Open Heavens 20 July 2017: Thursday daily devotional by Pastor Adeboye – Abandoning God’s Assignment?

Topic: Abandoning God’s Assignment? [Thursday 20, July 2017]

Memorise: Ye looked for much, and, lo, it came to little; and when ye brought it home, I did blow upon it. Why? saith the LORD of hosts. Because of mine house that is waste, and ye run every man unto his own house. – Haggai 1:9

Read: Haggai 1:5-11 (KJV)

5 Now therefore thus saith the LORD of hosts; Consider your ways.

6 Ye have sown much, and bring in little; ye eat, but ye have not enough; ye drink, but ye are not filled with drink; ye clothe you, but there is none warm; and he that earneth wages earneth wages to put it into a bag with holes.

7 Thus saith the LORD of hosts; Consider your ways.

8 Go up to the mountain, and bring wood, and build the house; and I will take pleasure in it, and I will be glorified, saith the LORD.

9 Ye looked for much, and, lo, it came to little; and when ye brought it home, I did blow upon it. Why? saith the LORD of hosts. Because of mine house that is waste, and ye run every man unto his own house.

10 Therefore the heaven over you is stayed from dew, and the earth is stayed from her fruit.

11 And I called for a drought upon the land, and upon the mountains, and upon the corn, and upon the new wine, and upon the oil, and upon that which the ground bringeth forth, and upon men, and upon cattle, and upon all the labour of the hands.

Bible in One Year: 2 Samuel 15-16; Ezekiel 12:7-20, Hymn: Sing hymn 14

MESSAGE:

“What shall we then say to these things? If God be for us, who can be against us?” - Romans 8:31

The above scripture clearly tells us that God can be for us. It is so reassuring to know that God can stand for you. Whenever He is for you, anyone against you is in trouble. However, do you know that just as God can be for you, He can also be against you? Yes, He can if you check through the Scriptures; you will see many instances where God stirred up the enemies of His children to fight against them (Judges 4:1-3, Judges 6:1-10). They remained defeated until they realised their evil, repented and ran back to God. Judges 13:1 says,

“And the children of Israel did evil again in the sight of the LORD; and the LORD delivered them into the hand of the Philistines forty years.”

Every time you turn away from God, violate His word or live to gratify your fleshly lusts, you turn Him against you.

Moreover, God can personally fight or frustrate the efforts of His children. In our Bible reading, because some people refused to complete the building of God’s house, He decided to frustrate their personal efforts. It is frightening to see the extent God can go to in fighting His own children! In Haggai 1:6, it is written that his people worked like elephants but brought in the harvest of ants. They ate but were never satisfied, and their thirst could not be quenched no matter how much water they drank. No matter how many clothes they wore, they could not get warm. They worked and were paid, but kept losing their wages. Haggai 1:9 even goes further to say that if they managed to bring in any little gain, God would blow it away. God also prevented the heavens from releasing rain and the earth for releasing its increase. He went further to declare a famine on their land. This was God fighting His children and not any devil Why the fight? It was because they abandoned God’s house and focused on building their own mansions with the resources God had given them. If you abandon God’s assignment or project in pursuit of yours, you are calling for God’s hammer. In any way you have erred, repent today and turn to what you abandoned, and the Lord will turn away from His anger.

Prayer Point: Father, prosper all Your missionaries in mission fields across the globe. Back them up with signs and wonders. Help them to win souls and to disciple your end-time army.

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. 

Read More

Thursday, July 20th - RHAPSODY OF REALITIES

*See From A Higher Realm*

Thursday, July 20th .
Pastor Chris

While we look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen: for the things which are seen are temporal; but the things which are not seen are eternal (2 Corinthians 4:18).

The preceding Scripture to our opening verse says, “For our light affliction, which is but for a moment…” (2 Corinthians 4:17). In other words, that pain or that unpleasant situation may have been for five or ten years, but it’s subject to change, and it’ll work for you a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory. How? The answer is in the opening verse: “While we look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen: for the things which are seen are temporal; but the things which are not seen are eternal.”

Stop looking at your present physical condition or how much you have in the bank or what people are saying about you. See the invisible! When you see the invisible, the wilderness experience will end. See God doing great things in your life. See yourself prosperous, healthy, vibrant and strong. See yourself walking in victory. See yourself walking in the glory of God.

This brings to mind the story of Abraham in Genesis 17:4-5. God changed Abraham’s name from Abram when he had no physical descendants. Abraham means “father of many” while Abram means “assumed father.” So, even when He had no children, God called him the father of many. God was teaching him to see the invisible.

The Apostle Paul, in Romans 4:17, explains to us that Abraham believed what God had said concerning him: “(As it is written, I have made thee a father of many nations,) before him whom he believed, even God, who quickeneth the dead, and calleth those things which be not as though they were.” He took his gaze off what his physical senses dictated to him and looked at the invisible through the eyes of the spirit. He saw himself as the father of many, just as God had said.

What has God made you? In your life, you must boldly declare who you really are. Someone might say, “Oh God, I’m such a failure; I’ve failed in everything. I’m so fed up with life.” Change your vision. Begin to see from another perspective. See the invisible. Meditate on, and declare what God has said about you.

When you say what God has said about you, your soul will be adjusted to act that way. You need to reprogramme your life with the Word of God. Whatever God has said about you, accept it; believe it, and say it to yourself consistently (Hebrews 13:5-6).

   PRAYER

I look away from all distracting situations and fix my gaze upon Jesus, the author and finisher of my faith. I see victory, health, prosperity and triumph, now and always, in Jesus’ Name. Amen.

