OPEN HEAVENS DEVOTIONAL – TUESDAY – 31/03/2015 – PROMPT OBEDIENCE – BY PASTOR E.A. ADEBOYE

PROMPT OBEDIENCE 

Memorise

And another of his disciples said unto him, Lord, suffer me first to go and bury my father. But Jesus said unto him, Follow me; and let the dead bury their dead.

Matthew 8:21-22

Read

1 Samuel 15:22-23 (KJV)

22 And Samuel said, Hath the LORD as great delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices, as in obeying the voice of the LORD? Behold, to obey is better than sacrifice, and to hearken than the fat of rams.

23 For rebellion is as the sin of witchcraft, and stubbornness is as iniquity and idolatry. Because thou hast rejected the word of the LORD, he hath also rejected thee from being king.

MESSAGE

In the service of God, sacrifice is good. God expects all His children to present their bodies as a living sacrifice to Him. He also expects our sacrifice to be holy and acceptable (Romans 12:1). However, He makes it clear that He prefers obedience to sacrifice. Jeremiah 7:23 says,

"But this thing commanded I them, saying, Obey my voice, and I will be your God, and ye shall be my people: and walk ye in all the ways that I have commanded you, that it may be well unto you."

Obedience is the act of doing what one is told to do. In the spiritual sense, obedience is total submission to the written and spoken word of God. It is an express but conditional commandment of God. In Exodus 19:5, God instructed the Israelites to obey His voice:

"Now therefore, if ye will obey my voice indeed, and keep my covenant, then ye shall be a peculiar treasure unto me above all people: for all the earth is mine:"

One distinguishing characteristic of those who are great in the things of God is prompt obedience. The Bible contains so many stories of men and women who became great for God as a result of their obedience to His word. A classical example of a person whose lifestyle was defined by prompt obedience was Abraham. Other heroes of obedience include Joseph, Joshua, Ruth, David, Elijah, Elisha and our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ.

Obedience entails learning (Hebrews 5:8). It involves God taking you to His own school of theology. Here you are stripped of all knowledge and pomposity in order to obey God in simple holiness and truth. Obedience requires sincerity, genuineness and love. True obedience comes from a heart of love. It is real and not mere eye service. Obedience requires boldness. It takes boldness for a child of God to obey Him in this world of perversion and outright corruption. It takes moral courage to live holy and move against the tide of sin. Don't be a moral coward. Be bold enough to say "no" to all acts of unrighteousness. Speak out against sin anywhere you find yourself.

A true Christian is one who is neither ashamed of the gospel nor a shame to the gospel. You can overcome the fear of man through reliance on the power of the Holy Spirit. Obedience requires humility. It takes the grace of God to obey God all the way to the end. Are you facing persecution because of your obedience to Christ? Don't give up! Don't compromise your stand. Don't allow yourself to be distracted from the path of obedience. Obedience must not be done haphazardly. Disobedience is rebellion, which is likened to witchcraft (1 Samuel 15:23).

Action Point 

Obey God, obey those who share the truth with you, obey your leader and obey your body when it needs rest.

Bible in One year

Nahum 1-3, 

Matthew 12:9-32

OPEN HEAVENS DEVOTIONAL – MONDAY– 30/03/2015 – GREAT EXPECTATIONS – BY PASTOR E.A. ADEBOYE

GREAT EXPECTATIONS

Memorise

But as it is written, Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that love him.

1 Corinthians 2:9

Read

John 4:24-34 (KJV)

24 God is a Spirit: and they that worship him must worship him in spirit and in truth.

25 The woman saith unto him, I know that Messias cometh, which is called Christ: when he is come, he will tell us all things.

26 Jesus saith unto her, I that speak unto thee am he.

27 And upon this came his disciples, and marvelled that he talked with the woman: yet no man said, What seekest thou? or, Why talkest thou with her?

28 The woman then left her waterpot, and went her way into the city, and saith to the men,

29 Come, see a man, which told me all things that ever I did: is not this the Christ?

30 Then they went out of the city, and came unto him.

31 In the mean while his disciples prayed him, saying, Master, eat.

32 But he said unto them, I have meat to eat that ye know not of.

33 Therefore said the disciples one to another, Hath any man brought him ought to eat?

34 Jesus saith unto them, My meat is to do the will of him that sent me, and to finish his work.

MESSAGE

The Scripture reading of today shows us a marked difference between the priorities of our Lord Jesus Christ and that of His disciples at a point in time. Many of us, like the disciples, are often engrossed with how to meet our physical, psychological and emotional needs. We are immersed in things which are ephemeral in nature. These include what to eat, what to drink, where to live, how to be clothed, how to take care of our immediate and distant families, how to stay healthy, how to be wealthy and how to be famous. Jesus assured His disciples that the Father knew their needs and would provide for them (Matthew 6:31-32). Moreover, He stressed what should be the topmost priority of all heaven-bound Christians. Matthew 6:33 says,

“But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.”

Passion for the things of God should be your topmost priority! It is often said that passionate people make the greatest contributions to society. Be passionate about the things of God. Seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and the necessities of daily life will be provided. Stop chasing shadows. Stop putting the cart before the horse. It is time to correctly prioritise your life and passions.

God is called the God of glory in Acts 7:2. There are therefore great expectations for those who serve the God of glory in holiness and truth. There is a blessing of divine favour for all who consecrate themselves to serving God in spirit and truth. It should be noted that a day of divine favour is better than many years of labour. The blessing of divine favour is superior to what people ordinarily enjoy. I pray that you will enjoy the blessing of divine favour with effect from today in Jesus’ Name. Those who consecrate themselves to serving God in spirit and truth also receive divine prosperity (Psalm 1:1-3). God is the only one who blesses without adding sorrows to it. Are you experiencing sorrow in any area of your life? I pray that God will turn that sorrow to joy in Jesus’ Name.

There is fruitfulness for all who consecrate themselves to serving God in spirit and truth (Psalm 92:12-14). They also have an assurance of victory over all known and unknown enemies (Psalm 132:18). God will reveal the secrets of all your enemies to you. He will stand by you and fight all your battles for you. He will render your enemies irrelevant and grant you victory over them. Finally, there is the assurance of making heaven at last for all who consecrate themselves to serving God in spirit and truth. What is the state of your consecration and love for God?

Prayer Point

Father, grant me the grace to consecrate myself to serving you in spirit and truth.

Bible in One Year

Micah 5-7,
Matthew 11:20-12:8

OPEN HEAVENS DEVOTIONAL – MONDAY– 30/03/2015 – GREAT EXPECTATIONS – BY PASTOR E.A. ADEBOYE

OPEN HEAVENS DEVOTIONAL – SUNDAY– 29/03/2015 – EMMANUEL – BY PASTOR E.A. ADEBOYE

EMMANUEL

Memorise

Thus saith the LORD of hosts; In those days it shall come to pass, that ten men shall take hold out of all languages of the nations, even shall take hold of the skirt of him that is a Jew, saying, We will go with you: for we have heard that God is with you.

Zechariah 8:23

Read

Matthew 1:18-25

18 Now the birth of Jesus Christ was on this wise: When as his mother Mary was espoused to Joseph, before they came together, she was found with child of the Holy Ghost.

