OPEN HEAVENS DEVOTIONAL – TUESDAY – 30/06/2015 – IS IT AS TO THE LORD? – BY PASTOR E.A. ADEBOYE

IS IT AS TO THE LORD?

Memorise

Not with eye-service, as men-pleasers; but as the servants of Christ, doing the will of God from the heart;

Ephesians 6:6

Read

Ephesians 6:5-8

5 Servants, be obedient to them that are your masters according to the flesh, with fear and trembling, in singleness of your heart, as unto Christ;

6 Not with eyeservice, as menpleasers; but as the servants of Christ, doing the will of God from the heart;

7 With good will doing service, as to the Lord, and not to men:

8 Knowing that whatsoever good thing any man doeth, the same shall he receive of the Lord, whether he be bond or free.

Message

The story was told of a preacher who went to church one Sunday morning, fully prepared to deliver his sermon, only to find out that the bad weather had prevented members from coming to church except one little boy. This preacher, as the story goes, preached as if the whole auditorium was full of members. After the sermon, the preacher made an altar call and the boy gave his life to Christ that glorious Sunday morning. It was one morning, one preacher, one-member congregation and one convert. That little boy became a world-renowned evangelist.

Today's Bible reading encourages us to render our service, either in church or outside of church, as to the Lord, not with eyeservice or as men-pleasers. Unfortunately, there are men-pleasers today in Church, who would rather offend God instead of offending the feelings of people, even when this is unscriptural. Such an attitude affects our service to God negatively. It taints our holy service to God. Paul in Romans 12:1 says thus about Christian service:

"I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service."

The work ethics in our church organisations should require little or no supervision. This is one of the first things we were taught when we applied as volunteer workers in church. There is danger in working with eyeservice, because when the one you intend to impress is not around, you will do something else.

Some civil servants short-change themselves when they think that government work is not to be done wholeheartedly as if one's life depends on it. If you work in any organisation, particularly a government establishment, and you think you can loaf around and still get paid at the end of the month without repercussion, you must have been deceived. The law of natural justice and equity establishes the fact that if your work is worth 50,000 of your country's currency but you receive 1,000,000, by the time you have spent the last unit of the money, you will realise that the value of what the 1,000,000 obtained is not more than what is obtainable with 50,000.

Prayer Point

Father, deliver me from eye-service, and please help me to serve You acceptably from now onward in Jesus' Name.

Bible in one year

1 Chronicles 5:23-7:13;

Luke 14:12-35

OPEN HEAVENS DEVOTIONAL – MONDAY– 29/06/2015 – IT'S NOT OVER YET – BY PASTOR E.A. ADEBOYE

IT'S NOT OVER YET

Memorise

Not as though I had already attained, either were already perfect: but I follow after, if that I may apprehend that for which also I am apprehended of Christ Jesus.

Philippians 3:12

Read

Philippians 3:10-14

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

11 If by any means I might attain unto the resurrection of the dead.

12 Not as though I had already attained, either were already perfect: but I follow after, if that I may apprehend that for which also I am apprehended of Christ Jesus.

13 Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended: but this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before,

14 I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.

Message

The Christian journey is more often than not a long distance race. This is particularly true because of the long life that our Heavenly Father has promised us (Psalm 91:16). We therefore need a lot of patience to run the race. Apostle Paul in today's Bible reading gives insight on the nature of the race we are engaged in. It is a non-stop marathon. Once you start, you cannot go on sabbatical leave. Because you are already grafted into Jesus Christ once you start the race, you must ensure that you don't pull yourself away from Him who first ran this race and finished well (Hebrew 12:2). How do we sustain the tempo and determination to finish well? Paul answers this question in Philippians 3:13-14:

"Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended: but this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before, I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus."

