OPEN HEAVEN FOR SUNDAY 27TH NOVEMBER, 2016 :A LIBERAL HEART?

A LIBERAL HEART? – Sunday November 27th, 2016

Memorise: Give, and it shall be given unto you; good measure, pressed down, and shaken together, and running over, shall men give into your bossom. For with the same measure that ye mete withal it shall be measured to you again. Luke 6:38

Open Heavens Devotional for Friday 25th November, 2016: GOD’S KIND OF LOVE

GOD’S KIND OF LOVE – Friday November 25th 2016

Memorise: Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends. John 15:13

Read: John 15:7-13
7 If ye abide in me, and my words abide in you, ye shall ask what ye will, and it shall be done unto you.
8 Herein is my Father glorified, that ye bear much fruit; so shall ye be my disciples.
9 As the Father hath loved me, so have I loved you: continue ye in my love.
10 If ye keep my commandments, ye shall abide in my love; even as I have kept my Father's commandments, and abide in his love.
11 These things have I spoken unto you, that my joy might remain in you, and that your joy might be full.
12 This is my commandment, That ye love one another, as I have loved you.
13 Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends.

Bible in one year: Genesis 46-47, Psalms 107:33-43

MESSAGE
God is love; He dwell in love; He acts in love; He judges in love. Everything around God is love. In our text for the day, we are confronted with God’s kind of love demonstrated through His Son, Jesus Christ. Jesus Christ affirms the quality of God’s kind of love that He represents when he said:

“Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends” John 15:13

Now, as beneficiaries of this great love, we are obliged to show this kind of love to our Maker and more importantly to our neighbours.

It is wisdom for us to love the One who loves us at least for two reasons. One; when we love someone that loves us, he keeps on loving us the more. Secondly, the love that is not reciprocated will grow sour. Even God stops loving those who do not return His love. Proverbs 8:17 says:

“I love them that love me; and those that seek me early shall find me.”
How can we love a God that we do not see? We can, by loving our neighbours, Matthew 25:35, 37, 40 says:

“For I was an hungered, and ye gave me meat: I was thirsty, and ye gave me drink. I was a stranger, and ye took me in… Then shall the righteous answer him, saying, Lord, when saw we thee an hungered and fed thee? Or thirsty, and gave thee drink? And the King shall answer and say unto them, Verily I say unto you, inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me.”

John the beloved apostle went further to teach us how to love our God in practical terms 1st John 4:19-21:

“If a man say, I love God and hateth his brother, he is a liar: for he that loveth not his brother whom he hath seen how can he love God whom he hath not seen?”

May the good Lord give us the grace to show our love to Him through our neighbours.

Prayer Point: Father, give me your own kind of love. I want to live for you and Your Church.

Open Heavens Daily Devotional by Pastor E.A Adeboye

Open Heavens for Thursday 24th, November 2016 : DELIVERANCE MADE SIMPLE

DELIVERANCE MADE SIMPLE – Thursday November 24th, 2016

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

Open Heavens for Monday 21st November, 2016: MIRACLE-PRODUCING OBEDIENCE

MIRACLE-PRODUCING OBEDIENCE – Monday November 21st, 2016

Memorise: His mother saith unto the servants, whatsoever he saith unto you, do it. John 2:5 

Open Heavens for Sunday 20th November, 2016: THE VISION OF HEAVEN

THE VISION OF HEAVEN – Sunday November 20th, 2016

Memorise: He that overcometh shall inherit all things; and I will be his God, and he shall be my son. Revelation 21:7

ONDO ELECTION: BUHARI, OSINBAJO AND OTHERS TO ATTEND APC RALLY IN AKURE

President Muhammadu Buhari and his deputy, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo, will on Saturday 19th November, 2016 lead members of All Progressives congress to Akure, the Ondo State Capital for their mega rally.

I'm Hale and Hearty Now - Leo Mezie

Some months ago, the news went round that popular actor, Leo Mezie, had kidney problems and needed about N10m for an operation abroad. After his two kidneys had collapsed, it was reported that the actor could not use his right leg due to his ailment.

However, as fate would have it, he was able to raise the required funds and he was flown out of the country.

ONDO ELECTIONS: I WILL HEAD TO SUPREME COURT TO REGAIN MY MANDATE - EYITAYO JEGEDE

Eyitayo Jegede has called for calm among his supporters following the indefinite adjournment of his case, earlier scheduled for 18th November, by the Appeal court. He also said he would be heading to the Supreme Court to regain his mandate.

ONDO ELECTIONS: APPEAL COURT ADJOURNS TOKUNBO JEGEDE’S JUDGMENT INDEFINITELY

The Court of Appeal Panel in Abuja, led by Justice Ibrahim Saulawa, on Friday adjourned indefinitely the judgment on the appeal filed by Mr. Eyitayo Jegede, the substituted governorship candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party in the forthcoming election in Ondo State.

Open Heavens for Saturday 19th November, 2016:- Trusting the arm of flesh?

TRUSTING THE ARM OF FLESH? – Saturday November 19th, 2016

Memorise: Who art thou, O great mountain? Before Zerubbabel, thou shalt become a plain: And he shall bring forth the headstone thereof with shoutings, crying, Grace, grace unto it. Zachariah 4:7

Open Heavens for Thursday 17 November, 2016: NARROW IS THE WAY

NARROW IS THE WAY – Thursday November 17th, 2016

Memorise: Because strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life and few there be that find it. Matthew 7:14

Open Heavens for Monday 14th November, 2016 : Facing trials of faith?

FACING TRIALS OF FAITH? – Monday November 14th, 2016

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

Open Heavens for Sunday 13th November, 2016: ACTIVATING THE GLORY OF GOD

ACTIVATING THE GLORY OF GOD – Sunday November 13th, 2016

Memorise: Jesus said unto her, said I not unto thee, that if thou wouldest believe, thou shouldest see the glory of God. John 11:40

Open Heavens Tuesday 8th, November 2016: Catalysts for miracles

CATALYSTS FOR MIRACLES – Tuesday November 8th, 2016

Memorise: Jesus said unto him, if thou canst believe, all things are possible to him that believeth. Mark 9:23

Open Heavens Sunday 6th November, 2016: FORSAKING THE WAY?

TOPIC: FORSAKING THE WAY? – Sunday November 6th 2016

Memorise: For Demas hath forsake me, having loved this present world, and is departed unto Thessalonica; Crescens to Galatia Titus unto Dalmatia. 2nd Timothy 4:10

Open Heavens Devotional for Saturday 5th November, 2016:- Who is my neighbour?

WHO IS MY NEIGHBOUR? – Saturday November 5th 2016

Memorise: Let brotherly love continue. Hebrew 13:1

Thursday 3rd November, 2016 Open Heavens: Matrimonial Robber?

MATRIMONIAL ROBBER? – Thursday November 3rd 2016

Memorise: And why wilt thou, my son, be ravished with a strange woman, and embrace the bosom of a stranger? Proverbs 5:20

Open Heavens for Tuesday 1st November, 2016:

GRIEVE NOT THE HOLY SPIRIT – Tuesday November 1st, 2016

Memorise: And grieve not the holy spirit of God, whereby ye are sealed unto the day of redemption. Ephesians 4:30

Open Heavens Devotional for Monday 31 October, 2016:- BE COURAGEOUS

TOPIC: BE COURAGEOUS – Monday October 31st, 2016

Memorise: Be strong and of good courage, fear not, nor be afraid of them; for the Lord thy God he it is that doth go with thee; he will not fail thee, nor forsake thee. Deuteronomy 31:6

Open Heavens for Sunday 30 October 2016 : Godly Sorrow

TOPIC: GODLY SORROW – Sunday October 30th, 2016

Memorise: Blessed are they that mourn: for they shall be comforted. Matthew 5:4.

Open Heavens for Saturday 29 October, 2016: NOT REPROBRATE

NOT REPROBATE – Saturday October 29th, 2016

Memorise: But I trust that ye shall know that we are not reprobates. 2nd Corinthians 13:6

Open Heavens Devotional: GOD GETS ANGRY TOO – Friday October 28th, 2016

TOPIC: GOD GETS ANGRY TOO – Friday October 28th, 2016

Memorise: For his anger endureth but a moment; in his favour is life: weeping may endure for a night, but joy cometh in the morning. Psalms 30:5

Open Heavens Devotional : COST OF DISCIPLESHIP – Thursday October 27th, 2016

COST OF DISCIPLESHIP – Thursday October 27th 2016

Memorise: And whosoever doth not bear his cross, and come after me, cannot be my disciple. Luke 14:27

SPIRITUAL ADULTERY FORBIDDEN! – Open Heavens for Tuesday October 25th, 2016

SPIRITUAL ADULTERY FORBIDDEN! – Tuesday October 25th 2016

Memorise: For thy Maker is thine husband; the Lord of hosts is his name; and thy Redeemer the Holy One of Israel; the God of the whole earth shall he be called. Isaiah 54:5

Open Heavens Devotional for 2nd September 2016: HIS ALMIGHTINESS!

