Open Heavens

Open Heavens 17 February 2018: Saturday daily devotional by Pastor Adeboye – Greater Works Than These

2018-02-16T19:53:00.000+01:00

Topic: Greater Works Than These [Open Heavens 17 Saturday February 2018]

Memorise: “Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that believeth on me, the works that I do shall he do also; and greater works than these shall he do; because I go unto my Father.” – John 14:12

Read: 2 Kings 2:9-15 (KJV)

9 And it came to pass, when they were gone over, that Elijah said unto Elisha, Ask what I shall do for thee, before I be taken away from thee. And Elisha said, I pray thee, let a double portion of thy spirit be upon me.

10 And he said, Thou hast asked a hard thing: nevertheless, if thou see me when I am taken from thee, it shall be so unto thee; but if not, it shall not be so.

11 And it came to pass, as they still went on, and talked, that, behold, there appeared a chariot of fire, and horses of fire, and parted them both asunder; and Elijah went up by a whirlwind into heaven.

12 And Elisha saw it, and he cried, My father, my father, the chariot of Israel, and the horsemen thereof. And he saw him no more: and he took hold of his own clothes, and rent them in two pieces.

13 He took up also the mantle of Elijah that fell from him, and went back, and stood by the bank of Jordan;

14 And he took the mantle of Elijah that fell from him, and smote the waters, and said, Where is the LORD God of Elijah? and when he also had smitten the waters, they parted hither and thither: and Elisha went over.

15 And when the sons of the prophets which were to view at Jericho saw him, they said, The spirit of Elijah doth rest on Elisha. And they came to meet him, and bowed themselves to the ground before him.

Bible in One Year: Leviticus 13; 1 Corinthians 4

MESSAGE

When Elisha requested for the double portion of Elijah’s anointing, he was simply asking for the ability to do greater works than what his master had done. Here is Elijah’s response to his request:

“And he said, Thou hast asked a hard thing: nevertheless, if thou see me when I am taken from thee, it shall be so unto thee; but if not, it shall not be so.” - 2 Kings 2:10

One lesson we should quickly learn from this response is that any child of God asking God for more of His gift or blessings is actually courting higher responsibilities. Asking for a double portion of Elijah’s spirit required great faith on the part of the upcoming prophet. In the same vein, it requires faith from us to believe that we can do greater things than Christ did. As far as Elisha was concerned, nothing could be allowed to come between him and the anointing for greater works. He therefore, keenly watched and followed the footsteps of his master. As they took a walk and talked, a chariot of fire and flaming horse parted them. Elisha beheld this, and he cried out to signify that he saw everything and had met the condition Elijah laid down for him. He tore his clothes and picked up the mantle that fell from Elijah while he was being transported to heaven, signifying that he was ready to change his old garment to a new one for a new life of greater exploit. I have good news for you: someone greater than Elijah is now present with us, and His name is Jesus Christ, the Son of the Living God. He came to die for our sins and to rescue us from all forms of damnation. Bible testifies that He went about doing good and healing all that were oppressed of the devil (Acts 10:38). To be able to do what He did and even greater things than He did, you must decide to follow Him all the way, just as Elisha did with Elijah. In order to be intimate with Jesus Christ, doing His bidding is not optional. After Elisha got the double portion of Elijah’s spirit, other sons of the prophets had to acknowledge the beautiful thing that had taken place in his life, and they all bowed to him. A greater experienced awaits those who give their lives to Christ, because demons will begin to bow to them. This is just part of the Lord’s promise to us (Mark 16:17-18).

What is expected of us, therefore, is to abide in Him and follow His way of life and the ideas He brought from His Father, even if this requires our having to suffer for him. 1 Peter 2:21 say:

“For even hereunto were ye called: because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that ye should follow his steps:”

Prayer Point: Father, please count me worthy to do greater works that my Master did while on earth, and let Your Name be glorified through me.

Hymn 2: I Need Thee, Oh, I Need Thee.

1. I need Thee every hour, most gracious Lord;
No tender voice like Thine can peace afford.

Chorus:
I need Thee, oh, I need Thee;
Every hour I need Thee;
Oh, bless me now, my Savior,
I come to Thee.

2. I need Thee every hour, stay Thou nearby;
Temptations lose their power when Thou art nigh.

3. I need Thee every hour, in joy or pain;
Come quickly and abide, or life is vain.

4. I need Thee every hour; teach me Thy will;
And Thy rich promises in me fulfill.

5. I need Thee every hour, most Holy One;
Oh, make me Thine indeed, Thou blessed Son.

Open Heavens 17th February 2018, 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 16 February 2018: Friday daily devotional by Pastor Adeboye – Destiny Helpers

2018-02-16T02:21:00.003+01:00

Topic: Destiny Helpers [Open Heavens 16 Friday February 2018]

Memorise: “For even in Thessalonica ye sent once and again unto my necessity.” – Philippians 4:16

Read: 2 Samuel 23:8-23 (KJV)

8 These be the names of the mighty men whom David had: The Tachmonite that sat in the seat, chief among the captains; the same was Adino the Eznite: he lift up his spear against eight hundred, whom he slew at one time.

9 And after him was Eleazar the son of Dodo the Ahohite, one of the three mighty men with David, when they defied the Philistines that were there gathered together to battle, and the men of Israel were gone away:

10 He arose, and smote the Philistines until his hand was weary, and his hand clave unto the sword: and the LORD wrought a great victory that day; and the people returned after him only to spoil.

11 And after him was Shammah the son of Agee the Hararite. And the Philistines were gathered together into a troop, where was a piece of ground full of lentiles: and the people fled from the Philistines.

12 But he stood in the midst of the ground, and defended it, and slew the Philistines: and the LORD wrought a great victory.

13 And three of the thirty chief went down, and came to David in the harvest time unto the cave of Adullam: and the troop of the Philistines pitched in the valley of Rephaim.

14 And David was then in an hold, and the garrison of the Philistines was then in Bethlehem.

15 And David longed, and said, Oh that one would give me drink of the water of the well of Bethlehem, which is by the gate!

16 And the three mighty men brake through the host of the Philistines, and drew water out of the well of Bethlehem, that was by the gate, and took it, and brought it to David: nevertheless he would not drink thereof, but poured it out unto the LORD.

17 And he said, Be it far from me, O LORD, that I should do this: is not this the blood of the men that went in jeopardy of their lives? therefore he would not drink it. These things did these three mighty men.

18 And Abishai, the brother of Joab, the son of Zeruiah, was chief among three. And he lifted up his spear against three hundred, and slew them, and had the name among three.

19 Was he not most honourable of three? therefore he was their captain: howbeit he attained not unto the first three.

20 And Benaiah the son of Jehoiada, the son of a valiant man, of Kabzeel, who had done many acts, he slew two lionlike men of Moab: he went down also and slew a lion in the midst of a pit in time of snow:

21 And he slew an Egyptian, a goodly man: and the Egyptian had a spear in his hand; but he went down to him with a staff, and plucked the spear out of the Egyptian's hand, and slew him with his own spear.

22 These things did Benaiah the son of Jehoiada, and had the name among three mighty men.

23 He was more honourable than the thirty, but he attained not to the first three. And David set him over his guard.

Bible in One Year: Leviticus 10-12; 1 Corinthians 3

MESSAGE

Everybody needs at least one destiny helper in his or her lifetime. In spite of the amount of wealth you may think you have, it is a grievous mistake to ever think you can be a lone ranger. Our Lord Jesus Christ came to accomplish the work of redemption, and yet He needed destiny helpers. Here is what the Bible says concerning Him in Mark 3:14:

“And he ordained twelve, that they should be with him, and that he might send them forth to preach,”

It is equally amazing to discover that even mighty angels require help in carrying out their assignment (Daniel 10:12-13). In our text today, a roll call of David’s destiny helpers is given. Even though David was a mighty man of valor, his destiny would have been truncated time and again, but for the intervention of these destiny helpers, especially when opposition, persecution and even death stared at him in the face. Read what the Scripture says about the impact made by one of his destiny helpers in 2 Samuel 21:15-17:

“15 Moreover the Philistines had yet war again with Israel; and David went down, and his servants with him, and fought against the Philistines: and David waxed faint. 16 And Ishbibenob, which was of the sons of the giant, the weight of whose spear weighed three hundred shekels of brass in weight, he being girded with a new sword, thought to have slain David. 17 But Abishai the son of Zeruiah succoured him, and smote the Philistine, and killed him. Then the men of David sware unto him, saying, Thou shalt go no more out with us to battle, that thou quench not the light of Israel.”

Just like David, apostle Paul also had several destiny helpers, even though he was highly anointed. He made reference to one of such helpers in today’s memory verse. You must never think of living life as a lone ranger.

Destiny helpers are those who assist you in accomplishing your God-given assignment in life. They hold up your hands when you are weary and cover up your inadequacies when you are weak. One common character with which you can recognize destiny helpers is their unflinching love towards the one they are meant to help. Against all odds, they are always there to help. Think about those you consider to be your destiny helpers; are they really destiny helpers or destiny destroyers? You must seek God’s face to provide appropriate destiny helpers for your life, and you must appreciate them as God’s gift and encourage them. Note that all of David’s destiny helpers became generals in his army when he became settled on the throne: don’t use and dump your destiny helpers.

Prayer Point: Father, please send me my destiny helpers today. Grant them grace to help me accomplish my assignment, and make them unrelenting in helping me fulfill my destiny in life.

Hymn 11: Oh God, Our Help In Ages Past

1. O God, our help in ages past,
Our hope for years to come,
Our shelter from the stormy blast,
And our eternal home.

2. Under the shadow of Thy throne
Thy saints have dwelt secure;
Sufficient is Thine arm alone,
And our defense is sure.

3. Before the hills in order stood,
Or earth received her frame,
From everlasting Thou art God,
To endless years the same.

4. A thousand ages in Thy sight
Are like an evening gone;
Short as the watch that ends the night
Before the rising sun.

5. Time, like an ever-rolling stream,
Bears all its sons away;
They fly, forgotten, as a dream
Dies at the opening day.

6. O God, our help in ages past,
Our hope for years to come,
Be Thou our guard while life shall last,
And our eternal home.

Open Heavens 16th February 2018, 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 15 February 2018: Thursday daily devotional by Pastor Adeboye – The Compassionate Prosecutor

2018-02-15T00:58:00.001+01:00

Topic: The Compassionate Prosecutor [Open Heavens 15 Thursday February 2018]

Memorise: “And when he is come, he will reprove the world of sin, and of righteousness, and of judgment:” – John 16:8

Read: John 16:7-11 (KJV)

7 Nevertheless I tell you the truth; It is expedient for you that I go away: for if I go not away, the Comforter will not come unto you; but if I depart, I will send him unto you.

8 And when he is come, he will reprove the world of sin, and of righteousness, and of judgment:

9 Of sin, because they believe not on me;

10 Of righteousness, because I go to my Father, and ye see me no more;

11 Of judgment, because the prince of this world is judged.

Bible in One Year: Leviticus 8-9; 1 Corinthians 2

MESSAGE

Looking at the title of today’s Bible study, you may begin to wonder how a person can prosecute a case and be compassionate at the same time. This is ironic because a prosecutor is expected to press the case for the law to have its full course. Who then is this prosecutor who manages to indict and show compassion all at once? The Lord Jesus Christ answers this question in today’s memory verse. The person He refers to is the Holy Spirit. Based on the revelation of the Lord, let us consider the three-pronged strategy by which the Holy Spirit carries out His assignment of prosecuting the world. Note first of all that it is compassion that motivates the Holy Spirit to prosecute the world while there is still time to make amends. A time will come when the whole world will stand before the throne of Christ to be judged of all their works (2 Corinthians 5:10). There will be no excuse permitted on that day, because the Compassionate Prosecutor would have already given each man a dress rehearsal of what will happen in heaven’s court.

The first of the Holy Spirit’s three-pronged strategy is to make the world aware of the destructive nature of sin and cause each and everyone to run away from it. This is why those who preach the gospel must allow the Holy Spirit to use them to read the “riot act” to their audience and not shy away from the reality of the pending doom that awaits those who will not believe in or accept the only Savior of mankind. The early disciples allowed the Holy Spirit to do this work through them and a sample of the result is glaring in Acts 2:37:

“Now when they heard this, they were pricked in their heart, and said unto Peter and to the rest of the apostles, Men and brethren, what shall we do?”

The second arm of His strategy is to make the world see the need to be upright in heart, and the need to be in right standing with the righteous God through the Mediator of the new covenant, Jesus Christ. Thirdly the Holy Spirit works to make the world aware of the judgment and punishment that awaits the devil and his cohorts. He does this so that men may be wary of listening to the devil and avoid being condemned along with him. The Compassionate Prosecutor speaks truth to all those who will listen and be free from the eternal consequences of God’s judgment (John 16:13, John 8:32). How friendly are you with the Holy Spirit? Do you only love Him because He comforts you in times of distress or do you still love Him when He probes into your life and reproves you? I encourage you to make the Holy Spirit your Senior Partner, Guide, Mentor and Confidant; He will never lead you astray.

Prayer Point: Compassionate Holy Spirit, please strongly reprove the people in my locality of sin, of righteousness and of judgment, and let Your work of conviction have free course in their hearts in Jesus’ Name.

Hymn 3: What Can Wash Away My Sins

1. What can wash away my sin?
Nothing but the blood of Jesus;
What can make me whole again?
Nothing but the blood of Jesus.

Chorus:
Oh! precious is the flow
That makes me white as snow;
No other fount I know,
Nothing but the blood of Jesus.

