OPEN HEAVENS DAILY DEVOTIONAL BY PASTOR E.A.ADEBOYE, 01/01/2017

OPEN HEAVENS DAILY DEVOTIONAL..

DATE : SUNDAY 1 JANUARY 2017

THEME : STARTING A NEW YEAR

Memorise :

Better is the end of a thing than the beginning thereof: and the patient in spirit is better than the proud in spirit. Ecclesiastes 7:8


Read : Job 8:5-7

5 If thou wouldest seek unto God betimes, and make thy supplication to the Almighty;

6 If thou wert pure and upright; surely now he would awake for thee, and make the habitation of thy righteousness prosperous.


7 Though thy beginning was small, yet thy latter end should greatly increase.

Message 

Welcome to this New Year! It is always good to experience something pleasantly new. At the dawn of a new year, hopes are renewed, aspirations are born and expectation are high. But when the ups and downs of life take their toil in the course of the year, many people are able to sustain the zeal and zest that they started the year with. Does this sound familiar? For some, it appears as if the events they experience in the course of a year are set up to completely dash their hopes. If this has been your experience, it shall be different this time around in the mighty Name of Jesus . 

"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

As you take in the fresh New Year breeze, know for sure that God has something great in store for you which will unfold in the course of this year. Something huge is coming your way, so let your hope be fixed on the Lord. God wants you to end this year big and great, and to have your heart overflowing with joy. Remember that in the Kingdom of God, the end of a thing is always of greater significance than its beginning. Hence, the Holy Ghost in Job 8:7 said:

"Though thy beginning was small, yet thy latter end should greatly increase."

Because some people start a new year with little or nothing, they don't expect anything great to come their way that year. If you find yourself in a such situation, know that if you settle some key issues in your life, you can be assured of a greater, bigger and glorious year. First, start the year with God ( Proverbs 8:17 ). If you still living in sin, the greatest way to start this year is by going on your kneels, confessing your sins to God, asking for His forgiveness and inviting Jesus Christ to be your captain and pilot from now onwards. Also, you need to cultivate a personal relationship with God by studying the Bible regularly, fellowshipping with others in Bible-believing church, worshipping God and taking time to pray on a daily basis. In addition, daily ask God for direction, wait to receive it, and be sure to follow as he leads. Utilise all opportunities that come your way and give your best to God and His work. If You do all these, I assure you this year will end very well for you.


Action Point : 

Thank God for giving you access to this New Year. Let your thanksgiving be a daily offering to God this year. 

BIBLE IN ONE YEAR : Mathew 1-3 and Isaiah 1:1-17

AUTHOR : Pst E. A ADEBOYE

HYMN : MY FAITH LOOKS UP TO THEE

1: My faith looks up to Thee,
Thou Lamb of Calvary,
  Savior Divine;
Now hear me while I pray;
Take all my guilt away;
Oh, let me from this day
  Be wholly Thine.


2: May Thy rich grace impart
Strength to my fainting heart,
  My zeal inspire;
As Thou hast died for me,
Oh, may my love to Thee
Pure, warm, and changeless be,
  A living fire.

3:While life’s dark maze I tread,
And griefs around me spread,
  Be Thou my Guide;
Bid darkness turn to day,
Wipe sorrow’s tears away,
Nor let me ever stray
  From Thee aside.

4: When life's swift race is run, 
Death's cold work almost done,
Be near to me.
Blest Saviour, then, in love
Fear and distrust remove.
O bear me safe above,

Redeemed and free!


BIBLE IN ONE YEAR PASSAGES......READ THEM TO GROW YOUR FAITH DAILY

Matthew: 1. 1. This is the genealogy of Jesus the Messiah the son of David, the son of Abraham: 2. Abraham was the father of Isaac, Isaac the father of Jacob, Jacob the father of Judah and his brothers, 3. Judah the father of Perez and Zerah, whose mother was Tamar, Perez the father of Hezron, Hezron the father of Ram, 4. Ram the father of Amminadab, Amminadab the father of Nahshon, Nahshon the father of Salmon, 5. Salmon the father of Boaz, whose mother was Rahab, Boaz the father of Obed, whose mother was Ruth, Obed the father of Jesse, 6. and Jesse the father of King David. David was the father of Solomon, whose mother had been Uriah's wife, 7. Solomon the father of Rehoboam, Rehoboam the father of Abijah, Abijah the father of Asa, 8. Asa the father of Jehoshaphat, Jehoshaphat the father of Jehoram, Jehoram the father of Uzziah, 9. Uzziah the father of Jotham, Jotham the father of Ahaz, Ahaz the father of Hezekiah, 10. Hezekiah the father of Manasseh, Manasseh the father of Amon, Amon the father of Josiah, 11. and Josiah the father of Jeconiah and his brothers at the time of the exile to Babylon. 12. After the exile to Babylon: Jeconiah was the father of Shealtiel, Shealtiel the father of Zerubbabel, 13. Zerubbabel the father of Abihud, Abihud the father of Eliakim, Eliakim the father of Azor, 14. Azor the father of Zadok, Zadok the father of Akim, Akim the father of Elihud, 15. Elihud the father of Eleazar, Eleazar the father of Matthan, Matthan the father of Jacob, 16. and Jacob the father of Joseph, the husband of Mary, and Mary was the mother of Jesus who is called the Messiah. 17. Thus there were fourteen generations in all from Abraham to David, fourteen from David to the exile to Babylon, and fourteen from the exile to the Messiah. 18. This is how the birth of Jesus the Messiah came about : His mother Mary was pledged to be married to Joseph, but before they came together, she was found to be pregnant through the Holy Spirit. 19. Because Joseph her husband was faithful to the law, and yet did not want to expose her to public disgrace, he had in mind to divorce her quietly. 20. But after he had considered this, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream and said, "Joseph son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary home as your wife, because what is conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit. 21. She will give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus, because he will save his people from their sins." 22. All this took place to fulfill what the Lord had said through the prophet: 23. "The virgin will conceive and give birth to a son, and they will call him Immanuel" (which means "God with us"). 24. When Joseph woke up, he did what the angel of the Lord had commanded him and took Mary home as his wife. 25. But he did not consummate their marriage until she gave birth to a son. And he gave him the name Jesus. 


