Open Heavens 2 August 2017: Wednesday daily devotional by Pastor Adeboye – Want Your Prayers Answered?

Topic: Want Your Prayers Answered? [Wednesday 2, August 2017]

Memorise: Whoso stoppeth his ears at the cry of the poor, he also shall cry himself, but shall not be heard.  –Proverbs 21:13

Read: Psalm 22:1-5 (KJV)

1 My God, my God, why hast thou forsaken me? why art thou so far from helping me, and from the words of my roaring?

2 O my God, I cry in the daytime, but thou hearest not; and in the night season, and am not silent.
3 But thou art holy, O thou that inhabitest the praises of Israel.

4 Our fathers trusted in thee: they trusted, and thou didst deliver them.

5 They cried unto thee, and were delivered: they trusted in thee, and were not confounded.

Bible in One Year: 1 Kings 12-13; Ezekiel 18:30-19:14, Hymn: Sing hymn 9: On The Hill Far Away

MESSAGE:

There was a popular Mexican soap opera on the Nigerian television scene a few years ago titled “The Rich Also Cry”. The title of this drama gives credence to the fact that every human being, no matter how intelligent, wealthy, powerful or highly placed, would at one time or the other in life require assistance to deal with circumstances beyond human capability and control. The situation that renders a person of great means incapacitated is usually the type that money, authority and influence cannot resolve. At such times, a call for supernatural assistance or divine intervention through desperate prayers to the Almighty God is the only option left. I pray that as you call on the Name of the Lord in the day of trouble, He will answer you by fire in Jesus’ Name. However, if you want your prayers to be answered, you have a responsibility to ensure that you are not in the habit of blocking your ears to the petitions of the poor and needy ones around you. Our memory verse says that a person who heartlessly disregards the needs of the feeble, weak and helpless is wicked. The prayers of such a person will be disregarded in the day of trouble, no matter how desperate their cry for help may be.

It is common knowledge that many African nations and some developing countries around the world have suffered and are still suffering under corrupt, selfish and tyrannical leaders. Officials are known to be crooked, and a bribe is required before any service is rendered. Salary and wages are not paid when due, and they are sometimes delayed for months on end by government and corporate employers. We have also seen some Christian ministers and clerics showing more interest in monetary gain than in serving God and the people. It is time for everyone involved in such evil acts to note that eternal damnation awaits them if they fail to repent. One of the terrible realities of our time is the fact that even the Church is falling short of fulfilling her responsibilities to the poor and needy. The Church must not leave the less-privileged persons in our communities at the mercy of politicians and government officials, irrespective of their promises and political agenda for the poor. This is because God has neither suspended nor revoked our mandate to care for the poor. The Body of Christ must wake up to the responsibilities of a loving and caring Church, if we want our collective prayers to be answered by God. I live my life in total dependence on the Almighty God as the Source of my life and all that I do; I am nothing without Him. I therefore cannot even bear to imagine what my life would be like if God ceased to hear me when I call Him. I decree in the Name that is above all other names that heaven will never ignore your cry for help in Jesus’ Name.

Prayer Point: Father, please give me the grace to be a great source of assistance to impoverished people around the world in Jesus’ Name.

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, August 1st - RHAPSODY OF REALITIES

RHAPSODY OF REALITIES

*Test The Spirits

Tuesday, August 1st .
Pastor Chris

_*Dear friends, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God, because many false prophets have gone out into the world (1 John 4:1 NIV).*_

Some people have asked how they can distinguish between false prophets and true prophets or ministers of God. Well, it’s very easy to know a true minister of God. First, a true prophet or minister of God draws people to the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ and to the Word, not to himself or to some other gods.

Secondly, he walks in love. 1 John 4:8 says, _*“He that loveth not knoweth not God; for God is love.”*_ Walking in the love of Christ is very important. In addition, there has to be a consistency of the Word of God in his mouth. A true man of God doesn’t falter on the Word of God. He sticks to the Word, consistently maintaining and upholding the integrity of the Word. He proves the Word, first in his own life.

Another distinctive factor of a true minister is that the things he says come to pass. Now, that’s a little tricky, because sometimes, you could have a true prophet, pastor or evangelist make a mistake and say the wrong thing. Such a mistake could arise from his over enthusiasm or expectations of those around him or even because he’s not paying attention to the Holy Spirit. This, however, doesn’t make him a false prophet.