19 Then Joseph her husband, being a just man, and not willing to make her a publick example, was minded to put her away privily.

20 But while he thought on these things, behold, the angel of the Lord appeared unto him in a dream, saying, Joseph, thou son of David, fear not to take unto thee Mary thy wife: for that which is conceived in her is of the Holy Ghost.

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

22 Now all this was done, that it might be fulfilled which was spoken of the Lord by the prophet, saying,

23 Behold, a virgin shall be with child, and shall bring forth a son, and they shall call his name Emmanuel, which being interpreted is, God with us.

24 Then Joseph being raised from sleep did as the angel of the Lord had bidden him, and took unto him his wife:

25 And knew her not till she had brought forth her firstborn son: and he called his name JESUS.

MESSAGE

One reason why the Holy Spirit caused the Gospel of Matthew to be written is to show that Jesus fulfilled the Old Testament prophesies concerning the Messiah. One of such prophesies is found in Isaiah 7:14 which says,

“Therefore the Lord himself shall give you a sign; Behold, a virgin shall conceive, and bear a son, and shall call his name Immanuel.”

This prophecy was shown to be fulfilled by Jesus in our Bible reading today. One of the key points of this prophecy is that Jesus will be referred to as Emmanuel. The name Emmanuel means “God with us”. There is nothing as good as when God is with a person. God is the eternal, independent, self-existing Being. He is the Being whose purpose and actions spring from Himself without any external influence. God is absolute in dominion and infinitely benevolent. He alone is the cause of all existence and the upholder of all things. Numerous benefits accrue from the presence of God. One advantage of having God with you is that no force, known or unknown can successfully detract you from fulfilling destiny (Romans 8:31-32).

For you to fully key into the revelation of “God with us”, you need to understand who God is. God revealed who He is in discrete parts through His redemptive Names to the saints of old. He said to Moses in Exodus 6:3:

“And I appeared unto Abraham, unto Isaac, and unto Jacob, by the name of God Almighty, but by my name JEHOVAH was I not known to them.”

An understanding of His redemptive Names gives us insight into His personality and allows us to profit from the consciousness that this personality is with us.

God is the Elshaddai: He is the All-Sufficient One. This means that He has enough resources to meet all your needs – be it spiritual, physical, emotional or psychological. Also, God is Jehovah Jireh: the Great Provider. He has the ability to turn your austerity to prosperity and poverty to wealth (Philippians 4:19). Another Name for God is Jehovah Rapha: the Healer. Are you sick? He has the ability to cure you of all ailments – be it pathological, soul sickness or spiritual sickness. God is also Jehovah Nissi: He is the Man of War. Are you facing any battle? The Almighty God has the ability to fight all of your battles for you and to grant you total victory. Are the enemies of your life mammoth? Turn to Jehovah Nissi today. Let Him be your Emmanuel. I prophesy that you will experience victory in all the battles of your life in Jesus’ Name.

Action Point

Consciously carry the presence of God along with you wherever you go.

Bible in One Year

Micah 1-4,
Matthew 10:40-11:19

OPEN HEAVENS DEVOTIONAL – SUNDAY– 29/03/2015 – EMMANUEL – BY PASTOR E.A. ADEBOYE

OPEN HEAVENS DEVOTIONAL – FRIDAY– 27/03/2015 – THE MARKS OF THE LORD JESUS – BY PASTOR E.A. ADEBOYE

THE MARKS OF THE LORD JESUS

Memorise

From henceforth let no man trouble me: for I bear in my body the marks of the Lord Jesus.

Galatians 6:17

Read

1 Timothy 6:11-14

11 But thou, O man of God, flee these things; and follow after righteousness, godliness, faith, love, patience, meekness.

12 Fight the good fight of faith, lay hold on eternal life, whereunto thou art also called, and hast professed a good profession before many witnesses.

13 I give thee charge in the sight of God, who quickeneth all things, and before Christ Jesus, who before Pontius Pilate witnessed a good confession;

14 That thou keep this commandment without spot, unrebukeable, until the appearing of our Lord Jesus Christ:

MESSAGE:

A mark can be described as an impression, a distinguishing trait or quality. Marks indicate characteristics or symbols used for identification or indication of ownership. All heaven-bound Christians are children of God and by implication, belong to Christ (Mark 9:41, Romans 8:16). What are the marks of the Lord Jesus?

One distinguishing trait or quality that indicates one’s ownership by the Lord Jesus is faithfulness. Everyone belonging to Christ is expected to be faithful in prayer, in tithes and offerings, in studying the word of God, in their marital relationship, general human relations and in service to God. Are you a child of God? Be faithful to God, yourself and others. Your faithfulness allows God to reveal greater insights to you. Faithfulness brings opportunities to you that are not given to the unfaithful. God takes pleasure in answering prayers that come from a faithful heart. Another mark of the Lord Jesus is obedience to the will of God. Christ came to fulfil God’s perfect will for His life. Hebrews 10:7 says,

“Then said I, Lo, I come (in the volume of the book it is written of me,) to do thy will, O God.”

Are you living according to God’s perfect will for your life? Anything that brings shame or reproach to the Name of God is not God’s will for you. Are you involved in a business deal where it is required that you tell lies, engage in immorality and cut corners? That business venture should be reviewed. It is probably not God’s perfect will for your life. As a spouse, are you obedient to the will of God in your marriage through fidelity, submission and love?

Affiliated to obedience is love. Love is another mark of the Lord Jesus. John 13:1 says,

“Now before the feast of the passover, when Jesus knew that his hour was come that he should depart out of this world unto the Father, having loved his own which were in the world, he loved them unto the end.”

God is love. The love of God is what indicates that you belong to Christ. You should be able to demonstrate true love to God and man. Love is a benevolent disposition of the mind towards fellow-Christians, growing out of sincere and fervent devotion to God. Indicators of love include kindness, selflessness, humility, self-discipline and purity. Love can endure evil, injury and provocation without being filled with resentment, indignation or revenge. Love is benevolent, bountiful, courteous and obliging. Love suppresses envy: it is not grieved by the good of others. Finally, love controls and restrains passions. Do you bear in you the marks of the Lord Jesus?

Prayer Point

Father, I submit myself to the Lordship of Jesus Christ; let His marks be seen in my life.

Bible in one year

Amos 7-9,
Matthew 9:27-10:15

OPEN HEAVENS DEVOTIONAL – FRIDAY– 27/03/2015 – THE MARKS OF THE LORD JESUS – BY PASTOR E.A. ADEBOYE

OPEN HEAVENS DEVOTIONAL – THURSDAY– 26/03/2015 – ENJOYING LONGEVITY – BY PASTOR E.A. ADEBOYE

ENJOYING LONGEVITY

Memorize

For bodily exercise profiteth little: but godliness is profitable unto all things, having promise of the life that now is, and of that which is to come.

1st Timothy 4:8

Read

l Thessalonians 5:23-24

23 And the very God of peace sanctify you wholly; and I pray God your whole spirit and soul and body be preserved blameless unto the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.

