Open Heavens 27 July 2017: Thursday daily devotional by Pastor Adeboye – Wholeness is Possible

Topic: Wholeness is Possible [Thursday 27, July 2017]

Memorise: And he said unto him, Arise, go thy way: thy faith hath made thee whole. – Luke 17:19

Read: Luke 17:12-19 (KJV)

12 And as he entered into a certain village, there met him ten men that were lepers, which stood afar off:

13 And they lifted up their voices, and said, Jesus, Master, have mercy on us.

14 And when he saw them, he said unto them, Go shew yourselves unto the priests. And it came to pass, that, as they went, they were cleansed.

15 And one of them, when he saw that he was healed, turned back, and with a loud voice glorified God,

16 And fell down on his face at his feet, giving him thanks: and he was a Samaritan.

17 And Jesus answering said, Were there not ten cleansed? but where are the nine?

18 There are not found that returned to give glory to God, save this stranger.

19 And he said unto him, Arise, go thy way: thy faith hath made thee whole.

Bible in One Year: 1 Kings 3-4; Ezekiel 16:23-43, Hymn: Sing hymn 5 - The Great Physician

MESSAGE:

After reflecting on the goodness of God, David wrote in Psalm 103:1:

“Bless the LORD, O my soul: and all that is within me, bless his holy name.”

The lame man in Acts 3:1-8 must have taken a cue from David in praising God. After his burden of 40 years was lifted, he praised God in a very dramatic way, just like David did in times past. When David praised God, his entire body was fully involved. He went to such great extents as removing his royal robes and dancing before God like one of his subjects (2 Samuel 6:14-16). He was used to leaping in praise and honour of the Most High. Have you ever leaped to give God praise?

After God has lifted your burden, in addition to praising Him, you can give Him generous thanks – not the kind of thanks that has to be squeezed forcefully out of you. Thank Him from a heart overflowing with gratitude. Some people are just too stingy! Not only do they find it difficult to give God a good offering from what He has already provided for them, they also find it difficult to give Him thanks. What such people fail to realise is that stinginess has never helped the stingy. What you hoard will go stale, become useless or be lost. Give God thanks and do it with a heart full of gratitude.

Moreover, if you give God quality thanks, you will definitely receive something in return. In other words, when God does something for you and you thank Him generously, He becomes so impressed that He gives you something else in addition to what precipitated your thanksgiving. When all is said and done, you end up with double blessings. Those who give shabby thanks or do not give thanks at all cannot get a second blessing, and if care is not taken, they may even lose their initial blessing to the devil. If you look at the example of the 10 lepers who were healed by the Lord Jesus Christ in today’s Bible reading, you will discover that thanksgiving opens the door to a very special blessing: wholeness! This is a type of blessing that no gate of hell can prevent. When God makes you whole, everyone will know about it. Wholeness is the height of restoration. It is a return to the original state you were in before a burden was placed on you. As you thank God from today, you shall receive the blessing of wholeness in Jesus’ Name.

Prayer Point: Father, as I thank and worship You today, please make me whole.

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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Open Heavens 26 July 2017: Wednesday daily devotional by Pastor Adeboye – Accessing Divine Counsel

Topic: Accessing Divine Counsel [Wednesday 26, July 2017]

Memorise: Sanctify them through thy truth: thy word is truth. – John 17:17

Read: John 17:15-17 (KJV)

15 I pray not that thou shouldest take them out of the world, but that thou shouldest keep them from the evil.

16 They are not of the world, even as I am not of the world.

17 Sanctify them through thy truth: thy word is truth.

Bible in One Year: 1 Kings 2; Ezekiel 16:6-22,Hymn: Sing hymn 15: The Comforter Has Come

MESSAGE:

Access to divine guidance is one yardstick you can use to determine whether you are a sheep in the fold of Jesus Christ, the Great Shepherd. This is very central to our walk with God, as it determines the status of our relationship with Christ. Amassing years in the faith is not as important as increasing the frequency of receiving divine guidance. This means that if you receive Jesus Christ as Lord and saviour some 5, 10, 20 or more years ago, but still cannot easily be led by the Spirit of God on various matters, you are hardly growing spiritually. Romans 8:14 says,

“For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons of God.”