2. For my cleansing this I see,
Nothing but the blood of Jesus;
For my pardon this my plea,
Nothing but the blood of Jesus.

3. Nothing can for sin erase
Nothing but the blood of Jesus;
Naught of works, ‘tis all of grace,
Nothing but the blood of Jesus.

4. This is all my hope and peace,
Nothing but the blood of Jesus;
This is all my righteousness,
Nothing but the blood of Jesus.

Open Heavens 15th February 2018, 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 14 February 2018: Wednesday daily devotional by Pastor Adeboye – Holy Unto The Lord

2018-02-13T22:40:00.003+01:00

Topic: Holy Unto The Lord [Open Heavens 14 Wednesday February 2018]

Memorise: “Because he hath set his love upon me, therefore will I deliver him: I will set him on high, because he hath known my name.” – Psalm 91:14

Read: Daniel 1:1-8, Daniel 6:18-22 (KJV)

Daniel 1:1-8

1 In the third year of the reign of Jehoiakim king of Judah came Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon unto Jerusalem, and besieged it.

2 And the Lord gave Jehoiakim king of Judah into his hand, with part of the vessels of the house of God: which he carried into the land of Shinar to the house of his god; and he brought the vessels into the treasure house of his god.

3 And the king spake unto Ashpenaz the master of his eunuchs, that he should bring certain of the children of Israel, and of the king's seed, and of the princes;

4 Children in whom was no blemish, but well favoured, and skilful in all wisdom, and cunning in knowledge, and understanding science, and such as had ability in them to stand in the king's palace, and whom they might teach the learning and the tongue of the Chaldeans.

5 And the king appointed them a daily provision of the king's meat, and of the wine which he drank: so nourishing them three years, that at the end thereof they might stand before the king.

6 Now among these were of the children of Judah, Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah:

7 Unto whom the prince of the eunuchs gave names: for he gave unto Daniel the name of Belteshazzar; and to Hananiah, of Shadrach; and to Mishael, of Meshach; and to Azariah, of Abednego.

8 But Daniel purposed in his heart that he would not defile himself with the portion of the king's meat, nor with the wine which he drank: therefore he requested of the prince of the eunuchs that he might not defile himself.

Daniel 6:18-22

18 Then the king went to his palace, and passed the night fasting: neither were instruments of musick brought before him: and his sleep went from him.

19 Then the king arose very early in the morning, and went in haste unto the den of lions.

20 And when he came to the den, he cried with a lamentable voice unto Daniel: and the king spake and said to Daniel, O Daniel, servant of the living God, is thy God, whom thou servest continually, able to deliver thee from the lions?

21 Then said Daniel unto the king, O king, live for ever.

22 My God hath sent his angel, and hath shut the lions' mouths, that they have not hurt me: forasmuch as before him innocency was found in me; and also before thee, O king, have I done no hurt.

Bible in One Year: Leviticus 6-7, 1 Corinthians 1

MESSAGE

According to Psalm 91:14, one sure weapon against experiencing destruction and calamity is a life of holiness. Opinions differ on what it means to live a holy life, and to some, such a lifestyle is unattainable. However, with reference to biblical heroes of faith. I have been able to explain what holiness is all about. Holiness simply means obedience to God’s instructions. As long as you obey God’s commands, He sees you as an acceptable carrier of his image and He will love you for that. In John 14:21 & 23b, the Lord Jesus Christ expounded on this truth, saying:

“He that hath my commandments, and keepeth them, he it is that loveth me: and he that loveth me shall be loved of my Father, and I will love him, and will manifest myself to 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.”

Every child of God who knows God’s holy nature will also know that before the Trinity would decide to dwell within a person, he or she must be living a consecrated and holy life.

In our text for today, we see how Daniel guarded himself against the calamity and destruction that would have terminated his destiny later in life. Daniel 1:8a says

“But Daniel purposed in his heart that he would not defile himself with the portion of the king's meat, nor with the wine which he drank:”

Please note that a portion of the king’s meat and some measure of the king’s wine were part of Daniel’s entitlements as an undergraduate in the University of Babylon where he was studying in preparation for service in the king’s court, but he declined having them. Glory to God that Daniel’s modest life of consecration to God paid off for him on the day of calamity when he was thrown into the den of lions. He could testify to his friend, King Darius, in Daniel 6:22, saying:

“My God hath sent his angel, and hath shut the lions' mouths, that they have not hurt me: forasmuch as before him innocency was found in me; and also before thee, O king, have I done no hurt.”

Beloved, endeavor to live holy through a modest life of consecration unto God, and you can be sure of divine protection because of God’s love.

Prayer Point: Father, please help me to live holy for You and keep me safe in the holiness of your Son, Jesus Christ my Lord.

Hymn 5: I Have Decided To Follow Jesus

1. I have decided to follow Jesus;
I have decided to follow Jesus;
I have decided to follow Jesus;
No turning back, no turning back.

2. The world behind me, the cross before me;
The world behind me, the cross before me;
The world behind me, the cross before me;
No turning back, no turning back

3. Though none go with me, still I will follow;
Though none go with me, still I will follow;
Though none go with me, still I will follow;
No turning back, no turning back.

4. My cross I’ll carry, till I see Jesus;
My cross I’ll carry, till I see Jesus;
My cross I’ll carry, till I see Jesus;
No turning back, no turning back.

5. Will you decide now to follow Jesus?
Will you decide now to follow Jesus?
Will you decide now to follow Jesus?
No turning back, no turning back.

Open Heavens 14th February 2018, 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 13 February 2018: Tuesday daily devotional by Pastor Adeboye – Careless Warriors

2018-02-12T22:56:00.002+01:00

Topic: Careless Warriors [Open Heavens 13 Tuesday February 2018]

Memorise: “Take ye heed, watch and pray: for ye know not when the time is.” – Mark 13:33

Read: 1 Samuel 30:1-6 (KJV)

1 And it came to pass, when David and his men were come to Ziklag on the third day, that the Amalekites had invaded the south, and Ziklag, and smitten Ziklag, and burned it with fire;

2 And had taken the women captives, that were therein: they slew not any, either great or small, but carried them away, and went on their way.

3 So David and his men came to the city, and, behold, it was burned with fire; and their wives, and their sons, and their daughters, were taken captives.

4 Then David and the people that were with him lifted up their voice and wept, until they had no more power to weep.

5 And David's two wives were taken captives, Ahinoam the Jezreelitess, and Abigail the wife of Nabal the Carmelite.

6 And David was greatly distressed; for the people spake of stoning him, because the soul of all the people was grieved, every man for his sons and for his daughters: but David encouraged himself in the LORD his God.

Bible in One Year: Leviticus 4-5, Romans 16

MESSAGE

I have watched with pity and dismay as many children of God, particularly ministers of God, carelessly fight spiritual battles at the expense of their own lives and family. If you desire to be triumphant in every area of life, you need to pay attention to what the Lord Jesus Christ told His disciples in today’s memory verse. You need to apply caution and be strategic in all that you do. To see the big picture of the challenges confronting, you need to watch. To get direction and strength from heaven to help you confront these challenges, you need to pray. In today’s Bible text, we have the story of the careless group of warriors: David and his mighty men of valor. While they went about fighting for survival as mercenaries, they left their own camp unprotected. Before they returned from their raid, their own camp had been raided and burnt, and their wives and children were taken away as captives by the enemy. When they discovered what the enemy had done, these men of war were so distressed that they wept like babies. They didn’t just weep, they even revolted against their leader, David, and spoke of stoning him to death. However, faced with that volatile situation, David did something worthy of emulation: he encouraged himself in the Lord (1 Samuel 30:6).

There are a good number of lessons we can learn from this story; first of which is that as you fight the Lord’s battle even the Lord of Host expects you to watch your back. Our God does not expect you to be presumptuous. The words of our Lord Jesus Christ concerning counting the cost before building a tower or fighting a foe are pointers to strategic planning in spiritual warfare (Luke 14:28-32). Secondly, there should be division of labor in spiritual warfare. We should not all be at the war front at the same time. All bases must be covered. The early church realized this truth on time, and so the apostles gave themselves to the ministry of word and prayer while they appointed others to look after the administration of corporate social responsibilities (Acts 6:1-7). Thirdly, persons in leadership positions should always be proactive. David’s proactive move to seek God’s face was what saved the day. He inquired of the Lord on how to go about recovering all that they had lost (1 Samuel 30:7-8). At the end of the day, what they should have done in the first place was what they later did. They learnt that they should always organize themselves into bands with different roles. When they pursued to recover all, not all of them pursued after the raiders, but when they shared the spoils of war, those who went to battle had the same portion as those who waited behind to look after their stuff. This principle did not go down well with some of David’s men who did not understand it (1 Samuel 30:21-24). Indeed, God’s ways are not our ways (Isaiah 55:8)!

Key Point: Watch and pray as you engage in spiritual warfare.

Hymn 14: Onward Christian Soldier

1. Onward, Christian soldiers, marching as to war,
With the cross of Jesus going on before.
Christ, the royal Master, leads against the foe;
Forward into battle see His banners go!

Chorus:
Onward, Christian soldiers, marching as to war,
With the cross of Jesus going on before.

2. At the name of Jesus Satan’s host doth flee;
On then, Christian soldiers, on to victory!
Hell’s foundations quiver at the shout of praise;
Brothers, lift your voices, loud your anthems raise.

3. Like a mighty army moves the church of God;
Brothers, we are treading where the saints have trod.
We are not divided, All one Body we,
One in faith and Spirit, One in charity.

4. Crowns and thrones may perish, kingdoms rise and wane,
But the Church of Jesus constant will remain.
Gates of hell can never ’gainst that Church prevail;
We have Christ’s own promise, which can never fail.

5. Onward, then, ye people! Join our happy throng,
Blend with ours your voices in the triumph song.
Glory, laud, and honor unto Christ the King,
This through countless ages men and angels sing.

Open Heavens 13th February 2018, 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 12 February 2018: Monday daily devotional by Pastor Adeboye – Are You A Lover Of The Light

2018-02-11T20:21:00.000+01:00

Topic: Are You A Lover Of The Light [Open Heavens 12 Monday February 2018]

Memorise: “And this is the condemnation, that light is come into the world, and men loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil.” – John 3:19

Read: John 7:1-7 (KJV)

1. After these things Jesus walked in Galilee: for he would not walk in Jewry, because the Jews sought to kill him.

2 Now the Jews' feast of tabernacles was at hand.

3 His brethren therefore said unto him, Depart hence, and go into Judaea, that thy disciples also may see the works that thou doest.

4 For there is no man that doeth any thing in secret, and he himself seeketh to be known openly. If thou do these things, shew thyself to the world.

5 For neither did his brethren believe in him.

6 Then Jesus said unto them, My time is not yet come: but your time is alway ready.

7 The world cannot hate you; but me it hateth, because I testify of it, that the works thereof are evil.

Bible in One Year: Leviticus 1-3, Romans 15:14-33

MESSAGE

When the devil was cast out of heaven, he brought spiritual darkness and everything that it represents along with him to the earth. God then created mankind to serve as bearers of light on the earth and gave man a mandate to illuminate the whole world with His glory (Genesis 1:28). Through the fall of man in the Garden of Eden, the devil succeeded in putting out the light of God in man, thereby infusing him with his own darkness (Ephesians 5:8). The devil stole the power over this world which God had given to man, and he now wields it as the power darkness (Luke 4:6, Luke 22:53). However, those who have received Jesus Christ, the Light of the world, into their lives have been delivered from this power of darkness and have been handed the keys to a kingdom far greater than that which was given to Adam (Colossians 1:13). The presence of darkness in this world is therefore due to spiritual factors, and not physical ones. Although man is not liable for the presence of darkness in this world, he will be held accountable if he chooses to embrace darkness instead of light. Today’s memory verse reveals why mankind embraces darkness, and the consequence of this choice. From this insight, the unimaginable level of atrocities carried out in this world under the cover of darkness should therefore be of no surprise.

Jesus Christ is the Light of the world (John 8:12), and He is hated by those who are under the manipulation of the power of darkness. Why do the people of this world hate Jesus Christ, considering the benefits that light brings to mankind? The devil, his cohorts and evil men of this world do not only represent darkness, they are darkness personified. Jesus Christ, being the Light that came purposely not only to expose darkness but also to exterminate it, is therefore bound to be hated. Whoever decides to love Jesus Christ and reflect His light is also bound to be hated. Each of us must choose where we belong: the company of the Light or company of darkness. What is your own choice today? Whichever you choose has its rewards and consequences. I encourage you to embrace Jesus Christ, the Light of the world. Embracing Him means renouncing all hidden works of darkness in your life (1 Corinthians 6:9-10). You need to confess and forsake them as the Holy Spirit convicts you of them all. You will be given and set free from all the consequences associated with them. May God bless you as you take this decision for Christ today.

Action Point: Examine your life, and if there is any work of darkness present, renounce them, seeking prayer and assistance through counseling from any anointed minister of God.

Hymn 3: What Can Wash Away My Sins

1. What can wash away my sin?
Nothing but the blood of Jesus;
What can make me whole again?
Nothing but the blood of Jesus.

Chorus:
Oh! precious is the flow
That makes me white as snow;
No other fount I know,
Nothing but the blood of Jesus.

2. For my cleansing this I see,
Nothing but the blood of Jesus;
For my pardon this my plea,
Nothing but the blood of Jesus.

3. Nothing can for sin erase
Nothing but the blood of Jesus;
Naught of works, ‘tis all of grace,
Nothing but the blood of Jesus.

4. This is all my hope and peace,
Nothing but the blood of Jesus;
This is all my righteousness,
Nothing but the blood of Jesus.