That’s why it’s important for you to know the Word for yourself. Part of the ministry of the Spirit in your life is to teach you the Word. Rely on Him and you’ll never be deceived. _*“I have written these things to you because you need to be aware of those who want to lead you astray. But you have received the Holy Spirit, and he lives within you, so you don’t need anyone to teach you what is true. For the Spirit teaches you all things, and what he teaches is true—it is not a lie. So continue in what he has taught you, and continue to live in Christ”*_ (1 John 2:26-27 NLT).

      *PRAYER*

*Dear Father, your Word is a light to my path and a lamp to my feet. My steps in life are directed and ordered by you, through the Word and your Spirit. I’m positioned in the right place and at the right time for your purpose, in Jesus’ Name. Amen.*

*FURTHER STUDY:* *||* *Matthew 7:15-16* Beware of false prophets, which come to you in sheep's clothing, but inwardly they are ravening wolves. 16 Ye shall know them by their fruits. Do men gather grapes of thorns, or figs of thistles? *||*

*||* *2 Corinthians 11:13-15* For such [are] false apostles, deceitful workers, transforming themselves into the apostles of Christ. 14 And no marvel; for Satan himself is transformed into an angel of light. 15 Therefore [it is] no great thing if his ministers also be transformed as the ministers of righteousness; whose end shall be according to their works. *||*

*DAILY SCRIPTURE READING*

*1-Year Bible Reading Plan:* Romans 6:1-14,
Psalms 56-59

*2-Year Bible Reading Plan:* Luke 12:22-34,
Judges 7

*EXTRACT FROM: RHAPSODY OF REALITIES DAILY DEVOTIONAL*

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Open Heavens 1 August 2017: Tuesday daily devotional by Pastor Adeboye – Tired of Stagnancy?

Topic: Tired of Stagnancy? [Tuesday 1, August 2017]

Memorise: This book of the law shall not depart out of thy mouth; but thou shalt meditate therein day and night, that thou mayest observe to do according to all that is written therein: for then thou shalt make thy way prosperous, and then thou shalt have good success.  –  Joshua 1:8

Read: 2 Peter 1:5-10 (KJV)

5 And beside this, giving all diligence, add to your faith virtue; and to virtue knowledge;

6 And to knowledge temperance; and to temperance patience; and to patience godliness;

7 And to godliness brotherly kindness; and to brotherly kindness charity.

8 For if these things be in you, and abound, they make you that ye shall neither be barren nor unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ.

9 But he that lacketh these things is blind, and cannot see afar off, and hath forgotten that he was purged from his old sins.

10 Wherefore the rather, brethren, give diligence to make your calling and election sure: for if ye do these things, ye shall never fall:

Bible in One Year: 1 Kings 11; Ezekiel 18:19-29, Hymn: Sing hymn 11: I Have Decided to Follow Jesus

MESSAGE:

The word “stagnancy” is commonly used to describe the state of a standing body of water that is devoid of current or flow, which consequently results in an unpleasant smell. It can also be used to describe a dull and sluggish situation where there is little or no evidence of activity. Just as a body of water can become stagnant, a person’s life can also enter into a state of stagnancy. Stagnancy ultimately leads to lack of productivity, barrenness, fruitlessness, indebtedness, poverty, failure, sorrow and disappointment. Moreover, stagnancy sometimes develops into a state of confusion. Inferiority complex, faithlessness, hopelessness and a loss of ambition. If a stagnated person does not receive help on time, the situation may degenerate into feelings of regret, depression, psychological imbalance and even suicide. I hereby decree into your life: in any area you may be experiencing stagnancy receive the power to make progress now in Jesus’ Name.

