Open Heavens 7 July 2017: Friday What’s Your Response? by Pastor Adeboye

Topic: What’s Your Response? [Friday 7, July 2017]

Memorise: And it came to pass afterward, that David's heart smote him, because he had cut off Saul's skirt. –1 Samuel 24:5

Read: 2 Samuel 12:7-13 (KJV)

7 And Nathan said to David, Thou art the man. Thus saith the LORD God of Israel, I anointed thee king over Israel, and I delivered thee out of the hand of Saul;

8 And I gave thee thy master's house, and thy master's wives into thy bosom, and gave thee the house of Israel and of Judah; and if that had been too little, I would moreover have given unto thee such and such things.

9 Wherefore hast thou despised the commandment of the LORD, to do evil in his sight? thou hast killed Uriah the Hittite with the sword, and hast taken his wife to be thy wife, and hast slain him with the sword of the children of Ammon.

10 Now therefore the sword shall never depart from thine house; because thou hast despised me, and hast taken the wife of Uriah the Hittite to be thy wife.

11 Thus saith the LORD, Behold, I will raise up evil against thee out of thine own house, and I will take thy wives before thine eyes, and give them unto thy neighbour, and he shall lie with thy wives in the sight of this sun.

12 For thou didst it secretly: but I will do this thing before all Israel, and before the sun.

13 And David said unto Nathan, I have sinned against the LORD. And Nathan said unto David, The LORD also hath put away thy sin; thou shalt not die.

Bible in One Year: 1 Samuel 18-19, Ezekiel 2:8-3:15, Hymn: Sing hymn 6

MESSAGE:
[7 July, 2017, Friday]
One day, after being on the run for his dear life for quite some time, David finally had the chance to kill King Saul, his persecutor (1 Samuel 24:2-6). However, instead of doing this, he chose to simply cut off a part of Saul’s robe, to show that he harbored no ill feelings towards the king. Nevertheless, after carrying out this seemingly magnanimous act, his conscience pricked him. 1 Samuel 24:5 says,
Open Heavens 7 July 2017: Friday daily devotional by Pastor Adeboye – What’s Your Response?
“And it came to pass afterward, that David's heart smote him, because he had cut off Saul's skirt.”

His heart asked him, “David, what have you done? Have you forgotten it is written, “Touch not my anointed?” he immediately lost his peace. That is the response of a true sheep belonging to a great shepherd. In addition to finding it easy to obey, a sheep that strays from the fold of the great shepherd will have his or her heart smitten. On the other hand, goats are hard-hearted. Are you a sheep or a goat? How many times have you spoken against the anointed of God without feeling any remorse? You mean you can sit down and discuss an anointed man of God for hours, pulling him apart and highlighting what you call his faults, forgetting that it’s only before his Maker that he stands or falls? Is your conscience dead or alive? The conscience of a goat is dead but that of a sheep is alive.

In today’s Bible reading, when Prophet Nathan visited David and narrated to him the story of a rich man with many sheep, who used his poor neighbour’s only lamb to entertain his visitors, David was furious. He declared that whoever carried out this act must die. Then the prophet looked at him and said, “you are the man! “Remember that Nathan was talking to the king of the land. If you expose a goat, he or she will be angry and pounce on you. If David had been a goat, immediately he was confronted with his sin, he would have ordered his guards to cut off the prophet’s head. If he wanted to be subtle, he could lure the prophet to attend a private dinner for them to discuss the matter further, where his wine would have been poisoned. However, what did David do? He said, “I am finished!”, and he began to confess his sins. What is your attitude when God’s word hits you? Do you say, “This pastor is preaching about me again? I wonder who reports me to him!’ Is your attitude the type that says, “Preacher, mind your own business?” How often have you broken down to weep over your atrocities? How many times have you cried to God for mercy, not caring about those people who are around you? Are you a goat or a sheep?

Key Point: If you are a sheep, it will show in your response to the conviction of the Holy Spirit.

Open Heavens Daily Devotional guide was written by Pastor E.A. Adeboye, the General Overseer of the Redeemed Christian Church of God, one of the largest evangelical church in the world and also the President of Christ the Redeemer's Ministries.

iOpenHeavens is the electronic version of the Hard Copy. The Open Heavens devotional application is available across all mobile platforms and operating systems: iOS, Android, Blackberry, Nokia, Windows Mobile and PC.

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Thursday, July 6th-RHAPSODY OF REALITIES DAILY DEVOTIONAL

RHAPSODY OF REALITIES DAILY DEVOTIONAL

Be The Best For Him

Thursday, July 6th .
Pastor Chris

_*Of his own will begat he us with the word of truth, that we should be a kind of firstfruits of his creatures (James 1:18).*_

The Bible shows us that the Word of God is a spiritual mirror; it’s God’s mirror given to us, so we can see ourselves and know who we are in Christ. It shows God’s description of us. 2 Corinthians 3:18 says, _*“But we all, with open face beholding as in a glass the glory of the Lord, are changed into the same image from glory to glory, even as by the Spirit of the Lord.”*_

Sadly, many only see themselves wrongly; they see themselves weak, poor, broken and as victims in life. But the Word of God—His mirror—clearly shows otherwise. He sees you as strong, righteous, sound, excellent, and supremely blessed.

