OPEN HEAVENS  DEVOTIONAL
Pastor E. A. Adeboye

Friday July 31, 2015

PARTAKING IN A  DIVINE AGENDA

Memorise:
And he shall reign over  the house of Jacob for  ever; and of his kingdom there shall be no end.
Luke 1:33

Read: Luke 1:31-33
31 And behold, you will conceive in your womb and bear a son, and you shall call his name Jesus. 32 He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High. And the Lord God will give to him the throne of his father David,
33 and he will reign over the house of Jacob forever, and of his kingdom there will be no end.

Message:
When God says He will do a thing, He is telling you  what He has already done in the realm of the  Spirit. It is already a settled matter. If He says He will give you peace, it means that peace is already released to you. Every good promise that God has made to you shall  become reality shortly in Jesus' Name. When Jesus made this  promise in Matthew 16:18: "And I say also unto thee, That thou art Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church; and the gates of hell shall not prevail  against it!' He was simply saying something He had already done. He was telling Peter what He had already finished, long before Peter was born. Luke 1:33 declares that there is no end to the  increase of God's kingdom. This means that whether the devil and the world like it or not, the Church will keep  marching on. It also means that even when you do not know how to access the funds you need to build that local  assembly to the glory of God's Name, God knows. He has already provided for all the churches that would be built in His Name, even before the foundation of the world was laid. This is why I know that you will not be stranded or frustrated  over the assignment of enlarging God's kingdom on earth. God’s provision for your assignment shall be evident this season in Jesus' Name.

Moreover, it is important to note that since God has set out to build His church, if you cooperate with Him, He can use you  to build His kingdom. Building His church is God's agenda. God is looking for those who will cooperate with Him to establish His agenda of building His church. Are you willing  to partner with Him? Long ago, God decided that He would take a general from the Syrian army and turn him into a  worshipper of Jehovah (2 Kings 5:1-19). In today's setting, it is like saying God wants to take the Sultan of Sokoto (the  traditional head of Muslims in Nigeria) and turn him into an  evangelist or a pastor. Some people will say this is impossible, but with God nothing shall be impossible (Luke 1:37). Once He has set out His plan, and His Word has gone forth, He will do it. To get Naaman to become a worshipper of the Living God, the Lord needed someone to cooperate with Him. It was housemaid in Naaman's household who told her mistress that there was a prophet in Israel who could cure her husband's leprosy. Like this handmaid, are you ready to cooperate with the Lord in building His church?

Action point:
Every child of God has a  role to play in building the kingdom of God. So, don't just sit on the fence!

Bible in one year:
Nehemaiah 4:1-6:14
John 7:1-24

Open Heavens 30 July 2015: Thursday daily devotion by Pastor E. A. Adeboye – Response To Discouragement

Open Heavens 30 July 2015: Thursday daily devotion by Pastor E. A. Adeboye – Response To Discouragement

Memorise: Have not I commanded thee? Be strong and of a good courage; be not afraid, neither be thou dismayed: for the LORD thy God is with thee whithersoever thou goest. - Joshua 1:9

Read: 1 Samuel 30:3-8 (KJV)

3 So David and his men came to the city, and, behold, it was burned with fire; and their wives, and their sons, and their daughters, were taken captives.

4 Then David and the people that were with him lifted up their voice and wept, until they had no more power to weep.

5 And David's two wives were taken captives, Ahinoam the Jezreelitess, and Abigail the wife of Nabal the Carmelite.

6 And David was greatly distressed; for the people spake of stoning him, because the soul of all the people was grieved, every man for his sons and for his daughters: but David encouraged himself in the LORD his God.

7 And David said to Abiathar the priest, Ahimelech's son, I pray thee, bring me hither the ephod. And Abiathar brought thither the ephod to David.

8 And David enquired at the LORD, saying, Shall I pursue after this troop? shall I overtake them? And he answered him, Pursue: for thou shalt surely overtake them, and without fail recover all.

Bible In One Year: Nehemiah 1-3; John 6:52-71

MESSAGE:

David's response to the distress he was confronted with, after his family and those of his men were taken captive, should serve as an example of what our response should be in the face of discouragement. The Bible in 1 Samuel 30:8 says:

"And David enquired at the LORD, saying, Shall I pursue after this troop? shall I overtake them? And he answered him, Pursue: for thou shalt surely overtake them, and without fail recover all."

Whenever you experience a loss, you need to go back to God to find out if it is possible to recover what was lost, and how such recovery would be achieved. Do not take it for granted that every loss must be recovered. Sometimes, when the Lord calls home a loved one who is very ill and going through excruciating pain, there might be no need for Him to return such a fellow back to life, except of course if He wants to heal such a fellow. Also, if a blessing is already becoming a curse or something else, it may be preferable for such a blessing to go for the greater good. Have you taken time to ask God about His will concerning your losses? Have you also asked how such losses can be recovered?

We can see from today's Bible reading that people respond to discouragement in different ways. Some people do not mind going to any extreme when they are discouraged. At the point of discouragement, David's men suddenly blamed the same leader who had been protecting them. They began to see their helper as the source of their loss. They began to speak against him and even planned to stone him to death! This shows the destructive power of discouragement. How do you handle situations when you are discouraged? Do you turn your helpers into enemies? There are some believers including ministers, who at the height of discouragement deliberately step out of righteousness and return temporarily to the sinful lifestyle they abandoned several years ago. This type of response is wrong. When faced with discouragement, encourage yourself in the Lord. Study God's word to receive a word of encouragement and direction. Pray to God, praise and thank Him for all past blessings and worship Him. Doing these may be difficult, but ask for grace to do so. Seek counselling from godly people. Also, ask yourself: what does Satan want me to do in this situation? Ensure you don't act according to his expectation.

Key Point: Discouragement is an arrow that must be returned to its source with haste.

Open Heavens Daily Devotional guide was written by Pastor E.A. Adeboye, the General Overseer of the Redeemed Christian Church of God

Open Heavens 29 July 2015: Wednesday daily devotion by Pastor E. A. Adeboye – Ask For Permission!

Open Heavens 29 July 2015: Wednesday daily devotion by Pastor E. A. Adeboye – Ask For Permission!

Memorise: Thou shalt not steal. - Exodus 20:15

Read: Genesis 49:3-4 (KJV)

3 Reuben, thou art my firstborn, my might, and the beginning of my strength, the excellency of dignity, and the excellency of power:

4 Unstable as water, thou shalt not excel; because thou wentest up to thy father's bed; then defiledst thou it: he went up to my couch.

Bible In One Year: Ezra 8:24-10:44; John 6:25-51

MESSAGE:

One commandment that God gave to the children of Israel in the wilderness, which is still very relevant to us today, is the commandment not to steal (Exodus 20:15). Stealing can occur physically, in the realm of the soul and spiritually. Physical stealing can further be classified as stealing from man and stealing from God (Malachi 3:8). To steal is to take another person's property without their consent or approval, particularly with the intention of not returning it. As a growing child, teenager or youth, if you take your parent's money without their consent, you are a thief. Some youths will say "Whatever belongs to my father belongs to me. I should be free to take any of his things whenever I like." No sir! Your parents have plans for all that they have. Taking their things without their approval can destabilise some of those plans. It can also inflict pain, sorrow and untold hardship on your parents. A child who is well brought up will ask his or her parents for what they want and give them the opportunity to approve or deny the request. The right rule to live by is: anything your parents are not ready to give you must not be taken. If you take it, you are a thief and not better than any robber out there.

Reuben, Jacob's firstborn, slept with Bilhah his father's concubine on his father's bed (Genesis 35:22). According to their tradition, after his father's death, he could have inherited her as the firstborn, but he could not wait for his time. Jacob kept quiet about this when he heard it. Reuben did not realise that Jacob knew, and he did not restitute. Eventually, when it was time to receive the generational blessing, Reuben was cursed and his destiny was thwarted(Genesis 49:3-4). A curse awaits children who steal from their parents.Zechariah 5:3 says:

"Then said he unto me, This is the curse that goeth forth over the face of the whole earth: for every one that stealeth shall be cut off as on this side according to it; and every one that sweareth shall be cut off as on that side according to it."

