Posts

Showing posts from September, 2016

OPEN HEAVENS DAILY DEVOTIONAL: FRIDAY JANUARY 17TH 2025

Image
TOPIC: DON'T OUTGROW CORRECTIONS MEMORISE:  While it is said, Today if ye will hear his voice, harden not your hearts, as in the provocation. Hebrews 3:15 READ : Proverbs 15:10-12 10 Correction is grievous unto him that forsaketh the way: and he that hateth reproof shall die. 11 Hell and destruction are before the LORD: how much more then the hearts of the children of men? 12 A scorner loveth not one that reproveth him: neither will he go unto the wise. MESSAGE For every action or inaction, there are consequences. This is why you should consider it a great privilege when you have people around you who can correct you whenever you do something wrong so that you do not have to suffer terrible consequences. Unfortunately, some people do not listen to corrections. The Bible refers to such people as servants. A servant will not be corrected by words: for though he understand he will not answer. Proverbs 29:19 You can choose between being corrected by words or by consequences. If you...

OPEN HEAVENS DAILY DEVOTIONAL. THE BLESSING OF SOLITUDE 1. SATURDAY 1ST OCTOBER 2016

Image
Memorise: And when he had sent the multitudes away, he went up into a mountain apart to pray: and when the evening was come, he was there alone. Matthew 14:23 Read: Genesis 32:23-30 32:23 And he took them, and sent them over the brook, and sent over that he had. 32:24 And Jacob was left alone; and there wrestled a man with him until the breaking of the day. 32:25 And when he saw that he prevailed not against him, he touched the hollow of his thigh; and the hollow of Jacob's thigh was out of joint, as he wrestled with him. 32:26 And he said, Let me go, for the day breaketh. And he said, I will not let thee go, except thou bless me. 32:27 And he said unto him, What is thy name? And he said, Jacob. 32:28 And he said, Thy name shall be called no more Jacob, but Israel: for as a prince hast thou power with God and with men, and hast prevailed. 32:29 And Jacob asked him, and said, Tell me, I pray thee, thy name. And he said, Wherefore is it that thou dost ask after my name? And...

OPEN HEAVENS DAILY DEVOTIONAL. GRACE, NOT DISGRACE. FRIDAY 30TH SEPTEMBER 2016

Image
Memorise: As it is written, Behold, I lay in Sion a stumblingstone and rock of offence: and whosoever believeth on him shall not be ashamed. Romans 9:33 Read: Psalms 23:1-6 23:1 The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want. 23:2 He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters. 23:3 He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name's sake. 23:4 Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me. 23:5 Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over. 23:6 Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the LORD for ever. MESSAGE Grace is the favour of God to human beings. It is the demonstration of God's goodwill towards humankind in the person of Jesus Christ, and the effects of that goodwill in hum...

OPEN HEAVENS DAILY DEVOTIONAL. THE SURE REFUGE. THURSDAY 29TH SEPTEMBER 2016

Image
Memorise: The name of the LORD is a strong tower: the righteous runneth into it, and is safe. Proverbs 18:10 Read: Philippians 2:9-11 9 Wherefore God also hath highly exalted him, and given him a name which is above every name: 10 That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of things in heaven, and things in earth, and things under the earth; 11 And that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father. Message Refuge is used in the Bible as a reference to a secure shelter or a place of protection from danger or distress. A refuge is a stronghold that is commonly used for retreat, healing and renewal. Ultimately, refuge is a common metaphor for God in the Bible. 2 Samuel 22:3 says: "The God of my rock; in him will I trust: he is my shield, and the horn of my salvation, my high tower, and my refuge, my saviour; thou savest me from violence." In effect, God is our fortress, a strong tower, a rock of defence, our shield, a shad...

OPEN HEAVENS DAILY DEVOTIONAL. NO STOPPING, NO WAITING. WEDNESDAY 28TH SEPTEMBER 2016

Image
Memorise: And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not. Galatians 6:9 Read: Philippians 3:13-17 3:13 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, 3:14 I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus. 3:15 Let us therefore, as many as be perfect, be thus minded: and if in any thing ye be otherwise minded, God shall reveal even this unto you. 3:16 Nevertheless, whereto we have already attained, let us walk by the same rule, let us mind the same thing. 3:17 Brethren, be followers together of me, and mark them which walk so as ye have us for an ensample. Message Patience and long-suffering are indispensable virtues for all believers in Christ. In the first place, the race we are called into can only be run through patience because it is a marathon. Also, there is hardly any promis...