TOPIC: HIS ALMIGHTINESS! – Friday September 2nd 2016

Memorise: Thou art the God that doest wonders: Thou hast declared thy strength among the people. Psalms 77:14

Open Heavens Devotional for 1st September, 2016: NO ROOM FOR THE DEVIL

TOPIC: NO ROOM FOR THE DEVIL – Thursday September 1st, 2016

Memorise: Abstain from all appearance of evil. 1st Thessalonians 5:22

Open Heavens for 30th August, 2016: PRINCIPLES OF DIVINE BLESSING

 PRINCIPLES OF DIVINE BLESSING – Tuesday August 30th, 2016

Memorise: Wherefore the Lord God of Israel saith, I said indeed that thy house, and the house of thy father, should walk before me forever: but Now the Lord saith, Be it far from me; for them that honour me I will honour and they that despise me shall be lightly esteemed. 1st Samuel 2:30

Open Heavens for 29th August, 2016: THE GREAT INVITATION

THE GREAT INVITATION – Monday August 29th 2016

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

Read: Matthew 11:28-30
28 Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.
29 Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls.
30 For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.

Bible in one year: Jeremiah 3:6-5:13, Psalms 44:9-16

MESSAGE

There are numerous invitations we receive during the course of our lifetime, but there is an invitation that changes the life of a person permanently and that invitation is only found in Jesus. Sometimes, people can invite you to great occasions where you dine and wine with very important people in the society but that does not put an end to the trouble you are going through as an individual. You dine with them, but upon returning to your private closet, you carry your problems again. However, when you respond to the invitation of Jesus, He solves all your problems. This is why you cannot afford to respond inappropriately to this invitation. With this invitation, you come as you are. Present yourself to Him the way you are and let Him turn your life around. This is why the invitation of Jesus is the greatest of all invitations; it is also unique because He has all the power and the resources to turn any situation around. No matter how blessed an individual is, there is a limit to how many people he can help. No matter how buoyant your organisation is, there is no CEO that can employ everyone in a country. Jesus is the only employer who can pay everyone that comes under His government. There is no restriction, it is open to all.

This invitation is to those who live under the stress and turmoil of his world. He wants to deliver them from all their troubles. There are those who have problems with their spiritual life. Jesus is available to release grace and mercy in the state of their spiritual poverty. There are people living under the bondage of emotions and religion, Jesus wants to set them free and deliver them from all their battles both within and without. There are many people who are struggling on the inside. When you see them, they appear alright but they have troubles, fears, worries, anxieties and depression. Jesus is calling you to come to Him. He wants to remove the yoke that the devil and His agents have put on you. He wants to uproot every plant that He has not planted in your life. He wants to deliver you from the burdens of this world that causes frustration and depression. However, you must submit to Him before He can be of help to you.



It does not matter how far you have gone into the world of sin, Jesus is calling you to come. There is no sinner without a future and there is no saint without a past but in Jesus everything becomes new.

“Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away, behold all things are become new.” 2nd Corinthians 5:17

One finds peace and rest of mind by understanding that his sins are forgiven by the grace of God through the blood of Jesus that was shed on the cross of Calvary, because where there is no shedding of blood there is no remission for sins. You can cast all your worries and anxiety on Jesus; it is part of your redemption right because all those troubles have been exchanged for peace through His death. However, you must know that the glory of God is His holiness. His dwelling is in holiness. His way is holy and the invitation to us is not an invitation to lawlessness but an invitation to holiness.

Key Point: There is no sin that is beyond the redemption at cross.

Open Heavens Daily Devotional, written by Pastor E.A Adeboye

Open Heavens Devotional for 28th August, 2016: UNUSUAL MESSENGERS

UNUSUAL MESSENGERS – Sunday 28th August, 2016

Memorise: And it shall be, that thou shalt drink of the brook; and I have commanded the ravens to feed thee there. 1st Kings 17:4

Open Heavens Devotional : DIVINE KNOWLEDGE AS A WEAPON – Saturday August 27th, 2016

DIVINE KNOWLEDGE AS A WEAPON – Saturday August 27th, 2016

Memorise: Surely the Lord GOD will do nothing; but he revealeth his secret unto his servants the prophets - Amos 3:7

Open Heavens Devotional for 25th August 2016: NOTHING GOES FOR NOTHING

NOTHING GOES FOR NOTHING – Thursday August 25th, 2016

Memorise: And after six days Jesus taketh Peter, James and John his brother, and bringeth them up into an high mountain apart - Matthew 17:1

Open Heavens Devotional for Wednesday 24th August, 2016: YOU NEED DELIVERANCE?

TOPIC: YOU NEED DELIVERANCE? – Wednesday August 24th 2016

Memorise: And it shall come to pass in that day, that his burden shall be taken away from off thy shoulder, and his yoke from off thy neck, and the yoke shall be destroyed because of the anointing. - Isaiah 10:27

Open Heavens Devotional for Tuesday 23rd August, 2016 : THE ULTIMATE GOAL

TOPIC: THE ULTIMATE GOAL – Tuesday August 23rd 2016

Memorise: “Blessed are the poor in spirit: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.” Matthew 5:3

HEALED THROUGH OBEDIENCE – Open Heavens Devotional for Monday August 22nd, 2016

TOPIC: HEALED THROUGH OBEDIENCE 

Memorise: His mother saith unto the savants, whatever he saith unto you do it. John 2:5

BE FAITHFUL : Open Heavens Devotional for Sunday August 21st, 2016

BE FAITHFUL 

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

POWER IN THE WORD TO SAVE : Open Heavens Daily Devotional for Saturday August 20th, 2016

TOPIC: POWER IN THE WORD TO SAVE

Memorise: It is the Spirit that quickeneth; the flesh profiteth nothing: the words that I speak unto you, they are spirit, and they are life - John 6:63

Open Heavens Devaotional for Friday 19th August, 2016: CUMBERED WITH DEPRESSION?

TOPIC: CUMBERED WITH DEPRESSION?

Memorise: But he himself went a day’s journey into the wilderness, and came and sat down under a juniper tree: and he requested for himself that he might die; and said, it is enough; now, O Lord, take away my life; for I am not better than my fathers - 1st Kings 19:4

Open Heavens Devotional for 18th August, 2016 - THAT WE MAY BE RICH

TOPIC: THAT WE MAY BE RICH

Memorise: For ye know the grace of our Lord Jesus, that, though he was rich, yet for your sakes He became poor, that ye through his poverty might be rich. 2nd Corinthians 8:9

Open heavens Devotional for today: DESIRE ACCELERATED PROMOTION? – Wednesday August 17th, 2016

TOPIC: DESIRE ACCELERATED PROMOTION?

Memorise: Seeth thou a man diligent in his business? he shall stand before kings; he shall not stand before mean men. Proverbs 22:29

Open Heavens Daily Devotional: THE PRINCE OF PEACE – Tuesday August 16th, 2016

TOPIC: THE PRINCE OF PEACE

Memorise: For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder; And his name shall be called wonderful, Counsellor The mighty God, the Everlasting father, the Prince of peace - Isaiah 9:6

Open Heavens Daily Devotional: NO HINDRANCE – Monday August 15th, 2016

TOPIC: NO HINDRANCE

Memorise: Who are thou, O great mountain? Before Zerubbabel thou shalt become a plain: and he shall bring forth the headstone therefore with shoutings, crying, Grace, unto it. Zechariah 4:7

Open Heavens Devotional: RELEVANT TO EACH OTHER – Sunday August 14th, 2016

TOPIC: RELEVANT TO EACH OTHER

Memorise: So we, being many, are one body in Christ, and every one members one of another. Romans 12:5

Open Heavens Devotional: SELF DISCIPLINE – Saturday August 13th, 2016

TOPIC: SELF DISCIPLINE – Saturday August 13th, 2016

Memorise: But I keep under my body, and bring it into subjection: lest that by any means, when I have preached to others, I myself should be a castaway. 1st Corinthians 9:27

Open Heavens Devotional: THE CHRISTIAN RACE – Friday August 12th, 2016

TOPIC: THE CHRISTIAN RACE

Memorise: And if a man also strive for masteries, Yet is he not crowned, except he strive lawfully. 2nd Timothy 2:5

Open Heavens Devotional: THE CARNAL MAN – Thursday August 11th, 2016

TOPIC: THE CARNAL MAN 
Memorise: God is a Spirit: and they that worship him must worship him in spirit and in truth. John 4:24

Open Heavens Devotional: SUPERNATURAL LIFTING – Wednesday August 10th, 2016

TOPIC: SUPERNATURAL LIFTING

Memorise: But thou, O Lord, art a shield for me; my glory and the lifter up of mine head. Psalms 3:3

Open Heavens Devotional: BLESSED ASSURANCE – Tuesday August 9th, 2016

TOPIC: BLESSED ASSURANCE
 
Memorise: Say ye to the righteous, that it shall be well with him: for they shall eat the fruit of their doings. Isaiah 3:10

Open Heavens Devotional for Today: THE POWER OF TESTIMONY – Saturday August 6th, 2016

THE POWER OF TESTIMONY – Saturday August 6th, 2016

Memorise: And they overcame him by the blood of the lamb and by the word of their testimony; and they loved not their lives unto the death. Revelations 12:11

Open Heavens Devotional for Today: STOLEN BREAD? – Friday August 5, 2016

STOLEN BREAD? – Friday August 5, 2016

Memorise: Bread of deceit is sweet to a man; But afterwards his mouth shall be filled with gravel. Proverbs 20:17

Open Heavens Devotional for Today: BELIEVING LIES? – Thursday August 4th, 2016

TOPIC: BELIEVING LIES? – Thursday August 4th, 2016

Open Heavens Devotional for Today: ARE YOU GROWING IN GRACE? – Wednesday August 3rd, 2016

ARE YOU GROWING IN GRACE? – Wednesday August 3rd, 2016

Open Heavens Devotional for Today: COME BACK HOME – Tuesday August 2nd, 2016

TOPIC: COME BACK HOME – Tuesday August 2nd, 2016

Memorise: There is no peace, saith the Lord, unto the wicked. Isaiah 48:22

Open Heavens Devotional for Today: BLESSINGS FROM ABOVE – Monday August 1st, 2016