FURTHER STUDY: || 2 Corinthians 5:7 (For we walk by faith, not by sight:) ||

|| Hebrews 12:2 Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of [our] faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God. ||

|| Romans 8:28 And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to [his] purpose. ||

DAILY SCRIPTURE READING

1-Year Bible Reading Plan: Acts 26:19-32,
Psalms 19-20

2-Year Bible Reading Plan: Luke 9:49-62,
Joshua 16-17

EXTRACT FROM: RHAPSODY OF REALITIES DAILY DEVOTIONAL

Read More

Wednesday, July 19th - RHAPSODY OF REALITIES DAILY DEVOTIONAL

RHAPSODY OF REALITIES DAILY DEVOTIONAL

*All Things Are Possible If You Believe*

Wednesday, July 19th .
Pastor Chris

_*Jesus said unto him, If thou canst believe, all things are possible to him that believeth (Mark 9:23).*_

In Mark 9, a man was so helpless and came to Jesus. His son had been taken over by an epileptic spirit. The man, desperate and in dire need of help, told the Master, _*“…ofttimes it hath cast him into the fire, and into the waters, to destroy him: but if thou canst do any thing, have compassion on us, and help us”*_ (Mark 9:22).

You might be in a similar condition today and are completely at sea as to what to do. You might even be pleading like that man, asking God to do just anything and have compassion on you. I’ll like to tell you this: brighten up! Notice the Master’s response: _*“…If thou canst believe, all things are possible to him that believeth”*_ (Mark 9:23). What a message to a frustrated and desperate father who had gone everywhere seeking help!

Notice that Jesus didn’t say it depends on how long the matter has been, how serious the case is or how much you can pay for it! He only said, “If you can believe, all things are possible to him that believes.”

Can you believe today that you’ve been made whole in Christ? Can you believe that He’s already granted you all things that pertain to life and to godliness? That’s what the Word says: all things are yours (1 Corinthians 3:21). Believe and act accordingly. To believe doesn’t mean to expect something to happen in the future: that is hope. Believing is acting your faith; putting your faith to work now. Believing is the verb of faith.

That situation you’re in right now, isn’t God’s sentence. Believe and affirm that there’s a change. Affirm that things are turning out for your good, just like Romans 8:28 says: _*“And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.”*_

                     *PRAYER*

*Dear Father, thank you for causing faith to rise up in my heart today and for the blessed assurance that comes in your infallible Word. I reach out with my faith and I appropriate all that you have for me today. I walk in health, victory and your supernatural blessings, in Jesus’ Name. Amen.*

*FURTHER STUDY:* *||* *Luke 18:27* And he said, The things which are impossible with men are possible with God. *||*

*||* *Mark 11:24* Therefore I say unto you, What things soever ye desire, when ye pray, believe that ye receive [them], and ye shall have [them]. *||*

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

*DAILY SCRIPTURE READING*

*1-Year Bible Reading Plan:* Acts 26:2-18,
Psalms 17-18

*2-Year Bible Reading Plan:* Luke 9:37-48,
Joshua 15

*EXTRACT FROM: RHAPSODY OF REALITIES DAILY DEVOTIONAL

Read More

Open Heavens 19 July 2017: Wednesday daily devotional by Pastor Adeboye – A New Management

Topic: A New Management [Wednesday 19, July 2017]

Memorise: Know ye not, that to whom ye yield yourselves servants to obey, his servants ye are to whom ye obey; whether of sin unto death, or of obedience unto righteousness? – Romans 6:16

Read: Romans 6:13-20 (KJV)

13 Neither yield ye your members as instruments of unrighteousness unto sin: but yield yourselves unto God, as those that are alive from the dead, and your members as instruments of righteousness unto God.

14 For sin shall not have dominion over you: for ye are not under the law, but under grace.

15 What then? shall we sin, because we are not under the law, but under grace? God forbid.

16 Know ye not, that to whom ye yield yourselves servants to obey, his servants ye are to whom ye obey; whether of sin unto death, or of obedience unto righteousness?

17 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.

18 Being then made free from sin, ye became the servants of righteousness.

19 I speak after the manner of men because of the infirmity of your flesh: for as ye have yielded your members servants to uncleanness and to iniquity unto iniquity; even so now yield your members servants to righteousness unto holiness.

20 For when ye were the servants of sin, ye were free from righteousness.

Bible in One Year: 2 Samuel 14; Ezekiel 11:14-12:6, Hymn: Sing hymn 11

MESSAGE:

When you have an encounter with Jesus that results in you accepting Him as your personal Lord and Saviour, your life comes under a new management. In Matthew 11:28-29, Jesus said:

“28 Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. 29 Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls.”

Before encountering Jesus, your affairs were managed by Satan and also by your own self-will (Ephesians 2:2-3). A choice to welcome Jesus into your heart means that you have chosen to do away with all your former masters and have embraced the Lordship of Jesus over your affairs. My father used to say that whosoever you allow to be your master will take care of you with whatever he has. If Satan is your master, he will give you what he has: sickness, sorrow, fear and all kinds of problems. If Jesus is your master, He will take care of you with good health, joy, peace and all kinds of blessings. Who are you yielding to presently? Who is you master?

