TOPIC: LET YOUR LIGHT SO SHINE - Tuesday June 23, 2015
Memorise: And they that be wise shall shine as the brightness of the firmament; and they that turn many to righteousness as the stars for ever and ever. - Daniel 12:3
Read: Matthew 5:14-16
14 Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on an hill cannot be hid.
15 Neither do men light a candle, and put it under a bushel, but on a candlestick; and it giveth light unto all that are in the house.
16 Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.
MESSAGE:
Any child of God who desires not to be overwhelmed by the darkness of this world needs to compulsorily shine as the light. The Bible says in John 1:5:
'And the light shineth in darkness; and the darkness comprehended it not.'
Tuesday, June 23, 2015
Monday, June 22, 2015
Open Heavens for Monday 22nd June, 2015: THE YOUNG MUST GROW
TOPIC: THE YOUNG MUST GROW - Monday June 22, 2015
Memorise: But grow in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. To him be glory both now and for ever. Amen. - 2 Peter 3:18
Read: 2 Peter 3:15-18
15 And account that the longsuffering of our Lord is salvation; even as our beloved brother Paul also according to the wisdom given unto him hath written unto you;
16 As also in all his epistles, speaking in them of these things; in which are some things hard to be understood, which they that are unlearned and unstable wrest, as they do also the other scriptures, unto their own destruction.
17 Ye therefore, beloved, seeing ye know these things before, beware lest ye also, being led away with the error of the wicked, fall from your own stedfastness.
18 But grow in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. To him be glory both now and for ever. Amen.
MESSAGE:
There is a privately owned transport outfit in Nigeria which has “The Young Shall Grow” as its company name. This name suggests optimism concerning the potentials of the young. However, in the kingdom of God, the expectation that the young will grow is beyond optimism; it is a matter of compulsion as seen in our memory verse. I pray that you will grow spiritually in Jesus’ Name.
How can a young Christian grow spiritually? Apostle Peter gives a definitive answer in 1 Peter 2:2
“As newborn babes, desire the sincere milk of the word, that ye may grow thereby:”
This is one of the areas where we have issues in the 21st century Church. Some influential churchmen and women have rejected the accuracy and sufficiency of the scripture for Christians living. They have settled for the philosophy of relativism. Incidentally, this development is not new; it was manifested in the early Church also. This formed the basis of why Peter wrote the words of today’s Bible reading. Amazingly, Peter in this epistle made mention of the epistles of Paul, which he described as too hard for the unlearned and unstable. These ones were not ready to grow; so they twisted the epistles of Paul and suit their lusts; just like they did with dismay that a senior pastor of a church said to his congregation that some of those things Paul wrote to the Church at Ephesus and to the Corinthians are not necessarily meant for European or African Christians! How on earth would the congregation of such a pastor grow spiritually?
Apostle Peter therefore warns us in 2 Peter 3:17 to beware of the error of the wicked, so that we are not led astray like Eve in Genesis 3:4-5. The serpent seemed to be saying to her: “Don’t mind God; you cannot die at all; God is only being unnecessarily high handed because He does not want you to be as enlightened as He is”. Apostle Peter followed up this warning with the command that all Christians must grow and continue to grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ (2 Peter 3:18). If a Christian would not grow in grace to do according to the word of God, such a Christian will be tossed to and fro by every wind of doctrine and is doomed for perdition. Therefore, young Christians must grow by being grounded in the true word of God.
Prayer Point: Father, grant me revelation in the knowledge of You, and feed me with the bread of Heaven that I may grow to spiritual maturity in Jesus’ Name.
Bible in one Year: 2 Kings 15:27-17:23, Luke 10:38-11:13
SOURCE: OPEN HEAVENS DEVOTIONAL, VOLUME 15, 2015
Memorise: But grow in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. To him be glory both now and for ever. Amen. - 2 Peter 3:18
Read: 2 Peter 3:15-18
15 And account that the longsuffering of our Lord is salvation; even as our beloved brother Paul also according to the wisdom given unto him hath written unto you;
16 As also in all his epistles, speaking in them of these things; in which are some things hard to be understood, which they that are unlearned and unstable wrest, as they do also the other scriptures, unto their own destruction.
17 Ye therefore, beloved, seeing ye know these things before, beware lest ye also, being led away with the error of the wicked, fall from your own stedfastness.
18 But grow in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. To him be glory both now and for ever. Amen.
MESSAGE:
There is a privately owned transport outfit in Nigeria which has “The Young Shall Grow” as its company name. This name suggests optimism concerning the potentials of the young. However, in the kingdom of God, the expectation that the young will grow is beyond optimism; it is a matter of compulsion as seen in our memory verse. I pray that you will grow spiritually in Jesus’ Name.
How can a young Christian grow spiritually? Apostle Peter gives a definitive answer in 1 Peter 2:2
“As newborn babes, desire the sincere milk of the word, that ye may grow thereby:”
This is one of the areas where we have issues in the 21st century Church. Some influential churchmen and women have rejected the accuracy and sufficiency of the scripture for Christians living. They have settled for the philosophy of relativism. Incidentally, this development is not new; it was manifested in the early Church also. This formed the basis of why Peter wrote the words of today’s Bible reading. Amazingly, Peter in this epistle made mention of the epistles of Paul, which he described as too hard for the unlearned and unstable. These ones were not ready to grow; so they twisted the epistles of Paul and suit their lusts; just like they did with dismay that a senior pastor of a church said to his congregation that some of those things Paul wrote to the Church at Ephesus and to the Corinthians are not necessarily meant for European or African Christians! How on earth would the congregation of such a pastor grow spiritually?
Apostle Peter therefore warns us in 2 Peter 3:17 to beware of the error of the wicked, so that we are not led astray like Eve in Genesis 3:4-5. The serpent seemed to be saying to her: “Don’t mind God; you cannot die at all; God is only being unnecessarily high handed because He does not want you to be as enlightened as He is”. Apostle Peter followed up this warning with the command that all Christians must grow and continue to grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ (2 Peter 3:18). If a Christian would not grow in grace to do according to the word of God, such a Christian will be tossed to and fro by every wind of doctrine and is doomed for perdition. Therefore, young Christians must grow by being grounded in the true word of God.
Prayer Point: Father, grant me revelation in the knowledge of You, and feed me with the bread of Heaven that I may grow to spiritual maturity in Jesus’ Name.
Bible in one Year: 2 Kings 15:27-17:23, Luke 10:38-11:13
SOURCE: OPEN HEAVENS DEVOTIONAL, VOLUME 15, 2015
Sunday, June 21, 2015
Open Heavens Devotional for Sunday 21st June, 2015: THE GREAT GAIN
THE GREAT GAIN – Sunday June 21st 2015
Memorise: But godliness with contentment is great gain - 1st Timothy 6:6
Read: 1st Timothy 6:6-10
6 But godliness with contentment is great gain.
7 For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out.
8 And having food and raiment let us be therewith content.
9 But they that will be rich fall into temptation and a snare, and into many foolish and hurtful lusts, which drown men in destruction and perdition.
