Thursday, 31 August 2017
Tuesday, 16 July 2013
Monday, 1 July 2013
RCCG OPEN HEAVENS DEVOTION MONDAY 1st JULY, 2013 HEAVENLY HOME COMING BY PASTOR E. A. ADEBOYE
Memorise:We are confident, I say, and willing rather to be absent from the body, and to be present with the Lord. 2 Corinthians 5:8
Read: 2 Kings 13:20
Bible in one year: Psalm 25 – 27
Death is a sure event that is bound to happen. It strikes with no regard to the status of its victim. The earlier we realise the certainty of death, the better for us as it brings us freedom. When a believer dies, people will be hit with sorrow, including ministers of God. Is this not ironical? Are we not the ones preaching that Heaven is far better than the earth? So why are we sorrowful when one of God's beloved has gone home? Or how else will they go home? Are they going to ride a bicycle there? Oh, we want to go there by the rapture: fine, but do you know the exact date for the rapture? 2 Corinthians 5:8 says,
"We are confident, I say, and willing rather to be absent from the body, and to be present with the Lord."
Yet, we don't want to be absent from the body through death but we want to be in the physical presence of the Lord. What an irony! If you take time to study Revelation 21, you will have a good picture of Heaven - golden streets, no night, no sunlight, the temperature is supernaturally regulated, everlasting joy, etc. If you truly want to get to Heaven, you should be prepared to know more about one method of passage into it - death. 1 lost my fear of death from my mother's experience. Death separates the dead from the living and from other things they had been close to.
Unfortunately, today, many people are still living in deception - still holding to old stereotypes about death and eternity. Some, including highly educated people, still believe in reincarnation - that when they die, they will return to this world as a baby, Some believe if they commit suicide for a religious cause, that they will go to Heaven. But they will find themselves in hell. You have no right to stop the life you did not start. You are God's property and if you dare take your life, you will end up in eternal hell. You cannot kill a human being like yourself in the name of religion and think you will ever get to Heaven. Which heaven? God's judgment will take its full course, the sad news for suicide bombers is that while they terminate their lives arid go to eternal hell, those who sent and paid them on that mission would still be living, and may give their lives to Christ and end up in Heaven.
Action Point: Pray for prisoners on death row that they will have a contact with God. You can also create the time to visit the prison and preach to them.
Read: 2 Kings 13:20
Bible in one year: Psalm 25 – 27
Death is a sure event that is bound to happen. It strikes with no regard to the status of its victim. The earlier we realise the certainty of death, the better for us as it brings us freedom. When a believer dies, people will be hit with sorrow, including ministers of God. Is this not ironical? Are we not the ones preaching that Heaven is far better than the earth? So why are we sorrowful when one of God's beloved has gone home? Or how else will they go home? Are they going to ride a bicycle there? Oh, we want to go there by the rapture: fine, but do you know the exact date for the rapture? 2 Corinthians 5:8 says,
"We are confident, I say, and willing rather to be absent from the body, and to be present with the Lord."
Yet, we don't want to be absent from the body through death but we want to be in the physical presence of the Lord. What an irony! If you take time to study Revelation 21, you will have a good picture of Heaven - golden streets, no night, no sunlight, the temperature is supernaturally regulated, everlasting joy, etc. If you truly want to get to Heaven, you should be prepared to know more about one method of passage into it - death. 1 lost my fear of death from my mother's experience. Death separates the dead from the living and from other things they had been close to.
Unfortunately, today, many people are still living in deception - still holding to old stereotypes about death and eternity. Some, including highly educated people, still believe in reincarnation - that when they die, they will return to this world as a baby, Some believe if they commit suicide for a religious cause, that they will go to Heaven. But they will find themselves in hell. You have no right to stop the life you did not start. You are God's property and if you dare take your life, you will end up in eternal hell. You cannot kill a human being like yourself in the name of religion and think you will ever get to Heaven. Which heaven? God's judgment will take its full course, the sad news for suicide bombers is that while they terminate their lives arid go to eternal hell, those who sent and paid them on that mission would still be living, and may give their lives to Christ and end up in Heaven.
Action Point: Pray for prisoners on death row that they will have a contact with God. You can also create the time to visit the prison and preach to them.
RCCG OPEN HEAVENS DEVOTION SUNDAY 30th JUNE, 2013 ANY CREDIT WITH GOD? BY PASTOR E. A. ADEBOYE
Memorise: Remember all thy offerings, and accept thy burnt sacrifice; Selah. Psalm 20:3
Read: Acts 9:36-42
Bible in one year: Isaiah 13 – 15
When the son of the rich Shunammite woman died in 2 Kings 4:18-26, she laid him on the bed that she had provided for the man of God. It was another way of telling God: 'Lord, I have some deposits in my heavenly account: it is time to make a withdrawal.' She did not request for the child in the first place; it came as interest on her investment. Do you have a deposit with God which you can draw from in times of crisis? It is wisdom to have such a deposit because at very crucial moments in the life of the depositor, your investment will speak for you. At such times, you may not be the one to speak for yourself.
Psalm 20:1 – 3 says God will remember your offering in the day of trouble. This refers to regular offerings. But do you have a solid deposit with God? Dorcas did. In Acts 9:36-42, when she died, everybody protested - Not Dorcas! When some people die, people would say may their soul rest in peace, but when some others die, people will lead a protest march to God, saying there must have been some kind of mistake. Check it; such people whose cases are protested most likely had deposits with God. As people protested Dorcas' death, they sent for Peter and began to show him reasons she cannot just go now. So the Lord was forced to ask her to return to earth to continue her good work. If you die today, how many people will miss you? To test this, travel for one month and see how many people will ask you where you have been. If on your return people just say good morning to you, then it is likely that when you die, you may go unnoticed to such people. While on board a ship in one of his trips, there was a terrible storm that put the lives of all that were onboard in danger for over two weeks. In the midst of this, an angel visited Paul and God said to him that because of his credit with God, both his life and the lives of those with him would be saved (Acts 27:13-24). Do you have credit with God?
Key Point: From today, begin to build your Heavenly credit for future benefits.
Read: Acts 9:36-42
Bible in one year: Isaiah 13 – 15
When the son of the rich Shunammite woman died in 2 Kings 4:18-26, she laid him on the bed that she had provided for the man of God. It was another way of telling God: 'Lord, I have some deposits in my heavenly account: it is time to make a withdrawal.' She did not request for the child in the first place; it came as interest on her investment. Do you have a deposit with God which you can draw from in times of crisis? It is wisdom to have such a deposit because at very crucial moments in the life of the depositor, your investment will speak for you. At such times, you may not be the one to speak for yourself.
Psalm 20:1 – 3 says God will remember your offering in the day of trouble. This refers to regular offerings. But do you have a solid deposit with God? Dorcas did. In Acts 9:36-42, when she died, everybody protested - Not Dorcas! When some people die, people would say may their soul rest in peace, but when some others die, people will lead a protest march to God, saying there must have been some kind of mistake. Check it; such people whose cases are protested most likely had deposits with God. As people protested Dorcas' death, they sent for Peter and began to show him reasons she cannot just go now. So the Lord was forced to ask her to return to earth to continue her good work. If you die today, how many people will miss you? To test this, travel for one month and see how many people will ask you where you have been. If on your return people just say good morning to you, then it is likely that when you die, you may go unnoticed to such people. While on board a ship in one of his trips, there was a terrible storm that put the lives of all that were onboard in danger for over two weeks. In the midst of this, an angel visited Paul and God said to him that because of his credit with God, both his life and the lives of those with him would be saved (Acts 27:13-24). Do you have credit with God?
Key Point: From today, begin to build your Heavenly credit for future benefits.
RCCG OPEN HEAVENS DEVOTION SATURDAY 29th JUNE, 2013 HE IS OUR SEAL BY PASTOR E. A. ADEBOYE
Memorise: In whom ye also trusted, after that ye heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation: in whom also after that ye believed, ye were sealed with that holy Spirit of promise. Ephesians 1:13
Read: Ephesians 1:11-14
Bible in one year: Isaiah 10-12
The Holy Spirit guides you into all truth and sets you free. The greatest amnesty you can ever receive is from Him. Besides all these, John 16:13 says the Holy Spirit will show you things to come. He is a revealer of future events. There is hardly anyone who does not want to know tomorrow. Quite a number of people have ensnared themselves while seeking information about their future. Yet, they keep a distance from the One who can tell them of tomorrow. Unlike agents of darkness who can foretell by the spirit of divination, but provide destructive solutions to problems, the Holy Spirit guides His own into future events and provides appropriate solutions to problems identified. How much of the future that is revealed to you is a function of your closeness to the Holy Spirit. How close are you to the Revealer of secrets?