Open Heavens 12th February 2018, 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 11 February 2018: Sunday daily devotional by Pastor Adeboye – Avoid The Ultimate Disappointment

2018-02-10T23:36:00.000+01:00

Topic: Avoid The Ultimate Disappointment [Open Heavens 11 Sunday February 2018]

Memorise: “I counsel thee to buy of me gold tried in the fire, that thou mayest be rich; and white raiment, that thou mayest be clothed, and that the shame of thy nakedness do not appear; and anoint thine eyes with eyesalve, that thou mayest see.” – Revelation 3:18

Read: Luke 13:24-30 (KJV)

24 Strive to enter in at the strait gate: for many, I say unto you, will seek to enter in, and shall not be able.

25 When once the master of the house is risen up, and hath shut to the door, and ye begin to stand without, and to knock at the door, saying, Lord, Lord, open unto us; and he shall answer and say unto you, I know you not whence ye are:

26 Then shall ye begin to say, We have eaten and drunk in thy presence, and thou hast taught in our streets.

27 But he shall say, I tell you, I know you not whence ye are; depart from me, all ye workers of iniquity.

28 There shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth, when ye shall see Abraham, and Isaac, and Jacob, and all the prophets, in the kingdom of God, and you yourselves thrust out.

29 And they shall come from the east, and from the west, and from the north, and from the south, and shall sit down in the kingdom of God.

30 And, behold, there are last which shall be first, and there are first which shall be last.

Bible in One Year: Exodus 39-40, Romans 14:13-15:13

MESSAGE

In plain terms, disappointment is sadness caused by unmet expectations. Although it is disheartening when a person’s expectations are not met, it is much more grievous when the disappointment experienced is of the ultimate or irreversible type. For example, it could be disappointing for someone to miss a train or bus but much more disappointing if the missed train or bus happens to be the last one for the day, it simply means such a fellow is stranded. My prayer for you is that you will not experience what it is to be stranded ultimately in Jesus, Name.

Our Lord Jesus Christ counsels His church in today’s memory verse to do some things that would prevent us from experiencing the ultimate disappointment. He gave us this counsel because according to His promise, the Church is eventually expected to be with her Lord in eternity (John 14:1-3). It would therefore be a great disappointment, an ultimate one for that matter, if He returns and what we hear from him are the words of Luke 13:27:

“I know you not whence ye are; depart from me, all ye workers of iniquity.”

This will not be your portion in Jesus’ Name. For this not to be your portion, you must take certain precautions. First, you must strive to enter in through the strait gate. This is not an easy adventure, and thankfully, the Lord Jesus Christ has put us on notice about this. He forewarned us that many shall not be able to enter in through this gate because of persecution, the cares of this world, and the deceitfulness of riches (Matthew 13:21-22). The Lord Jesus Christ also said that those who will suffer the ultimate disappointment will be surprised at His verdict on them because their expectation would be to rceive his commendation, due to their closeness to the altar of God and the abundance of their activities in church. Matthew 7:22-23 says:

“22 Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works? 23 And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity.”

What a terrible disappointment this would be! In order not to be counted in the number of those who will experience this ultimate disappointment, let us watch and pray, and let us examine ourselves to see if we are actually in the faith. May the Lord grant you understanding in Jesus’ Name.

Action Point: Consider the counsel of the Lord in today’s memory verse and yield to the wisdom of His counsel.

hymn 5: I Have Decided To Follow Jesus

1. I have decided to follow Jesus;
I have decided to follow Jesus;
I have decided to follow Jesus;
No turning back, no turning back.

2. The world behind me, the cross before me;
The world behind me, the cross before me;
The world behind me, the cross before me;
No turning back, no turning back.

3. Though none go with me, still I will follow;
Though none go with me, still I will follow;
Though none go with me, still I will follow;
No turning back, no turning back.

4. My cross I’ll carry, till I see Jesus;
My cross I’ll carry, till I see Jesus;
My cross I’ll carry, till I see Jesus;
No turning back, no turning back.

5. Will you decide now to follow Jesus?
Will you decide now to follow Jesus?
Will you decide now to follow Jesus?
No turning back, no turning back.

Open Heavens 11th February 2018, 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 10 February 2018: Saturday daily devotional by Pastor Adeboye – Now That You Are Saved IV

2018-02-09T21:28:00.003+01:00

Topic: Now That You Are Saved IV [Open Heavens 10 Saturday February 2018]

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

Read: Romans 12:9-10 (KJV)

9 Let love be without dissimulation. Abhor that which is evil; cleave to that which is good.

10 Be kindly affectioned one to another with brotherly love; in honour preferring one another;

Bible in One Year: Exodus 37-38, Romans 13:8-14:12

MESSAGE

In conclusion of our series on what is expected of you now that you are saved, today we shall be reflecting on brotherly kindness and charity as key ingredients of the Christian life (2 Peter 1:7). What is brotherly kindness? Brotherly kindness is benevolence that springs forth from the heart of a Christian, whose nature has been translated from the darkness of sin and is now conformed to the nature of the Lord Jesus Christ. Brotherly kindness is sincere and does not attach any satanic strings to its gesture. This is the type of kindness our Lord Jesus Christ demonstrated when He was here on earth. It was brotherly kindness that made Him teach the word of God to people who were without purpose in life and feed them with bread when He was done teaching (Mark 6:34-37). This type of kindness made Him acquit the woman caught in adultery (John 8:1-11). Not only did He acquit her, He also liberated her from the hold of sin by declaring over her life: “Go and sin no more”.

Similar to brotherly kindness is charity. Charity is love: God’s type of love. It is pure, untainted and without ulterior motives. This love is void of partiality. Here is how the Holy Spirit describes it in 1 Corinthians 13:4-7

“4 Charity suffereth long, and is kind; charity envieth not; charity vaunteth not itself, is not puffed up, 5 Doth not behave itself unseemly, seeketh not her own, is not easily provoked, thinketh no evil; 6 Rejoiceth not in iniquity, but rejoiceth in the truth; 7 Beareth all things, believeth all things, hopeth all things, endureth all things.”.

Considering this special type of love, one would agree that it is indeed the greatest of all ingredients required to build the Christian life. There is one aspect of charity that is worthy of note in 1 Corinthians 13:4, which is that it “rejoiceth not in iniquity”. Many misinterpret charity as being tolerant to sin. It should not be so. Believers, especially those put in charge of the flock of the Great Shepherd, should not mistake discipline for wickedness. As a matter of fact, disciplining a member of the flock who errs is a demonstration of God’s love. This is the type of love God demonstrated to Adam and Eve by sending them out of the garden of Eden so that their redemption and that of their descendants would not become impossible (Genesis 3:22-24). Mankind would have lived for ever without the remedy of salvation but for God proactively blocking them from eating from the tree of life, which would have perpetuated their state under the curse of sin eternally. I pray that you will not find yourself in an environment where you will not be corrected in the name of love.

Action Point: Reflect on all we have discussed in the past four days and work on every area where you do not yet measure up to stature of the fullness of Christ.

Hymn 15: Nearer My God To Thee.

Nearer, my God, to Thee,
Nearer to Thee;
E’ en though it be a cross
That raiseth me,
Still all my song shall be
Nearer, my God, to Thee,
Nearer, my God, to Thee,
Nearer to Thee.

2. Though, like a wanderer
The sun gone down,
Darkness comes over me,
My rest a stone;
Yet in my dreams I’d be
Nearer, my God, to Thee
Nearer, my God, to Thee
Nearer to Thee.

3. There let me see the sight,
An open heaven;
All that thou sendest me,
In mercy given;
Angles to beckon me
Nearer, my God, to Thee
Nearer, my God, to Thee
Nearer to Thee

4. Then, with my walking thoughts
Bright with Thy praise,
Out of my stony griefs
Bethel I’ll raise,
So by my woes to be
Nearer, my God, to Thee,
Nearer, my God, to Thee,
Nearer to Thee

Open Heavens 10th February 2018, 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 9 February 2018: Friday daily devotional by Pastor Adeboye – Now That You Are Saved III

2018-02-08T19:34:00.001+01:00

Topic: Now That You Are Saved III [Open Heavens 9 Friday February 2018]

Memorise: “In your patience possess ye your souls.” – Luke 21:19

Read: 1 Samuel 13:8-13 (KJV)

8 And he tarried seven days, according to the set time that Samuel had appointed: but Samuel came not to Gilgal; and the people were scattered from him.

9 And Saul said, Bring hither a burnt offering to me, and peace offerings. And he offered the burnt offering.

10 And it came to pass, that as soon as he had made an end of offering the burnt offering, behold, Samuel came; and Saul went out to meet him, that he might salute him.

11 And Samuel said, What hast thou done? And Saul said, Because I saw that the people were scattered from me, and that thou camest not within the days appointed, and that the Philistines gathered themselves together at Michmash;

12 Therefore said I, The Philistines will come down now upon me to Gilgal, and I have not made supplication unto the LORD: I forced myself therefore, and offered a burnt offering.

13 And Samuel said to Saul, Thou hast done foolishly: thou hast not kept the commandment of the LORD thy God, which he commanded thee: for now would the LORD have established thy kingdom upon Israel for ever.

Bible in One Year: Exodus 35-36, Romans 12:9-13:7

MESSAGE

In continuation of our reflection on the materials with which we build on the foundation of our Christian faith, today we will be looking at patience and godliness as parts of the building blocks of the Christian life (2 Peter 1:5-8). Why patience? Just as knowledge is needed to checkmate the manifestation of misguided virtue, patience is needed to prevent putting the cart before the horse in our Christian walk. Lack of patience is one of the factors that destroyed King Saul. His journey on a downward slope started after he impatiently offered a sacrifice to God by himself, thus acting in the office of a priest, instead of waiting for Samuel. When patience is lacking in a child of God, he or she will repeatedly fail the test of faith. The Bible in James 1:3-4 says:

“3 Knowing this, that the trying of your faith worketh patience. 4 But let patience have her perfect work, that ye may be perfect and entire, wanting nothing.”

Beloved, patience is needed if you will successfully journey through the wilderness of this world to your heavenly home just like the heroes of faith. Take heed to these words of the Holy Spirit in Hebrew 6:12:

“That ye be not slothful, but followers of them who through faith and patience inherit the promises.”

It takes patience for prayers to be answered because you cannot stampede God into answering your prayers (Psalm 40:1). I pray that the Holy Spirit will endow you with the patience that is needed to obtain God’s eternal promises in Jesus’ Name.

In addition, godliness is part of the DNA of every child of God, because whoever is born of God has the seed of God in him or her. This is a very important truth you must engrave on the table of your heart if you will not be rising and falling into sin. Under the auction of the Holy Spirit, John the Beloved assures us of victory over sin through the seed of God that is implanted in us. 1 John 3:9 says,

“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.”

If you will finish well and strong, please don’t trivialize these fundamental values of the Christian faith which you profess. My prayer for you is that the Lord will cause you to grow into the full stature of Christ in Jesus’ Name.

Prayer Point: Father, please help me to run this Christian race with the required patience and godliness.

Hymn 15: Nearer My God To Thee

Nearer, my God, to Thee,
Nearer to Thee;
E’ en though it be a cross
That raiseth me,
Still all my song shall be
Nearer, my God, to Thee,
Nearer, my God, to Thee,
Nearer to Thee.

2. Though, like a wanderer
The sun gone down,
Darkness comes over me,
My rest a stone;
Yet in my dreams I’d be
Nearer, my God, to Thee
Nearer, my God, to Thee
Nearer to Thee.

3. There let me see the sight,
An open heaven;
All that thou sendest me,
In mercy given;
Angles to beckon me
Nearer, my God, to Thee
Nearer, my God, to Thee
Nearer to Thee

4. Then, with my walking thoughts
Bright with Thy praise,
Out of my stony griefs
Bethel I’ll raise,
So by my woes to be
Nearer, my God, to Thee,
Nearer, my God, to Thee,
Nearer to Thee

Open Heavens 9 February 2018, 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 8 February 2018: Thursday daily devotional by Pastor Adeboye – Now That You Are Saved II

2018-02-07T21:08:00.002+01:00

Topic: Now That You Are Saved II [Open Heavens 8 Thursday February 2018]

Memorise: “And have put on the new man, which is renewed in knowledge after the image of him that created him:” – Colossians 3:10

Read: Colossians 1:7-10 (KJV)

7 In the which ye also walked some time, when ye lived in them.

8 But now ye also put off all these; anger, wrath, malice, blasphemy, filthy communication out of your mouth.

9 Lie not one to another, seeing that ye have put off the old man with his deeds;

10 And have put on the new man, which is renewed in knowledge after the image of him that created him:

Bible in One Year: Exodus 33-34, Romans 11:25-12:8

MESSAGE

Yesterday we started reflecting on what we need to do after we are saved (2 Peter 1:5-8). We looked at adding virtue to our faith because faith without virtue is incomplete. We saw virtue as the practical demonstration of our faith. Today we want to look at knowledge as an accompaniment of virtue. Do you know that knowledge is the companion of virtue, and that without knowledge virtue can become misguided? This is the reason why Romans 14:16 says,

“Let not then your good be evil spoken of:”

How can your virtuous act become evil in the sight of God and men? When you fail to add knowledge to your virtue, you will not be guiltless in the presence of your observers. For example, although it is virtuous to be of help to your neighbor, particularly those of the household of faith, stealing to help a brother or sister who is in need is “assistance” without knowledge. In like manner, “helping” a woman become pregnant because her husband has low sperm count is misplaced “help” that will lead to hell fire.

