Open Heavens 1 July 2017: Saturday daily devotional by Pastor Adeboye – Salvation Comes First

Topic: Salvation Comes First [Saturday 1, July 2017]

Memorise: Who his own self bare our sins in his own body on the tree, that we, being dead to sins, should live unto righteousness: by whose stripes ye were healed. – 1 Peter 2:24

Read: 1 Peter 2:21-25 (KJV)

21 For even hereunto were ye called: because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that ye should follow his steps:

22 Who did no sin, neither was guile found in his mouth:

23 Who, when he was reviled, reviled not again; when he suffered, he threatened not; but committed himself to him that judgeth righteously:

24 Who his own self bare our sins in his own body on the tree, that we, being dead to sins, should live unto righteousness: by whose stripes ye were healed.

25 For ye were as sheep going astray; but are now returned unto the Shepherd and Bishop of your souls.

Bible in One Year: 1 Samuel 8-9, Lamentation 3:7-36, Hymn: Sing hymn 11

MESSAGE:
[July 1, Saturday 2017]
Just as the repercussions of sin can affect every facet of life, so also can salvation become the platform of recovery for every area of life that has been devastated by sin. When a sinner comes in contact with the lamb of God and His blood, his or her sins are washed away, and all the devastating effects of sin can be reversed in one day. Take for instance the impotent man in John 5:2-14, who was sick for 38 years. Immediately he came in contact with Jesus, he was healed. From that moment, he stopped failing, hope came to his hopelessness, he was able to fellowship with people in church, peace came to his life and joy returned to his heart. All these happened in one day. When you give your life to Jesus and He saves your soul, peace and joy will suddenly flood your heart. From that very moment, you have access to all the precious promises of God. You can claim them and they will become reality in your life. Open Heavens 2017: Saturday July 1, Daily Devotional by Pastor E. A. Adeboye - Salvation Comes First
“Who his own self bare our sins in his own body on the tree, that we, being dead to sins, should live unto righteousness: by whose stripes ye were healed.” - 1 Peter 2:24

God’s process for healing is revealed in the above scripture. First is the transfer of your sins to the crucified body of Jesus Christ by faith, and thereafter comes healing. Many people want God to heal them but they do not want God to first roll away their sins. It doesn’t work that way! Any prophet, man of God or pastor who promises to heal you without the experience of salvation from sin must be avoided like a plague. Why? It is because instead of a miracle from God, you might be getting magic from Satan, and you can be certain that Satan is a very wicked taskmaster. Moreover, quite a number of sicknesses and diseases are caused by sin. The moment you settle the issue of sin at the cross of Jesus Christ, healing will then be released. Are you sick and still wallowing in sin? Give your life to Jesus now! Renounce every link with the devil, break every covenant with demons and commit your life to Christ. Ask God to forgive you for your life of sin and promise never to return to that life. Ask Him to come into your heart as Lord and Saviour today. If you have truly done these from your heart, I command every sickness or disease hibernating inside your body to be uprooted now in Jesus’ Name!

Action Point: Use every opportunity to pray for the healing of the sick, but first lead them to 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.

Read More

Friday, June 30th - RHAPSODY OF REALITIES DAILY DEVOTIONAL - He Helps You Live The Faith Life

RHAPSODY OF REALITIES DAILY DEVOTIONAL

*He Helps You Live The Faith Life*

Friday, June 30th .
Pastor Chris

_*But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him (Hebrews 11:6).*_

Religious Christianity teaches that you have to struggle to please God, and to walk with Him. However, the reality is that you don’t have to struggle to please God, because the Holy Spirit helps you live the faith life that pleases Him. When people struggle and still don’t seem to make meaningful progress in life, you can tell they don’t have much fellowship with the Holy Spirit. Real fellowship with the Holy Spirit makes a difference.

