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

OPEN HEAVENS DAILY DEVOTIONAL.

DATE: FRIDAY 16TH SEPTEMBER 2016

THEME: THE SOURCE OF SATISFACTION

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 the faith, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows.
6:11. But thou, O man of God, flee these things; and follow after Righteousness, Godliness, Faith, Love, Patience, Meekness.

MESSAGE:
A. Satisfaction is a state of contentment or fulfilment that only God can bring into reality.
1. The scripture advocates that children of God should cultivate contentment.
2. We really therefore expected to be contented spiritually, financially, materially and in our marriages.
3. We should be contented with the things and people that God has put around us.
4. Satisfaction is made possible as a result of God's good provision made available through The Atoning Death of Our Lord Jesus Christ.
5. Ecclesiastes 3:13 says: "And also that every man should eat and drink, and enjoy the good of all his labour, it is the gift of God."
6. The above passage indicates that contentment or satisfaction is a gift from God; it does not develop from the desire of man.
7. As a matter of fact Ecclesiastes 5:10 says, "He that loveth silver shall not be satisfied with silver; nor he that loveth abundance with increase: this is also vanity."

B. Covetousness and accumulation of wealth has its attendant problems.
1. One of such problems is lack of satisfaction.
2. Those who love money will never be satisfied with what they have; no matter how much they have, they will continue to desire more.
3. I once had a friend, who at the age of 70 had so much money in one of his several bank accounts; he could not exhaust it for another 200 years.
4. Whenever you visit him, you will meet him planning to invest some more.
5. The rich are ever striving with each other. They will say, "Mr. A has just built another house or bought another car, I must follow suit".
6. They are never satisfied. Satisfaction is a precious virtue that every believer must have.
7. Are you caught in the rat race for earthly possessions? Ask God to give you satisfaction or contentment without which that wealth will become a deadly trap.

C. Whenever wealth comes as A Blessing within the context of Holiness and The Fear of God, such wealth is always accompanied by contentment or satisfaction.
1. This is why Psalms 17:15 says: "As for me, I will behold thy face in righteousness: I shall be satisfied, when I awake, with thy likeness."
2. Because The Source of The Blessing is God, satisfaction is naturally inclusive in the package.
3. 1 Timothy 6:6-8 goes on to say: "But Godliness with contentment is great gain. For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out. And having food and raiment let us be therewith content."
4. This passage shows that A Child of God should be more concerned about the source of blessing and the attending satisfaction than accumulation of wealth.

Prayer Point:
Father, You are my Source, please let my prosperity come with contentment in Jesus' Name. Amen!

BIBLE IN ONE YEAR:
Jeremiah 49:23-50:46
Psalms 60

AUTHOR: PASTOR E. A. ADEBOYE  

HYMN 3: DEEPER, DEEPER

1. Deeper, deeper in the love of Jesus
Daily let me go;
Higher, higher in the school of wisdom,
More of grace to know.
Chorus:
O deeper yet, I pray,
And higher every day,
And wiser, blessed Lord,
In Thy precious, holy Word.

2. Deeper, deeper, blessed Holy Spirit,
Take me deeper still,
Till my life is wholly lost in Jesus,
And His perfect will.
Chorus:

3. Deeper, deeper! though it cost hard trials,
Deeper let me go!
Rooted in the holy love of Jesus,
Let me fruitful grow.
Chorus:

4. Deeper, higher, every day in Jesus,
Till all conflict past,
Finds me conqu'ror, and in His own image
Perfected at last.
Chorus:

5. Deeper, deeper in the faith of Jesus,
Holy faith and true;
In His pow'r and soul exulting wisdom
Let me peace pursue.
Chorus.
EMMANUEL=GOD WITH US!

OPEN HEAVENS DAILY DEVOTIONAL... DATE: SATURDAY 10TH SEPTEMBER 2016 THEME: YOU NEED ENCOURAGEMENT

OPEN HEAVENS DAILY DEVOTIONAL...