Matthew: 2. 1. After Jesus was born in Bethlehem in Judea, during the time of King Herod, Magi from the east came to Jerusalem 2. and asked, "Where is the one who has been born king of the Jews? We saw his star when it rose and have come to worship him." 3. When King Herod heard this he was disturbed, and all Jerusalem with him. 4. When he had called together all the people's chief priests and teachers of the law, he asked them where the Messiah was to be born. 5. "In Bethlehem in Judea," they replied, "for this is what the prophet has written: 6. "'But you, Bethlehem, in the land of Judah, are by no means least among the rulers of Judah; for out of you will come a ruler who will shepherd my people Israel.'" 7. Then Herod called the Magi secretly and found out from them the exact time the star had appeared. 8. He sent them to Bethlehem and said, "Go and search carefully for the child. As soon as you find him, report to me, so that I too may go and worship him." 9. After they had heard the king, they went on their way, and the star they had seen when it rose went ahead of them until it stopped over the place where the child was. 10. When they saw the star, they were overjoyed. 11. On coming to the house, they saw the child with his mother Mary, and they bowed down and worshiped him. Then they opened their treasures and presented him with gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh. 12. And having been warned in a dream not to go back to Herod, they returned to their country by another route. 13. When they had gone, an angel of the Lord appeared to Joseph in a dream. "Get up," he said, "take the child and his mother and escape to Egypt. Stay there until I tell you, for Herod is going to search for the child to kill him." 14. So he got up, took the child and his mother during the night and left for Egypt, 15. where he stayed until the death of Herod. And so was fulfilled what the Lord had said through the prophet: "Out of Egypt I called my son." 16. When Herod realized that he had been outwitted by the Magi, he was furious, and he gave orders to kill all the boys in Bethlehem and its vicinity who were two years old and under, in accordance with the time he had learned from the Magi. 17. Then what was said through the prophet Jeremiah was fulfilled: 18. "A voice is heard in Ramah, weeping and great mourning, Rachel weeping for her children and refusing to be comforted, because they are no more." 19. After Herod died, an angel of the Lord appeared in a dream to Joseph in Egypt 20. and said, "Get up, take the child and his mother and go to the land of Israel, for those who were trying to take the child's life are dead." 21. So he got up, took the child and his mother and went to the land of Israel. 22. But when he heard that Archelaus was reigning in Judea in place of his father Herod, he was afraid to go there. Having been warned in a dream, he withdrew to the district of Galilee, 23. and he went and lived in a town called Nazareth. So was fulfilled what was said through the prophets, that he would be called a Nazarene. 



Matthew: 3. 1. In those days John the Baptist came, preaching in the wilderness of Judea 2. and saying, "Repent, for the kingdom of heaven has come near." 3. This is he who was spoken of through the prophet Isaiah: "A voice of one calling in the wilderness, 'Prepare the way for the Lord, make straight paths for him.'" 4. John's clothes were made of camel's hair, and he had a leather belt around his waist. His food was locusts and wild honey. 5. People went out to him from Jerusalem and all Judea and the whole region of the Jordan. 6. Confessing their sins, they were baptized by him in the Jordan River. 7. But when he saw many of the Pharisees and Sadducees coming to where he was baptizing, he said to them: "You brood of vipers! Who warned you to flee from the coming wrath? 8. Produce fruit in keeping with repentance. 9. And do not think you can say to yourselves, 'We have Abraham as our father.' I tell you that out of these stones God can raise up children for Abraham. 10. The ax is already at the root of the trees, and every tree that does not produce good fruit will be cut down and thrown into the fire. 11. "I baptize you with water for repentance. But after me comes one who is more powerful than I, whose sandals I am not worthy to carry. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire. 12. His winnowing fork is in his hand, and he will clear his threshing floor, gathering his wheat into the barn and burning up the chaff with unquenchable fire." 13. Then Jesus came from Galilee to the Jordan to be baptized by John. 14. But John tried to deter him, saying, "I need to be baptized by you, and do you come to me?" 15. Jesus replied, "Let it be so now; it is proper for us to do this to fulfill all righteousness." Then John consented. 16. As soon as Jesus was baptized, he went up out of the water. At that moment heaven was opened, and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove and alighting on him. 17. And a voice from heaven said, "This is my Son, whom I love; with him I am well pleased." 