In addition, we must make temperance a necessary companion of our faith and knowledge. Temperance is simply defined as restraint or self-control. Why should temperance be added to knowledge before it can be profitable? The number one reason is that the exercise of knowledge without restraint may lead to an abuse of the faith and be a cause for others to stumble. Speaking about this in 1 Corinthians 8:10-12, the Holy Spirit says,

“10 For if any man see thee which hast knowledge sit at meat in the idol's temple, shall not the conscience of him which is weak be emboldened to eat those things which are offered to idols; 11 And through thy knowledge shall the weak brother perish, for whom Christ died? 12 But when ye sin so against the brethren, and wound their weak conscience, ye sin against Christ.”

When we exercise knowledge in such a way that the weak in spirit are discouraged and backslide, such knowledge is destructive. It was the application of temperance that prevented the Lord Jesus Christ from calling down fire upon those who resisted His entering into their village, after two of His disciples suggested it and even though He knew He could do so (Luke 9:51-56). May the Lord add to your faith, the necessary virtue, knowledge and temperance in Jesus’ Name.

Prayer Point: Father, please cause me to grow in grace, knowledge and self-restraint for profitable Christian living in Jesus’ Name.

Hymn 15: Nearer My God To Thee.

Nearer, my God, to Thee,
Nearer to Thee;
E’ en though it be a cross
That raiseth me,
Still all my song shall be
Nearer, my God, to Thee,
Nearer, my God, to Thee,
Nearer to Thee.

2. Though, like a wanderer
The sun gone down,
Darkness comes over me,
My rest a stone;
Yet in my dreams I’d be
Nearer, my God, to Thee
Nearer, my God, to Thee
Nearer to Thee.

3. There let me see the sight,
An open heaven;
All that thou sendest me,
In mercy given;
Angles to beckon me
Nearer, my God, to Thee
Nearer, my God, to Thee
Nearer to Thee

4. Then, with my walking thoughts
Bright with Thy praise,
Out of my stony griefs
Bethel I’ll raise,
So by my woes to be
Nearer, my God, to Thee,
Nearer, my God, to Thee,
Nearer to Thee

Open Heavens 8 February 2018, 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 7 February 2018: Wednesday daily devotional by Pastor Adeboye – Now That You Are Saved I

2018-02-06T19:29:00.001+01:00

Topic: Now That You Are Saved I [Open Heavens 7 Wednesday February 2018]

Memorise: “And we desire that every one of you do shew the same diligence to the full assurance of hope unto the end:” – Hebrews 6:11

Read: 2 Peter 1:5-8 (KJV)

5 And beside this, giving all diligence, add to your faith virtue; and to virtue knowledge;

6 And to knowledge temperance; and to temperance patience; and to patience godliness;

7 And to godliness brotherly kindness; and to brotherly kindness charity.

8 For if these things be in you, and abound, they make you that ye shall neither be barren nor unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ.

Bible in One Year: Exodus 31-32, Romans 11:1-24

MESSAGE

After you have been saved by the grace that is in Jesus Christ our Lord, you need to understand the nature of the new life that is in you, so that you can begin to exhibit its character. If you do not understand the fundamentals of the Christian faith and get to know what God expects of you now that you are saved, you will end up becoming a caricature of what you should be in the sight of God. May that never be your portion in Jesus’ Name.

The text of our Bible reading lays out in plain terms what God expects of you when you become saved. In this passage of scripture, after reminding us of our new life in Christ, Apostle Peter admonishes us to be diligent in going beyond the rudimentary salvation experience. According to him, we must add to our faith virtue. Now, what is virtue? Virtue, simply explained, is a kind of behavior that exhibits high moral standards. This is food for thought for all children of God, because there is a tendency to assume that once we profess to be born again, good behavior is no longer important. On the contrary, it is after we have experienced regeneration of the heart that a high moral standard is most expected of us. The new life that Christ gives is a life of virtue. It is a life that produces good character in those that possess it. If you claim to have received this new life, the resultant virtue it produces must be glaring for the whole world to see. The early Church did not lose sight of this spiritual obligation, and for this reason the leading apostle admonishes us to add virtue to our professed faith. 2 Peter 1:5 says,

“And beside this, giving all diligence, add to your faith virtue; and to virtue knowledge;”

In like manner, another apostle of the Lord, writing in James 2:18 says,

“Yea, a man may say, Thou hast faith, and I have works: shew me thy faith without thy works, and I will shew thee my faith by my works.”

Although good works do not bring about redemption, redemption produces good works in us. As children of God, the Bible encourages us to be of good behavior so that our Father in heaven may be glorified (1Timothy 3:2, Titus 2:3). Unbelievers should not catch us with any vices; rather we should be virtuous enough to convince the world that only in Christ can a good and acceptable life be lived. We are born again to be law-abiding, even though we are not law-abiding to be born again. Yes, being born again is the work of grace, but the evidence of its genuineness should be substantial for all to see.

Prayer Point: Father, please help me to be a true representative of the faith I profess to practice.

Hymn 15: Nearer My God To Thee.

Nearer, my God, to Thee,

Nearer to Thee;

E’ en though it be a cross

That raiseth me,

Still all my song shall be

Nearer, my God, to Thee,

Nearer to Thee.

2. Though, like a wanderer

The sun gone down,

Darkness comes over me,

My rest a stone;

Yet in my dreams I’d be

Nearer, my God, to Thee

Nearer to Thee.

3. There let me see the sight,

An open heaven;

All that thou sendest me,

In mercy given;

Angles to beckon me

Nearer, my God, to Thee

Nearer to Thee

4. Then, with my walking thoughts

Bright with Thy praise,

Out of my stony griefs

Bethel I’ll raise,

So by my woes to be

Nearer, my God, to Thee,

Nearer to Thee

Open Heavens 7 February 2018, 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.

Pastor Adeboye: Open Heavens 6 February 2018 - From Glory To Glory

2018-02-05T19:22:00.001+01:00

Topic: From Glory To Glory [Open Heavens 6 Tuesday February 2018]

Memorise: “But we all, with open face beholding as in a glass the glory of the Lord, are changed into the same image from glory to glory, even as by the Spirit of the Lord.” – 2 Corinthians 3:18

Read: Luke 9:28-35 (KJV)

28 And it came to pass about an eight days after these sayings, he took Peter and John and James, and went up into a mountain to pray.

29 And as he prayed, the fashion of his countenance was altered, and his raiment was white and glistering.

30 And, behold, there talked with him two men, which were Moses and Elias:

31 Who appeared in glory, and spake of his decease which he should accomplish at Jerusalem.

32 But Peter and they that were with him were heavy with sleep: and when they were awake, they saw his glory, and the two men that stood with him.

33 And it came to pass, as they departed from him, Peter said unto Jesus, Master, it is good for us to be here: and let us make three tabernacles; one for thee, and one for Moses, and one for Elias: not knowing what he said.

34 While he thus spake, there came a cloud, and overshadowed them: and they feared as they entered into the cloud.

35 And there came a voice out of the cloud, saying, This is my beloved Son: hear him.

Bible in One Year: Exodus 29-30, Romans 10:5-21

MESSAGE

The moment you become a child of God, the glory of God comes upon your life. From that moment, God’s expectation is that you will continually move from one level of glory to another (Proverb 4:18). A person who experiences shame will understand and appreciate the importance of glory. I pray that anything that is causing shame will disappear today in Jesus’ Name. There are different types of glory, one of which is physical in nature. From a physical perspective, sicknesses and diseases are some of the agents of shame. After experiencing the shame of sickness, it is indeed a glorious thing to be healed. The woman with the issue of blood entered into the realm of glory the day she touched the hem of Jesus garment and she was healed from her infirmity (Mark 5:31-34). While it is great to experience healing, you can move from the realm of being healed to the realm of living in good health permanently. If you are not yet living in that realm, I pray that God will take you there in Jesus’ Name. Beyond this realm lies an even greater realm of glory where a person becomes an agent of healing, just like the apostles of old (Acts 5:12-16, Acts 19:11-12). Your target should be to operate in this realm of glory. Glory can also be viewed from the perspective of material processions. It is a glorious thing to be rich, because poverty brings shame. While Abraham was rich, Isaac was so rich that kings were envious of him (Genesis 24:24-35, genesis 26). Although there is glory in being rich, it is more glorious to be wealthy. However, beyond these two realms of material glory lies the realm of flourishing. Solomon flourished so much that silver was like common stones in his days (1 Kings 10:27). Today, may the Lord move you from glory to glory in wealth in Jesus’ Name.

Nevertheless, the spiritual aspect of glory is the ultimate. It is glorious when you become so intimate with God that before you finish praying, the answer would have already come. When you pray like Elijah did and fire falls, this is glorious (1 Kings 18:31-39). However, it is more glorious when you live by decrees. Elijah moved from the realm of accelerated answers to prayer to the realm of living by decrees. He decreed that the first two set of fifty soldiers that came to arrest him be consumed by fire, and it was so (2 Kings 1:9-12). Beyond this realm, there is yet a higher level of spiritual glory where you arrest the arrester and the arrester lives at your mercy. Elisha experienced this level of glory (2 Kings6:8-23). Above all, the fear of the Lord which is the beginning of wisdom is the climax of spiritual maturity that brings an individual into irreversible glory. I decree that from today, you will begin to go from one level of glory to another in every area of your life in Jesus’ Name.

Prayer Point: Father, from today, please take me from glory to glory in Jesus’ Name.

Hymn 12: Take My Life, And Let It Be.

1. Take my life and let it be
Consecrated, Lord, to Thee.
Take my moments and my days,
Let them flow in endless praise.

2. Take my hands and let them move
At the impulse of Thy love.
Take my feet and let them be
Swift and beautiful for Thee.

3. Take my voice and let me sing,
Always, only for my King.
Take my lips and let them be
Filled with messages from Thee.

4. Take my silver and my gold,
Not a mite would I withhold.
Take my intellect and use
Every power as Thou shalt choose.

5. Take my will and make it Thine,
It shall be no longer mine.
Take my heart, it is Thine own,
It shall be Thy royal throne.

6. Take my love, my Lord, I pour
At Thy feet its treasure store.
Take myself and I will be
Ever, only, all for Thee.

Open Heavens 6 February 2018, 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. If you missed yesterday’s devotional click to read Open heavens 5 February 2018.

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 5 February 2018: Monday daily devotional by Pastor Adeboye – The Great Day Of Deliverance

2018-02-04T20:23:00.001+01:00

Topic: The Great Day Of Deliverance [Open Heavens 5 Monday February 2018]

Memorise: “And call upon me in the day of trouble: I will deliver thee, and thou shalt glorify me.” – Psalm 50:15

Read: Luke 8:26-39 (KJV)

26 And they arrived at the country of the Gadarenes, which is over against Galilee.

27 And when he went forth to land, there met him out of the city a certain man, which had devils long time, and ware no clothes, neither abode in any house, but in the tombs.

28 When he saw Jesus, he cried out, and fell down before him, and with a loud voice said, What have I to do with thee, Jesus, thou Son of God most high? I beseech thee, torment me not.

29 (For he had commanded the unclean spirit to come out of the man. For oftentimes it had caught him: and he was kept bound with chains and in fetters; and he brake the bands, and was driven of the devil into the wilderness.)

30 And Jesus asked him, saying, What is thy name? And he said, Legion: because many devils were entered into him.

31 And they besought him that he would not command them to go out into the deep.

32 And there was there an herd of many swine feeding on the mountain: and they besought him that he would suffer them to enter into them. And he suffered them.

33 Then went the devils out of the man, and entered into the swine: and the herd ran violently down a steep place into the lake, and were choked.

34 When they that fed them saw what was done, they fled, and went and told it in the city and in the country.

35 Then they went out to see what was done; and came to Jesus, and found the man, out of whom the devils were departed, sitting at the feet of Jesus, clothed, and in his right mind: and they were afraid.

36 They also which saw it told them by what means he that was possessed of the devils was healed.

37 Then the whole multitude of the country of the Gadarenes round about besought him to depart from them; for they were taken with great fear: and he went up into the ship, and returned back again.

38 Now the man out of whom the devils were departed besought him that he might be with him: but Jesus sent him away, saying,

39 Return to thine own house, and shew how great things God hath done unto thee. And he went his way, and published throughout the whole city how great things Jesus had done unto him.

Bible in One Year: Exodus 28, Romans 9:19-10:4

MESSAGE

In our Bible text, we read about the great deliverance the Lord Jesus Christ wrought in the life of the madman of Gadara. For this, mad man, although that day started like any other day of his affliction, his story changed before he went to bed that night. He went to bed in his house and not in the tombs where he used to be. I prophesy to a user of this devotional: your story will change for the better before you go to bed tonight in the Mighty name of Jesus Christ. What is that challenge confronting you or even driving you crazy? I have good news for you today: the Great Deliverer, Jesus Christ, will deliver you today. If you ask me what makes me so sure he will do it, I will tell you what he said in his word, which I know is forever settled in heaven. In Jeremiah 32:27 He said,

“Behold, I am the LORD, the God of all flesh: is there any thing too hard for me?”

Since He did it for the madman of Gadara, and your own case is not as serious as his, be of good cheer because today you shall see the glory of the Lord. However, you need to give your life to Christ, and if you have done so, only believe His word.

