open heavens daily 16/12/16

OPEN HEAVENS DAILY DEVOTIONAL DATE: FRIDAY 16 DECEMBER 2016 THEME: DIVINE PURPOSE MEMORISE: And David said, What have I now done? Is there not a cause? 1 Samuel 17:29 READ: 1 SAMUEL 17:26-29 (KJV) 26 And David spake to the men that stood by him, saying, What shall be done to the man that killeth this Philistine, and taketh away the reproach from Israel? for who is this uncircumcised Philistine, that he should defy the armies of the living God? 27 And the people answered him after this manner, saying, So shall it be done to the man that killeth him. 28 And Eliab his eldest brother heard when he spake unto the men; and Eliab's anger was kindled against David, and he said, Why camest thou down hither? and with whom hast thou left those few sheep in the wilderness? I know thy pride, and the naughtiness of thine heart; for thou art come down that thou mightest see the battle. 29 And David said, What have I now done? Is there not a cause? MESSAGE Sometimes, you find yourself in a situation where you cannot explain your actions. All you know at that point is that you are strongly motivated by the Spirit of God to act in certain ways that are not really in your personal interest or for your benefit. Such steps are usually seen by others as unreasonable, irrational, and sometimes foolish. In the process of obeying God’s instruction, you ask yourself repeatedly; “What is going on?” I have learnt from my own personal experience that this period is like a roller-coaster ride with the Holy Spirit. On one hand, you are excited, while on the other hand, there is fear and uncertainty. Sometimes, a blend of opposition, obstacle, and criticism, comes in to make the situation more complex. Such was the situation when at the very early stage of my Christian walk, my father in the Lord, the then General Superintendent of RCCG, asked all of us at the Headquarters to close our bank accounts and bring all the money to the Church on a certain date. Thank God I and my wife heeded the instruction. This puts me in the position to tell you today that such an unusual call provides an unusual opportunity to prove your loyalty to God, thereby setting you up as a major factor in the fulfilment of divine purpose. I pray that you will correctly discern the unusual opportunities that always precede the fulfilment of divine purpose in Jesus’ name. King Joash had such an opportunity but could not make the best of it. When Elisha was about to die, since there was nobody worthy of his double portion anointing, he felt led to give king Joash an unusual opportunity to defeat all his enemies in all future battles through a prophetic action. With Elisha’s hand on the king’s hand, every arrow shot represented a victory for Israel. If only he had maximized that opportunity, he would never have been defeated: his victory would have been complete. I can imagine that if the king had been aware beforehand, he would have shot all the arrows in order to maximize the opportunity. But unfortunately, he did not discern the times, and the whole nation of Israel suffered loss. May you not miss your unusual opportunities this year in Jesus’ name. God will open the eyes of your spiritual understanding to identify the signs of divine purpose in Jesus’ name. PRAYER POINT: Father, please key me into Your divine calendar and help me fulfil Your purpose in my life in Jesus’ name. BIBLE IN ONE YEAR: Leviticus 5:14-7:38 and Psalms 119:145-160 AUTHOR: PASTOR E. A. ADEBOYE HYMN 2: O JESUS, I HAVE PROMISED. 1. O Jesus, I have promised, To serve Thee to the end; Be Thou forever near me, My Master and my Friend; I shall not fear the battle If Thou art by my side, Nor wander from the pathway If Thou wilt be my Guide. 2. Oh, let me feel Thee near me; The world is ever near; I see the sights that dazzle, The tempting sounds I hear; My foes are ever near me, Around me and within; But, Jesus, draw Thou nearer, And shield my soul from sin. 3. Oh, let me hear Thee speaking, In accents clear and still, Above the storms of passion, The murmurs of self-will; Oh, speak to reassure me, To hasten, or control; Oh, speak, and make me listen, Thou Guardian of my soul. 4. O Jesus, Thou hast promised To all who follow Thee That where Thou art in glory There shall Thy servant be; And Jesus, I have promised To serve Thee to the end; Oh, give me grace to follow, My Master and my Friend. 5. Oh, let me see Thy footmarks, And in them plant mine own; My hope to follow duly Is in Thy strength alone. Oh, guide me, call me, draw me, Uphold me to the end; And then to rest receive me, My Savior and my Friend.