Not only does God love you, He likes you, because you’re the most beautiful of everything that He made. God has never had anyone like you, and He’ll never have another like you. You’re His unique masterpiece, so be your best for Him. Refuse to fail, because God doesn’t fail, and doesn’t sponsor flops. You’re His product, therefore talk yourself good; never talk down on God’s production: _*“For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them”*_ (Ephesians 2:10).

Never say, “I can’t”; rather, say to yourself, “God doesn’t sponsor flops; so I’ll never fail in anything I do.” “What if I never get to the best place?” you ask. The most important thing is that you tried, and God would know you tried, but don’t stop; keep pressing on, closer and closer, to be the best. The Bible says, _*“But the path of the just is as the shining light, that shineth more and more unto the perfect day”*_ (Proverbs 4:18). As you study and put the Word to work, you’ll constantly make spiritual advancement, and excel in all things.

       *PRAYER*

*Dear Father, I thank you for my uniqueness in Christ; I’m the only one of me you have, and I’ve made the choice to be the best for you. There’s no failure with me, because I’m your product, and your product doesn’t fail, because you don’t fail. I prosper in all things, and bring you pleasure in all that I do, in Jesus’ Name. Amen.*

*FURTHER STUDY:* *||* *Ephesians 2:10 AMP* For we are God's [own] handiwork (His workmanship), recreated in Christ Jesus, [born anew] that we may do those good works which God predestined (planned beforehand) for us [taking paths which He prepared ahead of time], that we should walk in them [living the good life which He prearranged and made ready for us to live]. *||*

*||* *1 Peter 2:9 AMP* But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a dedicated nation, [God's] own purchased, special people, that you may set forth the wonderful deeds and display the virtues and perfections of Him Who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light. *||*

*DAILY SCRIPTURE READING*

*1-Year Bible Reading Plan:* Acts 18:1-23,
Job 9-11

2-Year Bible Reading Plan: Luke 7:1-10,
Deuteronomy 34

EXTRACT FROM: RHAPSODY OF REALITIES DAILY DEVOTIONAL

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Open Heavens 6 July 2017: Thursday by Pastor Adeboye - Choose Wisely

Topic: Choose Wisely [Thursday 6, July 2017]

Memorise: Knowing therefore the terror of the Lord, we persuade men; but we are made manifest unto God; and I trust also are made manifest in your consciences. – 2 Corinthians 5:11

Read: Luke 23:39-43 (KJV)

39 And one of the malefactors which were hanged railed on him, saying, If thou be Christ, save thyself and us.

40 But the other answering rebuked him, saying, Dost not thou fear God, seeing thou art in the same condemnation?

41 And we indeed justly; for we receive the due reward of our deeds: but this man hath done nothing amiss.

42 And he said unto Jesus, Lord, remember me when thou comest into thy kingdom.

43 And Jesus said unto him, Verily I say unto thee, To day shalt thou be with me in paradise.

Bible in One Year: 1 Samuel 17, Ezekiel 1:22-2:7, Hymn: Sing hymn 11

MESSAGE:

[July 6 2017, Thursday]
“Knowing therefore the terror of the Lord, we persuade men; but we are made manifest unto God; and I trust also are made manifest in your consciences.” 2 Corinthian 5:11 Open Heavens 6 July 2017: Thursday daily devotional by Pastor Adeboye – Choose Wisely
The reality of an eternity in Hell fire is the reason why we continue to preach relentlessly to people about the need to give their lives to Christ right now! Hell is worse than any kind of suffering ever known to man. It is worse than any World War or nuclear holocaust. It is worse than any type of plague, be it Ebola, HIV, leprosy or the Black Death. It is even worse than death itself. Why, you may ask? If a believer in Christ is tortured to death for his or her faith in Christ, he or she will be in pains for a while, but eventually, the pain will stop and he or she will be taken into glory. Such a fellow would have moved from extreme pain to extreme joy, glory and peace in Heaven. In contrast, anyone who goes to Hell will burn in fire day and night. After burning for a billion years, his or her sufferings will just be beginning. Worse still, after the Great White Throne Judgment, the inhabitants of Hell will be moved into the Lake of Fire, where they will go through the worst of torment and will keep burning without being consumed. Revelation 20:14 says,

“And death and hell were cast into the lake of fire. This is the second death.”

Whatever you can do to skip Hell, do it today because nobody knows tomorrow!

No religion can save you from Hell. No form of self-righteousness, personal belief or positive thinking can save you either. In fact, John 3:18says that some people will be banished to Hell not because they do not attend church but because they did not genuinely give their lives to Christ. You have a choice to make here. When the Lord Jesus Christ was being nailed to the cross, two thieves were equally nailed to their own crosses on either side of Him. One of them said to the Lord, “I thought you called yourself a prophet, how come you cannot deliver yourself and deliver us also?” The second thief rebuked him saying, “While on your way to Hell, you are still talking like this?” Then he turned to Jesus and said “Lord, I don’t know if it is still possible, but when You get to Your Kingdom, please remember me.” The first thief chose to go from the cross to Hell, and he got his wish, while the second chose to go from the cross to paradise and it was so. What is your choice today?