Also in John 9:1, the Bible talks about a man who was born blind. Even though this man had been blind for more than 40 years, when his day of great deliverance came, Jesus saw him. This was not just an ordinary glance from some nobody; it was God directing his attention to the Maker of the whole universe to him. Jesus thereafter created two brand new eyeballs in his empty eye sockets. Have you been groping in the dark for a long time, and it seems you have no sense of direction? Are you being led by people to wherever they want you to go, regardless of your own will? Today is your day of great deliverance. The Lord will touch you before you finish reading this devotional. Peter, who witnessed the ministry of the Lord Jesus Christ, testified to his great power of deliverance. Here is his testimony in Acts 10:38:

“How God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Ghost and with power: who went about doing good, and healing all that were oppressed of the devil; for God was with him.”

I can also testify to his great power of deliverance. There was a man who I think had two PhDs and for one more than 6 years could not get a job. When he was brought to the church for prayers, he looked like a madman, and you could not even believe he ever went to school. He had suffered a lot! We introduced him to Jesus and he gave his life to Christ. Before he got home, people were looking for him to offer him a job. This is the power of our Great Deliverer. Praise the Lord!

Prayer Point: Father, deliver me today from every affliction of the devil in Jesus Name.

Hymn 10: My Faith Looks Up To Thee

1. My faith looks up to Thee,

Thou Lamb of Calvary,

Savior divine!

Now hear me while I pray,

Take all my guilt away,

Oh, let me from this day

Be wholly Thine!

2. May Thy rich grace impart

Strength to my fainting heart,

My zeal inspire!

As Thou hast died for me,

Oh, may my love to Thee

Pure, warm, and changeless be,

A living fire!

3. While life’s dark maze I tread,

And griefs around me spread,

Be Thou my guide;

Bid darkness turn to day,

Wipe sorrow’s tears away,

Nor let me ever stray

From Thee aside.

4. When ends life’s transient dream,

When death’s cold, sullen stream

Shall o’er me roll;

Blest Savior, then in love,

Fear and distrust remove;

Oh, bear me safe above,

A ransomed soul!

Open Heavens 5 February 2018, 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. If you missed yesterday’s devotional click to read Open heavens 4 February 2018.

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 4 February 2018: Sunday daily devotional by Pastor Adeboye – Divine Favor III

2018-02-04T04:37:00.001+01:00

Topic: Divine Favor III [Open Heavens 4 Sunday February 2018]

Memorise: “The king's favour is toward a wise servant: but his wrath is against him that causeth shame.” – Proverbs 14:35

Read: Genesis 39:1-6 (KJV)

1 And Joseph was brought down to Egypt; and Potiphar, an officer of Pharaoh, captain of the guard, an Egyptian, bought him of the hands of the Ishmeelites, which had brought him down thither.

2 And the LORD was with Joseph, and he was a prosperous man; and he was in the house of his master the Egyptian.

3 And his master saw that the LORD was with him, and that the LORD made all that he did to prosper in his hand.

4 And Joseph found grace in his sight, and he served him: and he made him overseer over his house, and all that he had he put into his hand.

5 And it came to pass from the time that he had made him overseer in his house, and over all that he had, that the LORD blessed the Egyptian's house for Joseph's sake; and the blessing of the LORD was upon all that he had in the house, and in the field.

6 And he left all that he had in Joseph's hand; and he knew not ought he had, save the bread which he did eat. And Joseph was a goodly person, and well favoured.

Bible in One Year: Exodus 26-27, Romans 9:1-18

MESSAGE

Do you know that you can attract divine favour through your attitude to work? When we diligently carry out our duties, whether secular or spiritual, as unto the Almighty God, we are bound to be divinely favoured. It is the will of God that every employee does the right thing to justify the wages he or she earns. This was the reason why the Holy Spirit moved Paul to instruct us to be diligent in our service to our employers, be they private or government institutions (Ephesians 6:5-7). We all need divine favour, not only to succeed but to succeed without stress. What can we do to attract divine favour in our chosen careers? The answer is diligence and faithfulness to the terms of our agreement with our employers. There was nothing extraordinary in what Joseph did in Potiphar’s house; the only difference between him and other slaves was the divine favour operating in his life through diligence. No wonder the wisdom of God in Proverbs 22:29 says,

“Seest thou a man diligent in his business? he shall stand before kings; he shall not stand before mean men.”

The first time I travelled overseas, it was to Canada for a conference of applied mathematicians. I knew no one there, and neither did I know what kind of food I would be eating over there. All my wife could do at home was to pray that God would take care of me. Meanwhile, someone in Canada went to see the list of mathematicians coming to their university for the conference. As he was looking through the names, he saw my name, Enoch Adeboye, and he mused to himself that he never could tell if the owner of the name was French or not. He therefore decided to locate the room where I was staying, and resolved within himself that when he got there, he would speak Yoruba and that if I responded, he would know that I am Nigerian. On getting to my door, he knocked and I asked “Who is that?” His response was “Emi ni”, meaning “It’s me.” I therefore responded in Yoruba language that he should come in. Long story short, before the end of that day, I was eating pounded yam in Canada. My wife, who had been worried about the type of meals I would be eating, knew it was nothing but divine favour that granted me access to pounded yam in Canada. You need to understand that divine favour can come in any way or form. The danger is that, more often than not, most people take some forms of divine intervention for granted especially when such intervention does not affect them the way they expect. One more lesson we should learn here is that there is nothing too small or too big to pray about, especially when it requires divine favour. May the Lord show you divine favour today in Jesus’ Name.

Action Point: Father, I need Your divine favour in my vocation, business and home in Jesus’ Name.

Hymn 11: O God, Our Help In Ages Past

1. O God, our help in ages past,
Our hope for years to come,
Our shelter from the stormy blast,
And our eternal home.

2. Under the shadow of Thy throne,
Still may we dwell secure;
Sufficient is Thine arm alone,
And our defence is sure

3. Before the hills in order stood,
Or earth received her frame,
From everlasting Thou art God,
To endless years the same

4. A thousand ages in Thy sight
Are like an evening gone,
Short as the watch that ends the night
Before the rising sun.

5. Time, like an ever-rolling stream,
Bears all its sons away:
They fly forgotten, as a dream
Dies at the opening day.

6. O God, our help in ages past,
Our hope for years to come,
Be Thou our guard while life shall last,
And our eternal home.

Open Heavens 4 February 2018, 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. If you missed yesterday’s devotional click to read Open heavens 3 February 2018.

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 3 February 2018: Saturday daily devotional by Pastor Adeboye – Divine Favor II

2018-02-02T19:27:00.000+01:00

Topic: Divine Favor II [Open Heavens 3rd Saturday February 2018]

Memorise: “Whoso findeth a wife findeth a good thing, and obtaineth favour of the LORD.” – Proverbs 18:22

Read: Genesis 2:18-25 (KJV)

18 And the LORD God said, It is not good that the man should be alone; I will make him an help meet for him.

19 And out of the ground the LORD God formed every beast of the field, and every fowl of the air; and brought them unto Adam to see what he would call them: and whatsoever Adam called every living creature, that was the name thereof.

20 And Adam gave names to all cattle, and to the fowl of the air, and to every beast of the field; but for Adam there was not found an help meet for him.

21 And the LORD God caused a deep sleep to fall upon Adam, and he slept: and he took one of his ribs, and closed up the flesh instead thereof;

22 And the rib, which the LORD God had taken from man, made he a woman, and brought her unto the man.

23 And Adam said, This is now bone of my bones, and flesh of my flesh: she shall be called Woman, because she was taken out of Man.

24 Therefore shall a man leave his father and his mother, and shall cleave unto his wife: and they shall be one flesh.

25 And they were both naked, the man and his wife, and were not ashamed.

Bible in One Year: Exodus 24-25, Romans 8:18-39

MESSAGE

Yesterday, we reflected on divine favor and discovered that divine favor is for those who seek it from God. Today we will be considering the blessedness of having a good spouse as a form of God’s favor. A blissful marriage is a divine gift and a mark of favor from the Almighty God. Some men and women maltreat their spouses because they fail to realize that having a wife (not just a woman) or a husband (just a man) is God’s favor, as our memory verse clearly shows. The truth of the matter is: a blessing you do not appreciate depreciate in your hands as a result of abuse or misuse. It is evil to abuse the gift of God that is your spouse.

In today’s bible text, we see how God graciously provided Adam with a helper comparable to him, since none of the other existing creatures could meet this needs. The Lord knew that this helper must share the same image that Adam shared with God, and hence He created the woman. From this deed, one can understand why God frowns at sexual perversion, particularly homosexuality and bestiality. The Bible in Deuteronomy 27:21 says,

“Cursed be he that lieth with any manner of beast. And all the people shall say, Amen.”

Beloved, the Lord is calling on you today to cherish the gift He has given to you in the form of your spouse. It is an act of ingratitude for you to maltreat your spouse who is an embodiment of the Lord’s favor in your life. Speaking to both parties, the Holy Spirit in Ephesians 5:21 says,

“Submitting yourselves one to another in the fear of God.”

Let there be mutual submission between the two of you. Learn to say “sorry” to one another whenever you wrong each other. To the Christian husband, please love your wife (Ephesians 5:25). You have our Lord Jesus Christ as a role model to copy, being the Husband of the Church. The same unconditional and unending love with which Christ loves you must be extended to your wife. Rebuke the ego that has been preventing you from apologizing to your wife whenever you wronged her in the past. May the Lord help you in this regard in Jesus’ Name. To the Christian wife, I appeal to you not to allow that strange woman to take advantage of your pride and steal your husband from you. Please submit to your husband as the head; he did not make himself your head, God did (Ephesians 5:22). May the Lord preserve your home for you in Jesus’ Name.

Action Point: Confess your faults to each other today and jointly pray this prayer: "Father, please forgive us our sins and help us to learn how to forgive one another. Father, please make our home as the days of heaven on earth in Jesus’ Name. Amen"

Hymn 14: Onward Christian Soldiers

1. Onward, Christian soldiers, marching as to war,
With the cross of Jesus going on before.
Christ, the royal Master, leads against the foe;
Forward into battle see His banners go!

Chorus:
Onward, Christian soldiers, marching as to war,
With the cross of Jesus going on before.

2. At the sign of triumph Satan’s host doth flee;
On then, Christian soldiers, on to victory!
Hell’s foundations quiver at the shout of praise;
Brothers, lift your voices, loud your anthems raise.

3. Like a mighty army moves the church of God;
Brothers, we are treading where the saints have trod.
We are not divided, all one body we,
One in hope and doctrine, one in charity.

4. Crowns and thrones may perish, kingdoms rise and wane,
But the church of Jesus constant will remain.
Gates of hell can never ’gainst that church prevail;
We have Christ’s own promise, and that cannot fail.

5. Onward then, ye people, join our happy throng,
Blend with ours your voices in the triumph song.
Glory, laud, and honor unto Christ the King,
This through countless ages men and angels sing.

Open Heavens 3 February 2018, 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. If you missed yesterday’s devotional click to read Open heavens 2 February 2018.

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 2 February 2018: Friday daily devotional by Pastor Adeboye – Divine Favor I

2018-02-01T20:10:00.003+01:00

Topic: Divine Favor I [Open Heavens 2nd Friday February 2018]

Memorise: “Many seek the ruler's favour; but every man's judgment cometh from the LORD.” – Proverbs 29:26

Read: Esther 5:1-3 (KJV)

1 Now it came to pass on the third day, that Esther put on her royal apparel, and stood in the inner court of the king's house, over against the king's house: and the king sat upon his royal throne in the royal house, over against the gate of the house.

2 And it was so, when the king saw Esther the queen standing in the court, that she obtained favour in his sight: and the king held out to Esther the golden sceptre that was in his hand. So Esther drew near, and touched the top of the sceptre.

3 Then said the king unto her, What wilt thou, queen Esther? and what is thy request? it shall be even given thee to the half of the kingdom.

Bible in One Year: Exodus 22-23, Romans 8:1-17

MESSAGE

Today’s Bible text tells a bit of the story of Queen Esther, who was divinely favored. From her experience, we can learn quite a few things on divine favor. For example, you will observe that she put on her royal apparel, and stood in the inner court of the king’s house before she was granted favor. Why did she put on her royal apparel? Apart from the rule that she could not come before the king uninvited, it would also have been rude, uncomplimentary and indecent for the queen to have attempted to approach the king in her night dress or kitchen overall. Today, what used to be our mother’s underwear is what some women wear to parties, and even to their workplaces. No wonder divine favor is alien to many of them. It’s been said that you will be addressed the way you are dressed. To obtain divine favor in the sight of God, you need to be clothed in your royal apparel of righteousness which Christ gave to you when you received salvation (Revelation 1:5-6, 19:8). You will also observe that when the king saw Queen Esther, the sight of her produced divine favor, as he then held out to her the golden scepter that was in his hand. When your time of favor comes, the first thing is that you will be identified for attention. My prayer is that the Almighty King of kings will look in your direction and identify you for His favor today in Jesus’ Name. In Genesis 18:1-5, Abraham was sitting in front of his tent, just relaxing at home, when favor located him. After his show of hospitality, the carriers of favor wiped away his tears of so many years as they declared these words to him in Genesis 18:10:

“…I will certainly return unto thee according to the time of life; and, lo, Sarah thy wife shall have a son…”

The Lord will cause His favor to produce declarations that will wipe away your tears in Jesus’ Name. Our memory verse indicates that the favor Queen Esther enjoyed was actually divine in nature. Indeed, before appearing before the king, she had first sought the Lord’s favor, and this was what later manifested itself as favor with the king. Esther 4:16 says:

“Go, gather together all the Jews that are present in Shushan, and fast ye for me, and neither eat nor drink three days, night or day: I also and my maidens will fast likewise; and so will I go in unto the king, which is not according to the law: and if I perish, I perish.”