Even the prodigal son knew well enough to ask for his share of his father's property before spending it (Luke 15:12). Today, some children either neglect their parents or fast-track their death so that they can have faster access to their wealth. Doing such is murder and robbery! No doubt, the blessing will surely turn into a curse. Children, as long as you live with your parents, totally submit to them like Jesus did. Never take anything that belongs to them without their willing consent. Also, do not threaten them to accede your request.

Action Point: Return all that you have taken without the consent of the rightful owners from today.

Open Heavens Daily Devotional guide was written by Pastor E.A. Adeboye, the General Overseer of the Redeemed Christian Church of God

Open Heavens 28 July 2015: Tuesday daily devotion by Pastor E. A. Adeboye – Not Moved By Tears!

Open Heavens 28 July 2015: Tuesday daily devotion by Pastor E. A. Adeboye – Not Moved By Tears!

Memorise: I will worship toward thy holy temple, and praise thy name for thy lovingkindness and for thy truth: for thou hast magnified thy word above all thy name. - Psalm 138:2

Read: Psalm 138:1-3 (KJV)

1 A Psalm of David. I will praise thee with my whole heart: before the gods will I sing praise unto thee.

2 I will worship toward thy holy temple, and praise thy name for thy lovingkindness and for thy truth: for thou hast magnified thy word above all thy name.

3 In the day when I cried thou answeredst me, and strengthenedst me with strength in my soul.

Bible In One Year: Ezra 6:13-8:23; John 6:1-24

MESSAGE:

If there is anything we need so dearly to succeed in life, it is wisdom. In God's manual for life, wisdom is declared to be the principal thing (Proverbs 4:7). What then is wisdom? Practically speaking, wisdom is the correct application of knowledge. The fellow who is educated but fails to apply what he or she knows appropriately will be considered a fool. This is why education alone does not confer wisdom. There are several professors who, in spite of all their chains of degrees, still operate in folly. If knowledge alone is wisdom, then no doctor would engage in smoking because all doctors know that smoking is injurious to health. A particular doctor who smokes was asked "You are a doctor; you know smoking is bad for your health and yet you still smoke. Why?" Can you believe his reply? He said "Everybody will eventually die by one means or the other someday. Some will die in an accident; some will die by an assassin's bullet. I have chosen to die by smoking cigarettes." Wisdom therefore is having knowledge and applying it correctly for your personal benefit. Are you an educated fool? It is time to change your ways.

As a worker in God's vineyard, it is important to know that God is not moved by emotions, tears, or by rolling on the ground. Rather, He is moved by the correct application of the principles contained in His Word. His Word is declared to be forever settled in Heaven(Psalm 119:89).  God is a God of principles; hence, a mathematician like me finds it easy to enjoy Him, because mathematicians are not often moved by emotions. Take for instance this equation: 2 + 2 = 4. Whether you like it or not, it always remains the same. If you like, you can weep from morning till evening saying "I want 2 + 2 to be 6." It will not change anything, because 2 + 2 = 4 will ever remain the same, be it on earth, on the moon or under the sea. When you know that God is not moved by emotions but by His Word, wisdom demands that you apply His Word more often. Psalm 138:2 says,

"I will worship toward thy holy temple, and praise thy name for thy lovingkindness and for thy truth: for thou hast magnified thy word above all thy name."

Obeying God's Word moves Him. God honours those who stand on His Word. This means that you need to increase in the knowledge of God's Word so that you will be able to stand on it. Give more time to knowing His Word and stand on it today.

Action Point: Pick a problem confronting you, and find out God's principles on how to solve it. Simply apply these principles, and check out the result you will obtain.

Open Heavens Daily Devotional guide was written by Pastor E.A. Adeboye, the General Overseer of the Redeemed Christian Church of God

Open Heavens 27 July 2015: Monday daily devotion by Pastor E. A. Adeboye – Stagnancy Is Not Your Portion

Open Heavens 27 July 2015: Monday daily devotion by Pastor E. A. Adeboye – Stagnancy Is Not Your Portion

Memorise: And all these blessings shall come on thee, and overtake thee, if thou shalt hearken unto the voice of the LORD thy God. - Deuteronomy 28:2

Read: John 5:2-9 (KJV)

2 Now there is at Jerusalem by the sheep market a pool, which is called in the Hebrew tongue Bethesda, having five porches.

3 In these lay a great multitude of impotent folk, of blind, halt, withered, waiting for the moving of the water.

4 For an angel went down at a certain season into the pool, and troubled the water: whosoever then first after the troubling of the water stepped in was made whole of whatsoever disease he had.

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.

Bible In One Year: Ezra 4:1-6:12; John 5:19-47

MESSAGE:

On the 20th of July, we looked at the states of progress represented by retrogression and repression. One lesson we must learn is that sometimes, repressive forces are not necessarily interested in taking over the harvest of their victims; rather, all they want to do is to ensure that all the labour and efforts of their victims are wasted, so that they can mock and laugh them to scorn (Judges 6:3-16). Every repressive force seen and unseen that is interested in wasting all your honest efforts shall be destroyed by the fire of the Holy Ghost in Jesus' Name.

Moreover, another state of progress is stagnation. This is a state of standstill. In this state, there is no forward or upward movement. The fellow operating in this state remains on the same spot in spite of his or her efforts. In a situation of stagnancy, effort does not count, because it appears there is some invisible rope tying the victim to the same spot. In our Bible reading, we read about a man who was sick for 38 years. This man was operating in a state of stagnancy. He was at the pool of Bethesda waiting for an angel to stir up the water. He was waiting for a once-a-year miracle available to just one person. The unfortunate thing is that he was not alone. There was a crowd also waiting to take this same chance. As a result, he kept on waiting for several years!

There are some people who are so full of hope at the beginning of a year, but at the end of that year, they realise that they are still at the same spot. When I was schooling at the University of Lagos, there was a particular student who had been there for eight years, but he never went beyond year one. He kept changing from one faculty to the other and from one department to another. We met him there and left him there. Have you been stagnant? Are all your efforts futile? Have you been so long on the same spot? The Lord will intervene in your situation today! The Lord will turn things around for your good. I rebuke every force keeping you on the same spot. Whatever is tying you down is destroyed now. That miracle that your stagnant situation is trying to deny you is released to you now in Jesus' Name.

Prayer Point: I command every spirit of stagnancy keeping me and my family on the same spot, in the Name of Jesus Christ, pack your load and leave now!

Open Heavens Daily Devotional guide was written by Pastor E.A. Adeboye, the General Overseer of the Redeemed Christian Church of God

Open Heavens 26 July 2015: Sunday daily devotion by Pastor E. A. Adeboye – Dividends of Holiness

Open Heavens 26 July 2015: Sunday daily devotion by Pastor E. A. Adeboye – Dividends of Holiness

Memorise: Sow to yourselves in righteousness, reap in mercy; break up your fallow ground: for it is time to seek the LORD, till he come and rain righteousness upon you. - Hosea 10:12

Read: Lamentations 3:22-25 (KJV)

22 It is of the LORD's mercies that we are not consumed, because his compassions fail not.

23 They are new every morning: great is thy faithfulness.

24 The LORD is my portion, saith my soul; therefore will I hope in him.

25 The LORD is good unto them that wait for him, to the soul that seeketh him.

Bible In One Year: Ezra 1-3; John 4:46-5:18

MESSAGE:

Everyone saved by the precious Blood of the Lamb is called to a lifestyle of holiness (1 Thessalonians 4:7). Believe it or not, a lifestyle of holiness pays great dividends. Proverbs 11:19 says:

“As righteousness tendeth to life: so he that pursueth evil pursueth it to his own death.”