Many Christians live in the glory of their past achievements, and this has resulted in their undoing. The various indictments Jesus levelled against the seven Churches in Asia in Revelation 2-3, should be food for thought for all end-time Christians. In the past, when a Christian mistakenly said something that was not untrue but also not 100% true, he quickly corrected himself with an apology. For example, in the days when my father-in-the-Lord was still alive, I remember travelling to Ilesa, a city in south-west Nigeria, and forgetting to buy some oranges along the way as I used to. I remembered after I got to Lagos and quickly bought some in Lagos. I gave them to my father-in-the-Lord and he asked if I bought the oranges on my way. I said "Yes sir". Immediately, the Holy Spirit rebuked me that I was not telling the whole truth.

I bought them on the way, yes, but not on the way from Ilesa as the old man meant to ask. I quickly corrected myself and he exclaimed "Holy Spirit!" in adoration of the Holy Spirit's rebuke of love. Today, many children of God tell lies with impunity and they do not feel the pain of lying, even against the Holy Spirit. Their first love is all gone. Be warned that the race is not over yet. Ezekiel 18:24 says:

"But when the righteous turneth away from his righteousness, and committeth iniquity, and doeth according to all the abominations that the wicked man doeth, shall he live? All his righteousness that he hath done shall not be mentioned: in his trespass that he hath trespassed, and in his sin that he hath sinned, in them shall he die."

Prayer Request

Father, please uphold me to the very end of my Christian race.

Bible in One year

1 Chronicles 3:1-5:22;

Luke 13:31-14:11

OPEN HEAVENS DEVOTIONAL – SUNDAY– 28/06/2015 – DEATH IS NOT THE END – BY PASTOR E.A. ADEBOYE

DEATH IS NOT THE END

Memorise

For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so them also which sleep in Jesus will God bring with him.

1 Thessalonians 4:14

Read

1 Corinthians 15:12-19

12 Now if Christ be preached that he rose from the dead, how say some among you that there is no resurrection of the dead?

13 But if there be no resurrection of the dead, then is Christ not risen:

14 And if Christ be not risen, then is our preaching vain, and your faith is also vain.

15 Yea, and we are found false witnesses of God; because we have testified of God that he raised up Christ: whom he raised not up, if so be that the dead rise not.

16 For if the dead rise not, then is not Christ raised:

17 And if Christ be not raised, your faith is vain; ye are yet in your sins.

18 Then they also which are fallen asleep in Christ are perished.

19 If in this life only we have hope in Christ, we are of all men most miserable.

Message

Everything in this life will come to an end one day. However, the life of a man does not end in death, it continues in eternity, either with God in Heaven or with the devil in the place of torment. Those who believe in the resurrection of Jesus Christ and live by the expectation of experiencing the same someday, have the hope of eternal life. The Bible in 1 John 3:2-3 says:

"Beloved, now are we the sons of God, and it doth not yet appear what we shall be: but we know that, when he shall appear, we shall be like him; for we shall see him as he is. And every man that hath this hope in him purifieth himself, even as he is pure."

Jesus Christ promised that He will come back to take us home after preparing a place for us. Here are His words in John 14:2-3:

"In my Father's house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also."

Those who have this hope in them will conduct themselves in a way that is expected of saints.

"LORD, who shall abide in thy tabernacle? who shall dwell in thy holy hill? He that walketh uprightly, and worketh righteousness, and speaketh the truth in his heart."
Psalm 15:1-2

This scripture reveals the condition to be met by those who will triumph over death, while Revelation 21:1-7 gives a brief description of the eternal life of bliss awaiting those who give their life to Jesus Christ. But for those who remain resistant to the invitation of Jesus, what awaits them is the second death. This is described in Revelation 21:8:

"But the fearful, the unbelieving, and the abominable, and murderers, and whoremongers, and sorcerers, and idolaters, and all liars, shall have their part in the lake which burneth with fire and brimstone: which is the second death."

I pray that an eternity in the Lake of fire will not be your portion in Jesus' Name.

Prayer Point

Father, let me find eternal rest in Your kingdom in Jesus' Name.

Bible in one year

1 Chronicles 1-2;
Luke 13:10-30

OPEN HEAVENS DEVOTIONAL – SATURDAY – 27/06/2015 – HAUNTED BY YOUR PAST? – BY PASTOR E.A. ADEBOYE

HAUNTED BY YOUR PAST?

