SEE YOURSELF IN A POSITIVE LIGHT - 30/06/2014

SEE YOURSELF IN A POSITIVE LIGHT - 30/06/2014

Memorise: For as he thinketh in his heart, so is he: Eat and drink, saith he to thee; but his heart is not with thee. Proverbs 23:7

Read:

Judges 6:11-16

Message:

God honours faith. Faith is crucial to our walk with God. You need faith to be born-again. You need faith to live a life that pleases God. You need faith to prosper as a true child of God. You need faith to be healthy and live long in the land of the living. You need faith to fulfil your destiny.

“Jesus said unto him, If thou canst believe, all things are possible to him that believeth.”

Mark 9:23

The problem with many people is not with their belief in God; it is with their failure to believe in themselves. Many people do not believe in their ability to do what the word of God says they can do. You must believe in yourself. One reason you must believe in yourself is because God believes in you. If God did not believe in you, He wouldn’t have created you in His own image or endowed you with His capability and qualities (Genesis 1:26-28). Begin to see yourself the way God sees you. You are a good product. God describes you as a good product in Genesis 1:31. God saw Moses and Gideon in better light than they saw themselves (Exodus 3:10-11, Judges 6:14-15). Many people are discouraged because of the way others see them. Are people seeing you as a never-do-well? Do not allow their opinion to determine your destiny. People saw Peter as a reed which is very unstable, but Jesus saw him as a stone which could be built upon (John 1:42). Stop seeing yourself the way others see you. Failure to believe in yourself can be disastrous. It can attract premature death. Many people have committed suicide because they no longer believed in themselves. The Israelites who did not believe in God and in themselves died in the wilderness (Numbers 14:27-31). When you believe in yourself, you are indirectly prolonging your life. Believe in yourself, no matter how discouraging your circumstances are. Another reason you must believe in yourself is because as a person, you will consistently act according to the way you see yourself. The Israelites were in their own sight as grasshoppers and therefore they could not move forward (Numbers 13:32-33). If you want to advance in life, you must see yourself in a positive light. The greatest service you can render yourself is to see yourself in a positive light. You should also endeavour to influence others positively. Help others to fulfil their destiny. Are you a source of encouragement or discouragement to others? Are you saying and doing things that will help others to believe in themselves? Believe in yourself and begin to identify people who should be mentored by you to fulfil their destiny. Be a positive light to your world.

Action Point:

Prophesy five positive things to yourself from the word of God.

AVERTING DISQUALIFICATION-29/06/2014

AVERTING DISQUALIFICATION-29/06/2014

Yesterday's message was titled "BE THOU PERFECT”. Today's message is titled "AVERTING DISQUALIFICATION" as provided by Pastor E. A. Adeboye in Open Heavens Devotional (Adeboye, 2014). In today’s message, we have been asked to memorise  1 Corinthians 9:27: But I keep under my body, and bring it into subjection: lest that by any means, when I have preached to others, I myself should be a castaway. ". Today's reading was taken from 1 Corinthians 9:26-27 and the Bible reading in one year is Numbers 7:84 - Numbers 10:11 - 11:35 and Psalm 141 (Adeboye, 2014).

Quoted below is today's message for your input

A grave peril of Christian leadership is that of disqualification. Every Christian leader must be obedient, prayerful, watchful, temperate and self-disciplined so that after acting as a herald who bids others into the Kingdom of God, he himself should not miss Heaven. As a leader, it is possible to be disqualified by God. In 1 Samuel 15:20-24, we see Saul being disqualified by God:

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

1 Samuel 15:23

No person is indispensable. As a Christian leader, you should always be conscious of the fact that God has substitutes. I pray that you will not be rejected by God in Jesus’ Name. One factor that is responsible for disqualification is disobedience. Sacrifice is good, but obedience is better than sacrifice. In our service to God, we should always bear in mind that what He requires from us is total obedience. Haphazard obedience is worse than outright disobedience. If you want to serve God and not be disqualified, you must be ready to obey everything the Lord asks you to do. Obey all His commandments regardless of whether they are convenient or not. Another stumbling block that leads to disqualification is carelessness. Many Christians are careless. They compromise their stand, yet they do not want to be disqualified. A careless and irresponsible servant might end up becoming disqualified by the Lord. In order not to be disqualified, you should watch and pray (Matthew 24:42). A Christian leader should be watchful and careful of all little foxes that destroy the vine. These include anger, bitterness, jealousy, inordinate ambition, strife, gluttony, lust, dishonesty, malice, not studying and obeying the word of God, impatience, talkativeness, etc. To avoid being disqualified by the Lord, we should live holy and practice the principle of self-assessment. Assess yourself on a daily basis to confirm that you are still in the Lord. Assess the motive behind your service, the level of your zeal, the level of commitment and your relationship with fellow Christians who are also serving the Lord. Does your relationship enhance the commitment of others to the service of the Lord? If the answer to this question is no, change. Are you drawing people to Heaven or to Hell by your behaviour? How watchful and prayerful are you?

Today's Prayer Point is Father, grant me the grace to be watchful against disqualification, in Jesus’ Name.

Thank you for your contribution. God bless you richly in Church today in Jesus Name, Amen.

BE THOU PERFECT- 28/06/2014

BE THOU PERFECT- 28/06/2014

Yesterday's message was titled "COMMANDED TO SHINE”. Today's message is titled "BE THOU PERFECT" as provided by Pastor E. A. Adeboye in Open Heavens Devotional (Adeboye, 2014). In today’s message, we have been asked to memorise  Matthew 5:48: Be ye therefore perfect, even as your Father which is in heaven is perfect ". Today's reading was taken fromGenesis 17:1-8 and the Bible reading in one year is Numbers 7:84 - Numbers 10:11 - 11:35 and Psalm 141 (Adeboye, 2014).

Quoted below is today's message for your input
  

"It takes a loving father to give instructions and guidelines to his children. God demands absolute obedience to His instructions from all His children. There is always something to gain from God for obeying Him. This is because every instruction He gives has a promise attached to it.

“And when Abram was ninety years old and nine, the LORD appeared to Abram, and said unto him, I am the Almighty God; walk before me, and be thou perfect. And I will make my covenant between me and thee, and will multiply thee exceedingly.”

Genesis 17:1-2

One thing God desires from all His children is perfection. To be perfect means a state of being in complete conformity to God’s word. It denotes a state of being faultless, blameless or spotless and a state of being excellent (Daniel 6:3). Some people argue against perfection; they say all men are sinners and would therefore sin daily. This is not scriptural. God’s standard for everyone who is born-again is perfection. His standard of holiness and perfection remains the same. It was not higher under the Abrahamic covenant than it is under the new covenant. If God could help Abraham to be perfect, could He not also help believers in Christ today to be the same? Are you a believer in Christ? Then ask for the grace to be perfect. Holiness is the nature of God according to 1 Peter 1:15-16. Holiness is His heartbeat, and His desire is that we should be like Him in holiness. There are many lessons to learn from the Bible reading for today on how to be perfect. The first step to perfection is willingness and obedience. You must be willing and obedient to the word of God (Isaiah 1:19). That others are not living holy does not mean that a state of perfection is unattainable. Secondly, you must walk before God (Genesis 17:1). Be in the place where God can direct you. Be mindful to study His word and obey it (Joshua1:8). In addition, you must fellowship with Him and abide in His presence always (Psalm 91:1-2).