Do you know that sin within a person’s life is a far more deadly destroyer of destiny than other external enemies? Out of all the numerous agents that the devil uses to cause stagnancy, the paralysing effect of sin is the most potent weapon that prevents people from making progress. Once a person steps into sin, the stagnating power of sin becomes activated in the person’s life. Consequently, guilty conscience, loss of confidence, and the law of divine retribution all combine to ensure that every effort to make real progress is rendered null and void. However, God has provided a very effective way of escape for anyone who is tired of stagnancy. According to today’s memory verse, meditating on and living in obedience to the word of God destroys the power of stagnancy and guarantees success and prosperity. Through this scripture, the Holy Spirit is saying that if the word of God abounds in you and you are completely obedient to its principles, the Lord will ensure that agents of stagnancy such as barrenness, unfruitfulness, blindness and short-sightedness are rendered impotent in your life. The question is, are you tired of stagnancy? Are you ready to do what it takes to break the stronghold of stagnancy in your life? If you are yet to give your life to Jesus, you need to first surrender your life to Him now, confessing Him your Lord and Saviour. Following this, you must develop a hunger for studying God’s principles intensively through the Bible and begin to live according to His word. As you commit yourself to these things, the power of God will descend on you to set you free from stagnancy and divinely empower you to make progress in all areas of your life. Welcome to the unstoppable generation.

Prayer Point: Father, please break the power of stagnancy over my life and work in Jesus’ Name.

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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Monday , July 31st - RHAPSODY OF REALITIES

RHAPSODY OF REALITIES

A Life Of Glory

Monday , July 31st.
Pastor Chris

And the glory which thou gavest me I have given them; that they may be one, even as we are one (John 17:22).

The Lord Jesus in our theme verse prays for the Church and says, “…the glory which though gavest me I have given them….” He’s talking about us, the new creation; He has given to us the glory the Father gave to Him. Remarkably, He didn’t say, “I shall give them,” but “I have given them.” This is not a promise, but a present hour reality. What kind of a life should you be living then?

Peter the apostle tells us about the “…sufferings of Christ, and the glory that should follow” (1 Peter 1:11). Being born again, you’ve been born into a life of glory. Jesus has given you His glory; your life therefore, is a life of glory. What this means is that you’re blessed beyond measure; your progress in life is limitless. No nation or government can put a limit on you. So, you can lift your vision; look beyond the horizon and say, “Praise God!  My life is a life of glory. Hallelujah! I’m making progress; I’m moving forward. I’ll never be defeated.”

Addressing His disciples in John 14:23, Jesus said, ”…If a man love me, he will keep my words: and my Father will love him, and we will come unto him, and make our abode with him.” This is what you got when you received the Holy Spirit.
The Holy Spirit brings you the presence of the Father and the presence of Jesus. He’s the glory of God and has brought that glory into your life.

The Bible says “…Christ in you, the hope of glory” (Colossians 1:27). Because He lives in you, no sickness, disease and infirmity can thrive in your body. His presence in your life is the sure guarantee of a victorious and glorious life. Learn to trust in Him, and follow His Word.
Then you can rest in Him and watch your life gravitate from glory to glory.

PRAYER.

Thank you blessed Father, for making my life beautiful and glorious by the Holy Ghost who lives in me, I rejoice because your Spirit brings me your manifested presence always. And I know I'II live and walk in glory, victory and prosperity every day, in Jesus ' Name. Amen  .


FURTHER STUDY:
Romans 8:30 1 Peter 1:11


1 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN:
Romans 5:12-21 Psalms 52-55

2 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN:
Luke 12:13-21 Judges 6

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Open Heavens 31 July 2017: Monday daily devotional by Pastor Adeboye – Provision Before Need

Topic: Provision Before Need [Monday 31, July 2017]

Memorise: According as his divine power hath given unto us all things that pertain unto life and godliness, through the knowledge of him that hath called us to glory and virtue:  –  2 Peter 1:3

Read: 2 Peter 1:1-4 (KJV)

1 Simon Peter, a servant and an apostle of Jesus Christ, to them that have obtained like precious faith with us through the righteousness of God and our Saviour Jesus Christ:

2 Grace and peace be multiplied unto you through the knowledge of God, and of Jesus our Lord,

3 According as his divine power hath given unto us all things that pertain unto life and godliness, through the knowledge of him that hath called us to glory and virtue:

4 Whereby are given unto us exceeding great and precious promises: that by these ye might be partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust.