John 16:14 says one major role of the Holy Spirit is to see that Jesus Christ is glorified in all He does through and in His church. He is the Source of divine power according to Acts 1:8, so if you really want raw, unadulterated power, go to the Holy Ghost. Ephesians 1:13 says He is the one who seals believers in Christ. Beloved, there is a seal over your life and that is the promised Holy Spirit. When there is an unpleasant event in the life of God's children, the Holy Spirit effectively plays the role of a Comforter. While the best mortals can do is to sympathise, it is the Holy Spirit who knows exactly the level of hurt we aregoing through and who also knows the best way to provide comfort. Are you hurting presently? Is there something amiss that is causing sorrow in your heart? Look up to the Holy Spirit today and He will comfort you. Take heart beloved, it is well with you. That pain shall give way to joy. Are you weeping? Dry up your tears right now because the Lord is saying to a User of this Devotional,
"Sing O barren, thou that didst not bear; break forth into singing, and cry aloud, thou that didst not travail with child: for more are the children of the desolate than the children of the married wife, saith the LORD."
Isaiah 54:1
Youshall laugh last. It is well with you.
Action Point: Spend 30 minutes thanking the Holy Spirit for being your seal and comforter.
Read: Ephesians 1:11-14
Bible in one year: Isaiah 10-12
The Holy Spirit guides you into all truth and sets you free. The greatest amnesty you can ever receive is from Him. Besides all these, John 16:13 says the Holy Spirit will show you things to come. He is a revealer of future events. There is hardly anyone who does not want to know tomorrow. Quite a number of people have ensnared themselves while seeking information about their future. Yet, they keep a distance from the One who can tell them of tomorrow. Unlike agents of darkness who can foretell by the spirit of divination, but provide destructive solutions to problems, the Holy Spirit guides His own into future events and provides appropriate solutions to problems identified. How much of the future that is revealed to you is a function of your closeness to the Holy Spirit. How close are you to the Revealer of secrets?
John 16:14 says one major role of the Holy Spirit is to see that Jesus Christ is glorified in all He does through and in His church. He is the Source of divine power according to Acts 1:8, so if you really want raw, unadulterated power, go to the Holy Ghost. Ephesians 1:13 says He is the one who seals believers in Christ. Beloved, there is a seal over your life and that is the promised Holy Spirit. When there is an unpleasant event in the life of God's children, the Holy Spirit effectively plays the role of a Comforter. While the best mortals can do is to sympathise, it is the Holy Spirit who knows exactly the level of hurt we aregoing through and who also knows the best way to provide comfort. Are you hurting presently? Is there something amiss that is causing sorrow in your heart? Look up to the Holy Spirit today and He will comfort you. Take heart beloved, it is well with you. That pain shall give way to joy. Are you weeping? Dry up your tears right now because the Lord is saying to a User of this Devotional,
"Sing O barren, thou that didst not bear; break forth into singing, and cry aloud, thou that didst not travail with child: for more are the children of the desolate than the children of the married wife, saith the LORD."
Isaiah 54:1
Youshall laugh last. It is well with you.
Action Point: Spend 30 minutes thanking the Holy Spirit for being your seal and comforter.
RCCG OPEN HEAVENS DEVOTION FRIDAY 28th JUNE, 2013 DIVINE JAIL BREAK BY PASTOR E. A. ADEBOYE
Memorise: And suddenly there was a great earthquake, so that the foundations of the prison were shaken: and immediately all the doors were opened, and every one's bands were loosed. Acts 16:26
Read: Acts 16:24-33
Bible in one year: Isaiah 7-9
God's personal visit to His children who are in bonds liberates their hands from whatever cuffs had them bound. Beyond the hands, the legs of the visited will also be loosed and freed to make progress; so that the enemy who had him tied down will no longer be able to catch up with him. In Acts 3:1-8, when the King of kings visited the lame man at the front of the Beautiful Gate, he did not only walk but he started to leap. Have your legs been incapacitated owing to poor health? They shall receive strength and become whole. At other times, your legs may be physically fit but they may be chained like it happened to Paul and Silas in Acts 16:24-33. After they received the beating of their lives for delivering a lady from the oppressive spirit of divination, they were taken to prison and tucked into the inner ward to prevent escape. Yet, they did not stop there; they tied them with chains and tucked and locked their feet in stocks. In other words, the enemies tried to block every possible avenue of escape. Now the jailor could safely go to sleep. As tired as they were, with their bodies bleeding from the wounds earlier inflicted on them before they were brought to the prison house, they felt they must immediately contact their Headquarters in Heaven and invite the King of Glory to personally visit them in that prison. They began to engage in high praises at midnight and that night, the Lord came on a visit. An earthquake accompanied His visit and the foundation of the prison house shifted out of place, all locked doors were flung open, the chains on all the prisoners got broken and their feet were set free from the stocks. When God decides to visit that prison where the enemies have caged you, He can orchestrate a jail break. This season, the Lord will visit that prison that is housing you, your family as well as your destiny and there shall be a divine jail break in the name of Jesus.
Key Point: When a man breaks and escapes from jail, it is a crime. But when God breaks a jail and releases its prisoners, nobody can prosecute Him.
Read: Acts 16:24-33
Bible in one year: Isaiah 7-9
God's personal visit to His children who are in bonds liberates their hands from whatever cuffs had them bound. Beyond the hands, the legs of the visited will also be loosed and freed to make progress; so that the enemy who had him tied down will no longer be able to catch up with him. In Acts 3:1-8, when the King of kings visited the lame man at the front of the Beautiful Gate, he did not only walk but he started to leap. Have your legs been incapacitated owing to poor health? They shall receive strength and become whole. At other times, your legs may be physically fit but they may be chained like it happened to Paul and Silas in Acts 16:24-33. After they received the beating of their lives for delivering a lady from the oppressive spirit of divination, they were taken to prison and tucked into the inner ward to prevent escape. Yet, they did not stop there; they tied them with chains and tucked and locked their feet in stocks. In other words, the enemies tried to block every possible avenue of escape. Now the jailor could safely go to sleep. As tired as they were, with their bodies bleeding from the wounds earlier inflicted on them before they were brought to the prison house, they felt they must immediately contact their Headquarters in Heaven and invite the King of Glory to personally visit them in that prison. They began to engage in high praises at midnight and that night, the Lord came on a visit. An earthquake accompanied His visit and the foundation of the prison house shifted out of place, all locked doors were flung open, the chains on all the prisoners got broken and their feet were set free from the stocks. When God decides to visit that prison where the enemies have caged you, He can orchestrate a jail break. This season, the Lord will visit that prison that is housing you, your family as well as your destiny and there shall be a divine jail break in the name of Jesus.
Key Point: When a man breaks and escapes from jail, it is a crime. But when God breaks a jail and releases its prisoners, nobody can prosecute Him.
Thursday, 27 June 2013
RCCG OPEN HEAVENS DEVOTION THURSDAY 27th JUNE, 2013 BLIND TO YOUR FAULTS? BY PASTOR E. A. ADEBOYE
Memorise: Jesus said unto them, If ye were blind, ye should have no sin: but now ye say, We see; therefore your sin remaineth. John 9:41
Read: John 9:40–41
Bible in one year: Isaiah 4 – 6
Zechariah 3:1-7relays an incident where Joshua the high priest stood to offer some sacrifice but he was clothed with filthy garment and Satan stood at his right hand to resist him. This tells us that whenever we are not properly clothed in God's righteousness and we want to offer something - an offering or sacrifice to God, there will surely be some formidable resistance from the kingdom of darkness. The filth on Joshua's garment gave Satan legal right to withstand his offering. From this we also learn that not all sacrifices are acceptable to God. Some sacrifices are rejected, some are accepted while some others are contested. Mind how you are clothed before you go to offer anything before God!
Meanwhile, it took another prophet - Zechariah to reveal the state of the high priest. Joshua was arrayed in filthy garments but he did not even notice it. Revelation 3:14-18 says that it is possible to be blind and think you have the best of sight. People have illusions about their present state. This is very dangerous - to think you are rich, successful and progressive whereas the opposite is the case. Ironically, many reject such a message and see it as being sent to someone else other than themselves, this is rather unfortunate. Going by what the Lord told the Pharisees in John 9:40–41, it takes the blind fellow to admit his state of blindness before he can receive help from the Lord. As long as you think you are okay, you will never be better than what you are. It is your feeling of "inadequacy that would drive you on your knees to request divine assistance. In addition, we see a crowd to whom the high priest was ministering; who saw the priest in filthy garment but none of them could point it out to him. TWs means that people see what the leader may not see but they need to inform the leader or help him with love. Some leaders never give their associates or members the opportunity to correct them in love, probably because they present a front as if all is well, or that they know everything, Hebrews 12:1 tells us of the cloud of witnesses in Heaven who are keeping tabs on what we are doing. They see what we don't see but someday, we shall unite with them in heaven: will you be there on that day?
