OPEN HEAVENS DEVOTIONAL - SUNDAY- 10/08/2014 - KEYS TO GREATNESS BY PASTOR E.A. ADEBOYE

KEYS TO GREATNESS

MEMORISE

For with God nothing shall be impossible.

Luke 1:37

READ

Psalm 103:1-5

1 A Psalm of David. Bless the LORD, O my soul: and all that is within me, bless his holy name.

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

3 Who forgiveth all thine iniquities; who healeth all thy diseases;

4 Who redeemeth thy life from destruction; who crowneth thee with lovingkindness and tender mercies;

5 Who satisfieth thy mouth with good things; so that thy youth is renewed like the eagle's.

MESSAGE

God the Almighty is the source of greatness. To achieve greatness, you should please God. However it is impossible to please God without faith (Hebrews 11:6). Faith is therefore the master key to greatness (Mark 11:22-24). Faith is built up by the constant hearing of God’s word (Romans 10:17). Abraham, Isaac, Joseph, David, Jesus Christ and Paul all had unshakeable faith in God on their way to greatness. Faith in God is the eternal elixir which gives life, power and action to the impulse of thought. Faith in God is the only known antidote for failure. Faith in God contains the seeds of achievement and greatness. God has promised us greatness and His promises for us are yea and Amen. Have faith and plug into this promise. Don’t quit even if there are minor delays or you run into seasons of contradiction (Habakkuk 2:2-4). The just shall become great by his faith.

Having faith in God helps you not to consider the weather or prevailing economy before you sow your seed or give to God (Ecclesiastes 11:1-4). Fruitless people are stingy people. Stinginess, especially with God can never lead to greatness. Patience is another ingredient of greatness. This means waiting on the Lord for His time to come to pass. Joseph waited for 13 years, Moses waited for 40 years while Jesus waited for 30 years. God has a reason for His timing. It might take long but it will surely happen if God has ordained it (Hebrews 10:35-39). The time of waiting is a time of preparation (2 Chronicles 27:6). Preparation precedes greatness. You don’t become a boxing champion overnight, neither do you become an anointed great man of God in one day. Greatness that comes suddenly or that is gotten by surprise will be lost suddenly by surprise. Watch out for those who manipulate their way into occupying an office, especially in the ministry of the gospel. If you don’t wait for your time patiently, you might become great, but your crash from greatness will equally be great. Greatness comes to people who maintain a good attitude in the period of waiting. You must have an attitude that believes that with God all things are possible. In addition, you should honour God. Recognising the source of greatness helps you to get connected to its source. All those who were divinely connected in the Bible ended up as great people. Recognising the source of greatness helps you to tap into the covenant of grace, wisdom, empowerment, humility and anointing for greatness (Genesis 41:16). Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, Joseph, Daniel, Jesus, Paul and all those who recognized God as the Source of greatness and gave Him the glory ended up being great. You can also do the same.

ACTION POINT

God has made every provision in His plan for you to be great. Do not write yourself off. Choose not to remain small.

BIBLE IN ONE YEAR

Mark 9:14-10:45

Job 19:13-29

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OPEN HEAVENS DEVOTIONAL -FRIDAY - 01/08/2014 - ARE YOU A HYPOCRITE? BY PASTOR E.A. ADEBOYE

ARE YOU A HYPOCRITE?

MEMORISE

And when thou prayest, thou shalt not be as the hypocrites are: for they love to pray standing in the synagogues and in the corners of the streets, that they may be seen of men. Verily I say unto you, They have their reward.

Matthew 6:5

READ

Mark 7:1-6

1 Then came together unto him the Pharisees, and certain of the scribes, which came from Jerusalem.

2 And when they saw some of his disciples eat bread with defiled, that is to say, with unwashen, hands, they found fault.

3 For the Pharisees, and all the Jews, except they wash their hands oft, eat not, holding the tradition of the elders.

4 And when they come from the market, except they wash, they eat not. And many other things there be, which they have received to hold, as the washing of cups, and pots, brasen vessels, and of tables.

5 Then the Pharisees and scribes asked him, Why walk not thy disciples according to the tradition of the elders, but eat bread with unwashen hands?

6 He answered and said unto them, Well hath Esaias prophesied of you hypocrites, as it is written, This people honoureth me with their lips, but their heart is far from me.

MESSAGE

Hypocrisy is a type of behaviour in which a person pretends to have moral standards or opinions, but does not actually live by them. Hypocrisy is a decadence condemned by the church and society. Paradoxically, its manifestation is commonplace in both the church and the society. The Bible warns against and condemns hypocrisy in the strongest terms. Luke 11:44 says,

“Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye are as graves which appear not, and the men that walk over them are not aware of them.”