I was once invited to preach at the thanksgiving service of a particular king. While I was preparing for the service, his chiefs, dressed in the regalia of various secret societies, began to come in. An usher saw them and ran to me to ask if they should be allowed to enter the Church. I told him to seat them in the front row where Jesus would be able to reach them quickly. I immediately changed my sermon to talk about Elijah’s confrontation with the prophets of Baal on Mount Carmel. At the end of the sermon, because I know who my Master is, I said this to them: “I challenge all of you, if you can use all your powers to deflate one of my tyres, I will surrender to your god, but if you cannot, you must surrender to my God.” I then told them the registration number of my car. By the time I gave the altar call, the second-in-command to the king, who was the leader of all the secret societies, was the first to come forward. When the other chiefs saw this, they followed suit. After the service, the king said we should go and check up on his second-in-command to find out if he understood what he just did. When we got to him, he said he knew what he had done by surrendering to Christ, adding, “When you see a small boy like this challenging all of us, who doesn’t know that he must have someone behind him? It is the One behind him that we surrendered to.” Thirty days later, this chief died. He had served the devil all his life and was heading for hell, but thirty days before his death, he changed to a new government and he is now in Heaven. Who is managing your life?

Prayer Point: Father, wherever forces of darkness are challenging Your children in this nation, show up and paralyse them 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.

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.

Read More

RHAPSODY OF REALITIES DAILY DEVOTIONAL - Tuesday 18, July 2017]

RHAPSODY OF REALITIES DAILY DEVOTIONAL


Identified With His Name

Tuesday 18, July 2017]

Pastor Chris

_*Now thanks be unto God, which always causeth us to triumph in Christ, and maketh manifest the savour of his knowledge by us in every place (2 Corinthians 2:14).*_

The Name of Jesus is the greatest name ever revealed to man; it’s the most powerful name, not only in the world, but in the entire universe: that’s the name by which God created all things. God has vested all authority in that wonderful and matchless Name of our Lord Jesus Christ. Philippians 2:9 says, _*“Wherefore God also hath highly exalted him, and given him a name which is above every name.”*_

When you confessed the lordship of Jesus over your life, you were baptised into the Name of Jesus; and you automatically became a part of that Name. Galatians 3:27 says, _*“For as many of you as have been baptized into Christ have put on Christ.”*_ You should be glad to be identified with that Name. It means whatever belongs to Jesus belongs to you!

Satan has no claims over you anymore; you belong to Jesus Christ, and the Name of Jesus is named upon you. We live in His Name; we pray in His Name. Colossians 3:17 says, _*“And whatsoever ye do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God and the Father by him.”*_ That’s the way to live a supernatural life. You function and live in the Name of Jesus. That means you’re living for Him, in His authority. Can you see why it’s practically out of place to live in defeat, failure or poverty?

We’re called to live in the Name of Jesus; in the Name of the creator of the world. I can’t consider or conceive of anything more sublime or transcendent! It’s a wonderful Name; an excellent Name—the matchless Name of Jesus Christ.

If you have a tumour in your body, say, “Tumour, in the Name of Jesus, you can’t stay in this body; I command you to die and pass out of my body!” And it’ll go. If you have a problem with your heart, use the Name of Jesus as an instrument against that infirmity. Say, “Heart, I command you to function normally, in the Name of Jesus,” and there’ll be a change.

Whatever situation confronts you is subject to the Name of Jesus Christ. Declare for yourself: “In the Name of Jesus, I’m growing in grace; I’m excellent; sound and healthy; strong and vibrant!” Take advantage of that Name and bring calmness, peace, tranquillity and prosperity into your life and that of your loved ones.

    *PRAYER*

*Dear Father, I’m glad to be associated with the most sublime, powerful and most excellent Name that exists. I take advantage of the Name of Jesus, and live by the power and authority of that Name. I speak peace, progress, health, prosperity and victory, into my life and that of my loved ones, in Jesus’ Name. Amen.*

*FURTHER STUDY:* *||* *Acts 4:12* Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved. *||*

*||* *Philippians 2:9-10* Wherefore God also hath highly exalted him, and given him a name which is above every name: 10 That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of [things] in heaven, and [things] in earth, and [things] under the earth; *||*

*||* *John 20:31* But these are written, that ye might believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God; and that believing ye might have life through his name. *||*

*DAILY SCRIPTURE READING*

*1-Year Bible Reading Plan:* Acts 25:13-26:1,
Psalms 11-16

*2-Year Bible Reading Plan:* Luke 9:28-36,
Joshua 14

*EXTRACT FROM: RHAPSODY OF REALITIES DAILY DEVOTIONAL*

*Act Now!!! Give someone the chance for a new start and fresh hope for tomorrow. Follow this link to Donate at least One Copy:* http://bit.ly/2siimSm

*Be A Partner Of Rhapsody Of Realities Today!*

Read More

Open Heavens 18 July 2017: Tuesday daily devotional by Pastor Adeboye – What About Your Household?

Topic: What About Your Household? [Tuesday 18, July 2017]

Memorise: One that ruleth well his own house, having his children in subjection with all gravity; – 1 Timothy 3:4

Read: Acts 21:8-9 (KJV)

8 And the next day we that were of Paul's company departed, and came unto Caesarea: and we entered into the house of Philip the evangelist, which was one of the seven; and abode with him.

9 And the same man had four daughters, virgins, which did prophesy.

Bible in One Year: 2 Samuel 12:13; Ezekiel 10:20-11:13, Hymn: Sing hymn 16

MESSAGE:

Philip was a church planter, obedient, submissive to authority, had a servant spirit and was a man of good report. Beyond these, another valuable trait he had which made God use him mightily for signs and wonders is the fact that he was a man of total commitment to God. Philip served God, but it did not end with him alone; he ensured that his family members followed the same godly path. Like Joshua who declared to the children of Israel that he and his household had decided to follow the Lord alone (Joshua 24:15), Philip decided in a determined way that everyone in his household would serve God. In our Bible reading, we are told that he had four virgin daughters, who were all saved, filled with the Holy Spirit and operated in the gift of prophecy. This clearly shows us that he led his household in the way of the Lord. It also means that he was a good role model to his children. They saw how real the Christian faith was in the life of their father and they desired it. Do your children follow the Christ you claim to follow? Are you a good role model for them? Does your life attract them to become true children of God?