open heavens daily 15/12/2016

OPEN HEAVEN DAILY DEVOTIONAL DATE: THURSDAY 15 DECEMBER 2016 THEME: ARE PERILOUS TIME HERE? MEMORISE: THIS know also, that in the last days perilous times shall come.2 Timothy 3:1 READ: 2 TIMOTHY 3:1-5 1 THIS know also, that in the last days perilous times shall come. 2 For men shall be lovers of their own selves, covetous, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy, 3 Without natural affection, trucebreakers, false accusers, incontinent, fierce, despisers of those that are good, 4 Traitors, heady, highminded, lovers of pleasures more than lovers of God; 5 Having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof: from such turn away. MESSAGE Several passages of the Bible describe the prevailing atmosphere of the period now as 'perilous times' .The Bible reading for today, gives some important details about event that will surround the arrival of this period. This period is going to be the final epoch or history , marked by the coming of Messiah and the establishment of God's Kingdom. The Bible tends to tie the terms 'last days' and 'perilous time' together, pointing to the period between Jesus Christ's first coming and the consummation of all things at His return. Thus period will also be marked by increased godlessness, false prophets, doctrine of devils, persecution, wickedness, war and apostasy. Are perilous time here? The Bible says truth will be watered down and sound doctrine will be replaced with fables. In church at Ephesus as recorded in Revelation 2:1-7, the Lord singled out a sect within its walls which beloved and preached that holiness was no more truly possible. These were the Nicolaitans and the Lord said He hated them. Can the Lord hate those who claim to be His followers? This may be surprising, but the Lord hates every preacher and teacher or false doctrines. This is a warning for those in the teaching ministry systematically veering off the path of sound doctrine. Teaching cunningly devised fables and philosophies of men. Be very conscious of what comes out of your mouth. Cross check facts and perceived revelations with the Holy Spirit so that you may not lead any astray. The Lord hate false preachers. Anyone who teaches you that you can continue to sin, since after all we are human beings, and will still make Heaven, is heading for hell and wants to take you along. Watch out brethren, perilous times are here! People will deny the power of God, meaning that there will be widespread practical atheists. You will hear some say things like; God is not as wicked as to fry His children in fire for minor sins and so there is no hell fire', some also say that salvation is by what you are able to do; by works. Idolatry is being openly practiced in some churches today because somebody spoke against Exodus 20:1-5, proposing that there is nothing wrong in making images of God, Jesus, Mary and the apostles and using them to connect to God. Backslidden pastors, ministers or workers are teaching false doctrines of mercy that is contrary to Romans 6:1-2. All these are taking people to hell in their millions. In what ways are your actions contradicting your teachings and messages? Such contradictions turn you into a false preacher! PRAYER POINT: Father, please don't let the dangers of this perilous times sweep my feet away in Jesus name. BIBLE ON ONE YEAR: Leviticus 4:1-5:13 and Psalms 119:129-144 AUTHOR: Pst E. A ADEBOYE HYMN 10: WHEN THE TRUMPET OF THE LORD SHALL SOUND 1. When the trumpet of the Lord shall sound, and time shall be no more, And the morning breaks, eternal, bright and fair; When the saved of earth shall gather over on the other shore, And the roll is called up yonder, I'll be there. Chorus: When the roll is called up yonder, When the roll is called up yonder, When the roll is called up yonder, When the roll is called up yonder, I'll be there. 2. On that bright and cloudless morning when the dead in Christ shall rise, And the glory of His resurrection share; When His chosen ones shall gather to their home beyond the skies, And the roll is called up yonder, I'll be there. Chorus: 3. Let us labor for the Master from the dawn till setting sun, Let us talk of all His wondrous love and care; Then when all of life is over, and our work on earth is done, And the roll is called up yonder, I'll be there. Chorus.