Genesis 5:24 says, _*“And Enoch walked with God: and he was not; for God took him.”*_ Enoch “walking with God” doesn’t mean he was always taking casual stroll with God, but that he was in continual communion or fellowship with God. Hebrews 11:5 further enlightens us on how Enoch walked with God; it was by faith: _*“By faith Enoch was translated that he should not see death; and was not found, because God had translated him: for before his translation he had this testimony, that he pleased God.”*_

We read in our opening verse that without faith, it’s impossible to please God. Walking with the Spirit is by faith. You don’t see Him with your physical eyes, but you know He’s real, and relate with Him as a person. You’re conscious that He lives in you and carries out His ministry in, and through you. When you walk with Him, He’ll make you wise. He’ll produce excellence in, and through, you; you’ll have a beautiful and fulfilled life.

With the Holy Spirit, you can never be defeated or disadvantaged. He’s the glory of God, and will cause you to walk in dominion over devils, sickness, disease, infirmities, and death. His presence in your life makes you indomitable. Walk with Him, and it’ll be glory, victory, success, excellence and blessings for you all the way!

            *PRAYER*

*Dear Father, I thank you for your eternal love for me! Thank you for your glory in my life, and for opening the eyes of my spirit to your wisdom that I may walk in your perfect will. I worship you today, delighted that you guide me in all things, in Jesus’ Name. Amen.*

*FURTHER STUDY:* *||* *1 John 1:3* That which we have seen and heard declare we unto you, that ye also may have fellowship with us: and truly our fellowship [is] with the Father, and with his Son Jesus Christ. *||*

*||* *1 Corinthians 1:9* God [is] faithful, by whom ye were called unto the fellowship of his Son Jesus Christ our Lord. *||*

*||* *Romans 5:1-2* Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ: 2 By whom also we have access by faith into this grace wherein we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God. *||*

*DAILY SCRIPTURE READING*

*1-Year Bible Reading Plan:* Acts 15:1-21,
Esther 1-4

*2-Year Bible Reading Plan:* Luke 5:27-39,
Deuteronomy 28

*EXTRACT FROM: RHAPSODY OF REALITIES DAILY DEVOTIONAL

Read More

Open Heavens Friday 30 June 2017 Daily Devotional by Pastor E. A. Adeboye – Wonderful Protection

Topic: Wonderful Protection [Friday 30, June 2017]

Memorise: Thou shalt not be afraid for the terror by night; nor for the arrow that flieth by day; – Psalm 91:5

Read: Psalm 91:5-7(KJV)

5 Thou shalt not be afraid for the terror by night; nor for the arrow that flieth by day;

6 Nor for the pestilence that walketh in darkness; nor for the destruction that wasteth at noonday.

7 A thousand shall fall at thy side, and ten thousand at thy right hand; but it shall not come nigh thee.

Bible in One Year: 1 Samuel 6-7, Lamentation 2:14-3:6, Hymn: Sing hymn 2

MESSAGE:
[June 30, Friday 2017]
Besides being a God of wonders who does wonders, God can also turn you into a wonder. A young man gave a profound testimony during one of our monthly Holy Ghost Services some years ago. He testified that during a prior Holy Ghost Service, the Lord instructed me to inform the congregants that the clothes they wore to that programme had just been anointed and had therefore been special. Unknown to him, some hired killers had been sent to kill him. Coincidentally, on the day marked for his assassination, he was wearing the very clothes that had been anointed during the Holy Ghost Service. As he passed by the assassins on this fateful day, he heard them say, “This is the fellow”, and immediately, they opened fire on him. Six bullets passed through the front of his clothes and came out at the back, but nothing touched him. He brought the clothes he wore and showed us the bullet holes in front and at the back. He said he could not explain how that could happen without affecting his body. Indeed, there is a God who can turn someone into a wonder! As people looked at him, they saw someone who by all standards should have been dead, but who was alive because God miraculously protected him from weapons of destruction. This season, God will turn you into a wonder! He will miraculously protect you from every weapon of death formed against you. Open Heavens 30 June 2017: Friday daily devotional by Pastor E. A. Adeboye- Wonderful protection
Moreover, God can perform wonders through you! He can turn you into an instrument that performs wonders. For instance, on one ordinary day, Peter and John were going along the way when they encountered a lame man who asked for alms, but God used them to heal him (Acts 3:1-11). This same man who had sat at a gate of the temple for years suddenly rose up, began to walk, leap and praise God. He became a wonder to everyone who knew him, and the duo that God used to perform the miracle also stood out as wonders. Acts 3:11says,

“And as the lame man which was healed held Peter and John, all the people ran together unto them in the porch that is called Solomon's, greatly wondering.”

