Open Heavens 9 July 2017: Sunday daily devotional by Pastor Adeboye – The Healing Touch

Topic: The Healing Touch [Sunday 9, July 2017]

Memorise: And Jesus put forth his hand, and touched him, saying, I will; be thou clean. And immediately his leprosy was cleansed. – Matthew 8:3

Read: Matthew 8:1-3 (KJV)

1 When he was come down from the mountain, great multitudes followed him.

2 And, behold, there came a leper and worshipped him, saying, Lord, if thou wilt, thou canst make me clean.

3 And Jesus put forth his hand, and touched him, saying, I will; be thou clean. And immediately his leprosy was cleansed.

Bible in One Year: 1 Samuel 22-23, Ezekiel 4, Hymn: Sing hymn 5

MESSAGE:

There are many methods the God of all flesh uses in healing people. A leper once came to Jesus saying, “Lord, I know You can heal me, but I don’t know if it is Your will.” Jesus touched him and said, “It is My will to heal you; be clean”, and immediately, he received his healing. Through this encounter, we understand that the God of all flesh can heal you by His touch. Some people find it easy to believe that God can touch them spiritually, but they cannot believe that He can touch them physically. Yes, God still touches people physically today. Many year ago, we went to church on a Sunday morning, and after the service, we returned home to rest before going back to church for workers’ meeting in the afternoon. In those days, if you were late for the workers’ meeting, you would be in serious trouble with my father-in-the-Lord. On this particular day, after the morning service, we came back home to rest. We decided that nobody would lie down lest we slept. Afterwards, I went to pray in my room and fell asleep in the process. Then all of a sudden, I felt a strong hand pressing my leg down and I awoke. I glanced at my wristwatch and screamed because we were almost running late! I thought my wife woke me up, so I went to find her to thank her. However, when I got downstairs, expecting to meet her ready and waiting, I met her and the children fast asleep! I then realised I had received a divine touch. Today, the Lord will touch you physically and deliver your healing to you in Jesus’ Name.

On the other hand, the God of all flesh can just speak a word, and you will receive your healing. Hence, Psalm 107:20 says,

“He sent his word, and healed them, and delivered them from their destructions.”

When the Lord Jesus Christ was going to heal Bartimaeus, He did not touch him but only spoke a word, and the blind man received his sight (Mark 10:52). He still does this today. During a Holy Ghost Service we had, the Lord announced that a woman with cervical cancer was in the congregation, and that the cancer was gone, adding that she should go and confirm with her doctor. Indeed, such a woman was there, and she received the word. She went to her doctor for a check-up, and she discovered that the cancer was indeed gone. Are you sick? Receive your healing now in Jesus’ Name.

Action Point: Thank God for the success of pass Holy Ghost Conventions. Pray that this year’s Convention will be the greatest ever experienced.

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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Saturday, July 8th - RHAPSODY OF REALITIES DAILY DEVOTIONAL

RHAPSODY OF REALITIES DAILY DEVOTIONAL

The Power Is In You

Saturday, July 8th .
Pastor Chris

 He that believeth on me, as the scripture hath said, out of his belly shall flow rivers of living water (John 7:38).

Out of ignorance, many people think that what they need to fulfil the will of God and produce lasting results is more anointing. So they pray, “Lord, I need a double portion of the anointing.” But there’s nowhere in the Scriptures where God promised to give us more anointing. Many have misunderstood the anointing to mean something totally different from what the Bible actually teaches.

First, the anointing is the symbolic consecration. When someone is anointed with oil like it was in the Old Testament, that’s the symbolic consecration. But more importantly, the anointing is the effect of the power and presence of the Holy Spirit. Therefore, for the Christian who already has the Holy Spirit to ask for “more anointing” is a contradiction. Why ask for the effect when you have the real thing? The Holy Spirit is the real deal. He’s the power of God, the power giver, and He lives in you in His fullness.

You received the Holy Spirit, not as a fluid; water, smoke, cloud or gas, but as a person. When He took up His abode in you, it was with the totality of His being. Therefore, the anointing, which is the effect or result of His presence in you, should be oozing out of you. In John 7:38, when Jesus was talking about the Holy Spirit, He didn’t say, “Upon you shall flow rivers of living water”; rather, He said out of your belly shall flow rivers of living water.