Hypocrisy is manifested in many ways. First, it is manifested in giving (Matthew 6:1-4). Giving is good and scriptural. A Christian is expected to give cheerfully, abundantly, sacrificially and lovingly. We should give our time, money, talents and energy for the expansion of the kingdom of God and the furtherance of His work on earth. However, when giving, a hypocrite is pretentious. He either gives sparingly while giving the impression of abundant giving, or refuses to give while at the same time passing off as the best giver. A hypocrite wants every act of his giving to be acknowledged in public. He engages in charitable work simply for self-aggrandizement. Are you a hypocrite? How do you give? What motives are behind your acts of charity?

A second area in which hypocrisy finds expression is in prayer. Prayer is an obligation, and God answers prayers. He enjoins us to ask and instructed us to pray without ceasing. The hypocrite prays. He however has a wrong motive for praying. He cannot be said to be praying to God. A hypocrite prays to be seen of men (Matthew 6:5). Hypocrites do not engage in secret prayers; they will only pray where men can see and acknowledge them as prayerful persons. What is the motive behind your prayers? When do you pray? Why do you pray? How do you pray? Do you limit your prayers to places where men can see or hear you pray? Do you pray to be acknowledged by men as a prayer warrior? A third area in which hypocrisy finds expression is in fasting. Fasting is scriptural. Christians should however not be hypocritical in fasting (Matthew 6:16). A hypocrite fasts in order to be seen by men. He announces his fast and does things to make men acknowledge the fast. This is unscriptural. Whenever you fast, let it be between you and God. Finally a hypocrite is fraudulent. He is dubious, exploitative and through pretexts appears to be religious. Are you a hypocrite?

ACTION POINT

If you notice any act of hypocrisy in your life, repent and turn a new leaf.

BIBLE IN ONE YEAR

Matthew 19:1-21:27

Job 14:7-17

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OPEN HEAVENS DEVOTIONAL - WEDNESDAY - 16/07/2014 - THE SPECIAL GROUP BY PASTOR E.A. ADEBOYE

THE SPECIAL GROUP

MEMORISE

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

Galatians 2:20

READ

Galatians 2:17-21

17 But if, while we seek to be justified by Christ, we ourselves also are found sinners, is therefore Christ the minister of sin? God forbid.

18 For if I build again the things which I destroyed, I make myself a transgressor.

19 For I through the law am dead to the law, that I might live unto God.

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

21 I do not frustrate the grace of God: for if righteousness come by the law, then Christ is dead in vain.

MESSAGE

While we were in sin, the Lord sent His word to gather us in and then He cleansed us. By these we became saved children of God. Now we have the right or privilege to become the sons of God (John 1:12). After the gathering and the cleansing comes the third stage of selection. At this stage, God selects some people who would be special to Him. Matthew 22:14 says,

“For many are called, but few are chosen.”

Not everyone who is born-again becomes God’s favourite. His favourites are the chosen few. In African tradition and in some other cultures in times past, the king may have as many wives as he wants. King Solomon had 300 wives and 700 concubines, yet he would have had one who was most special to him out of them all. During the days of King Ahasuerus, Esther was most preferred above all the fair virgins that were paraded before him (Esther 2:17). This select group love God better, praise and worship Him more and serve Him with a higher level of commitment. They are so devoted to God that they like Esther may say, ‘If I perish, I perish’. They are ready to undertake any assignment for God no matter how hazardous. They have gone beyond following Jesus for butter and bread.

In Philippians 1:21, Paul articulated the character of this group when he said:

“For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain.”

This group of people are referred to as the sanctified ones. They fear nothing but sin. If you will be set apart for God, you must have a heart transplant. You must be completely dead to the world. They are so Christ-centred that they cannot be distracted by the world. No wonder Paul says he is crucified with Christ (Galatians 2:20). In those days, when we were taught sanctification, we learnt that one of the ways to know the sanctified is that if you slapped the fellow on the right cheek, he would meekly turn the left. It is pretty difficult to annoy the sanctified ones because they are preoccupied with their love for Jesus Christ. They are prepared to suffer wrongfully and take it calmly. There is no space in their hearts for immoral thoughts. Are you sanctified? Are you set apart for the Lord? If you were hurt and you did not have the opportunity to retaliate, would you not be angry? Ask to be part of this special group!

PRAYER POINT

Father, let me experience your genuine sanctification.

BIBLE IN ONE YEAR

Deuteronomy 14:1-16:17

Job 5:1-16

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OPEN HEAVENS DEVOTIONAL - SUNDAY - 06/07/2014 - PRAYER ATTRACTS AUTHORITY BY PASTOR E.A. ADEBOYE

PRAYER ATTRACTS AUTHORITY

MEMORISE

For he taught them as one having authority, and not as the scribes.

Matthew 7:29

READ

Acts 4:23-31

23 And being let go, they went to their own company, and reported all that the chief priests and elders had said unto them.