Isaiah: 1. 1. The vision concerning Judah and Jerusalem that Isaiah son of Amoz saw during the reigns of Uzziah, Jotham, Ahaz and Hezekiah, kings of Judah. 2. Hear me, you heavens! Listen, earth! For the Lord has spoken: "I reared children and brought them up, but they have rebelled against me. 3. The ox knows its master, the donkey its owner's manger, but Israel does not know, my people do not understand." 4. Woe to the sinful nation, a people whose guilt is great, a brood of evildoers, children given to corruption! They have forsaken the Lord; they have spurned the Holy One of Israel and turned their backs on him. 5. Why should you be beaten anymore? Why do you persist in rebellion? Your whole head is injured, your whole heart afflicted. 6. From the sole of your foot to the top of your head there is no soundness— only wounds and welts and open sores, not cleansed or bandaged or soothed with olive oil. 7. Your country is desolate, your cities burned with fire; your fields are being stripped by foreigners right before you, laid waste as when overthrown by strangers. 8. Daughter Zion is left like a shelter in a vineyard, like a hut in a cucumber field, like a city under siege. 9. Unless the Lord Almighty had left us some survivors, we would have become like Sodom, we would have been like Gomorrah. 10. Hear the word of the Lord, you rulers of Sodom; listen to the instruction of our God, you people of Gomorrah! 11. "The multitude of your sacrifices— what are they to me?" says the Lord. "I have more than enough of burnt offerings, of rams and the fat of fattened animals; I have no pleasure in the blood of bulls and lambs and goats. 12. When you come to appear before me, who has asked this of you, this trampling of my courts? 13. Stop bringing meaningless offerings! Your incense is detestable to me. New Moons, Sabbaths and convocations— I cannot bear your worthless assemblies. 14. Your New Moon feasts and your appointed festivals I hate with all my being. They have become a burden to me; I am weary of bearing them. 15. When you spread out your hands in prayer, I hide my eyes from you; even when you offer many prayers, I am not listening. Your hands are full of blood! 16. Wash and make yourselves clean. Take your evil deeds out of my sight; stop doing wrong. 17. Learn to do right; seek justice. Defend the oppressed. Take up the cause of the fatherless; plead the case of the widow.

OPEN HEAVENS DAILY DEVOTIONAL BY PASTOR E.A.ADEBOYE, 31/12/2016

OPEN HEAVENS DAILY DEVOTIONAL.

DATE: SATURDAY 31ST DECEMBER 2016. 

THEME: ACCEPTABLE SERVICE 

Memorise: 

Pure religion and undefiled before God and the Father is this, To visit the fatherless and widows in their affliction, and to keep himself unspotted from the world. 
James 1:27

Read: Romans 12:1-2

12:1 I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service.


12:2 And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God. 

MESSAGE

The major difference between David and the other soldiers at the war front was simply the fact that David could not stand the insult and blasphemy against the God of Israel. He knew God so well, and he feared and honoured Him so much that he decided to confront the giant warrior called Goliath without any fear of losing his life. David, in this case, took the meaning of acceptable service to another level. It can be very painful when the authority of God is so challenged, you will want to do anything to defend Him even if it means doing so with your life. In 1 Samuel 17:23-26, Goliath came out, boasted exceedingly and asked; "Where is the God of Israel?" For as many as had no intimate relationship with God, this threat, challenge and disgrace meant nothing to them. But then, one day, a little boy who loved the Lord was there, he heard Goliath talk against his God and he got very angry. His love for God propelled him to dare this giant that was bringing shame on God and His people. 


It can be very painful when you have a problem that has persisted, especially when you know that your God is more than able to solve it. People may even ask, "Did you not say your God can do all things? Why has He not done yours?" Yes, it can be painful, but you must be prepared to love God to the extent of not minding what people say about your condition. 

In Palms 115:1-3, when the unbelievers were asking the psalmist: "Where is your God?" instead of being embarrassed or wallow in self-pity, he was not bothered. Infact, he began to make excuses for God because of his love for Him. He replied them: "Are you asking of my God because of this little problem? My God is still in Heaven. He is still on the throne and He cannot be dethroned. If you must know, my God does whatever He pleases and He is not accountable to anyone. Whether He does it or not, you cannot take Him to court. He knows the right time to solve this problem because your time and mine may not be His. Is it not for me? I am prepared to wait for His time; I am not in any hurry". With that kind of answer, the mouths of the enemies will be stopped. How much do you love God? The proof of your love for God against all odds is the mark of an acceptable service unto Him!

Prayer Point:

Father, I commit my life to You wholeheartedly. 


BIBLE IN ONE YEAR:
Numbers 7:84-10:10
Psalms 140

AUTHOR: PASTOR E. A. ADEBOYE 

HYMN 14: ONWARD CHRISTIAN SOLDIERS


Onward, Christian soldiers, 
Marching as to war, 
With the cross of Jesus going on before. 
Christ the royal Master, 
Leads against the foe; 
Forward into battle, 
See His banners go! 

Chorus:
Onward, Christian soldiers! 

Marching as to war, 
Looking unto Jesus, 
Who is gone before. 

At the sign of triumph 
Satan's host doth flee; 
On then, Christian soldiers, 

On to victory! 
Hell's foundations quiver 
At the shout of praise; 
Brothers, lift your voices, 
Loud your anthems raise. 

Chorus:

Like a mighty army 
Moves the church of God; 
Brothers, we are treading 
Where the saints have trod. 

We are not divided, 
All one body we, 
One in hope and doctrine, 
One in charity. 

Chorus:

Crowns and thrones may perish, 
Kingdoms rise and wane, 
But the church of Jesus 
Constant will remain. 
Gates of hell can never 
Gainst that church prevail; 
We have Christ's own promise, 
And that cannot fail. 

Chorus:

Onward then, ye people, 
Join our happy throng, 
Blend with ours your voices 

In the triumph song. 
Glory, laud, and honor 
Unto Christ the King, 
This through countless ages 
Men and angels sing.

Chorus.