Action Point: Visit www.spiritlessons.com and read up people’s accounts of their experience of Heaven and Hell. Wisely adjust your lifestyle based on your choice of eternal destination.

Open Heavens Daily Devotional guide was written by Pastor E.A. Adeboye, the General Overseer of the Redeemed Christian Church of God, one of the largest evangelical church in the world and also the President of Christ the Redeemer's Ministries.

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Tuesday, July 4th - RHAPSODY OF REALITIES DAILY DEVOTIONAL

RHAPSODY OF REALITIES DAILY DEVOTIONAL

HEIRS OF THE ABRAHAMIC BLESSINGS.

Tuesday, July 4th.

Pastor Chris

  ...That the blessing of Abraham might come on the Gentiles through Jesus Christ; that we might receive the promise of the Spirit through faith (Galatians 3:14).

The Lord Jesus did all that He did so that the blessing of Abraham might come on the Gentiles, and it has. Now that you’re born again, you’ve received the promise of the Spirit; you’re now the seed of Abraham. Galatians 3:29 says,  “And if ye be Christ’s, then are ye Abraham’s seed, and heirs according to the promise.”

You’re an heir of the Abrahamic blessing. Therefore, it makes no difference how hostile the environment in which you find yourself, you’ll always win! You’ll always come out prosperous, because you have the inherent ability to prosper. You’re graced for excellence. Christ in you is your power to condition your environment to produce the results that you want.

When the children of Israel went out of Egypt, they carried their own atmosphere. Through the desert, the presence of God was with them such that they didn’t perish in the wilderness, despite being there for forty years. Psalm 105:37 says,  “He brought them forth also with silver and gold: and there was not one feeble person among their tribes.”  Nehemiah 9:21 says,   “Yea, forty years didst thou sustain them in the wilderness, so that they lacked nothing; their clothes waxed not old, and their feet swelled not.”  If this could happen for them in the Old Testament, consider what blessings we have today in Christ Jesus!

The Bible says Christ, whose we are, and by virtue of whom we’re the seed of Abraham, is the mediator of a better covenant, which was established upon better promises (Hebrews 8:6). It gets even more glorious, because all these “better promises” have all been fulfilled in Christ.

What we have today is a life of transcendental blessings. You’re blessed beyond measure. Failure, sickness, disease, lack and death are not, and should never be, a part of your life. It’s impossible for you to be poor or fail, because as Abraham’s seed, you’re ordained to succeed. Fruitfulness and productivity have become your birthright.

                     PRAYER

Dear heavenly Father, I thank you for the manifestations of your goodness and kindness in my life. As the seed of Abraham, I walk in righteousness, victory, health, and dominion today, conscious that I’m blessed to be a blessing, in Jesus’ Name. Amen.

FURTHER STUDY:

Galatians 3:8-9  And the scripture, foreseeing that God would justify the heathen through faith, preached before the gospel unto Abraham, [saying], In thee shall all nations be blessed. 9 So then they which be of faith are blessed with faithful Abraham.

   Romans 8:17  And if children, then heirs; heirs of God, and joint-heirs with Christ; if so be that we suffer with [him], that we may be also glorified together. *||*

  Ephesians 3:6  That the Gentiles should be fellowheirs, and of the same body, and partakers of his promise in Christ by the gospel:

DAILY SCRIPTURE READING

1-Year Bible Reading Plan:  Acts 17:1-15,
Job 3-5

2-Year Bible Reading Plan:  Luke 6:31-38,
Deuteronomy 32

EXTRACT FROM: RHAPSODY OF REALITIES DAILY DEVOTIONAL

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Open Heavens 5 July 2017: Wednesday by Pastor Adeboye - Limited to Sweet Experiences?

Topic: Limited to Sweet Experiences? [Wednesday 5, July 2017]

Memorise: And our hope of you is stedfast, knowing, that as ye are partakers of the sufferings, so shall ye be also of the consolation.– 2 Corinthians 1:7

Read: Deuteronomy 8:2-7, Hebrew 2:9-10(KJV)

Deuteronomy 8:2-7:

2 And thou shalt remember all the way which the LORD thy God led thee these forty years in the wilderness, to humble thee, and to prove thee, to know what was in thine heart, whether thou wouldest keep his commandments, or no.

3 And he humbled thee, and suffered thee to hunger, and fed thee with manna, which thou knewest not, neither did thy fathers know; that he might make thee know that man doth not live by bread only, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of the LORD doth man live.