Bible in One Year: 1 Kings 9-10; Ezekiel 18:1-18, Hymn: Sing hymn 10: There Shall be Showers of Blessing

MESSAGE:

“God is in the midst of her; she shall not be moved: God shall help her, and that right early.” -Psalm 46:5

From the above passage of Scripture, one great benefit available to those who have God as their Refuge is that the help or assistance they need will never be late. There are at least three different times an individual can receive assistance. It could be before, during or after one experiences a need. If a need or an emergency arises today and you already have the wherewithal to meet that need, maybe from your earnings from paid employment or a business venture, you have already received help before that need arose.  This is a great place to be in! Some families already have all they will never need to take care of their children and pay their way up to post-graduate degree programmes, even before this need arises. Such people will never panic for school fees. This is an example of provision before need, and it describes a state of living in abundance. You will experience such in Jesus’ Name!

Moreover, do you know that God follows this same pattern in dealing with His children? For example, before God created Adam and Eve, all they would ever need had been provided for in the Garden of Eden which God Himself planted. God knows exactly what you need even before you express or voice out your request (Matthew 6:32). Do you know that God has already provided all you would ever need to live a victorious Christian life and fulfil your God-given destiny? The Holy Spirit speaks about this to us in 2 Peter 1:3, where He says:

“According as his divine power hath given unto us all things that pertain unto life and godliness, through the knowledge of him that hath called us to glory and virtue:”

It is therefore possible for you to be a beneficiary of provision before need. However, one major challenge for most people with regards to this benefit is that when there is provision to meet their future needs, they become careless, frivolous and wasteful. When God provides ahead of time, it is possible to spend it on other things outside of God’s purpose. You therefore need divine guidance even in plenty. Having abundance does not justify wastefulness in God’s Kingdom. However, to partake of this great benefit, you need to increase your knowledge of the Provider, walk in obedience to Him, follow spiritual financial principles and wait on His directives always.

Prayer Point: What some people waste daily is more than enough to feed several needy, hungry people. To trigger blessings from the Lord, such excess should be spent on meeting the needs of others.

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 30 July 2017: Sunday daily devotional by Pastor Adeboye – Dangers of Financial Storms II

Topic: Dangers of Financial Storms II [Sunday 30, July 2017]

Memorise: But thou, O man of God, flee these things; and follow after righteousness, godliness, faith, love, patience, meekness. –  1 Timothy 6:11

Read: 1 Timothy 6:6-11 (KJV)

6 But godliness with contentment is great gain.

7 For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out.

8 And having food and raiment let us be therewith content.

9 But they that will be rich fall into temptation and a snare, and into many foolish and hurtful lusts, which drown men in destruction and perdition.

10 For the love of money is the root of all evil: which while some coveted after, they have erred from the faith, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows.

11 But thou, O man of God, flee these things; and follow after righteousness, godliness, faith, love, patience, meekness.

Bible in One Year: 1 Kings 8; Ezekiel 17:11-24, Hymn: Sing hymn 10: There Shall be Showers of Blessing

MESSAGE:

On the 23rd of this month, we established that financial storms can breed hatred and discrimination against the poor, and even make them contemplate suicide. Beyond these, financial storms can lead to a situation where people would resort to doing unimaginable things to survive a few more days, weeks or months, just like it happened in Samaria, where people began to eat their own children (2 Kings 6:26-29). When you speak of such scenarios, some people think this can never happen; but not too long ago in Nigeria, a woman was caught after selling her child just to get some money for food. This is almost the same as eating one’s child. When she was arrested, she begged everyone to listen to her story first before judging her. She said she decided to sell her child because she could no longer afford to feed herself and her child. She reasoned that whoever bought the child would feed her, thereby increasing her chances of survival. She explained that if she kept the child, they would both die of hunger, and that from the proceeds of selling her child, at least for a while, her own chances of survival would increase also. She probably never thought that her child could be killed and used for rituals.

Moreover, financial storms drive some people to consult the devil and swallow charms in their desperate bid to prosper. Some of such people are compelled to go to the graveyard at a specific period every month to eat there in order to sustain their wealth. The fear of poverty has really led many people into unthinkable and damnable things they would never have attempted with a sane mind. It is most unfortunate that many believers have allowed themselves to be caught in this same evil net. 1 Timothy 6:9 says,

“But they that will be rich fall into temptation and a snare, and into many foolish and hurtful lusts, which drown men in destruction and perdition.”

