Open Heaven For Today 2024 Tuesday Daily Devotional By Pastor E. A. Adeboye – Only By Grace
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TOPIC: Only By Grace
MEMORISE: Then he answered and spake unto me, saying, This is the word of the Lord unto Zerubbabel, saying, Not by might, nor by power, but by my spirit, saith the Lord of hosts. Zechariah 4:6
READ: Ephesians 2:8-10 (KJV)
8 For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God:
9 Not of works, lest any man should boast.
10 For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them.
BIBLE IN ONE YEAR: Romans 11-14
Open Heaven For Today 2023 MESSAGE
Questions like,
“Do you know who l am? Do you know who you are talking to? How dare you speak to me like that?”
are borne out of pride.
The truth is that every human being was made from the dust of the ground and will eventually return there (Genesis 3:19). It is only the grace and favour of God that has brought us this far (1 Corinthians 15:10).
If you think that you are successful because of how smart or brilliant you are, my question for you is, did you create your brain? Could you have single-handedly created the opportunities that you had while climbing the ladder of success?
The Bible tells us in Colossians 1:16-17 that all things exist in God and were created by Him and for Him. Everything we are and have is by God’s provision and by His grace alone. This is why today’s Bible reading tells us that no one can boast before God.
Even though I can be considered brilliant because I obtained a PhD in Mathematics, I could have ended up as a farmer in my small hometown, Ifewara, if God had not given me the kind of mother that I had. She supported my dream to go to school in every way she could, and if this had not happened, I would not be where I am today.
This is why I cannot afford to be proud because I know my humble beginnings, and I did not get to where I am today solely by my efforts. God raised me by His grace and mercy, and He can also pull me down. In the Bible, even though King Saul was initially aware of his humble state before he was crowned king (1 Samuel 15:17), pride began to set in his heart as time went by. He got to a point where he began to feel like he needed more respect from people. Consequently, he lost his position and the kingdom was taken away from him (1 Samuel 15:22-31). By the time we get to 1 Samuel 16:1, God was telling Samuel not to waste his time praying for Saul because He had rejected him.
Beloved, do not allow pride into your heart. The moment a fellow becomes proud, destruction is waiting at the door (Proverbs 16:18). Never forget about God’s abundant grace, and be careful never to think that you are superior to other people. God is the One raising you and all the glory must be given to Him.
Prayer Point
Father, thank You so much for Your grace. Please, help me never to boast in myself, but in You alone.
HYMN 2: Amazing Grace
1 Amazing grace! how sweet the sound,
That saved a wretch; like me!
I once was lost, but now am found,
Was blind, but now I see.
2 Through many dangers, toils, and snares
I have already come
This grace that brought me safe thus far
And grace will lead me home
3 The Lord hath promised good to me,
His word my hope secures;
He will my shield and portion be
As long as life endures.
4 Yea, when this flesh and heart shall fail,
and mortal life shall cease:
I shall possess, within the veil,
a life of joy and peace.
5 The earth shall soon dissolve like snow,
the sun forbear to shine;
but God, who called me here below,
will be forever mine.
6 When we’ve been there ten thousand years,
Bright shining as the sun,
We’ve no less days to sing God’s praise
Than when we first begun.
Open Heaven For Today 2024 Sunday Daily Devotional By Pastor E. A. Adeboye – Prophesy With Wisdom 1
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TOPIC: Prophesy With Wisdom 1
MEMORISE: He that keepeth his mouth keepeth his life: but he that openeth wide his lips shall have destruction. Proverbs 12:4
READ: Proverbs 17:27-28 (KJV)
27 He that hath knowledge spareth his words: and a man of understanding is of an excellent spirit.
28 Even a fool, when he holdeth his peace, is counted wise: and he that shutteth his lips is esteemed a man of understanding.
Open Heaven For Today 2023 MESSAGE
The gift of prophecy is special. It is a great honour for God to choose someone as a vessel that He can speak to and communicate His mind concerning situations. However, great wisdom must be applied when using the gift of prophecy.
First of all, it is not everything that God tells you that you should tell others. There are certain things God tells you that are for your ears only.