TOPIC:BLESSINGS FROM ABOVE – Monday August 1st, 2016

Memorise: Israel then shall dwell in safety alone: the fountain of Jacob shall be upon a land of corn And wine; also his heaven shall drop down dew - Deuteronomy 33:28

Open Heavens Devotional for Today: CHILD OF DESTINY – Saturday July 30th, 2016

TOPIC: CHILD OF DESTINY – Saturday July 30th, 2016

Memorise: And they shall fight against thee; but they shall not prevail against thee; for I am with thee, saith the Lord, to deliver thee. Jeremiah 1:19

Open Heavens Devotional for Today: JUST DO IT RIGHT – Friday July 29th, 2016

TOPIC: JUST DO IT RIGHT – Friday July 29th, 2016

Memorise: And having in a readiness to revenge all disobedience, when your obedience is fulfilled - 2nd Corinthians 10:6

Open Heavens Devotional for Today: THOU SHALT NOT COVET - Thursday July 28th. 2016

THOU SHALT NOT COVET - Thursday July 28th. 2016

Memorise: But fornications, and all uncleanness, or covetousness, let it not be once named among you, as becometh saints. Ephesians 5:3

Open Heavens Devotional for Today: ASSURANCE OF BREAKTHROUGH – Wednesday July 27th, 2016

ASSURANCE OF BREAKTHROUGH – Wednesday July 27th, 2016

Memorise: Thou shalt also decree a thing, and it shall be established unto thee: and the light shall shine upon thy ways - Job 22:28

Open Heavens Devotional for Today: CLEANLINESS IS PRACTICAL GODLINESS – Tuesday July 26th, 2016

CLEANLINESS IS PRACTICAL GODLINESS – Tuesday July 26th, 2016

Memorise: Depart ye, depart ye, go ye out from thence, touch no unclean thing; go ye out of the midst of her; be ye clean, that bear the vessel of the Lord. Isaiah 52:11

Open Heavens Devotional for Today: RIGHTEOUSNESS IS NOT OPTIONAL – Monday July 25th, 2016

TOPIC: RIGHTEOUSNESS IS NOT OPTIONAL – Monday July 25th, 2016

Memorise: As righteousness tendeth to life: so he that pursueth evil pursueth it to his own death. Proverbs 11:19

Open Heavens Devotional for Today: THE OVERCOMERS – Sunday July 24th, 2016

THE OVERCOMERS – Sunday July 24th, 2016

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

Open Heavens Devotional for Today: IT IS FINISHED – Saturday July 23rd, 2016

IT IS FINISHED – Saturday July 23rd, 2016

Memorise: For ye know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that, though he was rich, yet for your sakes he became poor; that ye through his poverty might be rich. 2nd Corinthians 8:9

Open Heavens Devotional for Today: NOT A VIRTUE! – Friday July 22nd, 2016

NOT A VIRTUE! – Friday July 22nd, 2016

Memorise: As a dog returneth to his vomit, so a fool returneth to his folly. Proverbs 26:11

Open Heavens Devotional - VITAL INGREDIENTS OF PRAYER – Thursday July 21st, 2016

VITAL INGREDIENTS OF PRAYER – Thursday July 21st 2016

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

THE HABITATION OF THE LORD - Open Heavens Devotional for Today Tuesday 19th July, 2016

TOPIC: THE HABITATION OF THE LORD – Tuesday July 19th 2016

Memorise: If thou wert pure and upright; surely now he would awake for thee, and make the habitation of thy righteousness prosperous. Job 8:6

Open Heavens Devotional: NOT A HINDRANCE! – Monday July 18th, 2016

NOT A HINDRANCE! – Monday July 18th 2016

Memorise: And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose -  Romans 8:28

Open Heavens Devotional for Today: CEASELESS PRAYER – Thursday June 16th, 2016

CEASELESS PRAYER – Thursday June 16th 2016

Memorise: Pray without creasing. 1st Thessalonians 5:17

Open Heavens Devotional for Today: MIGHTY TO SAVE – Tuesday June 14th, 2016

MIGHTY TO SAVE – Tuesday June 14th, 2016

Memorise: If it be so, our God whom we serve is able to deliver us from the burning fiery furnace, and he will deliver us out of thine hand, O king - Daniel 3:17

Open Heavens Devotional for Today - SOLDIERS OF THE CROSS III – Monday June 13th, 2016

SOLDIERS OF THE CROSS III – Monday June 13th, 2016

Memorise: But I keep under my body and bring it into subjection: lest that by any means, when I have preached to others, I myself should be a castaway - 1st Corinthians 9:27

Open Heavens Devotional for Today: SOLDIERS OF THE CROSS II – Sunday June 12th, 2016

TOPIC: SOLDIERS OF THE CROSS II – Sunday June 12th, 2016

Memorise: I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith -  2nd Timothy 4:7

Open Heavens Devotional for Today: SOLDIERS OF THE CROSS I – Saturday June 11th, 2016

TOPIC: SOLDIERS OF THE CROSS I – Saturday June 11th, 2016

Memorise: Thou therefore endure hardness, as a good soldier of Jesus Christ - 2nd Timothy 2:3

Open Heavens Devotional for Today: ACTIVATING WONDERS II – Friday June 10th, 2016

TOPIC: ACTIVATING WONDERS II – Friday June 10th, 2016

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

Open Heavens Devotional for Today: POSITIVE EXPECTATIONS – Wednesday June 8th, 2016

TOPIC: POSITIVE EXPECTATIONS – Wednesday June 8th, 2016

Memorise: The hope of the righteous shall be gladness: but the expectation of the wicked shall perish. Proverbs 10:28

Open Heavens Devotional for Today: GOD OF MIRACLES III – Tuesday June 7th, 2016

GOD OF MIRACLES III – Tuesday June 7th, 2016

Memorise: And God hath set some in the Church, first apostles, secondarily prophets, thirdly teachers after that miracles, then gifts of healings, helps, governments, diversities of tongues. 1st Corinthians 12:28

Open Heavens Devotional for Today: GOD OF MIRACLES II – Monday June 6th, 2016

GOD OF MIRACLES II – Monday June 6th, 2016

Memorise: And a great multitude followed him, because they saw his miracles which he did on them that were diseased. John 6:2

Open Heavens Devotional for Today: GOD OF MIRACLES I – Sunday June 5th, 2016

TOPIC: GOD OF MIRACLES I – Sunday June 5th, 2016

Memorise: 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 - John 11:42

Open Heavens Devotional for Today: CHILD OF DESTINY – Friday June 3rd, 2016

TOPIC:CHILD OF DESTINY – Friday June 3rd, 2016

Memorise: And he shall bring forth a son, and thou shall call his name JESUS for he shall save his people from their sins. Matthew 1:21

Open Heavens Devotional for Today: THE LORD, MY HEALER – Wednesday June 1st, 2016

THE LORD, MY HEALER – Wednesday June 1st, 2016

Memorise: He healeth the broken in heart, and bindeth up their wounds. Psalms 147:3

Open Heavens Devotional for Today: A GLASS OF WATER? – Tuesday May 31st, 2016

A GLASS OF WATER? – Tuesday May 31st, 2016

Memorise: For whosoever shall give you a cup of water to drink in my name, because ye belong to Christ, verily I say unto you, he shall not lose his reward - Mark 9:41

Open Heavens Devotional for Today: ALWAYS ON TIME - Monday 30th May, 2016

TOPIC: ALWAYS ON TIME - Monday 30th May, 2016

Memorise: Then said Martha unto Jesus, Lord, if thou hadst been here, my brother had not died. – John 11:21

Open Heavens Devotional for Today: BEWARE OF PRIDE – Thursday May 26th, 2016

TOPIC: BEWARE OF PRIDE – Thursday May 26th, 2016

Memorise: Pride goeth before destruction, and an haughty spirit before a fall - Proverbs 16:18

Read: 1st Peter 5:5-6
5 Likewise, ye younger, submit yourselves unto the elder. Yea, all of you be subject one to another, and be clothed with humility: for God resisteth the proud, and giveth grace to the humble.
6 Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, that he may exalt you in due time:

Bible in one year: 1st Chronicles 25-27, Proverbs 29:22-30:6

MESSAGE
Our topic for today is a warning to be very careful of pride. Pride is a giant killer that has turned many great men and woman of God to mere casualties. Pride is the first and foremost of the traditional seven deadly sins, perhaps because it is in many ways the root of other sins. Even the “original sin” of Adam and Eve was not mere disobedience, but at the heart of it was pride, quietly lurking in a corner. The fact that Adam and Eve wanted to be like God, reveals a form of hidden pride. Ironically, eating the forbidding fruit led to the opening of their eyes, increasing them in knowledge and wisdom. It turned their attention away from God and they became focused on their outward appearance. They immediately developed the ability, confidence and independence to decide and act on their own without any recourse to God their maker. This is the same fatal foolishness that has plagued the human race ever since.

“And when the woman saw that the tree was good for food, and that it was pleasant to the eyes, and a tree to be desired to make one wise, she took of the fruit thereof, and did eat, and gave also unto her husband with her; and he did eat.”

Pride has been correctly identified by many as the greatest woe which can quickly destroy anyone captured by it. I usually tell my children that apart from impure thoughts and cravings of the body, another area in which you must exert your victory over the flesh is pride. A proud person is always in contention – fighting with those he thinks he is better than; such a fellow will do everything to show that he is better than others. The proud is always in competition with those who appear better off, just to prove a point that he or she is superior. In doing this, the proud will make derogatory statements about such people and cut them to size just to show that he knows it better or can do it better.