DATE: SATURDAY 10TH SEPTEMBER 2016

THEME: YOU NEED ENCOURAGEMENT

Memorise:
"These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world."
John 16:33

Read: 1 Kings 19:1-6
19:1. And Ahab told Jezebel all that Elijah had done, and withal how he had slain all the prophets with the sword.
19:2. Then Jezebel sent a messenger unto Elijah, saying, So let the gods do to me, and more also, if I make not thy life as the life of one of them by to morrow about this time.
19:3. And when he saw that, he arose, and went for his life, and came to Beersheba, which belongeth to Judah, and left his servant there.
19:4. But he himself went a day's journey into the wilderness, and came and sat down under a juniper tree: and he requested for himself that he might die; and said, It is enough; now, O LORD, take away my life; for I am not better than my fathers.
19:5. And as he lay and slept under a juniper tree, behold, then an angel touched him, and said unto him, Arise and eat.
19:6. And he looked, and, behold, there was a cake baken on the coals, and a cruse of water at his head. And he did eat and drink, and laid him down again.

MESSAGE
A. Based on human experience, life is generally believed to be hard, laborious, burdensome, and full of sorrow.
1. A combination of several factors may be responsible for the dilemma faced by human beings.
2. First among these factors is recorded in Revelation 12:12: "...Woe to the inhabiters of the earth and of the sea! for the devil is come down unto you, having great wrath..."
3. And 1 Peter 5:8 followed up by saying "...your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour:"
4. Furthermore, Genesis 3:17 says, "...Cursed is the ground for thy sake; in sorrow shalt thou eat of it all the days of thy life;"
5. The implication of these passages on unregenerate human beings is so great that Job 14:1 had to say, "Man that is born of a woman is of few days and full of trouble."

B.  When a higher authority such as marriage, parenthood, civil or spiritual leadership is added to the ordinary troubles of life, the result is better imagined than experienced.
1. For the above reasons, every human being needs divine encouragement and support daily.
2. In the Name that is above all other names, beginning from today, you will receive divine support and encouragement to carry on in life in Jesus' Name. Amen!
3. Indeed, God Promises continual support for his people, particularly when they become weary, depressed or disillusioned.
4. Several passages of The Bible affirmed God's encouragement for His children.
5. Moses, Joshua, Abraham, David, kings and prophets of Israel, our fathers and mothers of faith were not abandoned at critical moments in their lives.
6. God was always there to give the required support and encouragement when it mattered most.
7. This could be seen clearly in God's pronouncement in Isaiah 41:10 that says, "Fear thou not; for I am with thee: be not dismayed; for I am thy God: I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee; yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness."

C. However, Bible records show that we have a responsibility to carry out in order to merit God's encouragement.
1. You must first be born again and make meditation on The Word of God a habit
2. Joshua 1:8-9" This Book of The Law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate in it day and night, that you may observe to do according to all that is written in it. For then you will make your way prosperous, and then you will have good success. Have I not commanded you? Be strong and of good courage; do not be afraid, nor be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.”
3. Then you must invite The Holy Spirit Who is The Counsellor, into your life.
4. Thereafter, you will begin to experience God's Encouragement.
5. Isaiah 40:30-31, says that God's Encouragement brings renewed strength and an ability to do exploit.
6. This is the secret of my success as The General overseer of The RCCG. I enjoy tremendous support and encouragement from the Almighty God always.
7. It is only by His Support and Encouragement that any man can succeed.

Prayer point:
Father, please encourage and support me so that I may fulfill my destiny in Jesus’ Name. Amen!

BIBLE IN ONE YEAR:
Jeremiah 33:14-35:19
Psalms 55:1-15

AUTHOR: PASTOR E. A. ADEBOYE

HYMN: HO MY COMRADES!
1 Ho! my comrades, see the signal,
Waving in the sky!
Reinforcements now appearing,
Victory is nigh!
Refrain:
“Hold the fort, for I am coming,”
Jesus signals still,
Wave the answer back to Heaven,
“By Thy grace we will.”

2. See the mighty host advancing,
Satan leading on;
Mighty men around us falling,
Courage almost gone. [Refrain]

3. See the glorious banner waving,
Hear the bugle blow;
In our Leader’s Name we triumph
Over every foe. [Refrain]

4. Fierce and long the battle rages,
But our help is near;
Onward comes our great Commander,
Cheer, my comrades, cheer! [Refrain]
EMMANUEL=GOD WITH US!