Prayer Point: Oh Lord, expose any faults and weaknesses to me and grant me the grace to make amends.
Read: John 9:40–41
Bible in one year: Isaiah 4 – 6
Zechariah 3:1-7relays an incident where Joshua the high priest stood to offer some sacrifice but he was clothed with filthy garment and Satan stood at his right hand to resist him. This tells us that whenever we are not properly clothed in God's righteousness and we want to offer something - an offering or sacrifice to God, there will surely be some formidable resistance from the kingdom of darkness. The filth on Joshua's garment gave Satan legal right to withstand his offering. From this we also learn that not all sacrifices are acceptable to God. Some sacrifices are rejected, some are accepted while some others are contested. Mind how you are clothed before you go to offer anything before God!
Meanwhile, it took another prophet - Zechariah to reveal the state of the high priest. Joshua was arrayed in filthy garments but he did not even notice it. Revelation 3:14-18 says that it is possible to be blind and think you have the best of sight. People have illusions about their present state. This is very dangerous - to think you are rich, successful and progressive whereas the opposite is the case. Ironically, many reject such a message and see it as being sent to someone else other than themselves, this is rather unfortunate. Going by what the Lord told the Pharisees in John 9:40–41, it takes the blind fellow to admit his state of blindness before he can receive help from the Lord. As long as you think you are okay, you will never be better than what you are. It is your feeling of "inadequacy that would drive you on your knees to request divine assistance. In addition, we see a crowd to whom the high priest was ministering; who saw the priest in filthy garment but none of them could point it out to him. TWs means that people see what the leader may not see but they need to inform the leader or help him with love. Some leaders never give their associates or members the opportunity to correct them in love, probably because they present a front as if all is well, or that they know everything, Hebrews 12:1 tells us of the cloud of witnesses in Heaven who are keeping tabs on what we are doing. They see what we don't see but someday, we shall unite with them in heaven: will you be there on that day?
Prayer Point: Oh Lord, expose any faults and weaknesses to me and grant me the grace to make amends.
RCCG OPEN HEAVENS DEVOTION WEDNESDAY 26th JUNE, 2013 POWER IN THE BLOOD BY PASTOR E. A. ADEBOYE
Memorise: And they overcame him by the blood of the Lamb, and by the word of their testimony; and they loved not their lives unto the death.Revelation 12:11
Read: Revelation 12:10–11
Bible in one year: Isaiah 1 – 3
The Word of God works in all situations when the user has satisfied every requirement. If you are making a request and you are at the same time living in sin, particularly in secret sin, your sinful state can negatively impact on your prayers. Similarly, when you engage the enemy, and you want to use the word of God as a weapon, quote it correctly or it may not work for you. Satan knows the letters of the word from Genesis to Revelation, so the enemy knows whenever you misquote scriptures and can take advantage of that. In Matthew 4:1-11, when Jesus came face to face with the devil in the wilderness, He engaged the sword of the Spirit saying, 'it is written.' How often do you engage the sword of the Spirit? How correctly do you quote scripture when engaged in warfare?
Moreover, the third weapon available to soldiers in God's army is the blood of Jesus. Revelation 12:11 says,
"And they overcame him by the blood of the Lamb, and by the word of their testimony; and they loved not their lives unto the death,"
If only you can see into the spiritual realm, then you will appreciate the power in the blood of Jesus. An ex-agent of darkness, who was very active for the devil until her conversion to Christ, once said that the blood of Jesus is spiritually very acidic. If there is one weapon the kingdom of darkness avoids more than a plague, it is the blood. If you can imagine what harm physical acid can cause to the human body, then you may have a little glimpse of the power in the blood of Jesus. She said when they plant different objects at certain road junctions to cause accidents; they return to the scene after such accidents to drain the blood of their victims to their blood banks, which they subsequently serve as wine. But when some believers begin to pray and plead the blood of Jesus on their local, national and international blood banks, the blood in their blood banks becomes contaminated, acidic and completely undrinkable. They will have to throw away such blood and for that period, they will be very weak as they begin their search for fresh blood. Arise and cover yourself, family and everything you have with the blood of Jesus. Also plead the blood upon all blood banks - both physical and satanic.
Action Point: Apply the blood of Jesus on yourself, family, ministry and plans every day. Attack the enemy with the blood of Jesus.
Read: Revelation 12:10–11
Bible in one year: Isaiah 1 – 3
The Word of God works in all situations when the user has satisfied every requirement. If you are making a request and you are at the same time living in sin, particularly in secret sin, your sinful state can negatively impact on your prayers. Similarly, when you engage the enemy, and you want to use the word of God as a weapon, quote it correctly or it may not work for you. Satan knows the letters of the word from Genesis to Revelation, so the enemy knows whenever you misquote scriptures and can take advantage of that. In Matthew 4:1-11, when Jesus came face to face with the devil in the wilderness, He engaged the sword of the Spirit saying, 'it is written.' How often do you engage the sword of the Spirit? How correctly do you quote scripture when engaged in warfare?
Moreover, the third weapon available to soldiers in God's army is the blood of Jesus. Revelation 12:11 says,
"And they overcame him by the blood of the Lamb, and by the word of their testimony; and they loved not their lives unto the death,"
If only you can see into the spiritual realm, then you will appreciate the power in the blood of Jesus. An ex-agent of darkness, who was very active for the devil until her conversion to Christ, once said that the blood of Jesus is spiritually very acidic. If there is one weapon the kingdom of darkness avoids more than a plague, it is the blood. If you can imagine what harm physical acid can cause to the human body, then you may have a little glimpse of the power in the blood of Jesus. She said when they plant different objects at certain road junctions to cause accidents; they return to the scene after such accidents to drain the blood of their victims to their blood banks, which they subsequently serve as wine. But when some believers begin to pray and plead the blood of Jesus on their local, national and international blood banks, the blood in their blood banks becomes contaminated, acidic and completely undrinkable. They will have to throw away such blood and for that period, they will be very weak as they begin their search for fresh blood. Arise and cover yourself, family and everything you have with the blood of Jesus. Also plead the blood upon all blood banks - both physical and satanic.
Action Point: Apply the blood of Jesus on yourself, family, ministry and plans every day. Attack the enemy with the blood of Jesus.
Tuesday, 25 June 2013
RCCG OPEN HEAVENS DEVOTION TUESDAY 25th JUNE, 2013 DIVINE PARTNERSHIP BY PASTOR E. A. ADEBOYE
Memorise: For I the Lord thy God will hold thy right hand, saying unto thee, Fear not; I will help thee.Isaiah 41:13
Read: Isaiah41:10-13
Bible in one year: Galatians 4-6
Besides divine compassion, dwelling with the Lord also assures you of divine goodness. This was the experience of David when he said assuredly that goodness and mercy will always accompany him for the rest of his life, because he will dwell in God's presence continually (Psalm23:6). Beloved, if you must be fruitful, you need both mercy and goodness. Why? Mercy makes you have what you don't deserve. If you read Romans9:15-16, you will find that God reserves the right to choose to be merciful or compassionate to whom He will. Consequentially, the one who wins the race is not necessarily the one who is more determined or has the fastest feet, but the one who has God's mercy backing him or her. Those you probably envy because they are recording a greater success in life or ministry are not necessarily wiser, stronger or holier than you, but just that they are enjoying the mercy of God that you do not enjoy. From today, you shall be a beneficiary of God's mercy.
This season if there is just one person who will be singled out for an undeserved blessing, it will be you. There is a user of this Devotional who has laboured conscientiously for years with nothing to show for it.By God's divine hand of mercy, a favour is coming your way this season which nobody can stop, and which you cannot resist. When it comes to pass, just remember to share the testimony and give thanks to God in the assembly of His people. In addition, when you abide in Christ, you have a share in a divine partnership. Any force or person who says you will not succeed, God will deal with such a force or fellow in accordance with Romans8:31. That is why Isaiah 41:10-13 says you have no reason to fear; if God says He will help you, believe it: He will. When Peter accepted to partner with Jesus in Luke5:1-7, when he got to his wits end in his career, the Lord supplied what he lacked and he took a catch he had never taken all his fishing years. Let the Lord into your boat and accept His divine partnership and your limitation will be your starting point.
Key Point: God upholds His partners with His victorious right hand.