OPEN HEAVENS DAILY DEVOTIONAL. THE GREAT PROVIDER TUESDAY 27TH SEPTEMBER 2016

Image
Memorise: But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:19 Read: Mark 6:35-42 6:35 And when the day was now far spent, his disciples came unto him, and said, This is a desert place, and now the time is far passed: 6:36 Send them away, that they may go into the country round about, and into the villages, and buy themselves bread: for they have nothing to eat. 6:37 He answered and said unto them, Give ye them to eat. And they say unto him, Shall we go and buy two hundred pennyworth of bread, and give them to eat? 6:38 He saith unto them, How many loaves have ye? go and see. And when they knew, they say, Five, and two fishes. 6:39 And he commanded them to make all sit down by companies upon the green grass. 6:40 And they sat down in ranks, by hundreds, and by fifties. 6:41 And when he had taken the five loaves and the two fishes, he looked up to heaven, and blessed, and brake the loaves, and gave them to his disciples to se...

OPEN HEAVENS DAILY DEVOTIONAL. THE HERITAGE OF THE LORD. MONDAY 26TH SEPTEMBER 2016

Image
Memorise: And Pharaoh's daughter said unto her, Take this child away, and nurse it for me, and I will give thee thy wages. And the women took the child, and nursed it. Exodus 2:9 Read: Psalms 127:3-5 127:3 Lo, children are an heritage of the LORD: and the fruit of the womb is his reward. 127:4 As arrows are in the hand of a mighty man; so are children of the youth. 127:5 Happy is the man that hath his quiver full of them: they shall not be ashamed, but they shall speak with the enemies in the gate. Message The Bible presents the nation of Israel and the Church of God as the chief objects of God's fatherly love. All of humanity have the privilege of becoming God's children through faith and are then encouraged by the Scripture to imitate their heavenly Father in their daily living. However, as I have always maintained, you can choose to be anything you want before the Almighty God. You can be just a creature, a dog, or a cow. You can go beyond being a mere creature t...

OPEN HEAVENS DAILY DEVOTIONAL. ARE YOU A FRAUDSTER? SUNDAY 25TH SEPTEMBER 2016

Image
Memorise: Lying lips are abomination to the LORD: but they that deal truly are his delight. Proverbs 12:22 Read: Revelation 21:8 21:8 But the fearful, and unbelieving, and the abominable, and murderers, and whoremongers, and sorcerers, and idolaters, and all liars, shall have their part in the lake which burneth with fire and brimstone: which is the second death. Message A fraudster is a dishonest person. Someone with a disposition to tell lies, cheat or steal. Dishonesty is contrary to the will and nature of God, and so should not be found among the people of God. The Bible teaches that any prosperity obtained from deceit, fraud and lies will be short lived. Initially, it will appear as an increase but later it will leave you plundered. Some believers exploit fellow believers. This is a great evil because any wrong you do to your brother or sister in Christ is done to the Lord. Today, many people find it difficult to tell the truth. For instance, when asked to go and buy somethin...

OPEN HEAVENS DAILY DEVOTIONAL. THE POWER OF KNOWLEDGE. SATURDAY 24TH SEPTEMBER 2016

Image
Memorise My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge: because thou hast rejected knowledge, I will also reject thee, that thou shalt be no priest to me: seeing thou hast forgotten the law of thy God, I will also forget thy children. Hosea 4:6 Read: Proverbs 1:20-29 1:20 Wisdom crieth without; she uttereth her voice in the streets: 1:21 She crieth in the chief place of concourse, in the openings of the gates: in the city she uttereth her words, saying, 1:22 How long, ye simple ones, will ye love simplicity? and the scorners delight in their scorning, and fools hate knowledge? 1:23 Turn you at my reproof: behold, I will pour out my spirit unto you, I will make known my words unto you. 1:24 Because I have called, and ye refused; I have stretched out my hand, and no man regarded; 1:25 But ye have set at nought all my counsel, and would none of my reproof: 1:26 I also will laugh at your calamity; I will mock when your fear cometh; 1:27 When your fear cometh as desolation, and yo...

OPEN HEAVENS DAILY DEVOTIONAL. THE SURE SOLUTION. FRIDAY 23RD SEPTEMBER 2016

Image
Memorise: Pray without ceasing. 1 Thessalonians 5:17 Read: James 5:13-16 5:13 Is any among you afflicted? let him pray. Is any merry? let him sing psalms. 5:14 Is any sick among you? let him call for the elders of the church; and let them pray over him, anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord: 5:15 And the prayer of faith shall save the sick, and the Lord shall raise him up; and if he have committed sins, they shall be forgiven him. 5:16 Confess your faults one to another, and pray one for another, that ye may be healed. The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much. Message Prayer is a means of communicating with God, it is primarily offered by addressing God directly in the name of Jesus. Prayer may include petition, entreaty, supplication, thanksgiving, praise, hymns, and lament. The Bible stresses the importance of prayer and commends a life of prayer that is characterized by simplicity of expression, sincerity of heart and trust in God's ability...