There is therefore a link between righteousness and life, just as there is a link between sin and death (Romans 6:23). Although God has promised you long life in Psalm 91:16, it is only when you live holy that this promise can be fulfilled in your life (Psalm 91:14). If you look close enough, you will discover that most of God’s promises have conditions attached to their fulfilment. If you live holy, you will easily have access to long life, but if you live in disobedience or secret sin, you have moved from life to death. Are you holy? Are you still secretly living in sin? Repent today and turn a new leaf!

Another dividend of holiness is mercy. If you sow holiness, you will reap a harvest of God’s mercy. Hosea 10:12 says:

“Sow to yourself in righteousness, reap in mercy; break up your fallow ground: for it is time to seek the LORD, till he come and rain righteousness upon you.”

Holiness is a seed. If you sow holiness, mercy will definitely be part of your harvest. If there is one thing all men need at all times, it is the mercy of the Most High God. Lamentation 3:22says we are alive today not by our efforts or power but by the mercy of God. Just as holiness is a seed, sin is also a seed. If you sow sin, you will reap judgement and death (2 Corinthians 5:10). Mercy makes God to relate with you not on the basis of your sins, but on the basis of Christ’s sacrificial death and shed blood. Mercy makes God not to give you the punishment you deserve, but sin ensures you are served what you sowed. Sin ensures God relates with you only on the basis of your crimes or evils. God has said that the soul who sins shall die (Ezekiel 18:20). If God were to relate strictly with us on the basis of our sins, everyone on earth would have died by now (Psalm 130:3). If you want to live long and enjoy God’s mercy on a continuous basis, live holy. Live to please God and God alone.

Key point: The wisest people on earth are those who live according to God’s commands.

Open Heavens Daily Devotional guide was written by Pastor E.A. Adeboye, the General Overseer of the Redeemed Christian Church of God

Open Heavens 25 July 2015: Saturday daily devotion by Pastor E. A. Adeboye – Holy Living & Healthy Living

Open Heavens 25 July 2015: Saturday daily devotion by Pastor E. A. Adeboye – Holy Living & Healthy Living

Memorise: The sting of death is sin, and the strength of sin is the law. - 1 Corinthians 15:56

Read: 1 Timothy 4:6-9 (KJV)

6 If thou put the brethren in remembrance of these things, thou shalt be a good minister of Jesus Christ, nourished up in the words of faith and of good doctrine, whereunto thou hast attained.

7 But refuse profane and old wives' fables, and exercise thyself rather unto godliness.

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

9 This is a faithful saying and worthy of all acceptation.

Bible In One Year: 2 Chronicles 35-36; John 4:16-45

MESSAGE:

At the time of man’s creation, there was no notion of sickness. There was indeed nothing like sickness. There was no expectation of death either. The human body was created to be self-sustaining through regular contact with God’s glory, and maintained by the foods provided by God. But when man fell, he lost so much, most importantly, the sustaining power of God’s glory.
He had to begin to virtually rely on food for sustenance. As good as food is, it is limited in its ability to keep a man healthy. Although a daily diet of good food, vegetables, fruits and exercise is very important to living healthy, the final result will depend largely on the spiritual lifestyle of the fellow involved. For instance, if an individual is born-again and living a righteous life, this healthy lifestyle will work well for him, but if a fellow is living in sin, the result may be in bad taste. The reason is because sin itself is a killer (James 1:15). Sin does not often kill drastically but subtly, gradually and surely. Sin kills spiritually by sending the sinner to Hell, and it also kills physically.

“For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.” -Romans 6:23

Never underestimate the power of sin! Believe it or not, sin serves the sinner a cup of death. Every sin an individual commits dishes the fellow a dose of death, working against his or her health and gradually killing him or her. Take for instance a believer who eats the best meals but refuses to pay tithes; such a person will provoke God to curse him. No medicine or healthy meal can cure the effects of such a curse! Always remember that the spiritual always controls the physical. What unhealthy meal did Miriam eat that made her leprous for seven days (Numbers 12:5-15)? She only spoke against Moses, and that sin served her leprosy. Beloved, to consistently live in good health, it is important you place spiritual considerations side by side with healthy lifestyle choices. If you want to continue in sin, you are not serious about staying healthy. While some sicknesses are caused by poor eating habits, others are caused by sinful indulgences or violation of divine laws. Ensure both sides are properly taken care of. It is well with you.

Key Point: Healthy meals + exercises + holy living = Good health

Open Heavens Daily Devotional guide was written by Pastor E.A. Adeboye, the General Overseer of the Redeemed Christian Church of God

Open Heavens 24 July 2015: Friday daily devotion by Pastor E. A. Adeboye – Settled

Open Heavens 24 July 2015: Friday daily devotion by Pastor E. A. Adeboye – Settled

Memorise: for he spake, and it was done; he commanded, and it stood fast. - Psalm 33:9

Read: 33:8-11 (KJV)

8 Let all the earth fear the LORD: let all the inhabitants of the world stand in awe of him.

9 For he spake, and it was done; he commanded, and it stood fast.

10 The LORD bringeth the counsel of the heathen to nought: he maketh the devices of the people of none effect.

11 The counsel of the LORD standeth for ever, the thoughts of his heart to all generations.

Bible In One Year: 2 Chronicles 33:10-33:33; John 3:22-4:15

MESSAGE:

Whenever God says a thing, you can be sure that it is already done. That is whyPsalm 33:8 commands the whole earth to fear this great and awesome God: whatever He declares is done, and His commandments are always established. For Instance, when John the Baptist by divine revelation announced Jesus as the Lamb of God that takes away the sins of the world (John 1:29), he was only announcing something that had already been planned, decided and concluded before the foundations of the earth. The Bible clearly states this truth in Revelation 13:8

“And all that dwell upon the earth shall worship him, whose names are not written in the book of life of the Lamb slain from the foundation of the world.”

In other words, before God laid foundations of this world, He had already seen how things would turn out for the human race He was yet to create; so He decided in advance that at some point in time, Jesus Christ would come to this world, be crucified and die for the sins of all men.

So when you hear God saying something, it is not about what He wants to do, but about what He has already done. When a road is rehabilitated and the governor of a state comes to declare it open, it does not mean that the road is new or has just been constructed. The road could have been in use for several years or months before it was properly constructed with drainages, pedestrian pathways, culverts, trees lining the middle, footbridges, etc. The commissioning of the road is simply launching the road into another phase. In the same vein, whatever God says He will do has already been done in the spiritual realm. It has been concluded. Those in Heaven can see it already; it’s only a matter of time before it materialises in the physical realm. The awesomeness of God is further revealed when we realise that no man can speak of what he wants to happen in the future and have it that way except God sanctions it. The Bible declares this inLamentations 3:37:

“Who is he that saith, and it cometh to pass, when the Lord commandeth it not?”

Therefore, has God said He would do something in your life, family, ministry, business or career? It is already settled. In the spirit realm, it can already be seen. All you have to do is to bring it into manifestation in the physical realm through prayer, thanksgiving and worship. Your greatness is settled. Your tomorrow will be alright. It is a settled matter. It shall be well with you, and you will end well in Jesus’ Name.

Action Point: Thank God for past Holy Ghost conventions. Pray that this year’s convention will be most outstanding in power, miracles, wonders and signs.