24 Faithful is he that calleth you, who also will do it.

MESSAGE

Every rational being wishes to be healthy, wealthy, fulfilled and enjoy longevity. The desire to live long and be healthy is scriptural. Psalm 91:16 says,

“With long life will I satisfy him, and shew him my salvation.”

Man is a tripartite being. The Bible teaches that man consists of the spirit, soul and body. God is interested in our good health (3rd John 1:2). He desires for us to be sound and complete in our spirit, soul and body. The working of wholeness in man starts in his spirit. It begins when God touches our spirit by the Holy Ghost (1st Corinthians 12:3). Has your spirit been touched by Holy Spirit? The first miracle God does is to liberate man’s spirit from sin. He justifies us from sin and reconnects our spirit man to Himself (1st Corinthians 6:11). He then continually bears witness with our spirit that we are God’s children (Romans 8:16). After releasing our spirit from sin, the Holy Spirit works is His way to our soul to heal and restore it. The soul of man is the seat of his emotions, intellect and will. The soul is the dwelling place of healthy and unhealthy emotions. It is thus possible for the soul to be healthy or sick.

The human body is that part of man which is aware and interacts with the tangible, empirical world. The whole body of man is built around a bony framework of skeleton and consists of a great number of different parts. The human body consists primarily of cells, which together form tissues, which form organs, which work together as system to carry out specific functions. It is worth nothing that healthy living guarantees longevity. To enjoy longevity, you need to eat proper balanced diets. Experts in nutrition teach that our foods can be classified into two classes. One class consists of fruit and vegetables. The other class consists of fats, starch and proteins. A proper balance of these two classes of food will provide good health and long life. An improper balance will bring poor health, sickness and can result in early death. Fruits and vegetables provide vitamins and minerals. Proteins supply building blocks for the body. Fats and starch supply heat and energy to the body. According to many heath books, we should eat about 75% fruits and vegetables, while 25% should be protein, fats and starch. This 75:25 ratio should form the basis of the daily diet of every living person. To obtain and maintain good health, you must eat foods that contain generous amounts of vitamins and minerals. Foods low in vitamins and minerals lead to poor heath, ailments, suffering and death. Enjoying longevity in good health is however not limited to the food you eat. Your state of mind and pattern of life can either accelerate or slow down the aging process. These also affect your good health. In addition, learn to exercise your body. Don’t forget:

“bodily exercise profiteth little.”

Action Point

Take stock of how you are treating your body; adjust your nutrition and lifestyle if necessary.

Bible in one year

Amos 4:6-6:14,
Matthew 9:9-26

OPEN HEAVENS DEVOTIONAL – THURSDAY– 26/03/2015 – ENJOYING LONGEVITY – BY PASTOR E.A. ADEBOYE

OPEN HEAVENS DEVOTIONAL – WEDNESDAY– 25/03/2015 – RENEWING YOUR MIND – BY PASTOR E.A. ADEBOYE

RENEWING YOUR MIND

Memorise

And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.

Romans 12:2

Read

1 Corinthians 2:9-14 KJV

9 But as it is written, Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that love him.

10 But God hath revealed them unto us by his Spirit: for the Spirit searcheth all things, yea, the deep things of God.

11 For what man knoweth the things of a man, save the spirit of man which is in him? even so the things of God knoweth no man, but the Spirit of God.

12 Now we have received, not the spirit of the world, but the spirit which is of God; that we might know the things that are freely given to us of God.

13 Which things also we speak, not in the words which man’s wisdom teacheth, but which the Holy Ghost teacheth; comparing spiritual things with spiritual.

14 But the natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God: for they are foolishness unto him: neither can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned.

MESSAGE

One striking thing about holiness is that it is what makes God who He is. If a human being was asked this question: “Who is God?”, you might get answers like: God is love, God is powerful, God is merciful, God is faithful etc. But if angels or celestial beings were asked this same question, they would chorus: God is Holy! The theme of the songs of celestial beings in heaven is the holiness of God (Isaiah 6:2-3, Revelation 4:8). Do you belong to God? Then be prepared to live holy. Why? God’s people are a holy temple to Him (1 Corinthians 3:17). We are called to a holy priesthood (1 Peter 2:5), and we are described as holy brethren (Hebrews 3:1). The Father chose His own, so that they might be holy (Ephesians 1:4). This is the reason why Jesus died for us (Ephesians 5:25-27).The Holy Spirit was given, so that through the renewing of our minds, we might be holy (Titus 3:5, 2 Corinthians 3:18). The Holy Spirit renews our mind by convincing us and making us accept what God’s Word says about us or about a subject-matter. This is critical because your mind controls your actions. The Word of God is spiritual; only the Holy Spirit can bring the mind to a state of conformity with its contents (1 Corinthians 2:14).

Holiness simply means obeying God totally and consecrating yourself to do His will from the heart. It is difficult to do God’s will without knowing His mind. The Bible, which is the word of God, is a compendium of God’s will. It is easy to know the mind of God and to renew your own mind when you meditate on the word of God. This meditation should however be a daily affair. It is imperative for every child of God to study and meditate on God’s word. Merely reading the word of God is different from studying and serious meditation.

Studying is an application of the mental faculties to the acquisition of knowledge. It entails a careful examination or analysis of the Bible – its promises, commandments, warnings, blessings, questions and answers. Meditation on God’s word denotes focusing one’s thoughts on it, reflecting on and pondering over it. In Joshua 1:8, Joshua was instructed to meditate on the word of God day and night because constant meditation leads to good success. This happens progressively. First, meditate on God’s word on daily basis. Second, be observant enough to obey it unconditionally. Doing this will assure you of good success; i.e. full-blown success that is holistic, covering every imaginable area of life (spirit, soul and body). Renewing your mind makes it possible to discern what the perfect will of God is (Romans 12:2). Do you desire to know the perfect will of God for every aspect of your life? Renew your mind through constant studying and meditation on the word of God. Keep God’s Word in your heart, allow it to permeate your entire being through the Holy Spirit and act on it.

Prayer Point

Dear Holy Spirit, as I ponder on God’s word, help my mind to accept the truth of what it says.

Bible in One Year

Amos 1:1-4:5
Matthew 8:18-9:8

OPEN HEAVENS DEVOTIONAL – WEDNESDAY– 25/03/2015 – RENEWING YOUR MIND – BY PASTOR E.A. ADEBOYE

OPEN HEAVENS DEVOTIONAL – MONDAY– 23/03/2015 – KEYS TO ANSWERED PRAYER – BY PASTOR E.A. ADEBOYE

Keys to Answered Prayer

Memorise: O thou that hearest prayer, unto thee shall all flesh come. - Psalm 65:2

Read: (Matthew 7:7-11 KJV)

7 Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you:

8 For every one that asketh receiveth; and he that seeketh findeth; and to him that knocketh it shall be opened.

9 Or what man is there of you, whom if his son ask bread, will he give him a stone?

10 Or if he ask a fish, will he give him a serpent?

11 If ye then, being evil, know how to give good gifts unto your children, how much more shall your Father which is in heaven give good things to them that ask him?