BIBLE IN ONE YEAR PASSAGES

Numbers: 7. 8. and he gave four carts and eight oxen to the Merarites, as their work required. They were all under the direction of Ithamar son of Aaron, the priest. 9. But Moses did not give any to the Kohathites, because they were to carry on their shoulders the holy things, for which they were responsible. 10. When the altar was anointed, the leaders brought their offerings for its dedication and presented them before the altar. 11. For the Lord had said to Moses, "Each day one leader is to bring his offering for the dedication of the altar." 12. The one who brought his offering on the first day was Nahshon son of Amminadab of the tribe of Judah. 13. His offering was one silver plate weighing a hundred and thirty shekels and one silver sprinkling bowl weighing seventy shekels, both according to the sanctuary shekel, each filled with the finest flour mixed with olive oil as a grain offering; 14. one gold dish weighing ten shekels, filled with incense; 15. one young bull, one ram and one male lamb a year old for a burnt offering; 16. one male goat for a sin offering ; 17. and two oxen, five rams, five male goats and five male lambs a year old to be sacrificed as a fellowship offering. This was the offering of Nahshon son of Amminadab. 18. On the second day Nethanel son of Zuar, the leader of Issachar, brought his offering. 19. The offering he brought was one silver plate weighing a hundred and thirty shekels and one silver sprinkling bowl weighing seventy shekels, both according to the sanctuary shekel, each filled with the finest flour mixed with olive oil as a grain offering; 20. one gold dish weighing ten shekels, filled with incense; 21. one young bull, one ram and one male lamb a year old for a burnt offering; 22. one male goat for a sin offering; 23. and two oxen, five rams, five male goats and five male lambs a year old to be sacrificed as a fellowship offering. This was the offering of Nethanel son of Zuar. 24. On the third day, Eliab son of Helon, the leader of the people of Zebulun, brought his offering. 25. His offering was one silver plate weighing a hundred and thirty shekels and one silver sprinkling bowl weighing seventy shekels, both according to the sanctuary shekel, each filled with the finest flour mixed with olive oil as a grain offering; 26. one gold dish weighing ten shekels, filled with incense; 27. one young bull, one ram and one male lamb a year old for a burnt offering; 28. one male goat for a sin offering; 29. and two oxen, five rams, five male goats and five male lambs a year old to be sacrificed as a fellowship offering. This was the offering of Eliab son of Helon. 30. On the fourth day Elizur son of Shedeur, the leader of the people of Reuben, brought his offering. 31. His offering was one silver plate weighing a hundred and thirty shekels and one silver sprinkling bowl weighing seventy shekels, both according to the sanctuary shekel, each filled with the finest flour mixed with olive oil as a grain offering; 32. one gold dish weighing ten shekels, filled with incense; 33. one young bull, one ram and one male lamb a year old for a burnt offering; 34. one male goat for a sin offering; 35. and two oxen, five rams, five male goats and five male lambs a year old to be sacrificed as a fellowship offering. This was the offering of Elizur son of Shedeur. 36. On the fifth day Shelumiel son of Zurishaddai, the leader of the people of Simeon, brought his offering. 37. His offering was one silver plate weighing a hundred and thirty shekels and one silver sprinkling bowl weighing seventy shekels, both according to the sanctuary shekel, each filled with the finest flour mixed with olive oil as a grain offering; 38. one gold dish weighing ten shekels, filled with incense; 39. one young bull, one ram and one male lamb a year old for a burnt offering; 40. one male goat for a sin offering; 41. and two oxen, five rams, five male goats and five male lambs a year old to be sacrificed as a fellowship offering. This was the offering of Shelumiel son of Zurishaddai. 42. On the sixth day Eliasaph son of Deuel, the leader of the people of Gad, brought his offering. 43. His offering was one silver plate weighing a hundred and thirty shekels and one silver sprinkling bowl weighing seventy shekels, both according to the sanctuary shekel, each filled with the finest flour mixed with olive oil as a grain offering; 44. one gold dish weighing ten shekels, filled with incense; 45. one young bull, one ram and one male lamb a year old for a burnt offering; 46. one male goat for a sin offering; 47. and two oxen, five rams, five male goats and five male lambs a year old to be sacrificed as a fellowship offering. This was the offering of Eliasaph son of Deuel. 48. On the seventh day Elishama son of Ammihud, the leader of the people of Ephraim, brought his offering. 49. His offering was one silver plate weighing a hundred and thirty shekels and one silver sprinkling bowl weighing seventy shekels, both according to the sanctuary shekel, each filled with the finest flour mixed with olive oil as a grain offering; 50. one gold dish weighing ten shekels, filled with incense; 51. one young bull, one ram and one male lamb a year old for a burnt offering; 52. one male goat for a sin offering; 53. and two oxen, five rams, five male goats and five male lambs a year old to be sacrificed as a fellowship offering. This was the offering of Elishama son of Ammihud. 54. On the eighth day Gamaliel son of Pedahzur, the leader of the people of Manasseh, brought his offering. 55. His offering was one silver plate weighing a hundred and thirty shekels and one silver sprinkling bowl weighing seventy shekels, both according to the sanctuary shekel, each filled with the finest flour mixed with olive oil as a grain offering; 56. one gold dish weighing ten shekels, filled with incense; 57. one young bull, one ram and one male lamb a year old for a burnt offering; 58. one male goat for a sin offering; 59. and two oxen, five rams, five male goats and five male lambs a year old to be sacrificed as a fellowship offering. This was the offering of Gamaliel son of Pedahzur. 60. On the ninth day Abidan son of Gideoni, the leader of the people of Benjamin, brought his offering. 61. His offering was one silver plate weighing a hundred and thirty shekels and one silver sprinkling bowl weighing seventy shekels, both according to the sanctuary shekel, each filled with the finest flour mixed with olive oil as a grain offering; 62. one gold dish weighing ten shekels, filled with incense; 63. one young bull, one ram and one male lamb a year old for a burnt offering; 64. one male goat for a sin offering; 65. and two oxen, five rams, five male goats and five male lambs a year old to be sacrificed as a fellowship offering. This was the offering of Abidan son of Gideoni. 66. On the tenth day Ahiezer son of Ammishaddai, the leader of the people of Dan, brought his offering. 67. His offering was one silver plate weighing a hundred and thirty shekels and one silver sprinkling bowl weighing seventy shekels, both according to the sanctuary shekel, each filled with the finest flour mixed with olive oil as a grain offering; 68. one gold dish weighing ten shekels, filled with incense; 69. one young bull, one ram and one male lamb a year old for a burnt offering; 70. one male goat for a sin offering; 71. and two oxen, five rams, five male goats and five male lambs a year old to be sacrificed as a fellowship offering. This was the offering of Ahiezer son of Ammishaddai. 72. On the eleventh day Pagiel son of Okran, the leader of the people of Asher, brought his offering. 73. His offering was one silver plate weighing a hundred and thirty shekels and one silver sprinkling bowl weighing seventy shekels, both according to the sanctuary shekel, each filled with the finest flour mixed with olive oil as a grain offering; 74. one gold dish weighing ten shekels, filled with incense; 75. one young bull, one ram and one male lamb a year old for a burnt offering; 76. one male goat for a sin offering; 77. and two oxen, five rams, five male goats and five male lambs a year old to be sacrificed as a fellowship offering. This was the offering of Pagiel son of Okran. 78. On the twelfth day Ahira son of Enan, the leader of the people of Naphtali, brought his offering. 79. His offering was one silver plate weighing a hundred and thirty shekels and one silver sprinkling bowl weighing seventy shekels, both according to the sanctuary shekel, each filled with the finest flour mixed with olive oil as a grain offering; 80. one gold dish weighing ten shekels, filled with incense; 81. one young bull, one ram and one male lamb a year old for a burnt offering; 82. one male goat for a sin offering; 83. and two oxen, five rams, five male goats and five male lambs a year old to be sacrificed as a fellowship offering. This was the offering of Ahira son of Enan. 84. These were the offerings of the Israelite leaders for the dedication of the altar when it was anointed: twelve silver plates, twelve silver sprinkling bowls and twelve gold dishes. 85. Each silver plate weighed a hundred and thirty shekels, and each sprinkling bowl seventy shekels. Altogether, the silver dishes weighed two thousand four hundred shekels, according to the sanctuary shekel. 86. The twelve gold dishes filled with incense weighed ten shekels each, according to the sanctuary shekel. Altogether, the gold dishes weighed a hundred and twenty shekels.  87. The total number of animals for the burnt offering came to twelve young bulls, twelve rams and twelve male lambs a year old, together with their grain offering. Twelve male goats were used for the sin offering. 88. The total number of animals for the sacrifice of the fellowship offering came to twenty-four oxen, sixty rams, sixty male goats and sixty male lambs a year old. These were the offerings for the dedication of the altar after it was anointed. 89. When Moses entered the tent of meeting to speak with the Lord, he heard the voice speaking to him from between the two cherubim above the atonement cover on the ark of the covenant law. In this way the Lord spoke to him. 


