Open Heaven For Today 2024 Thursday Daily Devotional By Pastor E. A. Adeboye – Let Him Fight For You
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TOPIC: Let Him Fight For You
MEMORISE: Dearly beloved, avenge not yourselves, but rather give place unto wrath: for it is written, Vengeance is mine; I will repay, saith the Lord. Romans 12:19
READ: Exodus 14:10-28 (KJV)
10 And when Pharaoh drew nigh, the children of Israel lifted up their eyes, and, behold, the Egyptians marched after them; and they were sore afraid: and the children of Israel cried out unto the Lord.
11 And they said unto Moses, Because there were no graves in Egypt, hast thou taken us away to die in the wilderness? wherefore hast thou dealt thus with us, to carry us forth out of Egypt?
12 Is not this the word that we did tell thee in Egypt, saying, Let us alone, that we may serve the Egyptians? For it had been better for us to serve the Egyptians, than that we should die in the wilderness.
13 And Moses said unto the people, Fear ye not, stand still, and see the salvation of the Lord, which he will shew to you to day: for the Egyptians whom ye have seen to day, ye shall see them again no more for ever.
14 The Lord shall fight for you, and ye shall hold your peace.
15 And the Lord said unto Moses, Wherefore criest thou unto me? speak unto the children of Israel, that they go forward:
16 But lift thou up thy rod, and stretch out thine hand over the sea, and divide it: and the children of Israel shall go on dry ground through the midst of the sea.
17 And I, behold, I will harden the hearts of the Egyptians, and they shall follow them: and I will get me honour upon Pharaoh, and upon all his host, upon his chariots, and upon his horsemen.
18 And the Egyptians shall know that I am the Lord, when I have gotten me honour upon Pharaoh, upon his chariots, and upon his horsemen.
19 And the angel of God, which went before the camp of Israel, removed and went behind them; and the pillar of the cloud went from before their face, and stood behind them:
20 And it came between the camp of the Egyptians and the camp of Israel; and it was a cloud and darkness to them, but it gave light by night to these: so that the one came not near the other all the night.
21 And Moses stretched out his hand over the sea; and the Lord caused the sea to go back by a strong east wind all that night, and made the sea dry land, and the waters were divided.
22 And the children of Israel went into the midst of the sea upon the dry ground: and the waters were a wall unto them on their right hand, and on their left.
23 And the Egyptians pursued, and went in after them to the midst of the sea, even all Pharaoh's horses, his chariots, and his horsemen.
24 And it came to pass, that in the morning watch the Lord looked unto the host of the Egyptians through the pillar of fire and of the cloud, and troubled the host of the Egyptians,
25 And took off their chariot wheels, that they drave them heavily: so that the Egyptians said, Let us flee from the face of Israel; for the Lord fighteth for them against the Egyptians.
26 And the Lord said unto Moses, Stretch out thine hand over the sea, that the waters may come again upon the Egyptians, upon their chariots, and upon their horsemen.
27 And Moses stretched forth his hand over the sea, and the sea returned to his strength when the morning appeared; and the Egyptians fled against it; and the Lord overthrew the Egyptians in the midst of the sea.
28 And the waters returned, and covered the chariots, and the horsemen, and all the host of Pharaoh that came into the sea after them; there remained not so much as one of them.
BIBLE IN ONE YEAR: 1 Corinthians 1-4
Open Heaven For Today 2023 MESSAGE
There is no place in the Bible that says you are to fight for yourself. Rather, what the Bible says is,
“The LORD shall fight for you, and ye shall hold your peace.” (Exodus 14:14).
Also, the memory verse for today says that you should not avenge yourself, for vengeance is the Lord’s.
The reason God tells you not to fight for yourself or avenge yourself is that you belong to Him, and He is responsible for you.
Therefore, if anyone comes to fight you, He is the One who will stand up to fight.
Hence, whenever you fight for yourself, you are telling God that you own yourself and you can take care of yourself.
In essence, you are telling Him to stay out of your matter. Believe me, if God stays out of a person’s matter, he or she is finished (Lamentations 3:22).
Some people think that they are strong, therefore, they are quick to stand up to any fight.
As for me, I know that l am not strong at all. If you see any strength in me, it is because Christ strengthens me (Philippians 4:13).
Without Christ, I am just a weakling. This is why, whenever I am faced with any opposition, I always tell whoever is confronting me,
“If it is me you are fighting, you have won, even before the fight starts, because I have no power. However, if it is God you are fighting, then I pity you.”
This has always been my disposition because God has assured me of rest and safety in Him.
I know that in quietness and confidence shall my strength be (Isaiah 30:15), for I am more than a conqueror through Christ who loves me (Romans 8:37).
Ever since I made the decision to put all my trust in Him, He has never let me down and He never will (Deuteronomy 31:6).
Beloved, you are stronger when you are quiet and confident in the ability of the Lord to fight for you.
People who confront you already think that they are stronger than you, therefore, when you shout and try to fight for yourself, you will only make them feel stronger.
However, when you are quiet but confident, they will know that the One who is greater than the greatest is behind you, and they will leave you alone.
If they however choose to continue to challenge you, they will be destroyed by the Lord of hosts whom you put your confidence in.
Key Point
Put all your trust in God and He will fight for you.
HYMN 19: Rock Of Ages, Cleft For Me
1 Rock of Ages, cleft for me,
let me hide myself in thee;
let the water and the blood,
from thy wounded side which flowed,
be of sin the double cure;
save from wrath and make me pure.
