]

Memorise: According as his divine power hath given unto us all things that pertain unto life and godliness, through the knowledge of him that hath called us to glory and virtue:  –  2 Peter 1:3

Read: 2 Peter 1:1-4 (KJV)

1 Simon Peter, a servant and an apostle of Jesus Christ, to them that have obtained like precious faith with us through the righteousness of God and our Saviour Jesus Christ:

2 Grace and peace be multiplied unto you through the knowledge of God, and of Jesus our Lord,

3 According as his divine power hath given unto us all things that pertain unto life and godliness, through the knowledge of him that hath called us to glory and virtue:

4 Whereby are given unto us exceeding great and precious promises: that by these ye might be partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust.

Bible in One Year: 1 Kings 9-10; Ezekiel 18:1-18, Hymn: Sing hymn 10: There Shall be Showers of Blessing

MESSAGE:

“God is in the midst of her; she shall not be moved: God shall help her, and that right early.” -Psalm 46:5

From the above passage of Scripture, one great benefit available to those who have God as their Refuge is that the help or assistance they need will never be late. There are at least three different times an individual can receive assistance. It could be before, during or after one experiences a need. If a need or an emergency arises today and you already have the wherewithal to meet that need, maybe from your earnings from paid employment or a business venture, you have already received help before that need arose.  This is a great place to be in! Some families already have all they will never need to take care of their children and pay their way up to post-graduate degree programmes, even before this need arises. Such people will never panic for school fees. This is an example of provision before need, and it describes a state of living in abundance. You will experience such in Jesus’ Name!

Moreover, do you know that God follows this same pattern in dealing with His children? For example, before God created Adam and Eve, all they would ever need had been provided for in the Garden of Eden which God Himself planted. God knows exactly what you need even before you express or voice out your request (Matthew 6:32). Do you know that God has already provided all you would ever need to live a victorious Christian life and fulfil your God-given destiny? The Holy Spirit speaks about this to us in 2 Peter 1:3, where He says:

“According as his divine power hath given unto us all things that pertain unto life and godliness, through the knowledge of him that hath called us to glory and virtue:”

It is therefore possible for you to be a beneficiary of provision before need. However, one major challenge for most people with regards to this benefit is that when there is provision to meet their future needs, they become careless, frivolous and wasteful. When God provides ahead of time, it is possible to spend it on other things outside of God’s purpose. You therefore need divine guidance even in plenty. Having abundance does not justify wastefulness in God’s Kingdom. However, to partake of this great benefit, you need to increase your knowledge of the Provider, walk in obedience to Him, follow spiritual financial principles and wait on His directives always.

Prayer Point: What some people waste daily is more than enough to feed several needy, hungry people. To trigger blessings from the Lord, such excess should be spent on meeting the needs of others.

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 March 2017: Wednesday daily devotional by Pastor E. A. Adeboye – The Mix

Open Heavens 29 March 2017: Wednesday daily devotional by Pastor E. A. Adeboye – The Mix

Topic: The Mix [Wednesday 29, March 2017]

Memorise: My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me: - John 10:27

Read: Matthew 25:31-46 (KJV)

31 When the Son of man shall come in his glory, and all the holy angels with him, then shall he sit upon the throne of his glory:

32 And before him shall be gathered all nations: and he shall separate them one from another, as a shepherd divideth his sheep from the goats:

33 And he shall set the sheep on his right hand, but the goats on the left.

34 Then shall the King say unto them on his right hand, Come, ye blessed of my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world:

35 For I was an hungred, and ye gave me meat: I was thirsty, and ye gave me drink: I was a stranger, and ye took me in:

36 Naked, and ye clothed me: I was sick, and ye visited me: I was in prison, and ye came unto me.

37 Then shall the righteous answer him, saying, Lord, when saw we thee an hungred, and fed thee? or thirsty, and gave thee drink?

38 When saw we thee a stranger, and took thee in? or naked, and clothed thee?

39 Or when saw we thee sick, or in prison, and came unto thee?

40 And the King shall answer and say unto them, Verily I say unto you, Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me.

41 Then shall he say also unto them on the left hand, Depart from me, ye cursed, into everlasting fire, prepared for the devil and his angels:

42 For I was an hungred, and ye gave me no meat: I was thirsty, and ye gave me no drink:

43 I was a stranger, and ye took me not in: naked, and ye clothed me not: sick, and in prison, and ye visited me not.

44 Then shall they also answer him, saying, Lord, when saw we thee an hungred, or athirst, or a stranger, or naked, or sick, or in prison, and did not minister unto thee?

45 Then shall he answer them, saying, Verily I say unto you, Inasmuch as ye did it not to one of the least of these, ye did it not to me.

46 And these shall go away into everlasting punishment: but the righteous into life eternal.

Bible in One Year: Exodus 35-36, Jeremiah 4:3-18

MESSAGE:

“But go rather to the lost sheep of the house of Israel.” - Matthew 10:6

The Lord deliberately refers to His own as “sheep”. He affectionately calls them “My sheep”. From the above scripture, we can see that even when He is referring to sinners or those yet to be saved, He calls them the “lost sheep”. The Lord’s parable in Luke 15:3-7makes it clear that His sheep can get lost. It also illustrates that the shepherd goes looking for the lost sheep until they are found. This means it is possible for sheep to go astray, but when the shepherd goes searching for them, he finds them and brings them back to the fold. In John 21:15-17, in His post-resurrection appearance to Peter, Jesus repeatedly asked him to feed His sheep and His lambs. A lamb is a baby sheep. Jesus does not pastor goats but sheep. He never said, “Feed my goats.” Never! This is why I tell my children not to call themselves “Pastor’s kids”, because kids are offspring of goats and rams. God has no place for goats.