Numbers: 8. 1. The Lord said to Moses, 2. "Speak to Aaron and say to him, 'When you set up the lamps, see that all seven light up the area in front of the lampstand.'" 3. Aaron did so; he set up the lamps so that they faced forward on the lampstand, just as the Lord commanded Moses. 4. This is how the lampstand was made: It was made of hammered gold—from its base to its blossoms. The lampstand was made exactly like the pattern the Lord had shown Moses. 5. The Lord said to Moses: 6. "Take the Levites from among all the Israelites and make them ceremonially clean. 7. To purify them, do this: Sprinkle the water of cleansing on them; then have them shave their whole bodies and wash their clothes. And so they will purify themselves. 8. Have them take a young bull with its grain offering of the finest flour mixed with olive oil; then you are to take a second young bull for a sin offering.  9. Bring the Levites to the front of the tent of meeting and assemble the whole Israelite community. 10. You are to bring the Levites before the Lord, and the Israelites are to lay their hands on them. 11. Aaron is to present the Levites before the Lord as a wave offering from the Israelites, so that they may be ready to do the work of the Lord. 12. "Then the Levites are to lay their hands on the heads of the bulls, using one for a sin offering to the Lord and the other for a burnt offering, to make atonement for the Levites. 13. Have the Levites stand in front of Aaron and his sons and then present them as a wave offering to the Lord. 14. In this way you are to set the Levites apart from the other Israelites, and the Levites will be mine. 15. "After you have purified the Levites and presented them as a wave offering, they are to come to do their work at the tent of meeting. 16. They are the Israelites who are to be given wholly to me. I have taken them as my own in place of the firstborn, the first male offspring from every Israelite woman. 17. Every firstborn male in Israel, whether human or animal, is mine. When I struck down all the firstborn in Egypt, I set them apart for myself. 18. And I have taken the Levites in place of all the firstborn sons in Israel. 19. From among all the Israelites, I have given the Levites as gifts to Aaron and his sons to do the work at the tent of meeting on behalf of the Israelites and to make atonement for them so that no plague will strike the Israelites when they go near the sanctuary." 20. Moses, Aaron and the whole Israelite community did with the Levites just as the Lord commanded Moses. 21. The Levites purified themselves and washed their clothes. Then Aaron presented them as a wave offering before the Lord and made atonement for them to purify them. 22. After that, the Levites came to do their work at the tent of meeting under the supervision of Aaron and his sons. They did with the Levites just as the Lord commanded Moses. 23. The Lord said to Moses, 24. "This applies to the Levites: Men twenty-five years old or more shall come to take part in the work at the tent of meeting, 25. but at the age of fifty, they must retire from their regular service and work no longer. 26. They may assist their brothers in performing their duties at the tent of meeting, but they themselves must not do the work. This, then, is how you are to assign the responsibilities of the Levites." 