4 Thy raiment waxed not old upon thee, neither did thy foot swell, these forty years.

5 Thou shalt also consider in thine heart, that, as a man chasteneth his son, so the LORD thy God chasteneth thee.

6 Therefore thou shalt keep the commandments of the LORD thy God, to walk in his ways, and to fear him.

7 For the LORD thy God bringeth thee into a good land, a land of brooks of water, of fountains and depths that spring out of valleys and hills;

Hebrew 2:9-10:

9 But we see Jesus, who was made a little lower than the angels for the suffering of death, crowned with glory and honour; that he by the grace of God should taste death for every man.

10 For it became him, for whom are all things, and by whom are all things, in bringing many sons unto glory, to make the captain of their salvation perfect through sufferings.

Bible in One Year: 1 Samuel 15-16, Ezekiel 1:1-21, Hymn: Sing hymn 14

MESSAGE:
[July 5 2017, Wednesday]
Jesus is the Great Shepherd, and He wants His sheep to eat and drink from that which He provides for them. If you hunger and thirst after righteousness, you will be filled. In order words, you will experience the right growth in the Kingdom when you are receptive, and not selective of what the Master gives. Every good word of God counts in helping you grow to become like Jesus. In the Church of God today, under the guise of “grace” or “liberty” found in the New Testament, a lot of funny things are happening. Some people choose to read only the New Testament and call the Old Testament stale or outdated. Some others choose to read only specific portions of the Bible that speak of blessings, while they never go to the portion on sacrifice and curses. Some people never want to see passages on tithes and offering and other forms of giving, believing that offerings do not go to God but to men. Some of such people prefer to donate their tithes to the poor and needy, rather than to pay it as tithes in their church. Such tendencies will definitely affect their growth and hinder them from enjoying God’s full blessings. Open Heavens 5 July 2017: Wednesday daily devotional by Pastor Adeboye – Limited to Sweet Experiences?
“29 And Jesus answered and said, Verily I say unto you, There is no man that hath left house, or brethren, or sisters, or father, or mother, or wife, or children, or lands, for my sake, and the gospel's, 30 But he shall receive an hundredfold now in this time, houses, and brethren, and sisters, and mothers, and children, and lands, with persecutions; and in the world to come eternal life.” - Mark 10:29-30

From the above scripture, we see that the Lord Jesus Christ did not promise us a life free of hardship. Anyone who goes through life experiencing only pleasure, abundance and happiness without any moment of sorrow, sadness, denial, lack or disappointment will not develop a strong, well balanced character. Such a person will be vain, will lack compassion for others, and be conceited. God allows us to go through both the ups and downs of life so that we can truly fit into His plan for us. A one-sided spiritual diet leads to uneven spiritual growth. Romans 5:3 says that tribulations help us develop patience. Hebrews 2:10 tells us that our Lord Jesus Christ himself was made perfect through sufferings. How can you then become perfect without undergoing hardship? 1 Peter 4:13 says that when we partake of Christ’s sufferings, we shall also partake of His glory that shall be revealed. Don’t let anyone deceive you; you need to take in every truth of God’s word in order to become who you were created to be.

Key Point: God allows His children to go through difficulties in order to develop their character.

Open Heavens Daily Devotional guide was written by Pastor E.A. Adeboye, the General Overseer of the Redeemed Christian Church of God, one of the largest evangelical church in the world and also the President of Christ the Redeemer's Ministries.

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Tuesday, July 4th - RHAPSODY OF REALITIES DAILY DEVOTIONAL - HEIRS OF THE ABRAHAMIC BLESSINGS

RHAPSODY OF REALITIES DAILY DEVOTIONAL

HEIRS OF THE ABRAHAMIC BLESSINGS. 

Tuesday, July 4th.  

Pastor Chris

_*...That the blessing of Abraham might come on the Gentiles through Jesus Christ; that we might receive the promise of the Spirit through faith (Galatians 3:14).*_

The Lord Jesus did all that He did so that the blessing of Abraham might come on the Gentiles, and it has. Now that you’re born again, you’ve received the promise of the Spirit; you’re now the seed of Abraham. Galatians 3:29 says, _*“And if ye be Christ’s, then are ye Abraham’s seed, and heirs according to the promise.”*_

You’re an heir of the Abrahamic blessing. Therefore, it makes no difference how hostile the environment in which you find yourself, you’ll always win! You’ll always come out prosperous, because you have the inherent ability to prosper. You’re graced for excellence. Christ in you is your power to condition your environment to produce the results that you want.

When the children of Israel went out of Egypt, they carried their own atmosphere. Through the desert, the presence of God was with them such that they didn’t perish in the wilderness, despite being there for forty years. Psalm 105:37 says, _*“He brought them forth also with silver and gold: and there was not one feeble person among their tribes.”*_ Nehemiah 9:21 says, _*“Yea, forty years didst thou sustain them in the wilderness, so that they lacked nothing; their clothes waxed not old, and their feet swelled not.”*_ If this could happen for them in the Old Testament, consider what blessings we have today in Christ Jesus!

The Bible says Christ, whose we are, and by virtue of whom we’re the seed of Abraham, is the mediator of a better covenant, which was established upon better promises (Hebrews 8:6). It gets even more glorious, because all these “better promises” have all been fulfilled in Christ.