Beloved, God wants you to be a wonder. He also wants to use you to perform wonders. Are you ready to cooperate with Him? Can you pay the price to become a conduit for sings and wonders to flow through? How concerned are you about God’s Kingdom? How consecrated are you? Are you prepared to give it all it takes?

Prayer Point: Father, as You used Peter and John to perform miracles, use me and my family to perform spectacular miracles today.

Read More

Thursday, June 29th - RHAPSODY OF REALITIES DAILY DEVOTIONAL - Be Fired Up To Do More

RHAPSODY OF REALITIES DAILY DEVOTIONAL

Be Fired Up To Do More

Thursday, June 29th .
Pastor Chris

Send us around the world with the news of your saving power and your eternal plan for all mankind (Psalm 67:2 TLB).

In Revelation 22:7, the Master said,  “Behold, I come quickly: blessed is he that keepeth the sayings of the prophecy of this book.” Then in Matthew 28:19-20, He instructed,  “Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen.” He’s coming back soon, and He’s given us the mandate to evangelize the world before He comes back. He said in Luke 19:13,  “…Occupy till I come”;  that means keep working; keep preaching; keep leading men and women into righteousness. There’s an urgency, a fervency in our spirits to share the message of His love around the world. We’re the bearers of His righteousness; His light in a dark world. Isaiah 60:2 says, “For, behold, the darkness shall cover the earth, and gross darkness the people: but the Lord shall arise upon thee, and his glory shall be seen upon thee.”

Now, more than ever, we must realize our position as the light of the world, and take the light of the Gospel to men and women around the world. We can’t afford to be weak, lukewarm, or quiet. We must maintain the glow, urgency, and passion that the moment demands. We’re the custodians of this Gospel; it’s our responsibility to preach it with the knowledge and power of the Spirit—as witnesses to all nations (Matthew 24:14).

Remember, the Gospel is God’s saving power that unveils His eternal plan for mankind; it’s worth living for, and if need be, dying for.

      PRAYER

Dear Father, I pray that through the preaching and proclamation of the Gospel, a mighty harvest of souls be recorded around the world. I break the power of the prince of the air, and terminate his hold over the lives of men and women around the world, as they hear the Gospel. I pray for increased activities of angels, to guide them to the truth, in Jesus’ Name. Amen.

FURTHER STUDY:

Matthew 24:14 And this gospel of the kingdom shall be preached in all the world for a witness unto all nations; and then shall the end come. 

Mark 16:15-16. And he said unto them, Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature. 16 He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be damned.

DAILY SCRIPTURE READING

1-Year Bible Reading Plan:
Acts 14:1-28,
Nehemiah 11-13

2-Year Bible Reading Plan:
 Luke 5:12-26,
Deuteronomy 27

EXTRACT FROM: RHAPSODY OF REALITIES DAILY DEVOTIONAL

Read More

Open Heavens Thursday 29 June 2017 Daily Devotional by Pastor E. A. Adeboye – Think In The Spirit

Topic: Think In The Spirit [Thursday 29, June 2017]

Memorise: In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths. – Proverbs 3:6

Read: Proverbs 3:5-6 (KJV)

5 Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding.