A close walk with the Holy Spirit is the bedrock for receiving divine guidance. In John 16:13, Jesus clearly stated one major reason why the Holy Spirit was sent to the world. The Holy Spirit is the Spirit of truth, and so it falls within the purview of His duties to guide you along the path of truth. If you have a knotty issue that cannot be unravelled, simply go to the Holy Spirit, and He will guide you aright. He operates in the realm of truth and not necessarily facts. Some people equate facts with truth but that is not often the case. Just as lies are a distortion of the facts, facts can sometimes be contrary to truth. Facts are observations that have been subjected to interpretations based on current knowledge, and because knowledge changes, facts can also change.

What then is truth? The Lord Jesus Christ answers this question in John 17:17:

“Sanctify them through thy truth: thy word is truth.”

The word of God is truth. Also, the Godhead is an embodiment of truth. In fact, Jesus in John 14:6 declared:

"…I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.”

Truth is based on faith. If you will receive divine guidance, you must be prepared to walk in God’s path of truth. The truth is ever constant. God wants His children to walk with the truth and not necessarily by facts. When a child of God is ill for example, the fact is that there are physical signs and manifestations of the ailment on that individual, but the truth is that Jesus has already paid the price of the healing of every child of God. For this reason, the Bible says we walk by faith (truth) and not by sight (facts) (2 Corinthians 5:7). This means, you must be a person of faith. You must live by the truth and not contradict God’s word by your lifestyle. Also, you cannot be telling lies and expect the truth of God to be revealed to you. Choose to live by truth today.

Key Point: A liar cannot receive a revelation of the Truth until he or she is ready to dump falsehood.

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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Wednesday, July 26th - RHAPSODY OF REALITIES

RHAPSODY OF REALITIES

*It's A Glorious Life*

Wednesday, July 26th .
Pastor Chris

The thief comes only in order to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have and enjoy life, and have it in abundance (to the full, till it overflows) (John 10:10 AMP).

The transcendent life, a life of absolute victory, success, and excellence is what Christ came to give us. In Him, we have an ever-winning, joyous life, with power over crises and dominion over circumstances. Some people don’t think it’s possible to live like this on earth, but in Christ Jesus, it’s not only possible, but normal. Our theme scripture says He came for you to have and enjoy life.

You may ask, “Does that mean if you’re a Christian, you don’t face crises or problems?” That’s not what it means! 2 Timothy 3:12 says, "Yea, and all that will live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution.” You’ll have to face trials, tests and difficulties, but the Word says, “In all these things, we’re more than conquerors” (Romans 8:37); you’ll always be a champion.

2 Corinthians 2:14 says, “Now thanks be unto God, which always causeth us to triumph in Christ….” God ALWAYS causes us to triumph in Christ, irrespective of where you are and what the problem is! The challenges and crises of life are for your promotion. The contrary winds drive your roots deeper. If you’re going to fly high, it’ll have to be against the direction of the wind. So, welcome trouble; don’t be scared or intimidated by challenges, because you’ve already overcome them in Christ (1 John 4:4).

God has given you a life greater than sickness, disease, failure and death, a life of peace, strength, health and prosperity. 1 Corinthians 3:21 says, “Therefore let no man glory in men. For all things are yours.” Psalm 1:3 says you’re like a tree planted by the rivers of water, that brings forth fruit in his season—and whatsoever you do prospers.

The knowledge of these realities should give you a new mind-set. Imagine a life where you don’t experience lack and there’re no limitations! Imagine a life of absolute productivity, fruitfulness, significant attainments and constant progress! That’s the life you have in Christ. It’s a glorious life!