However, in our Bible reading today, you will observe that the sheep and the goats got mixed up together. This is so because wherever the sheep gather, goats would subtly infiltrate their fold (Matthew 13:24-30).This is why some people are heading for Heaven while some others are heading for Hell in the Church. The final separation will take place on the last day. God allows the goats to coexist with the sheep, but on the last day, He will separate them: the sheep will be on His right hand, while the goats will be on the left. He will address them separately and send them to their separate eternal destinations. This is very serious! Furthermore, this co-existence of sheep and goats gives room for pretence. That means the fellow sitting next to you might be a goat pretending to be a sheep. You also might be a goat pretending to be a sheep. This calls for self examination. Jesus gave the criteria for discerning a goat from a sheep in John 10:27.He said:

“My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me:”

Do you pass the test of hearing His voice and following in His footsteps? Does He know you? I was telling one of my sons recently how my father in the Lord use to ask me to pray for patience. In those days, when I saw someone not fully complying with what we were taught, I would go to Papa, compelling him to do something about it. He would just ask me to pray for more patience. Today, I understand better. God allows goats and sheep to coexist. Are you a goat or a sheep?

Action Point: Use the criteria set by Jesus inJohn 10:27 to judge yourself to whether you are His sheep. If you have strayed from the fold, return to His loving arms and surrender your life to 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 18 March 2017: Saturday daily devotional by Pastor E. A. Adeboye – Guard Your Faith!

Open Heavens 18 March 2017: Saturday daily devotional by Pastor E. A. Adeboye – Guard Your Faith!

Topic: Guard Your Faith! [Saturday 18, March 2017]

Memorise: But ye, beloved, building up yourselves on your most holy faith, praying in the Holy Ghost, - Jude 1:20

Read: 1 John 5:4-5 (KJV)

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

5 Who is he that overcometh the world, but he that believeth that Jesus is the Son of God?

Bible in One Year: Exodus 13-14, Isaiah 63:1-14

MESSAGE:

As you go through life, the winds, waves and storms of life will work against your progress, but be encouraged by the testimony of those who have successfully gone ahead of you in the Christian race. They serve as witnesses of God's ability to keep His children from falling(Hebrews 12:1). God not only calls, He also keeps and sustains the called. Jude 1:24says,

“Now unto him that is able to keep you from falling, and to present you faultless before the presence of his glory with exceeding joy,"

Be assured that God can keep you from falling. He can also keep you from failing. He can preserve you on your trip to destiny. He can keep you saved and living right before Him. Have you been unstable in your Christian faith? Have sin, Satan and the world been buffeting you, so much so that you are not experiencing the reality of a triumphant Christian life? The One who is able to keep you faultless will begin to strengthen you from today! By His grace, you will no longer be a victim of sin. The yoke of an inconsistent walk with God is broken today! Receive grace to live faultless before God's throne in Jesus' Name!

“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

If you are truly born again, you have been placed in a position that is in opposition to sin, Satan and the world. These entities will come against you on a daily basis. However, you should not be afraid, because God has given you the faith that overcomes. It is your duty to feed this faith and make it grow. Faith is like your body that requires food daily. The right food will strengthen and increase it, enabling it to withstand opposing forces, while the wrong diet will cause it to grow weak, lean and even die. Don't kill your faith! Separate yourself from all those who constantly tell you that you can't make it. Put a distance between you and anyone that wants to lure you into sin. Also, watch your activities on the internet and social media, so that you do not destroy your faith. Feed and develop your faith daily by studying the Bible, listening to messages of true servants of God, listening to testimonies, seeking counsel from godly counsellors and by praying in the Holy Spirit. If there is one thing you need to jealously guard always, it is your faith.

Key Point: With faith, you can win all the battles of life and make Heaven. Don't give up the fight of 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 27 February 2017: Monday daily devotional by Pastor E. A. Adeboye – Sincerity

Open Heavens 27 February 2017: Monday daily devotional by Pastor E. A. Adeboye – Sincerity

Topic: Sincerity [Monday 27, February 2017]

Memorise: In all things shewing thyself a pattern of good works: in doctrine shewing uncorruptness, gravity, sincerity, - Titus 2:7

Read: 2 Corinthians 2:14-17 (KJV)

14 Now thanks be unto God, which always causeth us to triumph in Christ, and maketh manifest the savour of his knowledge by us in every place.

15 For we are unto God a sweet savour of Christ, in them that are saved, and in them that perish:

16 To the one we are the savour of death unto death; and to the other the savour of life unto life. And who is sufficient for these things?

17 For we are not as many, which corrupt the word of God: but as of sincerity, but as of God, in the sight of God speak we in Christ.

Bible in One Year: Genesis 24, Isaiah 46

MESSAGE:

Insincerity is one of the greatest reasons behind the downfall of many believers today. Some people claim to love God, but the kind of fruit they manifest makes people question the genuineness of their salvation. Loving God is not just by words, it must reflect in all that we do and in our approach to life. The moment we are saved, we should no longer walk as those who are heading for eternal damnation. The word of God must be obeyed in its entirety. There are believers today who cherry-pick the aspects of the Bible they want to obey. This should not be so! After we are saved, it is expected of us to immediately renounce all the hidden things of dishonesty(2 Corinthians 4:2). We cannot afford to be careless in our Christian walk, because we have an adversary (1 Peter 5:8). To be able to stand against the wiles of the devil, we must be sincere with ourselves. One of the things that gave David victory over Goliath was his sincerity. Although King Saul offered David his armour, David was sincere enough to admit that he had never tried that approach (1 Samuel 17:38-39). His sincerity made him stick to his familiar strategy of using smooth stones and a catapult, rather than wasting his time on an untested line of attack that would not produce results.

Today, there are many ministers of the gospel who have abandoned the true gospel for a social message. They believe that people are not interested in hearing the truth. This is false! Some believe that if they preach the true gospel to people, they will find it very hard and most will turn away, hence, they water down their messages. Such ministers need to learn from Jesus (John 6:60-67). If Samson had been sincere with himself, he would not have died the kind of death he died(Judges 16:21-30). The devil had tested Samson several times and had found out that he had no wisdom. Samson knew he had a weakness for women, but he refused to admit it. He felt things would always remain as they were (Judges 16:20). If he was sincere, he would have built a wall of defence between himself and his weaknesses. He kept a relationship he knew God did not approve of. He kept visiting places he should not visit, just like some Christians today who visit bars; even though they know ungodly things happen there. Are you finding it difficult to stop stealing, yet you still join others in counting offering money? Are you finding it difficult to keep your eyes off your female secretary, despite speaking in tongues, and yet you have not eased her out? Are you competing with the grace of God in other people’s lives, despite the fact that God has told you your own area of strength? If any of these describes you, then you are not being sincere with yourself!