Genuine repentance is an indispensable condition for perfection. Whoever wants to be perfect must first and foremost repent from sin and be saved (John 3:17). He or she must also live a holy life by abstaining from all appearance of evil (1 Thessalonians 5:22). As you go into the day, you should seek for perfection in your walk with God and decide to obey God’s word absolutely. What God requires of you on a daily basis is perfect obedience to His will. You should therefore stand perfect and complete in all His will."

The Action Point is to Decide to obey the word of God today.

God bless you for your contribution. Wishing you a glorious weekend.

COMMANDED TO SHINE- 27/06/2014

COMMANDED TO SHINE- 27/06/2014

Yesterday's message was titled "DIVINE COMPENSATION”. Today's message is titled "COMMANDED TO SHINE" as provided by Pastor E. A. Adeboye in Open Heavens Devotional (Adeboye, 2014). In today’s message, we have been asked to memorise  Matthew 5:16: "Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heavenu.". Today's reading was taken from Ephesians 5:8-14 and the Bible reading in one year is Numbers 7:84 - Numbers 10:10 and Psalm 140 (Adeboye, 2014).

Quoted below is today's message for your input

  

"Light and darkness are antithetical. While light is welcome by everyone, darkness is shunned and rejected. Light is an illuminating agent. It affects everything and without it, there will be no life. Light is mostly used when referring to goodness and godliness. 1 John 1:5 reveals to us that God is light. This means whoever is born of God must reflect the attributes of light. A keen study of light reveals many attributes which believers should endeavour to reflect. One of such attributes is the wave. Simply put, a wave is a disturbance. Whoever is born of God is light, and because light has the nature of a wave, his or her life must be a disturbance to the works of darkness everywhere. Acts 4:15-17 is a classical example of a situation where believers reflected this attribute of light. Are you born of God? Then your life should challenge both the works and the workers of darkness. Another attribute of light is force. Light as a force causes movement or change. Everyone that is born of God is expected to shine by provoking positive change. You should be able to cause positive change and movement to the glory of God. You are expected to be a strong force of progress in your home, family, community, society, place of work, church and nation.

There is no denying the fact that light is life. Light is life to both plants and animals. While animals rely on plants and (sometimes) other animals for existence, green plants turn carbon dioxide and water into food using energy obtained from the light radiating from the sun. This process is known in biology as photosynthesis. Every child of God should radiate light and life, because in Jesus is life which is the light of men. John 1:4 says:

“In him was life; and the life was the light of men.”

As a Christian, you have life, and this life is eternal. Moreover, this life is capable of making all impossibilities become possible. Going through Luke 10:19, we can deduce that light is power. Are you born of God? Rejoice! In you resides the power that upholds all things (Hebrews 1:3). You have been empowered by God to do the unimaginable for Him. I pray that no sickness, darkness or evil shall rule over you. Light reveals. Implicitly, light reveals specific information about a matter. The good news is that you should no longer operate in ignorance, because light exposes hidden things (Ephesians 5:13). Finally, light travels in a straight line. This denotes integrity, faithfulness and trustworthiness. If we operate as light, we will not be perverse or crooked in our ways."

The Prayer Point is Father, help me to always reflect all the attributes of light.

Tank you and God bless you for your contribution

DIVINE COMPENSATION - 26/06/2014

DIVINE COMPENSATION - 26/06/2014

Yesterday's message was titled "DIVINE SPECIFICATIONS FOR GOOD SUCCESS”. Today's message is titled "DIVINE COMPENSATION" as provided by Pastor E. A. Adeboye in Open Heavens Devotional (Adeboye, 2014). In today’s message, we have been asked to memorise  1 Peter 5:10: "But the God of all grace, who hath called us unto his eternal glory by Christ Jesus, after that ye have suffered a while, make you perfect, stablish, strengthen, settle you.". Today's reading was taken from Genesis 41:37-45 and the Bible reading in one year is Numbers 7:1-83 and Psalm 139:17-24 (Adeboye, 2014).

Quoted below is today's message for your input

Nothing discourages and leads one to a state of despondency more than suffering. There is no glory in suffering, neither is there any glory in poverty, in sickness, affliction or trouble. There is a user of this devotional who is in trouble. I pray the Almighty God will defend you, fight your battles for you and grant you total victory and deliverance from all that trouble in Jesus’ Name. The Lord is the Friend that hears and defends when trouble comes. Psalm 20:1-2 says,

“The LORD hear thee in the day of trouble; the name of the God of Jacob defend thee; Send thee help from the sanctuary, and strengthen thee out of Zion;”

Compensation denotes settlement. It could mean a reward for obedience to biblical injunction. A good example of this is tithing (Malachi 3:8-12). Many people argue against tithing; this is outright ignorance. When you obey the biblical injunction of tithing, God will rebuke the devourer for your sake and compensate you with divine prosperity. The same applies to giving (Luke 6:38). Evangelism, follow up and discipleship are other biblical injunctions worth adhering to (John 15:16). Obedience to these biblical injunctions results in prompt answers to prayers.

Divine compensation could also mean reward for your abilities and input. Are you serving your family, church, organisation or nation faithfully? Does it seem as if no reward is forthcoming? The Lord will reward you. Divine compensation could come in terms of physical or spiritual reward. An example is David who served his father faithfully. He was neither recognised nor rewarded by his father. However, God compensated him at the appropriate time. He became the king of Israel. There is an appointed time for divine compensation. Yours is probably closer than you think. Don’t give up. There was a lady who suffered a number of miscarriages. Nevertheless, she kept on trusting in God. She prayed and refused to be deterred, neither did she lose her faith in God. At last, God intervened and she was rewarded with triplets. Divine compensation is what God alone gives. It is the best reward because while other rewards are ephemeral, divine compensation is permanent. Divine compensation as a reward from God could come in form of divine power, divine ideas, divine prosperity and divine connections. Ruth was divinely connected to Boaz while Esther was divinely connected to King Ahasuerus. Divine compensation is to be remembered at last. As Joseph was remembered at the appointed time, you also will be remembered at last.

Prayer Point:

Remember me for good oh Lord. Make me perfect; establish, strengthen and settle me.

DIVINE SPECIFICATIONS FOR GOOD SUCCESS - 25/06/2014

DIVINE SPECIFICATIONS FOR GOOD SUCCESS - 25/06/2014

Yesterday's message was titled "FELLOWSHIP OF BELIEVERS”. Today's message is titled "DIVINE SPECIFICATIONS FOR GOOD SUCCESS" as provided by Pastor E. A. Adeboye in Open Heavens Devotional (Adeboye, 2014). In today’s message, we have been asked to memorise  Luke 6:38 : "Give, and it shall be given unto you; good measure, pressed down, and shaken together, and running over, shall men give into your bosom. For with the same measure that ye mete withal it shall be measured to you again". Today's reading was taken from 1 Chronicles 4:9-10 and the Bible reading in one year is Numbers 5 - 6 and Psalm 139:1-6 (Adeboye, 2014).