Read: Isaiah41:10-13
Bible in one year: Galatians 4-6
Besides divine compassion, dwelling with the Lord also assures you of divine goodness. This was the experience of David when he said assuredly that goodness and mercy will always accompany him for the rest of his life, because he will dwell in God's presence continually (Psalm23:6). Beloved, if you must be fruitful, you need both mercy and goodness. Why? Mercy makes you have what you don't deserve. If you read Romans9:15-16, you will find that God reserves the right to choose to be merciful or compassionate to whom He will. Consequentially, the one who wins the race is not necessarily the one who is more determined or has the fastest feet, but the one who has God's mercy backing him or her. Those you probably envy because they are recording a greater success in life or ministry are not necessarily wiser, stronger or holier than you, but just that they are enjoying the mercy of God that you do not enjoy. From today, you shall be a beneficiary of God's mercy.
This season if there is just one person who will be singled out for an undeserved blessing, it will be you. There is a user of this Devotional who has laboured conscientiously for years with nothing to show for it.By God's divine hand of mercy, a favour is coming your way this season which nobody can stop, and which you cannot resist. When it comes to pass, just remember to share the testimony and give thanks to God in the assembly of His people. In addition, when you abide in Christ, you have a share in a divine partnership. Any force or person who says you will not succeed, God will deal with such a force or fellow in accordance with Romans8:31. That is why Isaiah 41:10-13 says you have no reason to fear; if God says He will help you, believe it: He will. When Peter accepted to partner with Jesus in Luke5:1-7, when he got to his wits end in his career, the Lord supplied what he lacked and he took a catch he had never taken all his fishing years. Let the Lord into your boat and accept His divine partnership and your limitation will be your starting point.
Key Point: God upholds His partners with His victorious right hand.
RCCG OPEN HEAVENS DEVOTIONAL MONDAY 24th OF JUNE 2013, A SURE EVENT By Pastor E. A. Adeboye
Memorise: In the sweat of thy face shalt thou eat bread, till thou return unto the ground; for out of it wast thou taken: for dust thou art, and unto dust shalt thou return. Genesis 3:19
Read: Genesis 3:17-19
Bible in one year: Galatians 1-3
It is important to keep eternity in view as you live on the earth. Another reason people fear death is because death seals fate. Once you die, your fate is sealed. Job 7:9-10 says once a man dies, he cannot come back to his earthly home anymore. In Luke 16:19-31, the Lord told a story of a rich man and a poor beggar who lived at a particular time in life. At some point, they both died. While the fate of the rich man was sealed in hell, that of the poor man was sealed in Heaven. If you are born-again and you die righteous, your fate is sealed in Heaven, but if you die in your sins, your fate is sealed in hell. 1 Corinthians 10:12 says,
"Wherefore let him that thinketh he standeth take heed lest he fall" As long as you are alive, no matter how strong in the Lord you may be, there is still the possibility of falling. Be careful!
Death is sometimes referred to as the reminder. Why? It reminds us of our origin. It reminds us that we are dust. According to Genesis 3:17-19, we were taken out of dust and to dust will our bodies return. Not many people would Iike to hear that their beautiful body will return to dust one day. Death reminds us that we are not on earth forever but temporarily, hence we are called pilgrims (Hebrews 11:13; 1 Peter 2:11). The world is some kind of bridge we are trying to cross. Death reminds us of the coming judgment (Hebrews 9:27). You would be amazed to know that some men of God fear death more than other people because it has no regards for the anointing. In 1 Samuel 25:1, we read that Samuel - the king maker, king remover and prophet of Israel died with all his anointing. Saul - the first king of Israel also died (1 Samuel 31:6). Do you know that death does not regard the command not to touch God's anointed? If you doubt this ask Elisha. In spite of the double portion anointing he possessed yet he still died (2 Kings 13:20). Death does not regard who you are - whether General Superintendent or General Overseer, Pastor, Prophet, etc. It will strike at its appointed date. Knowing death will surely occur, how prepared are you for its coming?
key point: Ignoring an event that is bound to happen is the height of foolishness
Read: Genesis 3:17-19
Bible in one year: Galatians 1-3
It is important to keep eternity in view as you live on the earth. Another reason people fear death is because death seals fate. Once you die, your fate is sealed. Job 7:9-10 says once a man dies, he cannot come back to his earthly home anymore. In Luke 16:19-31, the Lord told a story of a rich man and a poor beggar who lived at a particular time in life. At some point, they both died. While the fate of the rich man was sealed in hell, that of the poor man was sealed in Heaven. If you are born-again and you die righteous, your fate is sealed in Heaven, but if you die in your sins, your fate is sealed in hell. 1 Corinthians 10:12 says,
"Wherefore let him that thinketh he standeth take heed lest he fall" As long as you are alive, no matter how strong in the Lord you may be, there is still the possibility of falling. Be careful!
Death is sometimes referred to as the reminder. Why? It reminds us of our origin. It reminds us that we are dust. According to Genesis 3:17-19, we were taken out of dust and to dust will our bodies return. Not many people would Iike to hear that their beautiful body will return to dust one day. Death reminds us that we are not on earth forever but temporarily, hence we are called pilgrims (Hebrews 11:13; 1 Peter 2:11). The world is some kind of bridge we are trying to cross. Death reminds us of the coming judgment (Hebrews 9:27). You would be amazed to know that some men of God fear death more than other people because it has no regards for the anointing. In 1 Samuel 25:1, we read that Samuel - the king maker, king remover and prophet of Israel died with all his anointing. Saul - the first king of Israel also died (1 Samuel 31:6). Do you know that death does not regard the command not to touch God's anointed? If you doubt this ask Elisha. In spite of the double portion anointing he possessed yet he still died (2 Kings 13:20). Death does not regard who you are - whether General Superintendent or General Overseer, Pastor, Prophet, etc. It will strike at its appointed date. Knowing death will surely occur, how prepared are you for its coming?
key point: Ignoring an event that is bound to happen is the height of foolishness
RCCG OPEN HEAVENS DEVOTION SATURDAY 22nd of JUNE, 2013 OF BONDAGE AND LIBERTY BY PASTOR E.A. ADEBOYE.
Memorise: Now the Lord is that Spirit: and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty
2 Corinthians 3:17
Read: Ecclesiastes 2:1-12
Bible in one year: James 1 – 2
John 16:13 says if you are a friend of the Holy Spirit, He will keep you informed of the truth. It will be difficult for people to pull wool over your eyes. In addition to this, He will expose the truth of God's Word to you. It is the revelation of the truth that makes free. This implies that, if you are a friend of the Spirit, He will bring you out of bondage and ensure you walk in liberty. No wonder 2 Corinthians 3:17 says,
"Now the Lord is that Spirit: and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty,''
The greatest need of the one in captivity is the Holy Spirit. Are you in a demonic bondage? You need the Holy Spirit. Are you in prison - both spiritual and physical? Be filled with the Spirit. Draw close to Him. Love and serve Him within that prison situation and before long you will be spiritually liberated. As you continue to walk with the Spirit, the physical prison walls will not be able to contain you. The truth is that you cannot have a close walk with the Holy Spirit and remain bound. Do you know that those who were criminals and are presently serving a prison sentence, but have now received Christ and are fellowshipping with the Holy Spirit, are actually free? If men say you are bound but God says you are free, who would you believe?
Everybody desires freedom. Whether you are in a physical prison or not, you want to live at liberty. Do you know that the most enslaved people are not those inside the four walls of a prison but those outside? In their quest to be free to do whatever they like, many have become terrible slaves of their carnal desires. An individual who has no self control is in bondage. Take Solomon for instance. He received unprecedented blessings from God, but a time came that he became so obsessed with carnal things that whatever his eyes liked, he acquired. What bondage! No wonder he ended up with 1000 women! The physical prison is there to help the convict have a rethink about life and to help them find Jesus. As you receive Jesus, develop your relationship with the Holy Spirit and win souls to Christ. Are you in a prison? The Spirit of God will bring you out in Jesus name.
Prayer Point: Father, in whatever bondage I have found myself, as I walk with the Holy Spirit this season, set me free.
2 Corinthians 3:17
Read: Ecclesiastes 2:1-12
Bible in one year: James 1 – 2
John 16:13 says if you are a friend of the Holy Spirit, He will keep you informed of the truth. It will be difficult for people to pull wool over your eyes. In addition to this, He will expose the truth of God's Word to you. It is the revelation of the truth that makes free. This implies that, if you are a friend of the Spirit, He will bring you out of bondage and ensure you walk in liberty. No wonder 2 Corinthians 3:17 says,
"Now the Lord is that Spirit: and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty,''
The greatest need of the one in captivity is the Holy Spirit. Are you in a demonic bondage? You need the Holy Spirit. Are you in prison - both spiritual and physical? Be filled with the Spirit. Draw close to Him. Love and serve Him within that prison situation and before long you will be spiritually liberated. As you continue to walk with the Spirit, the physical prison walls will not be able to contain you. The truth is that you cannot have a close walk with the Holy Spirit and remain bound. Do you know that those who were criminals and are presently serving a prison sentence, but have now received Christ and are fellowshipping with the Holy Spirit, are actually free? If men say you are bound but God says you are free, who would you believe?