OPEN HEAVENS DAILY DEVOTIONAL.. DATE: WEDNESDAY 7 SEPTEMBER 2016 THEME: HE SHALL SURELY RETURN

OPEN HEAVENS DAILY DEVOTIONAL..

DATE: WEDNESDAY 7 SEPTEMBER 2016

THEME: HE SHALL SURELY RETURN

Memorise:
"Which also said, Ye men of Galilee, why stand ye gazing up into Heaven? This Same Jesus, which is taken up from you into Heaven, shall so come in like manner as ye have seen Him go into Heaven." Acts 1:11

Read: Acts 1:8-11, (KJV)
8. But ye shall receive Power, after that The Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be Witnesses unto Me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth.
9. And when He had spoken these things, while they beheld, He was taken up; and a cloud received Him out of their sight.
10. And while they looked stedfastly toward Heaven as He went up, behold, two men stood by them in white apparel;
11. Which also said, Ye men of Galilee, why stand ye gazing up into Heaven? This Same Jesus, which is taken up from you into Heaven, shall so come in like manner as ye have seen Him go into Heaven."

MESSAGE
A. One of the chief messages of the Bible is that Jesus Christ will return Visibly and in Glory at the end of history. 1.    First to raise the dead, judge the world, and then destroy all evil and opposition to God.
2. He will thereafter consummate His kingdom.
3. Christians are encouraged to be prepared for the second coming of Jesus Christ with eagerness and joy.
4. Several passages of the Old Testament Bible predicted the second coming of Jesus,
5. Daniel 7:13-14 says:
“…one like the Son of man came with the clouds of heaven…And there was given him dominion, and glory, and a kingdom, that all people, nations, and languages, should serve him: his dominion is an everlasting dominion, which shall not pass away, and his kingdom that which shall not be destroyed.”
6.  Also, several passages of the New Testament Bible foretold The Second coming of Jesus.
7. In Acts 1:11, two angels announced The Second Coming of Christ by saying:
“…Ye men of Galilee, why stand ye gazing up into heaven? This same Jesus, which is taken up from you into heaven, shall so come in like manner as ye have seen him go into heaven.”

B. However, because at least two thousand years have passed without the actual fulfilment of this prophecy, unbelievers and Christians alike are beginning to doubt the reality or possibility of Rapture or The Second Coming of Jesus Christ.
1. Brethren, do not be deceived, JESUS IS COMING BACK AGAIN.
2. This Truth is very important to the continued relevance of The Church of God in general and that of The Redeemed Christian Church of God in particular.
3. Focusing on The Second Coming of Jesus Christ should be our duty, in order to realign the worldview and mindset of Christians and unbelievers alike with The Word of God.
4. The matter is settled in Heaven and the earth has witnessed the fulfilment of almost all the signs of The End Time as recorded in The Word of God. 
5. We are witnesses to the Increased In Knowledge! False Prophets! Wars and Rumours of Wars! Famines, and Earthquakes!
6. The Re-gathering of The Nation of Israel! Man's inhumanity to man! Extreme Wickedness, and Diverse Forms of Immorality.
7. The second coming of Jesus will occur unexpectedly at God’s appointed time.
8. Be Warned! Be Watchful and Be Ready. 

Prayer Point:
Father, please give me The Grace not to get weary while waiting for Your Second Coming in Jesus’ Name. Amen!

Bible in one year: Jeremiah 27:1-29:23 and Psalms 51

AUTHOR: Pastor E. A. ADEBOYE

HYMN: WHEN THE TRUMPET OF THE LORD SHALL SOUND!

1.  When the trumpet of the Lord shall sound, and time shall be no more,
And the morning breaks, eternal, bright and fair;
When the saved of earth shall gather over on the other shore,
And the roll is called up yonder, I'll be there.
Chorus:
When the roll is called up yonder,
When the roll is called up yonder,
When the roll is called up yonder,
When the roll is called up yonder, I'll be there.

