Saturday, August 12th - RHAPSODY OF REALITIES

RHAPSODY OF REALITIES

*BORN INTO LIBERTY*

Saturday, August 12th .
Pastor Chris

_*Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new (2 Corinthians 5:17).*_

Some Christians, due to their ignorance of the Word, still maintain a “deliverance mentality”: the mentality of always wanting to be set free from one bondage or the other. Even the kind of songs they sing most times show that they lack the understanding of who the Christian really is. In reality, the Christian doesn’t require “deliverance.”

It’s important that we understand the generic terminology in the Epistles used in referring to all of us as having been saved and delivered. The whole world has been saved and delivered by Jesus Christ through His vicarious death. When He died, He died for everybody. When God raised Him from the dead, He was raised for everybody.

Thus, everybody was raised together with Christ, but that’s the legality of salvation. It only becomes a vital experience for the one who, in accordance to Romans 10:9, proclaims the lordship of Jesus. At that moment, you’re born again, and are translated into the Kingdom of light. You become a child of God. That’s who the Christian is. Jesus didn’t “set you free.” You were born anew. You’re a new creation without a past, born into the presence of God and into righteousness!

James 1:18 says, _*“Of his own will begat he us with the word of truth….”*_ God literally gave birth to us, through the Word. If this is true (and it’s indeed true), how could He give birth to people who’ll still be in servitude or bondage to Satan? It just doesn’t add up. Get to know who you are. You were born into liberty; the liberty to serve God, the liberty to enjoy your life in Him and be all that He’s called you to be. You’re superior to Satan and therefore could never be in bondage to him. Accept this truth and it’ll put an end to the struggles.

All through the ministry of Jesus, He never needed to be set free or delivered from the devil or any trouble; the Bible says as He is, so are we in this world. Acts 17:28 says, _*“…in him we live, and move, and have our being….”*_ You’re completely shielded from Satan and his devices and therefore, not in need of any kind of deliverance. That’s the greater truth, and that’s the revelation by which you ought to live.

        *PRAYER*

*I’m a new creation in Christ Jesus, born anew into the liberty of the sons of God! I enjoy my life in Christ, having been blessed richly in all things. I walk in favour, divine health and prosperity every day of my life, in Jesus’ Name. Amen.*

*FURTHER STUDY:* *||* *Romans 8:1-2* [There is] therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit. 2 For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus hath made me free from the law of sin and death. *||*

*||* *Colossians 1:12-13* Giving thanks unto the Father, which hath made us meet to be partakers of the inheritance of the saints in light: 13 Who hath delivered us from the power of darkness, and hath translated [us] into the kingdom of his dear Son: *||*

*||* *Galatians 5:1* Stand fast therefore in the liberty wherewith Christ hath made us free, and be not entangled again with the yoke of bondage. *||*

*DAILY SCRIPTURE READING*

*1-Year Bible Reading Plan:* Romans 14-15:1-4,
Psalms 90-93

*2-Year Bible Reading Plan:* Luke 15:11-19,
Judges 20

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Open Heavens 11 August 2017: Friday Daily Devotional by Pastor Adeboye – Tricks of the Devil I

Topic: Tricks of the Devil I — Friday 11, August 2017.

Memorise: Pride goeth before destruction, and an haughty spirit before a fall. – Proverbs 16:18

Read: Isaiah 14:12-16 (KJV)

12 How art thou fallen from heaven, O Lucifer, son of the morning! how art thou cut down to the ground, which didst weaken the nations!

13 For thou hast said in thine heart, I will ascend into heaven, I will exalt my throne above the stars of God: I will sit also upon the mount of the congregation, in the sides of the north:

14 I will ascend above the heights of the clouds; I will be like the most High.

15 Yet thou shalt be brought down to hell, to the sides of the pit.

16 They that see thee shall narrowly look upon thee, and consider thee, saying, Is this the man that made the earth to tremble, that did shake kingdoms;

Bible in One Year: 2 Kings 7-8; Ezekiel 23:1-21, Hymn: Sing hymn 7: O Jesus, I Have Promised

Open Heavens 11th August 2017 Message:

A trick is a cunning act or scheme intended to deceive or outwit a person. One of the greatest tricks by which the devil deceives men today is to cause their hearts to be lifted up in pride. Through pride, the hearts of mankind have rebelled against the knowledge and authority of God. Pride comes with arrogance, pomp, presumption, conceit, self-satisfaction, boasting, high-mindedness and haughtiness. It is especially dangerous because of its silence and the stealth by which it operates. When pride is well seated in the heart and has taken full charge of a person, it becomes extremely difficult to pin down. However, we thank God because the light of God’s word is bright enough to expose it in all its forms. To understand pride, we need to consider the first entity in whom pride was found: Satan. Isaiah 14:13-14 reveals the thoughts of his heart that made God depose him from his exalted position in Heaven:

“13 For thou hast said in thine heart, I will ascend into heaven, I will exalt my throne above the stars of God: I will sit also upon the mount of the congregation, in the sides of the north: 14 I will ascend above the heights of the clouds; I will be like the most High.”

A careful consideration of the above scripture shows that pride is basically a sin that has its roots in the attitude of the heart. Hence, Proverbs 21:4 speaks of “a haughty look” and “a proud heart” as sin. The first thing to watch out for in a man or woman with pride in their heart is the emphasis on their person in their speech. The speech of such people is normally laden with the personal pronoun ‘I’. In a single short statement, Satan made reference to himself five times: “I will ascend, I will exalt my throne, I will sit, I will ascend above, and I will be like the most High.” Secondly, the proud displays an unwarranted attitude of confidence and inordinate ambition, such as displayed by Satan. He was not satisfied with where God placed him, and he actually wanted to supplant God Himself. He was so confident of himself that he thought he could ascend into Heaven and exercise dominion over all the angels of God, all by himself.

However, pride cannot remain internalised and hidden. It often finds expressions: through speech (such as boasting), through looks and through behaviour, such as acts of impatience and contemptible treatment of others. The Bible highlights the inevitable downfall of a proud person, and we should learn from what happened to Satan (Proverbs 16:18, Ezekiel 28:16-19). The proud will not escape God’s terrible judgement; therefore, be warned!

Prayer Point: Father, please expose every hidden tendency of pride and related attitudes in my life and completely destroy them, 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.

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Thursday, August 10th - RHAPSODY OF REALITIES

RHAPSODY OF REALITIES

*Don’t Beg With His Name*

Thursday, August 10th .
Pastor Chris

_*Now then we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God did beseech you by us: we pray you in Christ’s stead, be ye reconciled to God (2 Corinthians 5:20).*_

The Word of God describes us as “Christ’s ambassadors.” This means we’re officially appointed and designated as His legal representatives in the earth. We’ve been given the power of attorney to use the Name of Jesus. We act in His Name. When we affirm anything or make a decree in the Name of Jesus, it’s as though Jesus Himself decreed it. We speak for Him, or speak in His place, when we use the Name of Jesus.

Some people resort to begging with that Name, and that’s wrong. How can you beg using the greatest and most powerful name there is? The Name of Jesus is the biggest Name in all the universe, because it belongs to the One who has all power and authority. And He gave you His Name to live by.

Read Paul’s submission in Philippians 2:9-10, as he describes that Name: _*“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.”*_ Don’t beg with that name or in that name; rather, make decrees.

Recall what Peter did with that name in Acts 3. He used it as an instrument against lameness and paralysis. He eyeballed a man who had been lame from birth and 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”*_ (Acts 3:6). This wasn’t prayer; Peter didn’t beg God to heal the man. What he did was to use the Name of Jesus as an instrument.

When you make demands on the basis of the instrumentality of the Name of Jesus, He sees to it that it happens (John 14:14). Use His Name to put the devil and his cohorts under your feet—where they belong. Use it to establish yourself in the triumphant life, in all-around success, health, prosperity, and joy. Use it to make your life glorious!

      *CONFESSION*

*Dear Father, thank you for granting me the power of attorney to use the Name of Jesus. I take advantage of this wonderful instrument to put the devil and his demons, sin, sickness and death in their place—defeated! The circumstances of life are compelled to work for my good, in Jesus’ Name. Amen.*

*FURTHER STUDY:* *||* *John 14:13* And whatsoever ye shall ask in my name, that will I do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son. *||*

*||* *Philippians 2:9* Wherefore God also hath highly exalted him, and given him a name which is above every name: *||*

*||* *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:* Romans 12:1-16,
Psalms 85-88

*2-Year Bible Reading Plan:* Luke 14:25-35,
Judges 18

*EXTRACT FROM: RHAPSODY OF REALITIES DAILY DEVOTIONAL*

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Open Heavens 10 August 2017: Thursday daily devotional by Pastor Adeboye – Spiritual Armour

Topic: Spiritual Armour — Thursday 10, August 2017.