Prayer Point: Father, grant me the grace to sincerely deal with every weakness in 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 20 February 2017: Monday daily devotional by Pastor E. A. Adeboye – Perilous Times Are Here

Open Heavens 20 February 2017: Monday daily devotional by Pastor E. A. Adeboye – Perilous Times Are Here

Topic: Perilous Times Are Here [Monday 20, February 2017]

Memorise: Now the Spirit speaketh expressly, that in the latter times some shall depart from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits, and doctrines of devils; – 1 Timothy 4:1

Read: 2 Timothy 3:1-5 (KJV)

1 This know also, that in the last days perilous times shall come.

2 For men shall be lovers of their own selves, covetous, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy,

3 Without natural affection, trucebreakers, false accusers, incontinent, fierce, despisers of those that are good,

4 Traitors, heady, highminded, lovers of pleasures more than lovers of God;

5 Having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof: from such turn away.

Bible in One Year: Genesis 3-5, Isaiah 41:21-42:9

MESSAGE:

With all that we see and hear happening in different parts of the world today, it is no longer news that we are already in perilous times. This is why it is very urgent that we maximise the time that we have left in propagating the gospel of the Lord to those who are yet to know Him. We should carefully study the words of Ephesians 5:14-16 and obey its instructions. In these verses of Scripture, the Holy Spirit says,

“14 Wherefore he saith, Awake thou that sleepest, and arise from the dead, and Christ shall give thee light. 15 See then that ye walk circumspectly, not as fools, but as wise, 16 Redeeming the time, because the days are evil.”

In this modern age, where people are ever learning but never able to come to the knowledge of the truth, believers must watch against satanic wiles and temptations. We must avoid all forms of false doctrine that abound in churches today. Let us remain in the simple gospel of Jesus which is capable of seeing us through to the very end. There are false teachers rising up every day with different kinds of teachings and beliefs, using their influence to spread erroneous doctrines to unsuspecting believers. This is why you need to be selective of where you go and who you listen to. Those who go to church today only get excited when they are told what they want to hear. The Holy Spirit forewarned us of this in 2 Timothy 4:3:

“For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears;”

Let us therefore run with the message of the gospel into every part of the world; reminding everyone that those who are not on the Lord’s side on the last day will be eternally destroyed. Let us do the work of an evangelist, and go after those people who have strayed from the straight and narrow way. Let us bring back those sheep which are carelessly grazing on their fields, away from the presence of their Shepherd. These are those who started well but have become consumed by the cares of this world and the deceitfulness of riches. The signs of the second coming of Christ are daily being fulfilled before our eyes. In order not to be caught unawares, you must prepare yourself daily through self examination. The enemy of your soul is out there seeking how to devour you; don’t allow him to truncate your destiny. Ensure that you make no provision for the flesh, and put out all the works of darkness around you. Be prepared for His second coming! 

Prayer Point: Father, fill me with the consciousness of the second coming of Christ at all times.

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 February 2017: Wednesday daily devotional by Pastor E. A. Adeboye – Living within The Divine Will

Open Heavens 15 February 2017: Wednesday daily devotional by Pastor E. A. Adeboye – Living within The Divine Will

Topic: Living within the Divine Will [Wednesday 15, February 2017]

Memorise: Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven. – Matthew 6:10

Read: Matthew 26:37-42 (KJV)

37 And he took with him Peter and the two sons of Zebedee, and began to be sorrowful and very heavy.

38 Then saith he unto them, My soul is exceeding sorrowful, even unto death: tarry ye here, and watch with me.

39 And he went a little further, and fell on his face, and prayed, saying, O my Father, if it be possible, let this cup pass from me: nevertheless not as I will, but as thou wilt.

40 And he cometh unto the disciples, and findeth them asleep, and saith unto Peter, What, could ye not watch with me one hour?

41 Watch and pray, that ye enter not into temptation: the spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak.

42 He went away again the second time, and prayed, saying, O my Father, if this cup may not pass away from me, except I drink it, thy will be done.

Bible in One Year: John 14-15, Isaiah 38:4-19

MESSAGE:

Until you get to the point of conviction where you accept the fact that you can never have anything better than what God has for you, life will remain a struggle. There are many people struggling to find their place in life, but as a child of God you were not created to live by chance. You were designed by God to walk in His blueprint for your life, and so anything less than what God intends for you should be rejected. Living within the divine will means having an understanding of God’s plan for you in every area of your life. The will of God is always higher and greater than the will of man. His thoughts are directed towards our peace and fulfilment in this world (Jeremiah 29:11). This is why it is necessary to discern and hear what God is saying about the present phase of your life. There are people who are in the wrong job. No matter how much they work, they can never be successful because they are struggling with what God has not wired them for. Some people are in the wrong location, while some others are in relationships that drive away the presence of God from them. Do you know that there are people you meet in life who negatively impact your destiny? There are even some people you meet, and after they are gone out of your life, you find yourself drained, because all they did was use you. God’s will is to increase you and not to use you. However, you have to wait upon the Lord and never outrun Him because He is the one leading you.

Examples abound in the Scripture of those who struggled with the will of God for their lives before they understood what God would have them do. Moses thought he was doing the right thing when he killed an Egyptian, since he was born for the purpose of delivering the children of Israel from the hands of their Egyptian oppressors (Exodus 2:11-12). However, he walked outside the will of God by taking action at the wrong time and also by using the wrong approach. Jacob was also aware of God’s plan for him to be greater than his elder brother, but he devised a crooked method of obtaining the covenant blessing from his father. Consequently, he had no rest until he learnt to surrender to God. Have faith in God that you will become what He wants you to become; not by folding your hands and doing nothing, by being diligent in your walk of faith. What is not enough today will be more than enough tomorrow through God’s help. Remember the Lord blessed the latter days of Job more than his beginning(Job 42:12). Learn to wait. He who waits never loses, but he who is hasty never gains. Seek God’s face, and ask Him for the needed grace to run the race. God places a high premium on his children who are ready to align their words, actions, thoughts and decisions with the standards of Heaven.