If you become so excited that you start telling them to people that He has not permitted you to share them with, you might cause more harm than good.
God likes to share secrets with those that are close to Him. If He tells you a secret, you should ask Him if it is okay to share it with anyone.
The moment He tells you a secret, and you tell someone that He has not permitted you to, He might stop speaking to you.
You must note that the gift of prophecy should not be used to show off that you are close to God. Prophecies must be handled with care because some people might not be able to receive, understand, and interpret what God is saying correctly.
When God tells you something about a particular fellow, you are not to say that thing in public except He specifically asks you to do so.
If the fellow He spoke to you about is a public figure, find a way to send a message to him or her privately about what God told you.
When God told Samuel that King Saul had offended Him, Samuel did not announce it to the entire kingdom. Our God is not a gossip. If He gives you information about someone, it is not for you to discuss it with the whole world.
You must pay particular attention to this, especially when the prophecy is not a pleasant one.
Even if such a fellow would have received your prophecy well, hearing it in public might make him or her defensive, and as such, the aim of that prophecy will be defeated.
Also, God can change His mind about such a fellow if he or she begins to do the right thing as we see in Isaiah 38:1-5.
If instead of telling the fellow privately, you announced the prophecy to the whole world, if God changes His mind, you will be left to defend what you had prophesied.
Beloved, be slow to speak (James 1:19). Ask God for wisdom on how to handle the things that He reveals to you.
Key Point
Not everything God tells you is for public consumption.
HYMN 31: Yield Not To Temptation
1. Yield not to temptation,
For yielding is sin;
Each vict’ry will help you,
Some other to win;
Fight valiantly onward,
Evil passions subdue;
Look ever to Jesus,
He will carry you through.
Refrain:
Ask the Savior to help you,
Comfort, strengthen and keep you;
He is willing to aid you,
He will carry you through.
2. Shun evil companions,
Bad language disdain;
God’s name hold in rev’rence,
Nor take it in vain;
Be thoughtful and earnest,
Kindhearted and true;
Look ever to Jesus,
He will carry you through.
3. To him that o’ercometh,
God giveth a crown;
Through faith we will conquer,
Though often cast down;
He who is our Savior,
Our strength will renew;
Look ever to Jesus,
He will carry you through.
Open Heaven For Today 2024 Saturday Daily Devotional By Pastor E. A. Adeboye – The Ancient Landmarks
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TOPIC: The Ancient Landmarks
READ: Jeremiah 6:16-17 (KJV)
16 Thus saith the Lord, Stand ye in the ways, and see, and ask for the old paths, where is the good way, and walk therein, and ye shall find rest for your souls. But they said, We will not walk therein.
17 Also I set watchmen over you, saying, Hearken to the sound of the trumpet. But they said, We will not hearken.
Open Heaven For Today 2023 MESSAGE
These days, many people attempt to modernize Christianity. However, the Bible says in Hebrews 13:8 that Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today and forever.
God is never going to change; therefore, such people are only compromising on their faith.
It is okay to introduce technology into the work of God. It is also okay to use new approaches to share the gospel. However, the ancient landmarks must remain intact.
The moment a fellow begins to explain away some of the basic principles of Christianity in the Bible, that fellow is already on the wrong path.
For example, 2 Corinthians 6:14 says clearly that believers should not be unequally yoked with unbelievers. Some youths, in a bid to be modern, say that it is not bad to marry someone who is not a Christian.
They claim that they are practicing a less rigid Christianity than that of their parents. This can be potentially dangerous because someone who is an unbeliever will not understand the things of the Spirit (1 Corinthians 2:14) and will most likely oppose them or persecute the believer because of them.
Some people say that l am old school, and I agree, after all, I serve the Ancient of Days.
However, I have been standing in the faith for over 40 years, while many ‘modern Christians’ are nowhere to be found.
Without the old school’ landmarks, you cannot remain strong in the faith. Some youths say that their parents are too rigid with the way they serve God.
You may think some of the things that they do are not necessary, but believe me, they would not have achieved the results that they have today if they had not served God with such commitment.
