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Showing posts from June, 2015

OPEN HEAVENS DAILY DEVOTIONAL. IS IT AS TO THE LORD? TUESDAY 30th JUNE 2015

- June 30, 2015

Memorise: Not with eyeservice, as men pleasers; but as the servants of Christ, doing the will of God from the heart; Ephesians 6:6 Read: Ephesians 6:5-8 5 Servants, be obedient to them that are your masters according to the flesh, with fear and trembling, in singleness of your heart, as unto Christ; 6 Not with eyeservice, as menpleasers; but as the servants of Christ, doing the will of God from the heart; 7 With good will doing service, as to the Lord, and not to men: 8 Knowing that whatsoever good thing any man doeth, the same shall he receive of the Lord, whether he be bond or free. Message The story was told of a preacher who went to church one Sunday morning, fully prepared to deliver his sermon, only to find out that the bad weather had prevented members from coming to church except one little boy. This preacher, as the story goes, preached as if the whole auditorium was full of members. After the sermon, the preacher made an altar call and the boy gave his life to Christ

OPEN HEAVENS DAILY DEVOTIONAL. IT’S NOT OVER YET. MONDAY 29th JUNE 2015

- June 29, 2015

Memorise: Not as though I had already attained, either were already perfect: but I follow after, if that I may apprehend that for which also I am apprehended of Christ Jesus. Philippians 3:12 Read: Philippians 3:10-14 10 That I may know him, and the power of his resurrection, and the fellowship of his sufferings, being made conformable unto his death; 11 If by any means I might attain unto the resurrection of the dead. 12 Not as though I had already attained, either were already perfect: but I follow after, if that I may apprehend that for which also I am apprehended of Christ Jesus. 13 Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended: but this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before, 14 I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus. Message The Christian journey is more often than not a long distance race. This is particularly true because of the long life that our Heave

OPEN HEAVENS DAILY DEVOTIONAL. DEATH IS NOT THE END. SUNDAY 28th JUNE 2015

- June 28, 2015

Memorise: For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so them also which sleep in Jesus will God bring with him. 1 Thessalonians 4:14 Read: 1 Corinthians 15:12-19 12 Now if Christ be preached that he rose from the dead, how say some among you that there is no resurrection of the dead? 13 But if there be no resurrection of the dead, then is Christ not risen: 14 And if Christ be not risen, then is our preaching vain, and your faith is also vain. 15 Yea, and we are found false witnesses of God; because we have testified of God that he raised up Christ: whom he raised not up, if so be that the dead rise not. 16 For if the dead rise not, then is not Christ raised: 17 And if Christ be not raised, your faith is vain; ye are yet in your sins. 18 Then they also which are fallen asleep in Christ are perished. 19 If in this life only we have hope in Christ, we are of all men most miserable. Message Everything in this life will come to an end one day. However, the life of a

OPEN HEAVENS DAILY DEVOTIONAL. HAUNTED BY YOUR PAST? SATURDAY 27th JUNE 2015

- June 27, 2015

Memorise: And such were some of you: but ye are washed, but ye are sanctified, but ye are justified in the name of the Lord Jesus, and by the Spirit of our God. 1 Corinthians 6:11 Read: Romans 8:1-3 1 There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit. 2 For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus hath made me free from the law of sin and death. 3 For what the law could not do, in that it was weak through the flesh, God sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh, and for sin, condemned sin in the flesh: Message Some Christians allow their past to haunt them so badly that they have no confidence in their heritage as children of God. Paul, an apostle of Jesus Christ, is an example of someone who did not allow his past to haunt him or prevent him from fulfilling his destiny. He gave the following testimony about himself in Galatians 1:15-17 “But when it pleased God, who separated me from my mo

OPEN HEAVENS DAILY DEVOTIONAL. NO FOOD FOR THE LAZY MAN. FRIDAY 26th JUNE 2015

- June 26, 2015

Memorise: For even when we were with you, this we commanded you, that if any would not work, neither should he eat. 2 Thessalonians 3:10 Read : 2 Thessalonians 3:10-12 10 For even when we were with you, this we commanded you, that if any would not work, neither should he eat. 11 For we hear that there are some which walk among you disorderly, working not at all, but are busybodies. 12 Now them that are such we command and exhort by our Lord Jesus Christ, that with quietness they work, and eat their own bread. Message Laziness is not a Christian virtue in any way. Our Lord Jesus Christ made this clear by His lifestyle of hard work while here on earth. A lifestyle of laziness is out rightly rejected in scripture typified by today’s Bible reading. It is amazing that some people are still expecting God to rain manna on earth! It does not work that way anymore. After the children of Israel had settled in the land flowing with milk and honey and they had eaten the old corn of the land