The proud finds it difficult to acknowledge the sincere work or effort of others because he thinks such will displace him from being on top. The proud sees himself as being number one in all things. Apart from contending with men, the proud also contend s with God. Anyone who is proud or haughty and is speaking so much about God is only a pretender. By reason of their contention with God, they have enthroned themselves as number one in their own lives, making God their running mate. Are you finding it difficult to recognize the efforts of those that are better than you in certain areas? You are simply proud.

Psalms 73:6 says some people are compassed with pride. This implies that it is possible for pride to be visibly glaring in the life of someone that is full of it. You can be clothed in pride just as you can be clothed in humility. You can be clothed in pride just as you can be clothed in humility. You can identify a proud person from his or her looks, carriage, dressing, speech, behaviour, giving, prayer, Christian service, work, attitude, etc. Unfortunately, Isaiah 13:11 says that the same reason which makes the proud fellow haughty is the same reason that will make him fall. Every proud individual is headed for a fall and proud people end up being destroyed (Proverbs 16:18). Some people are proud but they don’t know it. If you exalt yourself by your words and conduct, you shall be abased (Matthew 23:12). James 4:6 speaks of something quite frightening: it says God resists the proud which confirms that God is always contending with the proud, is there pride in your heart? Ask God to forgive and uproot every trace of pride from your life today.

Prayer point: Father, please remove the spirit of pride from my life this moment in Jesus’ name. 

SOURCE: OPEN HEAVENS DEVOTIONAL, VOLUME 16, 2016

Open Heavens Devotional for Today: NOT IMPOSSIBLE – Wednesday May 25th, 2016

NOT IMPOSSIBLE – Wednesday May 25th, 2016

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

Open Heavens Devotional for Today: DO YOU LOVE GOD? – Monday May 23rd, 2016

TOPIC: DO YOU LOVE GOD? – Monday May 23rd, 2016

Memorise: 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 - John 21:15

Read: Deuteronomy 6:4-7
4 Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God is one Lord:
5 And thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thine heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy might.
6 And these words, which I command thee this day, shall be in thine heart:
7 And thou shalt teach them diligently unto thy children, and shalt talk of them when thou sittest in thine house, and when thou walkest by the way, and when thou liest down, and when thou risest up.

Bible in one year: 1st Chronicles 16:8-18:17, Proverbs 28:14-25

MESSAGE
In today’s Bible reading, Jesus asked a pointed question from Simon Peter, “lovest thou me more than these?” Jesus was not in doubt whether Peter loved Him; He was more interested in knowing the level of Peter’s commitment to Him when compared to other worldly things. Many truly love God, but they are more committed to other things like their profession, business, means of livelihood, fashion, sport, entertainment, food and delicacies, friends and family, social engagements, etc. whenever God’s demand clashes with their interests, they will surely go for their interests. When the chips are down, God must play the second fiddle to the true love of their lives. In this respect, in Psalms 42:1, David says

“As the hart panteth after the water brooks, so panteth my soul after thee, O God.”

In the above passage, the Bible recorded the Psalmist speaking of his yearning of a dehydrated deer, whose need for God to the extreme yearning of a dehydrated deer, whose need for water is shown by its panting.




We know the hart or deer does not pant except when it is being chased by a hunter or when it is highly dehydrated. Do you know that for many people, it is only when they are being hunted by the devil or situations of life that they remember God? When everything else is in price: the store is filled with rich varieties of food, the bank account is bubbling, the contacts are coming, the family members are well and making progress and the ministry is moving on; the need to search for God never arises in the hearts of many. But when there is trouble: a child is sick, there is no food to eat, the business is experiencing dryness and there are several challenges in the ministry; then suddenly the one at the receiving end would remember that he or she has a God. If you seek God only when you are hunted, you are a God-user and not a God-lover. You can be sure God knows the difference and He will deal with His seekers accordingly. John 21:15 says:

“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.”

It is possible to pursue God, not because you are in trouble but because you love Him. Anything can happen when you are in love. Songs of Solomon 2:5 says it is even possible to become sick because of love. If you have an intense love for God, you will go to any length for Him. God has created us to be capable of loving one another, particularly Him. If you find it difficult to truly love God, it is because something else or someone else has stolen your love. Material things have stolen the hearts of many people from God. If you have lost your first love – the original quality of love you once expressed towards Him when you first knew the Lord, then ask Him to help you recover it. Are you panting after God because you are hunted or because of love? If love drives you to God, love will drive Him to you in return and He will give Himself to you without reservation. Do you love God more than anything in this world?

Prayer Point: Father, let my love for You grow stronger, and stronger, all the days of my life.

SOURCE: OPEN HEAVENS DEVOTIONAL, VOLUME 16, 2016

Open Heavens Devotional for Today: A SON INDEED? – Sunday May 22nd, 2016

TOPIC: A SON INDEED? – Sunday May 22nd, 2016

Memorise: Wherefore thou art no more a servant, but a son; and if a son, then an heir of God through Christ - Galatians 4:7

Open Heavens Devotional for Today : NO PARTIALITY – Saturday May 21st, 2016

NO PARTIALITY – Saturday May 21st, 2016

Memorise: Them that sin rebuke before all, that others also may fear - 1st Timothy 5:20

Open Heavens Devotional for Today: BEING UNMOVEABLE – Friday May 20th, 2016

BEING UNMOVEABLE – Friday May 20th, 2016

Memorise: Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. Ephesians 6:11

Open Heavens Devotional for Today : THE PEACE OF GOD – Tuesday May 17th, 2016

THE PEACE OF GOD – Tuesday May 17th, 2016

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

Open Heavens Devotional for Today: WHEN THE HOLY SPIRIT COMES I – Sunday May 15th, 2016

WHEN THE HOLY SPIRIT COMES I – Sunday May 15th, 2016

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

Open Heavens Devotional for Today: THE END OF THE LAW – Saturday May 14th, 2016

THE END OF THE LAW – Saturday May 14th, 2016

Memorise: And now abideth faith, hope, charity, these three; but the greatest of these is charity - 1st Corinthians 13:13

Open Heavens Devotional for Today :LIGHT OF THE WORLD – Friday 13th May, 2016

LIGHT OF THE WORLD – Friday 13th May, 2016

Memorise: Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on an hill cannot be hid - Matthew 5:14

Open Heavens Devotional for Today: CONSISTENT CHRISTIANS? - Wednesday 11 May, 2016

TOPIC: CONSISTENT CHRISTIANS? - Wednesday 11 May, 2016

Memorise: And, behold, I come quickly; and my reward is with me, to give every man according as his work shall be. – Revelation 22:12

Open Heavens Devotional for Today: WHAT MUST I DO TO RECEIVE FROM GOD - Thursday 5th May, 2016

TOPIC: WHAT MUST I DO TO RECEIVE FROM GOD - Thursday 5th May, 2016

Memorise: If ye abide in me, and my words abide in you, ye shall ask what ye will, and it shall be done unto you. – John 15:7

Open Heavens Devotional for Today: THE MAN GOD USES - Sunday 1st May, 2016

TOPIC: THE MAN GOD USES - Sunday 1st May, 2016

Memorise: But in a great house there are not only vessels of gold and of silver, but also of wood and of earth; and some to honour, and some to dishonour. – 2 Timothy 2:20

Open Heavens Devotional for Today: OVERCOMING TRIALS II - Friday 29th April, 2016

TOPIC: OVERCOMING TRIALS II - Friday 29th April, 2016

Memorise: Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. – James 4:7

Open Heavens Devotional for Today: OVERCOMING TRIALS I - Thursday 28th April, 2016

TOPIC: OVERCOMING TRIALS I - Thursday 28th April, 2016

Memorise: Blessed is the man that endureth temptation: for when he is tried, he shall receive the crown of life, which the Lord hath promised to them that love him. – James 1:12

Open Heavens Devotional for Today: KNOW YOUR ENEMY I - Tuesday 26th April, 2016

TOPIC: KNOW YOUR ENEMY I - Tuesday 26th April, 2016

Memorise: My son, if sinners entice thee, consent thou not. – Proverbs 1:10

Open Heavens Devotional for Today : BELATED OFFERING? - Monday 25th April, 2016

TOPIC: BELATED OFFERING? - Monday 25th April, 2016

Memorise: Now upon the first day of the week, very early in the morning, they came unto the sepulchre, bringing the spices which they had prepared, and certain others with them.– Luke 24:1

Open Heavens Devotional for Today : IN REMEMBRANCE OF ME - Tuesday 19th April, 2016

TOPIC: IN REMEMBRANCE OF ME - Tuesday 19th April, 2016

Memorise: And when he had given thanks, he brake it, and said, Take, eat: this is my body, which is broken for you: this do in remembrance of me. – 1 Corinthians 11:24

Read: 1 Corinthians 11:23-29
23 For I have received of the Lord that which also I delivered unto you, That the Lord Jesus the same night in which he was betrayed took bread:
24 And when he had given thanks, he brake it, and said, Take, eat: this is my body, which is broken for you: this do in remembrance of me.
25 After the same manner also he took the cup, when he had supped, saying, This cup is the new testament in my blood: this do ye, as oft as ye drink it, in remembrance of me.
26 For as often as ye eat this bread, and drink this cup, ye do shew the Lord's death till he come.
27 Wherefore whosoever shall eat this bread, and drink this cup of the Lord, unworthily, shall be guilty of the body and blood of the Lord.
28 But let a man examine himself, and so let him eat of that bread, and drink of that cup.
29 For he that eateth and drinketh unworthily, eateth and drinketh damnation to himself, not discerning the Lord's body.