Bible in One Year: Hosea 11:14, Mathew 7:1-23

MESSAGE:

If Christians can master the art and practice of prayer, this world will definitely become a better place to live in for them. Someone described prayer as a paradox. It is both simple and complex. It is the simplest form of speech that infant lips can try, and the sublime strains that reach the Majesty on high. What is prayer? John Bunyan, while in Bedford Prison, defined prayer as “a sincere, sensible, affectionate pouring out of the heart or soul to God, through Christ, in the strength and assistance of the Holy Spirit, for such things as God had promised according to the Word for the good of the Church, with submission, in faith, to the will of God.” Our God is a prayer-answering God. It is God’s will to answer the prayer of His children. However, He operates on principles. There are conditions which activate the answering of prayers by God. These I will refer to as keys to answered prayers. Are you a child of God? It is the desire of your Father to answer all of your prayers (John 16:23). If your prayers are not being answered, look inward. Are you employing the appropriate keys to answered prayers?

One of such keys is contrition (2 Chronicles 7:14). Contrition describes a state of feeling or showing of sorrow and remorse for a sin or shortcoming. Do you want your prayers answered? Examine your relationship with the Lord. Are there sins not confessed in your life? Psalm 66:18 says,
“If I regard iniquity in my heart, the Lord will not hear me:”
Approach God with humility and confess your sins, iniquities and shortcomings to Him. Repent of them and ask for forgiveness. Another key to answered prayers is whole-heartedness (Jeremiah 29:13). This has to do with your commitment and intimacy. How committed are you to the Almighty God and to His work? How intimate is your relationship with God and His Word? John 15:7 says,
“If ye abide in me, and my words abide in you, ye shall ask what ye will, and it shall be done unto you.”
Do you want all your prayers answered? Be a doer of the word and not a hearer only. The next key to answered prayers is faith. Faith is one of the most important factors required for prayers to be answered (Mark 11:24). How strong is your faith? To receive anything from God, you must believe that you have received what you asked for and then you will have it. The forth key to answered prayers is righteousness (John 9:31). Simply put, righteousness denotes acting in accordance to the divine nature and being free from the guilt of sin. A righteous person is morally upright. Such a person abstains from all appearances of evil. The last (but not the least) key to answered prayers is that you must ask in order to receive (Matthew 7:7).

Action Point: Do you have any unanswered prayer? Apply the keys to answered prayer to it today.

OPEN HEAVENS DEVOTIONAL – SUNDAY – 22/03/2015 – DO YOU HAVE TRUE LOVE? – BY PASTOR E.A. ADEBOYE

DO YOU HAVE TRUE LOVE?

Memorise

Beareth all things, believeth all things, hopeth all things, eudureth all things.
1 Corinthians 13:7

Read

1 Corinthians 13:1-13

1 Though I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, and have not charity, I am become as sounding brass, or a tinkling cymbal.

2 And though I have the gift of prophecy, and understand all mysteries, and all knowledge; and though I have all faith, so that I could remove mountains, and have not charity, I am nothing.

3 And though I bestow all my goods to feed the poor, and though I give my body to be burned, and have not charity, it profiteth me nothing.

4 Charity suffereth long, and is kind; charity envieth not; charity vaunteth not itself, is not puffed up,

5 Doth not behave itself unseemly, seeketh not her own, is not easily provoked, thinketh no evil;

6 Rejoiceth not in iniquity, but rejoiceth in the truth;

7 Beareth all things, believeth all things, hopeth all things, endureth all things.

8 Charity never faileth: but whether there be prophecies, they shall fail; whether there be tongues, they shall cease; whether there be knowledge, it shall vanish away.

9 For we know in part, and we prophesy in part.

10 But when that which is perfect is come, then that which is in part shall be done away.

11 When I was a child, I spake as a child, I understood as a child, I thought as a child: but when I became a man, I put away childish things.

12 For now we see through a glass, darkly; but then face to face: now I know in part; but then shall I know even as also I am known.

13 And now abideth faith, hope, charity, these three; but the greatest of these is charity.

MESSAGE

Our God is wonderful, and He has many wonderful attributes. Some of these attributes are unique to Him alone. For example, in all of heaven and earth, God is the only one who is all-knowing, all-powerful and is present everywhere. However, there are other attributes which God, as a wonderful Father, shares with His children. Some of such attributes are holiness, mercy, faithfulness and love. These attributes are scarce in the character of present-day society. Just like the Corinthians in the days of Paul, many homes, communities and churches nowadays are torn apart by contentions, are divided along party lines and are envious of each other. Such character proves that the love for God and love towards fellow man is wanting. Love is paramount to God. Our numerous gifts and abilities are nothing in the eyes of God without love.

“Beloved, let us love one another: for love is of God; and every one that loveth is born of God, and knoweth God.”

 1 John 4:7

Love should be differentiated from lust. While lust is impatient to get, love is always eager to give. John 3:16 describes true love:

“For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.”

This is the kind of love God expects from us. True love means have strong affection or deep tender feelings towards God, towards yourself and towards others. It means to love the way God loves. It implies knowing and worshipping God rightly, seeing yourself the way God sees you and caring for others the way God cares for you. Without true love, all gifts (however excellent) are useless in the eyes of God. A person who has outstanding gifts such as the divine ability to speak many languages, the gift of prophecy and understanding all mysteries and knowledge, and the faith to remove mountains is nothing without true love. In the like manner, sacrifice, no matter how expensive, profits nothing without true love (1 Corinthians 13:3).

Because true love is a commandment of God (1 John 4:21), you need it in order to enjoy the blessings of God (Isaiah 1:19). Know also that without demonstrating true love, it is impossible to make heaven. True love is praised in 1 Corinthians 13:4-7. It is slow to anger and not predisposed to revenge. It is patient and forbearing, good natured, gentle, tender and affectionate. True love is never harsh or rude; it is polite and courteous. It is prompt in giving due respect to superiors and in showing respect for their opinions. True love is humble and unselfish. It does not seek its own happiness to the injury of others. Do you have true love?

Prayer point

Father, please grant me the grace to demonstrate true love.

Bible in One Year

Hosea 6:10
Matthew 6:16-34

OPEN HEAVENS DEVOTIONAL – SUNDAY – 22/03/2015 – DO YOU HAVE TRUE LOVE? – BY PASTOR E.A. ADEBOYE

OPEN HEAVENS DEVOTIONAL – SATURDAY – 21/03/2015 – SIN DOMINATED? – BY PASTOR E.A. ADEBOYE

SIN DOMINATED

Memorise

For sin shall not have dominion over you: for ye are not under the law, but under grace.

Romans 6:14

Read

Romans 6:1-6 KJV

1 What shall we say then? Shall we continue in sin, that grace may abound?

2 God forbid. How shall we, that are dead to sin, live any longer therein?

3 Know ye not, that so many of us as were baptized into Jesus Christ were baptized into his death?

4 Therefore we are buried with him by baptism into death: that like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life.

5 For if we have been planted together in the likeness of his death, we shall be also in the likeness of his resurrection:

6 Knowing this, that our old man is crucified with him, that the body of sin might be destroyed, that henceforth we should not serve sin.