OPEN HEAVENS DAILY DEVOTIONAL. REMAIN TRUE TO GOD. THURSDAY 25th JUNE 2015

- June 25, 2015

Memorise: Bless the LORD, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits: Psalm 103:2 Read: Deuteronomy 8:10-14 10 When thou hast eaten and art full, then thou shalt bless the LORD thy God for the good land which he hath given thee. 11 Beware that thou forget not the LORD thy God, in not keeping his commandments, and his judgments, and his statutes, which I command thee this day: 12 Lest when thou hast eaten and art full, and hast built goodly houses, and dwelt therein; 13 And when thy herds and thy flocks multiply, and thy silver and thy gold is multiplied, and all that thou hast is multiplied; 14 Then thine heart be lifted up, and thou forget the LORD thy God, which brought thee forth out of the land of Egypt, from the house of bondage; Message Solomon was a man who enjoyed the goodness of the Lord in an unprecedented way. The crown of God’s goodness to him was that God appeared to him twice (1 Kings 9:2-3). He indeed recognised and testified to the goodness of God in His life.

OPEN HEAVENS DAILY DEVOTIONAL. LOVE IN PRACTICE. WEDNESDAY 24th JUNE 2015

- June 24, 2015

Memorise : My little children, let us not love in word, neither in tongue; but in deed and in truth. 1 John 3:18 Read : 1 John 3:16-18 16 Hereby perceive we the love of God, because he laid down his life for us: and we ought to lay down our lives for the brethren. 17 But whoso hath this world's good, and seeth his brother have need, and shutteth up his bowels of compassion from him, how dwelleth the love of God in him? 18 My little children, let us not love in word, neither in tongue; but in deed and in truth. Message The character of love is seen in practice and not through empty words. This is the reason why John the beloved advised that we should make the expression of our love practical. One practical way of expressing love is through giving. The Bible in John 3:16 says that God loved the world, and this love compelled Him to give His only begotten Son, so that men could be saved. It was through the medium of giving that God ascertained the love of Abraham had for Him (

OPEN HEAVENS DAILY DEVOTIONAL. LET YOUR LIGHT SO SHINE. TUESDAY 23rd JUNE 2015

- June 23, 2015

Memorise : And they that be wise shall shine as the brightness of the firmament; and they that turn many to righteousness as the stars for ever and ever. Daniel 12:3 Read : Mathew 5:14-16 14 Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on an hill cannot be hid. 15 Neither do men light a candle, and put it under a bushel, but on a candlestick; and it giveth light unto all that are in the house. 16 Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven. Message Any child of God who desires not to be overwhelmed by the darkness of this world needs to compulsorily shine as the light. The Bible says in John 1:5: 'And the light shineth in darkness; and the darkness comprehended it not.' Why is it that the darkness does not overcome the light? Simply put, it's because the light shines. When the light refuses to shine, it gives room for darkness to reign. This is the reason why it is dangerous for chi

OPEN HEAVENS DAILY DEVOTIONAL. THE YOUNG MUST GROW. MONDAY 22nd JUNE 2015

- June 22, 2015

Memorise: But grow in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. To him be glory both now and for ever. Amen. 2 Peter 3:18 Read: 2 Peter 3:15-18 15 And account that the longsuffering of our Lord is salvation; even as our beloved brother Paul also according to the wisdom given unto him hath written unto you; 16 As also in all his epistles, speaking in them of these things; in which are some things hard to be understood, which they that are unlearned and unstable wrest, as they do also the other scriptures, unto their own destruction. 17 Ye therefore, beloved, seeing ye know these things before, beware lest ye also, being led away with the error of the wicked, fall from your own stedfastness. 18 But grow in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. To him be glory both now and for ever. Amen. Message There is a privately owned transport outfit in Nigeria which has “The Young Shall Grow” as its company name. This name suggests optimis

OPEN HEAVENS DAILY DEVOTIONAL. THE GREAT GAIN. SUNDAY 21st JUNE 2015

- June 21, 2015

Memorise: But godliness with contentment is great gain. 1 Timothy 6:6 Read: 1 Timothy 6:6-10 6 But godliness with contentment is great gain. 7 For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out. 8 And having food and raiment let us be therewith content. 9 But they that will be rich fall into temptation and a snare, and into many foolish and hurtful lusts, which drown men in destruction and perdition. 10 For the love of money is the root of all evil: which while some coveted after, they have erred from the faith, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows. Message The Church of Jesus Christ in the 21st century has been robbed of godliness due to lack of contentment. The desperation many so-called children of God exhibit in their search for money has deprived them of living a godly life. “The end justifies the means” has become the driving principle of many. Why would the Church allow herself be robbed of a virtue the Bible describes as grea