Prayer Point: Father, grant me grace to patiently wait and work towards actualising Your will for 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 14 February 2017: Tuesday daily devotional by Pastor E. A. Adeboye – Practical Salvation

Open Heavens 14 February 2017: Tuesday daily devotional by Pastor E. A. Adeboye – Practical Salvation

Topic: Practical Salvation [Tuesday 14, February 2017]

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: Luke 3:3-14 (KJV)

3 And he came into all the country about Jordan, preaching the baptism of repentance for the remission of sins;

4 As it is written in the book of the words of Esaias the prophet, saying, The voice of one crying in the wilderness, Prepare ye the way of the Lord, make his paths straight.

5 Every valley shall be filled, and every mountain and hill shall be brought low; and the crooked shall be made straight, and the rough ways shall be made smooth;

6 And all flesh shall see the salvation of God.

7 Then said he to the multitude that came forth to be baptized of him, O generation of vipers, who hath warned you to flee from the wrath to come?

8 Bring forth therefore fruits worthy of repentance, and begin not to say within yourselves, We have Abraham to our father: for I say unto you, That God is able of these stones to raise up children unto Abraham.

9 And now also the axe is laid unto the root of the trees: every tree therefore which bringeth not forth good fruit is hewn down, and cast into the fire.

10 And the people asked him, saying, What shall we do then?

11 He answereth and saith unto them, He that hath two coats, let him impart to him that hath none; and he that hath meat, let him do likewise.

12 Then came also publicans to be baptized, and said unto him, Master, what shall we do?

13 And he said unto them, Exact no more than that which is appointed you.

14 And the soldiers likewise demanded of him, saying, And what shall we do? And he said unto them, Do violence to no man, neither accuse any falsely; and be content with your wages.

Bible in One Year: John 12-13, Isaiah 37:28-38:3

MESSAGE:

In today’s Bible reading, we gain insight into what it means practically to be saved. To be saved means to repent from your dead works and to be alive unto Christ in righteousness. Practical salvation is making your ways right with God without any reservation. When you are genuinely saved, everyone around you will see it. It cannot be hidden because you will no longer be comfortable in the midst of your sinful former friends. Practical salvation is impacting the lives around you by demonstrating the love of Christ through giving. I always tell people that whatever you give away may leave your hands but it will never leave your life. There is no other way to show the world the true nature of Christ without identifying with the challenges of people. Jesus was compassionate towards all those He met who were in need. How can you claim to be a Christian when you live in affluence but do not bother about what happens to the man beside you?

“And that ye put on the new man, which after God is created in righteousness and true holiness.” - Ephesians 4:24

Practical salvation involves putting off our old Adamic nature and manifesting the divine nature of Christ. We receive this divine nature, referred to as the new man, through repentance from our old ways and having faith in Christ’s work of salvation. The character of this new man says “Let him that stole steal no more” (Ephesians 4:28). It also uproots every root of bitterness, anger, wrath, envy, hatred and the likes out of your life. When you put on the new man, you will be ready to put right all that have gone wrong in your life, through the grace of the Almighty God. If something belonging to your organization or the government has been taken by you without being given, practical salvation demands that you return it. If you have been working with a forged certificate and you now say you are born again, you have to let go of this pretence and amend your ways. Several years ago, before I met the Lord, I was a school teacher and I needed to take care of one of my visitors. This need made me take a bed from the school dormitory. However, after my visitor left, I still held on to the bed. Seven years after this happened, I gave my life to Christ and I noticed that this bed was still in my house. I lost my peace immediately because there was a new spirit in me. To practically demonstrate my salvation, I had to pay double for the bed because the Jesus living in me would not allow me return a used bed after seven years of holding unto it.

Key Point: When you are saved, your neighbours will know.

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 February 2017: Monday daily devotional by Pastor E. A. Adeboye – The God of All Impossibilities

Open Heavens 13 February 2017: Monday daily devotional by Pastor E. A. Adeboye – The God of All Impossibilities

Topic: The God of All Impossibilities [Monday 13, February 2017]

Memorise: For with God nothing shall be impossible. – Luke 1:37

Read: Genesis 18:1-15 (KJV)

1 And the LORD appeared unto him in the plains of Mamre: and he sat in the tent door in the heat of the day;

2 And he lift up his eyes and looked, and, lo, three men stood by him: and when he saw them, he ran to meet them from the tent door, and bowed himself toward the ground,

3 And said, My Lord, if now I have found favour in thy sight, pass not away, I pray thee, from thy servant:

4 Let a little water, I pray you, be fetched, and wash your feet, and rest yourselves under the tree:

5 And I will fetch a morsel of bread, and comfort ye your hearts; after that ye shall pass on: for therefore are ye come to your servant. And they said, So do, as thou hast said.

6 And Abraham hastened into the tent unto Sarah, and said, Make ready quickly three measures of fine meal, knead it, and make cakes upon the hearth.

7 And Abraham ran unto the herd, and fetcht a calf tender and good, and gave it unto a young man; and he hasted to dress it.

8 And he took butter, and milk, and the calf which he had dressed, and set it before them; and he stood by them under the tree, and they did eat.

9 And they said unto him, Where is Sarah thy wife? And he said, Behold, in the tent.

10 And he said, I will certainly return unto thee according to the time of life; and, lo, Sarah thy wife shall have a son. And Sarah heard it in the tent door, which was behind him.

11 Now Abraham and Sarah were old and well stricken in age; and it ceased to be with Sarah after the manner of women.

12 Therefore Sarah laughed within herself, saying, After I am waxed old shall I have pleasure, my lord being old also?

13 And the LORD said unto Abraham, Wherefore did Sarah laugh, saying, Shall I of a surety bear a child, which am old?

14 Is any thing too hard for the LORD? At the time appointed I will return unto thee, according to the time of life, and Sarah shall have a son.