God has a plan for everyone who comes to Him. In that plan, there is provision to meet all of their needs. However, to partake of the benefits of that divine provision, every child of God would have to follow certain divine principles. In Matthew 6:24-34, Jesus gives the blueprint for this, based on which you would have to focus on God and on His Kingdom. If you do this faithfully, then God will make you His focus. It is unfortunate that several people prefer to focus on their needs at the expense of their relationship with God; hence, they keep drifting further away from God’s sure place of provision. If you have drifted away from God in your search for bread, retrace your steps today!

Prayer Point: Father, by Your mercy, terminates every financial storm in my life and family 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. 

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Sunday, July 30th - RHAPSODY OF REALITIES DAILY DEVOTIONAL

RHAPSODY OF REALITIES DAILY DEVOTIONAL


Choose To Be Excellent

Sunday, July 30th
Pastor Chris

That ye may approve things that are excellent; that ye may be sincere and without offence till the day of Christ (Philippians 1:10).

   As a child of God, excellence should be the
watchword and hallmark of your life. The Bible says about Daniel: “Forasmuch as an excellent spirit, and knowledge, and understanding, interpreting of dreams, and shewing of hard sentences, and dissolving of doubts, were found in the same Daniel, whom the king named Belteshazzar: now let Daniel be called, and he will shew the interpretation” (Daniel 5:12). Daniel was so excellent, that the unbelievers around him noticed it. Approve and prize excellence in all that you do, and represent. Everything about you must be top-class. Excellence must be your only option.

   Excellence doesn’t come by itself, you’ve got to work for it. You make the choice to be excellent. If you don’t decide for it, it’ll never happen. You can’t blame anybody for your personal life; you can’t say because of what your parents did, that’s the reason you failed; that won’t fly with God.

   Jesus said, “But the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in my name, he shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you” (John 14:26). The Holy Spirit is in you to guide you in excellence and cause you to exude excellence. He’s the Spirit of excellence, and He lives in you. As long as you yield to Him and do the things He tells you, your life will be excellent and full of glory. You’ll have significant attainments. Glory to God!


PRAYER

Dear Father, I thank you, for the Spirit of excellence is at work in me, both to will and to do of your good pleasure. I exude divine excellence, therefore, I produce luxuriantly, expressing the perfections of God in all that I do, in Jesus’ Name. Amen.


FURTHER STUDY:

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

Philippians 4:8 NIV
Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.

1 Peter 2:9 AMP
1 Peter 2:9 But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a consecrated nation, a [special] people for God’s own possession, so that you may proclaim the excellencies [the wonderful deeds and virtues and perfections] of Him who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light.


*Be A Partner Of Rhapsody Of Realities Today!*

DAILY SCRIPTURE READING

1-Year Bible Reading Plan:
Romans 5:1-11, Psalms 49-51

2-Year Bible Reading Plan:
 Luke 12:1-12, Judges 5

EXTRACT FROM: Rhapsody Of Realities Daily Devotional

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Open Heavens 29 July 2017: Saturday daily devotional by Pastor Adeboye – Help From Above

Topic: Help From Above [Saturday 29, July 2017]

Memorise: My help cometh from the LORD, which made heaven and earth. – Psalm 121:2

Read: Psalm 121:1-4 (KJV)

1 I will lift up mine eyes unto the hills, from whence cometh my help.

2 My help cometh from the LORD, which made heaven and earth.

3 He will not suffer thy foot to be moved: he that keepeth thee will not slumber.

4 Behold, he that keepeth Israel shall neither slumber nor sleep.

Bible in One Year: 1 Kings 7; Ezekiel 16:59-17:10, Hymn: Sing hymn 4: Through the Love of God Our Saviour

MESSAGE:

The reason why many people pray without getting answers is because their prayers are actually directed to men instead of God. Today, many people seeking for jobs, contracts, spouses or admission into academic institutions prefer to ask for help from those they believe can assist them instead of going to the true source of help: God. The truth about receiving help from man is that men are most unreliable, limited in resources and ability and can be swayed by situations and circumstances. Where do you channel your requests to?