Everybody desires freedom. Whether you are in a physical prison or not, you want to live at liberty. Do you know that the most enslaved people are not those inside the four walls of a prison but those outside? In their quest to be free to do whatever they like, many have become terrible slaves of their carnal desires. An individual who has no self control is in bondage. Take Solomon for instance. He received unprecedented blessings from God, but a time came that he became so obsessed with carnal things that whatever his eyes liked, he acquired. What bondage! No wonder he ended up with 1000 women! The physical prison is there to help the convict have a rethink about life and to help them find Jesus. As you receive Jesus, develop your relationship with the Holy Spirit and win souls to Christ. Are you in a prison? The Spirit of God will bring you out in Jesus name.
Prayer Point: Father, in whatever bondage I have found myself, as I walk with the Holy Spirit this season, set me free.
Friday, 21 June 2013
RCCG OPEN HEAVENS DEVOTION FRIDAY 21th JUNE, 2013 EMPOWERING YOUR HANDS BY PASTOR E. A. ADEBOYE
Memorise: He teacheth my hands to war, so that a bow of steel is broken by mine arms. Psalm 18:34
Read: Psalm 18:31-35
Bible in one year: Exodus 38-40
God cannot pay you a personal visit and things in your life and around you will maintain status quo. His visits always come with glorious changes. May He visit you this season. When He visited the Red sea, a thoroughfare was created in the midst of it, for the Israelites to go through. When He visits you, He will create a way in your wilderness. When He visits you like He visited Peter in Acts 12: 5-11, your hands that were tied will suddenly become loose. You hands will be free to war. Psalm 18:34 says,
"He teacheth my hands to war, so that a bow of steel is broken by mine arms."
When your hands are tied, you will be unable to employ them in areas you would normally use them.
Business is war. Life itself is war. There are some people who started fighting the battles of their lives right from their mother's womb. To prosper or to take the wealth of the wicked into your coffers is serious warfare. You cannot fight and win such battles when your hands are tied. But if your hands are free for war, then victory is sure because with a punch of your fist empowered by God, you can strike a lion dead; with a sling shot empowered by God, you can slay your Goliath. In Luke 5:1-7, the same hands that toiled all night without a catch, became empowered when the King of kings came visiting, and with just one throw of the net, he recorded a catch of fishes he had never taken in all his years in the fishing business! Are your hands tied? What is tying your hands? Why can your hands no longer perform their normal duties? Cry out for God's personal visitation to you today! In the name of Jesus, everything tying your hands is loosed. Every invisible rope or chain over your hands is destroyed now. From today, your hands shall begin to perform to God's glory what they were created to do. Your hands are divinely empowered to defeat your enemies and take over the spoils of war.
Prayer Point: Father, in any way my hands have been tied, untie them today and set me free.
Read: Psalm 18:31-35
Bible in one year: Exodus 38-40
God cannot pay you a personal visit and things in your life and around you will maintain status quo. His visits always come with glorious changes. May He visit you this season. When He visited the Red sea, a thoroughfare was created in the midst of it, for the Israelites to go through. When He visits you, He will create a way in your wilderness. When He visits you like He visited Peter in Acts 12: 5-11, your hands that were tied will suddenly become loose. You hands will be free to war. Psalm 18:34 says,
"He teacheth my hands to war, so that a bow of steel is broken by mine arms."
When your hands are tied, you will be unable to employ them in areas you would normally use them.
Business is war. Life itself is war. There are some people who started fighting the battles of their lives right from their mother's womb. To prosper or to take the wealth of the wicked into your coffers is serious warfare. You cannot fight and win such battles when your hands are tied. But if your hands are free for war, then victory is sure because with a punch of your fist empowered by God, you can strike a lion dead; with a sling shot empowered by God, you can slay your Goliath. In Luke 5:1-7, the same hands that toiled all night without a catch, became empowered when the King of kings came visiting, and with just one throw of the net, he recorded a catch of fishes he had never taken in all his years in the fishing business! Are your hands tied? What is tying your hands? Why can your hands no longer perform their normal duties? Cry out for God's personal visitation to you today! In the name of Jesus, everything tying your hands is loosed. Every invisible rope or chain over your hands is destroyed now. From today, your hands shall begin to perform to God's glory what they were created to do. Your hands are divinely empowered to defeat your enemies and take over the spoils of war.
Prayer Point: Father, in any way my hands have been tied, untie them today and set me free.
Thursday, 20 June 2013
RCCG OPEN HEAVENS DEVOTION THURSDAY 20th JUNE, 2013 A SMOOTH STONE BY PASTOR E. A. ADEBOYE
Memorise: Therefore thus saith the Lord God, Behold, I lay in Zion for a foundation a stone, a tried stone, a precious corner stone, a sure foundation: he that believeth shall not make haste.Isaiah 28:16
Read: 1 Peter 2:4-8
Bible in one year: Exodus 35-37
God is interested in every aspect of your life including your dressing because it could either make or mar His plan for you. How polished are you to fit into His eternal plan for your life? Many years ago, one of my sons in the Lord who is highly educated became born-again yet continued smoking cigarette. When I was told, I asked him and he affirmed that he was born-again and that what is inside of one is what really matters. However he said he is prepared to obey the Bible and then asked: 'Where is it written, Thou shall not smoke?' I replied that it is not stated in the Bible. One day, he visited me in company of his wife while 1 was at a retreat so we decided to do a little Bible study on 1 Samuel 17:38-40. Verse 40 says David selected five smooth stones from the brook and not just any stone even when a stone is a stone because of its hardness. What is the difference between a smooth stone and one that is not smooth? i told them that there are different kinds of stones - stones that can kill a dog and stones that can kill other types of creatures, but that the stones that could kill a giant must be smooth stones. With this new insight, he stopped smoking that same day, saying that he desired not just to be a stone but a smooth stone in God's hands. Are you born-again but still drinking alcoholic wine or smoking or are you still involved in a questionable habit? You cannot be a smooth stone until you do away with anything questionable in your life. Yes, you can just be a stone- an ordinary one, but if you want to be a smooth stone that God can use to do great things in His Kingdom, then you must allow God to polish you, and make you a tried stone like Jesus Christ. Anybody who claims to be a Christian may wear what he or she likes but not to the altar of God. Also, if God considers you a favourite, you will mind what you do, say, where you go and how you dress. Ask God to make you a smooth stone in His hands.
Action Point: If you get more of judgement than mercy, it is most likely because you are indebted in mercy. Sow mercy to all who have hurt you.
Read: 1 Peter 2:4-8
Bible in one year: Exodus 35-37
God is interested in every aspect of your life including your dressing because it could either make or mar His plan for you. How polished are you to fit into His eternal plan for your life? Many years ago, one of my sons in the Lord who is highly educated became born-again yet continued smoking cigarette. When I was told, I asked him and he affirmed that he was born-again and that what is inside of one is what really matters. However he said he is prepared to obey the Bible and then asked: 'Where is it written, Thou shall not smoke?' I replied that it is not stated in the Bible. One day, he visited me in company of his wife while 1 was at a retreat so we decided to do a little Bible study on 1 Samuel 17:38-40. Verse 40 says David selected five smooth stones from the brook and not just any stone even when a stone is a stone because of its hardness. What is the difference between a smooth stone and one that is not smooth? i told them that there are different kinds of stones - stones that can kill a dog and stones that can kill other types of creatures, but that the stones that could kill a giant must be smooth stones. With this new insight, he stopped smoking that same day, saying that he desired not just to be a stone but a smooth stone in God's hands. Are you born-again but still drinking alcoholic wine or smoking or are you still involved in a questionable habit? You cannot be a smooth stone until you do away with anything questionable in your life. Yes, you can just be a stone- an ordinary one, but if you want to be a smooth stone that God can use to do great things in His Kingdom, then you must allow God to polish you, and make you a tried stone like Jesus Christ. Anybody who claims to be a Christian may wear what he or she likes but not to the altar of God. Also, if God considers you a favourite, you will mind what you do, say, where you go and how you dress. Ask God to make you a smooth stone in His hands.
Action Point: If you get more of judgement than mercy, it is most likely because you are indebted in mercy. Sow mercy to all who have hurt you.