10 For the love of money is the root of all evil: which while some coveted after, they have erred from the faith, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows.
Memorise: But godliness with contentment is great gain - 1st Timothy 6:6
Read: 1st Timothy 6:6-10
6 But godliness with contentment is great gain.
7 For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out.
8 And having food and raiment let us be therewith content.
9 But they that will be rich fall into temptation and a snare, and into many foolish and hurtful lusts, which drown men in destruction and perdition.
10 For the love of money is the root of all evil: which while some coveted after, they have erred from the faith, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows.
Saturday, June 20, 2015
Open Heavens Devotional for Saturday 20th June, 2015: FOUR LEVELS OF BLESSING
TOPIC: FOUR LEVELS OF BLESSING - Saturday June 20, 2015
Memorise: Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies my head with oil; my cup runneth over. - Psalm 23:5
Read: Luke 6:38
38 Give, and it shall be given unto you; good measure, pressed down, and shaken together, and running over, shall men give into your bosom. For with the same measure that ye mete withal it shall be measured to you again.
MESSAGE:
The level of God’s blessings on a person comes in different categories. Although all categories of blessing are desirable, only few people experience all the levels of blessing. Let’s take a look at the four levels of blessing outlined in Luke 6:38. I believe an understanding of these will tremendously bless your life.
The first level is the level of being blessed in good measure. Good measure connotes just enough. This is the level of blessing that the Israelites experienced in the wilderness. They were blessed with manna just enough for their needs each day (Exodus 16:16-18).
Memorise: Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies my head with oil; my cup runneth over. - Psalm 23:5
Read: Luke 6:38
38 Give, and it shall be given unto you; good measure, pressed down, and shaken together, and running over, shall men give into your bosom. For with the same measure that ye mete withal it shall be measured to you again.
MESSAGE:
The level of God’s blessings on a person comes in different categories. Although all categories of blessing are desirable, only few people experience all the levels of blessing. Let’s take a look at the four levels of blessing outlined in Luke 6:38. I believe an understanding of these will tremendously bless your life.
The first level is the level of being blessed in good measure. Good measure connotes just enough. This is the level of blessing that the Israelites experienced in the wilderness. They were blessed with manna just enough for their needs each day (Exodus 16:16-18).
Friday, June 19, 2015
Open Heavens for Friday 19th June, 2015: THE LONG-SUFFERING GOD
TOPIC: THE LONG-SUFFERING GOD - Friday June 19, 2015
Memorise: The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance. -2 Peter 3:9
Read: Jonah 3:5-10
5 So the people of Nineveh believed God, and proclaimed a fast, and put on sackcloth, from the greatest of them even to the least of them.
6 For word came unto the king of Nineveh, and he arose from his throne, and he laid his robe from him, and covered him with sackcloth, and sat in ashes.
7 And he caused it to be proclaimed and published through Nineveh by the decree of the king and his nobles, saying, Let neither man nor beast, herd nor flock, taste any thing: let them not feed, nor drink water:
8 But let man and beast be covered with sackcloth, and cry mightily unto God: yea, let them turn every one from his evil way, and from the violence that is in their hands.
9 Who can tell if God will turn and repent, and turn away from his fierce anger, that we perish not?
10 And God saw their works, that they turned from their evil way; and God repented of the evil, that he had said that he would do unto them; and he did it not.
Memorise: The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance. -2 Peter 3:9
Read: Jonah 3:5-10
5 So the people of Nineveh believed God, and proclaimed a fast, and put on sackcloth, from the greatest of them even to the least of them.
6 For word came unto the king of Nineveh, and he arose from his throne, and he laid his robe from him, and covered him with sackcloth, and sat in ashes.
7 And he caused it to be proclaimed and published through Nineveh by the decree of the king and his nobles, saying, Let neither man nor beast, herd nor flock, taste any thing: let them not feed, nor drink water:
8 But let man and beast be covered with sackcloth, and cry mightily unto God: yea, let them turn every one from his evil way, and from the violence that is in their hands.
9 Who can tell if God will turn and repent, and turn away from his fierce anger, that we perish not?
10 And God saw their works, that they turned from their evil way; and God repented of the evil, that he had said that he would do unto them; and he did it not.
Wednesday, June 17, 2015
Open Heavens for Wednesday 17th June, 2015: REST IN THE LORD
TOPIC: REST IN THE LORD - Wednesday June 17, 2015
Memorise: But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you. - Matthew 6:33
Read: Matthew 6:31-34
31 Therefore take no thought, saying, What shall we eat? or, What shall we drink? or, Wherewithal shall we be clothed?
32 (For after all these things do the Gentiles seek:) for your heavenly Father knoweth that ye have need of all these things.
33 But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.
34 Take therefore no thought for the morrow: for the morrow shall take thought for the things of itself. Sufficient unto the day is the evil thereof.
Memorise: But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you. - Matthew 6:33
Read: Matthew 6:31-34
31 Therefore take no thought, saying, What shall we eat? or, What shall we drink? or, Wherewithal shall we be clothed?
32 (For after all these things do the Gentiles seek:) for your heavenly Father knoweth that ye have need of all these things.
33 But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.
34 Take therefore no thought for the morrow: for the morrow shall take thought for the things of itself. Sufficient unto the day is the evil thereof.
Sunday, June 14, 2015
Open Heavens for Sunday 14th June, 2015: OUR POSITION IN CHRIST
OUR POSITION IN CHRIST – Sunday June 14th 2015
Memorise: And hath raised us up together, and made us sit together in heavenly places in Christ Jesus. Ephesians 2:6
Read: Ephesians 2:1-6
MESSAGE
The Bible reveals that Christians who are genuine children of God are joint-heirs with Jesus Christ through divine adoption (Romans 8:16-17). This is an amazing truth. It implies that we have access to the same resources of heaven which backed up the work of Jesus while He was here on earth. Why then is it that lots of Christians are not operating at the level which he operated while He was here on earth? The problem lies in the fact that although they bear the Name of Jesus, such people are not ready to pay the price that bring a child of God demands of them. Jesus summarised the price we need to pay to operate as children of God in Matthew 11:29a:
“Take saith upon you, and learn of me;”
His yoke has to do with His passion to please His Father. John 4:34 thus says:
“Jesus saith unto them, my meat is to do the will of him that sent me, and to finish his work.”
Our Lord Jesus Christ, while on earth, was passionate about doing His Father’s will. This is the reason why the Father always heard Him when He prayed. He proudly declared this fact at the tomb of Lazarus in John 11:42:
“And I knew that thou hearest me always: but because of the people which stand by I said it, that they may believe that thou hast sent me.”
