RCCG OPEN HEAVENS DEVOTIONAL 1ST MAY, 2013 BY PASTOR E.A. ADEBOYE

Wednesday 1st May, 2013

DON'T BE DISTRACTED!

MEMORY VERSE:

 Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God. Hebrews 12:2

READ:

Hebrews 12:1-3

Heb 12:1 Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us,

Heb 12:2 Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God.

Heb 12:3 For consider him that endured such contradiction of sinners against himself, lest ye be wearied and faint in your minds.

MESSAGE

We have seen that in God's army, God cannot put up with parasites, loafers and deserters. In addition to these, there is no room in God's army for slothfulness. No earthly army would want to recruit lazy folks, hence they search and screen to select those they want on board. God does not tolerate lazy soldiers either. If there were members of the Heavenly army that deserve to idle away, it should be members of the Godhead, but they are ever working. John 5:17 says,

“But Jesus answered them, My Father worketh hitherto, and I work.”

In other words, Jesus and His Father are very active in God's army. The Holy Spirit is also busy working, for He is behind the Acts of the Apostles - written and unwritten. Mark 16:20 says,

“And they went forth, and preached everywhere, the Lord working with them, and confirming the word with signs following. Amen.”

If the Lord who has been glorified and expected to be resting at the right hand of God is still working, then you have no excuse to stop working. One characteristic of a bona fide member of God's army is that even at old age they are still working - bearing fruit of the Spirit and recruiting more civilians into God's army (Psalm 92:13-14). Are you slothful, lazy, or idle? Snap out of it and become a committed soldier of the Cross!

Furthermore, God does not accommodate those with divided loyalty. Your undivided loyalty must be to the Commander-in-Chief alone according to Matthew 10:37. If you share your loyalty between your parents and the Lord, you may be disqualified. Besides, as part of God's army, you must be focused. There is no room for lack of concentration. If you are driving a truck carrying other soldiers in God's army, you cannot afford to be distracted (Luke 9:59-62). Too often, believers are distracted and their focus is replaced with someone or something else. God's soldiers must focus permanently on the Commander-in-Chief as He is the source of our victory. Even when situations, contrary winds and circumstances come our way, we must be prepared to keep the Lord as our focus no matter the cost of such an action. Are you easily distracted?

PRAYER POINT

It is impossible to make Jesus your focus and end up somewhere else. Father, throughout my earthly sojourn, let nothing distract me from focusing on Jesus.

BIBLE IN ONE YEAR
Luke 22 – 24

RCCG OPEN HEAVENS DEVOTIONAL 2013 BY PASTOR E.A. ADEBOYE

Tuesday 30 April, 2013
HAVE FAMILY VALUES

MEMORY VERSE:

Let not mercy and truth forsake thee: bind them about thy neck; write them upon the table of thine heart: Proverbs 3:3

READ:Proverbs 3:1-4

Pro 3:1 My son, forget not my law; but let thine heart keep my commandments:

Pro 3:2 For length of days, and long life, and peace, shall they add to thee.

Pro 3:3 Let not mercy and truth forsake thee: bind them about thy neck; write them upon the table of thine heart

Pro 3:4 So shalt thou find favour and good understanding in the sight of God and man.
MESSAGE:

After Vashti was deposed, Ahasuerus needed a replacement queen. He did not look for just any young lady but specifically invited all the pretty virgins to his palace for a contest. Speaking of virgins, it is common knowledge that virgins are products of good homes. When you see a virgin, the first thing that comes to mind is that she must have come from a very good and disciplined home. Children are a reflection of their parents. Good children are products of good homes. On the other hand, good homes are products of great values. In a good home, the fear of God is taught to every member of that family.

“The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge; but fools despise wisdom and instruction.” Proverbs 1:7

Every child must be taught about God who is the Creator of all things. They must also be taught that He has laid down laws by which we must live on earth, and that He rewards the obedient but punishes the disobedient. You should provide scriptural examples on how God rewards and punishes these classes of people.