15 Then Sarah denied, saying, I laughed not; for she was afraid. And he said, Nay; but thou didst laugh.

Bible in One Year: John 11, Isaiah 37:14-27

MESSAGE:

The awesomeness of God is made manifest in situations that are tagged impossible. Our God likes to get involved in such cases so that they serve as reference points to those who have doubts in their hearts about Him. What is that impossible situation you are confronted with? God can use it to demonstrate to the world that there is no situation, no matter how bad, that He cannot reverse. In today’s Bible reading, the three men who came on a visit to Abraham and Sarah were on a mission to remind them that God is a God of plan and purpose. Have you been waiting a long time for that precious promise of God to come to pass? I have good news for you: your season of divine visitation has come in Jesus’ Name. Abraham and Sarah had given up and were no longer optimistic about the promise of a child to them. Sarah could not help laughing when she heard that time and life would be restored to her, because she knew her age and the deadness of her womb. Her skepticism made the Lord ask “Is anything too hard for the Lord?” Are you looking at the doctor’s professional report concerning your case? I want to let you know that the report of the Lord will override every negative report concerning you in Jesus’ Name.

Lazarus was dead and was already buried for four days (John 11:39). Nobody wanted to get close to his tomb because he was already stinking; yet the Lord went to that hopeless situation and reversed the irreversible. The Lord decided to take His time before going to Mary and Martha, in order to convince the whole world that even though people may have given up on you, He is always there to demonstrate to them that they are not your creator. There is nothing that the redemption paid for by Christ cannot take care of. Are you struggling with poverty, or are you getting in and out of hospital beds? Have you been labelled a permanent failure or been told nothing good can come out of your life? Know that there is a God in heaven who works wonders among men. If He sees that your natural season is over, He then reminds the world that “He changes times and seasons”(Daniel 2:21a). If He realises there are powerful forces contenting with your life, He lets them know that "He removeth kings, and setteth up kings" (Daniel 2:21b). If the world says you are no longer relevant in the scheme of things, He tells them that "He giveth wisdom to the wise and knowledge to them that know understanding" (Daniel 2:21c). With these assurances, you should thank God and praise Him all your life, knowing that your desires will come to pass. There shall be expedited reversal of every negative circumstance in your life today in Jesus’ Name.

Key Point: There is no impossibility with God.

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 February 2017: Saturday daily devotional by Pastor E. A. Adeboye – Showers of Blessings

Open Heavens 11 February 2017: Saturday daily devotional by Pastor E. A. Adeboye – Showers of Blessings

Topic: Showers of Blessings [Saturday 11, February 2017]

Memorise: And I will make them and the places round about my hill a blessing; and I will cause the shower to come down in his season; there shall be showers of blessing. – Ezekiel 34:26

Read: Joel 2:21-27 (KJV)

21 Fear not, O land; be glad and rejoice: for the LORD will do great things.

22 Be not afraid, ye beasts of the field: for the pastures of the wilderness do spring, for the tree beareth her fruit, the fig tree and the vine do yield their strength.

23 Be glad then, ye children of Zion, and rejoice in the LORD your God: for he hath given you the former rain moderately, and he will cause to come down for you the rain, the former rain, and the latter rain in the first month.

24 And the floors shall be full of wheat, and the fats shall overflow with wine and oil.

25 And I will restore to you the years that the locust hath eaten, the cankerworm, and the caterpiller, and the palmerworm, my great army which I sent among you.

26 And ye shall eat in plenty, and be satisfied, and praise the name of the LORD your God, that hath dealt wondrously with you: and my people shall never be ashamed.

27 And ye shall know that I am in the midst of Israel, and that I am the LORD your God, and none else: and my people shall never be ashamed.

Bible in One Year: John 7-8, Isaiah 36:4-20

MESSAGE:

When God created the world, He put some natural principles in place which can guarantee a measure of blessing. However, no blessing can stand the test of time apart from those made accessible by the Almighty God. The psalmist understood this truth, and hence he declared that only the Ultimate Shepherd can take you to green pastures(Psalm 23:2). Only the blessings of the Almighty God can give you the kind of peace that knows no trouble. When God pours His showers of blessings upon your life, the door of blessings will forever remain opened to you. The shower of blessings from the Lord is the starting point of a life of tremendous progress. You will suddenly realise that what others are finding difficult to achieve becomes very easy for you. You will also discover that what others complain about becomes what you rejoice over. The wind of the Holy Spirit is the source of God’s blessings. On the day of Pentecost, when the wind of the Holy Spirit blew, the church suddenly grew by 3000 members (Acts 2:1-41). When the Lord decides to pour His blessings in your direction: the debtor of yesterday becomes a lender to nations today, the negative medical report of yesterday becomes the testimony of today, and the sack letter of yesterday becomes the promotion letter of today. A while ago, one of my sons was sacked from his place of work without any reason. As he worshipped with us at our monthly Holy Ghost Service, there was a word of knowledge sent from God saying that someone was going through some trouble but that those responsible for this trouble would die. The following week, word came to him that his father had passed on. On the actual day of his father's burial, he received a letter from the organisation that sacked him, asking him to return, and that he had been promoted. When the showers of blessings come upon your life, whatever the enemies have concluded concerning you becomes invalid by the powers of the spoken word from God. I speak to the life of someone reading this devotional that your time of weeping has come to an end in Jesus’ Name.

Those who truly love God are always carriers of His blessings. Do everything possible to stay in God. Stick with Him all of your days. Let Him continue to direct you to where your life can remain fresh. Let His word fill your heart in every situation. Never let go of God, and you will practically see Him taking you out the shallow waters into showers of blessings. Are you experiencing dryness in your spiritual life, finances, marriage, career, business or ministry? God's showers of blessings will begin to flow in your direction in Jesus' Name.

Prayer Point: Father, Grant me a blessing that will settle my finances for 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 10 February 2017: Friday daily devotional by Pastor E. A. Adeboye – Faithful Steward

Open Heavens 10 February 2017: Friday daily devotional by Pastor E. A. Adeboye – Faithful Steward

Topic: Faithful Steward [Friday 10, February 2017]

Memorise: Moreover it is required in stewards, that a man be found faithful. – 1 Corinthians 4:2

Read: Luke 12:42-48 (KJV)

42 And the Lord said, Who then is that faithful and wise steward, whom his lord shall make ruler over his household, to give them their portion of meat in due season?