               CONFESSION

Dear Father, I thank you for the glorious life I have in Christ Jesus. I have and enjoy life to the full. No matter the difficulties and trials that come my way, they’re for my promotion and growth in life, from glory to glory. When men are cast down, I’m lifted, because I fly on eagle’s wings. I’m grateful for the triumphant life I have in Christ. Hallelujah!

Did you enjoy today's article? Kindly download your FREE PDF of Rhapsody of Realities Daily Devotional Adult, TeeVo, Early Readers & Kiddies Rhapsody of JULY edition in any language of your choice & share the link with friends just click here http://dl.rhapsodyofrealities.org/en/ror/home/priestking

FURTHER STUDY:

1 Corinthians 10:13 There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God [is] faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear [it].

Romans 8:35-37 Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? [shall] tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword? 36 As it is written, For thy sake we are killed all the day long; we are accounted as sheep for the slaughter. 37 Nay, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him that loved us.

1 John 4:4 Ye are of God, little children, and have overcome them: because greater is he that is in you, than he that is in the world.

DAILY SCRIPTURE READING

1-Year Bible Reading Plan: Romans 1:18-32,
Psalms 35-37

2-Year Bible Reading Plan: Luke 11:14-26,
Joshua 24

EXTRACT FROM: RHAPSODY OF REALITIES DAILY DEVOTIONAL

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Open Heavens 25 July 2017: Tuesday daily devotional by Pastor Adeboye – Admit Your Mistakes

Topic: Admit Your Mistakes [Tuesday 25, July 2017]

Memorise: For I acknowledge my transgressions: and my sin is ever before me. – Psalm 51:3

Read: Psalm 51:1-4 (KJV)

1 (To the chief Musician, A Psalm of David, when Nathan the prophet came unto him, after he had gone in to Bathsheba.) Have mercy upon me, O God, according to thy lovingkindness: according unto the multitude of thy tender mercies blot out my transgressions.

2 Wash me throughly from mine iniquity, and cleanse me from my sin.

3 For I acknowledge my transgressions: and my sin is ever before me.

4 Against thee, thee only, have I sinned, and done this evil in thy sight: that thou mightest be justified when thou speakest, and be clear when thou judgest.

Bible in One Year: 1 Kings 1; Ezekiel 15:1-16:5, Hymn: Sing hymn 6: Deeper, Deeper

MESSAGE:

As believers, although we have been made the righteousness of God in Christ Jesus, we are still capable of making mistakes, because of the nature of the body our spirit man still inhabits. Until we shed this body and put on the glorious body of the resurrected Christ, we will still be prone to mistakes and error (1 Corinthians 15:42-44, 1 Corinthians 15:52-54). Hence, we need to be more prayerful and careful in all our dealings (Matthew 26:41). To reach your God-given goal, you must avoid mistakes. You must avoid falling too. If you however fall, you can humbly and sorrowfully admit your mistake. After David fell into the sin of adultery and murder, he said,

“For I acknowledge my transgression: and my sin is ever before me.” - Psalm 51:3

If you sin, admit that you have sinned. 2 Corinthians 7:9-10 says godly sorrow leads you to repentance. Those who are close to me can testify to the fact that whenever something goes wrong with whatever I’m working on, the first question I ask my-self is, “Where have I gone wrong?”

You cannot make progress if you keep passing the buck or shifting blame. It is easy to make excuses. The lazy and the proud will look for every reason to justify their weaknesses or failure. When you acknowledge and confess your weaknesses to God, you trigger a release of God’s power to enable you live above them. 2 Corinthians 12:9 says,

“And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me.”