Bible in One Year: 2 Samuel 16-17, Proverbs 12:15-28

MESSAGE:
There is one significant and fundamental reason (among other important reasons) why the Holy Communion (The Lord’s Supper) was inaugurated by our Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ.

Jesus died for us, shedding His blood to atone for our sins because it is written, “…and without shedding of blood there is no remission.” (Hebrews 9:22). Consequently, when Jesus Christ said we should observe the Holy Communion often in remembrance of Him, but it takes a deep level of wisdom to understand and remember what He went through for our redemption. One important thing to note here is that Jesus Christ knew what He would go through to die for His friends. Having died for us, He surely doesn’t want His gesture of love to be forgotten by the people He did it for. We unfortunately often forget the passion of our Lord, which led to His ignoble death. This is why we do things that, by implication, necessitate our Lord’s going back to the Cross frequently.

“If they shall fall away, to renew them again unto repentance; seeing they crucify to themselves the Son of God afresh, and put him to an open shame.” - Hebrews 6:6

Most people backslide because of their loss of memory about the agony of the death that the Saviour suffered in order to procure salvation for us. The Bible says:

“If thou put the brethren in remembrance of these things, thou shalt be a good minister of Jesus Christ, nourished up in the words of faith and of good doctrine, whereunto thou hast attained.” - 1 Timothy 4:6



What should we put ourselves in remembrance of? Paul, the apostle wrote:

“8 Remember that Jesus Christ of the seed of David was raised from the dead according to my gospel: 11 It is a faithful saying: For if we be dead with him, we shall also live with him: 12 If we suffer, we shall also reign with him: if we deny him, he also will deny us:” - 2 Timothy 2:8, 11-12

In an ideal situation, communion should be taken as frequently as possible in order to enable us remember the death of our Lord and the reason for it. The Bible says we should not be forgetful hearers but doers of the Word (James 1:25). When we gather for Holy Communion, everyone is compelled to carry out a self-examination so that he or she does not eat to damnation according to our Bible text for today. May the passion, suffering and death of Jesus Christ avail for us through eternity in Jesus name.

Action Point: Do you remember what Christ went through for you often enough?

SOURCE: OPEN HEAVENS DEVOTIONAL, VOLUME 16, 2016

Open Heavens for Today: LESSONS FROM THE TRIUMPHANT ENTRY – Monday April 18, 2016

LESSONS FROM THE TRIUMPHANT ENTRY – Monday April 18, 2016

Memorise: Blessed be the kingdom of our father David, that cometh in the name of the Lord: Hosanna in the highest. Mark 11:10

OPEN HEAVENS DEVOTIONAL FOR TODAY : Abundant Blessings - Sunday 17th April, 2016

Topic: Abundant Blessings - Sunday 17th April, 2016

Memorise: Blessed shalt thou be in the city, and blessed shalt thou be in the field. – Deuteronomy 28:3

OPEN HEAVENS DEVOTIONAL FOR TODAY: Let God Help You II - Saturday 16, April 2016

Topic: Let God Help You II - Saturday 16, April 2016

Memorise: And as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, even so must the Son of man be lifted up: – John 3:14

OPEN HEAVENS DEVOTIONAL FOR TODAY: When you need a Miracle - Thursday 14th April, 2016

Topic: When you need a Miracle - Thursday 14, April 2016

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

Open Heavens Devotional for Today: THE SOVEREIGN GOD - Wednesday 13 April, 2016

TOPIC: THE SOVEREIGN GOD - Wednesday 13 April, 2016

Memorise: I am the LORD, your Holy One, the creator of Israel, your King. – Isaiah 43:15

Open Heavens Devotional for Today : The New Man II - Monday 11, April 2016

Topic: The New Man II - Monday 11, April 2016

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

Read: Ephesians 4:22-25
22 That ye put off concerning the former conversation the old man, which is corrupt according to the deceitful lusts; 
23 And be renewed in the spirit of your mind;
24 And that ye put on the new man, which after God is created in righteousness and true holiness.
25 Wherefore putting away lying, speak every man truth with his neighbour: for we are members one of another. 
 
Bible in One Year: 1 Samuel 26-28, Proverbs 8:22-36

MESSAGE:
The Bible says:
“… they that are after the flesh do mind the things of the flesh; but they that are after the Spirit the things of the Spirit.” - Romans 8:5

This is why there is a need to put on the new man. As our memory verse states, we must put on the new man created after God in righteousness and true holiness. This is made possible through our reliance on the grace made available by Jesus Christ the Son of the living God.



“47 The first man is of the earth, earthy: the second man is the Lord from heaven. 48 As is the earthy, such are they also that are earthy: and as is the heavenly, such are they also that are heavenly.” - 1 Corinthians 15:47-48

To put on a new man, we must accept the Lord from heaven. The reason is that He is the One that can quicken our mortal bodies and transform them to the original image of God in us which has been altered by sin. When one encounters Jesus Christ, his or her testimony will be like that of the apostles when he wrote:

“I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me.” - Galatians 2:20

There is danger in living a life void of faith in the Son of God, because without faith no man can please the Lord. It is by faith that we know that all have sinned and come short of the glory of God (Romans 3:23). It is by faith that we can run away from all appearances of evil. It was lack of faith in God that made Adam and Eve doubt the warning that God gave them concerning the forbidding fruit. Ever since then, this act of disobedience has remained a contagion within the human race. Are you among those who think the law of God has become outdated and so you break it with impunity? Repent today because tomorrow may be too late. Paul, an apostle, further wrote that we should walk in the Spirit so that we may not fulfil the lust of the flesh (Galatians 5:16). Beloved, let us consider today’s memory verse as an express command from God, and let us put on, Jesus Christ, the perfect image of the Almighty Father.

Prayer Point: Father, let my life reflect the image of Your Son Jesus.

SOURCE: OPEN HEAVENS DEVOTIONAL, VOLUME 16, 2016

Open Heavens Devotional for Today : THE NEW MAN I – Sunday April 10, 2016

THE NEW MAN I – Sunday April 10, 2016

Memorise: Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new. 2nd Corinthians 5:17

Open Heavens Devotional for Today : THE WISE & THE FOOLISH – Saturday April 9, 2016

TOPIC: THE WISE & THE FOOLISH – Saturday April 9, 2016

Memorise: But he giveth more grace. Wherefore he saith, God resisteth the proud, but giveth grace unto the humble. James 4:6

OPEN HEAVENS DEVOTIONAL FOR TODAY : Victory in Holiness - Thursday 7th April, 2016

Topic: Victory in Holiness - Thursday 7th April, 2016

Memorise: Righteousness exalteth a nation: but sin is a reproach to any people. – Proverbs 14:34

OPEN HEAVENS DEVOTIONAL FOR TODAY - Demon-inviting Habit - Wednesday 6 April, 2016

Topic: Demon-inviting Habit - Wednesday 6 April, 2016

Memorise: And be not drunk with wine, wherein is excess; but be filled with the Spirit; – Ephesians 5:18

Read: Proverbs 23:29-35
29 Who hath woe? who hath sorrow? who hath contentions? who hath babbling? who hath wounds without cause? who hath redness of eyes?
30 They that tarry long at the wine; they that go to seek mixed wine.
31 Look not thou upon the wine when it is red, when it giveth his colour in the cup, when it moveth itself aright.
32 At the last it biteth like a serpent, and stingeth like an adder.
33 Thine eyes shall behold strange women, and thine heart shall utter perverse things.
34 Yea, thou shalt be as he that lieth down in the midst of the sea, or as he that lieth upon the top of a mast.
35 They have stricken me, shalt thou say, and I was not sick; they have beaten me, and I felt it not: when shall I awake? I will seek it yet again. 

Bible in One Year: 1 Samuel 14:47-16:23, Proverbs 6:1-15

MESSAGE:
There are many avenues through which demons can possess an individual. One of them is alcoholism. Alcoholism is a subtle habit that introduces a man to demonic possession and/or introduces demons to the alcoholic. It is a volatile avenue, a broad avenue open to many categories of demons, violence, sexual immorality, pride, folly, to mention but a few. It is unfortunate that some believers are beginning to consider ‘moderation’ in the consumption of alcohol. It is this liberal approach to the handling of the issue of alcohol consumption that is increasing demonic operations in lives that are supposed to be Holy Spirit-filled. This is why Ephesians 5:18 says:

“And be not drunk with wine, wherein is excess; but be filled with the Spirit;”

How does alcoholism invite demons? Our Bible text for today answers that in part: One of the symptoms of demonic possession is sorrow, and the text asks: “who hath sorrow?” and answers straightaway: “… they that go to seek mixed wine.” The scripture goes ahead to warn; “look not thou upon the wine when it is red, when it giveth his colour in the cup, when it moveth itself aright.” The demon of sorrow is put in motion to possess an alcoholic; and this is confirmed by the infallible Word of God. In addition, our text says: “Thine eyes shall behold strange women….” Here the demon of sexual immorality is set in motion by alcoholism. A married man does not remember his marriage vows when put under the influence of alcohol. An alcoholic can sleep with the worst psychiatric patient. Alcohol promotes the sexual immorality of incest.

“31 And the firstborn said unto the younger, Our father is old, and there is not a man in the earth to come in unto us after the manner of all the earth: 32 Come, let us make our father drink wine, and we will lie with him, that we may preserve seed of our father. 33 And they made their father drink wine that night: and the firstborn went in, and lay with her father; and he perceived not when she lay down, nor when she arose.” - Genesis 19:31-32 

The products of these incestuous acts were the hateful Moabites and the children of Ammon who later became sworn enemies of the children of Israel (2 Chronicles 20:1).