OPEN HEAVENS DAILY DEVOTIONAL. DEMON POSSESSED? THURSDAY 22ND SEPTEMBER 2016

Image
Memorise: How God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Ghost and with power: who went about doing good, and healing all that were oppressed of the devil; for God was with him. Acts 10:38 Read: 1 Samuel 16:14-23 16:14 But the Spirit of the LORD departed from Saul, and an evil spirit from the LORD troubled him. 16:15 And Saul's servants said unto him, Behold now, an evil spirit from God troubleth thee. 16:16 Let our lord now command thy servants, which are before thee, to seek out a man, who is a cunning player on an harp: and it shall come to pass, when the evil spirit from God is upon thee, that he shall play with his hand, and thou shalt be well. 16:17 And Saul said unto his servants, Provide me now a man that can play well, and bring him to me. 16:18 Then answered one of the servants, and said, Behold, I have seen a son of Jesse the Bethlehemite, that is cunning in playing, and a mighty valiant man, and a man of war, and prudent in matters, and a comely person, and th...

OPEN HEAVENS DAILY DEVOTIONAL. SOLIDERS OF THE CROSS. WEDNESDAY 21ST SEPTEMBER 2016

Image
Memorise: Thou therefore endure hardness, as a good soldier of Jesus Christ. 2 Timothy  2:3 Read: 2 Timothy 2:1-4 2:1 Thou therefore, my son, be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus. 2:2 And the things that thou hast heard of me among many witnesses, the same commit thou to faithful men, who shall be able to teach others also. 2:3 Thou therefore endure hardness, as a good soldier of Jesus Christ. 2:4 No man that warreth entangleth himself with the affairs of this life; that he may please him who hath chosen him to be a soldier. Message The word 'soldier' appears in the Bible quite frequently, along with a number of synonymous terms. A solider is a person involved in military activity, one who is specially trained for war. In Bible days, the phrase 'men who drew the sword,' was commonly used to identify a soldier's primary function as a combatant and to symbolise warfare in general. Ephesians 6:11-17, is a Bible reference comparing the weapons of a f...

OPEN HEAVENS DAILY DEVOTIONAL. THE OLDEST WORKMAN OF GOD. TUESDAY 20TH SEPTEMBER 2016

Image
Memorise: In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. John 1:1 Read: Proverbs 8:22-35 22 The LORD possessed me in the beginning of his way, before his works of old. 23 I was set up from everlasting, from the beginning, or ever the earth was. 24 When there were no depths, I was brought forth; when there were no fountains abounding with water. 25 Before the mountains were settled, before the hills was I brought forth: 26 While as yet he had not made the earth, nor the fields, nor the highest part of the dust of the world. 27 When he prepared the heavens, I was there: when he set a compass upon the face of the depth: 28 When he established the clouds above: when he strengthened the fountains of the deep: 29 When he gave to the sea his decree, that the waters should not pass his commandment: when he appointed the foundations of the earth: 30 Then I was by him, as one brought up with him: and I was daily his delight, rejoicing always before hi...

OPEN HEAVENS DAILY DEVOTIONAL. FULFIL YOUR PROMISE O LORD. MONDAY 19TH SEPTEMBER 2016

Image
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: John 14:12-18 14:12 Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that believeth on me, the works that I do shall he do also; and greater works than these shall he do; because I go unto my Father. 14:13 And whatsoever ye shall ask in my name, that will I do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son. 14:14 If ye shall ask any thing in my name, I will do it. 14:15 If ye love me, keep my commandments. 14:16 And I will pray the Father, and he shall give you another Comforter, that he may abide with you for ever; 14:17 Even the Spirit of truth; whom the world cannot receive, because it seeth him not, neither knoweth him: but ye know him; for he dwelleth with you, and shall be in you. 14:18 I will not leave you comfortless: I will come to you. Message A promise is an express assurance to fulfil an intention upon which exp...