open heavens 14/12/2016

OPEN HEAVEN DAILY DEVOTIONAL DATE: WEDNESDAY 14 DECEMBER 2016 THEME: PROOF OF LOVE MEMORISE: Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends. John 15:13 READ: JOHN 21:15-19 15 So when they had dined, Jesus saith to Simon Peter, Simon, son of Jonas, lovest thou me more than these? He saith unto him, Yea, Lord; thou knowest that I love thee. He saith unto him, Feed my lambs. 16 He saith to him again the second time, Simon, son of Jonas, lovest thou me? He saith unto him, Yea, Lord; thou knowest that I love thee. He saith unto him, Feed my sheep. 17 He saith unto him the third time, Simon, son of Jonas, lovest thou me? Peter was grieved because he said unto him the third time, Lovest thou me? And he said unto him, Lord, thou knowest all things; thou knowest that I love thee. Jesus saith unto him, Feed my sheep. 18 Verily, verily, I say unto thee, When thou wast young, thou girdedst thyself, and walkedst whither thou wouldest: but when thou shalt be old, thou shalt stretch forth thy hands, and another shall gird thee, and carry thee whither thou wouldest not. 19 This spake he, signifying by what death he should glorify God. And when he had spoken this, he saith unto him, Follow me. MESSAGE The Bible teaches Christians to love God. The Bible also teaches that such love should be expressed in worship and practical service. One of the most important lessons that the Bible teaches on love is that love is unconditional, and that the ultimate test of love is sacrifice. Therefore, any declaration of love that is devoid of sacrifice is questionable. The Bible strongly in agreement with the fact that Love is sacrificial.'For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.' When you are genuinely in love, making sacrifices for the one you love will be a thing of pleasure and not a burden. Jacob was in love with Rachel and asked her father what he must do to marry her. Rachel's father told him to serve for seven years and he willingly did so. Because of love, seven years were like seven days to him. When he was delivered, he yet agreed to serve another seven years for his heartthrob (Genesis 29:18-28). No price is too much to pay for the one you love. If you truly love your wife, you will pay the price of faithfulness in the midst of pressure to be unfaithful to her in your work place, or even in the ministry. Some husbands are yet to demonstrate their love for their wives by sacrificially giving to her. If your relationship with your wife is all about convenience- you do things for her only when it is convenient, then you owe your wife big time. Wives of such husbands should demand of their husbands the debt of sacrifice. Sacrifice helps to gauge your Love for God. We can say God loves us exceedingly because He was prepared to part with His only begotten son. If you say you love God, you will be ready, like Paul was, to spend and be spent for Him. Some questions I often asked people are; can you serve the Lord for 14yrs without pay? Can you serve the Lord on the rural areas with no social amenities? Can you serve under an uneducated man of God when you are well educated? Can you leave certainty for uncertainty in the name of vision and revelation? What do you have to show for your love for God? Where is the Sacrifice in relationship with the Lord? PRAYER POINT: Father, please help me to fully appreciate Your sacrificial love to me. BIBLE IN ONE YEAR: Leviticus 1-3 and Psalms 119:113-128 AUTHOR: Pst E. A ADEBOYE HYMN 3: DEEPER, DEEPER Deeper, deeper in the love of Jesus Daily let me go; Higher, higher in the school of wisdom, More of grace to know. Chorus: O deeper yet, I pray, And higher every day, And wiser, blessed Lord, In Thy precious, holy Word. Deeper, deeper, blessed Holy Spirit, Take me deeper still, Till my life is wholly lost in Jesus, And His perfect will. Chorus: Deeper, deeper! though it cost hard trials, Deeper let me go! Rooted in the holy love of Jesus, Let me fruitful grow. Chorus: Deeper, higher, every day in Jesus, Till all conflict past, Finds me conqu'ror, and in His own image Perfected at last. Chorus: Deeper, deeper in the faith of Jesus, Holy faith and true; In His pow'r and soul exulting wisdom Let me peace pursue. Chorus.