Quoted below is today's message for your input

"Virtually everything on earth is guided by principles, rules and regulations. There are divine specifications (Biblical principles and rules) for whoever wishes to be successful in any area of life. It has been rightly pointed out by those who claim to be experts that one in every three marriages, businesses and ministries fail. However, there are important biblical principles which will help you to succeed where others have failed. To succeed where others have failed, learn to do these two things. First, observe why others failed. This principle is illustrated by this old African fable. An old lion requested a visit in his den from other animals because he was sick and at the point of death. Many animals except the tortoise heeded the invitation; they never returned again. After a long while, the tortoise visited the lion. However, instead of entering the lion’s den, he stayed outside. He observed that there were many footsteps entering the lion’s den, but none coming out. So from outside, the tortoise greeted the lion and quickly fled his den. The tortoise succeeded where other animals failed because it was patient enough to observe and discover why others failed. The second secret is to know where to start. Jabez in 1 Chronicles 4:10 knew where to start.

“And Jabez called on the God of Israel, saying, Oh that thou wouldest bless me indeed, and enlarge my coast, and that thine hand might be with me, and that thou wouldest keep me from evil, that it may not grieve me! And God granted him that which he requested.”

Are you into a business venture, full time ministry or marriage that is in crisis? To succeed where others failed, discover why they failed. There are reasons why many ventures fail. These include poor business plans, lack of vision and commitment, poor market assessment, wrong financial considerations, weak monitoring and prayerlessness. After discovering why others failed, know where to start. To succeed in marriage, career, academics, business life and ministry, you should have a vision. Run your life, business and ministry professionally. Plan ahead, be organised and be committed to excellence. You should also be diligent and hardworking. Be persistent and let God be your Number One priority. Jabez was more honourable than his brethren because he called on the El-Shaddai and was specific in his request. He requested for divine prosperity and protection and received both from God. You can do the same today."

The Key Point is "To succeed where others failed, let God be your Number One."

Thanks and God bless you richly for your contribution to today's discussion

Tuesday June 24: FELLOWSHIP OF BELIEVERS

Tuesday June 24:  FELLOWSHIP OF BELIEVERS

Memorise:

Be ye not unequally yoked together with unbelievers: for what fellowship hath righteousness with unrighteousness? and what communion hath light with darkness?

2 Corinthians 6:14

Read:

Acts 2:46-47

46 And they, continuing daily with one accord in the temple, and breaking bread from house to house, did eat their meat with gladness and singleness of heart,

47 Praising God, and having favour with all the people. And the Lord added to the church daily such as should be saved.

Message

One of the reasons for the creation of man is fellowship. He was created to have fellowship with God and with others (Genesis 1:26). This truth reflects in the way man associates in groups, societies, fraternities and clubs. The quest for fellowship is a serious need which has taken some into indecent relationships with fellow men, beasts, demons and inanimate objects. There are men who cohabit with demons. Some practice homosexuality, bestiality and other sexual perversions. There are those who worship idols and are in covenants with them. Some join secret societies while some others are into occultism. As Christians, the Bible enjoins us not to fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness in Ephesians 5:11:

“And have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather reprove them.”

It is our responsibility as Christians to rebuke the works of darkness. Our fellowship should be with God and fellow believers. We should first and foremost fellowship with the Trinity (1 John 1:3). Since fellowship denotes sharing, we should be born-again to be in communion with the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit. It is also scriptural for believers to fellowship with fellow believers. To this end, we should not shun the gathering of believers such as Sunday School, Sunday worship, House Fellowship meetings and Bible Study meetings. We should also be actively involved in our parish departmental meetings and other productive gatherings of believers. Wherever believers gather to fellowship, the glory of the Lord should be seen. Believers should therefore fellowship to pray. While fellowshipping in prayer, we should fellowship in one accord just as the New Testament Christians did (Acts 2:1). We should learn to worship God together in the same spirit of holiness and truth (John 4:24). We should fellowship to thank God, pray for ourselves, intercede for the body of Christ and the government of the country where we live. Brethren should live together in love. This is the key that binds fellowship. It is inappropriate for believers to bicker, fight, gossip or keep malice. We should allow our fellowship to be guided by the Holy Spirit. There are brethren in fellowship who have challenges. Some are sick, some are lonely, some are poor, unemployed or not gainfully employed. Some have marital challenges, emotional and psychological problems while some are battling with spiritual challenges. None of such people should be neglected. We should fellowship together in love and demonstrate that we care.

SECRETS OF PRAISE & PRAYER - 23/06/2014

SECRETS OF PRAISE & PRAYER - 23/06/2014

Yesterday's message was titled "SUNDRY TRUTHS ABOUT LIGHT”. Today's message is titled "SECRETS OF PRAISE & PRAYER" as provided by Pastor E. A. Adeboye in Open Heavens Devotional (Adeboye, 2014). In today’s message, we have been asked to memorise  Psalm 18:3 : "I will call upon the LORD, who is worthy to be praised: so shall I be saved from mine enemies.‘,  Today's reading was taken from 2 Chronicles 20:8-24 and the Bible reading in one year is Numbers 1:1 - 3:4 and Psalm 137 (Adeboye, 2014).

Quoted below is today's message for your input

"Our God is a warrior and the Man of War. He is also a Deliverer, as our Bible reading today reveals. Our God never does things haphazardly. Whenever He fights, He wins. He delivers permanently and saves to the uttermost. He does not limit His actions to healing and deliverance alone; He also grants His own wholeness and carries them on the wings of grace. Our God has secrets. The greatest secret of God is praise. God dwells in the praises of His people (Psalm 22:3). Many battles are fought and won whenever we praise God. Intense praise will always result in freedom and progress. God made it clear in Isaiah 42:8 that He will not share His glory with anyone. When we give intense praises to God, His glory is manifested. King Solomon in 2 Chronicles 5:13 brought down the glory of God through intense praises. In 2 Chronicles 20:20-22, King Jehoshaphat obtained victory over his enemies through praise and worship. Are you facing a situation that can be described as dicey? If only you can praise God in the beauty of His holiness, He will fight your battles for you and grant you victory. Praises should come from a pure and holy heart. If you claim to praise or worship God while your heart is busy doing other things which do not bring glory to God, then your praise or worship is mere lip-service. True and acceptable worship must be connected to a heart that is committed to God.

Another secret of God is asking. God revealed this secret to Solomon in 2 Chronicles 7:14 where He said:

“If my people which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land.”

This was what Jehoshaphat keyed into in 2 Chronicles 20:9, and he got deliverance. Do you belong to Christ? Are you called by His Name? Humble yourself and pray. You should seek God and praise Him like never before. Tell God how things are with you; don’t pretend like some people do. Humble yourself like never before (James 4:6). Begin to give cheerfully. If you have started, give more cheerfully like never before (2 Corinthians 9:6-7). Trust man less and trust God more (Jeremiah 17:5-8). Walk more closely with God like never before (James 4:8). When you do all these, God promises to answer all your prayers. He also promises to forgive all your sins, heal your body and your land.

The Action Point is to Spend quality time in praise and worship today and tell God how things really are with you.

I pray that as we praise God in a special way today, He will be moved to do what no man can do in our lives in Jesus Name, Amen.

SUNDRY TRUTHS ABOUT LIGHT - 22/06/2014

SUNDRY TRUTHS ABOUT LIGHT - 22/06/2014

Yesterday's message was titled "HOME AWAY FROM HOME”. Today's message is titled "SUNDRY TRUTHS ABOUT LIGHT" as provided by Pastor E. A. Adeboye in Open Heavens Devotional (Adeboye, 2014). In today’s message, we have been asked to memorise  John 1:4 : "In him was life; and the life was the light of men‘,  Today's reading was taken from Matthew 5:14-16 and the Bible reading in one year is Leviticus 24:17- 26:13 and Psalm 135 (Adeboye, 2014).