Bible in One Year

Hosea 1-5,
Mathew 5:43-6:15

MESSAGE

Mankind is the epitome of God’s creative art. He was created by God to have dominion over all things (Genesis 1:26). God did not design man for sin, neither should sin have dominion over man (Romans 6:14). Sin is an enemy. It is our most persistent, determined and pernicious enemy. Sin seeks to rob us of every good thing God has designed for us. It is very subtle, bringing death and creeping into our lives when and where we least expect it. It packages itself so attractively that we are lured into thinking that it cannot really harm us.

Sin is undoubtedly a weight. In Hebrews 12:1, Christians are likened to sprinters:

“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,”

The competition before us is fierce as sin stealthily and relentlessly tries to entangle our lives. We will never be able to run the race marked out for us as long as we are entrapped in sin. Anyone who is born of God has a nature that should not sin (1 John 3:8-10). However, children of God fall into sin by not being watchful. Sin should be recognised for what it is. Some people engage in self-deception.

They call sin a mistake, a bad habit or a weakness. Sin is more than these. It is cancerous, terrible and results in outright destruction. Sin must be admitted and tackled at its root. It is dangerous to blame your sins on others; neither must you allow pride to convince you that it is too humiliating to admit the sin in your life. Sin can blind a person to its presence. It does not always command people’s attention, but rather, it subtly and pervasively robs one of spiritual power and victory.

Are you living in sin? Are you deeply and dangerously entangled in it? There is good news for you: there is no extent to which sin can entangle us that God’s grace does not abound to free us from it. Romans 5:20 says,
“Moreover the law entered, that the offence might abound. But where sin abounded, grace did much more abound:”
Has sin robbed you of joy? Do you go about life in a manner that is moody and melancholy? Has sin prevented you from being the best husband, wife, son, daughter, friend, minister, boss or subordinate you ought to be? Is it keeping you from spiritual maturity and fulfilment in life, business, marriage and ministry? If you have become entangled with sin, God can release you immediately! He however requires repentance from you. Harden not your heart. Repent and recommit your life to Jesus Christ now.

Prayer Point

Father, grant me grace to live above sin, Satan and all his allied forces in Jesus’ Name.

OPEN HEAVENS DEVOTIONAL – SATURDAY – 21/03/2015 – SIN DOMINATED? – BY PASTOR E.A. ADEBOYE

OPEN HEAVENS DEVOTIONAL – THURSDAY – 19/03/2015 – SATAN'S ATTACK OR THE LORD'S CHASTENING – BY PASTOR E.A. ADEBOYE

SATAN’S ATTACK OR THE LORD’S CHASTENING

Memorise

For whom the Lord loveth he chasteneth, and scourgeth every son whom he receiveth.

 Hebrews 12:6

Read

Hebrews 12:4-6

4 Ye have not yet resisted unto blood, striving against sin.

5 And ye have forgotten the exhortation which speaketh unto you as unto children, My son, despise not thou the chastening of the Lord, nor faint when thou art rebuked of him

6 For whom the Lord loveth he chasteneth, and scourgeth every son whom he receiveth.

MESSAGE

Christians are spiritual soldiers. We engage in constant warfare against principalities, powers and wicked spiritual forces that operate in high places. Ephesians 6:12 says that:

“For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.”

There is a tendency among Christians therefore to view anything unpleasant that happens to them as emanating from spiritual warfare. When a difficult situation arises, many immediately ask God to remove their distress. It is worth noting that not all problems that we face as believers have something to do with the devil or the spiritual warfare we are engaged in. In Galatians 6:7, the Scripture says,

“Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap.”

Some hardships, difficulties and unpleasant happenings arise as a result of sin, disobedience, pride or other shortcomings that call for disciplinary action from our Heavenly Father. Sin frequently attracts punishment. Sin can be described as transgression or non-conformity to the law of God in our inward or outward conduct of life, whether by omission or by commission. The Bible indicates that sin justly deserves punishment and that it calls down the righteous judgement of God (Romans 6:23). Various kinds of sins are mentioned in the Scriptures. These include presumptuous sin, secret or hidden sin and sin against the Holy Ghost.

Presumptuous sins refer to defiant acts of sin. These are sins committed on the basis of assumption. Some people steal, tell lies, commit fornication or adultery, forge documents or engage in other evil acts. When such people are confronted with God’s view on their waywardness and its implications, they argue that God understands. They assume that God is too holy and kind to send a sinner to Hell-fire. Presumptuous sin is dangerous. God is a God of both love and of judgment (1 John 4:8, Hebrews 10:31). King David wisely prayed that God should keep him from presumptuous sins (Psalm 19:13).

Secret sins are sins which escape the notice of the soul. Many people commit sins without being conscious of it. These also attract divine judgment and chastisement. What such people need is repentance and deliverance. David also prayed that God should cleanse him from secret sins (Psalm 19:12). The last but not the least is sin against the Holy Ghost or what is referred to as “sin unto death” (Matthew 12:31-32, 1 John 5:16). This is a wilful rejection of grace. Are you facing unpleasant happenings? Look inward. God’s expectation from chastising is repentance.

Action Point

Examine yourself to see if there is any presumptuous or hidden sin in your life.

Bible in One Year

Daniel 9-10,
Mathew 4:23-5:20

OPEN HEAVENS DEVOTIONAL – THURSDAY – 19/03/2015 – SATAN'S ATTACK OR THE LORD'S CHASTENING – BY PASTOR E.A. ADEBOYE

OPEN HEAVENS DEVOTIONAL – WEDNESDAY – 18/03/2015 – LIVING BY VISION AND REVELATION – BY PASTOR E.A. ADEBOYE

LIVING BY VISION AND REVELATION

After these things the word of the LORD came unto Abram in a vision, saying, Fear not, Abram: I am thy shield, and thy exceeding great reward.

Genesis 15:1

Read

Genesis 41:38-43

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?

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

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.

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

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;

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.

Bible in One Year
Daniel 7:9-8:27
Mathew 4:1-22

MESSAGE:

Vision is the energy of progress and a determinant of destiny. Vision is no doubt one of the most powerful forces available to a man on earth today. It gives meaning to life, keeps us alive and conditions our lives. Vision inspired the Greeks to produce philosophy and art that still impacts the thinking of our world. It motivated the great Roman Empire to expand its influence and develop the known world. Vision inspired the explorers who circumvented the globe and ignited the creation and expansion of many of the nations we know today. It is your vision that determines your destiny. Proverbs 29:18 says;

‘Where there is no vision, the people perish: but he that keepeth the law, happy is he.’

True vision is not based on what a person sees with the physical eyes alone, but on the images seen with the inward eyes of the mind. A man of vision sees what God has planned for him before its fulfillment. Vision entails planning and goal-setting. Every great person in history owned a personal vision. A man with no vision is at best a living corpse. He desires nothing and achieves nothing. Is your life directed by a clear vision? Do you know your potential for fulfilling this vision? Have you developed a concrete plan for your vision? What active steps have you taken towards the fulfillment of your vision? Do you recognise people’s influence on your vision? These are all questions you need to answer if you will leave your prints on the sand of time. When you begin to act on your vision, it will stir up both those who want to help you and those who want to hinder you. How passionate are you about your vision? Visons requires faith for fulfillment. Have you built up the faith necessary for the fulfillment of your God-given vision? And most importantly, what is the source of your vision?