What we have today is a life of transcendental blessings. You’re blessed beyond measure. Failure, sickness, disease, lack and death are not, and should never be, a part of your life. It’s impossible for you to be poor or fail, because as Abraham’s seed, you’re ordained to succeed. Fruitfulness and productivity have become your birthright.

                     *PRAYER*

*Dear heavenly Father, I thank you for the manifestations of your goodness and kindness in my life. As the seed of Abraham, I walk in righteousness, victory, health, and dominion today, conscious that I’m blessed to be a blessing, in Jesus’ Name. Amen.*

*FURTHER STUDY:* *||* *Galatians 3:8-9* And the scripture, foreseeing that God would justify the heathen through faith, preached before the gospel unto Abraham, [saying], In thee shall all nations be blessed. 9 So then they which be of faith are blessed with faithful Abraham. *||*

*||* *Romans 8:17* And if children, then heirs; heirs of God, and joint-heirs with Christ; if so be that we suffer with [him], that we may be also glorified together. *||*

*||* *Ephesians 3:6* That the Gentiles should be fellowheirs, and of the same body, and partakers of his promise in Christ by the gospel: *||*

*DAILY SCRIPTURE READING*

*1-Year Bible Reading Plan:* Acts 17:1-15,
Job 3-5

*2-Year Bible Reading Plan:* Luke 6:31-38,
Deuteronomy 32

*EXTRACT FROM: RHAPSODY OF REALITIES DAILY DEVOTIONAL*

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Open Heavens 4 July 2017: Tuesday by Pastor Adeboye

Topic: Having a Servant Spirit [Tuesday 4, July 2017]

Memorise: For whether is greater, he that sitteth at meat, or he that serveth? is not he that sitteth at meat? but I am among you as he that serveth. – Luke 22:27

Read: Luke 22:24-27 (KJV)

24 And there was also a strife among them, which of them should be accounted the greatest.

25 And he said unto them, The kings of the Gentiles exercise lordship over them; and they that exercise authority upon them are called benefactors.

26 But ye shall not be so: but he that is greatest among you, let him be as the younger; and he that is chief, as he that doth serve.

27 For whether is greater, he that sitteth at meat, or he that serveth? is not he that sitteth at meat? but I am among you as he that serveth.

Bible in One Year: 1 Samuel 14, Lamentation 4:19-5:22, Hymn: Sing hymn 14

MESSAGE:
[July 4 2017, Tuesday]
Signs and wonders easily flow in an atmosphere where authority is respected. The moment a person becomes rebellious or refuses to submit to the authority of leaders, God withdraws and so do His signs and wonders. If you want God to use you in the miraculous, learn to remain submissive to the authority of those set over you by God. Moreover, another attribute of the fellow God will use to perform signs and wonders is the possession of a servant spirit. If you take a critical look at the person of Philip as recorded in the book of Acts, chapters 6 and 8, you will see a man who happily obeyed when he was sent to serve food as an usher, even though he was full of faith, power and the Holy Spirit. If some people had such credentials as these, they would suddenly become very choosy in the nature of assignments they are willing to carry out. If a pastor asks some workers to clean the toilet today, they may give the pastor a look that says, “Don’t you know who I am? Is it because I am a worker in your church? In my place of work, I am a Managing director” Nobody is contesting with you. The truth remains that in God’s kingdom, a worker is a servant. When you get to your office, you can be the boss there, but when you are in God’s house, you must be prepared to serve. Do you know that anyone who is unwilling to serve can never reach the top in God’s house? Open Heavens 4 July 2017: Tuesday daily devotional by Pastor Adeboye – Having a Servant Spirit

You need to always remember that even the Lord Jesus Christ came as a servant! In Luke 22:26, He admonished us with these words:

“But ye shall not be so: but he that is greatest among you, let him be as the younger; and he that is chief, as he that doth serve.”

Not only did He instruct us to serve, He himself did exactly that. He came as one who serves (Luke 22:27). Do you remember He washed the feet of his disciples (John 13:5)? This is why I teach my students at the School of disciples that the hands that cannot do manual labour cannot heal the sick. Some people have abandoned house chores to their domestic workers and other helpers. If you really want God to use your hands to perform signs and wonders, then you must engage them in manual labour. By virtue of my position as the General Overseer of the Redeemed Christian Church of God, people try to keep me from doing chores. However, do you know that even with all the help and assistants at my disposal, when I realized they are not around, I quickly iron some of my wife’s clothes or go to the kitchen sink to wash some plates? I know what I am doing. Are you a servant or a lord that everyone must obey?

Prayer Point: Father, give me the servant spirit of Jesus Christ, so that I may serve others just as He did.

Open Heavens Daily Devotional guide was written by Pastor E.A. Adeboye, the General Overseer of the Redeemed Christian Church of God, one of the largest evangelical church in the world and also the President of Christ the Redeemer's Ministries.