Open Heavens Daily Devotional guide was written by Pastor E.A. Adeboye, the General Overseer of the Redeemed Christian Church of God

Open Heavens 23 July 2015: Thursday daily devotion by Pastor E. A. Adeboye – The Spiritual Marathon

Open Heavens 23 July 2015: Thursday daily devotion by Pastor E. A. Adeboye – The Spiritual Marathon

Memorise: But he that shall endure unto the end, the same shall be saved. -Mathew 24:13

Read: Hebrews 12:1-3 (KJV)

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

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

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

Bible In One Year: 2 Chronicles 32:1-33:9; John 3:1-21

MESSAGE:

The day you genuinely gave your life to Christ, you began a race. It is a spiritual race. The race to Heaven is not a sprint but a marathon. It is not something you run with all your strength for just one day and it ends there. Unlike the regular marathon that goes through streets and paths already marked out, you may have to take unmarked routes and paths hitherto unknown while running this race. Also, unlike in regular marathons where you can meet someone who has successfully finished the race for tips, those who have run this peculiar race to the end are definitely not around on earth for people to consult with.

By the grace of God, as young as I am in Christ, I have been running this race for more than forty years now, and I am yet to reach the finishing line. There are people who joined this race some fifty or sixty years ago, and they are still on it till now. Every race has its peculiar nature. If you need patience and a lot of tact while running an earthly marathon, you will need much more of these while running the heavenly race. No wonderHebrews 12:1 says,

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

However, just like it happens in earthly marathons, there are several casualties in the heavenly race. Some people start a marathon like a sprint. They run far ahead of others, but after some time, they lose steam and begin to retrogress while those they left behind overtaken them. Also, there are those who fall and injure themselves, ending up in an ambulance. There are also those who out of exhaustion are unable to continue the race, and so they drop out. There are even those who after running for a while, gradually step out of the path, and are disqualified. All these scenarios are applicable to the spiritual marathon. Since you started the race to Heaven, have you been affected by any of these? Have you stepped out of the path of the race? Have you run out of steam? Have you fallen and refused to rise up? Get up today! The Lord will give you strength. Persist some more. Take it one day at a time. Call on the Lord to help you. Never give up. Each day that passes draws you closer to the finishing line. You will make it in Jesus’ Name!

Prayer Point: Father, grant me grace to run the race to Heaven with wisdom, patience and perseverance.

Open Heavens Daily Devotional guide was written by Pastor E.A. Adeboye, the General Overseer of the Redeemed Christian Church of God

Open Heavens 22 July 2015: Wednesday daily devotion by Pastor E. A. Adeboye – Unforgiveness & Its Restitution

Open Heavens 22 July 2015: Wednesday daily devotion by Pastor E. A. Adeboye – Unforgiveness & Its Restitution 

Memorise: Whosoever hateth his brother is a murderer: and ye know that no murderer hath eternal life abiding in him. - 1 John 3:15

Read: 1 John 2:9-11 (KJV)

9 He that saith he is in the light, and hateth his brother, is in darkness even until now.

10 He that loveth his brother abideth in the light, and there is none occasion of stumbling in him.

11 But he that hateth his brother is in darkness, and walketh in darkness, and knoweth not whither he goeth, because that darkness hath blinded his eyes.

Bible In One Year: 2 Chronicles 30-31; John 2

MESSAGE:

As children of God, we must always be watchful of pitfalls capable of nullifying all our efforts towards making Heaven. For example, God expects you to make restitution when you have told a lie incriminating an innocent person. In the same vain, if you have injured someone, you need to restitute. An example of this can be found in Acts 16:33-34, where the jailor who had contributed to the predicament of Paul and Silas took them to his house, treated their injuries and gave them decent food. Have you injured someone physically, emotionally or psychologically? Restitute your ways. In addition, if someone offends you so hard that you promised never to forgive the fellow, there is a need to forgive and release that individual so that you can make Heaven at last. Anyone who hates his brother has stepped out of God’s light into darkness and is seen as a murderer in the sight of God (1 John 3:15). If you are in hatred, you are out of eternal life. Has anyone offended you to the extent that you resolved not to forgive? You must change that decision now if you do not want it to hinder your trip to Heaven. I once hated a particular man very much, because of the way he maltreated my family and I. But after I gave my life to Christ, I did not only forgive him, I also went to tell him he was forgiven. It was not an easy thing for me to do, but by the grace of God, I did it.

Is there un-forgiveness in your heart over some hurt or offence done to you? If you love yourself, forgive today. Forgiveness must be communicated to the one you have forgiven except it is done without sincerity. Some people say, “I have forgiven my offender but I will not tell him so.” How will the fellow you forgave know that he or she is forgiven? When a person is offended, it is like being owed some kind of debt. It is when forgiveness is released that the debt is paid. Refusing to forgive your offender sustains the debt, and we are commanded not to owe any man anything but love (Romans 13:8). The irony of un-forgiveness is that the one who refuses to forgive hurts himself or herself the most. The offender may be going about with a free mind, but the offended carries a heavy heart. Also, by begrudging the offender, the offended cannot move beyond where he or she is. Unforgiveness ties the offended to the same spot. I hope you are not the one pegging your rise by not releasing your offender?

Action Point: List the names of people you hold a grudge against or who hold a grudge against you, and prayerfully reconcile with them immediately.

Open Heavens Daily Devotional guide was written by Pastor E.A. Adeboye, the General Overseer of the Redeemed Christian Church of God

Open Heavens 21 July 2015: Tuesday daily devotion by Pastor E. A. Adeboye – The Principal Personality

Open Heavens 21 July 2015: Tuesday daily devotion by Pastor E. A. Adeboye – The Principal Personality 

Memorise: Wisdom is the principal thing: therefore get wisdom: and with all thy getting get understanding. -Proverbs 4:7

Read: Proverbs 4:5-9 (KJV)

5 Get wisdom, get understanding: forget it not; neither decline from the words of my mouth.

6 Forsake her not, and she shall preserve thee: love her, and she shall keep thee.

7 Wisdom is the principal thing; therefore get wisdom: and with all thy getting get understanding.

8 Exalt her, and she shall promote thee: she shall bring thee to honour, when thou dost embrace her.

9 She shall give to thine head an ornament of grace: a crown of glory shall she deliver to thee.

Bible In One Year: 2 Chronicles 28:5-29:36; John 1:29-51

MESSAGE:

Today's Bible reading defines wisdom as the principal thing in life. Wisdom is most important because you need it to relate effectively with God, the devil and his cohorts. You also need wisdom to govern your relationships with friends and foes. At work, at school and in the ministry, you need wisdom. With wisdom, you can successfully handle all your life's pursuits. Wisdom connects everything you do. Wisdom can mean the difference between life and death, success and failure, wealth and poverty, growth and retardation. Everything you can ever ask for will come to you if you have wisdom. There are different types of wisdom operating in the natural and spiritual realms. There is devilish wisdom, human wisdom and divine wisdom. Jesus Christ is declared to be the Wisdom of God in 1 Corinthians 1:24:

"But unto them which are called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God, and the wisdom of God."

If wisdom is the principal thing, and Jesus Christ is the Wisdom of God, it therefore follows that Jesus Christ is the Principal Person. There is a link between the principal thing and the Principal Person. But why is wisdom so crucial? Proverbs 3:35 says,

"The wise shall inherit glory: but shame shall be the promotion of fools."

Your pursuit of wisdom will deliver you glory. No wonder the Bible says if you have Jesus Christ, you automatically receive glory (Colossians 1:27).Conversely, if you lack wisdom, shame will be waiting at around the corner for you. There is a direct link between wisdom and a glorious future. Glory is the opposite of shame. Sickness, disease, failure, defeat, poverty, barrenness, stagnation, disappointment are all products of shame. When you have Jesus, you receive wisdom, and when you get wisdom, you have access to glory, which makes every token of shame disappear. As the principal thing, getting every other thing without getting wisdom amounts to a waste of time. In the same vein, acquiring material wealth, academic degrees and attaining heights in any field without having a personal relationship with the Principal Person converts one's gains into one big loss! In all that you strive for, never stop seeking for more of Jesus and His wisdom!

Key Point: Having Jesus can deliver every other thing to you, but getting every other thing cannot give you Jesus.