In addition to true vision, God’s people live by revelation. A Christian is expected to operate on a God-given vision and by revelation. Christianity is an intimate growing relationship with the person of Jesus Christ. Every child of God should therefore live by the revelation of the Word. We should live by what the Word of God says. God expect you to arrange your life based on His Word, regardless of whether it makes sense to you or not, and regardless of whether it is convenient or not. God knows what is best for your future, your family, your church and your country. He wants to reveal what is on His heart to you, if only He can get your attention. He expects you to diligently pursue your vision and revelations He drops in your spirit. Actualising your vision and the revelation God gives you requires diligence, integrity, focus, good human relations, prayer and faith. How prepared are you to live by these?

Action Point

Dust up that vision or revelation God gave you so long ago and diligently run with it.

OPEN HEAVENS DEVOTIONAL – WEDNESDAY – 18/03/2015 – LIVING BY VISION AND REVELATION – BY PASTOR E.A. ADEBOYE

OPEN HEAVENS DEVOTIONAL – TUESDAY – 17/03/2015 – LEADERSHIP BY EXAMPLE – BY PASTOR E.A. ADEBOYE

LEADERSHIP BY EXAMPLE

Memorize

If I then, your Lord and Master, have washed your feet; ye also ought to wash one another’s feet.

John 13:14

Read

Daniel 2:46-49

46 Then the king Nebuchadnezzar fell upon his face, and worshipped Daniel, and commanded that they should offer an oblation and sweet odours unto him.

47 The king answered unto Daniel, and said, Of a truth it is, that your God is a God of gods, and a Lord of kings, and a revealer of secrets, seeing thou couldest reveal this secret.

48 Then the king made Daniel a great man, and gave him many great gifts, and made him ruler over the whole province of Babylon, and chief of the governors over all the wise men of Babylon.

49 Then Daniel requested of the king, and he set Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-nego, over the affairs of the province of Babylon: but Daniel sat in the gate of the king.

MESSAGE

Daniel purposed in his heart not to partake of the king’s meat (Daniel 1:8). He denied himself all the goodies associated with classical palatial living because he wanted to make a difference among his peers. Anyone who aspire to be a leader must be self-disciplined, carefully choose the kind of people he or she associates with and must consciously cultivate habits that will distinguish him or her Like Daniel, leaders must fear God and be prayerful, respect authority, be diligent testimonies, young David was diligent in keeping his father’s flock, and God rewarded him with a kingdom (1st Samuel 17:34-35). The way Joshua and Caleb delivered a minority report after returning from their assignment is a good example of how to have the right attitude when confronted with challenges (Number 14:6-8). Their level of faith in the Lord God determined their attitude and degree of courage. They admitted that indeed there were giants in the land and the walls were tall, but they confessed that the Lord would deliver the enemies into their hands. No wonder at age 85, Caleb could say, “Give me this mountain!” (Joshua 14:12). He knew it was not by his frail power or might but by the spirit of God. That is an attitude fired by faith.

A good leader is a regenerated, distinguished personality (John 3:3). Because he draws his energy and inspiration from the Word of God, he therefore mediates on it habitually. The Word of God dwells in him richly, and he takes delight in living a righteous life. He is conscious of the right people to associate with, and he walks in the perfect will of God. He is one who makes a difference among his peers, and must have been a good and consistent follower. He is a man of great and mighty vision, who remains focused at all times. He is a selfless and courageous champion and fire for God, a go-getter, very humble and willing to learn from others. When the young Joseph caught the vision of his future greatness, he developed the right attitude to remain focused. His attitude was spiced with integrity. He focused to be distracted, not even by the juicy mouth-watering offer of his master’s wife.

Leadership by example can be summarised with two words: “GOOD SUCCESS” (Joshua 1:8). Because a good leader is connected to his source – God, he is ever fruitful, ever buoyant, ever prosperous, ever peaceful and ever joyful. Simply put, good leadership guarantees a holistic fulfilled life which in turn rubs off on any given human system.

Key Point

You cannot lead successfully if you have failed as a follower.

Bible in one year

Daniel 5:13-7:8
Matthew 2:19-3:17

OPEN HEAVENS DEVOTIONAL – TUESDAY – 17/03/2015 – LEADERSHIP BY EXAMPLE – BY PASTOR E.A. ADEBOYE

OPEN HEAVENS DEVOTIONAL – SUNDAY – 15/03/2015 – A MORE EXCELLENT NAME – BY PASTOR E.A. ADEBOYE

A MORE EXCELLENT NAME

Memorise

Being made so much better than the angles, as he hath by inheritance obtained a more excellent name than they.

Hebrews 1:4

Read

Acts 4:6-12

6 And Annas the high priest, and Caiaphas, and John, and Alexander, and as many as were of the kindred of the high priest, were gathered together at Jerusalem.

7 And when they had set them in the midst, they asked, By what power, or by what name, have ye done this?

8 Then Peter, filled with the Holy Ghost, said unto them, Ye rulers of the people, and elders of Israel,

9 If we this day be examined of the good deed done to the impotent man, by what means he is made whole;

10 Be it known unto you all, and to all the people of Israel, that by the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, whom ye crucified, whom God raised from the dead, even by him doth this man stand here before you whole.

11 This is the stone which was set at nought of you builders, which is become the head of the corner.

12 Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved.

BIBLE IN ONE YEAR

DANIEL 2:31-4:3
MATTHEW 1

Message

Whenever brand names are mentioned in the society, people know without wasting time what they represent. These names serve as the identity of the entity they represent. With this in mind, let us look at the Name of Jesus. The Name of Jesus has several significant attributes. One of these is that it carries power. This power is so special because it is unlimited. The Name of Jesus has the answer to every difficulty of life. It is the only Name through which salvation can be guaranteed (Acts 4:12). The Name of Jesus grants you access to His person (Mark 10:47-49). This special access will turn your life around. If there is any reason why many people are going round in circles, or things seem not to be working for them despite their efforts, it is because of the absence of Jesus in their lives. When you have Jesus, you have everything. When you have Jesus, you can tell the powers of this world to take the world and leave you with Jesus. If you have the whole world and you don’t have Jesus, you are of all men most miserable.

What kind of power is there in the Name of Jesus? The power of the anointing, the power to deliver, the power to become relevant in the scheme of things, the power to win souls and the power to be committed in the service of the kingdom: all these are found in His Name. Without the power in His Name, there is no safety or fortification for believers. In Acts 19:11-17, certain exorcists tried to exercise dominion over demons by His name, while they lacked a relationship with His person. They suffered tremendously and were placed where they belonged. If you attempt to do anything significant in life without the power of Jesus, you can be sure it won’t succeed, and if it is permitted to succeed, you will realise that it won’t be sustained. What are you desperate for? Do you desire to prosper, achieve success, be anointed and be relevant? Then you have to come under the Lordship of Jesus Christ. Jesus is the original kingmaker (Revelation 1:5-6). He can make you a king on earth and establish your authority. He can make you rule as a king in His kingdom which has no end. His mandate is to save us from our sins, and for Him, there is no one whose life is irredeemable. There is power in the Name of Jesus to break every chain. Are you going through any form of sorrow at the moment and you are finding it difficult to come out of it? It could be because you have refused to receive the person of Jesus. You cannot have Jesus and have sorrow. Are there certain forces around you whose activities are having a negative effect on your destiny? You have to cry to Jesus so that in His Name, every force working against the will of God for your life will be frustrated. The power in the Name of Jesus gives the anointing such that, even in the midst of your enemies and detractors, nothing will hinder your progress, peace and boldness.