Denying one’s self for the sake of the gospel shows a believer’s level of commitment, and God rewards commitment (Hebrews 11:6).
If you are keeping the ancient landmarks, I want to encourage you to continue. Some people may laugh at you or call you a religious fanatic, but you must stand firm in your commitment to God and not compromise on God’s principles.
In the past, I was also laughed at, but see how far God has brought me now.
Beloved, give yourself completely to God, and do not compromise on His standards; the whole world will soon come to the brightness of your rising in Christ.
Key Point
It is better to keep the ancient landmarks and be laughed at than to conform to worldly trends and fall.
HYMN 3: Ancient Words
1. Holy words long preserved,
For our walk in this world,
They resound with God’s own heart;
Oh, let the ancient words impart.
REFRAIN:
Ancient words, ever true,
Changing me and changing you,
We have come with open hearts;
Oh, let the ancient words impart.
2. Words of life, words of hope,
Give us strength, help us cope,
In this world, where e’er we roam;
Ancient words will guide us home.
3. Holy words of our faith,
Handed down to this age,
Came to us through sacrifice;
Oh, heed the faithful words of Christ.
4. Holy words long preserved,
For our walk in this world,
They resound with God’s own heart;
Oh, let the ancient words impart.
Open Heaven For Today 2024 Friday Daily Devotional By Pastor E. A. Adeboye – Discover His Purpose
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TOPIC: Discover His Purpose
MEMORISE: For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the Lord, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end. Jeremiah 29:11
READ: Proverbs 19:20-21(KJV)
20 Hear counsel, and receive instruction, that thou mayest be wise in thy latter end.
21 There are many devices in a man's heart; nevertheless the counsel of the Lord, that shall stand.
Open Heaven For Today 2023 MESSAGE
Before God called me into full-time ministry, my dream was to become the youngest Vice Chancellor in Africa. I thought I had a great dream, and so, I pursued it with everything that I had.
What I did not think of was, after becoming the youngest Vice Chancellor in Africa, what next? I thought I had my tomorrow all figured out, but the truth is, I was short-sighted. I thank God that He came in to give me real hope for my tomorrow.
It is good to be ambitious but believe me, any ambition that negates the will of God will only cause more trouble than good.
Isaiah 45:9 says:
Woe unto him that striveth with his Maker! Let the potsherd strive with the potsherds of the earth. Shall the clay say to him that fashioneth it, What makest thou? or thy work, He hath no hands?
Beloved, you are God’s workmanship (Ephesians 2:10). Do not try to go in a different direction from the will of God if you do not want to go astray; the clay that argues with its potter will end up broken.
The only way to achieve genuine success in life is to go on the path that your creator made for you. You should find out God’s purpose for your life and walk in it.
You may ask,
“How do I discover the purpose of God for my life?”
If a product does not understand its purpose, it can get a hint by staying close to its manufacturer.
As it spends time with its manufacturer, it will begin to notice what the manufacturer uses it for and realize its purpose. God is your creator; spend quality time with Him daily.
As you do this, He will begin to give you specific instructions and use you for certain tasks. These instructions and tasks will tell you clearly what His purpose for your life is.
Peter thought that his purpose was to be a fisherman. He went about fishing so diligently that he worked all night, even when there was no catch.
However, when he came in contact with Jesus, He told him,
“Follow me, and I will make you a fisher of men.”
As he followed Jesus, he fulfilled God’s purpose for his life.
Beloved, stay close to God, and He will reveal His purpose for you here on earth. Make up your mind to obey His instructions, and you will indeed fulfil your destiny.
Prayer Point
Father, please help me to stay close to You so that I can fulfil my destiny, in Jesus’ name.
HYMN 28: Guide Me, O Thou Great Jehovah
1. Guide me, O Thou great Jehovah!
Pilgrim through this barren land;
I am weak, but Thou art mighty,
Hold me with Thy powerful hand:
Bread of heaven! Bread of heaven!
Feed me now and evermore (2ce)
2. Open Thou the crystal fountain,
Whence the healing stream doth flow:
Let the fiery, cloudy pillar
Lead me all my journey through:
Strong deliverer! strong deliverer!