Open Heavens Daily Devotional guide was written by Pastor E.A. Adeboye, the General Overseer of the Redeemed Christian Church of God

Open Heavens 20 July 2015: Monday daily devotion by Pastor E. A. Adeboye – Regression and Repression

Open Heavens 20 July 2015: Monday daily devotion by Pastor E. A. Adeboye – Regression and Repression

Memorise: And they shall build houses, and inhabit them; and they shall plant vineyards, and eat the fruit of them.-Isaiah 65:21

Read: Judges 6:1-6 (KJV)

1 And the children of Israel did evil in the sight of the LORD: and the LORD delivered them into the hand of Midian seven years.

2 And the hand of Midian prevailed against Israel: and because of the Midianites the children of Israel made them the dens which are in the mountains, and caves, and strong holds.

3 And so it was, when Israel had sown, that the Midianites came up, and the Amalekites, and the children of the east, even they came up against them;

4 And they encamped against them, and destroyed the increase of the earth, till thou come unto Gaza, and left no sustenance for Israel, neither sheep, nor ox, nor ass.

5 For they came up with their cattle and their tents, and they came as grasshoppers for multitude; for both they and their camels were without number: and they entered into the land to destroy it.

6 And Israel was greatly impoverished because of the Midianites; and the children of Israel cried unto the LORD.

Bible In One Year: 2 Chronicles 25:14-28:4; John 1:1-28

MESSAGE:

A man's state of progress can be classified into seven basic categories; one of which is regression. The state of regression is that in which mean forces beyond one's control continuously push one backward. An example of this is the woman with the issue of blood (Mark 5:25-34). She went through a lot in the process of seeking help from different doctors. She spent all she had but instead of getting better, she grew worse, because unseen forces kept on pushing her backward. Have you found yourself in a similar situation, where every effort you put in to take you forward moves you backward, or where every effort you put in to improve your lot only complicates matters? The Lord will step into your situation today and deliver you. Every regressive force working against your life, health, progress or destiny is terminated today in Jesus' Name.

Another state of progress is repression. This refers to a state in which negative forces push a person down and try to hold him or her down, frustrating every attempt to move up. This can manifest in the hearing of voices that lead one to the other side of progress. In Judges 6:3-6, the children of Israel encountered repression from a particular group of people who decided to afflict them. Whenever the Israelites were sowing in the fields, this group of people pretended not to notice. They never stopped them from exerting their energy or from expending their time and money on their farms. But as soon as their crops were harvested, they swarmed in like locusts and destroyed everything. Thereafter, the Israelites will have to start all over again, after which these enemies would again waste or destroy their harvest in a vicious cycle.

When I was very young, there was a very notorious thief who gained so much notoriety that musicians waxed a song about him. His name was Anikura. The lyrics of the song said: "Anikura won't ask you not to trade. He won't ask you not to gain, but he will ensure that you do not take the gain." This epitomises repression! If you are in a state of repression, you will continue to work for devourers and never benefit from your labours. Are you a victim of repression? Do you labour and yet you are unable to enter into your harvest? That repressive force is paralysed today in Jesus' Name. Jesus sets you free from repression! You will eat from your labours from now on in Jesus' Name.

Prayer Point: Father, today, let your fire consume every force working against me and trying to stop me from taking the good harvest of my labours, 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

Open Heavens 19 July 2015: Sunday daily devotion by Pastor E. A. Adeboye – Called Unto Holiness

Open Heavens 19 July 2015: Sunday daily devotion by Pastor E. A. Adeboye – Called Unto Holiness

Memorise: But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you; -Matthew 5:44

Read: Matthew 5:43-48 (KJV)

43 Ye have heard that it hath been said, Thou shalt love thy neighbour, and hate thine enemy.

44 But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you;

45 That ye may be the children of your Father which is in heaven: for he maketh his sun to rise on the evil and on the good, and sendeth rain on the just and on the unjust.

46 For if ye love them which love you, what reward have ye? do not even the publicans the same?

47 And if ye salute your brethren only, what do ye more than others? do not even the publicans so?

48 Be ye therefore perfect, even as your Father which is in heaven is perfect.

Bible In One Year: 2 Chronicles 23:16-25:13; Luke 24:36-53

MESSAGE:

The call to salvation is a call to holiness. The day you were invited to receive Jesus Christ as Lord and Saviour, you were automatically called to a life of holiness. The Bible in 1 Thessalonians 4:7 says:

“For God hath not called us unto uncleanness, but unto holiness”

Have you responded to this call? The reason why many Christian leaders are heading for Hell today is because they have not answered the call to holiness. This ingredient is so indispensable to the Christian faith that having salvation without holiness is like leaving the substance and taking the chaff that can be easily blown away. Without sanctification, the salvation experience may not know stability. The accounts for the rising-and-falling syndrome being experienced by many Christians. When you are sanctified after receiving Christ into your heart, your faith in Christ is given the strong roots it needs. Hence, when the winds of affliction, temptation, persecution and other challenges of life blow, your faith in Christ will be unshaken, because it is deeply rooted.  While the experience of salvation is akin to cruising in God’s shallow waters, experiencing sanctification is like launching out into the deep oceans of God’s nature. You need this experience!

When you are sanctified, you will have control over your emotions. If you have been battling with lust and sexual sins, ask God for a sanctified heart and you will overcome. Do you know that many leaders still have problems with anger? When they are angry, they can destroy just about anything. They become filled with rage and behave irrationally. What they need is sanctification. When you are holy, you are not easily provoked.  In fact, after several failed deliberate attempts to make you angry, people will wonder whether you can ever get annoyed. If you are sanctified, you will find it impossible to cheat anyone, how much more your fellow Christian brother. With a sanctified heart, you will easily forgive your persecutors like Stephen and Jesus did. You will make excuses for those who fall below your expectations. You will have grace to love the unlovable, and pray for those who spitefully use you. When Jesus gave the instruction in today’s reading, He was actually calling us to holiness. Have you accepted this call? Have you received a new heart?

Prayer Point: Father, as I renew my mind with Your Word, sanctify me wholly that I may live to please You.

Open Heavens Daily Devotional guide was written by Pastor E.A. Adeboye, the General Overseer of the Redeemed Christian Church of God

Open Heavens 18 July 2015: Saturday daily devotion by Pastor E. A. Adeboye – Ascending God’s Hill

Open Heavens 18 July 2015: Saturday daily devotion by Pastor E. A. Adeboye – Ascending God’s Hill

Memorise: Who shall ascend into the hill of the LORD? or who shall stand in his holy place?-Psalm 24:3

Read: Psalm 24:3-5 (KJV)

3. Who shall ascend into the hill of the LORD? Or who shall stand in his holy place?

4. He that hath clean hands, and a pure heart; who hath not lifted up his soul unto vanity, nor sworn deceitfully.

5. He shall receive the blessing from the LORD, and righteousness from the God of his salvation.

Bible In One Year: 2 Chronicles 21:1-23:15; Luke 24:13-35

MESSAGE:

The anointing plays very important roles in the actualisation of destiny in the life of the anointed. These roles include: facilitating and accelerating connection of the anointed to destiny helpers, causing destiny helpers to see the anointed in favourable light, and compelling destiny helpers to deliver the help ordained by God to the anointed. May the anointing play these and many more roles in your life and in your family in Jesus’ Name.

Moreover, the anointing helps you to ascend the hill of the Lord, which is not an easy thing to do. In other words, the anointing simplifies kingdom tasks and responsibilities. In our Bible reading, David asked this question: who qualifies to ascend the hill of the Lord? The Holy Ghost gave him the answer in Psalm 24:4:

“He that hath clean hands, and a pure heart; who hath not lifed up his soul unto vanity, nor sworn deceitfully.”

After Saul was anointed as king by Samuel, he was told to ascend the hill of God (1 Samuel 10:5). The anointing had qualified the unqualified. Where only priests and prophets cold go, Saul was allowed to go. This season, the anointing will grant you access into areas you were not allowed to enter in Jesus’Name.