OPEN HEAVENS DAILY DEVOTIONAL. FOUR LEVELS OF BLESSING. SATURDAY 20th JUNE 2015

- June 20, 2015

Memorise: Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies my head with oil; my cup runneth over. Psalm 23:5 Read: Luke 6:38 38 Give, and it shall be given unto you; good measure, pressed down, and shaken together, and running over, shall men give into your bosom. For with the same measure that ye mete withal it shall be measured to you again. Message The level of God’s blessings on a person comes in different categories. Although all categories of blessing are desirable, only few people experience all the levels of blessing. Let’s take a look at the four levels of blessing outlined in Luke 6:38. I believe an understanding of these will tremendously bless your life. The first level is the level of being blessed in good measure. Good measure connotes just enough. This is the level of blessing that the Israelites experienced in the wilderness. They were blessed with manna just enough for their needs each day (Exodus 16:16-18). The next level of blessing goes beyond

OPEN HEAVENS DAILY DEVOTIONAL. THE LONG-SUFFERING GOD. FRIDAY 19th JUNE 2015

- June 19, 2015

Memorise: The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance. 2 Peter 3:9 Read: Jonah 3:5-10 5 So the people of Nineveh believed God, and proclaimed a fast, and put on sackcloth, from the greatest of them even to the least of them. 6 For word came unto the king of Nineveh, and he arose from his throne, and he laid his robe from him, and covered him with sackcloth, and sat in ashes. 7 And he caused it to be proclaimed and published through Nineveh by the decree of the king and his nobles, saying, Let neither man nor beast, herd nor flock, taste any thing: let them not feed, nor drink water: 8 But let man and beast be covered with sackcloth, and cry mightily unto God: yea, let them turn every one from his evil way, and from the violence that is in their hands. 9 Who can tell if God will turn and repent, and turn away from his fierce anger, that we per

OPEN HEAVENS DAILY DEVOTIONAL. DIVINE COMMENDATION. THURSDAY 18th JUNE 2015

- June 18, 2015

Memorise: His lord said unto him, Well done, thou good and faithful servant: thou hast been faithful over few things, I will make thee ruler over many things: enter thou into the joy of thy lord. Matthew 25:21 Read: Matthew 25:15-21 15 And unto one he gave five talents, to another two, and to another one; to every man according to his several ability; and straightway took his journey. 16 Then he that had received the five talents went and traded with the same, and made them other five talents. 17 And likewise he that had received two, he also gained other two. 18 But he that had received one went and digged in the earth, and hid his lord's money. 19 After a long time the lord of those servants cometh, and reckoneth with them. 20 And so he that had received five talents came and brought other five talents, saying, Lord, thou deliveredst unto me five talents: behold, I have gained beside them five talents more. 21 His lord said unto him, Well done, thou good and faithful ser

OPEN HEAVENS DAILY DEVOTIONAL. REST IN THE LORD. WEDNESDAY 17th JUNE 2015

- June 17, 2015

Memorise: But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you. Matthew 6:33 Read: Matthew 6:31-34 31 Therefore take no thought, saying, What shall we eat? or, What shall we drink? or, Wherewithal shall we be clothed? 32 (For after all these things do the Gentiles seek:) for your heavenly Father knoweth that ye have need of all these things. 33 But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you. 34 Take therefore no thought for the morrow: for the morrow shall take thought for the things of itself. Sufficient unto the day is the evil thereof. Message Nobody cares for us like our Heavenly Father. The devil and the world want to deceive you to think that they care more than He does, but you must not allow yourself to be deceived like Eve (1 Timothy 2:14). The devil deceived Eve to think that God was being too high-handed by restricting her to eat of certain fruits alone (Ge

OPEN HEAVENS DAILY DEVOTIONAL. WHAT TYPE OF VESSEL ARE YOU? TUESDAY 16th JUNE 2015

- June 16, 2015

Memorise : But in a great house there are not only vessels of gold and of silver, but also of wood and of earth; and some to honour, and some to dishonour. 2 Timothy 2:20 Read : 2 Timothy 2:19-21 19 Nevertheless the foundation of God standeth sure, having this seal, The Lord knoweth them that are his. And, Let every one that nameth the name of Christ depart from iniquity. 20 But in a great house there are not only vessels of gold and of silver, but also of wood and of earth; and some to honour, and some to dishonour. 21 If a man therefore purge himself from these, he shall be a vessel unto honour, sanctified, and meet for the master's use, and prepared unto every good work. Message In the Body of Christ, there are different types of vessels. There are vessels unto honour and vessels unto dishonour. Also, there are vessels for temporary use there are those used on permanent basis. Vessels for temporary use are those used and subsequently dumped; whereas vessels for permanent