Similarly, great values must be adopted from the Bible and made to be part of the principles that govern that home. An example is chastity - keeping your body from every form of sexual defilement. Another is hard work - putting in your all at work or school in order to excel. Also, respect for elders and obedience to authorities at home, community, school, work or government. A child must also be taught contentment - being satisfied with whatever is available and using only legitimate means to acquire wealth or to make progress. Children must be taught hygiene and to avoid dirty habits. They must learn to handle domestic chores themselves no matter how many servants that are employed in that home. Children must be taught to be their brother's keeper and learn to be neighbourly and relate well with fellow human beings. Merit and order must be a priority. Children must learn to follow a time table where everything is done at the right time and place to avoid time wastage. Every child must be taught their rights, privileges and obligations. They must know their limits. They must be brought up to tell the truth always and reject lies. They must learn etiquette and acceptable ways of behaviour in public places, table manners while eating and how to handle disputes and crises. They must be very respectful and know how to exchange pleasantries, must be polite and prayerful. What values are you bringing your children up with? Teach your child on choosing friends and the books to read, programmes to watch, places to go and places not to go.

KEY POINT:

Values make children, homes, communities and nations. Every value you fail to teach your child could create a vacuum that would be suffered by the nation in time to come.

BIBLE IN ONE YEAR:

Luke 18 – 21

RCCG Open Heavens Devotional 2013 by Pastor E.A. Adeboye

Monday 29 April 2013
THERE FOR A REASON

MEMORISE:

… and who knoweth whether thou art come to the kingdom for such a time as this? Esther 4:14d

READ:
Esther 4:10 – 14

Esther 4:10 Again Esther spake unto Hatach, and gave him commandment unto Mordecai;

Esther 4:11 All the king's servants, and the people of the king's provinces, do know, that whosoever, whether man or women, shall come unto the king into the inner court, who is not called, there is one law of his to put him to death, except such to whom the king shall hold out the golden sceptre, that he may live: but I have not been called to come in unto the king these thirty days.

Esther 4:12 And they told to Mordecai Esther's words.

Esther 4:13 Then Mordecai commanded to answer Esther, Think not with thyself that thou shalt escape in the king's house, more than all the Jews.

Esther 4:14 For if thou altogether holdest thy peace at this time, then shall there enlargement and deliverance arise to the Jews from another place; but thou and thy father's house shall be destroyed: and who knoweth whether thou art come to the kingdom for such a time as this?

MESSAGE:

In Esther 2:1 - 4, so many young and beautiful virgins entered in for a beauty pageant and Esther emerged winner and became queen. Although initially she did not know why she was the winner, but much later, when the Jews had their very existence threatened, she worked hand in hand with Mordecai to bring about their deliverance. 

A non-Jewish virgin could have won the contest, but because God needed a vessel to facilitate the deliverance of His people right at the palace, He gave Esther uncommon favour before Hegai and the king, and the royal crown was set upon her head (Esther 2:8-17). This tells us that when God favours you above others to receive a particular thing, opportunity or blessing, He has a purpose. He needed a saviour for physical deliverance of the Jews so He chose Esther. 

God does not release His favours just for fun. If you are sensitive enough, you will sense that God has a purpose for making you the pastor in the midst of others. You would also want to know why you were so favoured so that you do not bungle the whole process. When God releases His grace upon an individual, it is to accomplish certain tasks. You may not believe this, but some people are using their God-given grace meant for something to accomplish something else.

You were chosen not for yourself but to satisfy He who chose you. You were appointed into that office to take care of His interests. Why are you pursuing your personal interests? God anointed some of His children to heal, save and deliver the oppressed but they are using the anointing to make merchandise of the people God sent them to deliver. You are in the parish, area, zone, province or region for a purpose. Have you cared to find out from God why He brought you to the place you are? If you ask, He will reveal it to you. And when this is done, that will become your goal in that organisation. You are in that house fellowship or department for a purpose. Queen Esther fulfilled her purpose for being made queen, have you fulfilled yours? You will not disappoint God, The Lord will open your eyes to see why He has put you where you are, and give you the grace to do His bidding.

KEY POINT:

Father, the purpose for taking me to my present, level and for blessing me so much, let me fulfil it Lord, may You never regret Your investments in my life.