6 In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.

Bible in One Year: 1 Samuel 3-5, Lamentation 2:3-13, Hymn: Sing hymn 15

MESSAGE:

Life in the Spirit is possible, even though for most believers it still a struggle (Galatians 5:25). To grow your spirit-man, you need to earnestly seek more opportunities to be refilled with the Holy Spirit after being baptized with Him (Ephesians 5:18-19). To live in the Spirit, you need to think in the Spirit. In our thought life, many of us leave out the Holy Spirit, and this is one of the reasons why we don’t go far in our walk with God. Whenever God is left out of an equation, it never balances. This is why today’s Bible reading says we should acknowledge Him in all and not some of our ways. It is only then He will direct our paths. Some of us usually announce to God the decisions we have already reached, instead of consulting with Him earlier, so that He can help us arrive at the best decision. What is wrong with God deciding for you? Who decided that you would be born? Were you a part of that decision? Who decided your sex, nation, looks, height, complexion and the parents you would have? If He could decide all these, would it be too much for Him to be involved in the decision-making process of your life? When He is involved in a decision, He will ensure it does not fail. However, if in playing “mature” boy or girl, you leave Him out and your decisions later backfire, you will have only yourself to blame.Open Heavens 29 June 2017: Thursday daily devotional by Pastor E. A. Adeboye - Think in the Spirit
When there is an issue on ground and you present the issue to God, asking for His guidance or instruction on how to handle it, He will be pleased that you are giving Him His rightful place in your life. To what extent do you involve God in your personal and family affairs? Do you see Him as an intruder or as a partner? How often do you involve God in your thoughts and plans? If you really want Him to be a part of your thought life, then shun all evil thoughts. Load your mind with His word. Think often on God’s word and focus on Jesus. By doing these, it will become easy for you to think in the Spirit. The Holy Spirit is the only Person who can help you see things from God’s perspective. This is why 1 Corinthians 2:11 says,

“For what man knoweth the things of a man, save the spirit of man which is in him? even so the things of God knoweth no man, but the Spirit of God.”

When you yield your mind to Him, you will see yourself thinking more like Jesus, and what is important to God will gradually become important to you. When this continues, His likes will become your likes, and you will hate what He hates. There will be an alignment between what He wants and what you want. Start involving God in your thought process from today.

Key Point: The extent to which you involve God in your personal or family affairs shows the extent of your trust in Him.

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.

Read More

Open Heavens Wednesday 28 June 2017 Daily Devotional by Pastor E. A. Adeboye – What Kind Of Growth?

Topic: What Kind of Growth? [Wednesday 28, June 2017]

Memorise: But speaking the truth in love, may grow up into him in all things, which is the head, even Christ: – Ephesians 4:15

Read: Ephesians 4: 10-16 (KJV)

10 He that descended is the same also that ascended up far above all heavens, that he might fill all things.)

11 And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers;

12 For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ:

13 Till we all come in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ:

14 That we henceforth be no more children, tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the sleight of men, and cunning craftiness, whereby they lie in wait to deceive;

15 But speaking the truth in love, may grow up into him in all things, which is the head, even Christ:

16 From whom the whole body fitly joined together and compacted by that which every joint supplieth, according to the effectual working in the measure of every part, maketh increase of the body unto the edifying of itself in love.

Bible in One Year: 1 Samuel 1-2, Lamentation 1:13-2:2, Hymn: Sing hymn 6

MESSAGE:

If you are a sheep in the fold of the Great Shepherd, you will not lack rest or what to eat. Beyond these, you will not thirst, as He leads you beside the still, calm waters.  This is another way of saying that your thirst will be quenched. The Lord in Matthew 5:6 spoke of this when He said:

“Blessed are they which do hunger and thirst after righteousness: for they shall be filled.”

Hunger and thirst are part of the mechanisms that have been programmed into the human body to produced growth. How you respond to these impulses will determine the quality or type of growth you experience. Prolonged starvation and refusal to eat both lead to death. Similarly, while taking only a particular kind of food, some people experience abnormal growth patterns, due to the absence of the required quantity of nutrients, vitamins, fatty acids, and so on, needed by their body. This is why children who are exclusively fed a diet full of carbohydrates tend to have oversized heads and stomachs, rickety legs and hands – a growth problem known as “Kwashiorkor”. For growth to be even and progressive, all the needs of the body must be provided.