2.  On that bright and cloudless morning when the dead in Christ shall rise,
And the glory of His resurrection share;
When His chosen ones shall gather to their home beyond the skies,
And the roll is called up yonder, I'll be there.
Chorus:

3.   Let us labor for the Master from the dawn till setting sun,
Let us talk of all His wondrous love and care;
Then when all of life is over, and our work on earth is done,
And the roll is called up yonder, I'll be there.
Chorus.
EMMANUEL=GOD WITH US!

OPEN HEAVENS DAILY DEVOTIONAL... DATE: TUESDAY 6 SEPTEMBER 2016 THEME: THE LORD IS IN CHARGE!

OPEN HEAVENS DAILY DEVOTIONAL...

DATE: TUESDAY 6 SEPTEMBER 2016

THEME: THE LORD IS IN CHARGE!

Memorise:
"The king shall joy in thy strength, O LORD; and in thy salvation how greatly shall he rejoice. " Psalms 21:1

Read: Daniel 4:30-35, (KJV)
30. The king spake, and said, Is not this great Babylon, that I have built for the house of the kingdom by the might of my power, and for the honour of my majesty?
31. While the word was in the king's mouth, there fell a voice from Heaven, saying, O king Nebuchadnezzar, to thee it is spoken; The kingdom is departed from thee.
32. And they shall drive thee from men, and thy dwelling shall be with the beasts of the field: they shall make thee to eat grass as oxen, and seven times shall pass over thee, until thou know that The Most High Ruleth in the kingdom of men, and giveth it to whomsoever He Will.
33. The same hour was the thing fulfilled upon Nebuchadnezzar: and he was driven from men, and did eat grass as oxen, and his body was wet with the dew of heaven, till his hairs were grown like eagles' feathers, and his nails like birds' claws.
34. And at the end of the days I Nebuchadnezzar lifted up mine eyes unto Heaven, and mine understanding returned unto me, and I blessed the most High, and I praised and honoured him that Liveth Forever, Whose Dominion is an Everlasting Dominion, and His Kingdom is from generation to generation:
35. And all the inhabitants of the earth are reputed as nothing: and He Doeth according to His Will in The Army of Heaven, and among the inhabitants of the earth: and none can stay His Hand, or say unto him, What doest Thou?


MESSAGE;
A. To be in charge or in control is the exercise of authority and restraint over individuals, events, situations, or circumstances of life.
1. The Bible stresses the fact that God is Sovereign over all Creation;
2. He has Absolute Authority and Control over everything in Heaven and on earth.
3. But a limited degree of control over creation is delegated to humanity.
4. However, man has gained tremendous knowledge of the universe over time and this has translated to an increased level of authority and control over situations and circumstances in life.
5. Man has acquired advanced knowledge in Computer Science, Geography, Medicine, Mathematics, Genetic Engineering, Archaeology, and Space Technology, to mention but few.
6. As a result of these achievements, humanity has wrongly assumed that they are the master of the universe and therefore in ultimate charge.

B. Contrary to this human belief, The Bible teaches that God controls The Affairs of Heaven and Earth.
1. Deuteronomy 4:39 says:
“Know therefore this day, and consider it in thine heart, that The Lord He is God in Heaven above, and upon The Earth beneath: there is none else.”
2. Also, Daniel 4:35 says;
“And all the inhabitants of the earth are reputed as nothing: and He doeth according to His Will in The Army of Heaven, and among the inhabitants of the earth: and none can stay His Hand, or say unto Him, what doest Thou?”
3. From these passages, it is clear that God is unquestionable;
4. He does as He pleases in the distribution of His Mercies, Blessings, and Favour.
5. He gives Strength, He makes Great, He Promotes, He gives Knowledge and Wisdom, all at His Pleasure.
6. The Lord controls human hearts, He controls time and seasons, He removes kings and sets up others in their place.
7. He controls the weather and fixes human destiny (Daniel 2:22).

C. He is the source of every creation!
1. The Fountain of life!
2. The Channel of goodness from whom all blessings flow.
3. All hail The True Master of The Universe!
4. The Redeemer of human kind and
5. The Saviour of the whole world.
6. Matthew 25:34 says:
“Then shall the King say unto them on his right hand, Come, ye blessed of My Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world:”  

Prayer point:
Father, please silence every opposition to Your Authority as The Master of The Universe in my life in Jesus’ Name. Amen!