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Monday, July 3rd - RHAPSODY OF REALITIES DAILY DEVOTIONAL

RHAPSODY OF REALITIES DAILY DEVOTIONAL 

We're The Seed Of Jesus Christ

Monday, July 3rd
Pastor Chris

Yet it pleased the LORD to bruise him; he hath put him to grief: when thou shalt make his soul an offering for sin, he shall see his seed, he shall prolong his days, and the pleasure of the LORD shall prosper in his hand (Isaiah 53:10).

The Holy Spirit, speaking through the Prophet Isaiah, prophesied the coming of the Messiah as an offering for sin, and also the fact that He shall see His “seed,” who shall prolong His days. The seed of Jesus is the Church. Through the Church, the Lord Jesus prolongs His days. Jesus came into this world, lived in this world, conquered this world, died, was buried, resurrected, and ascended to heaven. But His life continues today through us. We’re the ones living out His life today. He lives on, through us.

Acts 1:1 talks about “…all that Jesus began both to do and teach,” which refers to His miraculous works and teachings about the Kingdom of God. As you read further into the book of Acts, you’ll find that the Lord continued to teach and to do the same things through the Apostles whom He had chosen. They, in turn, delivered the same teachings to others, and finally, it got to every one of us; and it’ll continue until Jesus comes again. We’re His ambassadors, teaching the same things He taught, and doing the same works He did.

Isaiah 53:8 says, “…he was cut off out of the land of the living: for the transgression of my people was he stricken.” The world thought they were through with Him; but then came you and I! Today, when you show up, Jesus shows up. Always be mindful that Christ is living through you. Anyone who needs to know what Jesus looks like only needs to look at you! You’re the effulgence of His glory, the express image of His person, a partaker of His life, and a dispenser of His love, righteousness and grace. You’re His representative in the earth today.

  PRAYER

Dear Heavenly Father, I’m so thankful for the love and grace you’ve lavished upon me. Thank you for expressing yourself to the world through me. I’m the effulgence of Christ’s glory, the express image of His person, and my life is a manifestation of your praise and glory, in Jesus’ Name. Amen.

FURTHER STUDY: || Galatians 3:16 Now to Abraham and his seed were the promises made. He saith not, And to seeds, as of many; but as of one, And to thy seed, which is Christ. ||

|| Galatians 3:29 And if ye [be] Christ's, then are ye Abraham's seed, and heirs according to the promise. ||

|| 2 Corinthians 5:20 Now then we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God did beseech [you] by us: we pray [you] in Christ's stead, be ye reconciled to God. ||

DAILY SCRIPTURE READING

1-Year Bible Reading Plan: Acts 16:16-40,
Job 1-2

2-Year Bible Reading Plan: Luke 6:20-30,
Deuteronomy 31

EXTRACT FROM: RHAPSODY OF REALITIES DAILY DEVOTIONAL

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Open Heavens 3 July 2017: Monday by Pastor Adeboye

Topic: Focused Asking [Monday 3, July 2017]

Memorise: I say unto you, Though he will not rise and give him, because he is his friend, yet because of his importunity he will rise and give him as many as he needeth. – Luke 11:8

Read: Luke 11:5-10 (KJV)

5 And he said unto them, Which of you shall have a friend, and shall go unto him at midnight, and say unto him, Friend, lend me three loaves;

6 For a friend of mine in his journey is come to me, and I have nothing to set before him?

7 And he from within shall answer and say, Trouble me not: the door is now shut, and my children are with me in bed; I cannot rise and give thee.

8 I say unto you, Though he will not rise and give him, because he is his friend, yet because of his importunity he will rise and give him as many as he needeth.

9 And I say unto you, Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you.

10 For every one that asketh receiveth; and he that seeketh findeth; and to him that knocketh it shall be opened.

Bible in One Year: 1 Samuel 12-13, Lamentation 4:2-18, Hymn: Sing hymn 4

MESSAGE:
[July 3 2017, Monday]
One of the conditions to be met before one’s burden is lifted is the need to see that burden as an anomaly. You must acknowledge the existence of the burden, and be willing to be helped, before you can be set free from it. In John 5:2-9, Jesus asked the man who had been sick for 38 years, “Do you want to be made whole?” You may wonder why Jesus asked him such an obvious question. Why didn’t He just heal him straightaway? The truth is, not everyone wants to be helped. I have shared the story of a sick woman who I prayed for many time without results. Then one day, the Lord told me, “Ask her if she want to be healed”. Initially, I wondered what kind of question that was, but later I asked her, “Woman, do you want to be well?” To my utmost shock she replied, “No”. In my astonishment I asked her why not, and she said, “When I was well, immediately my husband closed from his work place, he would go to club houses, but since I took ill, after work, he comes home to me. I would rather be sick and retain my husband’s attention. “There is also the case of a witch who was brought to us for deliverance some time ago. Although we prayed, she would not be delivered. So, I asked, “Woman, do you want to be delivered?” She replied, “Do you want me to lose the power I use in controlling my husband? I don’t want to be free.” As long as you are not willing to let go of the burden on you, there is nothing God will do to take it off you. In any case, God does not force things on you against your will, except in very rare cases. Open Heavens 3 July 2017: Monday daily devotional by Pastor E. A. Adeboye - Focused asking
In addition, you must be ready to cry to the Burden Bearer for help like Bartimaeus did in Mark 10:46-52. He cried once and again saying:

“Jesus, thou Son of David, have mercy on me.”