In 2 Kings 6:26, a woman in dire need cried to the king for help, and the king responded to her cry with these words:

“….If the LORD do not help thee, whence shall I help thee? Out of the barnfloor, or out of the winepress?” - 2 Kings 6:27

This king recognised that God is the true source of help we all need. No wonder David, in today’s Bible reading, said that he would look up to the source of his help: God. Who is your helper? To whom do you turn or run for help in time of need? God is the true Helper because He is the All-Sufficient God. He is the creator and owner of the earth and everything in it (Psalm 24:1).He has all the ability, knowledge and power, and so He can do anything, answer any question and solve all problems. Ecclesiastes 5:8 says He is higher than everyone and everything, and so He is above all. Psalm 91:1 calls Him the Most High. He is also the most influential, because the mention of His Name compels everything and everyone else to bow to Him(Philippians 2:9-11). He is so powerful that with just a simple statement, the toughest of requests is granted (Psalm 33:8-9). His word is final on any issue; hence, you do not need to accept any negative verdict from any other source (Lamentations 3:37). He stands as the Universal Judge who can upturn any judgement as He pleases in favour of those He loves. It is a great privilege to have access to this God, table requests before Him and receive answers to our requests. If you find it difficult to make your requests known to God, it is obvious that you do not know Him, or you are proud. From now on, make it a habit to praise and worship Him and thereafter make your requests known to the true Helper (Philippians 4:6). He will help you today.

Action Point: Spend an hour thanking God for how He has helped you thus far, and then ask for His help on every difficult situation you are confronted with.

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

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

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Saturday, July 29th - RHAPSODY OF REALITIES DAILY DEVOTIONAL

RHAPSODY OF REALITIES DAILY DEVOTIONAL

*The Good Treasures In Your Spirit*

Saturday, July 29th .
Pastor Chris

_*Keep thy heart with all diligence; for out of it are the issues of life (Proverbs 4:23).*_

Proverbs 20:27 says, _*“The spirit of man is the candle of the LORD, searching all the inward parts of the belly.”*_ “Belly” here is an expression for the innermost being. It means your heart or spirit: the core of your nature. The light of God is in your spirit, which is why after giving your life to Christ, you must consciously train and develop your spirit. Many are more concerned about what takes place in their souls or physical bodies, with little consideration for their spirit.

Though commendable, it’s not enough to train your mind and physical body alone; greater premium should be on educating your spirit. The highest potentials of the human nature are in the spirit. So you must consciously and deliberately study and meditate on the Word of God always, for your spirit to be enlightened; then you can bring out the best from within you.

The beauties, graces and perfections of divinity are resident in your spirit. Jesus said in John 7:38, _*“He that believeth on me, as the scripture hath said, out of his belly shall flow rivers of living water.”*_ In Matthew 12:35, He said, _*“A good man out of the good treasure of the heart bringeth forth good things….”*_ Discover the treasures in your recreated human spirit through the Word and bring them to the fore. Exude excellence, perfection and virtue from your spirit.

2 Corinthians 4:7 says, _*“But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the excellency of the power may be of God, and not of us.”*_ Look inwards, and live from inside out. Initiate prosperity and victory from within you, for they’re inherent in your spirit. God has deposited in your spirit everything you require for a life of glory and excellence. Search yourself; look within you and discover the treasures and potentials in you.

       *PRAYER*

*Dear Father, how I love you! I thank you for graciously filling my heart with your excellence and perfections. I’m yielded to your Word which helps me discover the treasures within; therefore, I saturate and affect my world with your goodness, kindness, love, beauty, and grace, in Jesus’ Name. Amen.*

*FURTHER STUDY:* *||* *Matthew 13:44* Again, the kingdom of heaven is like unto treasure hid in a field; the which when a man hath found, he hideth, and for joy thereof goeth and selleth all that he hath, and buyeth that field. *||*

*||* *2 Corinthians 4:7* But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the excellency of the power may be of God, and not of us. *||*

*DAILY SCRIPTURE READING*

*1-Year Bible Reading Plan:* Romans 4:1-25,
Psalms 45-48

*2-Year Bible Reading Plan:* Luke 11:45-54,
Judges 4

*EXTRACT FROM: RHAPSODY OF REALITIES DAILY DEVOTIONAL*

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Open Heavens 28 July 2017: Friday daily devotional by Pastor Adeboye – Situation-Dependent Service

Topic: Situation-Dependent Service [Friday 28, July 2017]

Memorise: And when he came to the den, he cried with a lamentable voice unto Daniel: and the king spake and said to Daniel, O Daniel, servant of the living God, is thy God, whom thou servest continually, able to deliver thee from the lions? – Daniel 6:20

Read: Daniel 6:18-23 (KJV)

18 Then the king went to his palace, and passed the night fasting: neither were instruments of musick brought before him: and his sleep went from him.