RCCG OPEN HEAVENS DEVOTION WEDNESDAY 19th JUNE, 2013 WHY THE WORD SOMETIMES FAIL BY PASTOR E. A. ADEBOYE
Memorise: For every one that useth milk is unskilful in the word of righteousness: for he is a babe.Hebrew 5:13
Read: Hebrews 5:11-14
Bible in one year: Exodus 32-34
The word of God is most powerful. It lives and is unlimited just like God. It is a spy agent for the fellow who knows how to use it well. If there is one weapon that the enemy can't resist, it is the word of God, yet often times, it appears the word does not work, is God a liar or what is wrong? There are a few instances where the word of God may not work. The first is during a trial of faith situation. While undergoing a trial of faith, the word of God is suspended for that individual or else he or she can never successfully go through the trial. For instance, during a trial of faith that borders on your finances, no matter how sin free, God-pleasing, or Heaven-bound you are, even if you pay your tithes regularly, at that trial period, it may not stop the devourers from devouring, and your promised blessing may be kept in abeyance. But after the trial period, your pending blessings will be delivered. Do not think you have lost such blessings during your trial period? They are only reserved, to be delivered after the trial.
Another situation that may hinder the working power of God's word is when it is not skilfully employed. According to today's reading, if you are applying the milk of the word when strong meat or bones of the word is what you require to handle a situation, it will fail to deliver the result. For instance, if you are reciting the Lord's Prayer during a time of need, instead of applying this prayer model and specifically asking for your need to be met, you may not have your desired answer. Or if you ask God for something without backing it up with relevant promises documented in the Bible, He may not answer you. It is not your prose in prayer that compels God into action, but His word that you send back to Him. Even when He does not want to grant the request for your sake, He would be compelled to do so for the sake of His integrity. A believer died and went to Heaven. He was so happy to make it and to see all that God had for him. But at some point, Jesus came to him to say, even though He would want him to stay on, yet He has to release him because some brethren were asking for his resurrection and that they were standing on God's word. So the Lord said He had no choice but to honour His word. The brother returned to his body where they were praying at his hospital bed. Boy he was sad and angry. Another situation is making requests while you are living in sin.
Action Point: Check your life and find out in what ways you have made the Word to fail concerning you. Repent and make it work from today
Read: Hebrews 5:11-14
Bible in one year: Exodus 32-34
The word of God is most powerful. It lives and is unlimited just like God. It is a spy agent for the fellow who knows how to use it well. If there is one weapon that the enemy can't resist, it is the word of God, yet often times, it appears the word does not work, is God a liar or what is wrong? There are a few instances where the word of God may not work. The first is during a trial of faith situation. While undergoing a trial of faith, the word of God is suspended for that individual or else he or she can never successfully go through the trial. For instance, during a trial of faith that borders on your finances, no matter how sin free, God-pleasing, or Heaven-bound you are, even if you pay your tithes regularly, at that trial period, it may not stop the devourers from devouring, and your promised blessing may be kept in abeyance. But after the trial period, your pending blessings will be delivered. Do not think you have lost such blessings during your trial period? They are only reserved, to be delivered after the trial.
Another situation that may hinder the working power of God's word is when it is not skilfully employed. According to today's reading, if you are applying the milk of the word when strong meat or bones of the word is what you require to handle a situation, it will fail to deliver the result. For instance, if you are reciting the Lord's Prayer during a time of need, instead of applying this prayer model and specifically asking for your need to be met, you may not have your desired answer. Or if you ask God for something without backing it up with relevant promises documented in the Bible, He may not answer you. It is not your prose in prayer that compels God into action, but His word that you send back to Him. Even when He does not want to grant the request for your sake, He would be compelled to do so for the sake of His integrity. A believer died and went to Heaven. He was so happy to make it and to see all that God had for him. But at some point, Jesus came to him to say, even though He would want him to stay on, yet He has to release him because some brethren were asking for his resurrection and that they were standing on God's word. So the Lord said He had no choice but to honour His word. The brother returned to his body where they were praying at his hospital bed. Boy he was sad and angry. Another situation is making requests while you are living in sin.
Action Point: Check your life and find out in what ways you have made the Word to fail concerning you. Repent and make it work from today
Tuesday, 18 June 2013
RCCG OPEN HEAVENS DEVOTION TUESDAY 18th JUNE, 2013 WHEN THE WIND BLOWS BY PASTOR E. A. ADEBOYE
Memorise: And with the blast of thy nostrils the waters were gathered together, the floods stood upright as an heap, and the depths were congealed in the heart of the sea.Exodus 15:8
Read: John 20:21-22
Bible in one year: Exodus 28-31
If you want to belong to the reigning team, sign a pact with the Holy Spirit. Severally in scriptures, the Holy Spirit is compared to the wind. Understanding some characteristics of the wind gives us some insight into the personality of the Holy Spirit. The wind as breeze can blow gently, we see the Holy Spirit exhibiting this trait in Samson. The Spirit first began to move him gently once in a while in Judges 13:24-25. The Holy Spirit can also behave like a rushing mighty wind blowing suddenly, as was the case in Acts 2:1-7. He can also move massively like a storm. At the front of the Red sea, Moses lifted his hands and the east wind blew throughout the night until the Red sea parted (Exodus 14:19-22). While describing the experience later in Exodus 15:8, Moses said,
"And with the blast of thy nostrils the waters were gathered together, the floods stood upright as an heap, and the depths were congealed in the heart of the sea"
In other words, this can be pictured as God sneezing and emitting the Spirit in the form of air from His nostrils, and He parted the mighty Red sea into two. What a Mighty God we serve!
It is the wind that gives a mighty aeroplane its lift. The reason an aeroplane runs very fast before takeoff is because air at a higher speed has a lower pressure than air at a lower speed. The air above the wings of the aeroplane before takeoff is at a higher speed that the air beneath it. The resulting higher pressure beneath the wings gives lift to the aeroplane taking it to the next level in flight. In 2 Kings 2:9-15, two people were promoted to another realm when the wind of the Holy Spirit blew massively: Elijah got transported into the heavenly realm, while young Elisha - a servant of the prophet was promoted to become father of the prophets. As you key into the supernatural, you shall be lifted to another level in Jesus name. However, when the wind comes, it is capable of filling every available space. In John 20:21-22, when Jesus wanted to fill the disciples with the Holy Ghost, He breathed on them; meaning that the Holy Spirit should go and fill every space in the disciples. What space do you have for the Holy Spirit to fill? The more space you take away from the flesh, the more you make available to Him.
Key Point: John the Baptist decided to decrease in order to create more room for Jesus. How much room do you have for the Holy Spirit?
Read: John 20:21-22
Bible in one year: Exodus 28-31
If you want to belong to the reigning team, sign a pact with the Holy Spirit. Severally in scriptures, the Holy Spirit is compared to the wind. Understanding some characteristics of the wind gives us some insight into the personality of the Holy Spirit. The wind as breeze can blow gently, we see the Holy Spirit exhibiting this trait in Samson. The Spirit first began to move him gently once in a while in Judges 13:24-25. The Holy Spirit can also behave like a rushing mighty wind blowing suddenly, as was the case in Acts 2:1-7. He can also move massively like a storm. At the front of the Red sea, Moses lifted his hands and the east wind blew throughout the night until the Red sea parted (Exodus 14:19-22). While describing the experience later in Exodus 15:8, Moses said,
"And with the blast of thy nostrils the waters were gathered together, the floods stood upright as an heap, and the depths were congealed in the heart of the sea"
In other words, this can be pictured as God sneezing and emitting the Spirit in the form of air from His nostrils, and He parted the mighty Red sea into two. What a Mighty God we serve!
It is the wind that gives a mighty aeroplane its lift. The reason an aeroplane runs very fast before takeoff is because air at a higher speed has a lower pressure than air at a lower speed. The air above the wings of the aeroplane before takeoff is at a higher speed that the air beneath it. The resulting higher pressure beneath the wings gives lift to the aeroplane taking it to the next level in flight. In 2 Kings 2:9-15, two people were promoted to another realm when the wind of the Holy Spirit blew massively: Elijah got transported into the heavenly realm, while young Elisha - a servant of the prophet was promoted to become father of the prophets. As you key into the supernatural, you shall be lifted to another level in Jesus name. However, when the wind comes, it is capable of filling every available space. In John 20:21-22, when Jesus wanted to fill the disciples with the Holy Ghost, He breathed on them; meaning that the Holy Spirit should go and fill every space in the disciples. What space do you have for the Holy Spirit to fill? The more space you take away from the flesh, the more you make available to Him.
Key Point: John the Baptist decided to decrease in order to create more room for Jesus. How much room do you have for the Holy Spirit?