43 Blessed is that servant, whom his lord when he cometh shall find so doing.

44 Of a truth I say unto you, that he will make him ruler over all that he hath.

45 But and if that servant say in his heart, My lord delayeth his coming; and shall begin to beat the menservants and maidens, and to eat and drink, and to be drunken;

46 The lord of that servant will come in a day when he looketh not for him, and at an hour when he is not aware, and will cut him in sunder, and will appoint him his portion with the unbelievers.

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

48 But he that knew not, and did commit things worthy of stripes, shall be beaten with few stripes. For unto whomsoever much is given, of him shall be much required: and to whom men have committed much, of him they will ask the more.

Bible in One Year: John 6, Isaiah 34:15-36:3

MESSAGE:

Faithfulness is a basic requirement for those who want to succeed in their dealings with God. For those who desire to be great, relevant and effective in life and ministry, there is no other way around it. Today, the Church in my opinion is not in short supply of Christian workers; rather, faithful workers are scarce. God blesses beyond measure, all those who exhibit faithfulness in His service. I have always told my children in ministry that when a man of God does the work of God the way it should be done, what he or she will eat would not be a prayer point. This is because God is committed to those who are faithful in His business. He gave us this guarantee inHebrew 6:10:

“For God is not unrighteous to forget your work and labour of love, which ye have shewed toward his name, in that ye have ministered to the saints, and do minister.”

God is looking for men and women who are faithful stewards of all He has committed to their hands. You should be faithful in the handling of finances and not allow your heart be consumed by the love of money. Faithfulness is also required in the way you use your authority. You should be faithful in your service to God and in your service to humanity. You should be faithful in how you manage other people’s time, because time is life. Stewardship is a trust that must not be abused. You should always remember that you will give account of all that God has entrusted to you. You should take the business of the kingdom seriously and not be complacent in your approach to life. You have to be steadfast and diligent in whatever assignment you are given. Diligence is a key that gives you access to people in high places(Proverbs 22:29). As a faithful steward in the vineyard, you have to be focused on your own mandate and never use another man as a parameter to evaluate your life (2 Corinthians 10:12). To be focused is to have a target and to work towards actualising it to the glory of God, being conscious of the fact that God’s business requires urgency. Jesus made this clear in John 9:4

“I must work the works of him that sent me, while it is day: the night cometh, when no man can work.”

All the gifts, talents and potential that you have been given by God are expected to be deployed for His glory. It is my prayer that as you discern, develop and deploy all that He has committed into your hands, you will not be found wanting in Jesus’ Name.

Prayer Point: Father, by Your mercy, let me not receive condemnation on the day of reward.

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 February 2017: Thursday daily devotional by Pastor E. A. Adeboye – A King under the King

Open Heavens 9 February 2017: Thursday daily devotional by Pastor E. A. Adeboye – A King under the King

Topic: A King under the King [Thursday 9, February 2017]

Memorise: And hath made us kings and priests unto God and his Father; to him be glory and dominion for ever and ever. Amen. – Revelation 1:6

Read: 2 Samuel 6:20-23 (KJV)

20 Then David returned to bless his household. And Michal the daughter of Saul came out to meet David, and said, How glorious was the king of Israel to day, who uncovered himself to day in the eyes of the handmaids of his servants, as one of the vain fellows shamelessly uncovereth himself!

21 And David said unto Michal, It was before the LORD, which chose me before thy father, and before all his house, to appoint me ruler over the people of the LORD, over Israel: therefore will I play before the LORD.

22 And I will yet be more vile than thus, and will be base in mine own sight: and of the maidservants which thou hast spoken of, of them shall I be had in honour.

23 Therefore Michal the daughter of Saul had no child unto the day of her death.

Bible in One Year: John 4-5, Isaiah 34:1-14

MESSAGE:

The patronage a brand enjoys and the loyalty of its customers is determined by the reputation of its manufacturer. This applies also to children of God. Whose brand are you? Who is your manufacturer? What reputation and goodwill does your manufacturer enjoy in the market place? For how long have you been in the market? What adverse market conditions have you overcome? What are your strategic selling points? I am excited to declare that I am a child of the Most High God. The Almighty God, who is the Maker of the heavens and the earth, is my Creator. There was no fault in my design because I was fearfully and wonderfully made in the image of God. My father’s reputation is staked on the fact that He is the same yesterday, today and tomorrow. He is the oldest and yet the newest. Through Him, I have overcome defeat in every aspect of life. Sickness cannot have me. Poverty cannot come near me. Failure is far from me. Stagnation is not in my destiny. Barrenness is alien to me and I have no appointment with destruction. My selling point is that I have the joy of the Lord because I am a child of God!

As a child of God, you are not to run from problems; problems should be running from you. As a child of God, you have been created to be a terror to the kingdom of darkness. There should never be a report of you being terrorised by anything. Although Goliath had been terrorising the children of God for a long time, when a king under the king got there, his threat came to an end (1 Samuel 17:3-51).Today, I prophesy into your life that every Goliath in your home, finances, ministry, business and career shall be brought down in Jesus’ Name. As a king, you are expected to command every negative situation out of your life. These situations have ears and they can hear you. That impossible situation is awaiting your command. Jeremiah 1:9-10says,

“9 Then the LORD put forth his hand, and touched my mouth. And the LORD said unto me, Behold, I have put my words in thy mouth. 10See, I have this day set thee over the nations and over the kingdoms, to root out, and to pull down, and to destroy, and to throw down, to build, and to plant."

One of my beloved sons who has gone to be with the Lord, would always say that you should not complain about what you permit. So if there is anything you are complaining about, it is because you have permitted the devil for too long. Command him to pack his bags out of your family, out of your body and out of your business. Those who know their God shall be strong and do exploits.

Key Point: If you don’t know who you are, you will not know your authority.

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 February 2017: Wednesday daily devotional by Pastor E. A. Adeboye – Another Chance

Open Heavens 8 February 2017: Wednesday daily devotional by Pastor E. A. Adeboye – Another Chance

Topic: Another Chance [Wednesday 8, February 2017]

Memorise: She said, No man, Lord. And Jesus said unto her, Neither do I condemn thee: go, and sin no more. – John 8:11

Read: John 8:1-11 (KJV)

1 Jesus went unto the mount of Olives.

2 And early in the morning he came again into the temple, and all the people came unto him; and he sat down, and taught them.