19 Then the king arose very early in the morning, and went in haste unto the den of lions.

20 And when he came to the den, he cried with a lamentable voice unto Daniel: and the king spake and said to Daniel, O Daniel, servant of the living God, is thy God, whom thou servest continually, able to deliver thee from the lions?

21 Then said Daniel unto the king, O king, live for ever.

22 My God hath sent his angel, and hath shut the lions' mouths, that they have not hurt me: forasmuch as before him innocency was found in me; and also before thee, O king, have I done no hurt.

23 Then was the king exceeding glad for him, and commanded that they should take Daniel up out of the den. So Daniel was taken up out of the den, and no manner of hurt was found upon him, because he believed in his God.

Bible in One Year: 1 Kings 5-6; Ezekiel 16:44-58, Hymn: Sing hymn 14: Take My Life

MESSAGE:

If your desire to see exploits from the Almighty God, you must know Him personally and believe that He is alive. Unfortunately, when some believers are going through very tough times, you will think that their God is dead. They lose their trust in God, just because they could not feel Him doing anything about their case while putting their trust in Him. Some of such people will no longer confess Him before men because they are afraid He might disappoint them. Hebrews 11:6 says that if you want anything at all from God, you must believe that He is alive and well. You must believe that He continues to exist and that He is in control. No matter how bad your situation may appear, God is still alive and He is in charge. Nothing happens in your life without His knowledge.

After Daniel was set up by some fellow leaders in the Government of King Darius, He was thrown into the lion’s den. What the king said to him while he was in the lion’s den is very instructive:

“And when he came to the den, he cried with a lamentable voice unto Daniel: and the king spake and said to Daniel, O Daniel servant of the living God, is thy God, whom thou servest continually, able to deliver thee from the lions?” - Daniel 6:20

In other words, this king recognised that the God of Daniel was the living God. Do people know your God as the living God? Also, King Darius observed the quality of worship Daniel offered to his God. Daniel not only severed God in the times of plenty, blessings and answered prayers, but also in the times of persecution and unanswered prayers. If you truly want to see exploits, you must be ready to serve God continuously. Do you know that many people allow situations and circumstances to affect or determine when they serve God? Some people decide to down tools in God’s house just because a particular pending request has not been granted. Some even “threaten” God that if He doesn’t answer their prayer, they will stop pastoring, winning souls or doing some specific assignment that God has given to them. Can you truly threaten God? Is your love for God dependent on your situation in life? If you have downed tools in God’s service, repent and get back to doing the work that God gave to you!

Key Point: Although God can deliver His children from any unpleasant situation, He reserves the right to decide whether and when to deliver them or not, depending on what He wants to achieve from that particular situation.

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

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

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Friday, July 28th - RHAPSODY OF REALITIES DAILY DEVOTIONAL

RHAPSODY OF REALITIES DAILY DEVOTIONAL

*Demonstrating His Love*

Friday, July 28th .
Pastor Chris

_*And this I pray, that your love may abound yet more and more in knowledge and in all judgment (Philippians 1:9).*_

You’ll appreciate our opening verse better if we read it from the Amplified Version. It says, _*“And this I pray: that your love may abound yet more and more and extend to its fullest development in knowledge and all keen insight [that your love may display itself in greater depth of acquaintance and more comprehensive discernment].”*_ Here, the Spirit’s prayer through Paul is that you demonstrate and express the love of Christ copiously, with knowledge and discernment.

Christianity is walking in the love of Christ: expressing and manifesting His love in a dark and cynical world, howbeit, with the knowledge of God’s Word and discernment. Sometimes, people think that when you walk in love, you’re naive and weak, but that’s not true; love never makes you weak. Rather, it’s those who don’t walk in love, in the knowledge of God’s Word and discernment, that are naive and weak.

Love makes you give of yourself to others without thinking of what you’ll get in return. It makes you think of others and accept them just as they are. Love is unselfish and breaks the barriers of race, ethnicity, and social strata. Love sees the beauty in others and appreciates who they are. Consciously appreciate those around you and express the love of Jesus to them. God wants you to act that way, more and more. He said, _*“...that your love may abound yet more and more and extend to its fullest development in knowledge and all keen insight...”*_ (Philippians 1:9 AMP).