I therefore encourage you to seek the Lord’s favor and stop cutting corners. Live a life that is pleasing to the One who has the heart of those who must favor you under His control, and you will not be denied your rights in Jesus’ Name.

Prayer Point: Father, please send help to those who must favor me today, and compel them to release all my blessing that You have kept within their custody in Jesus’ Name.

Hymn 12: Take My Life, And Let It Be.

1.Take my life and let it be
Consecrated, Lord, to Thee.
Take my moments and my days,
Let them flow in endless praise.

2. Take my hands and let them move
At the impulse of Thy love.
Take my feet and let them be
Swift and beautiful for Thee.

3. Take my voice and let me sing,
Always, only for my King.
Take my lips and let them be
Filled with messages from Thee.

4. Take my silver and my gold,
Not a mite would I withhold.
Take my intellect and use
Every power as Thou shalt choose.

5. Take my will and make it Thine,
It shall be no longer mine.
Take my heart, it is Thine own,
It shall be Thy royal throne.
6. Take my love, my Lord, I pour
At Thy feet its treasure store.
Take myself and I will be
Ever, only, all for Thee.

Open Heavens 2 February 2018, 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 February 2018: Thursday daily devotional by Pastor Adeboye – Don’t Waste God’s Grace

2018-01-31T20:04:00.001+01:00

Topic: Don’t Waste God’s Grace [Open Heavens 1st Thursday, February 2018]

Memorise: “We then, as workers together with him, beseech you also that ye receive not the grace of God in vain.” – 2 Corinthians 6:1

Read: Genesis 6:1-8 (KJV)

1 And it came to pass, when men began to multiply on the face of the earth, and daughters were born unto them,

2 That the sons of God saw the daughters of men that they were fair; and they took them wives of all which they chose.

3 And the LORD said, My spirit shall not always strive with man, for that he also is flesh: yet his days shall be an hundred and twenty years.

4 There were giants in the earth in those days; and also after that, when the sons of God came in unto the daughters of men, and they bare children to them, the same became mighty men which were of old, men of renown.

5 And GOD saw that the wickedness of man was great in the earth, and that every imagination of the thoughts of his heart was only evil continually.

6 And it repented the LORD that he had made man on the earth, and it grieved him at his heart.

7 And the LORD said, I will destroy man whom I have created from the face of the earth; both man, and beast, and the creeping thing, and the fowls of the air; for it repenteth me that I have made them.

8 But Noah found grace in the eyes of the LORD.

Bible in One Year: Exodus 20-21, Romans 7

MESSAGE

“For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God;" - Romans 3:23

When you consider the implication of the above verse of scripture, and compare it with the way God related with Noah in today’s Bible text, you will understand that Noah’s story is a classical example of the grace of God at work in someone’s life. To help you realize the enormity of God’s grace and what it can do for you, consider that at the time when the entire world was condemned to destruction by divine verdict, Noah was spared because he enjoyed divine grace. Genesis 6:7-8 says:

“7 And the LORD said, I will destroy man whom I have created from the face of the earth; both man, and beast, and the creeping thing, and the fowls of the air; for it repenteth me that I have made them. 8 But Noah found grace in the eyes of the LORD.”

Having understood the enormity of God’s grace, the wise at heart will earnestly seek to be blessed by it. As the grace of God spoke for Noah, I pray that it will speak for you at the point of your inadequacies in Jesus’s Name. Without God’s grace, no man can escape His judgement. This special grace of God is personified in Jesus Christ, God’s own Son (Titus 2:11). He is calling everyone today to come and partake of God’s benevolent grace in the form of the salvation He makes available for all mankind. Have you partaken of the grace of God available in Jesus Christ? If you haven’t what are you waiting for? Today is the day of salvation; remember that tomorrow may be too late (2 Corinthians 6:2).

If you have received God’s grace in Jesus Christ, please don’t take it for granted. Our memory verse implores us not to receive the grace of God in vain. Noah did not waste God’s grace upon his life. He promptly acted on God’s instructions by building the ark according to His specifications, or are you living as if your own heaven will be different from that of the early disciples? If you reject God’s grace after hearing that it is available for you, or you end up missing heaven, you would have wasted this great grace. What a great waste that would be! I pray that this will not be your story in Jesus’ Name.

Prayer Point: Father, in any area of my life Your grace is lying fallow or being wasted, open the eyes of my enlightenment to correct it in Jesus’ Name.

Hymn 2: I Need Thee Every Hour

1. I need Thee every hour, most gracious Lord;

No tender voice like Thine can peace afford.

Chorus:

I need Thee, oh, I need Thee;

Every hour I need Thee;

Oh, bless me now, my Savior,

I come to Thee.

2. I need Thee every hour, stay Thou nearby;

Temptations lose their power when Thou art nigh.

3. I need Thee every hour, in joy or pain;

Come quickly and abide, or life is vain.

4. I need Thee every hour; teach me Thy will;

And Thy rich promises in me fulfill.

5. I need Thee every hour, most Holy One;

Oh, make me Thine indeed, Thou blessed Son.

Open Heavens 1st February 2018, 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. If you missed yesterday’s devotional click to read Open heavens 31st January 2018 Wednesday.

Open Heavens 31 January 2018: Wednesday daily devotional by Pastor Adeboye – One With God Is Majority

2018-01-30T19:27:00.003+01:00

Topic: One With God Is Majority [Open Heavens Wednesday 31st January 2018]

Memorise: “What shall we then say to these things? If God be for us, who can be against us?” – Romans 8:31

Read: 2 Kings 6:11-17 (KJV)

11 Therefore the heart of the king of Syria was sore troubled for this thing; and he called his servants, and said unto them, Will ye not shew me which of us is for the king of Israel?

12 And one of his servants said, None, my lord, O king: but Elisha, the prophet that is in Israel, telleth the king of Israel the words that thou speakest in thy bedchamber.

13 And he said, Go and spy where he is, that I may send and fetch him. And it was told him, saying, Behold, he is in Dothan.

14 Therefore sent he thither horses, and chariots, and a great host: and they came by night, and compassed the city about.

15 And when the servant of the man of God was risen early, and gone forth, behold, an host compassed the city both with horses and chariots. And his servant said unto him, Alas, my master! how shall we do?

16 And he answered, Fear not: for they that be with us are more than they that be with them.

17 And Elisha prayed, and said, LORD, I pray thee, open his eyes, that he may see. And the LORD opened the eyes of the young man; and he saw: and, behold, the mountain was full of horses and chariots of fire round about Elisha.

Bible in One Year: Exodus 17-19, Romans 6

MESSAGE

“There is no king saved by the multitude of an host: a mighty man is not delivered by much strength.” Psalm 33:16

Our God is the Lord of Hosts; He specialises in using a minority who put their trust in Him to perform great feats. To a user of this Devotional: with God alone on your side, you will overcome that battle that has besieged your life. Don’t let your heart be troubled you are on top of that situation in the mighty Name of Jesus. In today’s memory verse, the Holy Spirit is confidently assuring us that as long as God is for us, nobody can be against us. Through His word that cannot fail, the Almighty God further assures us of victory in Isaiah 54:17, saying:

“No weapon that is formed against thee shall prosper; and every tongue that shall rise against thee in judgment thou shalt condemn. This is the heritage of the servants of the LORD, and their righteousness is of me, saith the LORD.”

The most interesting part of this assurance is that victory is predicated on God’s righteousness and not ours. The devil, who is the accuser of the brethren, therefore has no say in this matter.

Our Bible text confirms the statement that says, “One with God is majority”. When the servant of Elisha saw the chariots and horses of the ungrateful king of Syria, whose general had previously been healed of leprosy, coming to attack his master, his heart melted. But the man of God in 2 Kings 6:16 declared to him thus:

“…Fear not: for they that be with us are more than they that be with them.”

Wherever God is, legions of angelic hosts are present, and so when God is with you, His innumerable company of angelic hosts are also with you. This is the reason why a child of God cannot afford to either leave the presence of God or engage in things that would make God forsake him or her. My prayer for you is that you will not do anything that would make the Lord forsake you in Jesus’ Name. The only way to make God your ally is to come to Jesus Christ with a humble heart of total submission to His will. He is inviting you today to a life of victory and rest (Matthew 11:28). Please come to Him and make Him the Lord of your life today.

Prayer Point: Father, please come to my aid as I confront the battles of life that are before me. Please don’t leave me alone to be at the mercy of the enemies that seem stronger than me.

Hymn 10: My Faith Looks Up To Thee

1. My faith looks up to Thee,
Thou Lamb of Calvary,
Saviour divine!
Now hear me while I pray,
Take all my guilt away,
Oh, let me from this day
Be wholly Thine!

2. May Thy rich grace impart
Strength to my fainting heart,
My zeal inspire!
As Thou hast died for me,
Oh, may my love to Thee
Pure, warm, and changeless be,
A living fire!

3. While life’s dark maze I tread,
And griefs around me spread,
Be Thou my guide;
Bid darkness turn to day,
Wipe sorrow’s tears away,
Nor let me ever stray
From Thee aside.

4.Whenlife’s swift race is run,
Death’s cold work almost done
Be near to me.
Blest Saviour, then in love,
Fear and distrust remove;
Oh, bear me safe above,
A ransomed soul!

Flatimes' Notice Board: Please do not prolong your salvation if you have not repented. Many are going home daily and tomorrow maybe too late.

Open Heavens 31st January 2018, 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. If you missed yesterday’s devotional click to read Open heavens 30th January 2018 Tuesday.

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 30 January 2018: Tuesday daily devotional by Pastor Adeboye – A Godly Role Model?

2018-01-30T01:59:00.000+01:00

Topic: A Godly Role Model? [Open Heavens Tuesday 30th January 2018]

Memorise: “Be ye followers of me, even as I also am of Christ.” – 1 Corinthians 11:1

Read: Philippians 3:7-14 (KJV)

7 But what things were gain to me, those I counted loss for Christ.

8 Yea doubtless, and I count all things but loss for the excellency of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord: for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and do count them but dung, that I may win Christ,

9 And be found in him, not having mine own righteousness, which is of the law, but that which is through the faith of Christ, the righteousness which is of God by faith:

10 That I may know him, and the power of his resurrection, and the fellowship of his sufferings, being made conformable unto his death;

11 If by any means I might attain unto the resurrection of the dead.

12 Not as though I had already attained, either were already perfect: but I follow after, if that I may apprehend that for which also I am apprehended of Christ Jesus.

13 Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended: but this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before,

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

Bible in One Year: Exodus 15-16, Romans 5

MESSAGE

A role model is one who influences others to be like him or her. While there are godly role models, there are also ungodly ones who influence their followers to make choices that will lead them to the pit of hell. Today, we are reflecting on godly role models, and the Lord is asking you this question: “Are you a godly role model?” Apostle Paul was so sure of himself and his position in Christ that he was bold enough to challenge those within his sphere of influence to imitate him as he himself imitated the Lord Jesus Christ (1 Corinthians 11:1).

From our Bible text today, we can learn some things about Apostle Paul which mirror the principles and life of our Lord Jesus Christ. The first of these is a lifestyle of godliness. Paul said that all he was after in life is the prize of the high calling of God in Christ. Secondly, to learn how to please God, he wanted to know more about Christ, including the power of His resurrection, what it meant to share in His sufferings and how to be like Him in death. Thirdly, he was relentless, not only in keeping himself pure but also in labouring for the harvest of lost souls. Fourthly, for the greatness of knowing the Lord Jesus Christ, he forsook all his worldly achievements and followed after Christ. This attitude mirrors the life of his Master, who left His glory in heaven and take up the image of a servant on earth. He humbled Himself so much that He even laid down His life for all mankind (Philippians 2:5-8).

This lesson should challenge the Body of Christ in these end-times. I have observed that some pastors are not so mindful of where members of their congregation will end the Christian race. This is evident in the type of sermon they preach: messages that play on human emotions and nothing more. Concerning such pastors, Apostle Paul has this to say:

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

What a role model of the Christian faith we have in Apostle Paul! You will be wise to have such a godly driven personality as an influence in your life.

Action Point: In your private study, examine the life of Paul and pray that God will give you the grace to manifest the virtues you desire in his life.

Hymn 12: Take My Life, And Let It Be

1.Take my life and let it be
Consecrated, Lord, to Thee.
Take my moments and my days,
Let them flow in endless praise,
Let them flow in endless praise.

2.Take my hands and let them move
At the impulse of Thy love.
Take my feet and let them be
Swift and beautiful for Thee,
Swift and beautiful for Thee.

3.Take my voice and let me sing,
Always, only for my King.
Take my lips and let them be
Filled with messages from Thee,
Filled with messages from Thee.

4. Take my silver and my gold,
Not a mite would I withhold.
Take my intellect and use
Every pow’r as Thou shalt choose,
Every pow’r as Thou shalt choose.

5. Take my will and make it Thine,
It shall be no longer mine.
Take my heart, it is Thine own,
It shall be Thy royal throne,
It shall be Thy royal throne.

6. Take my love, my Lord, I pour
At Thy feet its treasure store.
Take myself and I will be
Ever, only, all for Thee,
Ever, only, all for Thee.

Flatimes' Notice Board: Please do not prolong your salvation if you have not repented. Many are going home daily and tomorrow maybe too late.

Open Heavens 30th January 2018, 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 29 January 2018: Monday daily devotional by Pastor Adeboye – Operating Under Pressure?