2 Not the labors of my hands
can fulfill thy law’s demands;
could my zeal no respite know,
could my tears forever flow,
all for sin could not atone;
thou must save, and thou alone.
3 Nothing in my hand I bring,
simply to the cross I cling;
naked, come to thee for dress;
helpless, look to thee for grace;
foul, I to the fountain fly;
wash me, Savior, or I die.
4 While I draw this fleeting breath,
when mine eyes shall close in death,
when I soar to worlds unknown,
see thee on thy judgment throne,
Rock of Ages, cleft for me,
let me hide myself in thee
Open Heaven For Today 2024 Wednesday Daily Devotional By Pastor E. A. Adeboye – True Worship
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TOPIC: True Worship
MEMORISE: But the hour cometh, and now is, when the true worshipers shall worship the Father in spirit and in truth: for the Father seeketh such to worship him. John 4:23
READ: 1 Samuel 15:20-31(KJV)
20 And Saul said unto Samuel, Yea, I have obeyed the voice of the Lord, and have gone the way which the Lord sent me, and have brought Agag the king of Amalek, and have utterly destroyed the Amalekites.
21 But the people took of the spoil, sheep and oxen, the chief of the things which should have been utterly destroyed, to sacrifice unto the Lord thy God in Gilgal.
22 And Samuel said, Hath the Lord as great delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices, as in obeying the voice of the Lord? Behold, to obey is better than sacrifice, and to hearken than the fat of rams.
23 For rebellion is as the sin of witchcraft, and stubbornness is as iniquity and idolatry. Because thou hast rejected the word of the Lord, he hath also rejected thee from being king.
24 And Saul said unto Samuel, I have sinned: for I have transgressed the commandment of the Lord, and thy words: because I feared the people, and obeyed their voice.
25 Now therefore, I pray thee, pardon my sin, and turn again with me, that I may worship the Lord.
26 And Samuel said unto Saul, I will not return with thee: for thou hast rejected the word of the Lord, and the Lord hath rejected thee from being king over Israel.
27 And as Samuel turned about to go away, he laid hold upon the skirt of his mantle, and it rent.
28 And Samuel said unto him, The Lord hath rent the kingdom of Israel from thee this day, and hath given it to a neighbour of thine, that is better than thou.
29 And also the Strength of Israel will not lie nor repent: for he is not a man, that he should repent.
30 Then he said, I have sinned: yet honour me now, I pray thee, before the elders of my people, and before Israel, and turn again with me, that I may worship the Lord thy God.
31 So Samuel turned again after Saul; and Saul worshipped the Lord.
BIBLE IN ONE YEAR: Romans 15-16
Open Heaven For Today 2023 MESSAGE
When people sing, dance, and even cry while worshipping God, it will look as if they are worshipping God in spirit and in truth.
However, only God knows those who are truly worshipping Him and those who are just faking it.
In our Bible reading for today, we see one of the major indicators of fake worship. Saul was only worshipping God so that the elders, and all the people of Israel, could see that he was worshipping. If you only worship God in church for people to see you, then that is not true worship.
When genuine worshippers worship God in public, it is an offshoot of what they have been doing in private. They actually prefer to worship God in private so that they can freely express themselves, rather than in public, where they would be conscious of the people that are around them.
Another indicator of fake worship is when your worship consists only of clapping, singing, and dancing, without seeking to know and obey God. If you do not seek to do His will at all times, but only like to sing worship songs, you are only enjoying good music; you are not truly worshipping.
Real worship is about pleasing God, not just singing, enjoying good music, and feeling good about yourself. True worshippers daily seek to know God and obey His commandments. They give their hearts completely to God and seek to glorify Him with everything in their lives. This is because,
1 Corinthians 10:31 says:
“Whether therefore ye eat, or drink, or whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God.”
True worship comes from the heart; it is not a jamboree. True worshippers are so in love with God that they worship Him by serving Him and giving to His work in tithes and offerings.
They also worship God by putting Him first in everything that they do. They are addicted to spending time in His presence and cannot imagine being separated from Him. Like David, a true worshipper would say:
As the hart panteth after the water brooks, so panteth my soul after thee, O God. My soul thirsteth for God, for the living God: when shall I come and appear before God? Psalm 42:1-2
The essence of true worship lies in obedience and glorifying God in our lives, rather than offering sacrifices to Him with our mouths only.
Prayer Point
Worship comes from the heart, and it is expressed across every part of your life, not just the lips.
HYMN 23: Take My Life, And Let It Be
1 Take my life and let it be
consecrated, Lord, to thee.
Take my moments and my days;
let them flow in endless praise,
let them flow in endless praise.
2 Take my hands and let them move
at the impulse of thy love.
Take my feet and let them be
swift and beautiful for thee,
swift and beautiful for thee.
3 Take my voice and let me sing
always, only, for my King.
Take my lips and let them be
filled with messages from thee,
filled with messages from thee.
4 Take my silver and my gold;
not a mite would I withhold.
Take my intellect and use
every power as thou shalt choose,
every power as thou shalt choose.
5 Take my will and make it thine;
it shall be no longer mine.
Take my heart it is thine own;
it shall be thy royal throne,
it shall be thy royal throne.
6 Take my love; my Lord, I pour
at thy feet its treasure store.
Take myself, and I will be
ever, only, all for thee,
ever, only, all for thee.
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.
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.
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