Monday, 17 June 2013
RCCG OPEN HEAVENS DEVOTION MONDAY 17th JUNE, 2013 THINK ABOUT THE END! BY PASTOR E. A. ADEBOYE
Memorise: And as it is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgment : Hebrews 9:27
Read: Ecclesiastes 5:13-15
Bible in one year: Exodus 25-27
God has provided information in the Bible which He intends will give men revelations that ultimately will make them wise. But unfortunately for many people, most of this divine information remained nothing but mere information. As long as knowledge garnered from such information does not lead to wisdom, its purpose will be defeated. Take for instance this scripture in Hebrews 9:27:
"And as it is appointed unto men once to die,, but after this the judgement:"
Ordinarily it contains very vital information. Not many people want to talk about the coming judgment or about death. People are prepared to discuss other issues -prosperity, breakthrough, success, promotion, etc. but not death. That everyone will die someday is information. From this information it could dawn on you that someday it will be your turn - this is revelation. It is then expected that this revelation will lead you into taking eternal issues more seriously, leading to you giving your life to Christ and living everyday in righteousness as if it were your last. That is wisdom.
Believers are not supposed to sorrow over death like unbelievers but we do. Why do we fear death so much? One reason is because it is a leveller. It levels everyone. According to Ecclesiastes 2:17, the professor and the illiterate person, the rich and the poor, the famous and the unknown will die one day and at that point, they will each lose whatever edge they had in their life time. At death, all wealth, degrees and achievements will be of no use to the departed. Psalm 12:1 says the godly will die and 1 Kings 22:37-40 says the ungodly will also die. The rich, famous and those who are having the best out of life will not want to talk about death. But according to Job 1:21 and Ecclesiastes 5:13-15, we came naked to this world and we will one day return naked. No rich person will want to hear about this. Even if you were buried with lots of diamond, by the following day, thieves would have robbed the dead of those valuables and dumped the corpse on bare ground. A rich man's land once gave him surplus harvest and while projecting for the future, God told him it was time to go. If we give a thought to the issue of death, we will stop chasing only things that have no eternal value. What do you think about? Do you ponder over death?
Key Point: If you ponder on your end, you will plan about your life after death and your family after you are gone. Have you written your will?
Read: Ecclesiastes 5:13-15
Bible in one year: Exodus 25-27
God has provided information in the Bible which He intends will give men revelations that ultimately will make them wise. But unfortunately for many people, most of this divine information remained nothing but mere information. As long as knowledge garnered from such information does not lead to wisdom, its purpose will be defeated. Take for instance this scripture in Hebrews 9:27:
"And as it is appointed unto men once to die,, but after this the judgement:"
Ordinarily it contains very vital information. Not many people want to talk about the coming judgment or about death. People are prepared to discuss other issues -prosperity, breakthrough, success, promotion, etc. but not death. That everyone will die someday is information. From this information it could dawn on you that someday it will be your turn - this is revelation. It is then expected that this revelation will lead you into taking eternal issues more seriously, leading to you giving your life to Christ and living everyday in righteousness as if it were your last. That is wisdom.
Believers are not supposed to sorrow over death like unbelievers but we do. Why do we fear death so much? One reason is because it is a leveller. It levels everyone. According to Ecclesiastes 2:17, the professor and the illiterate person, the rich and the poor, the famous and the unknown will die one day and at that point, they will each lose whatever edge they had in their life time. At death, all wealth, degrees and achievements will be of no use to the departed. Psalm 12:1 says the godly will die and 1 Kings 22:37-40 says the ungodly will also die. The rich, famous and those who are having the best out of life will not want to talk about death. But according to Job 1:21 and Ecclesiastes 5:13-15, we came naked to this world and we will one day return naked. No rich person will want to hear about this. Even if you were buried with lots of diamond, by the following day, thieves would have robbed the dead of those valuables and dumped the corpse on bare ground. A rich man's land once gave him surplus harvest and while projecting for the future, God told him it was time to go. If we give a thought to the issue of death, we will stop chasing only things that have no eternal value. What do you think about? Do you ponder over death?
Key Point: If you ponder on your end, you will plan about your life after death and your family after you are gone. Have you written your will?
RCCG OPEN HEAVENS DEVOTION SUNDAY 16th JUNE, 2013 VICTORY OVER STORMS BY PASTOR E. A. ADEBOYE
Memorise: Many are the afflictions of the righteous: but the Lord delivereth him out of them all. Psalm 34:19
Read: Mark 4:35-41
Bible in one year: Exodus 21-24
In 2 Kings 4:18-26, we read of how a rich benevolent woman, who sowed so much into the life of a man of God, had her barrenness broken, and of how that son later died but was raised back to life. One lesson we learn here is that the fact that you have God does not mean that there will be no crisis in your life. Problems are part of life for everyone irrespective of religious beliefs. If anyone tells you that the moment you become a Christian there will be no more problems, the fellow is lying to you. That you were saved means that you have escaped from Satan's prison. A Nigerian proverb says "It is right for a slave to escape, and also right for the slave owner to pursue his slave." The difference between a Christian and a non-Christian here is that in times of storms, you already have the Prince of Peace with you. With just a word from Him, the storm will cease. Psalm 34:19 says,
"Many are the afflictions of the righteous: but the Lord delivereth him out of them all."
Some believers think that if you are in God's will or if you obey God's instructions - for instance in taking a particular individual as your spouse in marriage, you will never have issues. This is not true. The truth is: when problems come on account of obeying God, you can confidently return to Him and ask Him to take care of it.
In John 16:33, Jesus says in spite of your trouble be joyful because His victory over the world will secure your victory over that situation. If you look carefully at Isaiah 43:2, you will understand that we must go through fires and rivers. If God will use you for His greater purpose and glory, then you must be prepared to go through not only the rivers, but also the fire, but there will be no reason to fear because He will be with you. The fire will not consume you but it will bean instrument of purifying you. Jesus was in the same boat with His disciples and yet the storm arose (Mark 4:34-41). That He is in your boat does not insure you against storms but that your boat will never sink. The Prince of Peace is with you. Your victory is certain.
Key Point: Just as problems are bound to come, because you have Jesus, you too are bound to overcome. It's a balanced equation
Read: Mark 4:35-41
Bible in one year: Exodus 21-24
In 2 Kings 4:18-26, we read of how a rich benevolent woman, who sowed so much into the life of a man of God, had her barrenness broken, and of how that son later died but was raised back to life. One lesson we learn here is that the fact that you have God does not mean that there will be no crisis in your life. Problems are part of life for everyone irrespective of religious beliefs. If anyone tells you that the moment you become a Christian there will be no more problems, the fellow is lying to you. That you were saved means that you have escaped from Satan's prison. A Nigerian proverb says "It is right for a slave to escape, and also right for the slave owner to pursue his slave." The difference between a Christian and a non-Christian here is that in times of storms, you already have the Prince of Peace with you. With just a word from Him, the storm will cease. Psalm 34:19 says,
"Many are the afflictions of the righteous: but the Lord delivereth him out of them all."
Some believers think that if you are in God's will or if you obey God's instructions - for instance in taking a particular individual as your spouse in marriage, you will never have issues. This is not true. The truth is: when problems come on account of obeying God, you can confidently return to Him and ask Him to take care of it.
In John 16:33, Jesus says in spite of your trouble be joyful because His victory over the world will secure your victory over that situation. If you look carefully at Isaiah 43:2, you will understand that we must go through fires and rivers. If God will use you for His greater purpose and glory, then you must be prepared to go through not only the rivers, but also the fire, but there will be no reason to fear because He will be with you. The fire will not consume you but it will bean instrument of purifying you. Jesus was in the same boat with His disciples and yet the storm arose (Mark 4:34-41). That He is in your boat does not insure you against storms but that your boat will never sink. The Prince of Peace is with you. Your victory is certain.
Key Point: Just as problems are bound to come, because you have Jesus, you too are bound to overcome. It's a balanced equation
RCCG OPEN HEAVENS DEVOTION SATURDAY 15th JUNE, 2013 LIBERTY TO SIN? BY PASTOR E. A. ADEBOYE
Memorise: For, brethren, ye have been called unto liberty; only use not liberty for an occasion to the flesh, but by love serve one another. Galatians 5:13
Read: Galatians 5:13-15
Bible in one year: Exodus 18-20
Operating in the supernatural will naturally attract certain challenges. You cannot serve and please God and Satan at the same time. Any time you please God, you displease the devil. It is impossible for you to operate in the supernatural without attracting the anger or fury of the kingdom of darkness. After Elijah brought down fire from Heaven and killed ail the 450 prophets of Baal, their grand matron - Queen Jezebel resolved to kill him within 24 hours. The more you operate in the supernatural, the greater the attack from the enemy. When a king wanted to arrest Elijah he sent three batches of soldiers and their captains in quick succession, but when Elisha who had a double portion of Elijah's Spirit, was to be arrested, a whole army platoon was sent. Are you facing a band of soldiers or a whole army because of your faithfulness in serving God? The Lord will deliver you.