Don’t ask or pray for more anointing to fall on you; what you need is the flow of the Spirit. That is, how to let what’s inside you flow out! You can stir up that power to flow through you more by speaking in tongues and meditating on the Word.

                    *CONFESSION*

*Dear Father, thank you for your Spirit who has taken up His abode in the quarters of my heart. I’m imbued with supernatural powers, graces and glory, which overflow from within me to my world. Righteousness, peace, joy, and excellence exude from me, in Jesus’ Name. Amen.*

*FURTHER STUDY:* *||* *John 7:38-39* He that believeth on me, as the scripture hath said, out of his belly shall flow rivers of living water. 39 (But this spake he of the Spirit, which they that believe on him should receive: for the Holy Ghost was not yet [given]; because that Jesus was not yet glorified.) *||*

*||* *Ephesians 3:20-21* 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, 21 Unto him [be] glory in the church by Christ Jesus throughout all ages, world without end. Amen. *||*

*DAILY SCRIPTURE READING*

*1-Year Bible Reading Plan:* Acts 19:8-41,
Job 15-18

*2-Year Bible Reading Plan:* Luke 7:18-35,
Joshua 3-4

*EXTRACT FROM: RHAPSODY OF REALITIES DAILY DEVOTIONAL*

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Open Heavens 8 July 2017: Saturday daily devotional by Pastor Adeboye – Permanent Peace is Possible

Topic: Permanent Peace is Possible [Saturday 8, July 2017]

Memorise: Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on thee: because he trusteth in thee. – Isaiah 26:3

Read: Matthew 14:22-33 (KJV)

22 And straightway Jesus constrained his disciples to get into a ship, and to go before him unto the other side, while he sent the multitudes away.

23 And when he had sent the multitudes away, he went up into a mountain apart to pray: and when the evening was come, he was there alone.

24 But the ship was now in the midst of the sea, tossed with waves: for the wind was contrary.

25 And in the fourth watch of the night Jesus went unto them, walking on the sea.

26 And when the disciples saw him walking on the sea, they were troubled, saying, It is a spirit; and they cried out for fear.

27 But straightway Jesus spake unto them, saying, Be of good cheer; it is I; be not afraid.

28 And Peter answered him and said, Lord, if it be thou, bid me come unto thee on the water.

29 And he said, Come. And when Peter was come down out of the ship, he walked on the water, to go to Jesus.

30 But when he saw the wind boisterous, he was afraid; and beginning to sink, he cried, saying, Lord, save me.

31 And immediately Jesus stretched forth his hand, and caught him, and said unto him, O thou of little faith, wherefore didst thou doubt?

32 And when they were come into the ship, the wind ceased.

33 Then they that were in the ship came and worshipped him, saying, Of a truth thou art the Son of God.

Bible in One Year: 1 Samuel 20-21, Ezekiel 3:16-27, Hymn: Sing hymn 2

MESSAGE:

The Blood of Jesus Christ is a very potent weapon available to us today (Revelation 12:11). The moment you surrender your life to Jesus, victory comes, because the same blood that cleanses from all sins also conquers Satan. However, if the Blood does not first wash away your sins, you will remain a slave to the devil (Colossians 1:14). It is only after the Blood has worked on you through salvation that the same Blood gives you victory over Satan. For 13 years, I was running from witches and wizards, and then I met the Lord Jesus Christ. He saved me, and ever since then, no witch anywhere in the world can come close to me, because I am covered with the Blood of Jesus.

Moreover, apart from the Blood of Jesus that is made available to us after salvation, peace that surpasses human understanding is another benefit that comes in after the door of salvation is opened. In fact, while there is no peace to the wicked, peace like a river is made available to you if you are saved. Jesus, in John 14:27, says to you:

“Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.”