Be Thou still my strength and shield (2ce)
3. If I tread the verge of Jordan,
Bid my anxious fears subside:
Bear me through the swelling torrent,
Land me safe on Canaan’s side:
Songs of praises! songs of praises!
I will ever give to Thee (2ce)
4. Saviour, come! We long to see Thee,
Long to dwell with Thee above;
And to know in full communion,
All the sweetness of Thy love.
Come, Lord Jesus! Come, Lord Jesus!
Take Thy waiting people home (2ce)
Open Heaven For Today 2024 Thursday Daily Devotional By Pastor E. A. Adeboye – Is Rapture Real?
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TOPIC: Is Rapture Real?
MEMORISE: For as in the days that were before the flood they were eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage, until the day that Noe entered into the ark. Matthew 24:38
READ: 1 Thessalonians 4:13-17(KJV)
13 But I would not have you to be ignorant, brethren, concerning them which are asleep, that ye sorrow not, even as others which have no hope.
14 For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so them also which sleep in Jesus will God bring with him.
15 For this we say unto you by the word of the Lord, that we which are alive and remain unto the coming of the Lord shall not prevent them which are asleep.
16 For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first:
17 Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord.
Open Heaven For Today 2023 MESSAGE
As we see in today’s Bible reading, the rapture is the sudden taking away of the dead in Christ along with believers who are alive to meet with the Lord Jesus Christ and spend eternity with Him.
Many people, however, feel that the rapture is not real because they have heard of it for so long and it hasn’t happened yet.
Whatever anyone thinks about the reality of the rapture does not matter. It is in your best interest to study and believe only what the word of God says about it.
The Bible says that the day will come like a thief in the night and you must be prepared if you do not want to be left behind (1 Thessalonians 5:1-8).
A key characteristic of the major prophecies in the Bible is that they sounded unbelievable when they were spoken. When Isaiah prophesied that a virgin would give birth in Isaiah 7:14, it seemed very unreasonable.
At that time, most people must have watched to see if a virgin would really give birth. It wasn’t until centuries later that Mary gave birth to Jesus Christ.
Whether the people believed Isaiah’s prophecy or not, God’s word came to pass. In the Bible, there were numerous prophecies that seemed impossible but have come to pass.
If the Bible has been so accurate, it is wise to believe that it is absolutely right about the rapture.
When Noah announced to everyone that a flood was coming to destroy the whole earth, they laughed at him. He started building the ark, and they laughed even more.
Years passed, and no flood came. Just before he went into the ark with his family, the people were still drinking and rejoicing like every other day, but a few days after, they had all drowned. Today, many people are living recklessly, ignoring the reality of the rapture.
However, the Bible says in 1 Corinthians 15:52 that the rapture will happen suddenly. Only those who are prepared for it will be saved while the rest will be left on the earth to suffer.
One thing I know for sure is that the day the rapture happens, many people will be caught by surprise.
There will be a lot of regrets from people who heard about the rapture, but who lived their lives without bothering to prepare for it by giving their lives to Jesus Christ and living holy.
Unfortunately for them, it will be too late because the rapture will only happen once. Beloved, are you ready for the rapture?
Key Point
The rapture will surely happen. Be wise and be prepared.
HYMN 21: Standing On The Promises Of Christ My King
1. Standing on the promises of Christ, my King,
Through eternal ages let his praises ring;
Glory in the highest, I will shout and sing,
Standing on the promises of God.
Refrain:
Standing, standing,
Standing on the promises of God, my Savior;
Standing, standing,
I’m standing on the promises of God.
2. Standing on the promises that cannot fail.
When the howling storms of doubt and fear assail,
By the living Word of God I shall prevail,
Standing on the promises of God. [Refrain]
3. Standing on the promises of Christ, the Lord,
Bound to him eternally by love’s strong cord,
Overcoming daily with the Spirit’s sword,
Standing on the promises of God. [Refrain]
4. Standing on the promises I cannot fall,
List’ning ev’ry moment to the Spirit’s call,
Resting in my Savior as my all in all,
Standing on the promises of God. [Refrain]
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