Bible in one year: Jeremiah 25-26 and Psalms 50:16-23

AUTHOR: Pastor E. A. ADEBOYE

HYMN: IMMORTAL INVINCIBLE GOD ONLY WISE!

1. Immortal, invisible, God only wise,
in light inaccessible hid from our eyes,
most blessed, most glorious, the Ancient of Days,
almighty, victorious, thy great name we praise.

2. Unresting, unhasting, and silent as light,
nor wanting, nor wasting, thou rulest in might:
thy justice, like mountains high soaring above,
thy clouds which are fountains of goodness and love.

3. To all, life thou givest, to both great and small;
in all life thou livest, the true life of all;
we blossom and flourish like leaves on the tree,
then wither and perish, but naught changeth thee.

4. Thou reignest in glory, thou dwellest in light,
thine angels adore thee, all veiling their sight;
all praise we would render; O help us to see
'tis only the splendor of light hideth thee! 
EMMANUEL=GOD WITH US

OPEN HEAVENS DAILY DEVOTIONAL. DATE: FRIDAY 2 SEPTEMBER 2016 THEME: HIS ALMIGHTINESS!

OPEN HEAVENS DAILY DEVOTIONAL.

DATE: FRIDAY 2 SEPTEMBER 2016

THEME: HIS ALMIGHTINESS!

Memorise:
"Thou art The God that doest wonders: Thou hast declared thy strength among the people." Psalms 77:14

Read: Psalms 107:1-9, (KJV)
1. O give thanks unto The Lord, for He is Good: for His Mercy endureth for ever.
2. Let the redeemed of The Lord say so, whom He hath redeemed from the hand of the enemy;
3. And gathered them out of the lands, from the east, and from the west, from the north, and from the south.
4. They wandered in the wilderness in a solitary way; they found no city to dwell in.
5. Hungry and thirsty, their soul fainted in them.
6. Then they cried unto The Lord in their trouble, and he delivered them out of their distresses.
7. And he led them forth by the right way, that they might go to a city of habitation.
8. Oh that men would praise The Lord for His Goodness, and for His Wonderful Works to the children of men!
9. For he satisfieth the longing soul, and filleth the hungry soul with goodness.

MESSAGE
A. The Bible presents The Name of God as the cumulative self-disclosure of God to His people.
1. Therefore, The Name of God and The Person of God are inseparably related.
2. As a matter of fact, whenever The Scripture mentions God by any of His Names, it is an attempt to invoke God in His fullness.
3. When we call on The Name of God, God is worshiped and adored.
4. Genesis 21:33
"Then Abraham planted a tamarisk tree in Beersheba, and there called on The Name of The Lord, The Everlasting God.
5. When a people forget The Name of God, they lose His Presence.
6. Jeremiah 23:27
who try to make My people forget My name by their dreams which everyone tells his neighbor, as their fathers forgot My name for Baal.
7. And when we take The Name of God in vain, God is personally profaned and offended.
8. Exodus 20:7
“You shall not take the name of The Lord Your God in vain, for The Lord will not hold him guiltless who takes His Name in vain.

B. ‘The Almighty’ is one of the popular Names ascribed to God to showcase His Divine Strength.
1. The strength of God is made known in Creation, Providence, Redemption, and The Empowering of believers to do exploit in this world.
2. Psalms 19:1 says:
“The Heavens declare The Glory of God; and The Firmament sheweth His Handwork.”
3. The Bible reveals that The Almightiness of God could be clearly seen in nature and understood through The Complex Design of the things that were created.
4. It is a wonder to observe The World with its Archaeology, Geography, Animals and Human inhabitants.
5. It is more breathtaking to considerThe Design and Operations of The Universe as a well ordered whole, where Celestial Bodies of Humongous Sizes and Weights are revolving around their stars at a frightening speed and accuracy.
6. One cannot help but imagine The Awesomeness of The Almighty Designer and Creator of The Universe.