The observed effect of food on physical growth in the natural world also applies to what happens in the spirit. Today, spiritual growth is so distorted in the Body of Christ as a result of the nature of food being fed and the attitude of believers towards spiritual food. There are different stages of growth in the Kingdom of God. 1 Peter 2:2 says baby Christians should be fed with milk, so as to grow normally. Today, you have those who claim to have been saved for 5, 10 or more years still insisting on being fed with milk. If a 10 year old child still wants to be breastfed, what kind of growth would result from this? Also, there are so many false doctrines being propagated through the airwaves and in churches today. What kind of growth will such doctrines deliver to these who receive them? In addition, a number of those who are being fed the sound, undiluted truth of God’s word do not have enough time to receive it. What kind of growth do you think will result from such spiritual eating pattern? When you do not grow as you are expected to, you become a problem to yourself and others around you. How are you growing today? What are you feeding on? How often do you feed on God’s word?

Action Point: Change your spiritual diet and feeding pattern to reflect the desire for healthy spiritual growth.

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.

Read More

Wednesday, June 28th - RHAPSODY OF REALITIES DAILY DEVOTIONAL - You Dwell In Him

RHAPSODY OF REALITIES DAILY DEVOTIONAL


*You Dwell In Him*

Wednesday, June 28th,
Pastor Chris

*For in him we live, and move, and have our being; as certain also of your own poets have said, "For we are also his offspring" (Acts 17:28).*

When you were born again, you were born into the environment called "Christ"; you dwell in Him. The Bible says, "...if any man be in Christ..." (2 Corinthians 5:17). Christ is a place, and He's also a person. He's your home. In Him, you're at rest and at peace! You're safe, secure, and fulfilled; your joy and satisfaction overflow. What a place to be!

Ephesians 2:6 tells us that God has made us sit together in heavenly places, "in Christ"; that's your environment; an environment of glory. It brings to mind the account of the Israelites, as they journeyed in the wilderness for forty years. The heat didn't scorch them by day, neither did they freeze to death in the biting cold at night, because they were in the glory cloud. Exodus 13:21-22 says, "...the LORD went before them by day in a pillar of a cloud, to lead them the way; and by night in a pillar of fire, to give them light; to go by day and night: He took not away the pillar of the cloud by day, nor the pillar of fire by night, from before the people."

The Holy Spirit made this possible for them, and He does the same for us today. You were born into God's spiritual cloud when you were born again; you were immersed into Christ; you live there now. Your life is hid with Christ in God (Colossians 3:3). Christ is your security,  your defence, and your fortress. It makes no difference who or what may come against you, refuse to fear. You dwell in the secret place of the Most High, where you're untouchable. No evil can befall you!

Psalm 91:7 says, "A thousand shall fall at thy side, and ten thousand at thy right hand; but it shall not come nigh thee." You're divinely protected and preserved from trouble, defeat, failure, and death, because you're in Him. "Thou shalt not be afraid for the terror by night; nor for the arrow that flieth by day" (Psalm 91:5).

             
*PRAYER*
_Dear Father, I thank you for bringing me into the environment of glory and success in Christ! I'm at home in Him; He's my wisdom, righteousness and strength! He's my life; in Him I live, and move and have my being. Hallelujah!_

*Further Study:*

*|| 1 Corinthians 1:30  But of him are ye in Christ Jesus, who of God is made unto us wisdom, and righteousness, and sanctification, and redemption: ||*

*|| Acts 17:28 For in him we live, and move, and have our being; as certain also of your own poets have said, For we are also his offspring. ||*

*|| Colossians 1:26-27 [Even] the mystery which hath been hid from ages and from generations, but now is made manifest to his saints: 27 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: ||*