When others shouted him down, he raised his voice even higher. He kept calling until the Lord heard him. If you are weighed down by a burden and you pray lackadaisically, it simply shows that you are not really concerned about that burden. If you are, you will throw caution and decorum to the wind and call upon the Lord with your whole heart, and He will answer you. Some people call on God for a little while and stop. Such people may not get the answer they seek because they are not desperate enough. If you want results, call on Him and continue calling on Him. Use every opportunity you have to call on Him. Let Him see that you have resolved not to get Him rest until He answers you. When He sees that the answer to your prayers means everything to you, He will answer. As you call on Him this season, the Lord will answer you speedily in Jesus’ Name.

Key Point: If you are not ready to petition God repeatedly until He has no breathing space, you are not desperate enough for your desired change.

Open Heavens Daily Devotional guide was written by Pastor E.A. Adeboye, the General Overseer of the Redeemed Christian Church of God, one of the largest evangelical church in the world and also the President of Christ the Redeemer's Ministries.

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Open Heavens 2 July 2017: Sunday by Pastor Adeboye

Topic: Why Your Healing Is Now [Sunday 2, July 2017]

Memorise: And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth. – John 1:14

Read: Jeremiah 32:26-27 (KJV)

26 Then came the word of the LORD unto Jeremiah, saying,

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

Bible in One Year: 1 Samuel 10-11, Lamentation 3:37-4:1, Hymn: Sing hymn 5

MESSAGE:
[July 2, Sunday 2017]
In Jeremiah 32:27, God said something very profound:

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

In this scripture, God introduced Himself as the God of all flesh. Similarly, in Ezekiel 18:4, He said all souls are His; so we can correctly say that God is also the God of all souls. Also, Hebrews 12:9 calls Him the Father of spirits; we can therefore correctly say that He is the God of all spirits. Considering all these, we can confidently say that God is the God of all the spirit, soul and body (the flesh). It therefore means that He knows everything about your spirit, soul and body, and being the Owner of them all, He can work on any part of you. Praise God! Open Heavens 2 July 2017: Sunday daily devotional by Pastor Adeboye – Why Your Healing Is Now
As the God of all flesh, God is genuinely interested in whatever happens to your body. John 1:1&14 reveals that the Word was God, and He eventually became flesh. So then, what are the implications of the Lord being the God of all flesh? First, He can change any damaged flesh and make it brand new. A particular brother was taken on a visit to Heaven many years ago, and there he saw a particular store-house with spare human body parts of all types, sizes, colours and shapes. These are not needed in Heaven but meant for people on earth. He said with faith in Jesus Christ, you can pull your required body part(s) from that store into your body. Does any part of your body require replacement? Receive it now in Jesus’ Name! One individual who benefitted from this truth was Naaman. His skin was so damaged and ravaged by leprosy that God had to give him brand new skin (2 Kings 5:1-14). All he had to do was to obey God’s instruction and his skin suddenly became like that of a new born baby. In Jesus’ Name, receive that miracle of a brand new part you need for your body now! The level of destruction experienced in the flesh cannot hinder the God of all flesh from doing His job. Some people look at how certain afflictions or sores have ravaged their bodies, and they conclude that there is no more hope for them. No, don’t give up! Job had an understanding of this when in Job 19:26, he said:

“And though after my skin worms destroy this body, yet in my flesh shall I see God:”

There is a user of this Devotional who is afflicted by a sore that has refused to heal. The God of all flesh says He is doing something about it right now. When you are healed, go and testify to God’s glory. Call on God today, worship Him because he is in charge of all flesh and thereafter ask Him to replace your damaged body with brand new parts.

Prayer Point: Father, you are the God of all flesh, solve every problem I have with my body today!

Open Heavens Daily Devotional guide was written by Pastor E.A. Adeboye, the General Overseer of the Redeemed Christian Church of God, one of the largest evangelical church in the world and also the President of Christ the Redeemer's Ministries.

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Sunday, July 2nd - RHAPSODY OF REALITIES DAILY DEVOTIONAL - Christ : The Fulfillment Of God's Promises

RHAPSODY OF REALITIES DAILY DEVOTIONAL

*Christ : The Fulfillment Of God's Promises

Sunday, July 2nd .
Pastor Chris

_*For all the promises of God in him are yea, and in him Amen, unto the glory of God by us (2 Corinthians 1:20).*_

Christ Jesus is the fulfilment of all of God’s promises. There’re no more promises waiting to be fulfilled, and this is the reality. Therefore, stop saying, “I’m believing God for this and for that; I’m waiting on His promise.” Stop “believing,” and start putting your faith to work. Your believing becomes faith when you say, “I have all that I need.”

In Leviticus 26:9, God said to the Israelites, _*“For I will have respect unto you, and make you fruitful, and multiply you, and establish my covenant with you.”*_ Now, imagine praying, “Lord, you said you will make me fruitful. Make me fruitful; it’s your promise.” That’s unbelief in demonstration. The Bible says, “In Christ Jesus all the promises of God are yea and in Him Amen” (2 Corinthians 1:20).