Quoted below is today's message for your input

"In Isaiah 60:1, we are enjoined to rise and shine. To shine means to reflect light. It could also mean to fulfil your purpose. John the Baptist knew the purpose of his existence. He faced this purpose squarely and refused to be distracted. John 5:35 says this concerning him:

“He was a burning and a shinning light: and ye were willing for a season to rejoice in his light.”

Light burns. Light cannot be separated from heat. Science confirms that light is produced by hot objects. A good example of this is the sun. The sun burns itself to give light. As children of God, we are commanded to shine, and in order to shine, we must burn. The source of our light is God (John 1:4). That Source shines in darkness and darkness cannot overcome it. In other words, it resists darkness. There are lots of lessons to learn from this truth. First, we must shine and resist darkness. It is wrong for a child of God to stay idle and allow the works of darkness to thrive. As a child of God, you should be hot for the Lord. Evil and works of darkness should not feel comfortable wherever you are. However, no one can do this by his or her strength alone. You definitely need God for success and sustenance. He is the only reliable source. It is therefore important that you remain connected to your Source so that you don’t burn out (Proverbs 3:5-6).

The word of God teaches that light cannot be hidden (Matthew 5:14-15). No one lights a candle and puts it under a bushel. No! The beauty of light is seen when it is exposed, not hidden. If you are working in an organisation and your co-workers cannot identify the light of Christ in you, then something is seriously amiss. Why? Because light cannot be hidden. In the same vein, we must know that we cannot hide our true character from people. It is both dangerous and unprofitable to be pretentious. We should therefore let people know our true colour. How? Be the best you can be for God. When you make up your mind to reflect the light of God in the midst of unrighteousness, the presence of God will always be seen in your life. A perfect illustration of this truth can be found in Joseph. He got to Egypt as a slave in Potiphar’s house, and God was with him there. He was tempted to hide the light and compromise his stand but he refused to yield to temptation. His action landed him in a dungeon, yet God was with him there. Finally he became the Prime Minister and God continued to be with him. Is your situation similar to that of Joseph? Please reflect the light. Are you facing a serious temptation to compromise your stand? Please reflect the light. God will always be with His children, and if God be with you, who can be against you?

The Key Point  is that If you remain connected to the source of light (God), you will not burn out.

Thank you and God bless you richly for your contribution.

May your light radiate in a very special way as you worship in His Presence today in Jesus Name, Amen.

HOME AWAY FROM HOME - 21/06/2014

HOME AWAY FROM HOME  - 21/06/2014

Yesterday's message was titled "MAINTAINING RELEVANCE”. Today's message is titled "HOME AWAY FROM HOME" as provided by Pastor E. A. Adeboye in Open Heavens Devotional (Adeboye, 2014). In today’s message, we have been asked to memorise  1 Peter 4:10  : "As every man hath received the gin‘, even so minister the same one to another, as good stewards of the manifold grace of God.." Today's reading was taken from 2 Kings 4:8-17 5:13-16 and the Bible reading in one year is Leviticus 24:17- 26:13 and Psalm 135 (Adeboye, 2014).

Quoted below is today's message for your input

In the Bible passage for todays meditation, a great woman of Shunem offered a home away from home to Elisha through generous reception and warm entertainment. Her hospitality opened the door to her long awaited miracle. Hospitality is a friendly and generous reception that should be considered as a duty by every Christian 1 Peter 4:9 says:

‘Use hospitality one to another without grudging”

It should be noted that some people are reticent about generous reception and some others are even adamant in not showing hospitality to the people of God. Several reasons are given to justify their actions or inactions. These include tiredness and not having enough to entertain. It is however imperative and of great benefit to be hospitable. This is because God commands it (Deuteronomy 10:19). Hospitality is an opportunity every believer must grab whenever it comes or even proactively seek after. It can take the form of food or lodging  (i. e. accommodation with facilities) as in 2 Kings 4:10. when we encounter the people of God who can benefit from our support, we should not hesitate to show them hospitality. Christians as individuals or as couples should be hospitable. Moreover, couples benefits can be derived from this.

From the story of the Shunammite woman, it is obvious that making men of God comfortable can solve age-long problems, but there must be an agreement between the husband and wife on this. Sometimes people argue that hospitality  can be expensive. This could be true. However, the cost of hospitality can not be compared to its benefits. The cost of providing bread and accommodation for Elisha was less than the benefit of receiving a male child at old age by the Shunammite woman. There are instances where people entertained angels unknowingly (Hebrew 13:2). Hospitality is the key to receiving miracles, as reflected in the life of Abraham and his wife Sarah (Genesis 18:2-14). There is a user of this devotional whose miracles will be perfected through hospitality. An additional benefit is that you can win sinners to Christ through hospitality (Luke 7.'3(‘r39). The issue of hospitality should not be limited to individual Christians. As a church, you should show hospitality to your guests and visitors. God wants us to be generous; He is always doing something in return for our gracious hospitality. May the Lord help us to make your home and church a home away from home for guests and visitors in Jesus’ Name.

The Prayer point is Ask God for the grace to be hospitable.

thank you and God bless you richly for your contribution.

MAINTAINING RELEVANCE- 20/06/2014

MAINTAINING RELEVANCE- 20/06/2014

Yesterday's message was titled "PARENTING”. Today's message is titled "MAINTAINING RELEVANCE" as provided by Pastor E. A. Adeboye in Open Heavens Devotional (Adeboye, 2014). In today’s message, we have been asked to memorise Lamentation 3:23 : "They are new every morning: great is thy faithfulness.". Today's reading was taken from Matthew 5:13-16 and the Bible reading in one year is Leviticus 22:17- 24:16 and Psalm 133 - 134 (Adeboye, 2014).

Quoted below is today's message for your input:

"The world is so dynamic that things keep evolving faster than many people can keep pace with. What was generally the norm a few years ago has become completely obsolete today. New things are being created almost every day. There are increasingly new approaches to life, business and ministry, to the extent that those who cannot keep race have either become frustrated or have lost relevance. One major challenge we face today is how to remain relevant in our communities.

One way to maintain relevance wherever you find yourself is to stay within your God-ordained purpose. Your purpose is what determines your place of relevance. Jesus maintained His relevance while here on earth by sticking to the purpose of God for Him. Acts 10:38 says this about Him: “How God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Ghost and with power: who went about doing good, and healing all that were oppressed of the devil; for God was with him. ”

Every product that no longer meets it purpose becomes irrelevant. Do you want to remain relevant? Stay within your God ordained purpose. Find that one thing that God wants you to do and give your whole life to it. Another secret of relevance is self-development is essential to self-preservation. If you are working in an organization and all you have is Ordinary Level Certificate, you are bound to lose relevance. To maintain relevance is that organization, you must study further to obtain additional qualifications relevant to your job description. You must also learn to live for posterity and not prosperity to remain relevant. If you pursue prosperity to the detriment of posterity, you will soon lose relevance. God expects you to be a blessing and to leave a legacy behind. To maintain relevance, you must be knowledgeable. Knowledge is the key to living (Hosea 4:6). You will never be known for what you don ’t know. For your light to shine, you must deal with ignorance at every level. You must also learn to be creative and put your priorities in perspective. People easily fall for new things. We must all God to do new things through us on a consistent basis. Use your God-given creative ability. In addition, set your priorities right and fellow them. Your first priority should be your personal relationship with God. Next should be your family. You should also know why you are in that career and pursue it with zeal. Finally, live a pure life. You are salt and light. Salt loses its saltiness when it becomes impure and light that is obstructed cannot shine for men to see. Purity is therefore an incontrovertible demand for those who desire to remain relevant."