In the parable of the talents, the man with five talents never gave any excuse for why he should not succeed; hence, he was able to double his talents (Matthew 25:14-30). The man with two talents equally made no room for excuses, and so, he too doubled his talents. The man with one talent however came up with excuses for non-performance. If you are always quick to explain away your failures, it is because you are too proud to admit your mistakes. Who does not make mistakes? When you err, admit your wrong doing. Studying mathematics taught me that I can be wrong. Many people find it difficult to accept that they are wrong. If you try to prove to them that they are wrong, they will do everything possible to wriggle out of it. Explaining away your wrong-doing does not make you any less guilty. Have you made any mistake? Sorrowfully admit your error and ask for forgiveness.

Key Point: Admitting your mistake is not a sign of weakness like many think. Rather, it is a manifestation of strength of 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.

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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Tuesday, July 25th - RHAPSODY OF REALITIES DAILY DEVOTIONAL

RHAPSODY OF REALITIES DAILY DEVOTIONAL

*Work His Power To The Maximum*

Tuesday, July 25th .
Pastor Chris

_*For it is God which worketh in you both to will and to do of his good pleasure (Philippians 2:13).*_

It’s not unusual to find Christians who think that what they need is more power or more anointing. They’ve read in the Bible of how people brought their sick so that the shadow of Peter could come upon them and be healed. They’ve also read of Paul, from whom handkerchiefs and aprons were taken and laid on the sick, and they were healed. So they pray, “Lord, I need a double portion of the anointing, to minister like Peter and Paul.”

What Paul did was to impart the anointing into those clothing materials. However, that anointing didn’t come from heaven; it was in Paul, because he had the Holy Spirit. When the Holy Spirit came to live in you, He came as a person to make His home in you. He didn’t come to give you a part of Himself; you’ve received the Holy Spirit without measure.

That was the difference between the Messiah and the prophets of old. John 3:34 says _*“For he whom God hath sent speaketh the words of God: for God giveth not the Spirit by measure unto him.”*_ Upon the prophets came the Spirit, but the Bible tells us the Holy Spirit came upon Jesus for the purpose of living in Him. That’s the same thing about you; the Holy Spirit came upon you that He might live in you, and He’s in you now.

Sometimes, the presence of the Holy Spirit could be imparted to you, maybe by the laying on of hands. But until and unless you make contact with the person of the Holy Spirit inside you and walk according to His power at work in you, that impartation won’t last for long; it’s the reason many are always looking for another anointing.

Don’t ignore that which God has put in you. Does He give you more power? No! He’s already given you all the power you could ever need—Himself! He’s power personified. You’re the one to work His power in you to its maximum. The Bible says, _*“And with great power gave the apostles witness of the resurrection of the Lord Jesus: and great grace was upon them all”*_ (Acts 4:33).

From where did they get great power? Jesus didn’t say, “You shall receive great power”; He said, _*“But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you…”*_ (Acts 1:8). They got all the power they needed from the power-giver inside them. They activated that power for whatever they needed. So, recognise and put the power in you to work.

                     *PRAYER*

*Dear heavenly Father, I thank you for the presence of your Spirit in my life, which has ushered me into a life of unending blessings. I take advantage of the miracle-working power of your Spirit in me. Therefore, I walk in greater manifestation of your blessings, healings, prosperity and power, in Jesus’ Name. Amen.*

*FURTHER STUDY:* *||* *Ephesians 3:20* Now unto him that is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that worketh in us, *||*

*||* *1 Corinthians 4:20* For the kingdom of God [is] not in word, but in power. *||*

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

*DAILY SCRIPTURE READING*

*1-Year Bible Reading Plan:* Romans 1:1-17,
Psalms 32-34

*2-Year Bible Reading Plan:* Luke 11:1-13,
Joshua 23

*EXTRACT FROM: RHAPSODY OF REALITIES DAILY DEVOTIONAL

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Monday, July 24th - RHAPSODY OF REALITIES

RHAPSODY OF REALITIES

*Control Your Tongue , Control Your Life*

Monday, July 24th
Pastor Chris

For in many things we offend all. If any man offend not in word, the same is a perfect man, and able also to bridle the whole body (James 3:2).