“….and thine heart shall utter perverse things.” 

Alcohol can turn you to a talkative or a blasphemer. Those who ordinarily may not speak perverse things momentarily become outspoken under the influence of the demon of alcohol. Beloved, if you have not considered alcohol as a medium of demon-possession till date, I advise you to give it a second thought, be faithful to yourself and abstain forthwith. Most of the woes that many people face can be traced to the demon of alcohol. The Word of God is forever settled; the earlier we live by its precepts, the better for us.

Action Point: Break yourself loose from the demon of alcohol and pray that all that the demon of alcohol has destroyed in your life be restored in Jesus’ name.

SOURCE: OPEN HEAVENS DEVOTIONAL, VOLUME 16, 2016

Open Heavens Devotional for Today - Appointed day of Mercy - Sunday 3, April 2016

Topic: Appointed day of Mercy - Sunday 3, April 2016

Memorise: And the publican, standing afar off, would not lift up so much as his eyes unto heaven, but smote upon his breast, saying, God be merciful to me a sinner. – Luke 18:13

Open Heavens fot Today - “LORD JESUS” : A MERE SLOGAN? – Thursday March 31, 2016

“LORD JESUS” : A MERE SLOGAN? – Thursday March 31, 2016

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

OPEN HEAVENS DEVOTIONAL FOR TODAY - Topic: The Faith of a Child - Wednesday 30 March, 2016

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

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

Open Heavens Devotional for Today: YOUR KEY TO FREEDOM – Monday March 28th, 2016

Topic: Your key to Freedom - Monday 28 March, 2016

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

OPEN HEAVENS DEVOTIONAL FOR TODAY: Beware of the Tripartite Sins - Saturday 26th March, 2016

Topic: Beware of the Tripartite Sins - Saturday 26 March, 2016

Memorise: Then when lust hath conceived, it bringeth forth sin: and sin, when it is finished, bringeth forth death. – James 1:15

Open Heavens Devotional For Today: The Advocate with the Father - Friday 25, March 2016

Topic: The Advocate with the Father - Friday 25, March 2016

Memorise: My little children, these things write I unto you, that ye sin not. And if any man sin, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous: – 1 John 2:1

Open Heavens Devotional for Today: THE PURE IN HEART – Thursday March 24, 2016

THE PURE IN HEART – Thursday March 24, 2016

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

Open Heavens Devotional for Today: BEWARE OF ENTICING MOCKERS – Sunday, March 20, 2016

BEWARE OF ENTICING MOCKERS – Sunday, March 20, 2016

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

Open Heavens For Today: BACKSLIDING: NOT AN OPTION – Saturday March 19, 2016

BACKSLIDING: NOT AN OPTION – Saturday March 19, 2016

Memorise: Blessed is the man that endureth temptation: for when he is tried, he shall receive the crown of life, which the Lord hath promised to them that love him. James 1:12

Open Heavens Devotional for Today: DWELLING IN THE SECRET PLACE OF GOD – Tuesday March 15, 2016

DWELLING IN THE SECRET PLACE OF GOD – Tuesday March 15th 2016

Memorise: The secret of the Lord is with them that fear him: and he will show them his covenant. Psalm 25:14

Open Heavens Devotional for Today: ASSURANCE OF SONSHIP – Monday, March 14, 2016

ASSURANCE OF SONSHIP – Monday, March 14, 2016

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

Open Heavens Devotional for Today: A WORD TO THE LAZY – Sunday March 13th, 2016

A WORD TO THE LAZY – Sunday March 13th 2016

Memorise: For even when we were with you, this we commanded you, that if any would not Work, neither should he eat. 2nd Thessalonians 3:10 
 
Read: Proverbs 6:4-11
4 Give not sleep to thine eyes, nor slumber to thine eyelids.
5 Deliver thyself as a roe from the hand of the hunter, and as a bird from the hand of the fowler.
6 Go to the ant, thou sluggard; consider her ways, and be wise:
7 Which having no guide, overseer, or ruler,
8 Provideth her meat in the summer, and gathereth her food in the harvest.
9 How long wilt thou sleep, O sluggard? when wilt thou arise out of thy sleep?
10 Yet a little sleep, a little slumber, a little folding of the hands to sleep:
11 So shall thy poverty come as one that travelleth, and thy want as an armed man.

Bible in one year: Joshua 10:29-13:7, Job 36:5-16

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




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

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

SOURCE: OPEN HEAVENS DEVOTIONAL, VOLUME 16, 2016

Open Heavens Devotional For Today: PERFECTION: NOT OPTIONAL – Saturday, March 12th, 2016

PERFECTION: NOT OPTIONAL – Saturday, March 12th, 2016

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

Open Heavens Devotional for Today: LET GOD HELP YOU – Thursday March 10, 2016

LET GOD HELP YOU – Thursday March 10, 2016

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

Open Heavens for Today: AUTHORITY OVER DEMONS – Wednesday March 9, 2016

AUTHORITY OVER DEMONS – Wednesday March 9, 2016

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

Open Heavens For Today : HE KNOWS THE END FROM THE BEGINNING – Tuesday March 8, 2016

HE KNOWS THE END FROM THE BEGINNING – Tuesday March 8, 2016

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

Open Heavens Devotional for today: DEFENDER OF THE DEFENCELESS – Sunday March 6th, 2016

DEFENDER OF THE DEFENCELESS – Sunday March 6th, 2016

Memorise: There shall not any man be able to stand before thee all the days of thy life: as I was with Moses, So I will be with thee: I will not fail thee, nor forsake thee. Joshua 1:5

Open Heavns Devotional for Today: THE SPIRIT OF EXCELLENCE – Friday March 4th 2016

THE SPIRIT OF EXCELLENCE – Friday March 4th 2016

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

Open Heavens Devotional for Thursday 3rd March, 2016: WORK: A DIVINE MANDATE

WORK: A DIVINE MANDATE

Memorise: But Jesus answered them, my father worketh hitherto, and I work. John 5:17

Open Heavens Devotional for Today: CAST AND CATCH – Tuesday, March 1st, 2016

CAST AND CATCH – Tuesday March 1st 2016

Memorise: There is that scattereth, and yet increaseth; And there is that withholdeth more than is meet, but it tendeth to poverty - Proverb 11:24

Open Heavens Devotional for Today : CHILDREN! FOLLOW THE WAY– Monday February 29th, 2016

CHILDREN! FOLLOW THE WAY – Monday February 29th 2016

Memorise: My son, hear the instruction of thy father, And forsake not the law of thy mother: Proverbs 1:8

Open Heavens Devotional for Today: LOVE, THE FULFILLMENT OF THE LAW II – Sunday February 28th, 2016

LOVE, THE FULFILLMENT OF THE LAW II – Sunday February 28th 2016

Memorise: By this we know that we love the children of God, when we love God, and keep his commandments. 1st John 5:2

Open Heavens Devotional for Today Titled: LOVE, THE FULFILLMENT OF THE LAW - Saturday February 27th 2016

LOVE, THE FULFILLMENT OF THE LAW – Saturday February 27th 2016

Memorise: These things I command you, that ye love one another. John 15:17

Open Heavens Devotional for Today - HOW OLD ARE YOU? – Tuesday February 23rd, 2016

HOW OLD ARE YOU? – Tuesday February 23rd 2016

Memorise: So teach us to number our days, that we may apply our hearts unto wisdom. Psalms 90:12

Open Heavens Devotional - APOSTATE OR REFORMER? – Monday February 22nd, 2016

APOSTATE OR REFORMER? – Monday February 22nd 2016

Memorise: Behold, the hire of the labourers who have reaped down your fields, which is of you kept back by fraud, crieth: and the cries of them which have reaped are entered into the ears of the Lord of sabaoth. James 5:4

Open Heavens devotional Titled: BLESSINGS OF KNOWING THE TRUE GOD - Sunday, February 21st, 2016

BLESSINGS OF KNOWING THE TRUE GOD - Sunday February 21st 2016

Memorise: And such as do wickedly against the covenant shall he corrupt by flatteries: but the people that do know their God shall be strong, and do exploits. Daniel 11:32

Open Heavens Devotional Titled: BEWARE OF DECEIVERS II – Saturday February 20th 2016

BEWARE OF DECEIVERS II – Saturday February 20th 2016

Memorise: But watch thou in all things, endure afflictions, do the work of an evangelist, make full proof of thy ministry. 2nd Timothy 4:5

BEWARE OF DECEIVERS I- Open Heavens for Friday 19th February, 2016

BEWARE OF DECEIVERS I – Friday February 19th 2016

Memorise: All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness. 2nd Timothy 3:16

TIME TO FIGHT II - Open Heavens Devotional for Wednesday 17th February, 2016 by Pastor E.A Adeboye

TIME TO FIGHT II – Wednesday February 17th 2016

Memorise: Mortify therefore your members which are upon the earth; fornication, uncleanness, inordinate affection, evil concupiscence, and covetousness, which is idolatry. Colossians 3:5

TIME TO FIGHT I - Open Heavens Devotional for Tuesday 16th February, 2016 by Pastor E.A Adeboye

TIME TO FIGHT I – Tuesday February 16th 2016

Memorise: To everything there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven. Ecclesiastes 3:1

COMMANDED TO REJOICE - Open Heavens Devotional for Monday 15th February, 2016 by Pastor E.A Adeboye

COMMANDED TO REJOICE – Monday February 15th 2016

Memorise: For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the Lord, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected. Jeremiah 29:11

FULFILLING GOD’S PURPOSE V - Open Heavens Devotional for Sunday 14th February, 2016 by Pastor E.A Adeboye

FULFILLING GOD’S PURPOSE V - Sunday 14, February 2016

Memorise: A wise son maketh a glad father: but a foolish man despiseth his mother. – Proverbs 15:20

OPEN HEAVENS DEVOTIONAL : FULFILLING GOD’S PURPOSE IV - Saturday, February 13, 2016

FULFILLING GOD’S PURPOSE IV – Saturday February 13th 2016

Memorise: And, ye fathers, provoke not your children to wrath: but bring them up in the nurture and admonition of the Lord. Ephesians 6:4
Read: Genesis 18:17-19
17 And the Lord said, Shall I hide from Abraham that thing which I do;
18 Seeing that Abraham shall surely become a great and mighty nation, and all the nations of the earth shall be blessed in him?
19 For I know him, that he will command his children and his household after him, and they shall keep the way of the Lord, to do justice and judgment; that the Lord may bring upon Abraham that which he hath spoken of him.