In the Old Testament, God gave the children of Israel several promises of blessings, which were preconditioned on their obedience to the Law and commandments (Deuteronomy 28:2). But for the new creation, we’re the result of Christ’s sacrifice and His obedience. That’s why in 1 Peter 1:14, we’re called obedient children. Paul, alluding to this in Romans 6:17, writes: _*“But God be thanked, that ye were the servants of sin, but ye have obeyed from the heart that form of doctrine which was delivered you.”*_

Thus, our blessings in Christ aren’t preconditioned on our obedience, but on the basis of who we are: heirs of God and joint heirs with Christ! There’s no need praying and asking God to make His promises real in your life; they’re already real. Simply walk in the light of who you are and your inheritance in Christ. You’re the one to prove His Word in your life today.

Don’t say, “Lord, you promised to make me fruitful; you promised to multiply me”; rather, say, “Lord, I thank you for making me fruitful and productive. You’ve multiplied me! I’m flourishing on every side!” Once you see a promise in the Word of God, respond and say, “Glory to God! That’s mine in Christ Jesus; it’s been fulfilled in Christ for my benefit. Blessed be God!”

     *PRAYER*

*Dear Lord, I thank you for the realisation your Word has brought to me today, that in Christ all your promises are fulfilled in my life. I’m so blessed and honoured to be in Christ. I declare that my faith is working and I live a life of total satisfaction and fulfilment, in Jesus’ Name. Amen.*

*FURTHER STUDY:* *||* *1 Corinthians 3:21* Therefore let no man glory in men. For all things are yours;. *||*

*||* *Romans 15:8* Now I say that Jesus Christ was a minister of the circumcision for the truth of God, to confirm the promises [made] unto the fathers: *||*

*||* *2 Peter 1:3-4* According as his divine power hath given unto us all things that [pertain] unto life and godliness, through the knowledge of him that hath called us to glory and virtue: 4 Whereby are given unto us exceeding great and precious promises: that by these ye might be partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust. *||*

*DAILY SCRIPTURE READING*

*1-Year Bible Reading Plan:* Acts 15:36-16:1-15,
Esther 8-10

*2-Year Bible Reading Plan:* Luke 6:12-19,
Deuteronomy 30

*EXTRACT FROM: RHAPSODY OF REALITIES DAILY DEVOTIONAL

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Saturday, July 1st - RHAPSODY OF REALITIES DAILY DEVOTIONAL - Affirmation Activates The Power Of The Word

RHAPSODY OF REALITIES DAILY DEVOTIONAL

Affirmation Activates The Power Of The Word

Saturday, July 1st .
Pastor Chris

_*Let your conversation be without covetousness; and be content with such things as ye have: for he hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee. So that we may boldly say, The Lord is my helper, and I will not fear what man shall do unto me (Hebrews 13:5-6).*_

There’re two different aspects of salvation: the legal and the vital aspects. The vital aspect of salvation is activated by your confession; it only works when you say it; while the legal aspect requires acknowledgement.

In Romans 10:9, we see the confession or affirmation principle as the very basis for salvation. It says, _*“…if thou shalt confess*_ (declare, profess, announce, affirm) _*with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved....”*_ Salvation only becomes real when you make the confession of the lordship of Jesus Christ. The Lord Jesus said in Matthew 12:37, _*“For by thy words thou shalt be justified, and by thy words thou shalt be condemned.”*_ When you confess, affirm or proclaim the lordship of Jesus Christ, you’re translated from the domain or kingdom of darkness into the kingdom of God’s dear Son (Colossians 1:13).

Affirmation of the Word is an important principle in the Kingdom of God. God has spoken His Word so that we can take that Word and affirm it boldly. That’s our faith-response to the Word. He said whatever He said that we might respond. Your confession or affirmation is that response, and it activates the power of God’s Word in your life.

    *PRAYER*

*Precious Father, I thank you for the gift of your Word, and the blessings that I experience for affirming your Word in consent. I’m flourishing in every area of my life, even as I grow in grace and in the knowledge of the truth, in Jesus’ Name. Amen.*

*FURTHER STUDY:* *||* *1 Corinthians 2:12-13* Now we have received, not the spirit of the world, but the spirit which is of God; that we might know the things that are freely given to us of God. 13 Which things also we speak, not in the words which man's wisdom teacheth, but which the Holy Ghost teacheth; comparing spiritual things with spiritual. *||*

*||* *Philemon 1:6* That the communication of thy faith may become effectual by the acknowledging of every good thing which is in you in Christ Jesus. *||*

*DAILY SCRIPTURE READING*

*1-Year Bible Reading Plan:* Acts 15:22-35,
Esther 5-7

*2-Year Bible Reading Plan:* Luke 6:1-11,
Deuteronomy 29

EXTRACT FROM: RHAPSODY OF REALITIES DAILY DEVOTIONAL

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