The words you speak are a true measure of your spirituality. It makes no difference what others might think or say about you; what matters are the words that come out of your mouth every day, irrespective of who you may be talking to: God, men, yourself, circumstances, or nature. Be sure you always, speak gracious, faith-filled, and spirit-building words. Tame your tongue.

The Apostle James likened the tongue to the rudder of a great ship that the captain uses to navigate the ship aright, irrespective of the fierce winds driving against it (James 3:4-5). This means that with your words, you can keep yourself in health, in faith, in success, and in the transcendent life. Don’t talk fear, lack or your inabilities. Talk the Word! Consciously put the Word on your lips.

Isn’t it wonderful that with your tongue, you can disallow sickness, disease, infirmity, and weakness from your body? Always speak health and strength to your body. Many are sick, weak, broke and suffering today because of their careless talking through the years. Get your tongue under control and have your life under control!

Use your tongue to come out of trouble, depression, sickness, pain, poverty, and frustration. Today, where you are, and what you are in life, are the result of your words. If the result isn’t such that you’re pleased with, you can consciously begin to chart a new course, and decide what the next five or ten years will be like for you. If the results are already wonderful, you can walk in greater glory and higher levels of success if you use your tongue right. Jesus said you shall have what you say. Therefore, use your tongue to beautify your life (Mark 11:23).

*PRAYER*
I have a glorious life in Christ. I’m sound, excellent, vibrant, righteous, healthy and aglow in the spirit. The circumstances of life align to God’s perfect will for me because I walk in the Word and exude wisdom and sound judgment. I walk in the glory of God, dispensing the goodness and love of Christ, in Jesus’ Name. Amen.


*FURTHER STUDY:*
Psalm 34:12-13 What man [is he that] desireth life, [and] loveth [many] days, that he may see good? 13 Keep thy tongue from evil, and thy lips from speaking guile.

Proverbs 18:21 Death and life [are] in the power of the tongue: and they that love it shall eat the fruit thereof.

*DAILY SCRIPTURE READING*

*1-Year Bible Reading Plan:*
Acts 28:17-31,
Psalms 30-31

*2-Year Bible Reading Plan:*
Luke 10:38-42,
Joshua 22

*EXTRACT FROM:* RHAPSODY OF REALITIES DAILY DEVOTIONAL

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Open Heavens 24 July 2017: Monday daily devotional by Pastor Adeboye – Living in Fear?

Topic: Living in Fear? [Monday 24, July 2017]

Memorise: There is no fear in love; but perfect love casteth out fear: because fear hath torment. He that feareth is not made perfect in love. – 1 John 4:18

Read: 1 John 4:17-18 (KJV)

17 Herein is our love made perfect, that we may have boldness in the day of judgment: because as he is, so are we in this world.

18 There is no fear in love; but perfect love casteth out fear: because fear hath torment. He that feareth is not made perfect in love.

Bible in One Year: 2 Samuel 23-24; Ezekiel 14:12-23, Hymn: Sing hymn 9 - On A Hill Far Away

MESSAGE:

If you have God as your Refuge, you have a priceless treasure because this gives you access to help in times of trouble. With God as your Refuge, irrespective of what is happening around you, you have no cause to panic. As unlikely as this may sound, it is possible to be under God’s cover and be unaffected by every satanic missile flying around both day and night (Psalm 91:5-6). Due to negative influences from their environment, some people have grown up with a particular phobia for the last quarter of the year. Between January and August, they go about their normal business activities with boldness, but as the month of September approaches, fear envelopes their hearts. As they read or hear of various accidents happening here and there, their fear is heightened. Some people allow this condition to degenerate to the extent that fear redefines all their remaining activities for the year. They may have to cancel all their air travel for fear of air crash. Even their road trips would be seriously reduced for fear of road accidents. They try as much as possible to confine themselves to their houses and will therefore give all kinds of excuses for not accepting any assignment or invitation during that period. Such people are just being manipulated by fear!