open heaven daily devotional 13/12/2016

OPEN HEAVENS DAILY DEVOTIONAL... DATE : TUESDAY 13 DECEMBER 2016 THEME : SIGNS OF THE LAST DAYS Memorise : And many false prophets shall rise, and shall deceive many. Mathew 24:11 Read : 1 Timothy 4:1-2 1 NOW the Spirit speaketh expressly, that in the latter times some shall depart from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits, and doctrines of devils; 2 Speaking lies in hypocrisy; having their conscience seared with a hot iron; Message The Bible tells us about the things that will happen to mark the end of this world and the beginning of eternal life. Beginning with the rapture, there will be extreme joy for those that will be found on the Lords side, while there will be extreme pain and sorrow for those that will be found on the devils side. As the curtain begins to be drawn over the activities of this world, the trumpet will sound. Then, Jesus Christ will appear physically in the sky with overwhelming glory, to raise the dead, judge the world, destroy opposition to God, and consummate His everlasting kingdom. Believers form the Bible says prepared for His return, waiting with eagerness and joy, but rapture didn't happen. It was with this in mind that the disciples ask Jesus questions about what would be the signs of the last days in Mathew 24:3:" the disciples come unto him privately, saying,Tell us, when shall these things be? And what shall be the sign of thy coming, and of the end of the world?" The same two important questions that whole world still asks till date are; when shall there things be? What shall be the signs? Fortunately, the Bible does it beat round the bush about the first question ( when),Jesus clearly states that nobody knows exact time except the Father. Note the Jesus preceded the answer with warning, 'Take grass that no man deceived you'. Never believe anyone that gives you a date or timetable for the second Coming of Jesus, no matter how advance the mathematical theory may seem. Jesus however, spoke extensively on the signs of the last days; the Bible has enough information to help Christians make adequate preparations for the second coming of Christ. Mathew 24:1-5 speaks volumes and 1 Timothy 4:1 says : "NOW the Spirit speaketh expressly, that in the latter times some shall depart from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits, and doctrines of devils;" The key things to look out for are there; false prophets, lovers of self, wars and rumours of war, famine, pestilence, earthquakes, persecution, betrayal, iniquity shall abound, the love of many shall wax cold, some shall depart from the faith, seducing spirits, doctrines of devils,hypocrisy. All these are presently happening hat an alarming rate all over the world. Children of God should pay special attention to false prophets with teachings that are contrary to the Word of God. Any teach in that cannot be substantiated with the Bible belongs to the devil; avoid them and their messages like a plague. Be warned. Prayer Point : Lord Jesus. Please send the fire of revival to keep me burning for you till your Second Coming. BIBLE IN ONE YEAR : Exodus 38:21-40:38 and Psalms 119:97-112 AUTHOR : Pst E. A ADEBOYE HYMN 10: WHEN THE TRUMPET OF THE LORD SHALL SOUND 1. When the trumpet of the Lord shall sound, and time shall be no more, And the morning breaks, eternal, bright and fair; When the saved of earth shall gather over on the other shore, And the roll is called up yonder, I'll be there. Chorus: When the roll is called up yonder, When the roll is called up yonder, When the roll is called up yonder, When the roll is called up yonder, I'll be there. 2. On that bright and cloudless morning when the dead in Christ shall rise, And the glory of His resurrection share; When His chosen ones shall gather to their home beyond the skies, And the roll is called up yonder, I'll be there. Chorus: 3. Let us labor for the Master from the dawn till setting sun, Let us talk of all His wondrous love and care; Then when all of life is over, and our work on earth is done, And the roll is called up yonder, I'll be there. Chorus.