Take your communication for instance; the way you address others; it ought to be with loving, gracious, and edifying words. Never talk people down. Never use words that hurt and demean people. Communicate excellently with others without destroying their self-image or making them feel sorry for themselves. Talk to people in a way that they never forget the excellence of your words, the love and grace of Christ that you communicated. It’s how God wants us to live.

Preaching the Gospel isn’t only when you talk to a sinner; you preach the Gospel with your life every day, no matter who you’re talking to. And the Gospel, is Christ alive in you: His love seen, heard, expressed and experienced by others through you.

      *PRAYER*

*Dear Father, thank you for your love-nature that’s fully expressed in, and demonstrated through me. I’m loving, tender, compassionate and gracious to those in my world, displaying and spreading your righteousness and the realities of the Kingdom, in Jesus’ Name. Amen.*

*FURTHER STUDY:* *||* *Romans 5:5* And hope maketh not ashamed; because the love of God is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Ghost which is given unto us. *||*

*||* *James 3:6-10* And the tongue [is] a fire, a world of iniquity: so is the tongue among our members, that it defileth the whole body, and setteth on fire the course of nature; and it is set on fire of hell. 7 For every kind of beasts, and of birds, and of serpents, and of things in the sea, is tamed, and hath been tamed of mankind: 8 But the tongue can no man tame; [it is] an unruly evil, full of deadly poison. 9 Therewith bless we God, even the Father; and therewith curse we men, which are made after the similitude of God. 10 Out of the same mouth proceedeth blessing and cursing. My brethren, these things ought not so to be. *||*

*||* *Ephesians 4:29* Let no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth, but that which is good to the use of edifying, that it may minister grace unto the hearers. *||*

*DAILY SCRIPTURE READING*

*1-Year Bible Reading Plan:* Romans 3:1-31,
Psalms 42-44

*2-Year Bible Reading Plan:* Luke 11:37-44,
Judges 2-3

*EXTRACT FROM: RHAPSODY OF REALITIES DAILY DEVOTIONAL*

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THURSDAY, JULY 27th 2017 - RHAPSODY OF REALITIES DAILY DEVOTIONAL

RHAPSODY OF REALITIES DAILY DEVOTIONAL


 THURSDAY, JULY 27th 2017.

A Premium On The Spirit

For bodily exercise profiteth little: but godliness is profitable unto all things, having promise of the life that now is, and of that which is to come (1 Timothy 4:8).

Some people claim to be making progress spiritually, yet their lives are full of ups and downs. “My spiritual life is okay, but I have problems in my business,” some may say. This ought not to be. God expects us to make spiritual progress always. He expects us to grow. If you can make spiritual progress, progress in every other area of your life is absolutely assured, because the spiritual controls the physical.

Your spiritual life means much more than prayer, Bible study, winning souls, or going to church. Galatians 5:25 says, “If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit.” To walk in the Spirit means that everything you do: thinking, talking, seeing, eating and so on, must be from the light of His Word. As you continually place your health, family, business, and finances under the light of God, God’s Word will give you total balance, and your life will be a declaration of the whole counsel of God.

Ensure to always give your spiritual life the priority it deserves. If your physical life is wonderful and you’ve achieved material and emotional success without giving attention to your spiritual walk, it won’t take too long before those areas are jeopardized. Remember, you’re not a physical being, but primarily a spirit being. Therefore, if your spiritual life isn’t together, you’ll have problems in all other areas sooner or later. But once it is working out well, it will produce the life that’s needed in every other thing about you.

PRAYER.

Dear Father, I thank you, for as I meditate on the Word, I'm changed, from glory to glory. I make progress in every area of my life: in my health, finances, business and academics; I make progress spiritually, in the Name of the Lord Jesus. Amen.


FURTHER STUDY:

1 Timothy  4:7-8 But refuse profane and old wives' fables, and exercise thyself rather unto godliness.  4:8 For bodily exercise profiteth little: but godliness is profitable unto all things, having promise of the life that now is, and of that which is to come.

Ephesians  5:6 Let no man deceive you with vain words: for because of these things cometh the wrath of God upon the children of disobedience

1 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN:
Romans 2:1-29 Psalms 38-41


2 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN:
Luke 11:27-36 Judges 1

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