OPEN HEAVENS DAILY DEVOTIONAL. KNOW YOUR LIMIT. SUNDAY 18TH SEPTEMBER 2016

Image
Memorise: For I say, through the grace given unto me, to every man that is among you, not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think; but to think soberly, according as God hath dealt to every man the measure of faith. Romans 12:3 Read: Romans 12:3-10 12:3 For I say, through the grace given unto me, to every man that is among you, not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think; but to think soberly, according as God hath dealt to every man the measure of faith. 12:4 For as we have many members in one body, and all members have not the same office: 12:5 So we, being many, are one body in Christ, and every one members one of another. 12:6 Having then gifts differing according to the grace that is given to us, whether prophecy, let us prophesy according to the proportion of faith; 12:7 Or ministry, let us wait on our ministering: or he that teacheth, on teaching; 12:8 Or he that exhorteth, on exhortation: he that giveth, let him do it with simplicity; he t...

OPEN HEAVENS DAILY DEVOTIONAL. SPIRITUALLY MOTIVATED? SATURDAY 17TH SEPTEMBER 2016

Image
Memorise: Nay, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him that loved us. Romas 8:37 Read: Romans 8:33-39 8:33 Who shall lay any thing to the charge of God's elect? It is God that justifieth. 8:34 Who is he that condemneth? It is Christ that died, yea rather, that is risen again, who is even at the right hand of God, who also maketh intercession for us. 8:35 Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword? 8:36 As it is written, For thy sake we are killed all the day long; we are accounted as sheep for the slaughter. 8:37 Nay, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him that loved us. 8:38 For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come, 8:39 Nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our ...

OPEN HEAVENS DAILY DEVOTIONAL. THE SOURCE OF SATISFACTION. FRIDAY 16TH SEPTEMBER 2016

Image
Memorise: But godliness with contentment is great gain. 1 Timothy 6:6 Read: 1 Timothy 6:3-11 6:3 If any man teach otherwise, and consent not to wholesome words, even the words of our Lord Jesus Christ, and to the doctrine which is according to godliness; 6:4 He is proud, knowing nothing, but doting about questions and strifes of words, whereof cometh envy, strife, railings, evil surmisings, 6:5 Perverse disputings of men of corrupt minds, and destitute of the truth, supposing that gain is godliness: from such withdraw thyself. 6:6 But godliness with contentment is great gain. 6:7 For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out. 6:8 And having food and raiment let us be therewith content. 6:9 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. 6:10 For the love of money is the root of all evil: which while some coveted after, they have erred from ...

OPEN HEAVENS DAILY DEVOTIONAL. YOU ARE NOT CONDEMNED. THURSDAY 15TH SEPTEMBER 2016

Image
Memorise: For if our heart condemn us, God is greater than our heart, and knoweth all things. 1 John 3:20 Read: Genesis 3:6-10 3:6 And when the woman saw that the tree was good for food, and that it was pleasant to the eyes, and a tree to be desired to make one wise, she took of the fruit thereof, and did eat, and gave also unto her husband with her; and he did eat. 3:7 And the eyes of them both were opened, and they knew that they were naked; and they sewed fig leaves together, and made themselves aprons. 3:8 And they heard the voice of the LORD God walking in the garden in the cool of the day: and Adam and his wife hid themselves from the presence of the LORD God amongst the trees of the garden. 3:9 And the LORD God called unto Adam, and said unto him, Where art thou? 3:10 And he said, I heard thy voice in the garden, and I was afraid, because I was naked; and I hid myself. Message Self condemnation is a natural phenomenon that feeds on the human awareness of guilt. In the b...

OPEN HEAVENS DAILY DEVOTIONAL. WELL GROUNDED? WEDNESDAY 14TH SEPTEMBER 2016

Image
Memorise: That Christ may dwell in your hearts by faith; that ye, being rooted and grounded in love. Ephesians 3:17 Read: Matthew 13:3-9 13:3 And he spake many things unto them in parables, saying, Behold, a sower went forth to sow; 13:4 And when he sowed, some seeds fell by the way side, and the fowls came and devoured them up: 13:5 Some fell upon stony places, where they had not much earth: and forthwith they sprung up, because they had no deepness of earth: 13:6 And when the sun was up, they were scorched; and because they had no root, they withered away. 13:7 And some fell among thorns; and the thorns sprung up, and choked them: 13:8 But other fell into good ground, and brought forth fruit, some an hundredfold, some sixtyfold, some thirtyfold. 13:9 Who hath ears to hear, let him hear. Message To be well grounded is to be stable, firm and immovable. Stability is the state of being in a firm or unwavering situation, whether spiritually, physically, or emotionally. Stabili...

Popular posts from this blog

OPEN HEAVENS DAILY DEVOTIONAL: FRIDAY OCTOBER 11TH 2024

OPEN HEAVENS DEVOTIONAL: THURSDAY JANUARY 2ND 2025

OPEN HEAVENS DEVOTIONAL: THURSDAY MAY 9TH 2024