“There is no fear in love; but perfect love casteth out fear: because fear hath torment. He that feareth is not made perfect in love.” - 1 John 4:18

If you live in fear, you are in Satan’s bondage (Hebrews 2:15). Your love for God and fellow brethren cannot be perfect if you still create room for fear. When you live in fear, you give the devil so much attention, thereby empowering him over your life and destiny. Whatever or whoever you fear controls you. Luke 1:74 says we were saved to serve God without fear. So if you say you are born again but you still live in fear, you need to know who you are serving, because you should not live in fear of anything while serving God. You cannot have the fear of God in your heart and the fear of the devil at the same time. The moment you begin to fear the devil or his agents, you drift into bondage. If you are sure of your salvation but still live in fear, check yourself; it is likely you are ignorant of who you are in Christ. Also, as a child of God, when you engage in disobedience or harbour a secret sin in your heart, you lose your confidence and fear sets in. if this is your case, repent of your sin and fully turn to God!

Action Point: If your heart is always filled with fear, invest time to study who you are in Christ from the book of Ephesians.

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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Open Heavens 23 July 2017: Sunday daily devotional by Pastor Adeboye – Dangers of Financial Storms I

Topic: Dangers of Financial Storms I [Sunday 23, July 2017]

Memorise: The poor is hated even of his own neighbour: but the rich hath many friends. – Proverbs 14:20

Read: Proverbs 14:20-22 (KJV)

20 The poor is hated even of his own neighbour: but the rich hath many friends.

21 He that despiseth his neighbour sinneth: but he that hath mercy on the poor, happy is he.

22 Do they not err that devise evil? but mercy and truth shall be to them that devise good.

Bible in One Year: 2 Samuel 21-22; Ezekiel 13:20-14:11, Hymn: Sing hymn 4

MESSAGE:

Peace is desirable because it signifies everything that is calm, quiet and in order. On the other hand, storms are undesirable because they bring turbulence, trouble, fear and absence of rest. While all storms are bad, a financial storm is one of the worst storms that can hit the foundation of an individual, family or community. One reason why financial storms are more deadly is because they can trigger off other storms. For instance, Proverbs 14:20says,

“The poor is hated even of his own neighbour: but the rich hath many friends.”

This means that because of the poverty of the poor, many of his neighbours prefer to avoid him. Some would even develop hatred for him just for that reason. This describes the attitude of many unsaved people to their poor neighbours. It is most unfortunate that some believers also follow this evil trend. This has led to the formation of cliques and factions in places where there should be unity and togetherness. Psalm 10:2 says that only a wicked and proud fellow would subject the poor to such treatment. Some Church leaders cannot stand seeing those who are not well-to-do. As a result, they discriminate against them, using every excuse in the book. They appoint only those who are rich into positions, even when they know that the poor are more ideal for such positions. If you are involved in such discriminatory practices, remember Psalm 12:5which says that when the poor cry out to God, He will arise on their behalf against their oppressors.

Are you hated by your neighbours because of the financial storms you are confronted with? Fear not! According to Psalm 69:33, the Lord will hear your cry today and bring you out of poverty and reproach. Moreover, financial storms can make an individual contemplate suicide. In 1 King 17:12, due to the financial storms that the widow of Zarephath was going through with her son, she decided that they should just take their last meal and afterwards die. Have you found yourself in a similar situation where you are contemplating or have even attempted suicide? Stop right there! Suicide can never solve your problems. It is worse than going from frying pan into fire. See your pastor, tell him your situation and see what he can do to help. However, more importantly, call on the Lord to deliver you from the challenges you are confronted with. I rebuke every spirit of death suggesting suicide to you right now! I pray that hope be restored in your heart right now in Jesus’ Name.

Action Point: If your financial storm is so bad that you feel seriously pressured to commit suicide, just know that your turnaround is truly around you. Don’t ever quit, and don’t kill yourself!