Memorise

And such were some of you: but ye are washed, but ye are sanctified, but ye are justified in the name of the Lord Jesus, and by the Spirit of our God.

1 Corinthians 6:11

Read

Romans 8:1-3

1 There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit.

2 For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus hath made me free from the law of sin and death.

3 For what the law could not do, in that it was weak through the flesh, God sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh, and for sin, condemned sin in the flesh:

Message

Some Christians allow their past to haunt them so badly that they have no confidence in their heritage as children of God. Paul, an apostle of Jesus Christ, is an example of someone who did not allow his past to haunt him or prevent him from fulfilling his destiny. He gave the following testimony about himself in Galatians 1:15-17:

"But when it pleased God, who separated me from my mother's womb, and called me by his grace, To reveal his Son in me, that I might preach him among the heathen; immediately I conferred not with flesh and blood. Neither went I up to Jerusalem to them which were apostles before me; but I went into Arabia, and returned again unto Damascus."

One noticeable reason why the past haunts some children of God is their lack of knowledge and understanding of the word of God. It is necessary for every child of God to possess very sound knowledge of who they are in Christ through God's word. As revealed in our Bible reading, any individual who is born-again is free from every form of condemnation of past sins. The past should therefore not torment you if the reality of this scripture has been received in your spirit. Let us look at this passage very closely and learn one or two truths about our new life in Christ.

Before you can escape the evils of your past life, the first thing you should ascertain is whether or not you are indeed in Christ, because some people are in Church but not in Christ. The evidence of a life in Christ is outlined in 2 Corinthians 5:17:

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

This new life is not by our power but by the power in the Blood and Spirit of Jesus Christ. The Bible says the Spirit bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God (Romans 8:16).

Part of the cardinal truths distinguishing the Christian faith from all other faiths is the grace which brings salvation to us without imputing our past sins, and the power given to us to live above those past sins. Beloved, if you are still struggling with your past life of sin, you need to check your background. Are you genuinely born-again? If yes, are you still living your past life? If not, your past will not haunt you again. Demolish the bridge that links you with the past and be free.

Action Point

Cut away from activities, friends and habits of the past, so that you can be free indeed.

Bible in one year

2 Kings 23:36-25:30;
Luke 12:49-13:9

OPEN HEAVENS DEVOTIONAL – FRIDAY – 26/06/2015 – NO FOOD FOR THE LAZY MAN – BY PASTOR E.A. ADEBOYE

NO FOOD FOR THE LAZY MAN

Memorise

For even when we were with you, this we commanded you, that if any would not work, neither should he eat.

2 Thessalonians 3:10

Read

2 Thessalonians 3:10-12

10 For even when we were with you, this we commanded you, that if any would not work, neither should he eat.

11 For we hear that there are some which walk among you disorderly, working not at all, but are busybodies.

12 Now them that are such we command and exhort by our Lord Jesus Christ, that with quietness they work, and eat their own bread.

Message

Laziness is not a Christian virtue in any way. Our Lord Jesus Christ made this clear by His lifestyle of hard work while here on earth. A lifestyle of laziness is outrightly rejected in Scriptures typified by today's Bible reading. It is amazing that some people are still expecting God to rain manna on earth! It does not work that way anymore. After the children of Israel had settled in the land flowing with milk and honey and they had eaten the old corn of the land, the manna ceased (Joshua 5:11-12). What the Lord expected of them going forward was to cultivate the land and expect His abundant harvest. Some people don't know that working is a divine attribute. They think the idea of work came as a result of sin. This is far from the truth because God worked, and Jesus Christ even said this in John 5:17:

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

It was reported to Paul that some so-called brethren were not working in the early Church. Paul quickly responded to the situation with the example of himself, because he was hard-working. Read his testimony in Acts 20:33-34:

"I have coveted no man's silver, or gold, or apparel. Yea, ye yourselves know, that these hands have ministered unto my necessities, and to them that were with me."