The prayer point is "Father, grant me the grace to remain relevant in my community"

No matter your situation, there is something in you that can make you relevant if you start using it to the glory of God. Stop complaining about your situation and start to utilize your God-given resources to the Glory of His name. as you do this, everything will turn around for your good in Jesus Name, Amen.

Thank you and God bless you all for your contribution.

PARENTING-19/06/2014

PARENTING-19/06/2014

Yesterday's message was titled "PROVOKING POSITIVE CHANGE”. Today's message is titled "PARENTING" as provided by Pastor E. A. Adeboye in Open Heavens Devotional (Adeboye, 2014). In today’s message, we have been asked to memorise Matthew 2:14 : "When he arose, he took the young child and his mother by night, and departed into Egypt:". Today's reading was taken from 1 Samuel 1:22-23 and the Bible reading in one year is Leviticus 20:1- 22:16 and Psalm 131 - 132 (Adeboye, 2014).

Quoted below is today's message for your input:

Parenting is about raising children. There are several responsibilities and activities involved in it. These can be both interesting and challenging. It is one thing to be a father or a mother but it’s another thing to be a parent. While any normal human being can be a father or mother, parenting requires responsibility. Implicitly, an irresponsible father or mother is not qualified to be a parent. Good parenting denotes the ability to bring up children in the fear of God. This is not child’s play.

The first thing to note about good parenting is that it is an act of obedience to a biblical injunction. Proverbs 22:6 says:

“Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it.”

Are you a parent or planning to be one? You are required to train up your child in the right way to go. Parenting could be good, smooth, interesting, inspiring, fruitful and highly rewarding when it occurs within a family – a Christian home. This is a place where the husband, wife and children live together in love and peace, devoted to God and to each other. Conversely, parenting is bad, frustrating, destructive, unfruitful and punitive in an ungodly family. The nearest thing to hell on earth is the ungodly home, broken by sin and iniquity. It is a place where children are given to the forces of wickedness and are brought up with scarcely any training at all. Is your family a Christian Home or an ungodly one? Children are the heritage of the Lord and should be brought up in the fear of God. The key person in carrying out this responsibility is the father. Joseph in Matthew 2:14 demonstrated this by taking care of the young Jesus and his mother. Are you a father? It is your duty to care for every member of your family. Children learn by precepts and examples. They learn to either love God or dishonour Him from your disposition to God and to the things of God. They also learn from the way you treat their mother. Are you a father? It is your duty to love, honour and respect your wife. Let the children know that you respect their mother and hold her in high esteem. Stop scolding your wife. Appreciate your wife’s efforts in keeping the house, in caring for you and the children and for going through the vexing things that come along with the daily duties of home life. Reward your wife as much as you can. The most reliable partner in parenting is the mother. Are you a Christian mother? It is your duty to be submissive to your husband and his leadership role. You should respect and admire your husband, and be a good home keeper.

The Key Point is: For good parenting, both husband and wife should work hard to appreciate each other as they did in courtship. The spirit of courtship should continue throughout married life.

Thank you and God bless you richly for your contribution to today's discussion

PROVOKING POSITIVE CHANGE-18/06/2014

PROVOKING POSITIVE CHANGE-18/06/2014

Yesterday's message was titled "REASONABLE SERVICE”. Today's message is titled "PROVOKING POSITIVE CHANGE" as provided by Pastor E. A. Adeboye in Open Heavens Devotional (Adeboye, 2014). In today’s message, we have been asked to memorise Ephesians 3:20 : "Now unto him that is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that worketh in us". Today's reading was taken from Matthew 15:21-28 and the Bible reading in one year is Leviticus 17-19 and Psalm 129 - 130 (Adeboye, 2014).

Quoted below is today's message for your input:

Change is one event that is constant in life. Change denotes movement from one state to another. There are two categories of change: positive and negative. Due to the fact that change can either be positive or negative, Africans would say: “Change is good for the poor but bad for the rich”. Change in life is constant, certain and inevitable. Sometimes, change in a certain direction can be provoked, prolonged, shortened, averted or delayed. In today’s reading, we are told of how a particular woman experienced positive change. She was a Canaanite woman. She had a daughter who was grievously vexed with a devil. She desired a positive change – recovery and wholeness for her daughter. Her expectation was almost dashed until she provoked positive change. This season, you will provoke positive change from the Most High God in Jesus’ Name.

From this story of the Canaanite woman, we can learn a few lessons. The first thing to note is that she cried for mercy. She told the Lord how things were with her. She did not pretend like some people do. In 2 Kings 2:19-22, the inhabitants of Jericho provoked positive change from the Most High when they confronted Elisha with their situation of helplessness. Again, when faced with discouragement and apparent delay, the Canaanite woman persisted in worshiping the Lord. True worship will provoke positive change. John 4:23 says,

“But the hour cometh, and now is, when the true worshippers shall worship the Father in spirit and in truth: for the Father seeketh such to worship him.”

Do you want to provoke positive change? Make up your mind to worship God in spirit and in truth. Matthew 15:7-9 presents a category of people who are hypocritical in worship. These are the people whose hearts are far from God. I pray that you won’t be among those whose hearts are far from God. Another lesson from this story is faith. The woman provoked positive change by her great faith (Matthew 15:28). To emphasise the importance of faith, God in four separate places said: “The just shall live by faith” (Habakkuk 2:4, Romans 1:17, Galatians 3:11, Hebrews 10:38). Faith is acting on the word of God (James 2:18). Are you passing through a negative situation? Are people aware of your predicament but no one seems to care? God cares. If you don’t lose faith, there will definitely be light at the end of the tunnel.

The Action Point:is to Pick an area of your life where you need positive change and follow the example of the Canaanite woman to provoke positive change in this area. 

Thank you and god bless you richly for contributing to today's discussion.

REASONABLE SERVICE-17/06/2014

REASONABLE SERVICE-17/06/2014

Yesterday's message was titled "REFLECTING GOD’S IMAGE”. Today's message is titled "REASONABLE SERVICE" as provided by Pastor E. A. Adeboye in Open Heavens Devotional (Adeboye, 2014). In today’s message, we have been asked to memorise 1 Chronicles 29:5: "SThe gold for things of gold, and the silver for things of silver, and for all manner of work to be made by the hands of artificers. And who then is willing to consecrate his service this day unto the LORD?". Today's reading was taken from Hebrews 7:26-28 and the Bible reading in one year is Leviticus 15-16 and Psalm 127 - 128 (Adeboye, 2014).