24 And when they heard that, they lifted up their voice to God with one accord, and said, Lord, thou art God, which hast made heaven, and earth, and the sea, and all that in them is:

25 Who by the mouth of thy servant David hast said, Why did the heathen rage, and the people imagine vain things?

26 The kings of the earth stood up, and the rulers were gathered together against the Lord, and against his Christ.

27 For of a truth against thy holy child Jesus, whom thou hast anointed, both Herod, and Pontius Pilate, with the Gentiles, and the people of Israel, were gathered together,

28 For to do whatsoever thy hand and thy counsel determined before to be done.

29 And now, Lord, behold their threatenings: and grant unto thy servants, that with all boldness they may speak thy word,

30 By stretching forth thine hand to heal; and that signs and wonders may be done by the name of thy holy child Jesus.

31 And when they had prayed, the place was shaken where they were assembled together; and they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and they spake the word of God with boldness.

MESSAGE

Besides providing an avenue for you to report everything that threatens your peace and joy, prayer brings the fullness of the Spirit. We see this demonstrated in Acts 4:31:

“And when they had prayed, the place was shaken where they were assembled together; and they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and they spake the word of God with boldness.”

The Holy Spirit is ever near those who call upon God in truth, while He is distant from those who call upon Him in pretence or who hardly pray. In James 4:8, we are enjoined to draw near to God. How? One way to do this is by praying. When you pray, you provoke the Holy Spirit to come closer to help you. If you fail to pray, you keep Him at bay. If you pray intensely and effectively enough, He will descend upon you and even those around you. In Acts 2:1-4, one hundred and twenty believers were together praying in the upper room when the Holy Spirit descended during the feast of Pentecost and they were all baptized with the Holy Spirit. In Acts 4:23-33, in the face of serious threats from the authorities, the church council members prayed and they were all filled with the Holy Spirit. If you can pray, the Holy Spirit will come to fill the space within you and you will be full of the Spirit. You can be filled with the Holy Spirit as often as you require Him to fill you. If you are always full of the Spirit, you will be empowered to live the life of the Spirit.

Prayer also brings boldness to declare God’s Word. There is a link connecting these variables: prayer, the word and boldness. If you tarry in the place of prayer, when you declare the word, it will be done with authority. This was one feature that was commonly seen in the ministry of Jesus Christ (Matthew 7:28-29). How do you teach or preach today? If it is plastic, powerless and void of the backing of the Spirit, you are teaching like the scribes and not like Jesus. Prayer makes the difference in the ministry of the word. The one who preaches or teaches with conviction has obviously paid the price in the place of prayer. How prayerful are you? How impactful are you? If you are still shy to preach salvation to sinners, it is most likely you are not praying enough. Pray without ceasing from today!

ACTION POINT

Father, from today, let your words that I speak be backed up with your power.

  

BIBLE IN ONE YEAR

Numbers 27:12-29:40;

Psalm 148

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OPEN HEAVENS DEVOTIONAL - SATURDAY - 14/06/2014 - MOVING ON BY PASTOR E.A. ADEBOYE

MOVING ON

MEMORISE

The LORD our God spake unto us in Horeb, saying, Ye have dwelt long enough in this mount:

Deuteronomy 1:6

READ

Deuteronomy 1:6-8

6 The LORD our God spake unto us in Horeb, saying, Ye have dwelt long enough in this mount:

7 Turn you, and take your journey, and go to the mount of the Amorites, and unto all the places nigh thereunto, in the plain, in the hills, and in the vale, and in the south, and by the sea side, to the land of the Canaanites, and unto Lebanon, unto the great river, the river Euphrates.

8 Behold, I have set the land before you: go in and possess the land which the LORD sware unto your fathers, Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, to give unto them and to their seed after them.

MESSAGE

God is the Creator of the heavens and the earth, and as such, He is familiar with His creation to the extent that He knows that human beings are averse to making changes in life. We have a terrible tendency of becoming attached to locations and activities, such that we refuse to move on when we should. Consequently, God gave the call for His people to move on at different times in the Bible. For the children of Israel in the wilderness, the taking up of the cloud from the tabernacle of testimony was a signal that they should prepare to move on (Numbers 10:11-13). People prefer to continue doing what they have done repeatedly for years because they have gotten used to it and feel at home with familiar activities and environments. We stay on activities longer than we should, meetings run longer than necessary and we prefer to maintain the status quo. Sometimes, in order to avoid making changes, we even ignore God’s directives.