Numbers: 9. 1. The Lord spoke to Moses in the Desert of Sinai in the first month of the second year after they came out of Egypt. He said, 2. "Have the Israelites celebrate the Passover at the appointed time. 3. Celebrate it at the appointed time, at twilight on the fourteenth day of this month, in accordance with all its rules and regulations." 4. So Moses told the Israelites to celebrate the Passover, 5. and they did so in the Desert of Sinai at twilight on the fourteenth day of the first month. The Israelites did everything just as the Lord commanded Moses. 6. But some of them could not celebrate the Passover on that day because they were ceremonially unclean on account of a dead body. So they came to Moses and Aaron that same day 7. and said to Moses, "We have become unclean because of a dead body, but why should we be kept from presenting the Lord's offering with the other Israelites at the appointed time?" 8. Moses answered them, "Wait until I find out what the Lord commands concerning you." 9. Then the Lord said to Moses, 10. "Tell the Israelites: 'When any of you or your descendants are unclean because of a dead body or are away on a journey, they are still to celebrate the Lord's Passover, 11. but they are to do it on the fourteenth day of the second month at twilight. They are to eat the lamb, together with unleavened bread and bitter herbs. 12. They must not leave any of it till morning or break any of its bones. When they celebrate the Passover, they must follow all the regulations. 13. But if anyone who is ceremonially clean and not on a journey fails to celebrate the Passover, they must be cut off from their people for not presenting the Lord's offering at the appointed time. They will bear the consequences of their sin. 14. "'A foreigner residing among you is also to celebrate the Lord's Passover in accordance with its rules and regulations. You must have the same regulations for both the foreigner and the native-born.'" 15. On the day the tabernacle, the tent of the covenant law, was set up, the cloud covered it. From evening till morning the cloud above the tabernacle looked like fire. 16. That is how it continued to be; the cloud covered it, and at night it looked like fire. 17. Whenever the cloud lifted from above the tent, the Israelites set out; wherever the cloud settled, the Israelites encamped. 18. At the Lord's command the Israelites set out, and at his command they encamped. As long as the cloud stayed over the tabernacle, they remained in camp. 19. When the cloud remained over the tabernacle a long time, the Israelites obeyed the Lord's order and did not set out. 20. Sometimes the cloud was over the tabernacle only a few days; at the Lord's command they would encamp, and then at his command they would set out. 21. Sometimes the cloud stayed only from evening till morning, and when it lifted in the morning, they set out. Whether by day or by night, whenever the cloud lifted, they set out. 22. Whether the cloud stayed over the tabernacle for two days or a month or a year, the Israelites would remain in camp and not set out; but when it lifted, they would set out. 23. At the Lord's command they encamped, and at the Lord's command they set out. They obeyed the Lord's order, in accordance with his command through Moses.


Numbers: 10. 1. The Lord said to Moses: 2. "Make two trumpets of hammered silver, and use them for calling the community together and for having the camps set out. 3. When both are sounded, the whole community is to assemble before you at the entrance to the tent of meeting. 4. If only one is sounded, the leaders—the heads of the clans of Israel—are to assemble before you. 5. When a trumpet blast is sounded, the tribes camping on the east are to set out. 6. At the sounding of a second blast, the camps on the south are to set out. The blast will be the signal for setting out. 7. To gather the assembly, blow the trumpets, but not with the signal for setting out. 8. "The sons of Aaron, the priests, are to blow the trumpets. This is to be a lasting ordinance for you and the generations to come. 9. When you go into battle in your own land against an enemy who is oppressing you, sound a blast on the trumpets. Then you will be remembered by the Lord your God and rescued from your enemies. 10. Also at your times of rejoicing—your appointed festivals and New Moon feasts—you are to sound the trumpets over your burnt offerings and fellowship offerings, and they will be a memorial for you before your God. I am the Lord your God.


Psalm: 140. 1. 【For the director of music. A psalm of David.】
Rescue me, Lord, from evildoers; protect me from the violent, 2. who devise evil plans in their hearts and stir up war every day. 3. They make their tongues as sharp as a serpent's; the poison of vipers is on their lips.  4. Keep me safe, Lord, from the hands of the wicked; protect me from the violent, who devise ways to trip my feet. 5. The arrogant have hidden a snare for me; they have spread out the cords of their net and have set traps for me along my path. 6. I say to the Lord, "You are my God." Hear, Lord, my cry for mercy. 7. Sovereign Lord, my strong deliverer, you shield my head in the day of battle. 8. Do not grant the wicked their desires, Lord; do not let their plans succeed. 9. Those who surround me proudly rear their heads; may the mischief of their lips engulf them. 10. May burning coals fall on them; may they be thrown into the fire, into miry pits, never to rise. 11. May slanderers not be established in the land; may disaster hunt down the violent. 12. I know that the Lord secures justice for the poor and upholds the cause of the needy. 13. Surely the righteous will praise your name, and the upright will live in your presence.

OPEN HEAVENS DAILY DEVOTIONAL BY PASTOR E.A.ADEBOYE, 30/12/2016

OPEN HEAVENS DAILY DEVOTIONAL...

DATE: FRIDAY 30TH DECEMBER 2016

THEME: THE LORD'S SPOKESMAN


Memorise:

Now then we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God did beseech you by us: we pray you in Christ's stead, be ye reconciled to God. 2 Corinthians 5:20

Read: 1 Peter 4:10-11

4:10 As every man hath received the gift, even so minister the same one to another, as good stewards of the manifold grace of God.

4:11 If any man speak, let him speak as the oracles of God; if any man minister, let him do it as of the ability which God giveth: that God in all things may be glorified through Jesus Christ, to whom be praise and dominion for ever and ever. Amen.