Quoted below is today's message for your input:

"Service is good, but no service is acceptable before God without the servant working with Him. Working with God is serious business. It requires consecration i.e. setting apart an object or person to the worship and service of God. For a true believer in Christ, this is a life of service and worship that follows our commitment to take up our cross and follow the Lord Jesus. This denotes giving ourselves up to Christ as persons bought with a price and no longer our own. 1 Peter 1:18-19 says,

“Forasmuch as ye know that ye were not redeemed with corruptible things, as silver and gold, from your vain conversation received by tradition from your fathers; But with the precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb without blemish and without spot:”

Consecration is not necessarily volunteering for full-time service, though that might come up along the line. In Romans 12:1-3, we learn that there are three characteristics of consecration. These are:

1.        Consecration is a voluntary decision.

2.        Consecration is a personal decision.

3.        Consecration is a sacrificial decision.

These three elements of consecration involve two actions. The first is giving up the will or sacrificing one’s will to God (Hebrews 10:7). The second action is God’s acceptance of the sacrifice which has been made (Romans 12:1). When you give up your will for God’s will, you will hear the voice of God (Act 13:2), set yourself apart from sins and devote yourself and your substance to God (Isaiah 52:11, Micah 4:13). God expects that a believer’s total life would be consecrated to the Lord Jesus Christ. This includes the feet to carry the gospel everywhere, the hands to help victims of circumstance, the ears to hear the cries of demonically and economically oppressed people and the use of time for the glory of God (Ephesians 5:16). Consecration results in a life governed by the wisdom of God and controlled by the Holy Spirit. It results in a joyous and happy life of victory over sin, self and Satan. God should come before gold. Your life is not meant to be spent on self-indulgence and career advancement alone. Your life is a privilege and a responsibility to be lived according to the will of God through consecration. This is your reasonable service."

The Key Point for today is that Our service becomes acceptable when we consecrate our all to God.

Thank you and God bless you richly for your contribution to today's discussion

REFLECTING GOD’S IMAGE - 16/06/2014

REFLECTING GOD’S IMAGE - 16/06/2014

Yesterday's message was titled "REMAINING AS LIGHT”. Today's message is titled "REFLECTING GOD’S IMAGE" as provided by Pastor E. A. Adeboye in Open Heavens Devotional (Adeboye, 2014). In today’s message, we have been asked to memorise Genesis 1:27: "So God created man in his own image, in the image of God created he him; male and female created he them.". Today's reading was taken from Psalm 8:3-6 and the Bible reading in one year is Leviticus 14 and Psalm 125 - 126 (Adeboye, 2014).

Quoted below is today's message for your input:

"The work of creation as recorded in the book of Genesis reveals God’s great variety, beauty, exactness, accuracy, power and order. Man was the epitome of God’s creation. He was made last of all the creatures and as soon as he was made, he had the whole visible creation before him to enjoy. It is also interesting to note that man was made in the image of God and after his likeness. God gave him authority over other creatures and made man His representative on earth.

“Thou madest him to have dominion over the works of thy hands; thou has put all things under his feet.”

Psalm 8:8

In spite of all this, many people are living in ignorance. They roam about the surface of the earth without fulfilling their destiny. As God’s representative on earth, you have been honoured with an open cheque. You have the right to exercise authority over God’s creatures. It is your duty to reflect the image of God. In what ways should you reflect the image of God? Taking a cursory look at Genesis 1:26, it is logical to conclude that the soul of man bears the image of God. The soul is no doubt the seat of knowledge, emotion and instinct. These faculties can be described as the brightest and clearest looking-glass in nature through which we see God. Since like begets like, the soul of man should be God-like to reflect the image of God. In effect, your soul must be regenerated. One way to reflect the image of God is by being born-again and by living in holiness on a daily basis (1 Peter 1:14-16). God is holy and we can reflect His image by living holy. In His purity and rectitude, God’s image upon man consists in knowledge, righteousness and true holiness. A true child of God should reflect God’s image in his or her discussion. Again we should ensure that our righteousness is intact in Christ and we should abstain from all appearances of evil. Another way to reflect the image of God is by walking in love. As Christians, we should love one another. You reflect the image of God when you put off anger, wrath, malice, blasphemy and filthy communication out of your mouth. You reflect the image of God when you do not allow your decisions and actions to be clouded by tribalism, racism and nepotism. You reflect the image of God when, if any man has a quarrel with you, you forgive the person even as Christ forgave you. Finally, you reflect the image of God when you are thankful and allow the word of God to dwell in you in all wisdom (Colossians 3:16)."

The Key Point for today is : The soul of a regenerated person bears the image of God.

Thank you and God bless you richly for your contribution to today's discussion

Wishing you a blessed week ahead, amen

REMAINING AS LIGHT - 15/06/2014

REMAINING AS LIGHT - 15/06/2014

Yesterday's message was titled "MOVING ON”. Today's message is titled "REMAINING AS LIGHT" as provided by Pastor E. A. Adeboye in Open Heavens Devotional (Adeboye, 2014). In today’s message, we have been asked to memorise Matthew 6:22: "The light of the body is the eye: if therefore thine eye be single, thy whole body shall be full of light". Today's reading was taken from James 1:17-22 and the Bible reading in one year is Leviticus 13 and Psalm 123 - 124 (Adeboye, 2014).

Quoted below is the message for your input

"you look at the account of creation in Genesis 1:1-3, and observe the pre-eminence given to light, you will realise that one of the most pleasing events to God is when His children shine. As lights, we are expected to shine. Are you shining in your family, place of work, church, society, town, state, province or country? Can the Almighty God see you as light wherever you are located? May you never disappoint the Lord in Jesus’ Name. One of those who shone as light of the world was the man Abraham. His light was so bright that God could vouch for him. Genesis 18:19 says this about him:

“For I know him, that he will command his children and his household after him, and they shall keep the way of the LORD, to do justice and judgment; that the LORD may bring upon Abraham that which he hath spoken of him.”

Can God vouch for you? Can God see you as light in the midst of darkness? How bright is your light? How much of God’s light do you reflect at your place of work, church or whatever little corner of the world you are in? Jesus in Matthew 5:16 said:

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

One of the ways to shine is through soul-winning. This is the primary mandate of believers. To shine therefore, we should make soul-winning a continuous practice till Jesus comes back in power and glory (Acts 1:6-8, 2 Timothy 4:5). You can achieve the mandate to win souls by preaching the gospel through witnessing and tracts distribution. Souls won must be prayed for regularly and followed up to avoid loss (John 15:16). You can also shine as light by attending to the needs of the less privileged (Matthew 25:41-45). You need refuelling in order to sustain your light (Isaiah 40:31). To do this, be conversant with the word of God. Spend quality time reading, studying and practising the word. Listen to sermons of seasoned and anointed men of God. Spend quality time in worship, prayer, thanksgiving and intercession on a daily basis. We should also avoid pollution in order to shine. Our light can be polluted. Most times, what pollutes our light is weight. The weight that can pollute our light and render it impotent is sin. Easily-besetting sins like gossiping, exaggeration, hatred, variance, wrath, strife, envying, drunkenness etc, can pollute our light and keep us from shining. Identify all sins that can pollute your light, confess them to God, repent and change. It is your time to shine."

Today's Prayer Point is: Father, let your light shine through me to the whole world.

God bless you abundantly for your contribution to today's discussion. 

Wishing you a fulfilling service in Churdh today, amen.

LIVING RIGHT- 12/06/2014

LIVING RIGHT- 12/06/2014

Yesterday's message was titled "EXCEPTIONAL APPRENTICE”. Today's message is titled "LIVING RIGHT" as provided by Pastor E. A. Adeboye in Open Heavens Devotional (Adeboye, 2014). In today’s message, we have been asked to memorise John 5:19:   "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." Today's reading was taken from 1Peter 2:9-12 and the Bible reading in one year is Leviticus 5:14 - 7:38 and Psalm 119:145-160 (Adeboye, 2014).