Prayer Point

Father, as I call upon the excellent Name of Jesus, let excellent be found in my life.

OPEN HEAVENS DEVOTIONAL – SUNDAY – 15/03/2015 – A MORE EXCELLENT NAME – BY PASTOR E.A. ADEBOYE

OPEN HEAVENS DEVOTIONAL – SATURDAY – 14/03/2015 – MIRACULOUS RECOVERY – BY PASTOR E.A. ADEBOYE

MIRACULOUS RECOVERY

Memorise

And I will restore to you the years that the locust hath eaten, the cankerworm, and the caterpiller, and the palmerworm, my great army which I sent among you.

Joel 2:25

Read

2 Kings 6:1-7

1 And the sons of the prophets said unto Elisha, Behold now, the place where we dwell with thee is too strait for us.

2 Let us go, we pray thee, unto Jordan, and take thence every man a beam, and let us make us a place there, where we may dwell. And he answered, Go ye.

3 And one said, Be content, I pray thee, and go with thy servants. And he answered, I will go.

4 So he went with them. And when they came to Jordan, they cut down wood.

5 But as one was felling a beam, the axe head fell into the water: and he cried, and said, Alas, master! for it was borrowed.

6 And the man of God said, Where fell it? And he shewed him the place. And he cut down a stick, and cast it in thither; and the iron did swim.

7 Therefore said he, Take it up to thee. And he put out his hand, and took it.

Bible in One Year

Daniel 1:1-2:30
Revelation 22

MESSAGE:

In our Scripture reading today, we see someone felling a tree by the riverside and the axe head been used falling into River Jordan. Thank God for His power that located the axe head and brought it back up for the user to complete his project. There are people who have lost very precious things in their lives. With God, there is nothing lost that cannot be recovered miraculously. To recover means to find something you once lost. There are people who have suffered partial loss and there others who have suffered total loss. No matter the type of loss you have suffered, The Almighty God will restore them to you in Jesus’ Name. In Mark 5:25-34, the woman with issue of blood lost a lot. She lost her health because she had been in that situation for long. She lost her wealth because she had spent all she had, trying to get help from physicians. She lost her peace because when there is absence of good health and wealth, frustration can set in and this leads to depression. But by the time she met Jesus, everything she had lost was restored back to her. For a user of this devotional, whatever good thing you have lost will be recovered instantly in Jesus’ Name.

Samson is an example of someone who suffered partial loss (Judge 16:21-27). As a result of his carelessness, he lost his eyes to the enemy. Even though his hair grew back, blindness remained in his life. By that Name that is above every other name, which is Jesus, every reminder of lost in your life is terminated in Jesus’Name. Everything you have lost; financially, physically, in your marriage and career-wise shall be fully recovered in Jesus’ Name. Another interesting story that shows God’s ability to return whatever one has lost is found in Daniel 4:28-37. It is a story about King Nebuchadnezzar. This king became so proud that he refused to acknowledge God as source of his achievements. In a bid to humble him and teach him that man cannot achieve anything without God, God caused him to lose his kingdom. He also suffered the loss of sanity, humanity, dignity, glory and honour. In fact, for a period of 7 years, he was not different from animals. Miraculously though, all through those years of his wilderness experience, nobody replaced him on the throne. The Lord kept his position intact until his training was over. Testimonies abound to show the fact than an opportunity was lost does not mean it cannot be regained. As long as God is in the equation. He can reverse the irreversible. He can suspend law and principles to make a point in your life. That is why those who think they have seen your end are in for a shocker. It is important that we always appreciate what we have so that we don’t lose it. If you have lost your peace of mind due to backsliding, you have to repent of those sins and confess the Lordship of Jesus. If you do these, you will become a new person and experience the time of refreshing from the Almighty God.

Prayer Point

Father, by your mercy, command a recovery of all I have lost in Jesus’Name.

OPEN HEAVENS DEVOTIONAL – SATURDAY – 14/03/2015 – MIRACULOUS RECOVERY – BY PASTOR E.A. ADEBOYE

OPEN HEAVENS DEVOTIONAL – FRIDAY – 13/03/2015 – THE PAINS OF DISOBEDIENCE – BY PASTOR E.A. ADEBOYE

THE PAINS OF DISOBEDIENCE

Memorise

For rebellion is as the sin of witchcraft, and stubbornness is as iniquity and idolatry. Because thou hast rejected the word of the LORD, he hath also rejected thee from being king.

1 Samuel 15:23

Read

1 Samuel 15:10-11

10 Then came the word of the LORD unto Samuel, saying,

11 It repenteth me that I have set up Saul to be king: for he is turned back from following me, and hath not performed my commandments. And it grieved Samuel; and he cried unto the LORD all night.

MESSAGE

The sin of disobedience is a terrible sin. Nothing hinders the children of God from fulfilling their purpose in life like disobedience. Disobedience comes in many shades. It can take the form of refusal to keep to specific instructions, functioning in an office God has not called you to, courting a wrong relationship or operating in a place you are not meant to be in at a particular time. No matter what form it takes, the truth remains that disobedience is a terrible sin in the sight of the Almighty God. Disobedience compels God to turn blessings into curse, as we see in the account of Adam and Eve ( Genesis 3:17 ).

Every act of disobedience erodes your reservoir of God’s blessings. Nothing destroys a man faster than the sin of disobedience. That is the reason why you have to check your life today and take stock of your soul, so that your sky will not be turned into brass (Deuteronomy 28:23). When this happens, instead of favour, you will experience closed doors. In 1 Samuel 15:1-23, King Saul lost his crown because of partial obedience. God expects full obedience form all His children. He prefers total obedience to partial obedience. This is one of the reasons why many of us are yet to access the blessings of God fully.

Abraham was called to leave his father’s house behind but he suffered the consequences of disobedience by taking Lot along with him. Who are those people the Lord expects you to have dropped but you are still hanging around? What are those things the Lord has warned you about that you are still engaging in? These are the things that will deny you the full blessings of God. Numbers 12:8 says Moses was so close to God that he conversed with God mouth to mouth. But when he was told by God to speak to the Rock and he struck the rock instead, he was severely punished: he never got to the Promised Land (Numbers 20:12).

Check your life and find out those things that are capable of hindering you from becoming the best that God wants you to be. Drop them now before they make you drop out of the journey to the Promised Land. Check your life today. If you are experiencing perpetual sorrow, suffering, disappointment and unfulfilled desires, check and find out the factors responsible. Don’t pretend to be okay when you know all is not well with you. If you confess those hidden sins of disobedience, you will surely find mercy, but if you pretend about it, you will be undoing yourself. Some people keep making effort, yet they never record any success. Several trials and much effort do not guarantee success when disobedience is present.