Bible in one year: Mark 14:43-16:8, Job 21:1-16

MESSAGE
The Bible declared the father as the head of the home – head of the mother and the children. As such, fathers have complete authority within the household to direct the affairs of the family, and to administer discipline when necessary. However, Apostle Paul admonishes that fathers should handle authority over their children with care; they are to be careful not to provoke their children to wrath. Some fathers are guilty of using their authority unreasonably in ways that cause their children to harbour resentment. However, fathers have the responsibility to bring their children up in the way of the Lord.

In many cultures today, parents have submitted and completely relinquished their God given responsibility to raise godly children to school teachers, Sunday schools teachers, pastors, or governmental institutions. Every Christian parent should know that God will hold them responsible for the success or failure of their wards. Children are God’s heritage, we have an awesome responsibility and authority over them, we are responsible for them before God, and we will surely render our account to God over them.



Are there any particular reason(s) why parents, particularly fathers, are called by God to play such a crucial, God ordained role in the unbringing or discipleship of their children? Ephesians 6:1-4 given us a clue.

“Children, obey your parents in the Lord: for this is right. Honour thy father and mother; which is the first commandment with promise; that it may be well with thee, and thou mayest live long on the earth. And, ye fathers provoke not your children to wrath: but bring them up in the nurture and admonition of the Lord”.

God knows that from childhood, little children gradually learn to love and trust their parents because of the relationship they have. Children normally grow up to receive love and care from their parents in the form of feeding, clothing, washing, and protection from cold and other harmful circumstances. Therefore children naturally gravitate towards their parents. For the same reasons, children are more likely to learn the ways and manners of their parents by default. Most children would choose to learn from their parents because parents are the first heroes’ children. God in His wisdom is fully aware of these factors; He therefore designed the family to take advantage of the opportunity provided by nature.

The Bible provides a very good balance here; children are to obey their parents, while parents are to treat their children with respect so that they will obey them without coercion. God expects children to obey their parents for Christ’s sake, even if their parents are not believers. Also, children should not commit any sinful act just because their parents command them to. When faced with a choice between the two, children must obey God rather then man.

Prayer Point: Father, please make me a successful parent; don’t let me fail You over my children.

SOURCE: OPEN HEAVENS DEVOTIONAL, VOLUME 16, 2016

FULFILLING GOD’S PURPOSE III - Open Heavens Devotional for Friday 12th February, 2016

FULFILLING GOD’S PURPOSE III – Friday February 12th 2016

Memorise: And the Lord God said, it is not good that the man should be alone; I will make him an help meet for him. Genesis 2:18

FULFILLING GOD’S PURPOSE II - Open Heavens Devotional for Thursday 11th February, 2016

FULFILLING GOD’S PURPOSE II – Thursday February 11th 2016

Memorise: And the Lord God took the man, and put him into the Garden of Eden to dress it and to keep it. Genesis 2:15

DELIVERANCE THROUGH PRAYER - Open Heavens Devotional for Monday 8th February, 2016

DELIVERANCE THROUGH PRAYER – Monday February 8th 2016

Memorise: Confess your faults one to another, and pray one for another, that ye may be healed. The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much. James 5:16

COMMISSIONED BY THE HOLY GHOST - Open Heavens for Sunday 7th February, 2016

COMMISSIONED BY THE HOLY GHOST – Sunday February 7th 2016

Memorise: As they ministered to the Lord, and fasted, the Holy Ghost said, separate me, Barnabas and Saul for the work whereunto I have called them. Acts 13:2

REVIVIAL BY THE WORD OF GOD II - Open Heavens Devotional for Saturday 6th February, 2016

REVIVIAL BY THE WORD OF GOD II – Saturday February 6th 2016

Memorise: Preach the word; be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all longsuffering and doctrine. 2nd Timothy 4:2

REVIVAL BY THE WORD OF GOD I - Open Heavens Devotional for Friday 5th February, 2016

REVIVAL BY THE WORD OF GOD I- Friday February 5th 2016

Memorise: For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart. Hebrews 4:12

Read: Nehemiah 8:1-10
1 And all the people gathered themselves together as one man into the street that was before the water gate; and they spake unto Ezra the scribe to bring the book of the law of Moses, which the Lord had commanded to Israel.
2 And Ezra the priest brought the law before the congregation both of men and women, and all that could hear with understanding, upon the first day of the seventh month.
3 And he read therein before the street that was before the water gate from the morning until midday, before the men and the women, and those that could understand; and the ears of all the people were attentive unto the book of the law.
4 And Ezra the scribe stood upon a pulpit of wood, which they had made for the purpose; and beside him stood Mattithiah, and Shema, and Anaiah, and Urijah, and Hilkiah, and Maaseiah, on his right hand; and on his left hand, Pedaiah, and Mishael, and Malchiah, and Hashum, and Hashbadana, Zechariah, and Meshullam.
5 And Ezra opened the book in the sight of all the people; (for he was above all the people;) and when he opened it, all the people stood up:
6 And Ezra blessed the Lord, the great God. And all the people answered, Amen, Amen, with lifting up their hands: and they bowed their heads, and worshipped theLord with their faces to the ground.
7 Also Jeshua, and Bani, and Sherebiah, Jamin, Akkub, Shabbethai, Hodijah, Maaseiah, Kelita, Azariah, Jozabad, Hanan, Pelaiah, and the Levites, caused the people to understand the law: and the people stood in their place.
8 So they read in the book in the law of God distinctly, and gave the sense, and caused them to understand the reading.
9 And Nehemiah, which is the Tirshatha, and Ezra the priest the scribe, and the Levites that taught the people, said unto all the people, This day is holy unto the Lord your God; mourn not, nor weep. For all the people wept, when they heard the words of the law.
10 Then he said unto them, Go your way, eat the fat, and drink the sweet, and send portions unto them for whom nothing is prepared: for this day is holy unto our Lord: neither be ye sorry; for the joy of the Lord is your strength.

Bible in one year: Matthew 26:68-28:20, Job 16:1-17

MESSAGE
To have a full understanding of the term “revival by the Word of God”, we need to carefully consider the various interpretations of the Word of God in the view of the Old Testament and the New Testament. In the Old Testament, the Word of God implied both a word about God and a word from God. In effect, the word of God refers to what God says, and at the same time describes God, His essence and attributes. The New Testament on the other hand, presents the Word of God as a person, the second person of the Trinity. Jesus Christ our Lord, who was with the Father from the beginning of creation. The New Testament presents the Word of God as follows:

“For by him were all things created, that are in heaven, and that are in earth, visible and invisible, whether they be thrones, or dominions, or principalities, or powers: all things were created by him, and for him: And he is before all things, and by him all things consist. And he is the head of the body, the church: who is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead; that in all things he might have the prominence.” Colossians 1:16-18

The special ability of the Word of God to revive is based principally on the fact that He is the source of all things in heaven and earth. Since all things were created by Him, the power to revive is embedded in His creative power. God spoke all things into being by the power of His Word. Since the power to create is greater than the power of His Word. Since the power to create is greater than the power to repair, it is well within the power of the Word to repair and revive a corrupted creature at will.

To this end the Bible says the Word of God is living and active, He has the power to quicken and animate anything He chooses. The Word is able to examine and judge those who hear Him; He does not fail, but always accomplishes the set purpose. The Word of God is in fact a weapon of warfare that is able to penetrate and deal with material objects such as joints and marrow, and even the immaterial word such as the soul and spirit.



The passage further confirms that there is no hiding place for any creature before the Word as all things are made bare and completely exposed before Him. Furthermore, the thought and intents of the heart of men are correctly discerned and decoded by the Word of God.

Dearly beloved, I admonish you to stop playing games with God. Ask God for forgiveness, renewal, revival and re-dedication today. He will answer your prayers beyond your wildest dreams. He will revive you by the power of His Word and give you a new beginning of joy, peace, and prosperity. You will also reign with Him in heaven in Jesus’ name.

Prayer Point: Father, please revive me by the power in your Word in the mighty Name of Jesus.

SOURCE: OPEN HEAVENS DEVOTIONAL, VOLUME 16, 2016

REVIVAL THROUGH PRAYER - Open Heavens Devotional for Thursday 4th February, 2016

REVIVAL THROUGH PRAYER – Thursday February 4th 2016

Memorise: After two days will be revive us: in the third day he will raise us up, and we shall live in his sight. Hosea 6:2

REVIVAL THROUGH RETREAT - Open Heavens Devotional for Wednesday 3rd February, 2016

REVIVAL THROUGH RETREAT – Wednesday February 3rd 2016

Memorise: Wilt thou not receive us again: that thy people may rejoice in thee? Psalm 85:6

Open Heavens Devotional for Today - Tuesday, February 2nd, 2016 - INTIMIDATED?