MESSAGE

The first instruction that God usually gives to any appointed spokesperson in the Bible is to be bold. Moses, Joshua, Jeremiah, and Ezekiel were all enjoined to be bold and courageous to face the task ahead of them. This is simply because human beings are always rebellious to God's commandments, this is more so with the rich, powerful and influential people in the society. Without boldness, it becomes difficult to speak against such prominent people out of fear of reprisal. However, when God surrounds your life with His presence as a mountain, you become immune to all attacks of your enemies. It is not that they won't try; but their attempts will fail. Many believers take God's protection for granted, because it is not physical or tangible to them, however, it is very visible to their enemies who operate in the negative spiritual realm.
For so long, Satan desired to harm Job but could not, because of the protective wall he called a hedge.

"Hast not thou made an hedge about him, and about his house, and about all that he hath on every side? thou hast blessed the work of his hands, and his substance is increased in the land." Job 1:10

The enemy knows the areas God's protection covers in the lives of believers. They know the areas that are exposed, and and it is those exposed parts that they usually target. If you are toying with sin, you are gradually exposing yourself to the enemies. From Satan's reply, he must have been frustrated in previous attempts to harm Job. He could touch just anybody but Job. As long as you are inside the protective cover of the Lord, the enemies will be frustrated concerning you. They will look for every opportunity to strike at you, but finding none, they will attempt to distract you from the path of holiness into sin. If they can succeed in getting you to sin and especially get you to continue in that sin, God will withdraw, and they will take over. Ensure you remain under His cover.

Prayer Point:

Father, please, help me never to shed Your covering over me in Jesus' name.

BIBLE IN ONE YEAR:
Numbers 7:1-83

Psalms 139:17-24

AUTHOR: PASTOR E. A. ADEBOYE

HYMN 13: WONDERFUL STORY OF LOVE

1. Wonderful story of love;
Tell it to me again;
Wonderful story of love;
Wake the immortal strain!
Angels with rapture announce it,
Shepherds with wonder receive it;

Sinner, oh, won’t you believe it?

Chorus:
Wonderful story of love,
Wonderful! Wonderful!
Wonderful, wonderful story of love.

2. Wonderful story of love;
Though you are far away;
Wonderful story of love;
Still He doth call today;

Calling from Calvary’s mountain,
Down from the crystal-bright fountain,
E’en from the dawn of creation,

Chorus:

3. Wonderful story of love;
Jesus provides a rest;
Wonderful story of love;
For all the pure and blest,
Rest in those mansions above us,
With those who’ve gone on before us,
Singing the rapturous chorus

Chorus.