Daily Scripture Reading

1-Year Bible Reading Plan Acts 13:13-52; Nehemiah 9-10

2-Year Bible Reading Plan Luke 5:1-11; Deuteronomy 26


*Be A Partner Of Rhapsody Of Realities Today!*

Read More

Tuesday, June 27th, 2017- RHAPSODY OF REALITIES DAILY DEVOTIONAL - Love So Real

RHAPSODY OF REALITIES DAILY DEVOTIONAL

Love So Real

Tuesday, June 27th .
Pastor Chris

Behold, what manner of love the Father hath bestowed upon us, that we should be called the sons of God: therefore the world knoweth us not, because it knew him not (1 John 3:1).

The parable of the prodigal son in Luke 15:11-32 reveals the Father’s unconditional and unfailing love for us; love so real, so intense, and so sublime. In that story, after living a riotous and profligate life, the prodigal son suddenly came to himself and decided to go back to his father (Luke 15:17-18).

As soon as his father saw him from afar, he ran to him and embraced him. The first thing he told his father was, “Forgive me,” and his father did! This describes the love nature of our heavenly Father towards us. Once you repent, He’s quick to forgive you because He’s gracious, loving, and kind.

When a believer who has strayed from the truth returns to God, He receives him gladly and establishes him in the right path. He’s never mad at His kids. He loves us unconditionally. He’s lavished His love on us. That’s what we read in our opening verse. He’s accepted us as His beloved children. We’re sons of God NOW! The Father loves you as much as He loves Jesus.

You’re secured in the Father’s love; take advantage of His everlasting love for you. He loves you as though you were the only one on earth! The Bible says, “Herein is love, not that we loved God, but that he loved us, and sent his Son to be the propitiation for our sins” (1 John 4:10). God demonstrated His boundless love for us, even while we were yet in sin. Have faith in that love, for it’s unlimited, untainted, and unfeigned.

      PRAYER

Dear Father, I thank you for your love and kindness, and your beauty in my life. I thank you for blessing me with all things, and causing my life to blossom exceedingly. I’m secure in your love, and rejoice gloriously in the warmth and glory of your embrace, in Jesus’ Name. Amen.

FURTHER STUDY:

 Romans 5:8 But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.
   1 John 4:18 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.

DAILY SCRIPTURE READING

1-Year Bible Reading Plan:
 Acts 13:1-12,
Nehemiah 7-8

2-Year Bible Reading Plan:
 Luke 4:33-44,
Deuteronomy 25


*Be A Partner Of Rhapsody Of Realities Today!*

Read More

Open Heavens 27 June 2017: Tuesday daily devotional by Pastor E. A. Adeboye- Under authority?

Topic: Under Authority? [Tuesday 27, June 2017]

Memorise: Let every soul be subject unto the higher powers. For there is no power but of God: the powers that be are ordained of God. –Romans 13:1

Read: Acts 8:12-17 (KJV)

12 But when they believed Philip preaching the things concerning the kingdom of God, and the name of Jesus Christ, they were baptized, both men and women.

13 Then Simon himself believed also: and when he was baptized, he continued with Philip, and wondered, beholding the miracles and signs which were done.

14 Now when the apostles which were at Jerusalem heard that Samaria had received the word of God, they sent unto them Peter and John:

15 Who, when they were come down, prayed for them, that they might receive the Holy Ghost:

16 (For as yet he was fallen upon none of them: only they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus.)

17 Then laid they their hands on them, and they received the Holy Ghost.

Bible in One Year: Ruth 2-4, Lamentation 1:1-12, Hymn: Sing hymn 14

MESSAGE:

It is one thing to serve the Lord, and another thing to submit to authority. Some people can render service to God but they cannot submit themselves to the authority of someone the Lord has placed over them. In today's Bible reading, after the apostles heard that a deacon was making waves in Samaria, they decided to go and see what was going on. Peter was asked to lead the delegation there. On arrival, Philip received them warmly, introduced them to the Samaritan converts as his leaders and submitted himself to their authority. There was no conflict whatsoever! If it were some people today, there would have been a rift. They would have confronted these leaders with rash words such as ''Pastor Peter, where do you think you have come to? When there was no revival here, you never came to Samaria. Now that God has used me to bring revival to Samaria, you have come to take over the work and the glory. I will never allow you to do this. You may be an apostle, but I am the one God used to save these souls and perform these signs and wonders, so please return to your Jerusalem."