The truth is that we fear the unknown and would rather not take the risk of charting a new course. Meanwhile, progress can only come when we dare to move forward. We prevent God from doing marvelous things in our lives because we are so fearful and faithless that we refuse to move forward. Moreover, all the heroes of the Bible, from Abraham, to Isaac, Jacob, Joseph, Moses, Samuel, David and the prophets were all made to pass through the process of change in order to fulfill their destiny. Therefore, change is tied to success and is inevitable for anyone who would be successful in life. In Deuteronomy 1:6-8, God called Moses from the mountain where he was complacent, to enter the land of the Amorites and Canaanites where there were great warriors. This instruction appeared to be a risk to the lives of the children of Israel, but Moses obeyed in Deuteronomy 2:1-3:

“Then we turned, and took our journey into the wilderness by the way of the Red sea, as the LORD spake unto me: and we compassed mount Seir many days. And the LORD spake unto me, saying, Ye have compassed this mountain long enough: turn you northward.”

However, reluctance is evident in his obedience, as they foot-dragged for many days until the Lord spoke again that they should turn towards the North. What is God calling you to do now? What comforts is He calling you to leave behind? What have you been ignoring? Have faith and move on.

PRAYER POINT

Father, wherever you lead me I promise to follow; please help me to be receptive to changes.

BIBLE IN ONE YEAR

Leviticus 10-12; Psalm 120-122

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OPEN HEAVENS DEVOTIONAL - WEDNESDAY - 11/06/2014 - EXCEPTIONAL APPRENTICE BY PASTOR E.A. ADEBOYE

EXCEPTIONAL APPRENTICE

MEMORISE

Then answered Jesus and said unto them, Verily, verily, I say unto you, The Son can do nothing of himself, but what he seeth the Father do: for what things soever he doeth, these also doeth the Son likewise.

John 5:19

READ

John 5:5-9

5 And a certain man was there, which had an infirmity thirty and eight years.

6 When Jesus saw him lie, and knew that he had been now a long time in that case, he saith unto him, Wilt thou be made whole?

7 The impotent man answered him, Sir, I have no man, when the water is troubled, to put me into the pool: but while I am coming, another steppeth down before me.

8 Jesus saith unto him, Rise, take up thy bed, and walk.

9 And immediately the man was made whole, and took up his bed, and walked: and on the same day was the sabbath.

MESSAGE

An apprentice is someone who is attached to a master to learn his master’s trade, so that he can become like the master someday. An apprentice watches the footsteps of the master and tries to follow them. A good and wise apprentice closely watches everything the master does in order to gain all his knowledge and experience. In John 5:19, Jesus saw Himself as an apprentice of His own Father. He did whatever He saw the Father do. We can learn some deep lessons from this principle of apprenticeship in all areas of Christian activities. A true disciple will not go outside of whatever his master does. The servant is not greater than his master, according to the teaching of Jesus (Matthew 10:24-25). Anyone who learns a trade should consider himself a success if he is as good as his master. Jesus however made an exception for His disciples. He expects us to do the works He did, and exceed them by doing even greater works than He did. I am convinced that for a reader of this devotional, greater works, as promised by Jesus in John 14:12, will be done through you in Jesus’ Name.

“Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that believeth on me, the works that I do shall he do also; and greater works than these shall he do; because I go unto my Father.”

At the time of my new birth in Christ, I was a lecturer of mathematics at the University of Lagos. I considered myself a smart boy in those days, but when I got into the church, my ignorance was revealed to me with humility. The challenge I got from the display of Bible knowledge by uneducated members of the church made me study the Bible as if I was preparing for a PhD examination. As I read the Bible again and again, I was stunned by the promise of Jesus in John 14:12. I saw that those who believe in Him would raise the dead, make the lame walk, open blind eyes and do even more than He did. From that moment, I made up my mind that according to His word, I also would do the works He did, and that I would do even greater works than He did. I decree that you will begin to experience the performance of the Lord’s promise to do the works that He did and even much more, in the mighty Name of Jesus. Doing greater works than Jesus did is real, and that promise has been fulfilled in the lives of many. I am announcing to you that you are next in line, because from now on, you will begin to watch closely everything the Master does, so that you can gain His knowledge and experience.

KEY POINT

An apprentice watches the footsteps of the master and tries to follow them.

BIBLE IN ONE YEAR

Leviticus 4:1-5:13; Psalm 119:129-144

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OPEN HEAVENS DEVOTIONAL - SUNDAY - 08/06/2014 - COMPLETE DELIVERANCE BY PASTOR E.A. ADEBOYE

COMPLETE DELIVERANCE

MEMORISE

If the Son therefore shall make you free, ye shall be free indeed.

John 8:32

READ

Exodus 14:26-31

26 And the LORD said unto Moses, Stretch out thine hand over the sea, that the waters may come again upon the Egyptians, upon their chariots, and upon their horsemen.

27 And Moses stretched forth his hand over the sea, and the sea returned to his strength when the morning appeared; and the Egyptians fled against it; and the LORD overthrew the Egyptians in the midst of the sea.