3 And the scribes and Pharisees brought unto him a woman taken in adultery; and when they had set her in the midst,

4 They say unto him, Master, this woman was taken in adultery, in the very act.

5 Now Moses in the law commanded us, that such should be stoned: but what sayest thou?

6 This they said, tempting him, that they might have to accuse him. But Jesus stooped down, and with his finger wrote on the ground, as though he heard them not.

7 So when they continued asking him, he lifted up himself, and said unto them, He that is without sin among you, let him first cast a stone at her.

8 And again he stooped down, and wrote on the ground.

9 And they which heard it, being convicted by their own conscience, went out one by one, beginning at the eldest, even unto the last: and Jesus was left alone, and the woman standing in the midst.

10 When Jesus had lifted up himself, and saw none but the woman, he said unto her, Woman, where are those thine accusers? hath no man condemned thee?

11 She said, No man, Lord. And Jesus said unto her, Neither do I condemn thee: go, and sin no more.

Bible in One Year: John 1-3, Isaiah 33:10-24

MESSAGE:

While it is very sweet and pleasant to be given another chance in life, in the face of resignation to doom and hopelessness, making the most of the opportunity presented by such a privilege is of greater importance. A classical example of someone who enjoyed another chance at life is the woman caught in the act of sexual immorality in today’s Bible reading. Just when her life would have been taken away from her, God gave her another chance. Under the Mosaic Law, for her sin of adultery, she should have paid the supreme price of death through stoning. The scribes and Pharisees arrested and brought her to Jesus Christ for condemnation, but because He came to rescue and save the lost, he gave her another chance to live. The mercy of God that smiled on this woman on that fateful day caused her to be brought to the Saviour of life and not to the taker of it. After throwing a poser to her accusers which rocked the foundation of their souls and caused them to abandon their mission to take a life they did not create, Jesus in John 8:10 turned to this woman and asked her, "….Woman, where are those thine accusers? Hath no man condemned thee?" "No man, Lord", she replied. Praise God for the verdict of Jesus which gave her another chance:

"…Neither do I condemn thee: go, and sin no more." - John 8:11

To someone reading this Devotional, Jesus Christ is saying to you today that though your family, your friends, your church, your government or the world many have condemned and written you off, He has not condemned you. He says to you, "Receive my forgiveness but go and sin no more”. Thank God for His mercies. His mercy is so great that even the thief on the right side of the cross was given another chance (Luke 23:40-43)! This is the wonder of the cross. Beloved, you can be a partaker of the second chance that Jesus offers. Probably you are reading this in the prison yard, and you have been condemned to die. Do what that thief did – acknowledge your sins, repent of them, and accept Jesus Christ as the Righteous One who died for the unrighteous like you. Plead for God’s mercy and believe you have received it through Jesus Christ. I assure you that the door of a second chance is opened to you. Seize it, celebrate it and thank God for it. You are now saved by grace. Hallelujah!

Prayer Point: Father, forgive me for my past misdeeds. Give me another chance to live my life for 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 29 January 2017: Sunday daily devotional by Pastor E. A. Adeboye – Direction for True Seekers

Open Heavens 29 January 2017: Sunday daily devotional by Pastor E. A. Adeboye – Direction for True Seekers

Topic: Direction for True Seekers [Sunday 29, January 2017]

Memorise: But in every nation he that feareth him, and worketh righteousness, is accepted with him. – Acts 10:35

Read: Acts 10:1-8 (KJV)

1 There was a certain man in Caesarea called Cornelius, a centurion of the band called the Italian band,

2 A devout man, and one that feared God with all his house, which gave much alms to the people, and prayed to God alway.

3 He saw in a vision evidently about the ninth hour of the day an angel of God coming in to him, and saying unto him, Cornelius.

4 And when he looked on him, he was afraid, and said, What is it, Lord? And he said unto him, Thy prayers and thine alms are come up for a memorial before God.

5 And now send men to Joppa, and call for one Simon, whose surname is Peter:

6 He lodgeth with one Simon a tanner, whose house is by the sea side: he shall tell thee what thou oughtest to do.

7 And when the angel which spake unto Cornelius was departed, he called two of his household servants, and a devout soldier of them that waited on him continually;

8 And when he had declared all these things unto them, he sent them to Joppa.

Bible in One Year: Luke 8, Isaiah 26:1-19

MESSAGE:

“27 And likewise also the men, leaving the natural use of the woman, burned in their lust one toward another; men with men working that which is unseemly, and receiving in themselves that recompence of their error which was meet.28 And even as they did not like to retain God in their knowledge, God gave them over to a reprobate mind, to do those things which are not convenient;” - Romans 1:27-28

From the scripture above, it is true that nature abhors a vacuum. Your mind was designed to retain the knowledge of God. However, if it is not used for that purpose, do not be surprised that it will become filled with junk and warped reasoning. How true the word of God is throughout the ages! What this scripture foretold centuries ago is exactly what we find being manifested right before our very eyes today. One reason why some people attach themselves to sodomy, lesbianism, bestiality and all kinds of abominable acts today is because they have shut their hearts to the truth of God’s word. This includes those gays who profess to be religious. Such people do not have a true, inward relationship with God. Are you battling with evil thoughts? Then fill your mind with the knowledge of God, His word, His ways and His testimonies, and there will be no space for junk and the lies of the devil in it.

Do you know that God is seriously searching for those who are seeking for Him? The Bible in Psalms 14:2 says:

“The LORD looked down from heaven upon the children of men, to see if there were any that did understand, and seek God.”

Wherever He finds them, irrespective of the religious sect they belong to, one way or another, He charts a path for them to come out, get to know and serve Him in the right way. This was the experience of Cornelius. This officer in the Roman army was still practicing Judaism after Jesus had come to introduce salvation by faith in Him. Despite the fact that Jesus had come and had finished the work of salvation, and the gospel was being preached, Cornelius continued worshipping God the same way he had always done before. Nevertheless, God saw the sincerity of his desire for Him, and He arranged for Him to meet Apostle Peter, who taught him the new and living way to God. There are people in different faiths who are truly seeking God but are doing so wrongly. Pray that like Cornelius, God will lead them the right way, out of where they are into His kingdom.