Action Point

Examine yourself today and repent from every act of disobedience in your life.

Bible in One Year

Ezekiel 47-48,
Revelation 21:9-27

OPEN HEAVENS DEVOTIONAL – FRIDAY – 13/03/2015 – THE PAINS OF DISOBEDIENCE – BY PASTOR E.A. ADEBOYE

OPEN HEAVENS DEVOTIONAL – WEDNESDAY – 11/03/2015 – ACTIVATING MIRACLES – BY PASTOR E.A. ADEBOYE

ACTIVATING MIRACLES

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

Read

Matthew 15:22-28,

22 And, behold, a woman of Canaan came out of the same coasts, and cried unto him, saying, Have mercy on me, O Lord, thou Son of David; my daughter is grievously vexed with a devil.

23 But he answered her not a word. And his disciples came and besought him, saying, Send her away; for she crieth after us.

24 But he answered and said, I am not sent but unto the lost sheep of the house of Israel.

25 Then came she and worshipped him, saying, Lord, help me.

26 But he answered and said, It is not meet to take the children’s bread, and to cast it to dogs.

27 And she said, Truth, Lord: yet the dogs eat of the crumbs which fall from their masters’ table.

28 Then Jesus answered and said unto her, O woman, great is thy faith: be it unto thee even as thou wilt. And her daughter was made whole from that very hour.

Message

If you know how to move God, there will never be anything that you will not be able to get done on earth. This is the main reason why it is necessary for every one of us to get closer to God. Apostle Paul in Philippians 3:10 said:

“That I may know him, and the power of his resurrection, and the fellowship of his sufferings, being made conformable unto his death;”

He craved to know more of God despite the current depth of his knowledge. Just like Paul, every one of us needs to continue in our thirst for more of Him. If you want God to always move in your life and situation, there are a few things you can do. If these things are not done, you may be compelled to wait longer than expected before miracles can be activated in your life. In Genesis 18:1-5, Abraham had a divine visitation. Some strangers came close to his tent but they did not seek to go inside, even though they were on assignment to bless and transform his life forever. Thank God Abraham was sensitive enough to realise he must do something in order to get something. Abraham showed good hospitality to the visitors. He never knew that by so doing, he was already preparing heaven to move on his behalf. This is why those who give good offerings only once in a while are only denying themselves the miracles that God has promised them. That you gave quality praise yesterday is not enough to deny God praise today. You must constantly do things that will activate the miracles that God has prepared for you.

In the life of a child of God, there are two possible kinds of divine encounter: going to God to meet with Him and God Himself coming on a visit. Either of these encounters has the potential of activating a miracle. When a person meets with God, his life cannot remain the same. The problems of yester years vanish and the mourning of yesterday is turned to laughter. However, when God Himself comes visiting, the miracles received are always record-breaking. I believe there is a reader of this devotional, who will receive a visit from God in Jesus’ Name. When God comes visiting, He brings lots of miracles, signs and wonders to the visited. Usually, such visits are activated when there is something critical that needs to be done in the life of the visited. Abraham was visited by God at the time when the hope of having a child of covenant was lost. Is that what your case looks like today? Have you waited all these years and your name has become a synonym for barrenness? Have you been tagged as that woman who has no husband or that man without a job? Today, God will visit you. Every pending promise will be fulfilled. Every secret tear will be wiped away. Your hope is being restored right now in Jesus’ Name. I see all your trials becoming a great testimony.

Prayer Point

Father, let me receive an uncommon visit from you that will turn my life around.

Bible in One Year

Ezekiel 43:13-45:6
Revelation 19:11-20:6

OPEN HEAVENS DEVOTIONAL – WEDNESDAY – 11/03/2015 – ACTIVATING MIRACLES – BY PASTOR E.A. ADEBOYE

OPEN HEAVENS DEVOTIONAL – TUESDAY – 10/03/2015 – BENEFITS OF PATIENCE – BY PASTOR E.A. ADEBOYE

BENEFITS OF PATIENCE

Memorise

He staggered not at the promise of God through unbelief; but was strong in faith, giving glory to God;

Romans 4:20

Read

Genesis 17:1-5

1 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.

2 And I will make my covenant between me and thee, and will multiply thee exceedingly.

3 And Abram fell on his face: and God talked with him, saying,

4 As for me, behold, my covenant is with thee, and thou shalt be a father of many nations.

5 Neither shall thy name any more be called Abram, but thy name shall be Abraham; for a father of many nations have I made thee.

Message

There are lots of benefits awaiting those that are patient in receiving God’s promises.

For since the beginning of the world men have not heard, nor perceived by the ear, neither hath the eye seen, O God, beside thee, what he hath prepared for him that waiteth for him.

Isaiah 64:4

It is always to our advantage when we wait on His word. It is the only guarantee we have for securing victory, success and the breakthroughs we crave for. For so long, God wanted to enter into a Covenant with Abraham, but Abraham was just not ready. It was only after 24years of self- dependence and self-government by Abraham that God felt He was ready. There are many generational blessings that God wants to give to you. There are also many exploits that He wants you to accomplish, but as long as you are ready to do it according to His time-table, there will always be unnecessary delays. Any time God calls for a partnership with us, He is simply looking for an opportunity to bless us. He wants to provide divine direction and turn our nothingness to something. He wants to make a message out of our mess, and He wants to bring a testimony out of our tests.

When the Lord called His disciples apart in Mark 6:30-31, it was for the purpose of waiting on Him. If you are the type always running up and down, you cannot get the best from God. Those who wait on Him in patience are usually rewarded. It is very important to wait on Him for direction in your projects, relationships and programmes. If you learn to be patient, situations and circumstances will always be within your control. In the place of waiting, there is no room for unbelief and doubt . Abraham did not stagger at God’s promises, and his faith was rewarded ( Romans 4:20). Peter toiled all night without catching anything ( Luke 5:3-7 ). The Lord decided to choose his boat for a kingdom assignment and he did not refuse or complain; he just waited for his miracle. At the end, he rejoiced. Have you been waiting on God’s promises for so long? Keep your cool. Don’t be discouraged. If you become impatient, you may lose the benefits meant to transform your life. At the end of Peter’s waiting, his story changed. The Peter who caught nothing became the Peter who needed the assistance of others to handle the blessings of God in his life. I say to a user of this devotional, in that Name that is above every other name, your joy, blessing, breakthrough, healing and anointing will overflow to generations yet unborn. Waiting upon the promises of God requires faith. When you wait patiently on God for anything, you save time, and in the end, nothing will be lost.

Prayer Point

Dear Lord, please continue to be my focus as I wait on You.

BIBLE IN ONE YEAR

EZEKIEL 41:1-43:12
Revelation 18:19-19:10

OPEN HEAVENS DEVOTIONAL – TUESDAY – 10/03/2015 – BENEFITS OF PATIENCE – BY PASTOR E.A. ADEBOYE