To establish His claim, He commanded the dead Lazarus. Who was already decaying, to come out alive, and Lazarus become a living soul again (John 11:43-44)
The proof of our adoption as children of God is manifested in freedom from the sins which we hitherto lived under before our glorious encounter with Jesus Christ. This is the crux of the message in our Bible reading. As children of God, we must therefore live a life void of sin to the glory of God (1st John 3:9-10). We should also recognise that while we are on earth, we occupy the same position Jesus Christ did while He was on earth; therefore, we can do all that He did and enjoy every privilege He enjoyed (1st John 4:17). Our position in Christ therefore, is to share with Him the same miracle-working experience He had, and give Him the glory. However, we must be children of God indeed. If you have not given you life to Christ, you have no position to share with Jesus Christ. Today is the day of salvation for you.
Prayer Point: Father, grant me grace not to lose my position in Christ to the flesh, sin or this present age.
Bible in one year: 2nd Kings 1-2, Luke 7:36-8:3
SOURCE: OPEN HEAVENS DEVOTIONAL, VOLUME 15, 2015
Memorise: And hath raised us up together, and made us sit together in heavenly places in Christ Jesus. Ephesians 2:6
Read: Ephesians 2:1-6
MESSAGE
The Bible reveals that Christians who are genuine children of God are joint-heirs with Jesus Christ through divine adoption (Romans 8:16-17). This is an amazing truth. It implies that we have access to the same resources of heaven which backed up the work of Jesus while He was here on earth. Why then is it that lots of Christians are not operating at the level which he operated while He was here on earth? The problem lies in the fact that although they bear the Name of Jesus, such people are not ready to pay the price that bring a child of God demands of them. Jesus summarised the price we need to pay to operate as children of God in Matthew 11:29a:
“Take saith upon you, and learn of me;”
His yoke has to do with His passion to please His Father. John 4:34 thus says:
“Jesus saith unto them, my meat is to do the will of him that sent me, and to finish his work.”
Our Lord Jesus Christ, while on earth, was passionate about doing His Father’s will. This is the reason why the Father always heard Him when He prayed. He proudly declared this fact at the tomb of Lazarus in John 11:42:
“And I knew that thou hearest me always: but because of the people which stand by I said it, that they may believe that thou hast sent me.”
To establish His claim, He commanded the dead Lazarus. Who was already decaying, to come out alive, and Lazarus become a living soul again (John 11:43-44)
The proof of our adoption as children of God is manifested in freedom from the sins which we hitherto lived under before our glorious encounter with Jesus Christ. This is the crux of the message in our Bible reading. As children of God, we must therefore live a life void of sin to the glory of God (1st John 3:9-10). We should also recognise that while we are on earth, we occupy the same position Jesus Christ did while He was on earth; therefore, we can do all that He did and enjoy every privilege He enjoyed (1st John 4:17). Our position in Christ therefore, is to share with Him the same miracle-working experience He had, and give Him the glory. However, we must be children of God indeed. If you have not given you life to Christ, you have no position to share with Jesus Christ. Today is the day of salvation for you.
Prayer Point: Father, grant me grace not to lose my position in Christ to the flesh, sin or this present age.
Bible in one year: 2nd Kings 1-2, Luke 7:36-8:3
SOURCE: OPEN HEAVENS DEVOTIONAL, VOLUME 15, 2015
Saturday, June 13, 2015
THE ESSENCE OF FORGIVENESS - Open Heavens Devotional for Saturday 13th June, 2015 by Pastor E.A Adeboye
THE ESSENCE OF FORGIVENESS – Saturday June 13th 2015
Memorise: And when ye stand praying, forgive, if ye have ought against any: that your Father also which is in heaven may forgive you your trespasses. Mark 11:25
Read: Mark 11:25-26
MESSAGE
The enmity between God and man, created by sin, can only be reversed through the forgiveness of God. Going by the righteous requirement of God’s law, no man can pay the high price demanded by God for the atonement of sins, but the divine mercy of God brought us forgiveness through the Blood of Jesus Christ (Ephesians 1:7). Without the power of forgiveness, there can be no atonement, no reconciliation and no salvation.
Just as God has extended His unconditional forgiveness to us, He expects us to extend the same to our neighbours. This is an area where the people of God have problems. We like to enjoy God’s benevolence, but we find it difficult to extend the same to others. The gravity of this negative attitude is found in the parable of Jesus about the unforgiving servant (Matthew 18:23-35). Although the king forgave this servant a debt he could not afford to pay, when his fellow servant who also owed him begged his to be patient with him, he refused. Rather, he cast this fellow servant into prison. This attitude made the king so angry that he handed him over to the tormentors and charged them to torment him until he was able to pay his debt. Of course he would not be able to pay; so he was effectively banished to a lifetime of torment. The key thing to note from this parable is what Jesus said in Matthew 18:35:
Memorise: And when ye stand praying, forgive, if ye have ought against any: that your Father also which is in heaven may forgive you your trespasses. Mark 11:25
Read: Mark 11:25-26
MESSAGE
The enmity between God and man, created by sin, can only be reversed through the forgiveness of God. Going by the righteous requirement of God’s law, no man can pay the high price demanded by God for the atonement of sins, but the divine mercy of God brought us forgiveness through the Blood of Jesus Christ (Ephesians 1:7). Without the power of forgiveness, there can be no atonement, no reconciliation and no salvation.
Just as God has extended His unconditional forgiveness to us, He expects us to extend the same to our neighbours. This is an area where the people of God have problems. We like to enjoy God’s benevolence, but we find it difficult to extend the same to others. The gravity of this negative attitude is found in the parable of Jesus about the unforgiving servant (Matthew 18:23-35). Although the king forgave this servant a debt he could not afford to pay, when his fellow servant who also owed him begged his to be patient with him, he refused. Rather, he cast this fellow servant into prison. This attitude made the king so angry that he handed him over to the tormentors and charged them to torment him until he was able to pay his debt. Of course he would not be able to pay; so he was effectively banished to a lifetime of torment. The key thing to note from this parable is what Jesus said in Matthew 18:35:
Friday, June 12, 2015
Open Heavens Devotional for Friday 12th June, 2015:
TOPIC: BLESSED ARE THEY THAT MOURN - Friday June 12, 2015
Memorise: For godly sorrow worketh repentance to salvation not to be repented of: but the sorrow of the world worketh death. - 2 Corinthians 7:10
Read: Matthew 5:4
4 Blessed are they that mourn: for they shall be comforted.
MESSAGE:
The word of God is full of mysteries. Our Bible reading today reveals one of such mysteries. How can mourning, which is an expression of deep sorrow, become a blessing? The answer lies in our memory verse which reveals two types of sorrow: godly sorrow and the sorrow of the world. There are lots of blessings associated with godly sorrow. One of these is that it produces repentance which brings about salvation. Godly sorrow can be experienced as a result of conviction of the Holy Spirit (1 Corinthians 14:24-25) or through the Father’s chastening. The godly sorrow that results from the Father's chastening, blesses its recipient with the fruit of righteousness. Hebrews 12:11 says;
Memorise: For godly sorrow worketh repentance to salvation not to be repented of: but the sorrow of the world worketh death. - 2 Corinthians 7:10