Memorise: Nay, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him that loved us. –Romans 8:37

Read: Ephesians 6:10-18 (KJV)

10 Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might.

11 Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil.

12 For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.

13 Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.

14 Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness;

15 And your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace;

16 Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked.

17 And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God:

18 Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints;

Bible in One Year: 2 Kings 5-6; Ezekiel 22:17-31, Hymn: Sing hymn 18: Onward Christian Soldier

Open Heavens 10th August 2017 Message:

Weapons of war usually fall under two major categories: offensive and defensive. Body armour can be classified as defensive weapons of war against missiles, projectiles and handheld combat weapons; they work as protective covering, designed to safeguard vital parts of the body. Today’s Bible reading talks about spiritual warfare, revealing how the different parts of physical body armour mirror the spiritual armour available to us as believers in Christ. We have at our disposal invisible weapons of spiritual warfare that are potent against the wicked assault of the enemy. In Ephesians 6:11, our spiritual armour is referred to as the armour of God, which implies that it possesses divine attributes, making it indestructible by the power of the devil. We are invited to “put on the whole armour of God”. However, this armour is inaccessible to those who have not accepted the Lordship of Jesus Christ over their lives.

Putting on the armour of God is equivalent to putting on Jesus, and He is more than enough to protect us against all evil and temptations we may encounter. Romans 13:14 says,

“But put ye on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make not provision for the flesh, to fulfil the lusts thereof.”

Putting on Jesus involves accepting Him as Lord and Saviour, meditating on His word day and night, living a life of holiness, and spreading His gospel. I pray that in the heat of the battles of life, the armour of God will be your strong defence in Jesus’ Name.

The Bible used the imagery of physical warfare to communicate a powerful spiritual message to us in Ephesians 6:10-18. Firstly, we are asked to gird our waist with the sturdy belt of truth. It’s with this same belt that our sword is fastened to our body. In the days of old, a soldier girded in this manner was recognised as being on active duty. We are expected to gird ourselves with truth as the foundation of all our spiritual activities. Next, we are to find our protection in righteousness by putting on the breastplate of righteousness. Also, our feet should be ever ready to move with the gospel of peace. We should then arm ourselves with the shield of faith to quench all the fiery arrows of the enemy. To protect our head, the most important part of our body, we must put on the helmet of salvation. The helmet of salvation is required to protect our spiritual destiny. Finally, as soldiers of Christ, we are to wield the “Sword of the Spirit”, which is the spoken word of God. As the only offensive weapon mentioned, this is the soldier’s most important weapon, and it is supplied by the Holy Spirit. I decree that God will fortify you and make you untouchable to the devil in Jesus’ Name.

Prayer Point: Father, please prepare and equip me for battle as a good soldier of Christ 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.

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Wednesday, August 9th - RHAPSODY OF REALITIES

RHAPSODY OF REALITIES

*Open Your Spirit To The Word*

Wednesday, August 9th.
Pastor Chris

_*And Jesus answered him, saying, It is written, That man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word of God (Luke 4:4).*_

God gave us His Word to live by. His Word isn’t just an account of history and prophecy, but the revelation of His will, nature, character and His eternal purpose for man. His Word is full of power and the inherent ability to produce the message it carries.

The knowledge and understanding of God’s Word, therefore, is imperative in your relationship with Him. When you study and understand the Word of God, you’ll not entertain any doubt as to its efficacy. You won’t wonder if it’s His will for you to be prosperous, healthy and successful in life; you’ll simply expect the Word to produce results in your life.

When you meditate on the Word, it gets into your system to correct every anomaly in your life and in your physical body; be it a growth or a deformed heart.

God said, _*“So shall my word be that goeth forth out of my mouth: it shall not return unto me void, but it shall accomplish that which I please, and it shall prosper in the thing whereto I sent it”*_ (Isaiah 55:11). Learn to receive and respond to God’s Word from your spirit and demonstrate an unequivocal faith in its potency and ability to transform you. Your response to the Word is the vocalization of your faith.

