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
Friday, April 29, 2016
Thursday, April 28, 2016
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
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
Tuesday, April 26, 2016
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
Memorise: My son, if sinners entice thee, consent thou not. – Proverbs 1:10
Monday, April 25, 2016
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
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
Tuesday, April 19, 2016
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
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
Monday, April 18, 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
Memorise: Blessed be the kingdom of our father David, that cometh in the name of the Lord: Hosanna in the highest. Mark 11:10
Sunday, April 17, 2016
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
Memorise: Blessed shalt thou be in the city, and blessed shalt thou be in the field. – Deuteronomy 28:3
Saturday, April 16, 2016
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
Memorise: And as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, even so must the Son of man be lifted up: – John 3:14
Thursday, April 14, 2016
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
Memorise: And call upon me in the day of trouble: I will deliver thee, and thou shalt glorify me. – Psalms 50:15
Wednesday, April 13, 2016
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
Memorise: I am the LORD, your Holy One, the creator of Israel, your King. – Isaiah 43:15
Monday, April 11, 2016
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
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
Sunday, April 10, 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
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
Saturday, April 9, 2016
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
Memorise: But he giveth more grace. Wherefore he saith, God resisteth the proud, but giveth grace unto the humble. James 4:6
Thursday, April 7, 2016
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
Memorise: Righteousness exalteth a nation: but sin is a reproach to any people. – Proverbs 14:34
Wednesday, April 6, 2016
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
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
Sunday, April 3, 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
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
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