Do you know that there are some pastors that God used in building up a church, who down the line defy all moves to transfer them elsewhere? They believe that since they did all the hard work of building from scratch, they should be left to enjoy the 'dividends' of their labour. This only shows a lack of understanding. In the first place, whatever work we do in the Kingdom of God is done for God and not for any man. Also, the means used for the work, whether physical, financial or material, come from God. Furthermore, no human being can adequately reward you for work you do for God. Similarly, God does not owe any one who serves Him: He always rewards them here on earth and later in eternity, as promised by the Lord in Matthew 19:29:

''And every one that hath forsaken houses, or brethren, or sisters, or father, or mother, or wife, or children, or lands, for my name's sake, shall receive an hundredfold, and shall inherit everlasting life.''

There should be no conflict at all on such matters. When a person is told by their authority to relocate, it should be clear to him or her that God is most likely through with using him or her in that current location. If you find it difficult to submit to your earthly superiors, it means that you are not ready for the ministry of signs and wonders. Are you under authority, or do you resist and struggle with your superiors? Repent and make amends today!

Key Point: Refusing to submit to the powers above you makes you a rebel, and this attracts divine condemnation (Romans 13:2).

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.

Read More

Monday, June 26th-RHAPSODY OF REALITIES DAILY DEVOTIONAL-Live Supernaturally

RHAPSODY OF REALITIES DAILY DEVOTIONAL


Monday, June 26th .
Pastor Chris

  But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus (Philippians 4:19).

The Lord Jesus, when He walked the earth, lived by supernatural principles. He lived without a sense of lack or need and was always in charge of situations and circumstances. For example, when He fed the five thousand with five loaves of bread and two fishes, He took the loaves and fishes and blessed them (Matthew 14:17-20). The Greek word used for “blessed” is “eulogeo?,” meaning that He invoked the ability to prosper into the bread and the fishes; it was an invocation of power for the bread and the fishes to multiply.

As Christians, we’re to follow the example of the Lord and live in this world by supernatural principles. The Apostle Paul, in our opening verse, says, _*“…my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus.”*_ You’d notice, he didn’t say, “Our God will supply all our need”; rather, he said, “My God shall supply all your need.” He excluded himself. Why? He was talking to spiritual babes or sense-ruled believers. Talking about himself earlier, in the thirteenth verse of the same chapter, he said, _*“I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.”*_ He didn’t say “we can” but “I can do all things…”; he had no sense of lack or need. What a mentality!

You may be a church pastor, for instance, and may find yourself in a situation where you’re looking at men because you need money for some projects in the house of God; begin to think differently. Whatever may be the need, have a different mentality. Understand, first and foremost, that the Church of Jesus Christ is a spiritual, supernatural body; therefore, whatever need there is must be met supernaturally.

It makes no difference how much you collect in the offering; you can do what Jesus did! We’ve got the power to invoke the Spirit of God into the offerings; into whatever has been brought to the house of God for God’s use. You say, “In the Name of the Lord Jesus Christ, I invoke into these offerings the power to increase; I command you to multiply in the Name of the Lord Jesus Christ, for the things that we need to do. You’ll be more than enough in Jesus’ Name.”

The same thing goes for you as an individual; learn to invoke the blessings of increase on your finances and you’ll be amazed at the supernatural results that’ll follow.