It makes no difference what the issue is: whether it’s sickness, bankruptcy, economic recession, marital problems etc.; God’s Word is the solution. Once you locate the Word in that area, you have the answer. Key-in to a life of beauty, glory, rest, success, health, and prosperity by living in the Word. Open your spirit to the Word as the regulator of your life and keep making progress from glory to glory.

        *CONFESSION*

*I live by the Word; therefore, I’m flourishing like the palm tree, planted by the rivers of water, and everything I do prospers. I’m making progress from glory to glory because I live in the Word. Blessed be God!*

*FURTHER STUDY:* *||* *Hebrews 4:12* For the word of God [is] quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and [is] a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart. *||*

*||* *Matthew 24:35* Heaven and earth shall pass away, but my words shall not pass away. *||*

*||* *Luke 21:32-33* Verily I say unto you, This generation shall not pass away, till all be fulfilled. 33 Heaven and earth shall pass away: but my words shall not pass away. *||*

*DAILY SCRIPTURE READING*

*1-Year Bible Reading Plan:* Romans 11:25-36,
Psalms 82-84

*2-Year Bible Reading Plan:* Luke 14:15-24,
Judges 17

*EXTRACT FROM: RHAPSODY OF REALITIES DAILY DEVOTIONAL*

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Open Heavens 9 August 2017: Wednesday daily devotional by Pastor Adeboye – Jehovah Nissi

Topic: Jehovah Nissi — Wednesday 9, August 2017.

Memorise: Plead my cause, O LORD, with them that strive with me: fight against them that fight against me. – Psalm 35:1

Read: Exodus 17:8-16 (KJV)

8 Then came Amalek, and fought with Israel in Rephidim.

9 And Moses said unto Joshua, Choose us out men, and go out, fight with Amalek: to morrow I will stand on the top of the hill with the rod of God in mine hand.

10 So Joshua did as Moses had said to him, and fought with Amalek: and Moses, Aaron, and Hur went up to the top of the hill.

11 And it came to pass, when Moses held up his hand, that Israel prevailed: and when he let down his hand, Amalek prevailed.

12 But Moses' hands were heavy; and they took a stone, and put it under him, and he sat thereon; and Aaron and Hur stayed up his hands, the one on the one side, and the other on the other side; and his hands were steady until the going down of the sun.

13 And Joshua discomfited Amalek and his people with the edge of the sword.

14 And the LORD said unto Moses, Write this for a memorial in a book, and rehearse it in the ears of Joshua: for I will utterly put out the remembrance of Amalek from under heaven.

15 And Moses built an altar, and called the name of it Jehovahnissi:

16 For he said, Because the LORD hath sworn that the LORD will have war with Amalek from generation to generation.

Bible in One Year: 2 Kings 3-4; Ezekiel 22:1-16,Hymn: Sing hymn 4: Through the Love of God Our Saviour

Open Heavens 9th August 2017 Message:

Jehovah Nissi is the third revealed compound Name of God, meaning “The Lord is my Banner”. It was the Name Moses gave the altar he built following Israel’s victory over Amalek inExodus 17:15. The word “nissi” means banner, standard or flag. A banner is the rallying point for warriors in the time of battle. Moses named the altar “the Lord is my banner” to acknowledge God’s active role in fighting for the nation of Israel, and at the same time, to testify to God’s continued war against the people of Amalek from generation to generation (Exodus 17:16). This altar stood as a witness to the whole world that the God of Israel was behind the victory over the Amalekites. You may recall that this battle with Amalek took place under the upraised hands of Moses, holding the rod of God. Moses therefore named the alter Jehovah Nissi with the consciousness of the role that God played in the battle. Starting from today, the hand of God will be so evident against all your enemies and detractors that you will begin to sing “The Lord is my Banner” in Jesus’ Name.

It is amazing to note that the ordinary rod that Moses used in his years as a shepherd had become the rod of God in today’s Bible reading. This shows that anything we surrender to God or commit into His hands in support of His kingdom is made to pass through an unseen divine transformation over time. I therefore pray that as you submit yourself under the mighty hand of God today, He will transform you and your natural gifts into supernatural objects and vessels of honour to achieve great and mighty things for His Name in Jesus’ Name. It is important to note that Amalek came out of the blues and decided to wage war against Israel without any provocation. This provoked the anger of God against them, so much so that He promised to completely wipe out the memory of Amalek from the face of the earth (Exodus 17:14). Therefore, I decree by the word of the Lord that Jehovah Nissi will raise His standard against anyone who is angry with you and plotting evil against you without cause, or fighting against you without any provocation, and they will be completely destroyed in the mighty Name of Jesus. The story in our Bible reading is more like a blueprint of how God’s children should deal with anyone or anything that is identified as an enemy of God’s kingdom. The strategic tools deployed here include fervent prayers, knowledge of God’s word, the advocacy of Jesus, the rod of divine judgement, and believers’ unity. We should learn to deploy these tools to spur Jehovah Nissi into action against the enemy on our behalf.