28 And the waters returned, and covered the chariots, and the horsemen, and all the host of Pharaoh that came into the sea after them; there remained not so much as one of them.

29 But the children of Israel walked upon dry land in the midst of the sea; and the waters were a wall unto them on their right hand, and on their left.

30 Thus the LORD saved Israel that day out of the hand of the Egyptians; and Israel saw the Egyptians dead upon the sea shore.

31 And Israel saw that great work which the LORD did upon the Egyptians: and the people feared the LORD, and believed the LORD, and his servant Moses.

MESSAGE

Many people in the world today, including some ignorant spirit-filled born-again Christians, are groaning under demonic oppressions and all kinds of bondage. They may not be demon-possessed, but they are certainly demon-oppressed. They are suffering from various types of yokes that keep them from being fruitful. When God delivers, He does not leave loose ends, so that there would be no more trouble. In Exodus 14:26-28, when God dealt with the hosts of Pharaoh, not one of them escaped. Also, in Daniel 6:24, not one of those who put Daniel into the lion’s den escaped. They were all destroyed together with the members of their families. God will gather all those who say they will not allow you to reach your goal and finish them. The power of God brings the enemies to forcefully surrender. Enemies of the gospel are enemies of the children of God and they are not willing to surrender without a strong hand. The enemies of God will submit when they encounter superior power from the Almighty. This is the power expected to be manifested by the presence of God’s ambassadors. As an ambassador of Christ, you must stop operating at the realm of the flesh and begin to exercise kingdom rights.

“Thou hast a mighty arm: strong is thy hand, and high is thy right hand.”

Psalm 89:13

Some years ago when I was still in ignorance, I was taken to a witch doctor to seek for help. I was told that he would look after me and give me some charms to prevent my cars from accidents. When we got to his dirty house, he saw me looking at him with a sign of wonder on my face. I was looking at him that way because his leg and right hand were bandaged. He told me he was involved in a motor accident some five days before and that he was the only survivor with a broken leg and arm. This was the fellow who was going to look after me. Thank God for Jesus Christ. Unlike dumb idols, our living God will answer when we call on Him. He made eyes therefore He can see. His everlasting arms are underneath those who put their trust in Him. When your enemies think that you are finished, they will suddenly discover that the Almighty God is still supporting you. When they think that you have fallen, they will not know that you are in the embrace of the Almighty God.

PRAYER POINT

Pray that all enemies of the gospel of Jesus Christ will not escape destruction.

BIBLE IN ONE YEAR

Exodus 35:30-38:20; Psalm 119:81-96

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OPEN HEAVENS DEVOTIONAL - MONDAY - 2/06/2014 - WHY EXPECTATIONS FAIL BY PASTOR E.A. ADEBOYE

WHY EXPECTATIONS FAIL

MEMORISE

The LORD is good, a strong hold in the day of trouble; and he knoweth them that trust in him.

Nahum 1:7

READ

Jeremiah 29:1-13

1 Now these are the words of the letter that Jeremiah the prophet sent from Jerusalem unto the residue of the elders which were carried away captives, and to the priests, and to the prophets, and to all the people whom Nebuchadnezzar had carried away captive from Jerusalem to Babylon;

2 (After that Jeconiah the king, and the queen, and the eunuchs, the princes of Judah and Jerusalem, and the carpenters, and the smiths, were departed from Jerusalem;)

3 By the hand of Elasah the son of Shaphan, and Gemariah the son of Hilkiah, (whom Zedekiah king of Judah sent unto Babylon to Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon) saying,

4 Thus saith the LORD of hosts, the God of Israel, unto all that are carried away captives, whom I have caused to be carried away from Jerusalem unto Babylon;

5 Build ye houses, and dwell in them; and plant gardens, and eat the fruit of them;

6 Take ye wives, and beget sons and daughters; and take wives for your sons, and give your daughters to husbands, that they may bear sons and daughters; that ye may be increased there, and not diminished.

7 And seek the peace of the city whither I have caused you to be carried away captives, and pray unto the LORD for it: for in the peace thereof shall ye have peace.

8 For thus saith the LORD of hosts, the God of Israel; Let not your prophets and your diviners, that be in the midst of you, deceive you, neither hearken to your dreams which ye cause to be dreamed.

9 For they prophesy falsely unto you in my name: I have not sent them, saith the LORD.

10 For thus saith the LORD, That after seventy years be accomplished at Babylon I will visit you, and perform my good word toward you, in causing you to return to this place.

11 For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the LORD, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end.