INTIMIDATED? – Tuesday February 2nd 2016

Memorise: Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour - 1st Peter 5:8

LOOKING UNTO JESUS II - Open Heavens Devotional for Today - Monday, February 1st, 2016

LOOKING UNTO JESUS II – Monday February 1st 2016

Memorise: Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; Hebrews 12:2b

Open Heavens Devotional for Sunday 31st January, 2016: LOOKING UNTO JESUS I

LOOKING UNTO JESUS I – Sunday January 31st 2016

Memorise: And as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, even so must the Son of man be lifted up: John 3:14

COUNTING YOUR BLESSINGS II - Open Heavens Devotional for Saturday 30th January, 2016

COUNTING YOUR BLESSINGS II – Saturday January 30th 2016

Memorise: Blessed be the Lord my strength, which teacheth my hands to war, and my fingers to fight: Psalms 144:1

COUNTING YOUR BLESSINGS I - Open Heavens Devotional - Friday 29th January, 2016

COUNTING YOUR BLESSINGS I – Friday January 29th 2016

Memorise: Praise the Lord; for the Lord is good: sing praises unto his name; for it is pleasant. 
Psalms 135:3

Open Heavens Devotional for Thursday 28th January, 2015: MAKING YOUR MARRIAGE WORK II

MAKING YOUR MARRIAGE WORK II – Thursday January 28th 2016

Memorise: And said, For this cause shall a man leave father and mother, and shall cleave to his wife: and they twain shall be one flesh. Matthew 19:5

OPEN HEAVENS DEVOTIONAL FOR TODAY - DIVINE TRANSFORMATION I – Saturday January 23rd, 2016

DIVINE TRANSFORMATION I – Saturday January 23rd 2016

Memorise: Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold all things are become new - 2nd Corinthians 5:17

WALKING WITH GOD III - Open Heavens for Friday 22nd January, 2016

WALKING WITH GOD III – Friday January 22nd 2016

Memorise: He that hath clean hands, and a pure heart; who hath not lifted upon his soul unto vanity, nor sworn deceitfully. Psalm 24:4

Read: Psalm 24:3-6
3 Who shall ascend into the hill of the Lord? or who shall stand in his holy place?
4 He that hath clean hands, and a pure heart; who hath not lifted up his soul unto vanity, nor sworn deceitfully.
5 He shall receive the blessing from the Lord, and righteousness from the God of his salvation.
6 This is the generation of them that seek him, that seek thy face, O Jacob. Selah.

Bible in one year: Deuteronomy 19:1-31:13, Job 8:20-9:12

MESSAGE
Walking with God requires living holy because God is holy. According to the Scriptures, two can’t walk together if they do not agree. When we live holy, we are in agreement with God. The Lord spoke with Abram thus:

“And when Abram was ninety years old and nine, the Lord appeared to Abram, and said unto him, I am the Almighty God; walk before me, and be thou perfect.” Genesis 17:1

In our Bible reading for today, we are confronted with some fundamental requirements for an acceptable walk with God. The first one is clean hands. If your hands are defiled, you cannot walk with God. What is it that defiles a man’s hands? Blood money is one; money that belongs to another person or organisation but you have taken unlawfully is another. Also, your hands are defiled by the unlawful touch of another man’s wife or another woman’s husband.

“Can a man take fire in his bosom and his clothes not be burned? Can one go upon hot coals, and his feet not be burned? So he that goeth in to his neighbour ‘s wife; whosoever toucheth her shall not be innocent.” Proverbs 6:27-29

Moreover, only a man with a pure heart can effectively and acceptably walk with God. The heart is deceitful and desperately wicked, but God is able to remove this wickedness. This is why everyone must surrender his or her heart to God for spiritual surgery through genuine repentance. The Scripture says all have sinned and come short of the glory of God. If we confess our sins to God, He is faithful to give us and cleanse us from all unrighteousness. God also promises:

“And I will give them one heart, and I will put a new spirit within you; and I will take the stony heart out of their flesh, and I will give them an heart of flesh: that they may walk in my statutes, and keep mine ordinances, and do them: and they shall be my people, and I will be their God.” Ezekiel 11:19-20

Jesus Christ said that we cannot serve God and Mammon. Also, the Bible enjoins us not to love the world and its vanities. Failure to heed this scriptural injunction is lifting up our soul unto vanity. The love of money can hinder our Christian walk with God. It makes Christians do such things as swearing to false affidavits. May the Lord deliver you from anything that works against your walk with God in Jesus’ name.

Action Point: Using 2nd Corinthians 6:14-18, pray that God will enable you to shun anything that will hinder your walk with Him.

SOURCE: OPEN HEAVENS DEVOTIONAL, VOLUME 16, 2016

WALKING WITH GOD I - Open Heavens Devotional for Wednesday 20th January, 2016

WALKING WITH GOD I – Wednesday January 20th 2016

Memorise: And Enoch walked with God: and he was not; for God took him. Genesis 5:24

WEEP NOT: A DIVINE COMMAND - Open Heavens Devotional for Monday 18th January, 2016

WEEP NOT: A DIVINE COMMAND – Monday January 18th 2016

Memorise: Rejoice evermore - 1st Thessalonians 5:16

LIKE TEACHER, LIKE STUDENT - Open Heavens Devotional for Sunday 17th January, 2016

LIKE TEACHER, LIKE STUDENT – Sunday January 17th 2016

Memorise: Study to show thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth. 2nd Timothy 2:15

THE NEW ANOINTING - Open Heavens Devotional for Saturday 16th January, 2016

THE NEW ANOINTING – Saturday January 16th 2016

Memorise: And he that sat upon the throne said, behold, I make all things new. And he said unto me, Write: for these words are true and faithful. Revelations 21:5

Read: Acts 1:7-8
7 And he said unto them, It is not for you to know the times or the seasons, which the Father hath put in his own power.
8 But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth.

Bible in one year: Deuteronomy 14:1-16:17, Job 5:1-16

MESSAGE
“Behold, the days come, saith the Lord, that I will make a new covenant with the house of Israel, and with the house of Judah:” Jeremiah 31:31

The implication of this passage is that the new covenant presupposes a new anointing which is represented by Jesus Christ. He makes many things new including our mode of worship. After Jesus Christ had completed the work of our redemption, before He ascended to be with His Father, He promised the disciples the power of the Holy Ghost (Acts 1:5, 8). The coming of the Holy Ghost brought the new anointing which does many things in the life of a believer. One of such is the conviction of sin. Another thing the new anointing does is found in Luke 4:18-19

“The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he hath anointed me to preach the gospel to the poor; he hath sent me to heal the broken-hearted, to preach deliverance to the captives, and recovering of sight to the blind, to set at liberty them that are bruised, To preach the acceptable year of the Lord.”

The new anointing brings the good news of salvation to sinners. It also brings healing. Deliverance and the recovery of sight to both spiritually and physically blind individuals.

With the new anointing, we are shielded from seducing and lying spirits. We are properly groomed into all godliness without having to struggle on our own. Also, the Bible says:

“But the anointing which ye have received of him abideth in you, and ye need not that any man teach you: but as the same anointing teacheth you of all things, and is truth, and is no lie, and even as it hath taught you, ye shall abide in him.”1st John 2:27

Our Lord Jesus Christ, under the influence of the new anointing, went about doing good, preaching the gospel of peace between man and the Almighty God. When a new believer comes under the new anointing, 2nd Corinthians 5:17 explains what happens;

“Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold all things are become new.”

My prayer for someone using this devotional is that the blessing of the new anointing will be your portion in Jesus’ name. however, you must surrender your life to Jesus Christ.

Action Point: Activate the new anointing upon your life by praying in Jesus’ name for the baptism of the Holy Spirit.

SOURCE: OPEN HEAVENS DEVOTIONAL, VOLUME 16, 2016

THAT I MAY KNOW HIM - Open Heavens Devotional for Thursday 14thJanuary, 2016 by Pastor E.A Adeboye

THAT I MAY KNOW HIM – Thursday January 14th 2016

Memorise: If any man will do his will, he shall know of the doctrine, whether it be of God, or whether I speak of myself. John 7:17

Open Heavens Devotional for Wednesday 13th January, 2016: BEING WITH JESUS

BEING WITH JESUS – Wednesday January 13th 2016

Memorise: Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls. Matthew 11:29

GENUINE PRAISE AND WORSHIP: A PATH TO VICTORY - Open Heavens Devotional for Monday 11/01/2016

GENUINE PRAISE AND WORSHIP: A PATH TO VICTORY – Monday January 11th 2016

Memorise: And when they began to sing and to praise, the Lord set ambushments against the children of Ammon, Moah, and mount Seir, which were come against Judah; and they were smitten.
2nd Chronicles 20:22

THE POWER OF THE MISSIONARY MANDATE - Open Heavens Devotional for Sunday 10th January, 2016

THE POWER OF THE MISSIONARY MANDATE – Sunday January 10th 2016

Memorise: But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth. Acts 1:8

THE SECRET OF DIVINE BLESSINGS - Open Heavens Devotional for Saturday 9th January, 2016

THE SECRET OF DIVINE BLESSINGS – Saturday January 9th 2016

Memorise: I am the vine, ye are the branches: He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without me ye can do nothing.