Quoted below is the message for your input

A child of God is the light of the world. Light is the direct opposite of darkness. Everybody welcomes light with a shout of joy. Where there is light, hidden agendas are revealed. Jesus expects us to prove Him right by living according to His description of us. The implication of being called a child of God is that you should cease to live in sin. The most painful experience a Christian could have is for someone to look at you and say: “And you call yourself a child of God!” unbelievers know that they are not children of God, but they expect a life that is compliant with your confession as a child of God.

Some of us have forfeited many things we could have legitimately fought for, because we do not want anybody to say: “And you said you are a child of God”. I recall the death and burial of the late founder of the Redeemed Christian Church of God. The senior pastors suspected that I was going to be his successor even though nobody had officially said so. They waged war against me. On my part, I prepared for battle by loading myself with some mathematical calculations and putting together some Bible passages I could use as arrows. I was ready for a total showdown spiritually. Along the way, the Lord began to speak to me. He said to me, “As a son of the Prince of Peace, are you supposed to fight?” That was the end of my plan to fight my detractors. Living holy costly. But the consequence of not living holy is too terrible to be compared to the cost. It may be hard to remain faithful to your spouse or abstain from sex before marriage. People would mock and dismiss you as being old-fashioned. But when weight against the awful result of immoral living, such as the likelihood of contracting HIV/AIDS and the consequent perpetual regret, holiness at any cost would be better appreciated.

The Almighty God is not going to change His standard for anyone. He commands us to comply but leaves us to decide. Jesus never advised any of those who hesitated to follow Him to first go home and think about issue. They had to decide there are then. Self-denial is a basic qualification for discipleship, and it involves fasting and praying when others are sleeping, and studying the Bible while others want to spend time on leisure. It also entails keeping quite while others are talking or engaging in frivolous past-times.

Today's prayer point is Father, help me to use self-denial as a required daily sacrifice for

living right.

Thank you and God bless you richly for your contribution

EXCEPTIONAL APPRENTICE- 11/06/2014

EXCEPTIONAL APPRENTICE- 11/06/2014

Yesterday's message was titled "A STEP FURTHER”. Today's message is titled "EXCEPTIONAL APPRENTICE" as provided by Pastor E. A. Adeboye in Open Heavens Devotional (Adeboye, 2014). In today’s message, we have been asked to memorise John 5:19:   "Then answered Jesus and said unto them, Verily, verily, I say unto you, The Son can do nothing of himself, but what he seeth the Father do: for what things soever he doeth, these also doeth the Son likewise. " Today's reading was taken from Exosuds 14:26-31 and the Bible reading in one year is Leviticus 4:1-5:13 and Psalm 119:129-144 (Adeboye, 2014).

Quoted below is the message for your input

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

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

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

Today's Key Point is that  An apprentice watches the footsteps of the master and tries to fellow

them.

Thank you and god bless you richly for your comtribution

COMPLETE DELIVERANCE-08/06/2014

COMPLETE DELIVERANCE-08/06/2014

Yesterday's message was titled "THE FIRE FELL”. Today's message is titled "COMPLETE DELIVERANCE" as provided by Pastor E. A. Adeboye in Open Heavens Devotional (Adeboye, 2014). In today’s message, we have been asked to memorise John 8 : 32:  "If the son therefore shall make you free, ye shall be free indeed" Today's reading was taken from Exosuds 14:26-31 and the Bible reading in one year is Exodus 35:30-38:20 and Psalm 119:81-96 (Adeboye, 2014).

Quoted below is the message for your input

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

“Thou hast a mighty arm: strong is my hand, and high is my right hand.” Psalm 89:13

Some years ago when I was still in ignorance, I was taken to a witch doctor to seek help. I was told that he would look after me and give me some charms to prevent my cars from accidents. When we go his dirty house, he saw me looking at him with a sign of wonder on my face. I was looking at

him that way because his leg and right hand were bandaged. He told me he was involved in a motor accident some five days before and that he was the only survivor with a broken leg and arm. This was the fellow who was going to look after me. Thank God for Jesus Christ. Unlike dumb idols, our living God will answer when we call on Him. He made eyes therefore He can see. His everlasting arms are underneath those who put their trust in Him. When your enemies think that you are finished, they will suddenly discover that the Almighty God is still supporting you. When they think that you have fallen, they will not know that you are in the embrace of the Almighty God.

Today's prayer point is Pray that all enemies of the gospel of Jesus Christ will not escape destruction.

As we pray this prayer point with the whole of our heart today, every enemy behind the current crisis in Nigeria will receive the wrath of God and meet their destruction in Jesus Name, amen

Thank you and God bless you for your contribution. 

Wishing you a fulfillment of purpose in Church today, Amen. 

THE CHOSEN ONES 05/06/2014

THE CHOSEN ONES 05/06/2014

Yesterday's message was titled "LEADERSHIP AND ANOINTING”. Today's message is titled "THE CHOSEN ONES" as provided by Pastor E. A. Adeboye in Open Heavens Devotional (Adeboye, 2014). In today’s message, we have been asked to memorise Matthew 20:16  "So the last shall be first, and the first last: for many be called, but few chosen " Today's reading was taken from Matthew 25:1-13 and the Bible reading in one year is Exodus 29 :1- 30:21 and Psalm 119:33-48(Adeboye, 2014).

Quoted below is the message for your input

"There were many virgins in the land but only men were chosen. Before the ten were chosen, you can be sure all other virgins would have been called. This scenario is seen in the book of Esther. When the king wanted another wife to replace Vashti, he called all virgins together so that he could choose one of them. If you are a minister of God, you are already called but possibly not chosen. Experience has shown that many ministers of God will not make Heaven. The chosen are selected to be special (Deuteronomy 7:6). They are also chosen to be peculiar (Deuteronomy 14:2). As a chosen people of God, everyone should see you as peculiar without you saying a word. The chosen must be precious (1 Peter 2:4). Are you precious of God? Have you brought yourself into a relationship with God so that if you die today, God will notice that somebody has died? The chosen will be defended tremendously against his enemies (Isaiah 41:9-13). The first reason for choosing the twelve apostles was for companionship. This is very important, but this quality is lacking in the life of many ministers of God.

As for the ten virgins, nobody told them when the bridegroom would arrive.Watch, because you do not know when the bridegroom will come (Matthew 25:13). You must be extra careful. The foolish were careless while the wise were careful. The five that took extra oil decided to be extra careful. They were chosen from a big competition and they knew that another competition might just be ahead. As admonished in Ephesians 6:13-14, when you have done all things to stand, stand steadfastly. You never know where your next test will come from. While you are thanking God for winning one competition, another may be starting. The chosen will always forget pass successes because they know they have not reached their goal yet.
“Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended but this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before, I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus. ”Philippians 3:13-14

Forget past success because you have not yet reached your goal. The five wise virgins knew they had been chosen to go and meet the bridegroom, but the bridegroom had not come yet. They knew that if their oil should run low, there would be no time to go home for more oil. Once you lay your hands on the plough, you cannot look back. To avoid looking back, the ones chosen must take extra precautions from the start."

Today's Key point is that There is great danger which one relaxes in the midst of unfinished
business.