Read: Matthew 5:4
4 Blessed are they that mourn: for they shall be comforted.
MESSAGE:
The word of God is full of mysteries. Our Bible reading today reveals one of such mysteries. How can mourning, which is an expression of deep sorrow, become a blessing? The answer lies in our memory verse which reveals two types of sorrow: godly sorrow and the sorrow of the world. There are lots of blessings associated with godly sorrow. One of these is that it produces repentance which brings about salvation. Godly sorrow can be experienced as a result of conviction of the Holy Spirit (1 Corinthians 14:24-25) or through the Father’s chastening. The godly sorrow that results from the Father's chastening, blesses its recipient with the fruit of righteousness. Hebrews 12:11 says;
Thursday, June 11, 2015
Open Heavens Devotional for Thursday 11th June, 2015: PRODUCING CHILDREN OF GOD
PRODUCING CHILDREN OF GOD – Thursday June 11th 2015
Memorise: So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God - Romans 10:17
Bible in one year: 1st Kings 18:41-20:25, Luke 6:24-45
Read: 1st John 3:1-3
MESSAGE
Children of God are produced by the power in the Word of God. The reason why it seems genuine children of God are scarce nowadays despite the increase in the number of churches and increase in church attendance is because the Church is suffering from a famine of the genuine Word of God. It is by faith that we become genuine children of God. However, this faith does not come by the wisdom of man; neither does it come by the philosophical sayings of the learned or the motivational words of orators. 1st Corinthians 2:4-5 says.
“And my speech and my preaching was not with enticing words of man’s wisdom, but in demonstration of the Spirit and of power: That your faith should not stand in the wisdom of men, but in the power of God.”
Memorise: So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God - Romans 10:17
Bible in one year: 1st Kings 18:41-20:25, Luke 6:24-45
Read: 1st John 3:1-3
MESSAGE
Children of God are produced by the power in the Word of God. The reason why it seems genuine children of God are scarce nowadays despite the increase in the number of churches and increase in church attendance is because the Church is suffering from a famine of the genuine Word of God. It is by faith that we become genuine children of God. However, this faith does not come by the wisdom of man; neither does it come by the philosophical sayings of the learned or the motivational words of orators. 1st Corinthians 2:4-5 says.
“And my speech and my preaching was not with enticing words of man’s wisdom, but in demonstration of the Spirit and of power: That your faith should not stand in the wisdom of men, but in the power of God.”
Wednesday, June 10, 2015
Open Heavens Devotional for Wednesday 10th June, 2015: A WATCHMAN FOR GOD II
A WATCHMAN FOR GOD II – Wednesday June 10th 2015
Memorise: Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you always, even unto the end of the world. Amen. - Matthew 28:20
Bible in one year: 1st Kings 17:8-18:40, Luke 6:1-23
Read: Ezekiel 33:12-16
MESSAGE
As a young Christian, I used to think that the soul purpose of preaching was the conversion of souls. When I preached and people did not respond positively, I used to be discouraged. Often times, I felt that there was no need to preach to people whom I assumed were despises of the message of the gospel, until the Lord led me to a truth about my assignment as a watchman. This truth is hidden in Mathew 24:14:
“And this gospel of the kingdom shall be preached in all the world for a witness unto all nations; and then shall the end come.”
From this scripture, I understood that the gospel must be preached not only from to believe and be saved but also to serve as a witness so that they may be left without excuse! The Psalmist also mentioned this truth in Psalm 51:4. As watchmen, we are therefore left without an excuse if we do not deliver the message as instructed.
Memorise: Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you always, even unto the end of the world. Amen. - Matthew 28:20
Bible in one year: 1st Kings 17:8-18:40, Luke 6:1-23
Read: Ezekiel 33:12-16
MESSAGE
As a young Christian, I used to think that the soul purpose of preaching was the conversion of souls. When I preached and people did not respond positively, I used to be discouraged. Often times, I felt that there was no need to preach to people whom I assumed were despises of the message of the gospel, until the Lord led me to a truth about my assignment as a watchman. This truth is hidden in Mathew 24:14:
“And this gospel of the kingdom shall be preached in all the world for a witness unto all nations; and then shall the end come.”
From this scripture, I understood that the gospel must be preached not only from to believe and be saved but also to serve as a witness so that they may be left without excuse! The Psalmist also mentioned this truth in Psalm 51:4. As watchmen, we are therefore left without an excuse if we do not deliver the message as instructed.
Tuesday, June 9, 2015
Open Heavens Devotional for Tuesday 9th June, 2015: A WATCHMAN FOR GOD I
A WATCHMAN FOR GOD I – Tuesday June 9th 2015
Memorise: Repent ye therefore, and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out, when the times of refreshing shall come from the presence of the Lord - Acts 3:19
Bible in one year: 1st Kings 15:25-17:7
Read: Ezekiel 33:7-11
MESSAGE
God called Prophet Ezekiel and set him as a watchman over the house of Israel. As a watchman for God, he was to hear from Him and warn the people concerning whatsoever God told him. Just like Ezekiel, believers in these end-times, particularly ministers of the gospel, are set as watchmen to warm the world of the impending judgement of God. One of the most important responsibilities of a watchman for God is that he or she must of necessity here from God (Ezekiel 33:7). You must hear from God in order to warn on His behalf those who are perishing. You cannot warn them using your own wisdom; rather, you must tell them what God is saying to them. How do you hear from God through the revealed truth, which is the Holy Bible. This holds truth only for those who still consider the Bible as infallible and having eternal truths of all generations. As a watchman, you must therefore follow the admonition of 2nd Timothy 2:15:
“Study ton shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not a be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.”
Memorise: Repent ye therefore, and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out, when the times of refreshing shall come from the presence of the Lord - Acts 3:19
Bible in one year: 1st Kings 15:25-17:7
Read: Ezekiel 33:7-11
MESSAGE
God called Prophet Ezekiel and set him as a watchman over the house of Israel. As a watchman for God, he was to hear from Him and warn the people concerning whatsoever God told him. Just like Ezekiel, believers in these end-times, particularly ministers of the gospel, are set as watchmen to warm the world of the impending judgement of God. One of the most important responsibilities of a watchman for God is that he or she must of necessity here from God (Ezekiel 33:7). You must hear from God in order to warn on His behalf those who are perishing. You cannot warn them using your own wisdom; rather, you must tell them what God is saying to them. How do you hear from God through the revealed truth, which is the Holy Bible. This holds truth only for those who still consider the Bible as infallible and having eternal truths of all generations. As a watchman, you must therefore follow the admonition of 2nd Timothy 2:15:
“Study ton shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not a be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.”