Joshua in Joshua 24:15 said,

“As for me and my house, we will serve the Lord.”

Contrary to this stance, it is very unfortunate that today, some parents make excuses for the lukewarmness or even godlessness exhibited by their children and wards. Such parents may say, “Sir, you don’t understand; my children are now in the university.” Are they implying that children in the university should not obey their parents anymore, or that such children are incapable of doing God’s will? Some will even say, “We believe that when it comes to the issue of faith, it should be voluntary.” Is it right if your children voluntarily go to hell? No way! No child should be left to take such a foolish decision! It is your duty to instruct your household after you in the way of the Lord. My biological children, who are now adults, can testify to how I raised them up. None of them dared to come late for morning devotion. If you were late, you would remain standing or be spanked. Joshua commanded his family to serve the Lord. No wonder he was able to command the sun to stand still and it did. If you can instruct your household to genuinely serve God, you will be able to command what God created, and they will obey you. Who is in charge of your home: you or your children?

Key Point: If you raise your children well to follow and serve the Lord, He will reward you, but if you don’t, He will judge you.

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.

Read More

Monday , July 17th - RHAPSODY OF REALITIES DAILY DEVOTIONAL

RHAPSODY OF REALITIES DAILY DEVOTIONAL

*The Word Is Trustworthy*

Monday , July 17th
Pastor Chris

For we have not followed cunningly devised fables, when we made known unto you the power and coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, but were eyewitnesses of his majesty (2 Peter 1:16).

God’s Word is absolutely trustworthy and dependable. Matthew 24:35 says, “Heaven and earth shall pass away, but my words shall not pass away.”The Scriptures are proven to be the Word of God: the account of Jesus Christ and His work of redemption, His vicarious death, burial, resurrection, and ascension to glory. The entire Scriptures chronicle everything that’s involved in His redemptive work, the implication of all that He accomplished on our behalf, and the testament sealed in His death.  Not only are these accounts authentic and trustworthy as communicated to us in the Scriptures, they were delivered to us to live by.

For example, Peter refers to the narrative in Matthew 17 in his second epistle. He explained how they (Peter, James and John) were “eyewitnesses of His majesty”—the transfiguration, where Jesus’ face shone like the sun, and His clothes dazzled. They saw Moses and Elijah appear on the mount. They even heard a voice from heaven which said, “…This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased; hear ye him” (Matthew 17:5).

Yet, by the Spirit, he tells us “We have also a more sure word of prophecy; where unto ye do well that ye take heed, as unto a light that shineth in a dark place, until the day dawn, and the day star arise in your hearts” (2 Peter 1:19).  Even though they were eyewitnesses of that glory, there was something more trustworthy than their experience.

So, beyond the beauties and the glorious experiences they had, Peter reckoned that the Word was surer than experience.

Hold on to God’s Word; it’s a more sure word than our experiences! Imagine if you had symptoms of pains or sickness in your body, don’t budge. Use the word against it. The Word is absolutely trustworthy and dependable.

You may not feel like it’s working out; things may not seem to be changing on the outside, but hold on to the Word! Keep declaring the Word to yourself, to God, and concerning that situation, until you have the note of victory in your spirit.

PRAYER

Dear Father, I thank you for the power of your eternal Word that’s at work in me today producing in me the fruit of it's  message , having embraced it as the more sure Word of prophecy-to live by , and build my life on !  By the power of your Word , I win in the good fight of faith today ,and every day , in the Name of Jesus.  Amen

FURTHER STUDY:
Matthew 24:35 Hebrews 4:12

1 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN:
Acts 25:1-12 Psalms 7-10

2 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN:
Luke 9:18-27 Joshua 13

Read More

OPEN HEAVENS DAILY DEVOTIONAL DATE: MONDAY JULY 17TH 2017 THEME: NO SHAKING!

OPEN HEAVENS DAILY DEVOTIONAL 
DATE: MONDAY JULY 17TH 2017

THEME: NO SHAKING!

MEMORISE: Therefore will not we fear, though the earth be removed, and though the mountains be carried into the midst of the sea; Psalm 46:2

READ: Psalm 46:1-3
46:1 God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.
46:2 Therefore will not we fear, though the earth be removed, and though the mountains be carried into the midst of the sea;
46:3 Though the waters thereof roar and be troubled, though the mountains shake with the swelling thereof. Selah.

MESSAGE:
When you have God as your refuge, you stand to derive numerous benefits. Having God as your Refuge places you in an advantageous position and makes you truly blessed. One of the blessings that money cannot buy is having divine cover over your life that keeps you safe from the enemy. If you consider your strengths and weaknesses, and take a stock of the opportunities and threats you are exposed to continuously, you will realize that having God as a Refuge is priceless benefit indeed. With God as your cover, you are shielded from so many attacks of the enemy. Even the losses that are programmed to come your way are terminated by God before they get to you. If you are not yet enjoying the strength of God’s cover, you are experiencing a big minus in your life.

Another benefit of having God as your Refuge is that His strength will be made available to help you in the time of trouble. Speaking about God’s strength, 1 Corinthians 1:25b gives this insight:
“…. and the weakness of God is stronger than men.”