Some Christians claim that they do not work for a living because they cannot get a job. From personal experience, the truth of the matter is: it is the job of their dreams that they are looking for, and because it is not forthcoming, they stay at home or loaf around, living on other people's sweat. Such people should look for an alternative job, not only to keep busy but also to earn a modest living. Proverbs 12:11 declares that:

"He that tilleth his land shall be satisfied with bread: but he that followeth vain persons is void of understanding."

Apostle Paul did not depend on any person but God for survival. Despite his extraordinary anointing, he was a still a tent maker (Acts 18:3). I pray for someone reading this devotional who is currently unemployed: the Lord will provide you with a good job that will enable you to support the work of God and bless the brethren, in Jesus' Name.

Action Point

If you are looking for a white collar job and it is not forthcoming, prayerfully try your hands on something else, and God will bless your effort in Jesus' Name.

Bible in one year

2 Kings 23:1-35; Luke 12:22-48

OPEN HEAVENS DEVOTIONAL – THURSDAY – 25/06/2015 – REMAIN TRUE TO GOD – BY PASTOR E.A. ADEBOYE

REMAIN TRUE TO GOD

Memorise

Bless the LORD, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits:

Psalm 103:2

Read

Deuteronomy 8:10-14

10 When thou hast eaten and art full, then thou shalt bless the LORD thy God for the good land which he hath given thee.

11 Beware that thou forget not the LORD thy God, in not keeping his commandments, and his judgments, and his statutes, which I command thee this day:

12 Lest when thou hast eaten and art full, and hast built goodly houses, and dwelt therein;

13 And when thy herds and thy flocks multiply, and thy silver and thy gold is multiplied, and all that thou hast is multiplied;

14 Then thine heart be lifted up, and thou forget the LORD thy God, which brought thee forth out of the land of Egypt, from the house of bondage;

Message

Solomon was a man who enjoyed the goodness of the Lord in an unprecedented way. The crown of God's goodness to him was that God appeared to him twice (1 Kings 9:2-3).  He indeed recognised and testified to the goodness of God in His life. In 1 Kings 5:4 he testified that:

"But now the LORD my God hath given me rest on every side, so that there is neither adversary nor evil occurrent."

Everything that Solomon desired, the Lord granted him. But the Bible in 1 Kings 11:4 says this about his latter end:

"For it came to pass, when Solomon was old, that his wives turned away his heart after other gods: and his heart was not perfect with the LORD his God, as was the heart of David his father."

The negative turn taken by the life of Solomon when he was old can be attributed to the comfort he enjoyed. This example of Solomon should serve as a lesson to every one of us. To be blessed by God is not as important as retaining your relationship with Him. Solomon started well but he could not end well.

The real character of a man is not revealed at the time he is experiencing need but at the time he has entered into abundance. King Solomon was prospered so greatly by God that the Queen of Sheba heard of his prosperity and fame. She personally came to Jerusalem to witness those things she had heard. It is unfortunate that Solomon did not remain true to God who had prospered him. Is the Lord doing great things through you? Don't ever be proud. He owns the content; you are just an ordinary container. As a pastor, are there many members in your congregation? Don't get distracted by this, God is the one drawing them to Himself. Many who started well have turned away from the faith; don't be one of them. When people are in search of one thing or the other, they will be actively involved in the service of God, but as soon as their problems are solved and their needs are met, they will disappear from God's service. Are you in a state where everything looks alright, but in your heart you know that you have missed it somewhere? There is no need to pretend; all you need to do is come back home to your senses. God is waiting for you. Never allow the pressures of this life to lead you to destruction. Deal with all those things that are capable of keeping the blessings of God out of your life. Come out of every weakness. Don't allow that questionable relationship to deny you the joy of your salvation.

Prayer point

Father, grant me grace not to fail in the place of honour.

Bible in one year

2 Kings 21-22; 
Luke 12:1-21

OPEN HEAVENS DEVOTIONAL – WEDNESDAY – 24/06/2015 – LOVE IN PRACTICE – BY PASTOR E.A. ADEBOYE

LOVE IN PRACTICE

Memorise

My little children, let us not love in word, neither in tongue; but in deed and in truth.