C. All power in Heaven and on Earth belongs to God, and He is unquestionable. 1. His Almightiness in providence gives Him the prerogative to do as He pleases.
2. Psalms 135:6 says;
“Whatsoever The Lord pleased, that did He in Heaven, and in Earth, in The Seas, and all Deep Places.”
3. The Book of Daniel 4:35 went on to proclaim that,
“And all the inhabitants of The earth are reputed as nothing: and He doeth according to His Will in The Army of Heaven, and among the inhabitants of The Earth: and none can stay His Hand, or say unto Him, What doest thou?”
4. God is Almighty in Redemption according to Exodus 6:6 and Ephesians 1:19 which both talk about the exceeding greatness of His Power that delivered Israel from slavery in Egypt and raised Jesus Christ from The dead.
5. Exodus 6:6-"Therefore say to the children of Israel: ‘I Am The Lord; I will Bring you out from under the burdens of the Egyptians, I will Rescue you from their bondage, and I will Redeem you with An Outstretched Arm and with Great Judgments."
6. Ephesians 1:19 -"and what is the exceeding greatness of His power toward us who believe, according to the working of His mighty power"
7. His Almightiness is further revealed in Revelations 6:15:
“And the kings of the earth, and the great men, and the rich men, and the chief captains, and the mighty men, and every bondman, and every free man, hid themselves in the dens and in the rocks of the mountains.”

D. Everything in Creation is subject to His Almighty Power and He has made these available to all that will accept Jesus as Lord and Saviour.
1. Are you faced with challenges beyond your ability?
2. Ask for The Divine Support of the Almighty.  

Prayer Point:
Father, please let Your Awesome Power begin to work in my favour today in Jesus’ Name. Amen!

Bible in one year: Jeremiah 13-15 and Psalms 47

AUTHOR: Pastor E. A. ADEBOYE

HYMN: IMMORTAL INVINCIBLE GOD ONLY WISE!
1. Immortal, invisible, God only wise,
in light inaccessible hid from our eyes,
Most blessed, most glorious, the Ancient of Days,
Almighty, victorious, thy great name we praise.

2. Unresting, unhasting, and silent as light,
Nor wanting, nor wasting, thou rulest in might;
Thy justice like mountains high soaring above
Thy clouds which are fountains of goodness and love.

3. To all, life thou givest, to both great and small;
In all life thou livest, the true life of all;
We blossom and flourish as leaves on the tree,
And wither and perish, but naught changeth thee.

4. Thou reignest in glory; thou dwellest in light;
Thine angels adore thee, all veiling their sight;
All laud we would render: O help us to see
Tis only the splendor of light hideth thee.
EMMANUEL=GOD WITH US!

OPEN HEAVENS DAILY DEVOTIONAL. DATE: THURSDAY 1 SEPTEMBER 2016 THEME: NO ROOM FOR THE DEVIL

OPEN HEAVENS DAILY DEVOTIONAL.

DATE: THURSDAY 1 SEPTEMBER 2016

THEME: NO ROOM FOR THE DEVIL

Memorise:
"Abstain from all appearance of evil. 1Thessalonians 5:22

Read: Psalms 15:1-5
1. Lord, who shall abide in thy tabernacle? who shall dwell in Thy Holy Hill?
2. He that walketh uprightly, and worketh righteousness, and speaketh the truth in his heart.
3. He that backbiteth not with his tongue, nor doeth evil to his neighbour, nor taketh up a reproach against his neighbour.
4. In whose eyes a vile person is contemned; but he honoureth them that fear The Lord. He that sweareth to his own hurt, and changeth not.
5. He that putteth not out his money to usury, nor taketh reward against the innocent. He that doeth these things shall never be moved.

Message:
A. 'Looking unto Jesus’ are three very important words of Salvation, Encouragement and Direction for daily Christian living.
1. Nicodemus, in his search for The True God and Eternal Life, approached Jesus for possible understanding.
2. The Lord Jesus made The New Birth very plain by using an Old Testament illustration of the fiery serpents of brass put on a pole for the Israelites to look upon as recorded in the book of Numbers!
3. Numbers 21:8-9
"Then the Lord said to Moses, “Make a fiery serpent, and set it on a pole; and it shall be that everyone who is bitten, when he looks at it, shall live.” So Moses made a bronze serpent, and put it on a pole; and so it was, if a serpent had bitten anyone, when he looked at the bronze serpent, he lived.