Prayer Point: Jehovah Nissi, please fight every enemy that is stirred up against the advancement of Your Kingdom in every corner of the world.

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

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Tuesday, August 8th - RHAPSODY OF REALITIES

His Glorious Presence In Us

Tuesday, August 8th .
Pastor Chris

_*I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen. (Matthew 28:20).*_

Moses made a request of the Lord. He said, _*“…If thy presence go not with me, carry us not up hence”*_ (Exodus 33:15). Many today, because of these words, also pray, “Lord, if your presence doesn’t go with me, I won’t move.” You need to understand that the Old Testament was a different dispensation from the New Testament. At that time, Jesus hadn’t come; so they couldn’t enjoy what we’re privileged to enjoy today: that is, His glorious presence “in” us.

When Jesus came, the Jews enjoyed the revelation of “Emmanuel,” which means, “God with us.” What a blessing it was for them back in the day when Jesus walked the streets of Galilee, Nazareth and Capernaum! God almighty, tabernacled in Jesus, was with them! O, what a day! Jesus was the Word incarnate.

However, today, revelation has transcended “Emmanuel.” God is no longer just with us, or amongst us, but lives in us through the Holy Spirit. The Bible tells us that this was a mystery that was hidden in ages and generations past, but now has been revealed to God’s saints: _*“To whom God would make known what is the riches of the glory of this mystery among the Gentiles; which is Christ in you, the hope of glory”*_ (Colossians 1:27).

Christ in you is greater than “Emmanuel!” Jesus has come, and He has died; He was buried, has arisen, and has ascended. Now, He’s seated in the heavenly realms, but through the Holy Spirit, He lives in our hearts. We thus have access to the divine presence twenty-four hours a day!

In Matthew 28:20, He said, _*“I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen.”*_ He lives in you now; He lives in every fibre of your being and every bone of your body. Talking about the Holy Spirit in John 14:17, Jesus said, _*“…for he dwelleth with you, and shall be in you.”*_ He was with them as He walked the streets and showed great and mighty miracles, but now, He lives in you. Therefore, you can enjoy the glory of God’s presence, lounge in His love, and be suffused in His wisdom and grace, as you revel in the eternal victories He’s wrought for you.

            *PRAYER*

*Dear Father, I thank you, for your divine presence in me has made me more than a man. I’m in union with the Holy Spirit, and live above all the limitations of the human realm. Thank you for your love, abundant grace, mercies and goodness that I enjoy today, and always, in Jesus’ Name. Amen.*

*FURTHER STUDY:* *||* *Acts 1:8* But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth. *||*

*||* *Romans 8:11* 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. *||*

*||* *2 Corinthians 6:16* And what agreement hath the temple of God with idols? for ye are the temple of the living God; as God hath said, I will dwell in them, and walk in [them]; and I will be their God, and they shall be my people. *||*

*DAILY SCRIPTURE READING*

*1-Year Bible Reading Plan:* Romans 11:1-24,
Psalms 79-81

*2-Year Bible Reading Plan:* Luke 14:1-14,
Judges 15-16

*EXTRACT FROM: RHAPSODY OF REALITIES DAILY DEVOTIONAL*

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Open Heavens 8 August 2017: Tuesday daily devotional by Pastor Adeboye – The Almighty

Topic: The Almighty — Tuesday 8, August 2017.

Memorise: For with God nothing shall be impossible. – Luke 1:37

Read: Genesis 17:1-2 (KJV)

1 And when Abram was ninety years old and nine, the LORD appeared to Abram, and said unto him, I am the Almighty God; walk before me, and be thou perfect.

2 And I will make my covenant between me and thee, and will multiply thee exceedingly.

Bible in One Year: 2 Kings 1-2; Ezekiel 21:18-32, Hymn: Sing hymn 3: How Great Thou Art.