From the experience of Saul in 1 Samuel 10:10, we understand that when the anointing comes, the manifestation of the Holy Spirit also comes. Oil is a symbol of the Holy Spirit. Whenever God is anointing an individual through His servant, He releases the power of His Spirit to actualise the purpose of that anointing; but whenever God is not behind the anointing of an individual, although the oil may be poured on the head, the power of the Holy Spirit will not be released. The manifestation of the Holy Spirit opens the doorway to the gifts of the Spirit and the supernatural. People were amazed that Saul who was not a Prophet was prophesying like the prophets. When the anointing comes upon you, you will begin to operate in the things of the Spirit. His gifts will begin to operate in the things of the spirit. His gifts will begin to manifest through you, and many people will be surprised. If there is one thing you need to ask for after you become born-again, it is for more and more of the anointing of the Holy Spirit.

Prayer Point: Father, give me more of your power, and fill me with more of your Spirit.

Open Heavens Daily Devotional guide was written by Pastor E.A. Adeboye, the General Overseer of the Redeemed Christian Church of God

Open Heavens 17 July 2015: Friday daily devotion by Pastor E. A. Adeboye – Breaking Limitations

Open Heavens 17 July 2015: Friday daily devotion by Pastor E. A. Adeboye – Breaking Limitations

Memorise: Behold, I am the LORD, the God of all flesh: is there any thing too hard for me? - Jeremiah 32:27

Read: Isaiah 40:6-8 (KJV)

6 The voice said, Cry. And he said, What shall I cry? All flesh is grass, and all the goodliness thereof is as the flower of the field:

7 The grass withereth, the flower fadeth: because the spirit of the LORD bloweth upon it: surely the people is grass.

8 The grass withereth, the flower fadeth: but the word of our God shall stand for ever.

Bible In One Year: 2 Chronicles 18:28-20:37; Luke 23:44-24:12

MESSAGE:

Your ability to perform well depends largely on the power and resources available to you. Every human being will be faced with the reality of insufficient resources in the face of a pressing need at one point or the other. Hence, economists advise us to forgo certain alternatives, and draw up a scale of preference on our needs. Man’s limitations have caused the introduction of certain words and phrases into our vocabulary, such as: impossible, cannot, too late, irreversible, etc. All these reflect our state of human limitation and incapacity. Even God recognises man’s limitations. Psalm 103:14 says:

“For he knoweth our frame; he remembereth that we are dust.”

Our natural frailty and limitation is exposed in today’s Bible reading, where man is described as grass that withers easily. Also, Bildad the Shuhite describes man as a frail worm in Jobs 25:6:

“How much less man, that is a worm? And the son of man, which is a worm?”

It is therefore evident that as long as we are confined within our natural sphere, human beings remain seriously limited.

However, God is not limited. He declared in Jeremiah 32:27 thus:

“Behold, I am the LORD, the God of all flesh: is there anything too hard for me?”

Since He owns the Heavens and the earth and everything in them, and because He has all power, He is able to do all things. He does not accommodate limiting words in His vocabulary like men do. How then can we break the yoke of limitation in our lives? It is by being connected to the only One who cannot be limited. When such a link is in place, whatever cannot limit God cannot limit you. What cannot stop God cannot stop you. This is because you have become a partaker of the divine nature (2 Peter 1:4). But you must renew your mind to walk in this reality. To this end, it is necessary to re-examine your vocabulary and delete all limiting words from it. You are what you think; your mindset determines your reality. Many people who had the potential of reaching great heights in their lifetime were stopped by their wrong belief system and limited mindset. You would be amazed to know that what witchcraft cannot stop cannot be stopped by the limiting thoughts you hold about yourself. Beloved, from now on, do not limit yourself. Rather, believe everything God says about you and confess it. Speak God’s Word over that impossible situations, and you shall see it change to conform to your confessions.

Prayer Point: Father, in everyway, I have limited myself, I release myself from it today 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

Open Heavens 16 July 2015: Thursday daily devotion by Pastor E. A. Adeboye – Positioned for Generational Blessing

Open Heavens 16 July 2015: Thursday daily devotion by Pastor E. A. Adeboye – Positioned for Generational Blessing

Memorise: There were they in great fear: for God is in the generation of the righteous. - Psalm 14:5

Read: Genesis 48:13-19 (KJV)

13 And Joseph took them both, Ephraim in his right hand toward Israel's left hand, and Manasseh in his left hand toward Israel's right hand, and brought them near unto him.

14 And Israel stretched out his right hand, and laid it upon Ephraim's head, who was the younger, and his left hand upon Manasseh's head, guiding his hands wittingly; for Manasseh was the firstborn.

15 And he blessed Joseph, and said, God, before whom my fathers Abraham and Isaac did walk, the God which fed me all my life long unto this day,

16 The Angel which redeemed me from all evil, bless the lads; and let my name be named on them, and the name of my fathers Abraham and Isaac; and let them grow into a multitude in the midst of the earth.

17 And when Joseph saw that his father laid his right hand upon the head of Ephraim, it displeased him: and he held up his father's hand, to remove it from Ephraim's head unto Manasseh's head.

18 And Joseph said unto his father, Not so, my father: for this is the firstborn; put thy right hand upon his head.

19 And his father refused, and said, I know it, my son, I know it: he also shall become a people, and he also shall be great: but truly his younger brother shall be greater than he, and his seed shall become a multitude of nations.

Bible In One Year: 2 Chronicles 16:1-18:27; Luke 23:18-43

MESSAGE:

Shortly before Israel’s death, Joseph his son visited him with his two sons. When it was time to bless the boys, he positioned Manasseh his firstborn to come under his father’s right hand, while Ephraim would come under the left. He knew the implication of position and blessing. But when Israel stretched his hands to bless the boys, he crossed his hands, placing his right hand on the younger and his left hand on the older. Joseph protested but Israel insisted. Let us draw out a few lessons from this passage. The first of these is that after a period of service comes a time of reward. Hence, John the beloved warns in 2 John 8 that:

“Look to yourselves, that we lose not those things which we have wrought, but that we receive a full reward.”

It is therefore possible to labour for something and never get the reward.

There will always be a time to reap after sowing. Hence, you need to be very careful what you sow, because the harvest is always around the corner. Another lesson from today’s Bible passage is that after a long stretch of service, there comes a time for the impartation of generational blessings. That is, after serving God for several years, a time comes when the blessing that transcends you will be delivered to your children. This can only be done if you have brought up your children in the way of the Lord. Generational blessings come from God. It is more than just a right; it is a reward for quality and consistent service. Psalm 23:30 says:

“A seed shall serve him; it shall be accounted to the Lord for a generation.”

When the time comes for a generational blessing to be transferred to your children and your grandchildren, may they not be found wanting in Jesus’ Name. The implication of this is that whatever effort you put into God’s Kingdom is duly recorded, and that for all your efforts in God’s kingdom, a reward awaits your children. This is why you cannot afford to get tired of loving, serving, pleasing and sacrificing to God. Such efforts help to lay a solid foundation for your children’s future. To what extent are you preparing your children for their tomorrow? Abraham served God and it created a higher platform for Isaac. Isaac also served the Lord and Israel rode on the pedestal. Israel continued from there and Joseph was given a soft landing. Joseph loved the Lord and it affected his sons positively. What kind of blessing will be transferred to your children through your service?

Key Point: Whether your children will have a smooth ride to destiny or not depends on your relationship with God today.

Open Heavens Daily Devotional guide was written by Pastor E.A. Adeboye, the General Overseer of the Redeemed Christian Church of God

Open Heavens 15 July 2015: Wednesday daily devotion by Pastor E. A. Adeboye – Accomplice to Sin?

Open Heavens 15 July 2015: Wednesday daily devotion by Pastor E. A. Adeboye – Accomplice to Sin?