Monday, June 8, 2015
Open Heavens Devotional for Monday 8th June, 2015: MESSENGERS WITHOUT A MESSAGE
MESSENGERS WITHOUT A MESSAGE – Monday June 8th 2015
Memorise: Preach the Word; be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all longsuffering and doctrine - 2nd Timothy 4:2
Read: 2nd Samuel 18:19-33
MESSAGE
One anomaly noticeable in the Body of Christ today is the presence of messengers running around without a message. An example of such messengers is Ahimaaz in today’s Bible reading. After the death of Absalom, Joab, the captain of David’s army, sent Cushi with a message to the palace; but Ahimaaz volunteered himself to also deliver a message to the king. In spite of the fact that Joab reminded him that he had no reason to go since he had no message to deliver, he insisted that he would, and he was allowed to. The funny thing about this story is that, Ahimaaz outran Cushi who actually had a message to deliver. When Ahimaaz got to King David and he was interrogated, the emptiness of his message was laid bare, and the king therefore asked him to step aside for the person who actually had substance in his message. One cannot help but wonder: what was the essence of Ahimaaz’s effort, so much so that he outran the person who actually had a message?
The attitude demonstrated by Ahimaaz can be referred to as zeal without meaning. This is the situation of some so-called ministers of the gospel today. They are massagers sent by their belly or by the devil (Romans 16:18). How do we know messengers without a message? We know them by their deceptive speeches, which are geared towards making people “feel good” when they should be sober about their lifestyle of sin. Apostle Paul, while giving his final charge to Timothy, his son in Christ and a young bishop, instructed him to:
“Preach the word; be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all longsuffering and doctrine.” 2nd Timothy 4:2
Today, many so-called sermons are actually motivational speeches, given by motivational speakers disguised as preachers. Their message cannot be the word of God; it contains no rebuke, no reproof and no doctrine. As a matter of policy, they would not teach doctrine because they say they have not been called to do so! One cannot help wondering who commissioned them in the first place. It is their belly, of course (Philippians 3:17-19). Beloved, I advise you to be careful of the ministers you listen to, and to filter the type of sermons you admit into your spiritual sub-consciousness. On the other hand, if you are a deceptive preacher of the gospel, desist before the anger of God comes on you without remedy.
Prayer Point: Father, help me to recognise Your appointed messengers, and grant me the grace to listen and do according to Your bidding through them.
Bible in one year: 1st Kings 14:1-15:24, Luke 4:38-5:16
SOURCE: OPEN HEAVENS DEVOTIONAL, VOLUME 15, 2015
Memorise: Preach the Word; be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all longsuffering and doctrine - 2nd Timothy 4:2
Read: 2nd Samuel 18:19-33
MESSAGE
One anomaly noticeable in the Body of Christ today is the presence of messengers running around without a message. An example of such messengers is Ahimaaz in today’s Bible reading. After the death of Absalom, Joab, the captain of David’s army, sent Cushi with a message to the palace; but Ahimaaz volunteered himself to also deliver a message to the king. In spite of the fact that Joab reminded him that he had no reason to go since he had no message to deliver, he insisted that he would, and he was allowed to. The funny thing about this story is that, Ahimaaz outran Cushi who actually had a message to deliver. When Ahimaaz got to King David and he was interrogated, the emptiness of his message was laid bare, and the king therefore asked him to step aside for the person who actually had substance in his message. One cannot help but wonder: what was the essence of Ahimaaz’s effort, so much so that he outran the person who actually had a message?
The attitude demonstrated by Ahimaaz can be referred to as zeal without meaning. This is the situation of some so-called ministers of the gospel today. They are massagers sent by their belly or by the devil (Romans 16:18). How do we know messengers without a message? We know them by their deceptive speeches, which are geared towards making people “feel good” when they should be sober about their lifestyle of sin. Apostle Paul, while giving his final charge to Timothy, his son in Christ and a young bishop, instructed him to:
“Preach the word; be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all longsuffering and doctrine.” 2nd Timothy 4:2
Today, many so-called sermons are actually motivational speeches, given by motivational speakers disguised as preachers. Their message cannot be the word of God; it contains no rebuke, no reproof and no doctrine. As a matter of policy, they would not teach doctrine because they say they have not been called to do so! One cannot help wondering who commissioned them in the first place. It is their belly, of course (Philippians 3:17-19). Beloved, I advise you to be careful of the ministers you listen to, and to filter the type of sermons you admit into your spiritual sub-consciousness. On the other hand, if you are a deceptive preacher of the gospel, desist before the anger of God comes on you without remedy.
Prayer Point: Father, help me to recognise Your appointed messengers, and grant me the grace to listen and do according to Your bidding through them.
Bible in one year: 1st Kings 14:1-15:24, Luke 4:38-5:16
SOURCE: OPEN HEAVENS DEVOTIONAL, VOLUME 15, 2015
Sunday, June 7, 2015
Open Heavens Devotional for Sunday 7th June, 2015: THE FIRST COMMANDMENT WITH PROMISE
TOPIC: THE FIRST COMMANDMENT WITH PROMISE - Sunday June 7, 2015
Memorise: Honour thy father and thy mother: that thy days may be long upon the land which the LORD thy God giveth thee. -Exodus 20:12
Read: Ephesians 6:1-3
1 Children, obey your parents in the Lord: for this is right.
2 Honour thy father and mother; (which is the first commandment with promise;)
3 That it may be well with thee, and thou mayest live long on the earth.
MESSAGE:
Our God is a God of reward and an excellent motivator. He gives a law, and specifies the reward that will follow if we keep it (Deuteronomy 28:1-2). In like manner, He also indicates the punishment attached to breaking any of his laws (Genesis 2:16-17). In our Bible reading, we read about the first commandment with a promise. Apostle Paul got the inspiration on this truth from Exodus 20:12. It is unfortunate that this law of life is not being heeded by the young folks of today. This is the reason why life expectancy is reducing.
Memorise: Honour thy father and thy mother: that thy days may be long upon the land which the LORD thy God giveth thee. -Exodus 20:12
Read: Ephesians 6:1-3
1 Children, obey your parents in the Lord: for this is right.
2 Honour thy father and mother; (which is the first commandment with promise;)
3 That it may be well with thee, and thou mayest live long on the earth.
MESSAGE:
Our God is a God of reward and an excellent motivator. He gives a law, and specifies the reward that will follow if we keep it (Deuteronomy 28:1-2). In like manner, He also indicates the punishment attached to breaking any of his laws (Genesis 2:16-17). In our Bible reading, we read about the first commandment with a promise. Apostle Paul got the inspiration on this truth from Exodus 20:12. It is unfortunate that this law of life is not being heeded by the young folks of today. This is the reason why life expectancy is reducing.