BIBLE IN ONE YEAR:
Luke 14 – 17

PRAYER POINTS FOR MIDIANITES CURSES

Midianite Curse:

(Fill the below in the blank in the blank)

Poverty, Devouring, Stealing, Fear, Hiding, Slavery, Trauma, Death, Deprived, Unprotected, Comfort, Hope deferred, Abuse, Control, Wrong use of Finances, Selfishness, Self-Centeredness, Strife, Deception, Greed, Rebellion, Pride, Idolatry, Occult

1. I confess the sin of my ancestors, my parents and my own sin of   ________________.

2. I choose to forgive and release my ancestors, as well as all others who have influenced me, for these sins and curses, and for the consequences in my life (Be specific).

3. I ask You to forgive me, Lord, for these sins; for yielding to them and to the curses. I receive Your forgiveness.

4. On the basis for Your forgiveness, Lord, I choose to forgive myself for entering into these sins.

5. I renounce the sins and curses of __________. I break these powers from my life and from the lives of my descendants through the redemptive work of Christ on the Cross.

6. I receive God’s freedom from these sins and from the resulting curses. I receive ________________________.

DELIVERANCE:

 (Use the same list as above for deliverance.)

1. In the name of Jesus, I renounce and break all agreements with the demons (stronghold) of__________, including all associated demons of (see list above)

2. I take authority over the demons (stronghold) of ________ and command you to leave me now based on the finished work of Christ on the Cross and my authority as a believer.

PRAYER FOR BREAKING THE CURSE OF POVERTY

Father I come in the name of Jesus to repent for the sins and transgressions of my ancestors. I repent for all disobedience of Your commands, turning away and listening to the enemy or to other people. Father I receive the redemption from the curse by the Blood of Jesus and ask You to break all curses of poverty upon my family line and me. I declare that the Blood of Jesus has broken all the curses!

I repent for any generational dishonesty, even the smallest, hidden, accepted or self justified dishonesty.

Lord, I repent for all of my ancestors that were liars, hasty, lovers of the world and it’s pleasure, proud, arrogant and selfish. I repent for the lack of diligence, oppression of the needy, exploitation and favoritism. I repent for all rejection of God and any cursing or blasphemy of God.

Lord I repent for all family sluggishness, laziness, neglect, lack of judgment or for any charging exorbitant interest. I repent for any and all family concealed sins. I repent for spiritual pride in those that would not repent.

I repent for anyone in my family that followed deceptive words and relied on their social or religious identity for salvation. I repent for injustice, oppressing the widows and fatherless. I repent for any idolatry, ungodly sacrifices, adultery, perjury and murder. I repent for all backsliding, rebellion, pride, and spiritual pride. Lord please break all connections and control that the queen of heaven has on my family and Lord please restore in us wholeness. Please make our hearts pure, noble, faithful, humble and sensitive to you.

Lord I repent for all my ancestors that were boastful and proud of their position, standing and authority. I renounce all the love of sin and iniquity. I repent for all that became comfortable, selfish, hoarders, and trusted in their wealth. I repent for all that sold their righteousness, for all slavery and for all trampling of the poor. I repent for all who were stingy and controlling of wealth.

Lord I repent for everyone that was controlling, deceptive, and put ungodly burdens on others. I repent for those that tried to please man rather than please God and accepted the praise, honor worship or ungodly authority and titles from men. I renounce all religious spirits, spirits of legalism, self-exaltation and hypocrisy. I repent for all who did not enter the door to heaven and shut it on others. I repent for all who were blind guides and I ask You Lord to break all ungodly oaths, covenants, pledged, dedications and alliances. I repent for all ungodly and insincere sacrifices or any sacrifices on an ungodly alter. I repent for everyone who was unjust, merciless, unfaithful and greedy. I repent for any harboring of sin or wickedness. I repent for anyone that rejected, mocked, cursed or killed the prophets and messengers of God. I renounce any spiritual pride that rebels against repentance and I apply the Blood of Jesus to all the roots. Lord, please break all curses that have come upon my family because they were rich, comfortable, well fed and accepted the praises of men.

I repent for all generational wrong attitudes about wealth and poverty, and I place the cross between me and all iniquity relating to poverty in my family line in the precious name of Jesus, Amen!!