Memorise: Who knowing the judgment of God, that they which commit such things are worthy of death, not only do the same, but have pleasure in them that do them. -Romans 1:32

Read: Romans 1:29-32 (KJV)

29 Being filled with all unrighteousness, fornication, wickedness, covetousness, maliciousness; full of envy, murder, debate, deceit, malignity; whisperers,

30 Backbiters, haters of God, despiteful, proud, boasters, inventors of evil things, disobedient to parents,

31 Without understanding, covenantbreakers, without natural affection, implacable, unmerciful:

32 Who knowing the judgment of God, that they which commit such things are worthy of death, not only do the same, but have pleasure in them that do them.

Bible In One Year: 2 Chronicles 13:15; Luke 22:63-23:17

MESSAGE:

In trying to rationalise and condone certain types of sin, some people have painted them in different colours. Take lying for instance. This evil act has been categorised by some into white, black and so on. Whether it is a grave lie or a lie that cannot hurt a fly, a lie is a lie.Leviticus 19:11 says it is wrong to lie to other brethren. The devil is the father of all liars according to our Lord Jesus Christ (John 8:44). If you wilfully engage in lies, you definitely have the devil as your father. The Bible declares that outside the gates of Heavens are liars:

“For without are dogs, and sorcerers, and whoremongers, and murderers, and idolaters, and whosoever loveth and maketh a lie.” -Revelation 22:15

If a lie is as trivial as people say it is, why would liars be categorised with fornicators, murderers and idol worshippers? If a lie is not grievous, why would the gated of Heaven be shut against liars? Also, in the above Scripture, a distinction is made between those who love lies and those who tell the lies. In other words, some people are branded liars and not because they told a lie, but because they are in accomplice to a lie. If you cover up someone who has lied, you are an accessory to the lie and as a result, a liar yourself.

We understand from our memory verse that while two people may commit a particular sin, ten others may be punished along with them for complicity. This is why you must be very careful. In the process of recommending someone for ordination for example, the fellow may lie that he is a house fellowship leader and provide an address, whereas he is not. If his pastor knows the truth but turns a blind eye and goes ahead to present such a candidate for ordination, he has become an accomplice to a lie and might be on his way to Hell unless he repents. This goes for everyone who knows the truth but cover it up. Do not be taken over by the sin of others! If some people choose to sin, let them face its consequences all by themselves. Never support, sponsor or encourage anyone over sinful act. You must be able to tell the fellow that he or she has sinned and condemn that action with all gravity. Never become the pillow on which the sinner will find solace whenever he or she wants to sin, or else, you will partake of divine judgment and end up in Hell together.

Key Point: A lot of people will go to Hell because they take pleasure in those who sin.

Open Heavens Daily Devotional guide was written by Pastor E.A. Adeboye, the General Overseer of the Redeemed Christian Church of God

Open Heavens 14 July 2015: Tuesday daily devotion by Pastor E. A. Adeboye – Philippians 4:19 was Earned

Open Heavens 14 July 2015: Tuesday daily devotion by Pastor E. A. Adeboye – Philippians 4:19 was Earned

Memorise: Not because I desire a gift: but I desire fruit that may abound to your account. - Philippians 4:17

Read: Philippians 4:14-19

14 Notwithstanding ye have well done, that ye did communicate with my affliction.

15 Now ye Philippians know also, that in the beginning of the gospel, when I departed from Macedonia, no church communicated with me as concerning giving and receiving, but ye only.

16 For even in Thessalonica ye sent once and again unto my necessity.

17 Not because I desire a gift: but I desire fruit that may abound to your account.

18 But I have all, and abound: I am full, having received of Epaphroditus the things which were sent from you, an odour of a sweet smell, a sacrifice acceptable, wellpleasing to God.

19 But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus.

Bible In One Year: 2 Chronicles 9:29-12:16; Luke 22:39-62

MESSAGE:

If you are enjoying God’s love, you must be ready to give something in return to him as a demonstration of your love for Him. This was demonstrated by the church at Philippi in today’s Bible reading. Paul reported that they were the only ones who stood with him during the period of his trial and need. After he left Macedonia, some churches used that as an excuse not to support him anymore, but not the brethren at Philippi. Even after he travelled to Thessalonica, they repeatedly sent provisions to meet his need there. Today, some people still hide under the cover of distance to shy away from showing love through giving. They would say “You are so far away and that is why it is so difficult to send assistance to you.” If it is difficult to send assistance now, it was much more difficult to do so then. As challenging as it was then, the brethren in Philippi found a way around the difficulties and supported Paul. They knew what they were doing. They become a major financial backbone of the ministry of Paul. Paul declared that by virtue of their being so sacrificial in giving, he was full, having all his needs met. It was based on this that he prayed that God would supply all their needs inPhilippians 4:19.

Just as you have needs, so does God have needs. If you can meet Gods needs, He will surely meet yours. The project of expending God’s kingdom on earth has needs. There is therefore a need to support anymore or any cause that is dedicated to meeting these needs. Why did Paul not pray the same prayer for the other churches? It is because a person has the responsibility to provoke the blessings that come to him or her as an individual, family or church. Before you expect so much from God, ask yourself what you have done to provoke what you are expecting. As revealed in Philippians 4:17, know that everyone has an account with God:

“Not because I desire a gift: but I desire fruit that may abound to your account.”

Everything you give to God grows that account. It is when your account is full that your harvest will come. The church at Philippi got their harvest. What about you? What have you given to God in demonstration of your love for Him? What contributions have you made to grow your local parish and meet their needs? How have you met the needs of your pastor and his family?

Key Point: Can your pastor say like Paul that he is full and has no needs as a result of your care?

Open Heavens Daily Devotional guide was written by Pastor E.A. Adeboye, the General Overseer of the Redeemed Christian Church of God

Open Heavens 13 July 2015: Monday daily devotion by Pastor E. A. Adeboye – Fasting is Relevant

Open Heavens 13 July 2015: Monday daily devotion by Pastor E. A. Adeboye – Fasting is Relevant

Memorise: In weariness and painfulness, in watchings often, in hunger and thirst, in fastings often, in cold and nakedness.  - 2 Corinthians 11:27

Read: Matthew 17:14-21 (KJV)

14 And when they were come to the multitude, there came to him a certain man, kneeling down to him, and saying,

15 Lord, have mercy on my son: for he is lunatick, and sore vexed: for ofttimes he falleth into the fire, and oft into the water.

16 And I brought him to thy disciples, and they could not cure him.

17 Then Jesus answered and said, O faithless and perverse generation, how long shall I be with you? how long shall I suffer you? bring him hither to me.

18 And Jesus rebuked the devil; and he departed out of him: and the child was cured from that very hour.

19 Then came the disciples to Jesus apart, and said, Why could not we cast him out?

20 And Jesus said unto them, Because of your unbelief: for verily I say unto you, If ye have faith as a grain of mustard seed, ye shall say unto this mountain, Remove hence to yonder place; and it shall remove; and nothing shall be impossible unto you.

21 Howbeit this kind goeth not out but by prayer and fasting.

Bible In One Year: 2 Chronicles 7:11-9:28; Luke 22:14-38

MESSAGE:

When you pay the price for greater heights in your relationship with God and in ministry, you will be moved up to operate at a new level. When the price is paid, you will not only see the invisible, you will also hear the inaudible. In 1 Kings 18:41, while others were busy discussing the miracle fire that fell suddenly from Heaven, Elijah rose up and declared the sound of abundance of rain. Note that no other person saw the sign or heard the sound. You shall hear the inaudible from today in Jesus’ Name! However, to operate at this level, you must be given to fasting and prayer. In 2 Corinthians 11:27, Paul said that he fasted and often. The moment you sign up for this level of ministry, the struggle between your flesh and your spirit will take a new dimension. While the flesh will be pulling you forcefully to the left, the spirit will be pulling you to the right. You need fasting in order to weaken the flesh and strengthen your spirit.