1 John 3:18

Read

1 John 3:16-18

16 Hereby perceive we the love of God, because he laid down his life for us: and we ought to lay down our lives for the brethren.

17 But whoso hath this world's good, and seeth his brother have need, and shutteth up his bowels of compassion from him, how dwelleth the love of God in him?

18 My little children, let us not love in word, neither in tongue; but in deed and in truth.

Message

The character of love is seen in practise and not through empty words. This is the reason why John the beloved advised that we should make the expression of our love practical. One practical way of expressing love is through giving. The Bible in John 3:16 says that God loved the world, and this love compelled Him to give His only begotten Son, so that men could be saved. It was through the medium of giving that God ascertained the love Abraham had for Him (Genesis 22:10-18).

Many people deceive themselves that they love God, but God knows they are far from what they claim to be. When God lays a demand on them, even of those things that legitimately belong to Him, they give reasons why they cannot respond positively, expecting Him to understand the situation they are passing through. For example, some people deny God of tithes and offerings, and they expect Him to understand.

Our giving should also be directed towards our fellow human beings, since this is more direct. It is an expression of love to someone we can see. As a matter of fact, Jesus appreciates our gesture towards our fellow human being, particularly those of the household of faith. He said in Matthew 25:34-36 that:

"Then shall the King say unto them on his right hand, Come, ye blessed of my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world: For I was an hungred, and ye gave me meat: I was thirsty, and ye gave me drink: I was a stranger, and ye took me in: Naked, and ye clothed me: I was sick, and ye visited me: I was in prison, and ye came unto me."

John the beloved in 1 John 3:17 also asked this question:

"But whoso hath this world's good, and seeth his brother have need and shutteth up his bowels of compassion from him, how dwelleth the love of God in him?"

A popular adage goes: "A friend in need is a friend indeed." I would rather say "A brother in need is a brother indeed." Some brethren find it difficult to pick up a stranded brother that is known to them on the road. Beloved, let us go back to the basics of love as was taught in the early days of the Church. This will make our Lord happy, and He shall bless us in return.

Action Point

Look around you for those in need, and show them the compassion of Jesus.

BIBLE IN ONE YEAR

2 Kings 19-20;

Luke 11:33-54

OPEN HEAVENS DEVOTIONAL – TUESDAY – 23/06/2015 – LET YOUR LIGHT SO SHINE – BY PASTOR E.A. ADEBOYE

LET YOUR LIGHT SO SHINE

Memorise

And they that be wise shall shine as the brightness of the firmament; and they that turn many to righteousness as the stars for ever and ever.

Daniel 12:3

Read

Matthew 5:14-16

14 Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on an hill cannot be hid.

15 Neither do men light a candle, and put it under a bushel, but on a candlestick; and it giveth light unto all that are in the house.

16 Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.

Message

Any child of God who desires not to be overwhelmed by the darkness of this world needs to compulsorily shine as the light. The Bible in John 1:5 says:

"And the light shineth in darkness; and the darkness comprehended it not."

Why is it that the darkness does not overcome the light? Simply put, it's because the light shines. When the light refuses to shine, it gives room for darkness to reign. This is the reason why it is dangerous for children of God to abandon politics in the hands of the children of disobedience. These children of disobedience will continue to vote for politicians who are their spiritual kinsmen. Christians have no moral justification to complain of bad governance, if they refuse to shine as light in the political scenes of their country. The reason darkness did not overcome Jesus Christ was that, as the light of the world, he shone throughout his earthly ministry. In John 9:5 He declared that:

"As long as I am in the world, I am the light of the world."

He also defined us as the light of the world in Matthew 5:14.