OPEN HEAVENS DAILY DEVOTIONAL. THE BREAD OF STONE. MONDAY 15th JUNE 2015

- June 15, 2015

Memorise: Meats for the belly, and the belly for meats: but God shall destroy both it and them. Now the body is not for fornication, but for the Lord; and the Lord for the body. 1 Corinthians 6:13 Read: Matthew 4:1-4 1 Then was Jesus led up of the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted of the devil. 2 And when he had fasted forty days and forty nights, he was afterward an hungred. 3 And when the tempter came to him, he said, If thou be the Son of God, command that these stones be made bread. 4 But he answered and said, It is written, Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God. Message Food is one of the earliest weapons the devil deployed to destroy humanity (Genesis 3:6). It’s amazing that he still succeeds in using this weapon to destroy the destinies of many. He even deployed this weapon against our Lord Jesus Christ. After our Lord had fasted for forty days and nights, naturally, He became hungry. The devil, sensing an opp

OPEN HEAVENS DAILY DEVOTIONAL. OUR POSITION IN CHRIST. SUNDAY 14th JUNE 2015

- June 14, 2015

Memorise: And hath raised us up together, and made us sit together in heavenly places in Christ Jesus. Ephesians 2:6 Read: Ephesians 2:1-6 1 And you hath he quickened, who were dead in trespasses and sins; 2 Wherein in time past ye walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that now worketh in the children of disobedience: 3 Among whom also we all had our conversation in times past in the lusts of our flesh, fulfilling the desires of the flesh and of the mind; and were by nature the children of wrath, even as others. 4 But God, who is rich in mercy, for his great love wherewith he loved us, 5 Even when we were dead in sins, hath quickened us together with Christ, (by grace ye are saved) 6 And hath raised us up together, and made us sit together in heavenly places in Christ Jesus: Message The Bible reveals that Christians who are genuine children of God are joint-heirs with Jesus Christ through divine adoption (Rom

OPEN HEAVENS DAILY DEVOTIONAL. THE ESSENCE OF FORGIVENESS. SATURDAY 13th JUNE 2015

- June 13, 2015

Memorise: And when ye stand praying, forgive, if ye have ought against any: that your Father also which is in heaven may forgive you your trespasses. Mark 11:25 Read: Mark 11:25-26 25 And when ye stand praying, forgive, if ye have ought against any: that your Father also which is in heaven may forgive you your trespasses. 26 But if ye do not forgive, neither will your Father which is in heaven forgive your trespasses. Message The enmity between God and man, created by sin, can only be reversed through the forgiveness of God. Going by the righteous requirement of God’s law, no man can pay the high price demanded by God for the atonement of sins, but the divine mercy of God brought us forgiveness through the Blood of Jesus Christ (Ephesians 1:7). Without the power of forgiveness, there can be no atonement, no reconciliation and no salvation. Just as God has extended His unconditional forgiveness to us, He expects us to extend the same to our neighbours. This is an area where the p

OPEN HEAVENS DAILY DEVOTIONAL. BLESSED ARE THEY THAT MOURN. FRIDAY 12th JUNE 2015

- June 12, 2015

Memorise: For godly sorrow worketh repentance to salvation not to be repented of: but the sorrow of the world worketh death. 2nd Corinthians 7:10 Read: Matthew 5:4 4 Blessed are they that mourn: for they shall be comforted. Message The word of God is full of mysteries. Our Bible reading today reveals one of such mysteries. How can mourning, which is an expression of deep sorrow, become a blessing? The answer lies in our memory verse which reveals two types of sorrow: godly sorrow and the sorrow of the world. There are lots of blessings associated with godly sorrow. One of these is that it produces repentance which brings about salvation. Godly sorrow can be experienced as a result of conviction of the Holy Spirit (1 Corinthians 14:24-25) or through the Father’s chastening. The godly sorrow that results from the Father's chastening, blesses its recipient with the fruit of righteousness. Hebrews 12:11 says; “Now no chastening for the present seemeth to be joyous, but grievous:

OPEN HEAVENS DAILY DEVOTIONAL. PRODUCING CHILDREN OF GOD. Thursday 11th June 2015

- June 11, 2015

Memorise: So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God. Romans 10:17 Read: 1 John 3:1-3 1 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. 2 Beloved, now are we the sons of God, and it doth not yet appear what we shall be: but we know that, when he shall appear, we shall be like him; for we shall see him as he is. 3 And every man that hath this hope in him purifieth himself, even as he is pure. Message Children of God are produced by the power in the Word of God. The reason why it seems genuine children of God are scarce nowadays despite the increase in the number of churches and increase in church attendance is because the Church is suffering from a famine of the genuine Word of God. It is by faith that we become genuine children of God. However, this faith does not come by the wisdom of man; neither does it come by the philosophical sayings of