RCCG OPEN HEAVENS DEVOTIONAL 2013 BY PASTOR E.A. ADEBOYE

Sunday 28 April 2013
COMMITTED TO UNBROKEN LINK?

MEMORISE:
If a man abide not in me, he is cast forth as a branch, and is withered; and men gather them, and cast them into the fire, and they are burned. John 15:6

READ:
Genesis 39:7-12

MESSAGE:

If you want to see the power of God in your life and ministry, then work on your commitment. The commitment of some people does not go beyond lips service as their heart is saying something else. When the Lord met some of such people - Scribes and Pharisees in Matthew 15:1-9, He told them what God had said about them and the end of that kind of commitment. Verse 8 says,

"This people draweth nigh unto me with their mouth, and honoureth me with their lips; but their heart is far from me,"

It is possible to confess closeness to God and to eulogise God while the heart is saying a different thing. If your heart strays whenever you claim to praise or worship God, you are left with just lips praise. Praise from the lips that is not connected with the heart does not go beyond the ceiling. Jesus says everyone whose commitment to God is limited to the lips, is wasting time worshipping God. This applies also to service. Every service you do that is not from a heart of commitment is only a waste of time.

How do you identify someone who is committed to God? And in what area can one be committed to God today? The one who is committed to God will be identified by a commitment to an unbroken link with his or her Source -Jesus Christ. John 15:6 says,

"If a man abide not in me, he is cast forth as a branch, and is withered; and men gather them, and cast them into the fire, and they are burned."

All of Satan's temptations are summarily targeted at breaking you from the Vine. If the kingdom of darkness succeeds in doing this, you will lose all you have received from God and become vulnerable to their plans. Sister, see beyond that man who is trying to lure you into immorality: the devil's real purpose is to separate you from Christ, to make you an enemy of your strongest Ally. One person who knew this well was Joseph. When God favoured him and he became the chief of servants in Portiphar's house, Satan decided to work through his master's wife to severe him from his source. He realised this and took to his heels. He preferred to go to prison for a crime he did not commit, than to have his freedom but be cut off from his source. Joseph saw sin as a great wickedness to the One who has been so good to him. Joseph is a true example of somebody whose commitment to his source was not shaken no matter the circumstances. Are you committed to your Source? How jealously are you guarding your salvation? How do you see sin?

ACTION POINT:

Why believers toy with sin is purely because they see it different from how God sees it. Ask that you will see sin like God sees it from today

BIBLE IN ONE YEAR:
Luke 10 – 13

OPEN HEAVENS BY PASTOR E.A. ADEBOYE

RCCG OPEN HEAVENS DEVOTIONAL 2013

BY PASTOR E.A. ADEBOYE

Saturday 27 April 2013

BENEFITS OF REVELATIONAL GIFTS

Memorise:

But covet earnestly the best gifts: and yet shew I unto you a more excellent way.
1 Corinthians 12:31

Read:

Daniel 2:46 – 49

You cannot underestimate the benefits of the revelational gifts in the life of an individual, group or nation. When Cod reveals a bit of His knowledge to you, to enable you solve a particular problem, you may be regarded as some god. If you doubt it, take a look at the life of Daniel. After he successfully interpreted the king's dream, the king fell down and worshipped him, asking that incense be offered to him. This is a trap. No matter what God reveals to and through you, never share in the glory. Give it all to Him. Also, never allow man to turn you into God. If you do, you will turn God against you. However, as can be seen in today's reading, even though the king recognised that it was the God of Daniel that revealed the dream to him and his colleagues, he began to relate with Daniel as he would relate with God. The revelational gifts can bring uncommon honour to you but be very careful not to accept worship of men, or take what should only go to God – all the glory!

Another benefit of the revelational gift is that it can deliver you from sudden death. If Daniel and his colleagues were not able to provide the interpretation of the dream, they and all the wise men of Babylon would have paid dearly with their lives. Do you know that God can still use this gift to deliver you from death? Also, it can make you great. Daniel suddenly became great and was given great gifts. This gift attracts great gifts and greatness. It can also bring you promotion like they got. Daniel became chief governor among the governors while his friends were put in charge of the affairs of Babylon. The revelational gifts will bring you before the high and mighty and set you up in their midst. The gifts can also bring you tremendous prosperity. But beware; the gifts are not for merchandising. You do not sell the gifts. In addition, these gifts can help you to escape from danger as you will foresee the danger. If you are able to see the exact place where the enemy is setting a trap for you, when you get close, you will know how to escape. May the Lord release these revelational gifts to you this season. How hungry are you for these gifts?