From today's memory verse, we understand that to shine in this world of darkness requires wisdom. It therefore follows that it is foolish to light your spiritual candle of salvation and hide it under the table. Of course, it's only a matter of time before the light goes out. One of my children once shared the wisdom that God gave him to always overcome being overrun by the evil of this age. Anytime he finds himself in a new environment, the first thing he does is to announce that he is a child of God. He does this by witnessing to the high and low of that place. So, from the first day of his arrival, people already know he is not someone to discuss fraud and other sins with.

How do we shine as stars in the darkness of this world? Daniel gave us the answer to this question also in Daniel 12:3:

"And they that be wise shall shine as the brightness of the firmament; and they that turn many to righteousness as the stars for ever and ever."

I urge you to begin to shine through soul-winning and teaching the doctrine of righteousness, and God will back you up. The evils associated with darkness will not overcome you in Jesus' Name.

Key Point

When you preach, teach and exhort people into godliness, you will be left with no option but to live as such.

Bible in one year

2 Kings 17:24-18:37;
Luke 11:14-32

OPEN HEAVENS DEVOTIONAL – MONDAY – 22/06/2015 – THE YOUNG MUST GROW – BY PASTOR E.A. ADEBOYE

THE YOUNG MUST GROW

Memorise

But grow in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. To him be glory both now and for ever. Amen.

2 Peter 3:18

Read

2 Peter 3:15-18

15 And account that the longsuffering of our Lord is salvation; even as our beloved brother Paul also according to the wisdom given unto him hath written unto you;

16 As also in all his epistles, speaking in them of these things; in which are some things hard to be understood, which they that are unlearned and unstable wrest, as they do also the other scriptures, unto their own destruction.

17 Ye therefore, beloved, seeing ye know these things before, beware lest ye also, being led away with the error of the wicked, fall from your own stedfastness.

18 But grow in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. To him be glory both now and for ever. Amen.

Message

There is a privately owned transport outfit in Nigeria which has “The Young Shall Grow” as its company name. This name suggests optimism concerning the potentials of the young. However, in the kingdom of God, the expectation that the young will grow is beyond optimism; it is a matter of compulsion as seen in our memory verse. I pray that you will grow spiritually in Jesus’ Name.

How can a young Christian grow spiritually? Apostle Peter gives a definitive answer in 1 Peter 2:2:

“As newborn babes, desire the sincere milk of the word, that ye may grow thereby:”

This is one of the areas where we have issues in the 21st century Church. Some influential churchmen and women have rejected the accuracy and sufficiency of the scripture for Christian living. They have settled for the philosophy of relativism. Incidentally, this development is not new; it was manifested in the early Church also. This formed the basis of why Peter wrote the words of today’s Bible reading. Amazingly, Peter in this epistle made mention of the epistles of Paul, which he described as too hard for the unlearned and the unstable. These ones were not ready to grow; so they twisted the epistles of Paul to suit their lusts; just like they did with other scriptures.

This practice still goes on today. I learnt with dismay that a senior pastor of a church said to his congregation that some of those things Paul wrote to the Church at Ephesus and to the Corinthians are not necessarily meant for European or African Christians! How on earth would the congregation of such a pastor grow spiritually?

Apostle Peter therefore warns us in 2 Peter 3:17 to beware of the error of the wicked, so that we are not led astray like Eve in Genesis 3:4-5. The serpent seemed to be saying to her: “Don’t mind God; you cannot die at all; God is only being unnecessarily high handed because He does not want you to be as enlightened as He is.” Apostle Peter followed up this warning with the command that all Christians must grow and continue to grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ (2 Peter 3:18). If a Christian would not grow in grace to do according to the word of God, such a Christian will be tossed to and fro by every wind of doctrine and is doomed for perdition. Therefore, young Christians must grow by being grounded in the true word of God.

Prayer Point

Father, grant me revelation in the knowledge of You, and feed me with the bread of Heaven that I may grow to spiritual maturity in Jesus’ Name.

Bible in one year

2 Kings 15:27-17:23;
Luke 11:13

OPEN HEAVENS DEVOTIONAL – MONDAY – 22/06/2015 – THE YOUNG MUST GROW – BY PASTOR E.A. ADEBOYE