2018-01-28T19:21:00.001+01:00

Topic: Operating Under Pressure? [Open Heavens Monday 29th January 2018]

Memorise: “Lay hands suddenly on no man, neither be partaker of other men's sins: keep thyself pure.” – 1 Timothy 5:22

Read: 1 Samuel 15:20-24 (KJV)

20 And Saul said unto Samuel, Yea, I have obeyed the voice of the LORD, and have gone the way which the LORD sent me, and have brought Agag the king of Amalek, and have utterly destroyed the Amalekites.

21 But the people took of the spoil, sheep and oxen, the chief of the things which should have been utterly destroyed, to sacrifice unto the LORD thy God in Gilgal.

22 And Samuel said, Hath the LORD as great delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices, as in obeying the voice of the LORD? Behold, to obey is better than sacrifice, and to hearken than the fat of rams.

23 For rebellion is as the sin of witchcraft, and stubbornness is as iniquity and idolatry. Because thou hast rejected the word of the LORD, he hath also rejected thee from being king.

24 And Saul said unto Samuel, I have sinned: for I have transgressed the commandment of the LORD, and thy words: because I feared the people, and obeyed their voice.

Bible in One Year: Exodus 13-14, Romans 4

MESSAGE

One of the tactics of the devil to bring down God’s people is to orchestrate situations that will put them under pressure, and then he attacks while they are vulnerable. He does this because he knows that operating under pressure can result in costly mistakes. In today’s memory verse, we can identify some dangers of operating under pressure. One of these is that operating under pressure can make a person an accomplice to an evil deed. For instance, in the name of charitable acts, you may be pressurised to unknowingly harbour stolen goods. As a pastor, the devil can quote scriptures to you out of context and thereby pressurise and intimidate you into officiating the marriage of a divorcee to another person, thereby causing you to partake in another man’s sin. Another danger of operating under pressure is that the scars resulting from errors committed while acting unwisely often leave indelible marks on the victim’s life.

King Saul is a classical example of someone who let himself fall into the trap of operating under pressure. As the first king of Israel, he was more concerned about the opinion of people than God’s opinion of him. Contrary to the instructions God gave him concerning the battle against the Amalekites, he speared not only the king but also the fatted cows and sheep. He took the spoils of a battle he did not actually fight. Some ministers of God have also fallen into this trap today. After they have been used by God to perform special miracles, they run after financial gratification like Gehazi did (2 Kings 5:20-27).

Have your parents or society placed you under pressure to marry? Be very careful so that you don’t regret your actions later. I have this word for someone today: God will make everything beautiful for you in His own time (Ecclesiastes 3:1). At God’s own appointed time, that partner will emerge from the throne of grace and you will have a home comparable to heaven on earth. Is it employment that you seek and the personnel manager demands that you go out with him before you can get the job? Say NO to such advances! Don’t let the pressure of unemployment drag you into prostitution or drug trafficking. Are your parents-in-law saying you should come over to the village to offer sacrifice to ancestral spirits so that you can have your baby? You must not cave in to such pressures. Let the Bible be your guide. Refuse to find alternative to Jehovah El-Shaddai. May the word of God remain a lamp to your feet and a light to your path in Jesus’ Name.

Prayer Point: Father, grant me grace not to buckle under pressure, and help me to triumph like Your Son triumphed against the devil in the wilderness.

Hymn 5: I Have Decided To Follow Jesus

1. I have decided to follow Jesus;
I have decided to follow Jesus;
I have decided to follow Jesus;
No turning back, no turning back.

2. The world behind me, the cross before me;
The world behind me, the cross before me;
The world behind me, the cross before me;
No turning back, no turning back.

3. Though none go with me, I still will follow;
Though none go with me, I still will follow;
Though none go with me, I still will follow
No turning back, no turning back.

4. My cross I’ll carry, till I see Jesus;
My cross I’ll carry, till I see Jesus;
My cross I’ll carry, till I see Jesus;
No turning back, no turning back.

5. Will you decide now to follow Jesus?
Will you decide now to follow Jesus?
Will you decide now to follow Jesus?
No turning back, no turning back.

Open Heavens 29th January 2018, 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 28 January 2018: Sunday daily devotional by Pastor Adeboye – Evil Communication

2018-01-28T02:31:00.003+01:00

Topic: Evil Communication [Open Heavens Sunday 28th January 2018]

Memorise: “Be not deceived: evil communications corrupt good manners.” – 1 Corinthians 15:33

Read: Proverbs 1:10-19 (KJV)

10 My son, if sinners entice thee, consent thou not.

11 If they say, Come with us, let us lay wait for blood, let us lurk privily for the innocent without cause:

12 Let us swallow them up alive as the grave; and whole, as those that go down into the pit:

13 We shall find all precious substance, we shall fill our houses with spoil:

14 Cast in thy lot among us; let us all have one purse:

15 My son, walk not thou in the way with them; refrain thy foot from their path:

16 For their feet run to evil, and make haste to shed blood.

17 Surely in vain the net is spread in the sight of any bird.

18 And they lay wait for their own blood; they lurk privily for their own lives.

19 So are the ways of every one that is greedy of gain; which taketh away the life of the owners thereof.

Bible in One Year: Exodus 11-12, Romans 3:9-31

MESSAGE

In today’s memory verse, the wisdom of God warns us that evil communication corrupts good manners. A wise person would take this divine warning seriously in order to escape the corrupting influence that associating with evil people will have on his or her good manners. Some people have allowed overconfidence to destroy their lives through careless and even deadly associations. Some young people with bright and promising futures, sent to school to prepare them for fulfilled adult lives, have been derailed through evil associations with destiny destroyers like secret cults, sex-for-hire rings, partying and clubbing friends, drinking, smoking and gambling pals. Our Bible text warns us against the enticement of sinners. The revelation here is that sinners are capable of enticing us; we must therefore be careful not to fall prey of their enticing antics. One bait sinners use in luring good souls into their fold is the promise of material gain and comfort. In Proverbs 1:13-14, the Holy Spirit warns that sinners will say sweet words like these to entice you:

“13 We shall find all precious substance, we shall fill our houses with spoil: 14 Cast in thy lot among us; let us all have one purse:”

But it’s a lie; the target is your soul.

There are many channels of evil communication. One avenue is through business partnerships. Children of God should be careful of the type of people they partner with in business. Someone who pays his or her tithe regularly may begin to default after forming a business alliance with someone who does not believe in giving God a tenth of his or her income. Gradually, such children of God would begin to rob God, and consequently, the blessings of Abraham they claim as their portion will begin to elude them until they lose it all. Another channel of evil communication is marriage. In Deuteronomy 7:3-4, the Lord gave the children of Israel this injunction on marriage with those who did not share their faith:

“3 Neither shalt thou make marriages with them; thy daughter thou shalt not give unto his son, nor his daughter shalt thou take unto thy son. 4 For they will turn away thy son from following me, that they may serve other gods: so will the anger of the LORD be kindled against you, and destroy thee suddenly.”

This principle also applies to the Body of Christ today. Those who disobey this injunction never have a good story to tell down the line (1 Kings 11:4). I pray that you will not be a victim of evil communication in Jesus’ Name.

Action Point: Examine the lives of those you associate with, determine those who are a negative influence on you and break off from them.

Hymn 12: Take My Life, And Let It Be

1.Take my life and let it be
Consecrated, Lord, to Thee.
Take my moments and my days,
Let them flow in endless praise,
Let them flow in endless praise.

2.Take my hands and let them move
At the impulse of Thy love.
Take my feet and let them be
Swift and beautiful for Thee,
Swift and beautiful for Thee.

3.Take my voice and let me sing,
Always, only for my King.
Take my lips and let them be
Filled with messages from Thee,
Filled with messages from Thee.

4. Take my silver and my gold,
Not a mite would I withhold.
Take my intellect and use
Every pow’r as Thou shalt choose,
Every pow’r as Thou shalt choose.

5. Take my will and make it Thine,
It shall be no longer mine.
Take my heart, it is Thine own,
It shall be Thy royal throne,
It shall be Thy royal throne.

6. Take my love, my Lord, I pour
At Thy feet its treasure store.
Take myself and I will be
Ever, only, all for Thee,
Ever, only, all for Thee.

Flatimes' Notice Board: Please do not prolong your salvation if you have not repented. Many are going home daily and tomorrow maybe too late.

Open Heavens 28th January 2018, 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 27 January 2018: Saturday daily devotional by Pastor Adeboye – Fruit of the Spirit V

2018-01-27T04:30:00.001+01:00

Topic: Fruit of the Spirit V [Open Heavens Saturday 27 January 2018]

Memorise: “But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you;” – Matthew 5:44

Read: Acts 7:54-60 (KJV)

54 When they heard these things, they were cut to the heart, and they gnashed on him with their teeth.

55 But he, being full of the Holy Ghost, looked up stedfastly into heaven, and saw the glory of God, and Jesus standing on the right hand of God,

56 And said, Behold, I see the heavens opened, and the Son of man standing on the right hand of God.

57 Then they cried out with a loud voice, and stopped their ears, and ran upon him with one accord,

58 And cast him out of the city, and stoned him: and the witnesses laid down their clothes at a young man's feet, whose name was Saul.

59 And they stoned Stephen, calling upon God, and saying, Lord Jesus, receive my spirit.

60 And he kneeled down, and cried with a loud voice, Lord, lay not this sin to their charge. And when he had said this, he fell asleep.

Bible in One Year: Exodus 9-10, Romans 2:12-3:8

MESSAGE

To conclude our reflection on the fruit of the Spirit, we shall today be considering temperance. To be temperate is to have self-control. Temperance enables you to remain cool, calm and collected in the midst of dire situations. Through the manifestation of temperance, you will save yourself the pain of hasty and rash pronouncements that you will later regret. Temperance will restrain you from overreacting in situations that could make you lose your integrity. It takes the restraint of the Holy Spirit to turn the other cheek to those who despitefully use you (Luke 6:29). To better understand temperance, just picture Stephen in excruciating pain and about to die, praying for God’s mercy on those who stoned him to death. This is the hallmark of a life full of the Holy Spirit (Acts 7:55). The Lord Jesus Christ also manifested this nature on the cross of Calvary (Luke 23:34). When He was arrested and tried, it was temperance that enabled Him to restrain Himself from putting up a defence. There would have been no redemption if Jesus Christ had defended Himself. Matthew 27:13-14 says,

“13 Then said Pilate unto him, Hearest thou not how many things they witness against thee? 14 And he answered him to never a word; insomuch that the governor marvelled greatly.”

I reckon that in the course of His trial, the Holy Spirit would have continually brought to His remembrance what was written concerning Him in Isaiah 53:7-8. When you cultivate a relationship with the Holy Spirit, whenever you are faced with a situation of conflict, in order to restrain you, the Holy Spirit will remind you of who you are and where you are going. He will also put words in your mouth if there is a need for you to respond. This is how His nature of temperance is manifested in our character.

As we conclude our study on the fruit of the Spirit, you need to be reminded that walking in the Spirit is the process that brings about the manifestation of the fruit of the Spirit in us. The Holy Spirit is a Person and not a force, and so He will not compel you to fellowship with Him, even though He resides inside you. You need to yield yourself to Him and cultivate His friendship for His fruit to manifest in your life. Here is the key to walking in the Spirit, from Amos 3:3

“Can two walk together, except they be agreed?”

Your life needs to be in agreement with His principles for you to walk with Him. He is the Promise of the Father, and He is willing to abide with you if you will make your life habitable for Him.

Action Point: Take out time to sing to the Holy Spirit, and tell Him how much you appreciate His ministry in your life.

Hymn 2: I Need Thee Every Hour

1. I Need Thee every hour,
Most gracious Lord;
No tender voice like Thine
Can peace afford.

Chorus:
I need Thee, Oh, I need Thee,
Every hour I need Thee;
Oh bless me now, my Saviour;
I come to Thee.

2. I need Thee every hour;
Stay Thou near by;
Temptations lose their pow'r
When Thou art nigh.

3. I need Thee every hour,
In joy or pain;
Come quickly and abide,
Or life is vain.

4. I need Thee every hour;
Teach me Thy will,
And Thy rich promises
In me fulfil.

5. I need Thee every hour,
Most Holy One;
O make me Thine indeed,
Thou blessed Son.

Flatimes' Notice Board: Please do not prolong your salvation if you have not repented. Many are going home daily and tomorrow maybe too late.

Open Heavens 27 January 2018, 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 26 January 2018: Friday daily devotional by Pastor Adeboye – Fruit of the Spirit IV

2018-01-25T22:10:00.001+01:00

Topic: Fruit of the Spirit IV [Open Heavens Friday 26th January 2018]

Memorise: “But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him.” - Hebrews 11:6

Read: 1 Corinthians 2:9-14 (KJV)

9 But as it is written, Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that love him.

10 But God hath revealed them unto us by his Spirit: for the Spirit searcheth all things, yea, the deep things of God.

11 For what man knoweth the things of a man, save the spirit of man which is in him? even so the things of God knoweth no man, but the Spirit of God.

12 Now we have received, not the spirit of the world, but the spirit which is of God; that we might know the things that are freely given to us of God.

13 Which things also we speak, not in the words which man's wisdom teacheth, but which the Holy Ghost teacheth; comparing spiritual things with spiritual.

14 But the natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God: for they are foolishness unto him: neither can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned.

Bible in One Year: Exodus 7-8, Romans 1:18-2:11

MESSAGE

I trust God that over the past few days of our study on the fruit of the Spirit, your relationship with the Holy Spirit has been revolutionised. Yesterday, we reflected on gentleness and goodness, and today by God’s grace we will reflect on faith and meekness. What is faith? In simple terms, faith is taking God at His word and accepting His verdict in all situations. Let’s consider what the Holy Spirit has to say about faith in Hebrews 11:6:

“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.”