Key Point: Having a PhD in an academic discipline does not necessarily make you wise before God. Wisdom comes from seeking God.

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 January 2017: Saturday daily devotional by Pastor E. A. Adeboye – Be Thou Perfect

Open Heavens 7 January 2017: Saturday daily devotional by Pastor E. A. Adeboye – Be Thou Perfect

Topic: Be Thou Perfect [Saturday 7, January 2017]

Memorise: Be ye therefore perfect, even as your Father which is in heaven is perfect. – Matthew 5:48

Read: Genesis 17:1-9 (KJV)

1 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.

2 And I will make my covenant between me and thee, and will multiply thee exceedingly.

3 And Abram fell on his face: and God talked with him, saying,

4 As for me, behold, my covenant is with thee, and thou shalt be a father of many nations.

5 Neither shall thy name any more be called Abram, but thy name shall be Abraham; for a father of many nations have I made thee.

6 And I will make thee exceeding fruitful, and I will make nations of thee, and kings shall come out of thee.

7 And I will establish my covenant between me and thee and thy seed after thee in their generations for an everlasting covenant, to be a God unto thee, and to thy seed after thee.

8 And I will give unto thee, and to thy seed after thee, the land wherein thou art a stranger, all the land of Canaan, for an everlasting possession; and I will be their God.

9 And God said unto Abraham, Thou shalt keep my covenant therefore, thou, and thy seed after thee in their generations.

Bible in One Year: Matthew 14-5 and Isaiah 5:24-6:7

MESSAGE:

There are many misconceptions about God’s demand for perfection. These misconceptions have led some people to erroneously conclude that perfection is an unrealistic aim in the Christian walk, and should therefore be abandoned. To debunk this line of thought, our Lord Jesus Christ in today’s memory verse re-echoes His Father’s demand for our perfection. My prayer is that the power of God will come upon you today, and you will begin to live in perfection as God demands in Jesus’ Name. Why do people see God’s demand for our perfection as being unattainable? It’s because they think that perfection is to be attained by our strength. However, the truth of the matter is this: if man did not create himself but came to existence through the power and wisdom of God, by this same wisdom and power, God will help him to meet His demands. The problem with such people is unbelief. For this reason, the Bible inHebrews 11:6 says:

“But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him.”

Unbelief breeds disobedience. The case of the first man and woman shows this. They fell into imperfection through their unbelief in the efficacy and infallibility of God’s word! This is in contrast to Abraham, of whom God also demanded perfection, who responded to God’s demand in faith. This is why the Scripture say this about him:

“Even as Abraham believed God, and it was accounted to him for righteousness.” - Galatians 3:6

From God’s point of view, perfection is total obedience to His instructions in faith. You are perfect if you obey what God asks you to do, even if it seems illogical or is politically incorrect. Obedience in faith brings justification, which is the key to perfection.

Do you find yourself in a state of unbelief? Are you one of those who don’t believe perfection is attainable? If you are, you must pray today like the man whose child was tormented by the devils in Mark 9:24:

“And straightway the father of the child cried out, and said with tears, Lord, I believe; help thou mine unbelief.”

Action Point: The Spirit of Jesus Christ helps us into perfection. Therefore, accept Jesus today and ask Him to give you His Spirit, and His Spirit will make you perfect.

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.

iOpenHeavens is the electronic version of the Hard Copy. The Open Heavens devotional application is available across all mobile platforms and operating systems: iOS, Android, Blackberry, Nokia, Windows Mobile and PC.

Open Heavens 1 January 2017: Sunday daily devotional by Pastor E. A. Adeboye – Starting A New Year

Open Heavens 1 January 2017: Sunday daily devotional by Pastor E. A. Adeboye – Starting A New Year

Topic: Starting A New Year [Sunday 1, January 2017]

Memorise: Better is the end of a thing than the beginning thereof: and the patient in spirit is better than the proud in spirit. – Ecclesiastes 7:8

Read: Job 8:5-7 (KJV)

5 If thou wouldest seek unto God betimes, and make thy supplication to the Almighty;

6 If thou wert pure and upright; surely now he would awake for thee, and make the habitation of thy righteousness prosperous.

7 Though thy beginning was small, yet thy latter end should greatly increase.

Bible in One Year: Matthew 1-3, Isaiah 1:1-17

MESSAGE:

Welcome to this New Year! It is always good to experience something pleasantly new. At the dawn of a new year, hopes are renewed, aspirations are born and expectations are high. But when the ups and downs of life take their toll in the course of the year, many people are not able to sustain the zeal and zest that they started the year with. Does this sound familiar? For some, it appears as if the events they experience in the course of the year are set up to completely dash their hopes. If this has been your experience, it shall be different this time around in the mighty Name of Jesus.

“For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the LORD, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end.” - Jeremiah 29:11

As you take in the fresh New Year breeze, know for sure that God has something great in store for you which will unfold in the course of this year. Something huge is coming your way, so let your hope be fixed on the Lord. God wants you to end this year big and great, and to have your heart overflowing with joy. Remember that in the Kingdom of God, the end of a thing is always of greater significance than its beginning. Hence, the Holy Ghost in Job 8:7 said:

“Though thy beginning was small, yet thy latter end should greatly increase.”

Because some people start a new year with little or nothing, they don’t expect anything great to come their way that year. If you find yourself in such a situation, know that if you settle some key issues in your life, you can be assured of a greater, bigger and glorious year. First, start the year with God (Proverbs 8:17).If you are still living in sin, the greatest way to start this year is by going on your knees, confessing your sins to God, asking for His forgiveness and inviting Jesus Christ to be your captain and pilot from now onwards. Also, you need to cultivate a personal relationship with God by studying the Bible regularly, fellowshipping with other believers in a Bible-believing Church, worshipping God and taking time to pray on daily basis. In addition, daily ask God for direction, wait to receive it, and be sure to follow as He leads. Utilise all opportunities that come your way and give your best to God and His work. If you do all these, I assure you that this year will end very well for you.

Action Point: Thank God for granting you access to this New Year. Let your thanksgiving be a daily offering to God this year.

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.