Thank you and God bless you richly for your contribution to today's discussion

LEADERSHIP AND ANOINTING- 04/06/2014

LEADERSHIP AND ANOINTING- 04/06/2014

Yesterday's message was titled "FIGHTER'S QUALIFICATION”. Today's message is titled "LEADERSHIP AND ANOINTING" as provided by Pastor E. A. Adeboye in Open Heavens Devotional (Adeboye, 2014). In today’s message, we have been asked to memorise Psalm 23:5 " Thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over." Today's reading was taken from 2 Samuel 5:1-3 and the Bible reading in one year is Exodus 27 - 28 and Psalm 119:17-32 (Adeboye, 2014).

Quoted below is the message for your input

Some people hide under the fact that they have been previously anointed, and by this, pre-suppose that they do not need any further anointing. The truth is that God gives extra anointing to these whom he wants to give extra blessings and glory. Perhaps you have discovered that God has ordained you to be great; you still need to wait for the anointing. The fact that God has deposited the seed of greatness in your life does not mean that you have arrived. You need the anointing to fulfil your vision and achieve your destiny (2 Samuel 5:1 -3). The new anointing that God is going to add to your life is going to complete what He has started in your life. One of the reasons why the anointing is so important is that whatever is anointed cannot be reversed by the enemy.

From the scripture, we understand that David was anointed not just once, or twice, but three times. Whenever God decides to favour someone, and He decides to demonstrate this by anointing the person whom He has chosen over and over again, His intention is to completely silence the enemy and grant victory and blessings to His people. God gives extra anointing to those whom He wants to give extra blessings and glory. The moment God anoints you, a decree goes out fi'om His throne room to back you up. All the negative forces of the universe are commanded to steer clear of the anointed (Psalm 105:14-15)

“He suffered no man to do them wrong: ye, he reproved kings for their sakes, Saying, Touch not mine anointed, and do my prophets no harm. ”

Tragically, not all heads are ready to receive the anointing. There were many children in the favoured family of Jesse, but only one of them received the anointing. As a leader, you cannot decide to do whatever you feel like doing and yet expect to receive God’s anointing. The anointing of God is available for those who qualify for it. Are you one of them? Each of the sons of Jesse was eager to receive the anointing, but all their heads except that of David were rejected. May your head never refuse the anointing in Jesus’ Name. The heads of the seven sons of Jesse must have refused the anointing because God knew certain things about them, which perhaps, no one knew. Are there things God knows about you which men do not know? If they are negative things, you can be sure it will disqualify you when it matters most.

The Prayer Point is Father, I present my head for your fresh anointing for greatness; anoint me till my cup runs over, in Jesus’ Name.

Thank you and God bless you richly for your contribution to today's dicsussion

FIGHTER ’S QUALIFICATION - 03/06/2014

FIGHTER ’S QUALIFICATION - 03/06/2014

Yesterday's message was titled "WHY EXPECTATIONS FAIL”. Today's message is titled "FIGHTER'S QUALIFICATION" as provided by Pastor E. A. Adeboye in Open Heavens Devotional (Adeboye, 2014). In today’s message, we have been asked to memorise Luke 3:9 " And now also the axe is laid unto the root of the trees: every tree therefore which bringeth not forth good fruit is hewn down, and cast into the fire.   " Today's reading was taken from John 15:1-6 and the Bible reading in one year is Exodus 25 - 26 and Psalm 119:1-16 (Adeboye, 2014).

Quoted below is the message for your input

Whenever someone is invited to join the army, he is told the beautiful things that he will get when he signs up: cheap food, free clothing and a lot of other fringe benefits. He is never told what he will go through when he gets into the barracks. In the barracks, he is taken through heavy rigours and at the end of the day, he is taken through heavy rigours and at the end of the day, he become the same manner, before the Almighty God would hand over His weaponry to anyone, the fellow will go through some rigours. The good news is that He promised in Isaiah 43:2 that He will be with you while you pass through those challenges.

“When thou passest through the waters, Iwill be with thee; and through the rivers, they shall not overflow thee: when thou walkest through the fire, thou shalt not be burned; neither shall the flame kindle upon thee.”

Every fighter is the army of the Lord must be aware that the Commander-in- Chief will not tolerate parasites. He is highly intolerant of those who have nothing significant to contribute (John 15:2). He wants everyone engaged in His vision to contribute their own quota. The question is: in the service of God, would you be referred to as an asset or a liability? Also, in the army of the Lord, there is no room for loafers and deserters. While all loafers are summarily dealt with, deserters face eternal death (Luke 3:9). There is no backing out in the army of God. This is why in Ephesians 6:13-17, there is no armour of our backs. The day you turn your back to the enemy, you become exposed to his attacks. With your hands still on the plough, you are not even allowed to look back (Luke 9:62). Furthermore, in the army of the Lord, there is no room for slothfulness. There is no room for lazy people. You are supposed to be diligent. There is also no room for divided loyalties (Matthew 10:370. your loyalty must be only to the Commander-in-Chief. You have to rely on God because you cannot do these things on your own accord. If you rely on Him and draw your strength from Him, you will be amazed when you start doing certain things that you never thought were possible. You will discover obedience become very easy. For you to succeed in the army of the Lord, the Lord Himself must hold your hand and continue to lead you on. What must you do so that He can hold your hand? The answer is found in 1 Peter 1:15-16:

“But as he which hath called you is holy, so be ye holy in all manner of conversation; Because it is written, Be ye holy; for l am holy. ”

The key point is You have to plough looking straight ahead. God is not a democrat. He
rules by decrees.

thank you and God bless you richly for your contribution

WHY EXPECTATIONS FAIL-02/06/2014

WHY EXPECTATIONS FAIL-02/06/2014

Yesterday's message was titled "BE DETERMINED TO WAIT”. Today's message is titled "WHY EXPECTATIONS FAIL" as provided by Pastor E. A. Adeboye in Open Heavens Devotional (Adeboye, 2014). In today’s message, we have been asked to memorise Nahum 1:7 "Memorise: The LORD is good, a strong hold in the day of trouble; and he knoweth them that trust in him. " Today's reading was taken from Jeremiah 29:1-13 and the Bible reading in one year is Exodus 29:1-24:18 and Psalm 118 (Adeboye, 2014).

Quoted below is the message for your input

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

“And the LORD said unto me, Say unto them, Go not up, neither fight; for l am not among you; lest ye be smitten before t among you; lest ye be smitten before your enemies. So I spake unto you; and ye would not hear, but rebelled against he commandment of the LORD, and went presumptuously up into the hill. And the Amorites, which dwelt in that mountain, came out against you, and chased you, as bees do, and destroyed you in Seir, even unto Hormah. ” Deuteronomy 1:42-44

In the above passage, the Lord did not approve of the children of Israel Going to this battle. But to them, approval from above or not, they assumed they would be victorious. They got their soldiers ready and their expectation of victory was intact. Unknown to them, no expectation will ever come to pass if God is not factored into it. They fell on their faces when they should have lifted up their voices in songs of victory. Expectations fail when they are based on lies (Jeremiah 29:8). Expectations fail when they are based on connections and the power of associates. No association can replace God without consequences for those who put their trust in such associations (Jeremiah 1 7:5), nowadays, Christians express disappointment in fellow Christians because truth has been compromised. If you don ’t think twice before you jump at what those so-called Christian associates have to offer you, your expectation will fail to your surprise.

Today, the prayer point is that God would enlighten the eyes of your understanding to discern those expectations of yours that do no align with His purpose of your life.

God bless you for your contribution. have a prosperous week in Jesus Name, amen.