This statement makes faith a fundamental virtue of the Christian life. Our God operates in the realm of the spirit, and so when He speaks, His words come across as foolishness to the natural man (1 Corinthians 2:14). How do you believe something that appears foolish? How can a natural man believe in what the senses cannot comprehend? Well, glory be to God, our Lord knows our frame and understands the limitation of the natural body we inhabit (Psalm 103:13-14). It is for this reason that He sent the Holy Spirit to live within us, thereby empowering us to live above our limitations (Romans 8:11, 26). It takes walking with the Holy Spirit to rise above the senses and operate in the realm of faith. Faith is the nature of the Holy Spirit, and so those who cultivate a relationship with Him are enrolled in the school of faith where their faith is developed to the level where they effortlessly manifest the character of faith (John 14:26). Faith in God opens the doors of possibilities beyond the wildest imagination.

What is meekness? When someone has the power to retaliate a wrong done against him or her but decides to let go in the spirit of forgiveness: that is meekness. A commander-in-chief who is insulted and laughs it off with the sincerity it takes to forgive and forget can be said to be meek. This character trait is necessary for peace to reign in the Body of Christ and for her to be one. If Christians manifest this nature and engage in governance, the world would be at peace. The meekness of our Lord Jesus Christ is perfectly described as a signpost for us in Isaiah 53:7:

“He was oppressed, and he was afflicted, yet he opened not his mouth: he is brought as a lamb to the slaughter, and as a sheep before her shearers is dumb, so he openeth not his mouth.”

May the Lord make you an embodiment of faith and meekness ion Jesus’ Name.

Prayer Point: Sweet Holy Spirit, You are my Teacher; teach me to rise above the limitations of my senses into the realms of faith, and help me to operate in Your power with meekness.

Hymn 2: I Need Thee Every Hour

1. I Need Thee every hour,
Most gracious Lord;
No tender voice like Thine
Can peace afford.

Chorus:
I need Thee, Oh, I need Thee,
Every hour I need Thee;
Oh bless me now, my Saviour;
I come to Thee.

2. I need Thee every hour;
Stay Thou near by;
Temptations lose their pow'r
When Thou art nigh.

3. I need Thee every hour,
In joy or pain;
Come quickly and abide,
Or life is vain.

4. I need Thee every hour;
Teach me Thy will,
And Thy rich promises
In me fulfil.

5. I need Thee every hour,
Most Holy One;
O make me Thine indeed,
Thou blessed Son.

Open Heavens 26th January 2018, 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 25 January 2018: Thursday daily devotional by Pastor Adeboye – Fruit of the Spirit III

2018-01-24T21:45:00.001+01:00

Topic: Fruit of the Spirit III [Open Heavens Wednesday 25 January 2018]

Memorise: “How God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Ghost and with power: who went about doing good, and healing all that were oppressed of the devil; for God was with him.” – Acts 10:38

Read: Luke 22:47-53 (KJV)

47 And while he yet spake, behold a multitude, and he that was called Judas, one of the twelve, went before them, and drew near unto Jesus to kiss him.

48 But Jesus said unto him, Judas, betrayest thou the Son of man with a kiss?

49 When they which were about him saw what would follow, they said unto him, Lord, shall we smite with the sword?

50 And one of them smote the servant of the high priest, and cut off his right ear.

51 And Jesus answered and said, Suffer ye thus far. And he touched his ear, and healed him.

52 Then Jesus said unto the chief priests, and captains of the temple, and the elders, which were come to him, Be ye come out, as against a thief, with swords and staves?

53 When I was daily with you in the temple, ye stretched forth no hands against me: but this is your hour, and the power of darkness.

Bible in One Year: Exodus 4-6, Romans 1:1-17

MESSAGE

In continuation of our reflection on the fruit of the Spirit, we will be considering the following dimensions of the Holy Spirit’s character: gentleness and goodness. Gentleness is a nature that maintains the appropriate comportment in the face of provocative events. Only the Holy Spirit can help a mortal being behave correctly or appropriately in the face of an event that seems to threaten his or her peace, or which stands in his or her way to actualising a desired goal. In today’s Bible reading, we see the Lord Jesus Christ manifesting this character in the Garden of Gethsemane. In spite of Judas’ betrayal, the sorrow of bearing the burden of sin and the degrading treatment meted out to Him, He stilled healed the ear of Malchus, servant of the high priest, which Peter had chopped off in His defence. The gravity of the character exhibited here by the Lord becomes more sobering when we realise that He could have asked for more than twelve legions of angels to fight for Him and they would have been granted Him, but He chose not to do this in order to achieve His goal of finishing the work of salvation for mankind (Matthew 26:53-54). Beloved, we need to manifest the nature of gentleness if we will not take laws into our hands. Romans 12:19 says:

“Dearly beloved, avenge not yourselves, but rather give place unto wrath: for it is written, Vengeance is mine; I will repay, saith the Lord.”

The Lord will always fight our battles for us, if only we will allow Him to do it in His own way.

“But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you;” - Matthew 5:44

How can a man obey these words? How can a person do good to those who hate him or her? The Lord Himself showed us the possibility of obeying this difficult injunction by doing good to those who out of hatred came to arrest and crucify Him. How was He able to do it? Acts 10:38 answers this question; it reveals that the Lord Jesus Christ went about doing good because He had a relationship with the Holy Spirit. The character of goodness is the nature of the Holy Spirit, and only by cultivating a relationship with Him can we manifest this character. If we don’t do good to others, our faith is useless and without meaning (James 2:14-26). I encourage you therefore to be doer of good deeds, because by this your soul-winning efforts will be effective.

Prayer Point: Gentle Holy Spirit, I covet your gentle nature. Let this character of Yours manifest in my life and empower to do good deeds to all those around me.

Hymn 2: I Need Thee Every Hour

1. I Need Thee every hour,
Most gracious Lord;
No tender voice like Thine
Can peace afford.

Chorus:
I need Thee, Oh, I need Thee,
Every hour I need Thee;
Oh bless me now, my Saviour;
I come to Thee.

2. I need Thee every hour;
Stay Thou near by;
Temptations lose their pow'r
When Thou art nigh.

3. I need Thee every hour,
In joy or pain;
Come quickly and abide,
Or life is vain.

4. I need Thee every hour;
Teach me Thy will,
And Thy rich promises
In me fulfil.

5. I need Thee every hour,
Most Holy One;
O make me Thine indeed,
Thou blessed Son.

Open Heavens 25th January 2018, 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 24 January 2018: Wednesday daily devotional by Pastor Adeboye – Fruit of the Spirit II

2018-01-24T01:55:00.002+01:00

Topic: Fruit of the Spirit II [Open Heavens Wednesday 24th January 2018]

Memorise: 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. – John 14:27

Read: Acts 27:20-36 (KJV)

20 And when neither sun nor stars in many days appeared, and no small tempest lay on us, all hope that we should be saved was then taken away.

21 But after long abstinence Paul stood forth in the midst of them, and said, Sirs, ye should have hearkened unto me, and not have loosed from Crete, and to have gained this harm and loss.

22 And now I exhort you to be of good cheer: for there shall be no loss of any man's life among you, but of the ship.

23 For there stood by me this night the angel of God, whose I am, and whom I serve,

24 Saying, Fear not, Paul; thou must be brought before Caesar: and, lo, God hath given thee all them that sail with thee.

25 Wherefore, sirs, be of good cheer: for I believe God, that it shall be even as it was told me.

26 Howbeit we must be cast upon a certain island.

27 But when the fourteenth night was come, as we were driven up and down in Adria, about midnight the shipmen deemed that they drew near to some country;

28 And sounded, and found it twenty fathoms: and when they had gone a little further, they sounded again, and found it fifteen fathoms.

29 Then fearing lest we should have fallen upon rocks, they cast four anchors out of the stern, and wished for the day.

30 And as the shipmen were about to flee out of the ship, when they had let down the boat into the sea, under colour as though they would have cast anchors out of the foreship,

31 Paul said to the centurion and to the soldiers, Except these abide in the ship, ye cannot be saved.

32 Then the soldiers cut off the ropes of the boat, and let her fall off.

33 And while the day was coming on, Paul besought them all to take meat, saying, This day is the fourteenth day that ye have tarried and continued fasting, having taken nothing.

34 Wherefore I pray you to take some meat: for this is for your health: for there shall not an hair fall from the head of any of you.

35 And when he had thus spoken, he took bread, and gave thanks to God in presence of them all: and when he had broken it, he began to eat.

36 Then were they all of good cheer, and they also took some meat.

Bible in One Year: Exodus 1-3, Revelation 22

MESSAGE

Topic: Fruit of the Spirit II [Open Heavens Wednesday 24th January 2018]

Memorise: 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. – John 14:27

Read: Acts 27:20-36 (KJV)

20 And when neither sun nor stars in many days appeared, and no small tempest lay on us, all hope that we should be saved was then taken away.

21 But after long abstinence Paul stood forth in the midst of them, and said, Sirs, ye should have hearkened unto me, and not have loosed from Crete, and to have gained this harm and loss.

22 And now I exhort you to be of good cheer: for there shall be no loss of any man's life among you, but of the ship.

23 For there stood by me this night the angel of God, whose I am, and whom I serve,

24 Saying, Fear not, Paul; thou must be brought before Caesar: and, lo, God hath given thee all them that sail with thee.

25 Wherefore, sirs, be of good cheer: for I believe God, that it shall be even as it was told me.

26 Howbeit we must be cast upon a certain island.

27 But when the fourteenth night was come, as we were driven up and down in Adria, about midnight the shipmen deemed that they drew near to some country;

28 And sounded, and found it twenty fathoms: and when they had gone a little further, they sounded again, and found it fifteen fathoms.

29 Then fearing lest we should have fallen upon rocks, they cast four anchors out of the stern, and wished for the day.

30 And as the shipmen were about to flee out of the ship, when they had let down the boat into the sea, under colour as though they would have cast anchors out of the foreship,

31 Paul said to the centurion and to the soldiers, Except these abide in the ship, ye cannot be saved.

32 Then the soldiers cut off the ropes of the boat, and let her fall off.

33 And while the day was coming on, Paul besought them all to take meat, saying, This day is the fourteenth day that ye have tarried and continued fasting, having taken nothing.

34 Wherefore I pray you to take some meat: for this is for your health: for there shall not an hair fall from the head of any of you.

35 And when he had thus spoken, he took bread, and gave thanks to God in presence of them all: and when he had broken it, he began to eat.

36 Then were they all of good cheer, and they also took some meat.

Bible in One Year: Exodus 1-3, Revelation 22

MESSAGE

Yesterday we established that the manifestation of the fruit of the Spirit in the life of a person is a result of cultivating a relationship with the Holy Spirit, a process which the Bible refers to as walking in the Spirit. We also started taking a closer look at individual character traits that emanate from such a relationship. Together, these character traits form the totality of the character of the Holy Spirit. Today, we will consider the dimensions of this character that enables the Holy Spirit reach out to us as the Comforter: Joy, Peace and Longsuffering.

Joy is a nature of gladness in the spirit that is not impacted by external circumstances. How does a person manifest joy in the midst of sorrow and calamity? A person who walks in the Spirit is able to manifest joy because he or she is privy to heaven’s information and is therefore able to see the bigger picture of what God is doing in every situation. Due to his or her relationship with the Holy Spirit, such a person receives secret information from heaven on the true state of things (John 16:13). This was why Paul, even as a prisoner about to be shipwrecked, was able to eat, drink and give thanks in the middle of a storm! The Holy Spirit had already revealed to him what was going to happen, and so he was full of good cheer, unmoved by the external circumstances around him. I pray that from today, you will be filled with joy in the Holy Ghost in Jesus’ Name. similar to joy, peace is a nature of calmness that reflects a freedom from strife within. To understand peace, just watch a little child sleep. The Lord Jesus Christ manifested this when He was able to sleep in the midst of a raging storm. When He was awoken by the disciples, He was able to extend the nature of peace within Him to the stormy environment around Him (Mark 4:37-39). This is what He expects of us also (John 14:27). You can only manifest the peace of God when you are at peace with the Holy Spirit dwelling in you. you cannot be at peace with the Holy Spirit if you are involved in anything that is contrary to His nature. If you confess that you are saved, yet you are not at peace, examine your ways and motives; there might be some things contrary to the nature of the Holy Spirit hiding somewhere. Longsuffering is a nature built on the hope of a greater glory that lies ahead after enduring sufferings. How does a man hold on to his faith in the midst of adversity? When the Holy Spirit reveals to you the glory that is reserved for you after overcoming hardship, you will manifest a longsuffering nature. This nature continually propelled Paul in the face of adversities (Romans 8:18, 2 Corinthians 11:23-27). How we need the Spirit in these perilous times!

Prayer Point: Father, let the nature of Your Spirit in joy, peace and longsuffering find expression in my life in Jesus’ Name.

Hymn 2: I Need Thee Every Hour

1. I Need Thee every hour,
Most gracious Lord;
No tender voice like Thine
Can peace afford.

Chorus:
I need Thee, Oh, I need Thee,
Every hour I need Thee;
Oh bless me now, my Saviour;
I come to Thee.

2. I need Thee every hour;
Stay Thou near by;
Temptations lose their pow'r
When Thou art nigh.

3. I need Thee every hour,
In joy or pain;
Come quickly and abide,
Or life is vain.

4. I need Thee every hour;
Teach me Thy will,
And Thy rich promises
In me fulfil.

5. I need Thee every hour,
Most Holy One;
O make me Thine indeed,
Thou blessed Son.

Open Heavens 24th January 2018, 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.