Prayer Point:

Father, give me the gifts of the Holy Spirit and let them begin to manifest in my life and ministry for Your glory.

Bible in one year:

Luke 7 – 9

OPEN HEAVENS DEVOTIONAL BY PASTOR E.A. ADEBOYE - 25TH APRIL, 2013

Thursday 25 April, 2013

DIGGING BY MEDITATION

Memory Verse: 
But Mary kept all these things, and pondered them in her heart. Luke 2:19

Read: 
Luke 2:15-19

Luk 2:15 And it came to pass, as the angels were gone away from them into heaven, the shepherds said one to another, Let us now go even unto Bethlehem, and see this thing which is come to pass, which the Lord hath made known unto us. 

Luk 2:16 And they came with haste, and found Mary, and Joseph, and the babe lying in a manger. 

Luk 2:17 And when they had seen it, they made known abroad the saying which was told them concerning this child. 

Luk 2:18 And all they that heard it wondered at those things which were told them by the shepherds. 

Luk 2:19 But Mary kept all these things, and pondered them in her heart. 

MESSAGE

Hearing the Word of God is very crucial to receiving freedom. Aside hearing the Word in the church, you can effectively utilise your free periods to listen to audio Bible. When you do this often, not only will you easily memorise scriptures, but also there would be no space for evil thoughts to hibernate in your heart. If you do not have the Bible in audio format, you can read the Bible audibly to yourself regularly. Each Word that comes into your spirit man gives you life from above. How often do you hear the Word?

In addition to hearing, you must mediate on the Word you have heard until you understand it. When the Word comes, it comes with divine light, ready to give understanding to those who think upon it (Psalm 119:130). If all you do is hear or read the Word, you will just be scratching the surface of God's treasures. As mineral resources are usually below the surface of the earth, so also are the depth of the riches and treasures of the Kingdom inaccessible from mere hearing or reading the Word. Why do you think Psalm 1:1-3 says the one who meditates on the Word is blessed? It is because of the limitless treasures that the fellow will have access to. If you go through scriptures, you will find that not too many blessings are offered or pronounced on those who hear or merely read the Word. It is what you want to get from the Word of God that will determine whether you will just hear, read or mediate on it. If you want to be connected to an unending source of power, or you want to produce fruit in your season, if you do not want to experience dryness but desire whatever you lay your hand upon to turn to gold, then you need to meditate on God's Word (Psalm 1:1-3). If you want to have success at its best - excellence, then you cannot ignore meditating on God's Word both day and night (Joshua 1:8). When you meditate, you ponder on God's Word. One thing that Mary the mother of Jesus knew how to do was to ponder on God's Word and on things concerning Jesus (Luke 2:19,51). No wonder she got the revelation that there is power in the words of Jesus. With this revelation, she preempted Jesus and told the ushers at the marriage in Cana of Galilee to obey whatever Jesus tells them, no matter how stupid it sounds, hence water became wine (John 2:1-11). Do you make time to think on the word, God's actions and promises? If you can do this day and night, prepare for great things from God.

ACTION POINT 

Pray for war-ravaged nations that the peace of God will be experienced by them and that the Gospel will thrive there.

OPEN HEAVENS DEVOTIONAL BY PASTOR E.A. ADEBOYE - 24TH APRIL

Wednesday 24 April, 2013
A DESERTER?

Memory Verse: 
And Jesus said unto him, No man, having put his hand to the plough, and looking back, is fit for the Kingdom of God. Luke 9:62

Read: 
Luke 9:57-62

Luk 9:57 And it came to pass, that, as they went in the way, a certain man said unto him, Lord, I will follow thee whithersoever thou goest. 

Luk 9:58 And Jesus said unto him, Foxes have holes, and birds of the air have nests; but the Son of man hath not where to lay his head. 