Saturday, June 6, 2015
REPORT, DON'T MURMUR : Open Heavens Devotional for Saturday 6th June, 2015
TOPIC: REPORT, DON'T MURMUR - Saturday June 6, 2015
Memorise: Plead my cause, O LORD, with them that strive with me: fight against them that fight against me. - Psalm 35:1
Read: Luke 18:1-8
1 And he spake a parable unto them to this end, that men ought always to pray, and not to faint;
2 Saying, There was in a city a judge, which feared not God, neither regarded man:
3 And there was a widow in that city; and she came unto him, saying, Avenge me of mine adversary.
4 And he would not for a while: but afterward he said within himself, Though I fear not God, nor regard man;
5 Yet because this widow troubleth me, I will avenge her, lest by her continual coming she weary me.
6 And the Lord said, Hear what the unjust judge saith.
7 And shall not God avenge his own elect, which cry day and night unto him, though he bear long with them?
8 I tell you that he will avenge them speedily. Nevertheless when the Son of man cometh, shall he find faith on the earth?
Memorise: Plead my cause, O LORD, with them that strive with me: fight against them that fight against me. - Psalm 35:1
Read: Luke 18:1-8
1 And he spake a parable unto them to this end, that men ought always to pray, and not to faint;
2 Saying, There was in a city a judge, which feared not God, neither regarded man:
3 And there was a widow in that city; and she came unto him, saying, Avenge me of mine adversary.
4 And he would not for a while: but afterward he said within himself, Though I fear not God, nor regard man;
5 Yet because this widow troubleth me, I will avenge her, lest by her continual coming she weary me.
6 And the Lord said, Hear what the unjust judge saith.
7 And shall not God avenge his own elect, which cry day and night unto him, though he bear long with them?
8 I tell you that he will avenge them speedily. Nevertheless when the Son of man cometh, shall he find faith on the earth?
Friday, June 5, 2015
Open Heavens Devotional for Friday 5th June, 2015: THE OTHER SIDE OF PROSPERITY
TOPIC: THE OTHER SIDE OF PROSPERITY - Friday June 5, 2015
Memorise: Remove far from me vanity and lies: give me neither poverty nor riches; feed me with food convenient for me: - Proverbs 30:8
Read: 2 Chronicles 18:1-3
1 Now Jehoshaphat had riches and honour in abundance, and joined affinity with Ahab.
2 And after certain years he went down to Ahab to Samaria. And Ahab killed sheep and oxen for him in abundance, and for the people that he had with him, and persuaded him to go up with him to Ramoth-gilead.
3 And Ahab king of Israel said unto Jehoshaphat king of Judah, Wilt thou go with me to Ramoth-gilead? And he answered him, I am as thou art, and my people as thy people; and we will be with thee in the war.
Bible in One Year: 1 Kings 9-10, Luke 3:7-22
MESSAGE:
Prosperity is good, and it is far better than poverty. As a matter of fact, God wants His children to prosper (3 John 2). However, we cannot wave off the words of Agur’s prophecy in today’s memory verse. One may wonder why he would make this strange utterance. The answer lies in Proverbs 30:9:
“Lest I be full, and deny thee, and say, Who is the LORD? or lest I be poor, and steal, and take the name of my God in vain.”
The first part of his reason for this statement is what I consider to be the other side of prosperity. When you become so prosperous that you forget the God who prospered you in the first place, you are in very serious trouble. My prayer for you is that the prosperity that will make you forsake God will not come your way in Jesus’ Name.
In our Bible reading, we see how God prospered King Jehoshaphat with abundant riches; but after he experienced prosperity, he made a military alliance with the wicked King Ahab. He would have lost his life through this evil association with Ahab, but for the mercy of God (2 Chronicles 18:31). You must be very careful of the people you associate with as you climb the ladder of prosperity (Proverbs 19:4). Some people suddenly become clubbers after they start commanding wealth. They now enjoy the world of vanities, and no longer value time for fellowship with the brethren. The story of King David in 2 Samuel 11:1-2 is an example of what prosperity can do to a one-time valiant warrior. David had no time for extra-marital affairs when he was running for his dear life from cave to cave. But after the crown came, at a time he was supposed to lead Israel to battle as he used to do, he was busy enjoying a sinful holiday.
Should we then conclude that prosperity is evil? Not at all; all we need to do is to follow the pattern of prosperity management used by the fathers of faith like Abraham. No matter how wealthy you become, keep standing out as a lover of God who trembles at His commandments. Your wealth has a purpose, which is to serve the interest of God and His Kingdom through the machinery of the Church. You cannot imagine that God will bless someone with a car, when the motive is to use it for seducing innocent girls to defile them. This is the reason why some children of God are yet to receive their promised prosperity: God knows they cannot handle it yet.
Prayer Point: Father, grant me the wisdom and the spiritual maturity to handle wealth.
SOURCE: OPEN HEAVENS DEVOTIONAL, VOLUME 15, 2015
Memorise: Remove far from me vanity and lies: give me neither poverty nor riches; feed me with food convenient for me: - Proverbs 30:8
Read: 2 Chronicles 18:1-3
1 Now Jehoshaphat had riches and honour in abundance, and joined affinity with Ahab.
2 And after certain years he went down to Ahab to Samaria. And Ahab killed sheep and oxen for him in abundance, and for the people that he had with him, and persuaded him to go up with him to Ramoth-gilead.
3 And Ahab king of Israel said unto Jehoshaphat king of Judah, Wilt thou go with me to Ramoth-gilead? And he answered him, I am as thou art, and my people as thy people; and we will be with thee in the war.
Bible in One Year: 1 Kings 9-10, Luke 3:7-22
MESSAGE:
Prosperity is good, and it is far better than poverty. As a matter of fact, God wants His children to prosper (3 John 2). However, we cannot wave off the words of Agur’s prophecy in today’s memory verse. One may wonder why he would make this strange utterance. The answer lies in Proverbs 30:9:
“Lest I be full, and deny thee, and say, Who is the LORD? or lest I be poor, and steal, and take the name of my God in vain.”
The first part of his reason for this statement is what I consider to be the other side of prosperity. When you become so prosperous that you forget the God who prospered you in the first place, you are in very serious trouble. My prayer for you is that the prosperity that will make you forsake God will not come your way in Jesus’ Name.
In our Bible reading, we see how God prospered King Jehoshaphat with abundant riches; but after he experienced prosperity, he made a military alliance with the wicked King Ahab. He would have lost his life through this evil association with Ahab, but for the mercy of God (2 Chronicles 18:31). You must be very careful of the people you associate with as you climb the ladder of prosperity (Proverbs 19:4). Some people suddenly become clubbers after they start commanding wealth. They now enjoy the world of vanities, and no longer value time for fellowship with the brethren. The story of King David in 2 Samuel 11:1-2 is an example of what prosperity can do to a one-time valiant warrior. David had no time for extra-marital affairs when he was running for his dear life from cave to cave. But after the crown came, at a time he was supposed to lead Israel to battle as he used to do, he was busy enjoying a sinful holiday.