Some people are still putting their trust in the arm of flesh as regards security. Such are only awaiting disappointment. How much can you pay a security guard for him to die for you? Be connected with the supernatural of God today! When you begin to operate in the supernatural, try and guard against these three things: indiscipline, pride and immorality. Indiscipline is rife in Pentecostal circles. We think that because we speak in tongues we can take liberty as license to live without control. If you study the life of Samson, you will realise that without discipline, you cannot go far in the things of the Kingdom. Some younger ministers serving under senior ministers have suddenly heard from God and have become general overseers so that nobody can oversee them or call them to order. When some leaders are transferred by their superiors, they will tell you they want to go and pray. Some workers and ministers will be transferred to a new parish and they will say because God has not spoken to them about the transfer, they will not go. They believe they are right, not knowing they are simply living in disobedience. Also, watch against pride. Never get to the point where no one can talk to you again. Lastly, watch against immorality.
Key Point: Satan knows when to send a few or his whole army to capture a believer. Do you know when to resist individually and when to seek the support of others in resisting the devil?
Read: Galatians 5:13-15
Bible in one year: Exodus 18-20
Operating in the supernatural will naturally attract certain challenges. You cannot serve and please God and Satan at the same time. Any time you please God, you displease the devil. It is impossible for you to operate in the supernatural without attracting the anger or fury of the kingdom of darkness. After Elijah brought down fire from Heaven and killed ail the 450 prophets of Baal, their grand matron - Queen Jezebel resolved to kill him within 24 hours. The more you operate in the supernatural, the greater the attack from the enemy. When a king wanted to arrest Elijah he sent three batches of soldiers and their captains in quick succession, but when Elisha who had a double portion of Elijah's Spirit, was to be arrested, a whole army platoon was sent. Are you facing a band of soldiers or a whole army because of your faithfulness in serving God? The Lord will deliver you.
Some people are still putting their trust in the arm of flesh as regards security. Such are only awaiting disappointment. How much can you pay a security guard for him to die for you? Be connected with the supernatural of God today! When you begin to operate in the supernatural, try and guard against these three things: indiscipline, pride and immorality. Indiscipline is rife in Pentecostal circles. We think that because we speak in tongues we can take liberty as license to live without control. If you study the life of Samson, you will realise that without discipline, you cannot go far in the things of the Kingdom. Some younger ministers serving under senior ministers have suddenly heard from God and have become general overseers so that nobody can oversee them or call them to order. When some leaders are transferred by their superiors, they will tell you they want to go and pray. Some workers and ministers will be transferred to a new parish and they will say because God has not spoken to them about the transfer, they will not go. They believe they are right, not knowing they are simply living in disobedience. Also, watch against pride. Never get to the point where no one can talk to you again. Lastly, watch against immorality.
Key Point: Satan knows when to send a few or his whole army to capture a believer. Do you know when to resist individually and when to seek the support of others in resisting the devil?
Friday, 14 June 2013
RCCG OPEN HEAVENS DEVOTION FRIDAY 14th JUNE, 2013 WHEN HE VISITS BY PASTOR E. A. ADEBOYE
Memorise: Tremble, thou earth, at the presence of the Lord, at the presence of the God of Jacob; Psalm 114:7
Read:Psalm 114:1-8Bible in one year: Exodus 14-17
Divine encounters come in different ways but one of the most outstanding forms is when God decides to pay you a visit by Himself. Wherever the King goes, doors open to Him. Psalm 24:7 says,
"Lift up your heads, O ye gates; and be ye lift up, ye everlasting doors; and the King of glory shall come in."
Whenever the King of kings wants to come on a visit to His own, He comes in without knocking on the door because He is the DOOR. After the resurrection of Jesus Christ, the disciples were assembled in a room one day. With the doors shut, Jesus suddenly appeared in their midst without knocking or passing through the door. Being the original Door, He does not need the permission of any door to give Him passage. Doors - not some but all open unto Him of their own volition. This is why you need God's personal visitation. When He comes to you, all the doors of progress, success, growth, opportunities, enlargement, promotion etc. that have refused to open to you, will be compelled to open to Him and in the process, they will remain open to you. This season, all good doors that are shut against you shall open to you in Jesus name.
In Acts 12:5-11, when the angel was delivering Peter, he did not need a key to open the door. When Peter rose and followed the angel, the door that had opened to the angel remained open to Peter also. When the door of the Red sea opened, the children of Israel walked through dry ground in the midst of the sea. But how did the sea part? Psalm 114:3 says when the Red sea saw the Almighty God coming, it grew legs and fled; that was how the children of Israel were able to have a thoroughfare in the sea. Doors cannot remain permanently shut to you. In fact, they have no choice if they cannot open because it is you, they will be forced to willingly open because of your divine Visitor. Cry out to God for Him to personally visit you. When He visits you this season, everything will tremble.
Prayer Point: Father, You visited many and their lives changed. Visit me today and let my life change for good.
God Bless you as you read and Share
Read:Psalm 114:1-8Bible in one year: Exodus 14-17
Divine encounters come in different ways but one of the most outstanding forms is when God decides to pay you a visit by Himself. Wherever the King goes, doors open to Him. Psalm 24:7 says,
"Lift up your heads, O ye gates; and be ye lift up, ye everlasting doors; and the King of glory shall come in."
Whenever the King of kings wants to come on a visit to His own, He comes in without knocking on the door because He is the DOOR. After the resurrection of Jesus Christ, the disciples were assembled in a room one day. With the doors shut, Jesus suddenly appeared in their midst without knocking or passing through the door. Being the original Door, He does not need the permission of any door to give Him passage. Doors - not some but all open unto Him of their own volition. This is why you need God's personal visitation. When He comes to you, all the doors of progress, success, growth, opportunities, enlargement, promotion etc. that have refused to open to you, will be compelled to open to Him and in the process, they will remain open to you. This season, all good doors that are shut against you shall open to you in Jesus name.
In Acts 12:5-11, when the angel was delivering Peter, he did not need a key to open the door. When Peter rose and followed the angel, the door that had opened to the angel remained open to Peter also. When the door of the Red sea opened, the children of Israel walked through dry ground in the midst of the sea. But how did the sea part? Psalm 114:3 says when the Red sea saw the Almighty God coming, it grew legs and fled; that was how the children of Israel were able to have a thoroughfare in the sea. Doors cannot remain permanently shut to you. In fact, they have no choice if they cannot open because it is you, they will be forced to willingly open because of your divine Visitor. Cry out to God for Him to personally visit you. When He visits you this season, everything will tremble.
Prayer Point: Father, You visited many and their lives changed. Visit me today and let my life change for good.
God Bless you as you read and Share
RCCG OPEN HEAVENS DEVOTION THURSDAY 13th JUNE, 2013 FOLLOWING FASHION OR CHRIST? BY PASTOR E. A. ADEBOYE
Memorise: And the world passeth away, and the lust thereof: but he that doeth the will of God abideth for ever. 1 John 2:17
Read: 1 John 2:15-17
Bible in one year: Numbers 1 – 3
How you are dressed determines how you are received or treated. Your dressing is a part of your identity. How you dress equally affects your Kingdom walk. In 2 Kings 1:1-8 , when the king was sick, he sent some people to enquire if he would recover or die. They met Elijah who told them that it was a sickness unto death. In order to verify the authenticity of that prophecy, the king asked for the name of the prophet but they could not tell because he did not disclose his name. But by the time they described the type of clothes he wore, the king immediately knew it was Elijah. Does your dressing portray you as a child of God? If you as a minister of God were to dress in regular clothes and not priestly robe or cassock, would your dressing showcase you as a servant of the Most High God? If you compare what John the Baptist wore in Matthew 3:1 – 4 with what Elijah wore, you would find some resemblance. Who do you resemble when you dress? How is your hairdo? What of your beard? How do you adorn yourself with jewellery - moderate or loud? What kind of dresses do you put on?
When Moses fled from Egypt to Midian after killing one of the Egyptians, he met the daughters of the priest of Midian and helped them. When they got home earlier than usual, their father asked why they were back home so soon. They said it was because they received protection and help from an Egyptian (Exodus 2:15 – 20 ). He was taken for an Egyptian because he dressed like one. If you dress like the world, what follows worldly attires will equally follow you. Worldly fashion is controlled by the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes and the pride of life according to 1 John 2:16. Don't be surprised to see pride and worldly lust gaining ground in your life if you are given to worldly fashion. If you are obsessed with the latest fashion and style, rather than running the heavenly race you were called into, you will find yourself running a race that God did not call you to. The unfortunate thing about this is that those who are given to worldly fashion share a common destiny with what they are given to. Are you following fashion or Christ?
Key Point: The race after worldly fashion and the race to Heaven are two distinct races leading to separate destinations. You must choose which one to run.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)