In several scriptures, Good promises to help us in the time of need. For instance, Psalm 50:15 says,
“And call upon me in the day of trouble: I will deliver thee, and thou shalt glorify me.”
If God is not your Refuge and you call on Him when you need help, He may not respond to you. On the other hand, He easily responds to those under His cover. Are you under God’s cover? Is He your Refuge?
Moreover, when God is your Refuge, no matter what happens, there is no cause for alarm. Just think about this for a minute: Psalm 46:2-3 says that as you are under God’s cover, when there is an earthquake and uproar in the seas or even if the mountains are blown off their locations, you will still be safe where you are. Praise God! It is an anomaly for you to be under God’s protective cover and still be afraid of storms of life. Beloved, do not be scared of the storms confronting you! Don’t be afraid of the earthquake! Don’t even shake when the unmovable are moved from their secured places. Why? As long as God is your Refuge, you cannot be moved. Whatever cannot move God cannot move you. If out of fear, you have been displaced from under God’s cover, in the Name of Jesus Christ, as you repent of your lack of faith, the Lord will return you to the place of His Refuge! With God as your Refuge, there is no shaking for you!

PRAYER POINT:
Father, because You are my Refuge, let everything that is designed to shake me fail.

BIBLE IN ONE YEAR: 2 Samuel 10-11 and Ezekiel 10:3-19

AUTHOR: PASTOR E. A. ADEBOYE

Read More

Open Heavens 16 July 2017: Sunday daily devotional by Pastor Adeboye – Legs on Vacation?

Topic: Legs on Vacation? [Sunday 16, July 2017]

Memorise: And he leaping up stood, and walked, and entered with them into the temple, walking, and leaping, and praising God. – Acts 3:8

Read: Acts 3:1-9 (KJV)

1 Now Peter and John went up together into the temple at the hour of prayer, being the ninth hour.

2 And a certain man lame from his mother's womb was carried, whom they laid daily at the gate of the temple which is called Beautiful, to ask alms of them that entered into the temple;

3 Who seeing Peter and John about to go into the temple asked an alms.

4 And Peter, fastening his eyes upon him with John, said, Look on us.

5 And he gave heed unto them, expecting to receive something of them.

6 Then Peter said, Silver and gold have I none; but such as I have give I thee: In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth rise up and walk.

7 And he took him by the right hand, and lifted him up: and immediately his feet and ankle bones received strength.

8 And he leaping up stood, and walked, and entered with them into the temple, walking, and leaping, and praising God.

9 And all the people saw him walking and praising God:

Bible in One Year: 2 Samuel 7-9, Ezekiel 9:1-10:2, Hymn: Sing hymn 17

MESSAGE:

“And Jesus said unto him, Go thy way; thy faith hath made thee whole. And immediately he received his sight, and followed Jesus in the way.” - Mark 10:52

From the above scripture, the way Bartimaeus responded after the Burden Bearer lifted the burden of blindness off his life is a lesson to us all. After the Burden Bearer has answered your call and lifted off your burden, certain follow-up steps are expected of you. Some people after receiving their miracle thank God for a minute and then bid him farewell. This should not be so! Immediately after Bartimaeus received his sight, he became a follower of Jesus Christ. Know for sure that the devil will definitely contest every victory you secure over him. For failing to take the necessary follow-up steps required of you after each victory, the devil can reintroduce an entirely new burden into your life (Matthew 12:43-45). Post-victory follow-up action is as important as pre-victory perseverance.

After a burden is lifted off your shoulders, what should you do? You should praise God. For taking your burden away, praising God is the least you can do. Praise should flow naturally out of you as it did from the lame man in today’s Bible reading. Immediately after his burden of stagnation was lifted, he got up, walking, leaping and praising God. For 40 years he was placed in front of the temple gate, but he could not go in; but after he gained the ability to walk, he entered the temple, compelled a praise service to be held on his behalf, and on that day, many people learnt how to praise God through him. For 40 years, this man had observed how those parishioners came to the temple and would barely move their legs and bodies while praising God. He would have said to himself several times, “Oh God! I wish I had legs, I would have shown these people how to dance for you”. Then that day, God granted his desire and strengthened his two legs, and boy, he really did dance! He singlehandedly changed a regular service into a praise service. You who have always had the use of your two legs, when did you ever praise God by leaping? When you truly praise God, your legs cannot be motionless. When some people praise God, only their lips are moving; the rest of their bodies, especially their legs, go on vacation. How do you plan to praise God when he finally lifts that nagging burden off your neck? From now on, start praising Him that way, and you will have your miracle speedily.

Key Point: Those who understand the efficacy of praise are never shy to praise God anyhow, anywhere and anytime.

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.

Read More

Sunday, July 16th - RHAPSODY OF REALITIES DAILY DEVOTIONAL

RHAPSODY OF REALITIES DAILY DEVOTIONAL

Act Your Salvation

Sunday, July 16th .
Pastor Chris

_*Wherefore, my beloved, as ye have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling (Philippians 2:12).*_

Havingconfessed the lordship of Jesus over your life and received eternal life into your spirit, the very next and most important thing is putting the Word of God into practice; that is, putting the Word to work. Paul tells us, _*“…work out your own salvation with fear and trembling.”*_ This simply means to act your salvation.

“I’ve been a Christian all these while and Christianity hasn’t done anything for me,” someone said. The fact is that Christianity doesn’t do anything for you; you’re to do something with your Christianity. You’re the one to work the Word and make it produce results in your life. You’ll be super elated at the glory of God that’ll be manifested in your life as you act on His Word. This is where some have missed it. They’re not aware that the Word of God is for doing.