Should we then conclude that prosperity is evil? Not at all; all we need to do is to follow the pattern of prosperity management used by the fathers of faith like Abraham. No matter how wealthy you become, keep standing out as a lover of God who trembles at His commandments. Your wealth has a purpose, which is to serve the interest of God and His Kingdom through the machinery of the Church. You cannot imagine that God will bless someone with a car, when the motive is to use it for seducing innocent girls to defile them. This is the reason why some children of God are yet to receive their promised prosperity: God knows they cannot handle it yet.
Prayer Point: Father, grant me the wisdom and the spiritual maturity to handle wealth.
SOURCE: OPEN HEAVENS DEVOTIONAL, VOLUME 15, 2015
Thursday, June 4, 2015
Open Heavens Devotional for Thursday 4th June, 2015: GET RID OF THE AMALEKITES
GET RID OF THE AMALEKITES – Thursday June 4th 2015
Memorise: And if thy right eye offend thee, pluck it out, and cast it from thee: for it is profitable for thee that one of thy members should perish, and not that thy whole body should be cast into hell. Matthew 5:29
Bible in one year: 1st Kings 8:12-66, Luke 2:41-3:6
Read: 1st Samuel 15:1-3
Who or what is an Amalekite? An Amalekite is a symbolic representation of whosoever or whatsoever stands as an enemy of God or His plan. In our Bible reading, God opened the book of remembrance to the page where the wickedness of the Amalekites against His chosen people was recorded. 1st Samuel 15:2 says:
“Thus saith the Lord of hosts, I remember that which Amalek did to Israel, how he laid wait for him in the way, when he came up from Egypt.”
This should serve as a warning to whoever takes pleasure in doing wickedness to desist from it, because every deed has its divine recompense. Also, it should serve as a pointer to all children of God that they have a responsibility to identify and get rid of anyone or anything that provokes their Heavenly Father to wrath.
Memorise: And if thy right eye offend thee, pluck it out, and cast it from thee: for it is profitable for thee that one of thy members should perish, and not that thy whole body should be cast into hell. Matthew 5:29
Bible in one year: 1st Kings 8:12-66, Luke 2:41-3:6
Read: 1st Samuel 15:1-3
Who or what is an Amalekite? An Amalekite is a symbolic representation of whosoever or whatsoever stands as an enemy of God or His plan. In our Bible reading, God opened the book of remembrance to the page where the wickedness of the Amalekites against His chosen people was recorded. 1st Samuel 15:2 says:
“Thus saith the Lord of hosts, I remember that which Amalek did to Israel, how he laid wait for him in the way, when he came up from Egypt.”
This should serve as a warning to whoever takes pleasure in doing wickedness to desist from it, because every deed has its divine recompense. Also, it should serve as a pointer to all children of God that they have a responsibility to identify and get rid of anyone or anything that provokes their Heavenly Father to wrath.
Wednesday, June 3, 2015
Open Heavens Devotional for Wednesday 3rd June, 2015: THE TRUE WORSHIPPERS
TOPIC: THE TRUE WORSHIPPERS - Wednesday June 3, 2015
Memorise: God is a Spirit: and they that worship him must worship him in spirit and in truth. - John 4:24
Read: John 4:21-24
21 Jesus saith unto her, Woman, believe me, the hour cometh, when ye shall neither in this mountain, nor yet at Jerusalem, worship the Father.
22 Ye worship ye know not what: we know what we worship: for salvation is of the Jews.
23 But the hour cometh, and now is, when the true worshippers shall worship the Father in spirit and in truth: for the Father seeketh such to worship him.
24 God is a Spirit: and they that worship him must worship him in spirit and in truth.
MESSAGE:
It is not all acts of worship that God accepts, because not all worshippers are true worshippers. The truth was revealed by Jesus in His conversation with the Samaritan woman at Jacob’s well. He also revealed some other great truths about worship that we should pay close attention to if we want our worship to be acceptable to God. The first of these is that any “God” that is limited or restricted to particular place is false and not worthy of worship. Worship directed towards such contraptions of men is counterfeit worship.
Memorise: God is a Spirit: and they that worship him must worship him in spirit and in truth. - John 4:24
Read: John 4:21-24
21 Jesus saith unto her, Woman, believe me, the hour cometh, when ye shall neither in this mountain, nor yet at Jerusalem, worship the Father.
22 Ye worship ye know not what: we know what we worship: for salvation is of the Jews.
23 But the hour cometh, and now is, when the true worshippers shall worship the Father in spirit and in truth: for the Father seeketh such to worship him.
24 God is a Spirit: and they that worship him must worship him in spirit and in truth.
MESSAGE:
It is not all acts of worship that God accepts, because not all worshippers are true worshippers. The truth was revealed by Jesus in His conversation with the Samaritan woman at Jacob’s well. He also revealed some other great truths about worship that we should pay close attention to if we want our worship to be acceptable to God. The first of these is that any “God” that is limited or restricted to particular place is false and not worthy of worship. Worship directed towards such contraptions of men is counterfeit worship.
Tuesday, June 2, 2015
DON'T CLOSE YOUR MOUTH II- Open Heavens Devotional for Tuesday 2nd June, 2015
TOPIC: DON'T CLOSE YOUR MOUTH II- Tuesday June 2, 2015
Memorise: Ye have not chosen me, but I have chosen you, and ordained you, that ye should go and bring forth fruit, and that your fruit should remain: that whatsoever ye shall ask of the Father in my name, he may give it you. - John 15:16
Read: Matthew 28:18-20
18 And Jesus came and spake unto them, saying, All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth.
19 Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost:
20 Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world Amen.
MESSAGE:
In addition to opening our mouth in prayer, opening our mouth as witnesses of Jesus is another obligation we must perform. Evangelistic outreach is for all children of God; not for God's ministers alone. We must all bear fruit of souls into God's Kingdom as commanded by our Lord in today's memory verse. To back us up in this obligation, our Lord Jesus Christ assures us that all power in heaven and on earth belongs to Him. It is therefore a settled matter that no power on earth or in the spiritual world can stop us from carrying out His instructions. We are therefore inexcusable if we fail to win souls. He instructed us to go and teach all nations, baptising them in the Name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost. The Great Commission therefore involves teaching. Let us pause and think about what this assignment of teaching means.
Memorise: Ye have not chosen me, but I have chosen you, and ordained you, that ye should go and bring forth fruit, and that your fruit should remain: that whatsoever ye shall ask of the Father in my name, he may give it you. - John 15:16
Read: Matthew 28:18-20
18 And Jesus came and spake unto them, saying, All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth.
19 Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost:
20 Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world Amen.
MESSAGE:
In addition to opening our mouth in prayer, opening our mouth as witnesses of Jesus is another obligation we must perform. Evangelistic outreach is for all children of God; not for God's ministers alone. We must all bear fruit of souls into God's Kingdom as commanded by our Lord in today's memory verse. To back us up in this obligation, our Lord Jesus Christ assures us that all power in heaven and on earth belongs to Him. It is therefore a settled matter that no power on earth or in the spiritual world can stop us from carrying out His instructions. We are therefore inexcusable if we fail to win souls. He instructed us to go and teach all nations, baptising them in the Name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost. The Great Commission therefore involves teaching. Let us pause and think about what this assignment of teaching means.