“It is the spirit that quickeneth; the flesh profiteth nothing: the words that I speak unto you, they are spirit, and they are life.” - John 6:63

Using the arm of flesh at this level of ministry will definitely meet with disappointments. You need to walk in the Spirit by following the Holy Spirit’s directions; this empowers your spirit-man and subdues the flesh. A while ago, one of my sons asked me “Daddy, now that you are over 70, will you stop fasting?” I laughed and replied, “The moment I quit fasting, you can begin to expect my departure, because I have resolved no to be a relic. As for as I am concerned, the day I cease to be relevant, I go.” Elisha remained relevant until death. Even on his deathbed, he was still dictating the future, instructing the king on what would happen and how he could have victory. In the Name of Jesus, you shall not be lost in oblivion. You shall be relevant in your generation and beyond your generation. Are you prepared to subdue your flesh? The flesh has pegged the rise of many a child of God. If you do not have control over your stomach or appetite, you are not prepared for the ministry of signs and wonders. If you are still indulging in sin, you are not yet serious about the move of the miraculous in your life. Consider what is outstanding in your life and strive to meet up today!

Key Point: If you want heavenly results, feed your spirit. If you feed your flesh, it will deliver sin to you.

Open Heavens Daily Devotional guide was written by Pastor E.A. Adeboye, the General Overseer of the Redeemed Christian Church of God, 

Open Heavens 12 July 2015: Sunday daily devotion by Pastor E. A. Adeboye – Touch Not

Open Heavens 12 July 2015: Sunday daily devotion by Pastor E. A. Adeboye – Touch Not

Memorise: He suffered no man to do them wrong: yea, he reproved kings for their sakes, Saying, Touch not mine anointed, and do my prophet no harm. -1 Chronicles 16:21-22

Read: 1 Samuel 30:1-8 (KJV)

1 And it came to pass, when David and his men were come to Ziklag on the third day, that the Amalekites had invaded the south, and Ziklag, and smitten Ziklag, and burned it with fire;

2 And had taken the women captives, that were therein: they slew not any, either great or small, but carried them away, and went on their way.

3 So David and his men came to the city, and, behold, it was burned with fire; and their wives, and their sons, and their daughters, were taken captives.

4 Then David and the people that were with him lifted up their voice and wept, until they had no more power to weep.

5 And David's two wives were taken captives, Ahinoam the Jezreelitess, and Abigail the wife of Nabal the Carmelite.

6 And David was greatly distressed; for the people spake of stoning him, because the soul of all the people was grieved, every man for his sons and for his daughters: but David encouraged himself in the LORD his God.

7 And David said to Abiathar the priest, Ahimelech's son, I pray thee, bring me hither the ephod. And Abiathar brought thither the ephod to David.

8 And David inquired at the LORD, saying, Shall I pursue after this troop? shall I overtake them? And he answered him, Pursue: for thou shalt surely overtake them, and without fail recover all.

Bible In One Year: 2 Chronicles 6:12-7:10; Luke 21:25-22:13

MESSAGE:

In today’s Bible reading, while David and his men were away, the Amalekites invaded Ziklag, defeated the city and set it on fire; after which they took members of their families – wives, sons and daughters as captives. When they returned and saw the situation of Ziklag, David and his men were really distressed, disappointed and discouraged. It was more so for David because the incident brought so much disaffection, bad blood and misunderstanding between him and his men; to the extent that they blamed him for the incident and spoke of stoning him to death. 1 Samuel 30:6 says:

“And David was greatly distressed; for the people spake of stoning him, because the soul of all the people was grieved, every man for his sons and for his daughters: but David encouraged himself in the LORD his God.”

There are some lessons we can learn from this. The first thing we see here is that whenever you arise to fight the people of God, you lose your defence and you or your family may suffer for it. David was running from King Saul and he went to take up refuge with the Philistines, who were enemies of God (1 Samuel 27:1). When a battle ensued between Israel and the Philistines, he decided to team up with them to fight his own people (1 Samuel 29). Thank God he was sent back home by the Philistines who realised who he was. By the time he go back home, the covering over his family was blown, and his loved ones had been taken captive. Never team up with the enemy against the people of God! Whatever your justification might be, never fight anyone who is named after the Name of Christ, irrespective of how long he or she has been in the faith. You will blow your cover and endanger innocent lives. Certain things that should not be heard of are happening to believers today, because they are busy fighting one another. The second lesson here is that even when he had not fought against his people, just because he had pitched his tent with the enemies of God, his family suffered for it. If you pitch your tent in Sodom, when the fire comes to destroy Sodom, it will equally engulf you. Check your life today! Are you fighting, speaking against or treading upon on any child of God? You are courting trouble! Have you partnered with unbelievers to torment, oppress, rob, deny, persecute or deal with a believer in Christ? Repent today, apologise and desist from such actions before they boomerang on you or your family.

Key Point: God strictly warms that His bona fide children must not be touched. Anyone who touches them will definitely pay dearly for it.

Open Heavens Daily Devotional guide was written by Pastor E.A. Adeboye, the General Overseer of the Redeemed Christian Church of God

Open Heavens 11 July 2015: Saturday daily devotion by Pastor E. A. Adeboye – Connecting Destiny Helpers

Open Heavens 11 July 2015: Saturday daily devotion by Pastor E. A. Adeboye – Connecting Destiny Helpers

Memorise: My help cometh from the LORD, which made heavens and earth -Psalm 121:2

Read: 1 Samuel 10:3-4 (KJV)

3. Then shalt thou go on forward from thence, and thou shalt come to the plain of Tabor, and there shall meet thee three men going up to God to Beth-el, one carrying three kids, and another carrying three loaves of bread, and another carrying a bottle of wine:

4. And they will salute thee, and give thee two loaves of bread; which thou shalt receive of their hands.

Bible In One Year: 2 Chronicles 4:1-6:11; Luke 21:1-24

MESSAGE:

God created us to be interdependent. This is why there are several parts in the human body, but all of them work towards the same goal. No man or woman is an island. For you to fulfil your destiny, here are certain people God has sent your way to help you. The degree of success you record and the pace of speed at which you moved will depend to a large extent on your ability to meet your helpers and gain access to their help. On the road to his destiny in Egypt, Joseph was at a loss, wandering in a field while looking for his brothers. God sent him a helper who connected him to their location in Dothan. Genesis 37:15 says:

“And a certain man found him, and, behold, he was wandering in the field: and the man asked him, saying, What sleekest thou?”

This is one thing that the anointing can do for you. It connects you with your destiny helpers and compels them to help you. After being anointed, Saul was told of certain men he would meet on his way, who would help him. One way the devil keeps people on the same spot for years is by preventing them from meeting their helpers. If this fails, he blindfolds them so that they do not recognise their helpers even after they meet them. Every plan to separate you from meeting with or recognising your helpers shall be destroyed in Jesus’ Name.

However, some people meet their helpers but never find favour before them. This also is one of the ways the enemy hinders people’s progress. But when you are anointed, your helpers will not only favour you, the anointing will compel them to help you. Saul and his father’s servant had exhausted their supplies while returning home; but on their way, they met three men loaded with provisions who offered them some even without being asked.

“And they will salute thee, and give thee two loaves of bread; which thou shalt receive of their hands.” - 1 Samuel 10:4

Saul and his servant had no choice but to accept what was offered to them. The anointing covered their shame, so much so that even when they did not have, they did not have to beg, this season, the anointing will connect you with your destiny helpers and compel them to help you. Even before you express your need, the need would have been met; the anointing will cover your shame. By the anointing, all your helpers that have abandoned you shall locate you and help you in Jesus’ Name.

Prayer Point: Father, expose all my helpers to me and connect me to them.

Open Heavens Daily Devotional guide was written by Pastor E.A. Adeboye, the General Overseer of the Redeemed Christian Church of God