In Christianity, we practise the Word: _*“But be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving your own selves. For if any be a hearer of the word, and not a doer, he is like unto a man beholding his natural face in a glass: For he beholdeth himself, and goeth his way, and straightway forgetteth what manner of man he was. But whoso looketh into the perfect law of liberty, and continueth therein, he being not a forgetful hearer, but a doer of the work, this man shall be blessed in his deed”*_ (James 1:22-25). First is that you search and study the Word, and then you believe, and act accordingly.

For example, if you felt the symptom of sickness, read Romans 8:11. It says, _*“But if the Spirit of him that raised up Jesus from the dead dwell in you, he that raised up Christ from the dead shall also quicken your mortal bodies by his Spirit that dwelleth in you.”*_ Then declare that you’re in health and no sickness can thrive in your body. Refuse to let the pain or discomfort dominate your mind; rather, set your gaze on the Lord and His infallible Word, rejoicing in His truth. The Word will prevail.

                     *PRAYER*

*Dear Father, my heart is forever open to receive your engrafted Word with meekness, faith and gladness. As I put the Word to work, I experience productivity, efficiency and growth. I’m transformed, strengthened and energised in Christ Jesus. Amen.*

*FURTHER STUDY:* *||* *James 1:21-25 NIV* Therefore, get rid of all moral filth and the evil that is so prevalent and humbly accept the word planted in you, which can save you. 22 Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says. 23 Anyone who listens to the word but does not do what it says is like someone who looks at his face in a mirror 24 and, after looking at himself, goes away and immediately forgets what he looks like. 25 But whoever looks intently into the perfect law that gives freedom, and continues in it—not forgetting what they have heard, but doing it—they will be blessed in what they do. *||*

*||* *Luke 6:47-49* Whosoever cometh to me, and heareth my sayings, and doeth them, I will shew you to whom he is like: 48 He is like a man which built an house, and digged deep, and laid the foundation on a rock: and when the flood arose, the stream beat vehemently upon that house, and could not shake it: for it was founded upon a rock. 49 But he that heareth, and doeth not, is like a man that without a foundation built an house upon the earth; against which the stream did beat vehemently, and immediately it fell; and the ruin of that house was great. *||*

*DAILY SCRIPTURE READING*

*1-Year Bible Reading Plan:* Acts 24:1-27,
Psalms 1-6

*2-Year Bible Reading Plan:* Luke 9:10-17,
Joshua 12

*EXTRACT FROM: RHAPSODY OF REALITIES DAILY DEVOTIONAL

Read More

Saturday, July 15th - RHAPSODY OF REALITIES DAILY DEVOTIONAL

RHAPSODY OF REALITIES DAILY DEVOTIONAL

Wise And Insightful By The Word

Saturday, July 15th .
Pastor Chris

_*And that from a child thou hast known the holy scriptures, which are able to make thee wise unto salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus (2 Timothy 3:15).*_

The Word of God gives you wisdom; uncommon insight; a clear, deep, and sudden understanding, perception, and penetration of a situation, subject, or mystery.

When you meditatively study the Word, over time, you become highly insightful. Your ability and intelligence increase, and God can trust you with much more, because you’re wiser. It’s what the Word of God can do for you: it causes you to deal wisely in all your affairs. The Hebrew word is “sakal,” which parallels the Greek word “suniemi.” It means to become penetratingly discerning, perspicacious and sound.

As you study and meditate on the Word, your mind is anointed and elevated to think from God’s perspective. The Spirit of God guides you to know what to choose, where to go, and the right steps to take in fulfilling your destiny in Christ! The Word in you produces wisdom to deal excellently in your business, finances, academics, family, ministry, etc.

Those who ignore the Word function with worldly wisdom, and as a result are whipped in life. They make bad decisions that make their lives go in the wrong direction, which leads to suffering.

Give the Word utmost attention in your life, for therein is the wisdom you need for a life of excellence and ever-increasing glory. Hallelujah!

                     *PRAYER*

*Dear Father, my heart is forever open to receive your engrafted Word with meekness, faith and gladness, to produce in me extraordinary amplitude of comprehension. I make the right decisions always, and my steps are ordered in line with your perfect will and destiny for my life, in Jesus’ Name. Amen.*

*FURTHER STUDY:* *||* *Proverbs 4:5-7* Get wisdom, get understanding: forget [it] not; neither decline from the words of my mouth. 6 Forsake her not, and she shall preserve thee: love her, and she shall keep thee. 7 Wisdom [is] the principal thing; [therefore] get wisdom: and with all thy getting get understanding. *||*

*||* *Colossians 3:16* Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom; teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord. *||*

*||* *Joshua 1:8 AMP* This Book of the Law shall not depart out of your mouth, but you shall meditate on it day and night, that you may observe and do according to all that is written in it. For then you shall make your way prosperous, and then you shall deal wisely and have good success. *||*

DAILY SCRIPTURE READING

1-Year Bible Reading Plan:  Acts 23:12-35,
Job 40-42

2-Year Bible Reading Plan:  Luke 9:1-9,
Joshua 11

EXTRACT FROM: RHAPSODY OF REALITIES DAILY DEVOTIONAL

Read More

Open Heavens 15 July 2017: Saturday daily devotional by Pastor Adeboye – Salvation: How Genuine?