Monday, June 1, 2015
Open Heavens for Monday 1st June 2015: DON'T CLOSE YOUR MOUTH
TOPIC: DON'T CLOSE YOUR MOUTH - Monday June 1, 2015
Memorise: Ye lust, and have not: ye kill, and desire to have, and cannot obtain: ye fight and war, yet ye have not, because ye ask not. - James 4:2
Read: Daniel 9:1-19
1 In the first year of Darius the son of Ahasuerus, of the seed of the Medes, which was made king over the realm of the Chaldeans;
2 In the first year of his reign I Daniel understood by books the number of the years, whereof the word of the LORD came to Jeremiah the prophet, that he would accomplish seventy years in the desolations of Jerusalem.
3 And I set my face unto the Lord God, to seek by prayer and supplications, with fasting, and sackcloth, and ashes:
4 And I prayed unto the LORD my God, and made my confession, and said, O Lord, the great and dreadful God, keeping the covenant and mercy to them that love him, and to them that keep his commandments;
5 We have sinned, and have committed iniquity, and have done wickedly, and have rebelled, even by departing from thy precepts and from thy judgments:
6 Neither have we hearkened unto thy servants the prophets, which spake in thy name to our kings, our princes, and our fathers, and to all the people of the land.
7 O Lord, righteousness belongeth unto thee, but unto us confusion of faces, as at this day; to the men of Judah, and to the inhabitants of Jerusalem, and unto all Israel, that are near, and that are far off, through all the countries whither thou hast driven them, because of their trespass that they have trespassed against thee.
8 O Lord, to us belongeth confusion of face, to our kings, to our princes, and to our fathers, because we have sinned against thee.
9 To the Lord our God belong mercies and forgivenesses, though we have rebelled against him;
10 Neither have we obeyed the voice of the LORD our God, to walk in his laws, which he set before us by his servants the prophets.
11 Yea, all Israel have transgressed thy law, even by departing, that they might not obey thy voice; therefore the curse is poured upon us, and the oath that is written in the law of Moses the servant of God, because we have sinned against him.
12 And he hath confirmed his words, which he spake against us, and against our judges that judged us, by bringing upon us a great evil: for under the whole heaven hath not been done as hath been done upon Jerusalem.
13 As it is written in the law of Moses, all this evil is come upon us: yet made we not our prayer before the LORD our God, that we might turn from our iniquities, and understand thy truth.
14 Therefore hath the LORD watched upon the evil, and brought it upon us: for the LORD our God is righteous in all his works which he doeth: for we obeyed not his voice.
15 And now, O Lord our God, that hast brought thy people forth out of the land of Egypt with a mighty hand, and hast gotten thee renown, as at this day; we have sinned, we have done wickedly.
16 O Lord, according to all thy righteousness, I beseech thee, let thine anger and thy fury be turned away from thy city Jerusalem, thy holy mountain: because for our sins, and for the iniquities of our fathers, Jerusalem and thy people are become a reproach to all that are about us.
17 Now therefore, O our God, hear the prayer of thy servant, and his supplications, and cause thy face to shine upon thy sanctuary that is desolate, for the Lord's sake.
18 O my God, incline thine ear, and hear; open thine eyes, and behold our desolations, and the city which is called by thy name: for we do not present our supplications before thee for our righteousnesses, but for thy great mercies.
19 O Lord, hear; O Lord, forgive; O Lord, hearken and do; defer not, for thine own sake, O my God: for thy city and thy people are called by thy name.
Memorise: Ye lust, and have not: ye kill, and desire to have, and cannot obtain: ye fight and war, yet ye have not, because ye ask not. - James 4:2
Read: Daniel 9:1-19
1 In the first year of Darius the son of Ahasuerus, of the seed of the Medes, which was made king over the realm of the Chaldeans;
2 In the first year of his reign I Daniel understood by books the number of the years, whereof the word of the LORD came to Jeremiah the prophet, that he would accomplish seventy years in the desolations of Jerusalem.
3 And I set my face unto the Lord God, to seek by prayer and supplications, with fasting, and sackcloth, and ashes:
4 And I prayed unto the LORD my God, and made my confession, and said, O Lord, the great and dreadful God, keeping the covenant and mercy to them that love him, and to them that keep his commandments;
5 We have sinned, and have committed iniquity, and have done wickedly, and have rebelled, even by departing from thy precepts and from thy judgments:
6 Neither have we hearkened unto thy servants the prophets, which spake in thy name to our kings, our princes, and our fathers, and to all the people of the land.
7 O Lord, righteousness belongeth unto thee, but unto us confusion of faces, as at this day; to the men of Judah, and to the inhabitants of Jerusalem, and unto all Israel, that are near, and that are far off, through all the countries whither thou hast driven them, because of their trespass that they have trespassed against thee.
8 O Lord, to us belongeth confusion of face, to our kings, to our princes, and to our fathers, because we have sinned against thee.
9 To the Lord our God belong mercies and forgivenesses, though we have rebelled against him;
10 Neither have we obeyed the voice of the LORD our God, to walk in his laws, which he set before us by his servants the prophets.
11 Yea, all Israel have transgressed thy law, even by departing, that they might not obey thy voice; therefore the curse is poured upon us, and the oath that is written in the law of Moses the servant of God, because we have sinned against him.
12 And he hath confirmed his words, which he spake against us, and against our judges that judged us, by bringing upon us a great evil: for under the whole heaven hath not been done as hath been done upon Jerusalem.
13 As it is written in the law of Moses, all this evil is come upon us: yet made we not our prayer before the LORD our God, that we might turn from our iniquities, and understand thy truth.
14 Therefore hath the LORD watched upon the evil, and brought it upon us: for the LORD our God is righteous in all his works which he doeth: for we obeyed not his voice.
15 And now, O Lord our God, that hast brought thy people forth out of the land of Egypt with a mighty hand, and hast gotten thee renown, as at this day; we have sinned, we have done wickedly.
16 O Lord, according to all thy righteousness, I beseech thee, let thine anger and thy fury be turned away from thy city Jerusalem, thy holy mountain: because for our sins, and for the iniquities of our fathers, Jerusalem and thy people are become a reproach to all that are about us.
17 Now therefore, O our God, hear the prayer of thy servant, and his supplications, and cause thy face to shine upon thy sanctuary that is desolate, for the Lord's sake.
18 O my God, incline thine ear, and hear; open thine eyes, and behold our desolations, and the city which is called by thy name: for we do not present our supplications before thee for our righteousnesses, but for thy great mercies.
19 O Lord, hear; O Lord, forgive; O Lord, hearken and do; defer not, for thine own sake, O my God: for thy city and thy people are called by thy name.
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