12 Then shall ye call upon me, and ye shall go and pray unto me, and I will hearken unto you.

13 And ye shall seek me, and find me, when ye shall search for me with all your heart.

MESSAGE

Some expectations don’t come to pass and there are reasons for that. It is a painful experience to see your expectation fail. When expectation is based on assumption, it will fail (Deuteronomy 1:42-44). Great expectations are founded on God’s promise. By simply assuming that you will succeed in certain businesses just like others, you are setting yourself up for failure. Some Christians invest their money into projects without God’s approval, only to have their expectation for dividends fail. Basing your expectation in marriage on physical qualities like beauty, good stature and good physique will surely lead to failure (1 Samuel 16:6-7). Elements of physical beauty can be misleading (Proverbs 31:30). Some single ladies today are learning the lesson of humility in a hard way. They trusted in their beauty and expected that it will earn them prompt marriage, a good husband and a happy home. Many of such ladies are crying in their closet today because they have realised that any expectation not centred on God will fail.

“And the LORD said unto me, Say unto them, Go not up, neither fight; for I am not among you; lest ye be smitten before your enemies. So I spake unto you; and ye would not hear, but rebelled against the commandment of the LORD, and went presumptuously up into the hill. And the Amorites, which dwelt in that mountain, came out against you, and chased you, as bees do, and destroyed you in Seir, even unto Hormah.”

Deuteronomy 1:42-44

In the above passage, the Lord did not approve of the children of Israel going to this battle. But to them, approval from above or not, they assumed they would be victorious. They got their soldiers ready and their expectation of victory was intact. Unknown to them, no expectation will ever come to pass if God is not factored into it. They fell on their faces when they should have lifted up their voices in songs of victory. Expectations fail when they are based on lies (Jeremiah 29:8). Expectations fail when they are based on connections and the power of associates. No association can replace God without consequences for those who put their trust in such associations (Jeremiah 17:5). Nowadays, Christians express disappointment in fellow Christians because truth has been compromised. If you don’t think twice before you jump at what those so-called Christian associates have to offer you, your expectation will fail to your surprise.

PRAYER POINT

Pray that God would enlighten the eyes of your understanding to discern those expectations of yours that do not align with His purpose for your life.

BIBLE IN ONE YEAR

Exodus 22:16-24:18; Psalm 118

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OPEN HEAVENS DEVOTIONAL - THURSADAY - 22//05/2014 - LENDING TO THE LORD! BY PASTOR E.A. ADEBOYE

LENDING TO THE LORD!

MEMORISE

He that hath pity upon the poor lendeth unto the LORD; and that which he hath given will he pay him again.

Proverbs 19:17

READ

1 Samuel 1:24-28

24 And when she had weaned him, she took him up with her, with three bullocks, and one ephah of flour, and a bottle of wine, and brought him unto the house of the LORD in Shiloh: and the child was young.

25 And they slew a bullock, and brought the child to Eli.

26 And she said, Oh my lord, as thy soul liveth, my lord, I am the woman that stood by thee here, praying unto the LORD.

27 For this child I prayed; and the LORD hath given me my petition which I asked of him:

28 Therefore also I have lent him to the LORD; as long as he liveth he shall be lent to the LORD. And he worshipped the LORD there.

MESSAGE

Many activities in life have a boomerang effect. Sowing for example is an activity that boomerangs with harvest. When you sow bountifully on a fertile ground, all things being equal, your harvest will be in abundance. The Bible enjoins us to give, because our giving will bounce back to us in a greater dimension. Luke 6:38 says:

“Give, and it shall be given unto you; good measure, pressed down, and shaken together, and running over, shall men give into your bosom. For with the same measure that ye mete withal it shall be measured to you again.”

Being merciful is another activity with a boomerang effect (Luke 6:36). We should be merciful, especially to the poor and needy. There are many people living in affluence whose neighbours are languishing in penury. Such people cannot be described as merciful. Some wealthy leaders are guilty of exploitation. They defraud the poor and deny them of their right to basic amenities. Such actions are evil, sinful and unscriptural. What is your status? Are you comfortable, rich, wealthy or flourishing? There are many ways you can be merciful to the poor. You can give to orphanages. There are people with excess clothes, materials and goods which are not useful to them. Such materials can be given to the poor and needy. You can also identify some indigent children in your neighbourhood and be responsible for their education. If you have the means, you can set up a foundation that will ameliorate the effects of poverty in your neighbourhood. Are you a Christian politician? You are in position to lend to God by using your political influence to make life better for the poor and needy in your society. You can champion the cause of the poor in your constituency and ensure that necessary amenities are brought to their doorsteps. There are basic amenities which the underprivileged should not be denied. These include access to qualitative and affordable education for their children and wards, good road network for the masses, making food available at an affordable rate, constant and uninterrupted electricity supply, security of lives and properties and access to good and affordable health care. When we help the poor, we lend to the Lord and we are rewarded for it. There are numerous rewards for those who lend to the Lord. Such rewards are both earthly and eternal. As God did to Hannah when she lent Samuel to Him, God will ensure that you are blessed on earth for giving assistance to the poor. The other reward is eternal. There are crowns awaiting triumphant saints in heaven, especially those who are merciful to the poor.