B. The fall of Adam and Eve, and the temptation of Jesus Christ, exposes humanity to two important realities among many others.
1. First of all, the devil is out to destroy all human beings without exception.
2. Secondly, the devil cannot do a perfect Job at destroying a person without the consensual agreement of that individual. 3. Consequently, the devil seeks the permission of an individual to have the access required to destroy his life.
4. That is why the Bible in Ephesians 4:27, admonishes us not to give way to the devil.

C. Moreover, the devil does not make this request directly; neither does he require a clear answer from anyone.
1. The language of the devil is always implied and shrouded in ambiguity, such that no one is ever fully aware of the implications of any transaction with the devil until reality dawns on them.
2. For these reasons, children of God should be mindful of their responses to any proposal by the devil because ordinary interest is usually taken as consent or approval by the devil.
3. Men and women who showed interest in various proposals of the devil in the past were soon captured and enslaved to the point of being addicted to such harmful practices like alcoholism, gambling, illicit sex, hard drugs, prostitution, etc.
4. For these reasons, The Bible outlines several ways in which believers should respond to the devil.

D. Evil is to be avoided at all cost.
i. As indicated in Psalms 1:1:
“Blessed is the man that walketh not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor standeth in the way of sinners, nor sitteth in the seat of the scornful”
ii. And in Proverbs 4:14:
“Enter not into the path of the wicked, and go not in the way of evil men.”
iii. And 1 Thessalonians 5:22 says:
“Abstain from all appearance of evil.”

E. Evil is to be hated with passion and resisted with everything we have.
i. In line with proverbs 1:10:
“My son, if sinners entice thee, consent thou not.”
ii. And James 4:7,
“Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.”

F. Above all, children of God should pray every day in response to evil,
i. Matthew 6:13 says,
“And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil”
ii. I pray that you will not be a victim of evil in Jesus’ Name.  Amen!

Prayer Point:
Father, please keep evil far away from me and my entire family in Jesus' Name. Amen!

BIBLE IN ONE YEAR: Jeremiah 10-12 and Psalms 46

AUTHOR: Pastor  E. A ADEBOYE

HYMN: I MUST TELL JESUS ALL OF MY TRIALS!  

1. I  must tell Jesus all of my trials;
I cannot bear these burdens alone;
In my distress He kindly will help me;
He ever loves and cares for His own.
Chorus:
I must tell Jesus! I must tell Jesus!
I cannot bear my burdens alone;
I must tell Jesus! I must tell Jesus!
  Jesus can help me, Jesus alone.

2. I must tell Jesus all of my troubles;
He is a kind, compassionate Friend;
If I but ask Him, He will deliver,
And in my griefs with me He will blend.                                            Chorus:

3. Tempted and tried I need a great Savior,
One who can help my burdens to bear;
I must tell Jesus, I must tell Jesus;
He all my cares and sorrows will share,                                           Chorus:

4. O how the world to evil allures me!
O how my heart is tempted to sin!
I must tell Jesus; He will enable
Over the world the vic’try to win. Chorus:
EMMANUEL=GOD WITH US!

OPEN HEAVENS DAILY DEVOTIONAL. TUESDAY AUGUST 30 2016. THEME : PRINCIPLES OF DIVINE BLESSING.

OPEN HEAVENS DAILY DEVOTIONAL.

TUESDAY  AUGUST  30 2016.

THEME : PRINCIPLES OF DIVINE BLESSING.

MEMORISE : Wherefore the LORD God of Israel saith, I said indeed that thy house, and the house of thy father, should walk before me for ever: but now the LORD saith, Be it far from me; for them that honour me I will honour, and they that despise me shall be lightly esteemed. 1 SAMUEL 2 : 30.