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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Sunday, July 23rd - RHAPSODY OF REALITIES

RHAPSODY OF REALITIES

*He's The Author Of Everything Good*

Sunday, July 23rd .
Pastor Chris

Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and cometh down from the Father of lights, with whom is no variableness, neither shadow of turning (James 1:17).

Everything we read in the Word about the nature of our heavenly Father is consistent; there’s no evil or darkness in Him at all. You might then want to ask, “How about the words of the prophet Isaiah about God? It says, “…I am the LORD, and there is none else. I form the light, and create darkness: I make peace, and create evil: I the LORD do all these things” (Isaiah 45:6-7). Could this be a contradiction? Did God really create evil?

First, you need to understand the style and manner of communication of the prophets in the Old Testament, and the extent of the revelations granted to them. The prophets knew nothing about Satan except in figurative speech, because there was no revelation of him. To them, everything that happened, whether good or evil, came from God.

Jesus made an enlightening statement to the Pharisees in Matthew 19:8. He said, “…Moses because of the hardness of your hearts suffered you to put away your wives: but from the beginning it was not so.” In other words, that commandment came from Moses, not God. If you really want to know God, His character, nature, and ways of doing things, then go to the very beginning and observe His principles. Genesis 1:31 tells us, “And God saw every thing that he had made, and, behold, it was very good….” He didn’t create evil at all. More so, in Christ Jesus, He manifested Himself as a gracious loving Father.

The real evil being and maker of evil is Satan. Satan wasn’t always a devil, because God only created good things. Satan was an angel called Lucifer, which means “son of the morning”; he was God’s vice-regent over the earth. Everything about him was perfect, but through pride, he lost his position, was overthrown, and became the devil. That was how evil came into the world. God is the author of good, and not of evil:  "For God is not the author of confusion, but of peace, as in all churches of the saints” (1 Corinthians 14:33).

*PRAYER*
Righteous Father, you’re gracious and kind, great and greatly to be praised! You’re love personified. Your mercies are new every morning, and your faithfulness are forever sure! I love and adore you, most holy One. You do mighty things and your grace is upon all who trust in you. The whole earth is filled with your glory and goodness. Blessed be your Name forever. Amen.


FURTHER STUDY: Psalms 72:18-19 Blessed [be] the LORD God, the God of Israel, who only doeth wondrous things. 19 And blessed [be] his glorious name for ever: and let the whole earth be filled [with] his glory; Amen, and Amen.

Psalm 100:5 AMP For the Lord is good; His mercy and loving-kindness are everlasting, His faithfulness and truth endure to all generations.

Psalm 107:1 O give thanks unto the LORD, for [he is] good: for his mercy [endureth] for ever.

*DAILY SCRIPTURE READING*

1-Year Bible Reading Plan:
Acts 28:1-16,
Psalms 26-29

2-Year Bible Reading Plan:
Luke 10:25-37,
Joshua 20-21

*EXTRACT FROM:* RHAPSODY OF REALITIES DAILY DEVOTIONAL

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Friday, July 21st - RHAPSODY OF REALITIES DAILY DEVOTIONAL

RHAPSODY OF REALITIES DAILY DEVOTIONAL

Consistent Victory By The Word

Friday, July 21st.
Pastor Chris

 But the path of the just is as the shining light, that shineth more and more unto the perfect day (Proverbs 4:18).

A life of consistent and continuous victory is what Jesus brought to us in the Gospel. The Bible 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” (Romans 8:28). But not many people think this is factual. So, they believe life is sometimes up, and sometimes down, because that’s been their experience. But our theme scripture says,  “…the path of the just is as the shining light, that shineth more and more unto the perfect day” (Proverbs 4:18).

Battles come your way as a child of God; troubles come to you, and there’s nothing wrong with that at all. The Bible says,  “Yea, and all that will live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution” (2 Timothy 3:12). Tests, trials, and persecution are part of the deal. James 1:2 says, “My brethren, count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations.”