Open Heavens 8th August 2017 Message:

In Genesis 17:1, for the very first time, God revealed Himself as El-shaddai: the Almighty God. Here, He was reiterating His wonderful promises to Abraham at the age of ninety-nine, particularly that he would bear a son, despite him and Sarah being very advanced in age. Prior to this revelation, God had been identified as the Creator of the heavens and the earth, and He had also made Himself known as the God who knows all things. However, this time, He wanted to introduce Himself as the God who has the power to do all things. The eternal power of the Almighty is evident in the work of creation, and at a more personal level, the exceeding greatness of his power is expressed in all believers by the regeneration of our spirit man, through the same power that raised Jesus Christ from the dead (Romans 1:20, Ephesians 1:19-20).

Several accounts in the Bible teach us that the unlimited power of the Almighty is always at work in any given situation to make all things go according to His original plan and purpose. For example, in the book Ruth, Naomi was the only survivor of a tragic family decision to sojourn in the land of Moab. After a ten year absence, the Lord brought her back to Bethlehem in His character as Jehovah, the covenant-keeping God. Later on, in His capacity as the Almighty, He exercised His power to implement His purpose in the life of Ruth and Naomi, so much so that the same circumstances that Naomi found to be bitter in Ruth 1:20 went on to bring about great joy and celebration at the end of the day. What a mighty God we serve! I therefore decree into your life, no matter what you are passing through at the moment, the original purpose of God for your life shall be established in the mighty Name of Jesus.

The almightiness of God can be translated to mean that with God, nothing shall be impossible. The Almighty God has proved Himself beyond any reasonable doubt in this regard. The book of Genesis reveals the power of God to bring everything we see in creation today into reality from virtually nothing. Exodus showcases among other things the execution of the ten plagues and the final deliverance of Israel from the hand of Pharaoh in such a miraculous way. Leviticus, Numbers, and Deuteronomy highlight the journey of the Israelites through the wilderness with great miracles and wonders attending to them daily. Joshua records how a feeble, worn-out and ill-equipped nation of Israel was assisted by the Almighty God to destroy and inherit the lands of nations consisting of giants. The list is inexhaustible! I therefore decree, that the power of the Almighty God will work in your life today to do the impossible, in the mighty Name of Jesus.

Prayer Point: Father, You are the Almighty, please do a mighty thing in my life today 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.

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Monday, August 7th - RHAPSODY OF REALITIES

RHAPSODY OF REALITIES

*Sent In His Name*

Monday, August 7th .
Pastor Chris

_*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 opening verse simply implies that the Holy Spirit was sent by the Father in the Name of Jesus. The Holy Spirit doesn’t have a name; His name isn’t “Holy Ghost” or “Holy Spirit.” That’s just a description of His person or character. Howbeit, He answers to the Name of Jesus.

When you call the name, “Jesus,” the Holy Spirit goes into action. He would have had no right to function in the earth the way He does, had He not come in the Name of someone who had a right to the earth—Jesus. Jesus bought the whole world. He’s called the Son of man and the Son of God; He’s hundred percent man, and hundred percent God. He’s the One that has the right to the whole world. He’s the Seed of Abraham, and heir of all things (Hebrews 1:2).

Today, the Holy Spirit takes the place of the absent Jesus here on earth. He’s here to do whatever Jesus would have done. He’s not less powerful than Jesus. In fact, He was the One who empowered Jesus. The Bible says in Acts 10:38, _*“How God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Ghost and with power: who went about doing good, and healing all that were oppressed of the devil; for God was with him.”*_ He was that Power!

Now, Jesus is gone to heaven, but the Holy Spirit is here with us, to help us claim everything that belongs to Jesus, and live triumphantly to the glory of God, fulfilling our callings and destinies in Christ. We’re His heirs. The Bible says in 1 Corinthians 2:12, _*“Now we have received, not the spirit of the world, but the spirit which is of God; that we might know the things that are freely given to us of God.”*_ The One with whom we’re dealing owns the whole world. He’s here in the Name of the Seed of Abraham—Jesus.

Remember, God Almighty willed the whole world to Abraham and to his Seed (Romans 4:13). The Bible says that the Seed of Abraham is Christ, and if you belong to Christ, you’re Abraham’s seed and therefore, an heir according to the promise (Galatians 3:29).