ACTION POINT

Draw up a sustainable plan to help the poor and downtrodden around you.

BIBLE IN ONE YEAR

Genesis 46-47; Psalm 107:33-43

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OPEN HEAVENS DEVOTIONAL - MONDAY - 12/05/2014 - TRUSTING IN THE LORD BY PASTOR E.A. ADEBOYE

TRUSTING IN THE LORD

MEMORISE

Commit thy way unto the LORD; trust also in him; and he shall bring it to pass.

Psalm 37:5

READ

Proverbs 3:5-8

5 Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding.

6 In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.

7 Be not wise in thine own eyes: fear the LORD, and depart from evil.

8 It shall be health to thy navel, and marrow to thy bones.

MESSAGE

It is imperative to know that God has a plan for your life. This plan takes into consideration your personality, talents, needs, potential and environment (Ephesians 2:10). God has ordained certain specific tasks for each individual Christian (Hebrews 12:1). Paul knew this and was able to say “I have finished my course”, only after he had fulfilled his ministry and his work was completed (2 Timothy 4:7). I pray that you will fulfil your ministry and complete your task in Jesus’ Name. God’s plan for you is very personal. It is just for you. The plan is very detailed with everything worked out step by step (Psalm 37:23). God might not reveal the distant future, but His guidance will be continuous (Isaiah 58:11). God is always ready to reveal the next step to you but as usual you need to ask before you can receive (Psalm 143:8). One thing you can be sure of is that God’s will for you is always good and perfect (Jeremiah 29:11). You must also realise that you are incapable of planning your own life (Jeremiah 10:23). Only God knows the future and He is the only one capable of choosing our vocation, life partner and overall path.

All the plans of God have certain things in common. For example, separation from sin to holiness is always in any divine plan (1 Thessalonians 4:3). Also, God’s will always leads to doing good deeds (1 Peter 2:15). You may ask, “What must I do to be guided by God?” First, you must trust in the Lord (Psalm 37:3). You can only be guided by someone you trust. Secondly, you must commit everything to Him and Him alone. Do not choose first and then ask Him to ratify. Thirdly, rest in Him and be patient (Psalm 37:7). God is a King, the King of kings, therefore honour Him and do not try to hasten Him. Fourthly, surrender to the will of God. When God finally reveals His will to you, abide by it. In revealing His will to His children, God deals with each person differently. However, He often guides through portions of scriptures that keep nudging the mind (Psalm 119:105). He also uses inner conviction which is given by the Holy Spirit. In addition, you can experience special revelations, dreams, visions or angelic visitations. You however need certain guidelines to help you identify the will of God. First, no will of God contradicts His word. Whatever guidance He gives must agree with His word. Also, when God speaks, He sometimes confirms it through other seasoned Christians. It is therefore advisable to seek counsel from other mature children of God. Nevertheless, you should be careful not to swallow every counsel given. When God speaks, He opens certain doors and closes others; He provides for His will.

ACTION POINT

To discover God’s will for your life, have an open mind, pray for guidance, study the word and wait on Him.

BIBLE IN ONE YEAR

Genesis 25-26; Psalm 104:1-18

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OPEN HEAVENS DEVOTIONAL - MONDAY - 05/05/2014 - FISHERS OF MEN BY PASTOR E.A. ADEBOYE

FISHERS OF MEN

MEMORISE

And he saith unto them, Follow me, and I will make you fishers of men.

Matthew 4:19

READ

John 1:40-42

40 One of the two which heard John speak, and followed him, was Andrew, Simon Peter's brother.

41 He first findeth his own brother Simon, and saith unto him, We have found the Messias, which is, being interpreted, the Christ.

42 And he brought him to Jesus. And when Jesus beheld him, he said, Thou art Simon the son of Jona: thou shalt be called Cephas, which is by interpretation, A stone.

MESSAGE

Soul-winning is a must. Few are called to be preachers or evangelists, but every child of God is called to be a fisher of men. Every committed Christian has the opportunity to witness and lead sinners to Christ. Fishing for a soul is a definite effort to lead a particular person to accept Jesus Christ as Lord and Saviour. In our Bible reading for today, Andrew brought Peter to Jesus Christ. This same Peter grew in his relationship with Jesus and became a great preacher and the leader of the Apostles. Soul-winning is mandatory. You should be involved. You may be the means by which a future world preacher would be brought to Christ. Why not start today?