Luk 9:59 And he said unto another, Follow me. But he said, Lord, suffer me first to go and bury my father. 

Luk 9:60 Jesus said unto him, Let the dead bury their dead: but go thou and preach the kingdom of God. 

Luk 9:61 And another also said, Lord, I will follow thee; but let me first go bid them farewell, which are at home at my house. 

Luk 9:62 And Jesus said unto him, No man, having put his hand to the plough, and looking back, is fit for the kingdom of God. 

MESSAGE
Apart from parasites and loafers, the Commander-in-chief of the Heavenly army does not like deserters. Once you sign into God's army, there is no looking back. This is why in the armour available for soldiers listed in Ephesians 6:13-17, there is no armour for our backs. This means, the day you turn your back to the enemy, you are finished. It is against the rule of our warfare; for enemies are not supposed to see your back. This also implies there is no room to chicken out. Considering the size, military might and invincible weaponry available to you as a bona fide member of God's army, and God's track record of victories, you have no excuse to throw in the towel. Hence, Luke 9:62 says,

“And Jesus said unto him, No man, having put his hand to the plough, and looking back, is fit for the Kingdom of God.”

This means, if you have accepted Jesus Christ as your Lord, stay with Him and don't go back to the devil or your past self government. This also extends to your service. That is, whatever God has assigned you to do, never stop except He says so. Once in a while, God can move you from one assignment to another, or add to what you are presently doing. However, never move yourself away from an assignment God has given to you.

It is surprising to know how many people leave their primary assignment for a self-assigned task. These too are deserters. Increasingly, money is becoming a major factor in determining what is done, where it is done and how it is done. Although money is important for propagating the Gospel, it should however not take the place of the Holy Spirit. Some people when told to go and evangelise would reply: 'I don't have money'. What amount do you need to evangelise to your next door neighbour? There are some churches and ministries who being motivated by gain, decide to relocate or plant parishes only in high brow areas so as to attract the rich. Remember that Jesus Christ died for the poor also. If your ministry excludes ministering to the poor and needy, you are a deserter of some sort, and led by something else other than the Holy Spirit. Have you abandoned any assignment God earlier committed into your hands, repent and return today. God is prepared to back you in the task He has given to you, and not in the one you have taken upon yourself.

KEY POINT
If God has assigned you to a task, that is what He will reward you for. Do it faithfully whether it is easy or difficult.

OPEN HEAVENS DEVOTIONAL BY PASTOR E.A. ADEBOYE - 23rd April, 2013

Tuesday 23 April, 2013

VIRGINITY AND TIMING

Memory Verse: 
I will praise the LORD according to his righteousness: and will sing praise to the name of the LORD most high. Psalm 7:17

Read: 
Psalm 71:16-17

Psa 71:16 I will go in the strength of the Lord GOD: I will make mention of thy righteousness, even of thine only. 

Psa 71:17 O God, thou hast taught me from my youth: and hitherto have I declared thy wondrous works. 

MESSAGE
If you have accepted Christ as your Lord and personal Saviour, you are His virgin. A virgin is pure and undefiled. But being a virgin is not enough. In Esther 2:2, when virgins were to be brought to take part in the beauty contest at Shushan the palace, they were expected to be beautiful. The Holy Spirit must be allowed to beautify your life with His fruit (Galatians 5:22-23). Without this, you will be disqualified even as a virgin. Is your life beautiful? Does it reflect the love of God embedded in the fruit with nine parts? 