BIBLE PASSAGES IN ONE YEAR

Numbers: 7. 1. When Moses finished setting up the tabernacle, he anointed and consecrated it and all its furnishings. He also anointed and consecrated the altar and all its utensils. 2. Then the leaders of Israel, the heads of families who were the tribal leaders in charge of those who were counted, made offerings. 3. They brought as their gifts before the Lord six covered carts and twelve oxen—an ox from each leader and a cart from every two. These they presented before the tabernacle. 4. The Lord said to Moses, 5. "Accept these from them, that they may be used in the work at the tent of meeting. Give them to the Levites as each man's work requires." 6. So Moses took the carts and oxen and gave them to the Levites. 7. He gave two carts and four oxen to the Gershonites, as their work required, 8. and he gave four carts and eight oxen to the Merarites, as their work required. They were all under the direction of Ithamar son of Aaron, the priest. 9. But Moses did not give any to the Kohathites, because they were to carry on their shoulders the holy things, for which they were responsible. 10. When the altar was anointed, the leaders brought their offerings for its dedication and presented them before the altar. 11. For the Lord had said to Moses, "Each day one leader is to bring his offering for the dedication of the altar." 12. The one who brought his offering on the first day was Nahshon son of Amminadab of the tribe of Judah. 13. His offering was one silver plate weighing a hundred and thirty shekels and one silver sprinkling bowl weighing seventy shekels, both according to the sanctuary shekel, each filled with the finest flour mixed with olive oil as a grain offering; 14. one gold dish weighing ten shekels, filled with incense; 15. one young bull, one ram and one male lamb a year old for a burnt offering; 16. one male goat for a sin offering ; 17. and two oxen, five rams, five male goats and five male lambs a year old to be sacrificed as a fellowship offering. This was the offering of Nahshon son of Amminadab. 18. On the second day Nethanel son of Zuar, the leader of Issachar, brought his offering. 19. The offering he brought was one silver plate weighing a hundred and thirty shekels and one silver sprinkling bowl weighing seventy shekels, both according to the sanctuary shekel, each filled with the finest flour mixed with olive oil as a grain offering; 20. one gold dish weighing ten shekels, filled with incense; 21. one young bull, one ram and one male lamb a year old for a burnt offering; 22. one male goat for a sin offering; 23. and two oxen, five rams, five male goats and five male lambs a year old to be sacrificed as a fellowship offering. This was the offering of Nethanel son of Zuar. 24. On the third day, Eliab son of Helon, the leader of the people of Zebulun, brought his offering. 25. His offering was one silver plate weighing a hundred and thirty shekels and one silver sprinkling bowl weighing seventy shekels, both according to the sanctuary shekel, each filled with the finest flour mixed with olive oil as a grain offering; 26. one gold dish weighing ten shekels, filled with incense; 27. one young bull, one ram and one male lamb a year old for a burnt offering; 28. one male goat for a sin offering; 29. and two oxen, five rams, five male goats and five male lambs a year old to be sacrificed as a fellowship offering. This was the offering of Eliab son of Helon. 30. On the fourth day Elizur son of Shedeur, the leader of the people of Reuben, brought his offering. 31. His offering was one silver plate weighing a hundred and thirty shekels and one silver sprinkling bowl weighing seventy shekels, both according to the sanctuary shekel, each filled with the finest flour mixed with olive oil as a grain offering; 32. one gold dish weighing ten shekels, filled with incense; 33. one young bull, one ram and one male lamb a year old for a burnt offering; 34. one male goat for a sin offering; 35. and two oxen, five rams, five male goats and five male lambs a year old to be sacrificed as a fellowship offering. This was the offering of Elizur son of Shedeur. 36. On the fifth day Shelumiel son of Zurishaddai, the leader of the people of Simeon, brought his offering. 37. His offering was one silver plate weighing a hundred and thirty shekels and one silver sprinkling bowl weighing seventy shekels, both according to the sanctuary shekel, each filled with the finest flour mixed with olive oil as a grain offering; 38. one gold dish weighing ten shekels, filled with incense; 39. one young bull, one ram and one male lamb a year old for a burnt offering; 40. one male goat for a sin offering; 41. and two oxen, five rams, five male goats and five male lambs a year old to be sacrificed as a fellowship offering. This was the offering of Shelumiel son of Zurishaddai. 42. On the sixth day Eliasaph son of Deuel, the leader of the people of Gad, brought his offering. 43. His offering was one silver plate weighing a hundred and thirty shekels and one silver sprinkling bowl weighing seventy shekels, both according to the sanctuary shekel, each filled with the finest flour mixed with olive oil as a grain offering; 44. one gold dish weighing ten shekels, filled with incense; 45. one young bull, one ram and one male lamb a year old for a burnt offering; 46. one male goat for a sin offering; 47. and two oxen, five rams, five male goats and five male lambs a year old to be sacrificed as a fellowship offering. This was the offering of Eliasaph son of Deuel. 48. On the seventh day Elishama son of Ammihud, the leader of the people of Ephraim, brought his offering. 49. His offering was one silver plate weighing a hundred and thirty shekels and one silver sprinkling bowl weighing seventy shekels, both according to the sanctuary shekel, each filled with the finest flour mixed with olive oil as a grain offering; 50. one gold dish weighing ten shekels, filled with incense; 51. one young bull, one ram and one male lamb a year old for a burnt offering; 52. one male goat for a sin offering; 53. and two oxen, five rams, five male goats and five male lambs a year old to be sacrificed as a fellowship offering. This was the offering of Elishama son of Ammihud. 54. On the eighth day Gamaliel son of Pedahzur, the leader of the people of Manasseh, brought his offering. 55. His offering was one silver plate weighing a hundred and thirty shekels and one silver sprinkling bowl weighing seventy shekels, both according to the sanctuary shekel, each filled with the finest flour mixed with olive oil as a grain offering; 56. one gold dish weighing ten shekels, filled with incense; 57. one young bull, one ram and one male lamb a year old for a burnt offering; 58. one male goat for a sin offering; 59. and two oxen, five rams, five male goats and five male lambs a year old to be sacrificed as a fellowship offering. This was the offering of Gamaliel son of Pedahzur. 60. On the ninth day Abidan son of Gideoni, the leader of the people of Benjamin, brought his offering. 61. His offering was one silver plate weighing a hundred and thirty shekels and one silver sprinkling bowl weighing seventy shekels, both according to the sanctuary shekel, each filled with the finest flour mixed with olive oil as a grain offering; 62. one gold dish weighing ten shekels, filled with incense; 63. one young bull, one ram and one male lamb a year old for a burnt offering; 64. one male goat for a sin offering; 65. and two oxen, five rams, five male goats and five male lambs a year old to be sacrificed as a fellowship offering. This was the offering of Abidan son of Gideoni. 66. On the tenth day Ahiezer son of Ammishaddai, the leader of the people of Dan, brought his offering. 67. His offering was one silver plate weighing a hundred and thirty shekels and one silver sprinkling bowl weighing seventy shekels, both according to the sanctuary shekel, each filled with the finest flour mixed with olive oil as a grain offering; 68. one gold dish weighing ten shekels, filled with incense; 69. one young bull, one ram and one male lamb a year old for a burnt offering; 70. one male goat for a sin offering; 71. and two oxen, five rams, five male goats and five male lambs a year old to be sacrificed as a fellowship offering. This was the offering of Ahiezer son of Ammishaddai. 72. On the eleventh day Pagiel son of Okran, the leader of the people of Asher, brought his offering. 73. His offering was one silver plate weighing a hundred and thirty shekels and one silver sprinkling bowl weighing seventy shekels, both according to the sanctuary shekel, each filled with the finest flour mixed with olive oil as a grain offering; 74. one gold dish weighing ten shekels, filled with incense; 75. one young bull, one ram and one male lamb a year old for a burnt offering; 76. one male goat for a sin offering; 77. and two oxen, five rams, five male goats and five male lambs a year old to be sacrificed as a fellowship offering. This was the offering of Pagiel son of Okran. 78. On the twelfth day Ahira son of Enan, the leader of the people of Naphtali, brought his offering. 79. His offering was one silver plate weighing a hundred and thirty shekels and one silver sprinkling bowl weighing seventy shekels, both according to the sanctuary shekel, each filled with the finest flour mixed with olive oil as a grain offering; 80. one gold dish weighing ten shekels, filled with incense; 81. one young bull, one ram and one male lamb a year old for a burnt offering; 82. one male goat for a sin offering; 83. and two oxen, five rams, five male goats and five male lambs a year old to be sacrificed as a fellowship offering. This was the offering of Ahira son of Enan.

Psalm: 139. 17. How precious to me are your thoughts, God! How vast is the sum of them! 18. Were I to count them, they would outnumber the grains of sand— when I awake, I am still with you. 19. If only you, God, would slay the wicked! Away from me, you who are bloodthirsty! 20. They speak of you with evil intent; your adversaries misuse your name. 21. Do I not hate those who hate you, Lord, and abhor those who are in rebellion against you? 22. I have nothing but hatred for them; I count them my enemies. 23. Search me, God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. 24. See if there is any offensive way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting.