Topic: Growing in Grace [Tuesday 22, March 2016]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 3:18Read: Titus 2:15 (KJV)15 These things speak, and exhort, and rebuke with all authority. Let no man despise thee.Bible in One Year: Judges 6:36-8:28, Job 40:15-41:4MESSAGE:It is the responsibility of every Christian to grow spiritually. It is not enough for us to allow our spiritual growth to be at the expense of the pastors, or the number of church programmes we attend. There is a need to be personally committed to your growth. The capacity of growth is within the grace and knowledge which has been given to us by Jesus Christ. The fact that Jesus became a sacrifice for us is an expression of the height of love which the Father has for us. Each time we put this in remembrance, it should condition us to do only those things which are pleasing and acceptable to God. Many people today have abused the grace of God, they became so familiar with the ways and acts of God. The fact that we do not see fire fall like the days of old, or the fact that we do not see the manifestation of instant judgment like when the ground opened and swallowed those leaving in rebellion to God's authority, does not mean God has gone on vacation. It only means that many people have frustrated the grace of God in their lives and have totally stopped growing spiritually.Believers must collectively ask for the spirit of prompt obedience to the instructions and commandments of God. There is great grace in the covenant and if you don't take the grace of God for granted, you will enjoy every provision accessible in it. The moment the grace of God leaves a person, it is disgrace that takes over. This we can confirm through the experience of King Saul and David.Believers should not toy with sin because the devil is out searching for that one moment of carelessness. We need to always be on guard and use the grace of God to dislodge the devil and his agents. It is the grace of God that helps us to justify our calling as children of God. There is nothing unique about us, it only pleased the Almighty God to count us worthy to be vessels in His hands and this is what the devil is sad about. If not for the grace of God, many of us are not qualified to be saved by account of our past deeds, yet He chose to use us and bless us with great talents and abilities. May the grace of God over your life continue to abound in Jesus' name.Let us always remember that we were not chosen because we were better, we were chosen because of the grace of God. You are a product of divine grace, therefore hold unto whatever He has promised you. You may be forgotten, but God is preparing you to show forth His glory in your life.Prayer Point: Father, let your grace be sufficient for me in Jesus' name.Open Heavens Daily Devotional guide was written by Pastor E.A. Adeboye, the General Overseer of the Redeemed Christian Church of God.
Topic - Backsliding: Not an Option [Saturday 19, March 2016]Memorise: Blessed is the man that endureth temptation: for when he is tried, he shall receive the crown of life, which the Lord hath promised to them that love him. – James 1:12Read: 2 Timothy 2:1-7 (KJV)1 Thou therefore, my son, be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus.2 And the things that thou hast heard of me among many witnesses, the same commit thou to faithful men, who shall be able to teach others also.3 Thou therefore endure hardness, as a good soldier of Jesus Christ.4 No man that warreth entangleth himself with the affairs of this life; that he may please him who hath chosen him to be a soldier.5 And if a man also strive for masteries, yet is he not crowned, except he strive lawfully.6 The husbandman that laboureth must be first partaker of the fruits.7 Consider what I say; and the Lord give thee understanding in all things.
Bible in One Year: Judges 1:1-3:6, Job 38:39-39:12MESSAGE:Never attempt backsliding because of the few challenges you are going through, because you may never recover from the consequences. Backsliding is capable of destroying all that one has laboured for in the past. The seed father Abraham sowed when he decided to settle for an alternative is the cause of all we see today in the name of religious terrorism. Never consider backsliding because what you see as a pleasurable fling is always a death trap which will erode all you have ever worked for. As a child of destiny, you must avoid all forms of defilement that comes unannounced.“The fear of the LORD is a fountain of life, to depart from the snares of death.”- Proverbs 14:27The ten virgins heard the cry announcing the arrival of their long awaited bridegroom and they knew that their moment of truth had come at last, but only a few among them were ready. The others had become passive. This is why we must be sober and vigilant so that we don’t lose out when He comes in His glory. On that day, a lot of hidden secrets will be revealed. Those you thought were serving Christ will be left behind. For this reason, you must not allow hypocrisy or hidden sins in your life.Backsliding is synonymous to rebellion. A hardened backslider has reached a state of no return. To backslide means to go in the opposite direction of what God has commanded. It is a dangerous adventure to work in opposition of God because it will always lead to destruction. Those who have backslidden will tell you about the torment they go through in the hands of the devil. The moment you feel you have fallen short of the grace of God, you need to immediately shut yourself from the world and seek His face for a time of refreshing. You need to retrace your ways back to your father before you become forgotten. You need to examine yourself before the devil begins to afflict you and all that is yours. Don’t allow the devil to celebrate his victory over you. Satan will not celebrate over you in Jesus’ Name.It is very important that we intercede for believers who are going through intense persecution and trials all over the world. We need to remember them daily in prayers so that God’s grace will prevent them from backsliding.Prayer Point: Father, may I never backslide in Jesus’ Name.Open Heavens Daily Devotional guide was written by Pastor E.A. Adeboye, the General Overseer of the Redeemed Christian Church of God.
Topic: Fruit Bearing Christian? [Friday 18, March 2016]Memorise: The fruit of the righteous is a tree of life; and he that winneth souls is wise. – Proverbs 11:30Read: John 15:1-7 (KJV)1 I am the true vine, and my Father is the husbandman.2 Every branch in me that beareth not fruit he taketh away: and every branch that beareth fruit, he purgeth it, that it may bring forth more fruit.3 Now ye are clean through the word which I have spoken unto you.4 Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, except it abide in the vine; no more can ye, except ye abide in me.5 I am the vine, ye are the branches: He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without me ye can do nothing.6 If a man abide not in me, he is cast forth as a branch, and is withered; and men gather them, and cast them into the fire, and they are burned.7 If ye abide in me, and my words abide in you, ye shall ask what ye will, and it shall be done unto you.Bible in One Year: Joshua 23-24, Job 38:25-38MESSAGE:Jesus is the true source from which anyone can receive spiritual and physical sustenance. It is only in Christ Jesus that we can find peace, fruitfulness and the essence of life. It is by staying connected to Him that we can produce fruits. This is why we need to allow God to work in us so that we can be productive in every aspect of our lives. As we show an attitude of total obedience to God by bringing our lives into conformity with what His Word says, we begin to bear fruits that are profitable to God. To bear fruit in the vineyard of God therefore, there is a need to allow the Word of God to permeate every aspect of our behaviour; it is until then that our behaviour will begin to affect the lives of others.Anyone who chooses to bear fruits will eventually be happy that he did so, because in the time of harvest, he will be the first partaker of the products of his wise decision. However, when you fail to be fruitful in whatever the Lord has kept in your trust, there is no way you can be blessed, and if you are not blessed, there is no way you can increase. There are people who give so many excuses for not bearing fruits. They complain about what others have and ignore what the Lord has blessed them with. They focus on the exploits of others and ignore their own vineyard. You can determine how far you want to go in life by the fruits you bear today. This is the reason why you should not be weary in bearing good fruits. “And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not.” -Galatians 6:9The truth of the matter is that whenever God entrusts a duty to your care and you handle it carelessly, you do not only short change yourself, you are also telling God that you are not capable of making success out of that opportunity He has given to you. This is why I am so passionate about soul winning, because I know the wisdom involved in looking for those that have been tagged vagabonds and prodigals and bring them back through grace to the Father. The greatest thing you can give to anyone is not money but salvation, because this is what guarantees other things. We have to prayerfully identify people we can bring to the knowledge of Christ.Prayer Point: Father, help me to be a fruit bearing vessel in Your hand.Open Heavens Daily Devotional guide was written by Pastor E.A. Adeboye, the General Overseer of the Redeemed Christian Church of God.
Topic: Are you in Christ? [Wednesday 16, March 2016]Memorise: Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new. – 2 Corinthians 5:17Read: John 3:1-5 (KJV)1 There was a man of the Pharisees, named Nicodemus, a ruler of the Jews:2 The same came to Jesus by night, and said unto him, Rabbi, we know that thou art a teacher come from God: for no man can do these miracles that thou doest, except God be with him.3 Jesus answered and said unto him, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God.4 Nicodemus saith unto him, How can a man be born when he is old? can he enter the second time into his mother's womb, and be born?5 Jesus answered, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God.Bible in One Year: Joshua 19:17-21:45, Job 37:21-38:11
MESSAGE:“Are you in Christ?” could mean all the following; are you dwelling in the love of Christ? Are you filled with God’s Spirit? Do you love Jesus more than the mundane things of this world? Are you thirsty for the love and righteousness of Christ? Are you faithful and obedient to God’s Word? When you are in Christ, there should be evidences of new things in your life. Those who don't have Jesus in their lives are always empty, but when you are in Christ, you become full. Those who do not have Jesus are always poor but the moment you allow Jesus into your life you become a possession of the riches that only God can provide. Being rich is not just about driving the beat of cars and living in mansions or jetting across the world on a daily basis. There are people who can afford all these things but are not happy. However, when you abide in Christ, the kind of wealth you get from God is without sorrow. It is called true riches. Just look around you and see how the devil is tormenting the lives of many people simply because they have not come to the knowledge of the truth. Before I met the Lord, I was a victim of the devil’s torment. With all my qualifications, I was constantly in one problem or the other until I graciously met with the Lover of my soul, Jesus Christ. The moment I met the Lord, I shut myself from the world and clung to Him alone and I began to enjoy victory in all areas I had suffered defeat. There is someone reading this devotional today, I decree in the Name that is above all names; you will never know shame and defeat again in Jesus’ Name.When you come into Christ, it doesn't matter how bad your past is, He will bring you out of the horrible pit you are in and clean you up. Those who abide in Christ always have new songs to sing and the Lord is committed to establishing their steps because of their trust in Him. I want you to make up your mind to settle for Jesus. He is the anchor of all creation. He is the focal point of global history. He is the reference point in world dates, the master of all situations and circumstances. Jesus is the solution to all problems and the answer to every question in your heart. Are you tired and weary? Have you been struggling alone? Is your case and report becoming hopeless? I want to assure you that, with Jesus Christ, everything will have a new beginning. There is no discrimination against anyone who embraces a new beginning in Christ. It is the beginning of a glorious future and the opening of a new chapter. This is why anyone who wants to enjoy all these will have to deny himself of those weights that distract, and follow Jesus all the way. It is a lie of the devil to think that God created some people to obey Him and others to disobey Him.Prayer Point: Father I surrender my life to You, please help me to remain in You.Open Heavens Daily Devotional guide was written by Pastor E.A. Adeboye, the General Overseer of the Redeemed Christian Church of God.
Topic: Dwelling in the Secret Place of God [Tuesday 15, March 2016]Memorise: The secret of the LORD is with them that fear him; and he will shew them his covenant. – Psalms 25:14Read: Psalms 91:1-9 (KJV)1 He that dwelleth in the secret place of the most High shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty.2 I will say of the LORD, He is my refuge and my fortress: my God; in him will I trust.3 Surely he shall deliver thee from the snare of the fowler, and from the noisome pestilence.4 He shall cover thee with his feathers, and under his wings shalt thou trust: his truth shall be thy shield and buckler.5 Thou shalt not be afraid for the terror by night; nor for the arrow that flieth by day;6 Nor for the pestilence that walketh in darkness; nor for the destruction that wasteth at noonday.7 A thousand shall fall at thy side, and ten thousand at thy right hand; but it shall not come nigh thee.8 Only with thine eyes shalt thou behold and see the reward of the wicked.9 Because thou hast made the LORD, which is my refuge, even the most High, thy habitation;Bible in One Year: Joshua 16:1-19:16, Job 37:1-20MESSAGE:The psalmist, in our Bible reading, expressed his trust in the Lord and in His protection. In such a time as this, when all system are failing, this assurance is ever dependable. It affirms that God is for us and we can always find security in Him. It takes only the Almighty God to hide us from the enemy and this is why I am never afraid of the activities of the enemies, as long as I remain connected to God. It amazes me when I see what people do in the name of protection; I just can't help but pity them. How can you seek protection from the devil when it is the devil that is after your life? Any other source of protection outside God is wasted effort.This is why I do not understand how a true Christian lives in fear. How can my father be the Lord of Hosts and I will live in fear. As long as you are on the Lord's side, you have nothing to fear or worry about. The Lord is willing to fight all your battles if you allow Him. God is asking you to be of good cheer and not give in to doubt or despair because He has overcome the world and in Him you are more than a victor. When fears comes knocking on your door, let fear know that it is a wrong door because the Scripture says in Psalm 27:1;"A Psalm of David. The LORD is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? the LORD is the strength of my life; of whom shall I be afraid? "When trouble comes knocking, just call upon the Prince of Peace. Send your problems to Jesus and victory will be yours.You must make up your mind not to live in fear. You cannot achieve anything tangible with the atmosphere of fear. It takes courage to take your place in destiny. The only person you are permitted to fear is the Almighty God and this is because He is our Creator. Once we give ourselves to the Lord and fear only Him, He will be committed to protecting us from our enemies. Let us run away from the spirit of fear, it is capable of short-changing us. Let us hold unto the Lord for our deliverance. Let us cry to Him in supplication for help and He will hear us and come to our rescue.
Key Point: They that know their God shall be strong and do exploits.Open Heavens Daily Devotional guide was written by Pastor E.A. Adeboye, the General Overseer of the Redeemed Christian Church of God.
Topic: Assurance of Sonship [Monday 14, March 2016]Memorise: The Spirit itself beareth witness with our spirit, that we are the children of God: – Romans 8:16Read: 1 John 3:7-10 (KJV)7 Little children, let no man deceive you: he that doeth righteousness is righteous, even as he is righteous.8 He that committeth sin is of the devil; for the devil sinneth from the beginning. For this purpose the Son of God was manifested, that he might destroy the works of the devil.9 Whosoever is born of God doth not commit sin; for his seed remaineth in him: and he cannot sin, because he is born of God.10 In this the children of God are manifest, and the children of the devil: whosoever doeth not righteousness is not of God, neither he that loveth not his brother.Bible in One Year: Joshua 13:8-15:63, Job 36:17-33MESSAGE:It is very important to know our identity in Christ Jesus; it makes all the difference in our lives. If you don’t know your status, you will be denied many things. Your identity will help you know what you are qualified for and what you can do. When people ask who you are, the response you give them will determine the level of respect they accord you from that moment on. Who you are determine your actions. There were certain things you used to do before you become born again that you can no longer do. I know that I am the son of the Most High God. My Father rules over the Heavens and the Earth. He owns all you can see, both visible and invisible. This is why I don’t ask my Father for peanuts, I ask Him for big things, if they are not available at the moment of my asking, He will create them just for my sake.My heavenly father owns everything and they belong to me. Joy, peace, riches, victory, success, healing, anointing, exploits are all my rights in Him. The fact that you are also a child of God should inform you that you are not permitted to stay in bondage. If you claim to have an assurance of your sonship in Christ and you are still a slave to fear, then something must be wrong somewhere.“For ye have not received the spirit of bondage again to fear; but ye have received the Spirit of adoption, whereby we cry, Abba, Father.” - Romans 8:15Many people do not understand when I call God ‘Daddy’ or when I say “my Father said”. They see God as mystery that cannot be communicated with, but He is my Father and He speaks with me. When the Holy Spirit guides you, you cannot make mistakes, and that is why we cannot afford not to be led by Him. It also assures you of your sonship in God. Having this assurance, you are to live holy.