Besides beauty, another quality that must be met has to do with age. The virgins must be young (Esther 2:2). This means every virgin beyond a certain age was disqualified. True, they are virgins. True they are pure and have not been defiled. Yet, if they failed to meet up with the age requirement, they will not be called to the contest. This teaches us that age has a lot to do with our calling. In a number of recruiting organizations today, besides stipulating the academic qualification, the age requirement is clearly spelt out. Usually, they require young graduates preferably less than 25 years. As a result, you have those who satisfy the academic requirement but are over the age bracket disqualified. This has made some to lie concerning their age. From this we learn that Kingdom assignments must be done at the time stipulated by God. You do not do God's work at your time but at His time. His task has a time requirement attached. So it is not enough to be doing a particular thing for God; the issue is: are you doing it at God's appointed time? Another lesson here is that there are certain Kingdom assignments that must be done in your youth: If you don't do them then, you would have missed out of God's purpose concerning such tasks. There are certain things that are best done for God in your youth. As a youth, you have lots of energy which reduces as you grow older. God wants you to utilize your youthful strength for His glory. Also as a youth, you are very adventurous. God wants you to go on an adventure in the things of the Spirit. Are you a Christian youth? How are you engaged in pleasing God with all that God has invested in you? God is looking for teens and youths through whom He will manifest His glory. Do you qualify? Make yourself relevant today by putting your time at His disposal.

KEY POINT 
Ecclesiastes 12:1 says you should remember God now. But if you do so later, He can still use you but you would have cut off a chunk of opportunities that may never be regained.

OPEN HEAVENS DEVOTIONAL BY PASTOR E.A. ADEBOYE

MONDAY, 22ND APRIL, 2013
SUDDEN RISE

Memory Verse: 

When the LORD turned again the captivity of Zion, we were like them that dream. Psalm 126:1

Read: 

Genesis 41:39-44

Gen 41:38 And Pharaoh said unto his servants, Can we find such a one as this is, a man in whom the Spirit of God is? 

Gen 41:39 And Pharaoh said unto Joseph, Forasmuch as God hath shewed thee all this, there is none so discreet and wise as thou art: 

Gen 41:40 Thou shalt be over my house, and according unto thy word shall all my people be ruled: only in the throne will I be greater than thou. 

Gen 41:41 And Pharaoh said unto Joseph, See, I have set thee over all the land of Egypt. 

Gen 41:42 And Pharaoh took off his ring from his hand, and put it upon Joseph's hand, and arrayed him in vestures of fine linen, and put a gold chain about his neck; 

Gen 41:43 And he made him to ride in the second chariot which he had; and they cried before him, Bow the knee: and he made him ruler over all the land of Egypt. 

Gen 41:44 And Pharaoh said unto Joseph, I am Pharaoh, and without thee shall no man lift up his hand or foot in all the land of Egypt. 

MESSAGE

Another lesson from the story of Esther is how suddenly God can transform an individual. Not long ago, Esther was a young girl but a nobody, then suddenly she won the beauty pageant and emerged queen. After Esther's promotion, the one who was used to receiving instruction became the one issuing out instructions (Esther 4:15-17). God is the true source of promotion and He can promote you slowly, quickly or even dramatically. If you receive Jesus into your heart and accept Him as your Lord and Saviour, He will suddenly promote you to sit with Him in the heavenly places, and you will begin to rule over the powers of darkness that once dominated you (Ephesians 1:17-23). This promotion is sudden! Also, a little shepherd boy who was very unimportant in his own family, was promoted overnight to become king: this was how David became one of the most famous kings of Israel (1 Samuel 16:11-13). God can move you from a point of being unknown in your small family to a height of national importance. Are you unknown in your family, church, or community? Then you are the one God is seeking to promote. He will promote you suddenly beyond your expectations this season.

In Genesis 41:39-44, we also see how Joseph who was lied against, thrown into prison and forgotten by men, was remembered by God and overnight he was made next in command to Pharaoh. He became the most useful and influential figure in Egypt and beyond. His change came suddenly. Have you been persecuted and forgotten by men? Have people caged you within the prison of their minds? Are you asking when your turn to break through shall come? This season, the Lord will remember you. He will open the prison doors keeping you caged and bring you out. The Lord will lift you up suddenly. Your rise shall be sudden and nothing will stop it in Jesus name. There is a user of this Devotional who has done a lot for God's Kingdom and made sacrifices for the Lord, yet it appears you have been forgotten for long. Rejoice, your time of divine remembrance has come. The Lord will promote you suddenly and give you the harvests of seeds sown over the years. You are a candidate for sudden promotion this season. Worship, praise and thank God for His power to lift you up suddenly.

PRAYER POINT

Father, You changed the levels of Esther, David and Joseph suddenly; Lord, make this season my season of sudden promotion