The One who comes into your heart the moment you are born again is the Prince of Peace; you therefore must experience peace in all areas of your life if you have received Him. I pray for you that as you receive Jesus into your life today or draw closer to Him, you will experience peace in every area of your life in Jesus’ Name. Have you been troubled? I speak peace from the Prince of Peace into your troubled situation now! Peace that passes all understanding shall locate you today! In addition, that peace that you receive from the Prince of Peace can be retained in your life. Yes, you can have permanent peace. How? Isaiah 26:3 says,

“Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on thee: because he trusteth in thee.”

If you have Jesus, you have peace. Anytime you make Jesus your focus, your peace is sustained, and if Jesus remains your focus, you will have permanent peace irrespective of the raging storms of life. While Peter focused on Jesus, he could come out of the troubled boat and walk on water towards Jesus, but the moment he shifted his focus to the wind, he began to sink. What has been your focus? Through the peace that Jesus gives, you can now determine the quality of peace you experience and for how long it will last. Set your focus on the Prince of Peace today.

Action Point: Pray for every family that is experiencing storms to encounter the Prince of Peace and receive His peace that is beyond understanding.

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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Friday, 7th July- Rhapsody Of Realities Daily Devotional

Walk In The Light Of Your New
Life In Christ

Friday, 7th July
Pastor Chris

Therefore we are buried with him by baptism into death:
that like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the
glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in
newness of life (Romans 6:4).

1Corinthians 6:11 reveals an extraordinary reality
about the new creation. Actually, Paul had to bring
the communication to a level that the Christians in Corinth,
who at the time were still spiritual babes, could easily
understand.

   To fully grasp the import of the message, let’s include
and read the preceding verses nine and ten: *_“Know ye not
that the unrighteous shall not inherit the kingdom of God? Be
not deceived: neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers,
nor effeminate, nor abusers of themselves with mankind, Nor
thieves, nor covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor
extortioners, shall inherit the kingdom of God. And such were
some of you: but ye are washed, but ye are sanctified, but ye
are justified in the name of the Lord Jesus, and by the Spirit of
our God.”

    Verse eleven says, “And such were some of you….”
However, in reality, the new creation couldn’t actually be
described as someone who used to be any of those
characters described in verses nine and ten above for the
simple reason that the new creation has no past. He’s a brand
new species. 2 Corinthians 5:17 says, *_“Therefore if any man
be in Christ, he is a new creation: old things are passed away;
behold, all things are become new.”_*

    It wasn’t just a mere change that took place in you when you were born again; it was an actual replacement
or supplanting of the life of which you were born of your
parents, with another life, the indestructible life of God. Real
Christianity isn’t the inclusion or impartation of another
nature, but an actual recreation of the human spirit by God.
You’ve come alive to God through the new birth. You might
then want to ask, “How come people still find themselves
doing certain things they shouldn’t do, even after they’re born
again?”

    The answer is simple: they’ve not fully yielded
themselves to the Word to live from their spirit. Really, those
wrong actions don’t come from their human spirits, but from
the “unrenewed” mind and the senses—which is why we’re
told to renew our minds with the Word (Romans 12:2). You
must develop your human spirit by learning, meditating and
acting on the Word. That way, you’ll train your spirit to rule
over your senses, and keep walking in the light of your
righteousness, justification, and new life in Christ Jesus.
 

  *CONFESSION*

*I’m a new creation, a brand new
species of being; old things are
passed away and all things have
become new! My mind is
renewed and reprogrammed for
the transcendent life of glory.
Blessed be God!*


|| *FURTHER STUDY:*

|| *Ephesians 4:22-24 KJV*
That ye put off concerning the former conversation the old man, which is corrupt according to the deceitful lusts; [23] And be renewed in the spirit of your mind; [24] And that ye put on the new man, which after God is created in righteousness and true holiness.


|| *Romans 6:4 KJV*
Therefore we are buried with him by baptism into death: that like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life.


|| *DAILY SCRIPTURE READING PLAN*

*1 YEAR BIBLE
READING PLAN:*
Acts 18:24-19:1-7, Job 12-14

*2 YEAR BIBLE
READING PLAN:*
Luke 7:11-17, Joshua 1-2


EXTRACT FROM: Rhapsody Of Realities Daily Devotional

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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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