“Whosoever is born of God doth not commit sin; for his seed remaineth in him: and he cannot sin, because he is born of God.” - 1 John 3:9You cannot be toying with sin and expect to maintain your sonship in God. Sin is a destroyer. No matter how big the temptation to sin is, there is a seed in you that gives you the power to overcome. Joseph knew who he was in God and so he said “how can I do this great wickedness and sin against God.” Once you know who you are and where God is taking you to, you will not live carelessly. The moment you surrender your life to Jesus; your status changes. You become a member of the highest royal family in the universe and you possess the greatest weapon against the devil.Key Point: If you are not saved, your status cannot change.Open Heavens Daily Devotional guide was written by Pastor E.A. Adeboye, the General Overseer of the Redeemed Christian Church of God.
Topic: Authority over demons [Wednesday 9, March 2016]Memorise: And these signs shall follow them that believe; In my name shall they cast out devils; they shall speak with new tongues; – Mark 16:17Read: Luke 9:1-2 (KJV)1 Then he called his twelve disciples together, and gave them power and authority over all devils, and to cure diseases.2 And he sent them to preach the kingdom of God, and to heal the sick.Bible in One Year: Joshua 1-3, Job 34:1-15MESSAGE:Authority is a very powerful tool. Authority indicates an extent of ownership and silences any opposition. There is no way we can survive as Christians in our daily lives without the authority of God. It took authority for Jesus to put the devil and the gods of this world where they belong. Satan came and did all he could to derail Jesus, but at the end of the day, he lost on all fronts because of the authority which Jesus has over the devil and his cohorts. Authority is a powerful tool for good or for justification, and it is with this authority that you can rule over nations and kingdoms. It takes authority to pull down, to root out, to destroy the schemes of men, and throw down the altars of darkness. You also need authority to take your place in life both in building and in planting. When you have the backing of the Almighty God and men begin to fight against you, they will never be able to prevail against you because the Lord will deliver you and many signs and wonders will continue to be made manifest in your life and ministry. This is why it is very important that as children of God we must not exchange our authority in Christ Jesus for anything.When the devil appeared to Jesus after He had fasted for 40 days, Jesus used the authority He had to dislodge the strength of the devil and to frustrate his plans further. At the end of the day, the devil had to flee. In the Name that is above all names, I cast out every demon on assignment over your family right now in Jesus’ name. The end-time army of God must reflect the outward evidence in the demonstration of the authority of God with many signs following. As a child of God, you are to spoil principalities and powers and make a public show of them,“And having spoiled principalities and powers, he made a shew of them openly, triumphing over them in it.” -Colossians 2:15The truth remains that the authority given to the church has not been effectively used by the church to its advantage. Many of us have abandoned intimacy with God as a relationship to be exercised by only ‘great men of God’.If there is anything a pastor needs very urgently, it is this tool called authority. It was this authority that the Roman Centurion understood which made him to suggest to Jesus that He should just speak a word and the healing would be done. When you carry authority, there will be no room for struggles in your ministry. Devil and all his activities will always bow to the voice of God. You need to submit yourself totally to God for his authority to work for you. The devil himself knows that as long as you are under the authority of God, there is nothing he can do with your life. Demons and unpleasant situations will always bow to the authority of Jesus, but with evidence that the person exercising the authority is operating in Christ alone. This was why the seven sons of Sceva met trouble when they were trying to cast out devils. The demons asked them by whose authority they were attempting to do so, and they could not reply, thus they were beaten up and disgraced by the demons. Never allow anything to disconnect you from the Lordship of Jesus Christ.Prayer Point: Father, by your authority let every unpleasant situation bow in my life in Jesus’ Name.Open Heavens Daily Devotional guide was written by Pastor E.A. Adeboye, the General Overseer of the Redeemed Christian Church of God,.