      *PRAYER*

*Dear heavenly Father, thank you for enriching my life with your precious Word and for enabling me with the ability to meet my needs supernaturally and be totally independent of man and circumstances. I experience supernatural increase in every area of my life as I put your Word to work, in Jesus Name. Amen.*

*FURTHER STUDY:* *||*  *Philippians 4:11-13* Not that I speak in respect of want: for I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, [therewith] to be content. 12 I know both how to be abased, and I know how to abound: every where and in all things I am instructed both to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and to suffer need. 13 I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me. *||*

*||* *Psalm 23:1-6* The LORD [is] my shepherd; I shall not want. 2 He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters. 3 He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name's sake. 4 Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou [art] with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me. 5 Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over. 6 Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the LORD for ever. *||*

*DAILY SCRIPTURE READING*

*1-Year Bible Reading Plan:* Acts 12,
Nehemiah 4-6

*2-Year Bible Reading Plan:* Luke 4:14-32,
Deuteronomy 24

EXTRACT FROM: RHAPSODY OF REALITIES DAILY DEVOTIONAL

Read More

Open Heavens 26 June 2017: Monday daily devotional by Pastor E. A. Adeboye- Born into captivity?

Topic: Born Into Captivity? [Monday 26, June 2017]

Memorise: He that committeth sin is of the devil; for the devil sinneth from the beginning. For this purpose the Son of God was manifested, that he might destroy the works of the devil. – 1 John 3:8

Read: Exodus 1:8-12 (KJV)

8 Now there arose up a new king over Egypt, which knew not Joseph.

9 And he said unto his people, Behold, the people of the children of Israel are more and mightier than we:

10 Come on, let us deal wisely with them; lest they multiply, and it come to pass, that, when there falleth out any war, they join also unto our enemies, and fight against us, and so get them up out of the land.

11 Therefore they did set over them taskmasters to afflict them with their burdens. And they built for Pharaoh treasure cities, Pithom and Raamses.

12 But the more they afflicted them, the more they multiplied and grew. And they were grieved because of the children of Israel.

Bible in One Year: Judges 21, Ruth 1, Jeremiah 52:24-34, Hymn: Sing hymn 4

MESSAGE:

While some people fall into captivity through traps set by the tempter, some others, like Joseph, are sold into slavery (Genesis 37:23-28). In some parts of Africa, when a child is born, both parents of that child or either one of them enter into a covenant involving that child and some deity or spirit-wife or husband. Such a child later grows up to find that he or she has been sold into slavery. There are many childless couples who go to some deities for help, because they can no longer wait on God to give them good children. This opens the door to satanic offspring in their lives. Later in life, such demonic children will become devourers of their resources and peace. May you never be so frustrated as to go to the devil for help! Satan's ''help'' is to steal, kill and destroy (John 10:10).

Moreover, in today's Bible reading, we understand that some people enter into slavery right from birth. When a pharaoh that did not know Joseph arose in Egypt and enacted new laws that made the Israelites slaves, every child that was born to them from that moment was born into slavery. In whatever way you have found yourself in captivity, whether by choice, design or by birth, there is deliverance for you today. The Great Deliverer is able and willing to deliver you. 1 John 3:8 says Jesus Christ was manifested in order to destroy the works of the devil. Captivity is the work of the devil, and he seeks to control and ruin lives by it. The predator runs the lives of his captives. When he wants, he whips them, pushes them into difficulties and mocks them while they struggle. He dictates what they become and where they will end. The fellow in captivity has virtually lost control over his or her life. You cannot be a captive and at the same time be free to serve God the way you want. One of the reasons why Jesus Christ came into this world was to make us free to serve God. Contained in the prophecy of Zacharias about the Lord Jesus Christ is this statement about His mission, in Luke 1:74-75:

''74 That he would grant unto us, that we being delivered out of the hand of our enemies might serve him without fear, 75 In holiness and righteousness before him, all the days of our life.''

This is why you have to arise in anger today and rebel against any form of captivity you have found yourself in, and ask Jesus Christ to deliver you now. You shall be free today!

Prayer Point: In any way I and members of my family have found ourselves in captivity, we rebel and break away from it 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.

Read More