READ : DEUTERONOMY  28 : 1 - 6 :

1 And it shall come to pass, if thou shalt hearken diligently unto the voice of the LORD thy God, to observe and to do all his commandments which I command thee this day, that the LORD thy God will set thee on high above all nations of the earth:

2 And all these blessings shall come on thee, and overtake thee, if thou shalt hearken unto the voice of the LORD thy God.

3 Blessed shalt thou be in the city, and blessed shalt thou be in the field.

4 Blessed shall be the fruit of thy body, and the fruit of thy ground, and the fruit of thy cattle, the increase of thy kine, and the flocks of thy sheep.

5 Blessed shall be thy basket and thy store.

6 Blessed shalt thou be when thou comest in, and blessed shalt thou be when thou goest out.

MESSAGE  :

If you want to command the blessings of God, you must be willing to pay the price. If you want the kind of blessing that does not have any form of sorrow, you must be willing to obey the instructions of God. If you want the kind of blessing that is no respecter of seasons, you must be willing to live a holy life. This means it is very possible for you to enjoy the blessings of God all the days of your life; however, there are principles that command this blessing. When you follow and honour God, you have no fear of tomorrow. There are many people who are worried about what their tomorrow looks like. They don't know what will happen next. For those who are living holy, they know their tomorrow will be alright as promised by God in His Word, they know they will prosper. This is automatic for them because the Word of God says :

"If ye be willing and obedient, ye shall eat the good of the land" Isaiah 1 : 19.

If you are living a holy life, God will supply all your needs. There are many people who are blessed but they have no peace. For those who walk in the path of God, He blesses them and adds peace to their blessing.

"Say ye to the righteous, that it shall be well with him: for they shall eat the fruit of their doings." Isaiah 3 : 10.

If you want a glorious promotion, you must live a holy life. The Almighty God is no respecter of persons. He will never bend His standards. He is very strict and perfect. It is the blessing of God that takes an individual to the top. The moment you choose to live by His standards, God will lift you up on high. If you do not live holy, you will always see yourself falling down. Those who are down always suffer but when you are on top, the Lord will bless you greatly. This is why you have to make up your mind to pay the price of consecration. The knowledge of God produces material and financial blessings. The moment you honour God with your life, you will have access to the good things of life. You will attract blessings from all parts of the world and He will give you the wisdom to keep the blessings. Obedience brings blessings; if you are obedient you will have victory in every aspect of life. You will have access to the Fullness of God's provision. Only those who walk in the principles of God can command the blessings of God. He fed the Israelites for 40 years in the wilderness without them working for one day. The blessings of the Almighty God are inexhaustible. When you distance yourself from the principle of tithing, the blessings of God will always be distant from you. There is no blessing for the wicked unless the wicked repents and comes to Jesus. Fools are those who know the consequences of something and still go into it. They know that the wages of sin is death and still continue to sin. Divine blessings come to those who keep the commandments of God. They enjoy good success and prosperity. The moment you begin to walk in the principles of God, everything you touch becomes blessed. It is obedience to the Word of God that attracts blessings into one's life.

KEY POINT :  It pays to follow God.

BIBLE IN ONE YEAR: JEREMIAH 5 : 14- 7 : 29 AND PSALMS 44 : 17 - 26.

AUTHOR : PASTOR E. A. ADEBOYE.

HYMN 1 : O LORD MY GOD

1. O LORD my God! When I in awesome wonder
Consider all the works Thy hand hath made;
I see the stars, I hear the mighty thunder,
Thy pow’r throughout the universe displayed:

Chorus:
Then sings my soul, my Saviour God, to Thee,
How great Thou art! How great Thou art!
Then sings my soul, my Saviour God, to Thee,
How great Thou art! How great Thou art!

2. When through the woods and forest glades I wander
And hear the birds sing sweetly in the trees;
When I look down from lofty mountain grandeur,
And hear the brook, and feel the gentle breeze:

Chorus:

3. And when I think that God, His Son not sparing,
Sent Him to die - I scarce can take it in:
That on the Cross, my burden gladly bearing,
He bled and died to take away my sin:

Chorus:

4. When Christ shall come with shout of acclamation
And take me home - what joy shall fill my heart!
Then shall I bow in humble adoration,
And there proclaim, my God how great Thou art!

Chorus.