              *PRAYER*

*Dear Father, I thank you for the privilege to use and live in the Name of Jesus. I’m always assured of answers, knowing that the Holy Spirit immediately goes to work on my behalf! Thank you for this wonderful blessing, in the Name of Jesus. Amen.*

*FURTHER STUDY:* *||* *Matthew 28:19* Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: *||*

*||* *John 14:16-19* And I will pray the Father, and he shall give you another Comforter, that he may abide with you for ever; 17 [Even] the Spirit of truth; whom the world cannot receive, because it seeth him not, neither knoweth him: but ye know him; for he dwelleth with you, and shall be in you. 18 I will not leave you comfortless: I will come to you. 19 Yet a little while, and the world seeth me no more; but ye see me: because I live, ye shall live also. *||*

*DAILY SCRIPTURE READING*

*1-Year Bible Reading Plan:* Romans 9:30-10:1-21,
Psalms 78

*2-Year Bible Reading Plan:* Luke 13:31-35,
Judges 13-14

*EXTRACT FROM: RHAPSODY OF REALITIES DAILY DEVOTIONAL*

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Open Heavens 7 August 2017: Monday daily devotional by Pastor Adeboye – Ye Shall Be The Head

Topic: Ye Shall Be The Head — Monday 7, August 2017.

Memorise: And ye are complete in him, which is the head of all principality and power:  –Colossians 2:10

Read: Deuteronomy 28:1-14 (KJV)

1 And it shall come to pass, if thou shalt hearken diligently unto the voice of the LORD thy God, to observe and to do all his commandments which I command thee this day, that the LORD thy God will set thee on high above all nations of the earth:

2 And all these blessings shall come on thee, and overtake thee, if thou shalt hearken unto the voice of the LORD thy God.

3 Blessed shalt thou be in the city, and blessed shalt thou be in the field.

4 Blessed shall be the fruit of thy body, and the fruit of thy ground, and the fruit of thy cattle, the increase of thy kine, and the flocks of thy sheep.

5 Blessed shall be thy basket and thy store.

6 Blessed shalt thou be when thou comest in, and blessed shalt thou be when thou goest out.

7 The LORD shall cause thine enemies that rise up against thee to be smitten before thy face: they shall come out against thee one way, and flee before thee seven ways.

8 The LORD shall command the blessing upon thee in thy storehouses, and in all that thou settest thine hand unto; and he shall bless thee in the land which the LORD thy God giveth thee.

9 The LORD shall establish thee an holy people unto himself, as he hath sworn unto thee, if thou shalt keep the commandments of the LORD thy God, and walk in his ways.

10 And all people of the earth shall see that thou art called by the name of the LORD; and they shall be afraid of thee.

11 And the LORD shall make thee plenteous in goods, in the fruit of thy body, and in the fruit of thy cattle, and in the fruit of thy ground, in the land which the LORD sware unto thy fathers to give thee.

12 The LORD shall open unto thee his good treasure, the heaven to give the rain unto thy land in his season, and to bless all the work of thine hand: and thou shalt lend unto many nations, and thou shalt not borrow.

13 And the LORD shall make thee the head, and not the tail; and thou shalt be above only, and thou shalt not be beneath; if that thou hearken unto the commandments of the LORD thy God, which I command thee this day, to observe and to do them:

14 And thou shalt not go aside from any of the words which I command thee this day, to the right hand, or to the left, to go after other gods to serve them.

Bible in One Year: 1 Kings 22; Ezekiel 21:1-17, Hymn: Sing hymn 7: O Jesus, I Have Promised

Open Heavens 7th August 2017 Message:

The head is the most important part of the body; hence, kings and priests were anointed on their heads and Christ is referred to as the Head of the Church (Ephesians 4:15). Also, more often than not, symbols of power, authority and honour are displayed on the head. The body is able to operate efficiently because the head is capable of interpreting data received from the body, and also because the head is able to send out appropriate signals to the various parts of the body. The capacity of the head to intelligently interpret and direct the activities of the whole body makes the existence of the body completely dependent on the head. For this reason, we as the Body of Christ are totally dependent on Him, who is our Head. The Lord has also sent us out as His representatives to be head over every situation around us. Henceforth, you shall be the head and the most important personality within your sphere of influence in Jesus’ Name.