Topic — Foundation: How Strong? [Saturday 15, July 2017]

Memorise: He that covereth his sins shall not prosper: but whoso confesseth and forsaketh them shall have mercy. – Proverbs 28:13

Read: 2 Corinthians 7:9-11 (KJV)

9 Now I rejoice, not that ye were made sorry, but that ye sorrowed to repentance: for ye were made sorry after a godly manner, that ye might receive damage by us in nothing.

10 For godly sorrow worketh repentance to salvation not to be repented of: but the sorrow of the world worketh death.

11 For behold this selfsame thing, that ye sorrowed after a godly sort, what carefulness it wrought in you, yea, what clearing of yourselves, yea, what indignation, yea, what fear, yea, what vehement desire, yea, what zeal, yea, what revenge! In all things ye have approved yourselves to be clear in this matter.

Bible in One Year: 2 Samuel 5-6, Ezekiel 8:7-18, Hymn: Sing hymn 11

MESSAGE:

God’s offer of salvation is for all those who come to Him. To access this salvation however, there are certain criteria you must meet. For instance, you cannot experience salvation without genuine repentance. Unfortunately, there are people who think that they can be saved even without repenting from their sins. Some people believe that responding to an altar call for salvation is enough. No, it is not! Can you believe that when some people come out to answer an altar call, instead of repenting of their sinful lifestyles, they take pictures? Those who do so can only come out and go back the same way they came. This will not be your portion in Jesus’ Name! Heaven’s demands for obtaining salvation are clearly stated in Proverbs 28:13:

“He that covereth his sins shall not prosper: but whoso confesseth and forsaketh them shall have mercy.”

If you do not satisfy Heaven’s demand of confessing your sins to God and forsaking your sinful lifestyle, you will never be saved. If you claim to be born again, how did you get saved? Did you confess your sins to God out of a sorrowful heart and resolve not to return to your sinful lifestyle? If your salvation lacks these key foundational pillars, you will need to revisit the salvation experience.

In Luke 13:2-5, Jesus plainly taught His hearers that except they repented, they would perish like those who went before them. God does not want anyone to perish, but He wants us all to repent (2 Peter 3:9). God wants you to change your ways and to stop doing the wicked things you do. It is then you will obtain mercy from Him. Today, the term “born again” has been so abused. Many people say they are born again but they do not even know what it means. If you are truly born again, you will receive genuine salvation that will completely turn your life around (2 Corinthians 5:17). When you come out to receive Jesus, you come out because you are truly sorry for your sins; you come out with a determination to change your ways. You need to come to the altar of God crying to Him for help, not only to forgive you your sins but to also change you inside out. When you do this, you will obtain salvation. 2 Corinthians 7:10says it is godly sorrow that brings about repentance that yields salvation. Are you really born again? If your salvation is not genuine, go back to the cross of Calvary today!

Key Point: Fake salvation can never produce the fruit 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.

Read More

Friday, July 14th - RHAPSODY OF REALITIES DAILY DEVOTIONAL

RHAPSODY OF REALITIES DAILY DEVOTIONAL

The “Epignosis” Of The Truth

Friday, July 14th .
Pastor Chris

_*…For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Saviour; Who will have all men to be saved, and to come unto the knowledge of the truth (1 Timothy 2:3-4).*_

God’s desire is for all men to be saved and come to the knowledge (Greek: Epignosis) of the truth. The reason for bringing salvation to all men isn’t only for them to receive it and escape eternal damnation but also to come into an intimate knowledge, a fellowship or oneness with the truth. That’s when you really start living.

For example, 1 Peter 1:23 says, _*“Being born again, not of corruptible seed, but of incorruptible, by the word of God, which liveth and abideth for ever.”*_ This means you’re born of the Word; you’re the Word in flesh! Your life as a Christian is the manifestation of the Word. God wants you to come to the knowledge of this truth.

Romans 8:28 says, _*“And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God….”*_ This means you can’t be disadvantaged or defeated in life; the whole world is yours; you’re an associate of the God-kind. There’s no such thing as failure or poverty when you understand this revelation. These are basic truths revealed to us in the Word; receive and accept them, and your life will be an unending stream of the supernatural.

The Bible talks about those who are _*“Ever learning, and never able to come to the knowledge of the truth”*_ (2 Timothy 3:7). These are individuals who refuse to yield to the knowledge of the truth of their inheritance and identity in Christ Jesus. As a result, they turn around in circles, and never make progress. You can break the cycle by coming into the knowledge or oneness with the truth of your success, victory, prosperity and glorious life in Christ Jesus. You need to come to the knowledge of the truth that you’re in God’s class.

      *PRAYER*

*Dear Father, I thank you for granting me the spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of you. You’ve granted me the specialized knowledge that enables me to function in your perfect will, now and always, in Jesus’ Name. Amen.*

*FURTHER STUDY:* *||* *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. *||*

*||* *Ephesians 1:18* The eyes of your understanding being enlightened; that ye may know what is the hope of his calling, and what the riches of the glory of his inheritance in the saints, *||*

*||* *John 8:32* And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free. *||*

*DAILY SCRIPTURE READING*

*1-Year Bible Reading Plan:* Acts 22:22-23:1-11,
Job 36-39

*2-Year Bible Reading Plan:* Luke 8:40-56,
Joshua 10

*EXTRACT FROM: RHAPSODY OF REALITIES DAILY DEVOTIONAL*

Read More

Open Heavens 14 July Friday, 2017 by Pastor Adeboye – Foundation: How Strong?