OPEN HEAVENS DAILY DEVOTIONAL. A WATCHMAN FOR GOD II. WEDNESDAY 10th JUNE 2015

- June 10, 2015

Memorise: Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you always, even unto the end of the world. Amen. Matthew 28:20 Read: Ezekiel 33:12-16 12 Therefore, thou son of man, say unto the children of thy people, The righteousness of the righteous shall not deliver him in the day of his transgression: as for the wickedness of the wicked, he shall not fall thereby in the day that he turneth from his wickedness; neither shall the righteous be able to live for his righteousness in the day that he sinneth. 13 When I shall say to the righteous, that he shall surely live; if he trust to his own righteousness, and commit iniquity, all his righteousnesses shall not be remembered; but for his iniquity that he hath committed, he shall die for it. 14 Again, when I say unto the wicked, Thou shalt surely die; if he turn from his sin, and do that which is lawful and right; 15 If the wicked restore the pledge, give again that he had robbed, walk in the st

OPEN HEAVENS DAILY DEVOTIONAL. A WATCHMAN FOR GOD l. TUESDAY 9th JUNE 2015

- June 09, 2015

Memorise : Repent ye therefore, and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out, when the times of refreshing shall come from the presence of the Lord; Acts 3:19 Read : Ezekiel 33:7-11 7 So thou, O son of man, I have set thee a watchman unto the house of Israel; therefore thou shalt hear the word at my mouth, and warn them from me. 8 When I say unto the wicked, O wicked man, thou shalt surely die; if thou dost not speak to warn the wicked from his way, that wicked man shall die in his iniquity; but his blood will I require at thine hand. 9 Nevertheless, if thou warn the wicked of his way to turn from it; if he do not turn from his way, he shall die in his iniquity; but thou hast delivered thy soul. 10 Therefore, O thou son of man, speak unto the house of Israel; Thus ye speak, saying, If our transgressions and our sins be upon us, and we pine away in them, how should we then live? 11 Say unto them, As I live, saith the Lord GOD, I have no pleasure in the death of the wicked

OPEN HEAVENS DAILY DEVOTIONAL. MESSENGERS WITHOUT A MESSAGE. MONDAY 8th JUNE 2015

- June 08, 2015

Memorise: Preach the Word; be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all longsuffering and doctrine. 2 Timothy 4:2 Read: 2nd Samuel 18:19-33 19 Then said Ahimaaz the son of Zadok, Let me now run, and bear the king tidings, how that the LORD hath avenged him of his enemies. 20 And Joab said unto him, Thou shalt not bear tidings this day, but thou shalt bear tidings another day: but this day thou shalt bear no tidings, because the king's son is dead. 21 Then said Joab to Cushi, Go tell the king what thou hast seen. And Cushi bowed himself unto Joab, and ran. 22 Then said Ahimaaz the son of Zadok yet again to Joab, But howsoever, let me, I pray thee, also run after Cushi. And Joab said, Wherefore wilt thou run, my son, seeing that thou hast no tidings ready? 23 But howsoever, said he, let me run. And he said unto him, Run. Then Ahimaaz ran by the way of the plain, and overran Cushi. 24 And David sat between the two gates: and the watchman went up to the

OPEN HEAVENS DAILY DEVOTIONAL. FIRST COMMANDMENT WITH PROMISE. SUNDAY 7th JUNE 2015

- June 07, 2015

Memorise: Honour thy father and thy mother: that thy days may be long upon the land which the LORD thy God giveth thee. Exodus 20:12 Read: Ephesians 6:1-3 1 Children, obey your parents in the Lord: for this is right. 2 Honour thy father and mother; (which is the first commandment with promise;) 3 That it may be well with thee, and thou mayest live long on the earth. Message Our God is a God of reward and an excellent motivator. He gives a law, and specifies the reward that will follow if we keep it (Deuteronomy 28:1-2). In like manner, He also indicates the punishment attached to breaking any of his laws (Genesis 2:16-17). In our Bible reading, we read about the first commandment with a promise. Apostle Paul got the inspiration on this truth from Exodus 20:12. It is unfortunate that this law of life is not being heeded by the young folks of today. This is the reason why life expectancy is reducing. The story was told of a young boy in a very remote part of Africa, who respected

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