To be the head indeed is not a theoretical concept but a practical reality that must be manifested. A person who is really the head must effectively provide leadership through the coordination of all the abilities at his or her disposal. From a physical point of view, the eyes are there to provide vision, the ears to collect information through sound, the nose for smelling, the tongue for taste and the mouth for verbal communication. The brain has the responsibility of processing the various data gathered by these different parts of the head, either for immediate use or for future application, as the case may be. If any of these organs that form part of the head is impaired, the head will not be able to effectively perform its leadership role in the body. For you to be head indeed, every ability that you need in order to provide leadership, be it spiritual, physical or resource-wise, must not be impaired. I therefore pray that God will protect everything about you, so that you will provide excellent leadership, in the Name of Jesus. Among other things, three factors are necessary for a head to perform effectively: eyes that see, ears that hear and a month that speaks. Physical eyes are required to view things in general, while spiritual eyes are necessary for divine revelation to see beyond the physical realm. Ears that function properly listen to people and also hear from God. Picking up divine communication is absolutely necessary for anyone who will be the head. Also, a functional mouth is necessary for communicating with fellow men and for making declarations in the Name of Jesus. I pray for you that you will receive clear vision, your ears will hear the sound from heaven, your mouth will make irreversible decrees, and you shall be an effective head in the mighty Name of Jesus.

Prayer Point: Father, please touch my head and bless me with everything I need to be a successful leader 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.

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Sunday, August 6th - RHAPSODY OF REALITIES DAILY DEVOTIONAL

RHAPSODY OF REALITIES DAILY DEVOTIONAL

*Bearers Of His Virtues*

Sunday, August 6th .
Pastor Chris

_*And Jesus said, Somebody hath touched me: for I perceive that virtue is gone out of me (Luke 8:46).*_

Acts 19:11-12 tells us that _*“…God wrought special miracles by the hands of Paul: So that from his body were brought unto the sick handkerchiefs or aprons, and the diseases departed from them, and the evil spirits went out of them.”*_ Although the handkerchiefs carried the anointing, they couldn’t move around on their own. They had to be taken to the sick or afflicted, and laid on them. Upon making contact with those who were sick or afflicted, miracles happened: “the diseases departed from them, and the evil spirits went out of them.”

If handkerchiefs or aprons, which have no intelligence, could do such mighty things because of the virtue that temporarily rubbed on them, the human body, which is actually designed to receive and accommodate the power of God will do much more. With its high level of intelligence and its communications and locomotive ability, the Holy Spirit indwelt human body becomes God’s mobile operational centre to shatter burdens, destroy yokes, and completely obliterate sicknesses, diseases, and infirmities. Glory to God!

In Acts 5:14-16, as Peter walked the streets of Jerusalem, people brought their sick and laid them along his path so his shadow could fall on them. The power and flow of the spirit is recognisable. Peter didn’t have to invite people to his shadow. The people acknowledged the presence of the Spirit in him when they saw the supernatural results it produced.

Blessed be God! We’re full of power and virtue, because we have the Holy Spirit! Through us, God communicates and transports His power wherever He desires. When we stretch or lay our hands on anyone, there’s an effusion of divine virtue. When we speak the Word, there’s an outflow of power and grace. We dispense the glory, because we’re God-carrying vessels: _*“But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the excellency of the power may be of God, and not of us”*_ (2 Corinthians 4:7). Hallelujah!

          *CONFESSION*

*Dear Father, I thank you for the power of the Holy Spirit that resides and is fully operational in me. When I show up, burdens are lifted, and yokes destroyed. I’m a God-carrying vessel, and a dispenser of eternal verities. Blessed be God!*

*FURTHER STUDY:* *||* *Isaiah 10:27* And it shall come to pass in that day, [that] his burden shall be taken away from off thy shoulder, and his yoke from off thy neck, and the yoke shall be destroyed because of the anointing. *||*

*||* *Mark 5:27-30* When she had heard of Jesus, came in the press behind, and touched his garment. 28 For she said, If I may touch but his clothes, I shall be whole. 29 And straightway the fountain of her blood was dried up; and she felt in [her] body that she was healed of that plague. 30 And Jesus, immediately knowing in himself that virtue had gone out of him, turned him about in the press, and said, Who touched my clothes? *||*

*DAILY SCRIPTURE READING*

*1-Year Bible Reading Plan:* Romans 9:1-29,
Psalms 74-77

*2-Year Bible Reading Plan:* Luke 13:22-30,
Judges 12

*EXTRACT FROM: RHAPSODY OF REALITIES.

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