Always be ready and happy to catch some flak; welcome trouble. When they come, win; triumph always. That’s your life: one of consistent triumph in Christ! 2 Corinthians 2:14 says, “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.”

What you need is to keep growing your faith through the Word of God. Keep learning and putting the Word to work. The quality of life you’ll live depends on the quality of your knowledge in Christ. So, go for the Word voraciously for we triumph by the Word.

      PRAYER

Dear heavenly Father, I thank you for the life of unending victory, and supernatural success which you’ve given me in the Gospel. Thank you, for giving me the ability to weather the storms of life and win. Nothing and no one is big enough to defeat me, because the Greater One lives in me, and as He is, so am I in this world. I win always, in Jesus’ Name. Amen.

FURTHER STUDY:
Romans 8:35-37  Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? [shall] tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword? 36 As it is written, For thy sake we are killed all the day long; we are accounted as sheep for the slaughter. 37 Nay, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him that loved us.

2 Corinthians 2:14  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.

DAILY SCRIPTURE READING

1-Year Bible Reading Plan: Acts 27:1-26,
Psalms 21-22

2-Year Bible Reading Plan: Luke 10:1-9,
Joshua 18

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Open Heavens 21 July 2017: Friday daily devotional by Pastor Adeboye – Do Afflictions Swallow Your God?

Topic: Do Afflictions Swallow Your God? [Friday 21, July 2017]

Memorise: For I know that my redeemer liveth, and that he shall stand at the latter day upon the earth: – Job 19:25

Read: Job 19:23-27 (KJV)

23 Oh that my words were now written! oh that they were printed in a book!

24 That they were graven with an iron pen and lead in the rock for ever!

25 For I know that my redeemer liveth, and that he shall stand at the latter day upon the earth:

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

27 Whom I shall see for myself, and mine eyes shall behold, and not another; though my reins be consumed within me.

Bible in One Year: 2 Samuel 17-18; Ezekiel 12:21-13:7, Hymn: Sing hymn 1

MESSAGE:

Prophecies are great tools that God uses to intervene in the situations of His people’s lives. Every prophecy has certain conditions attached to it to trigger actualization. Knowing this truth, one particular year, when the Almighty God said that there would be an overflow in that year, I immediately realized that there was some work to be done. When he then asked us to fast for 100 days, I was not surprised. Undertaking such a task was not an easy one, but obedience to it produced a great harvest in joy, overflowing blessings and much more. This is your session of overflow of God’s blessings in Jesus’ Name!

In 1 Kings 17:8-16, when Elijah asked the widow of Zarephath to bring him some food, her response is worthy of note. 1 Kings 17:12asays,

“And she said, As the Lord thy God liveth, I have not a cake, but an handful of meal in a barrel, and a little oil in a cruse:”

In other words, she took a good look at Elijah and said, “I know your God”. Daniel 11:32 says if you know the Almighty God, you will be empowered to do exploits. ‘Exploits’ here refers to activities that are way beyond the ordinary. God is in the business of doing exploits. It takes God to turn the hideout of highway robbers into a beautiful godly city. It takes the God of exploit to construct the present auditorium at the Redemption Camp, even with its staggering cost. If you ever want to see exploits, you must know this God personally.

In addition, not only did this widow know Elijah’s God, she also declared Him to be alive. One of the most profound statements in the Bible was made by Job. In Job 19:25, he said:

“For I know that my redeemer liveth, and that he shall stand at the latter day upon the earth:”

At the time he said this, he was in a most distressing situation. Things were very bad indeed. He had lost all his wealth, property, children and even health. However, in spite of his ordeal, he still proclaimed that God was alive. Many people tend to believe that God is not alive or that He is not who He says He is, just because of the severe trials of faith they are facing. Problems can never take God away. He doesn’t cease to exist just because He has not answered your prayers. How much faith can you repose in God while going through difficult times? That is a true test of your character.

Action Point: Ask God to open more doors for us to reach the unreached countries with the gospel of Jesus Christ.

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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