Topic — Foundation: How Strong? [Friday 14, July 2017]

Memorise: Laying up in store for themselves a good foundation against the time to come, that they may lay hold on eternal life. – 1 Timothy 6:19

Read: Psalm 11:3-5 (KJV)

3 If the foundations be destroyed, what can the righteous do?

4 The LORD is in his holy temple, the LORD'S throne is in heaven: his eyes behold, his eyelids try, the children of men.

5 The LORD trieth the righteous: but the wicked and him that loveth violence his soul hateth.

Bible in One Year: 2 Samuel 3-4, Ezekiel 7:23-8:6, Hymn: Sing hymn 16

MESSAGE:

The foundation of any building or structure is very important. According to Proverbs 22:6, if a child is given the right foundation, it will be easy for him or her to build on it and succeed in life. The question then is, what kind of foundation are you laying for your child or ward? Do you know that some parents are the ones who push their children into destruction? For instance, if you have a child whose Christian foundation is not solidly established and you send such a child into the society with liberal values, don’t be surprised to see the child follow ungodly lifestyle. For this reason, when you are considering tertiary education for your child, also put into consideration how that child will access spiritual growth in the institution you want to send him or her to. An ideal school should be able to satisfy the academic, moral and spiritual needs of a child. All these should be well balanced. A child’s foundation is laid from kindergarten to university, after which the child will be able to continue in the righteous path of his or her upbringing. Do your children have a solid foundation in Christ? Is their foundation strong enough to carry whatever will be built on it?

On the other hand, the strength of a child’s foundation is a function of several factors such as: the spiritual level of the parents, the values upheld in that family, the parents’ level of education, the financial resources available to the child, and so on. It is true that you cannot give what you don’t have. This invariably means that as parents, the more you invest in your spiritual life, the greater the chances of giving your children a more solid foundation. Children learn a lot by simply copying their parents. Many parents engage in certain unhealthy habits and their children are watching them. The laughable thing is that some parents who practice unwholesome habits even warn their children not to try such. To believe that their children will take them seriously is to engage in self-deception. Some men have girlfriends and their children are aware of this, but they beg them never to tell their mothers. Some even bring such ladies home and bribe their children to keep their mouth shut. How can such children ever grow up to become faithful to their spouses? The strongest legacy you can give your children is to live the kind of life you desire to see in them.

Prayer Point: Father, help me to lay a very solid foundation for every member of my family.

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.

Read More

Thursday, July 13th - RHAPSODY OF REALITIES DAILY DEVOTIONAL

RHAPSODY OF REALITIES DAILY DEVOTIONAL

Living In His Name

Thursday, July 13th .
Pastor Chris

 For as many of you as have been baptized into Christ have put on Christ (Galatians 3:27).
 
From the very moment you were born again, the Name of Jesus was named upon you; you were baptized into, and have become a part of that Name. Hebrews 1:4 says He obtained His glorious name by inheritance: _*“Being made so much better than the angels, as he hath by inheritance obtained a more excellent name than they.”*_ Then Romans 8:17 says we’re joint-heirs with Him: _*“And if children, then heirs; heirs of God, and joint-heirs with Christ….”*_ This means whatever belongs to Jesus belongs to you, including His Name.

The importance of a name is the power behind it and all what that name represents. Philippians 2:9-10 tells us God has vested all authority in the wonderful and matchless Name of Jesus: _*“Wherefore God also hath highly exalted him, and given him a name which is above every name: That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of things in heaven, and things in earth, and things under the earth.”*_ Thus, Christianity is living in the Name of Jesus—in His authority.

At the mention of that Name, every knee bows, in heaven, in the earth, and under the earth. Use that Name to cast out devils, heal the sick, raise the dead, and live triumphantly every day to His glory. Jesus said, _*“And these signs shall follow them that believe; In my name shall they cast out devils; they shall speak with new tongues; They shall take up serpents; and if they drink any deadly thing, it shall not hurt them; they shall lay hands on the sick, and they shall recover”*_ (Mark 16:17-18).

The Master gave us the power of attorney to use His Name. We have the authority to act in His stead as His full legal representatives. This means you can go anywhere in the NameofJesus and have heaven’s honour. You can pray in the Name of Jesus and be heard. No demon, sickness or trouble could ever stand against that Name! In His Name, you’re more than a conqueror, a victor, and a champion forever.

Therefore, just as the Bible says, _*“…whatsoever ye do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God and the Father by Him”*_ (Colossians 3:17).

    *CONFESSION*

*I’m eternally triumphant, living the transcendent life in Christ; I live in, and experience the supernatural every day, because I live in the Name of Jesus. In His Name, I heal the sick, raise the dead, cast out devils, preach the Gospel with power, and manifest His glory everywhere. Blessed be God!*

*FURTHER STUDY:* *||* *Mark 16:17-18* And these signs shall follow them that believe; In my name shall they cast out devils; they shall speak with new tongues; 18 They shall take up serpents; and if they drink any deadly thing, it shall not hurt them; they shall lay hands on the sick, and they shall recover. *||*

*||* *Luke 9:1* Then he called his twelve disciples together, and gave them power and authority over all devils, and to cure diseases. *||*

*||* *Acts 3:16* And his name through faith in his name hath made this man strong, whom ye see and know: yea, the faith which is by him hath given him this perfect soundness in the presence of you all. *||*

DAILY SCRIPTURE READING

1-Year Bible Reading Plan: Acts 21:37-22:1-21,
Job 32-35

2-Year Bible Reading Plan:  Luke 8:26-39,
Joshua 9

EXTRACT FROM: RHAPSODY OF REALITIES DAILY DEVOTIONAL

Read More