You may ask, ‘why must I fish for the souls of men?’ There are several reasons why you should. One reason is the worth of a soul (Mark 8:36-37)? A soul is worth more than the whole universe. Another reason is the reality of Hell. Whether you believe it or not, the final abode of an unsaved soul is eternity in Hell-fire. Hell is a place of torment, darkness, pain and anguish forever. The third reason why you must fish for men’s souls is because of the suffering of Christ on the Cross for each sinner. With a crown of thorns on his head, nails in His hands and feet and His body covered with stripes, our Lord and Saviour lost blood and water rapidly in the scorching sun. The pains of His body, coupled with the loss of water and blood produced an agony so great that He cried, ‘I thirst.’ Must Christ suffer in vain? If you do not want this to be the case, you must let sinners know that Christ suffered and died to save their souls. The fourth reason is the emptiness, folly and vanity of this world. As a born-again Christian, you must have discovered that the world is vain and passing away with all its lusts, but those in Christ shall live in bliss forever. It is your duty to tell your friends this truth. In Christ you have found something beautiful and enduring, why not present Him to your friends and relations too! The greatest present you can give to anyone is Christ. This is because whosoever has Christ has all things (1 Corinthians 3:21b). Finally, you should fish for men’s soul because soul winners are wise. As a soul winner, you are not labouring in vain. Your reward for each soul won is great and sure (Daniel 12:3). There are certain qualifications requisite to being a fisher of men. First of these is that, as a fisher of men, you must be saved and be sure of your salvation. A blind person cannot lead the blind. You must also have compassion for lost souls, otherwise you will work with a dead, mechanical, dispassionate concern; sinners know those who are truly concerned about them.

ACTION POINT

Be practical. Decide to be a fisher of men today.

BIBLE IN ONE YEAR

Genesis 4-7; Psalm 98

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OPEN HEAVENS DEVOTIONAL - SUNDAY - 04/05/2014 - ARE YOU AN END-TIME CHRISTIAN? BY PASTOR E.A. ADEBOYE

ARE YOU AN END-TIME CHRISTIAN?

MEMORISE

This know also, that in the last days perilous times shall come.

2 Timothy 3:1

READ

Luke 21:32-36

32 Verily I say unto you, This generation shall not pass away, till all be fulfilled.

33 Heaven and earth shall pass away: but my words shall not pass away.

34 And take heed to yourselves, lest at any time your hearts be overcharged with surfeiting, and drunkenness, and cares of this life, and so that day come upon you unawares.

35 For as a snare shall it come on all them that dwell on the face of the whole earth.

36 Watch ye therefore, and pray always, that ye may be accounted worthy to escape all these things that shall come to pass, and to stand before the Son of man.

MESSAGE

Our God is a God of plan and purpose. The creation of man had a beginning (Genesis 1:26-28) and the existence of man on earth will surely have an end. We should not be ignorant of the end-times. The end-time did not start in 1975 neither is it 1975 as some heretical teachers and so-called witnesses falsely teach. The end-time is also not an allegory used in scripture to describe when things are not going on well for an individual. The Bible presents the end-time as the period of time that ushers in the return of Jesus Christ. We should not be deceived; neither should we allow anyone to deceive us. Matthew 24:4 clearly warns us against this:

“And Jesus answered and said unto them, Take heed that no man deceive you.”

We are in the end-times. Going through recent historic events in the Middle East and making critical comparisons with prophetic utterances made by our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ, coupled with prophecies of other prophets in scriptures, we can say we have reached a critical period in human history. By going diligently through scriptures, a good student of the Bible can say with certainty that present world events point at one thing: “The coming of our Lord and Saviour - Jesus Christ, is at hand”. It is true that no man knows exactly when Christ shall come (Matthew 24:36), it will therefore be unscriptural to try to calculate the year, day or time when Christ shall return. At the same time, we shouldn’t be ignorant of signs of the end-times (Matthew 16:3). The present situation of greed and lust that dominates human hearts, the financial, economic and industrial problems, as well as the spirit of selfishness that grips mankind, are all pointing to the fact that the terminus will soon be reached (2 Timothy 3:2-4). The Bible details many other end-time signs which include: mass suffering and destruction (Matthew 24:7-9), decline of morals and problems of mass corruption (Matthew 24:12), mind control and undue standardisation of thought and behaviour (2 Thessalonians 2:11-12) and the return of the Jews from captivity. We are in the end-times because history confirms that the twentieth century alone witnessed the fulfilment of the aforementioned signs. If there is a time to be watchful and to keep our stand as Christians, it is now, in this end-time. An end-time Christian is therefore that Christian who is ready to live and die for Christ and the expansion of His kingdom. Such a person has a deep unwavering conviction that Jesus Christ is Lord, is committed to violent ministration against evil (Matthew 11:12), the ministration of knowledge and the wisdom of God (Proverbs 4:5) and the ministration of worship, holiness, love and joy in the Holy Spirit (Romans 14:17-18). Are you an end-time Christian?

KEY POINT

Father, keep my heart fixated on the end goal of making Heaven.

BIBLE IN ONE YEAR

Genesis 1-3; Psalm 97

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