OPEN HEAVENS DAILY DEVOTIONAL BY PASTOR E.A.ADEBOYE, 27/04/2018

Open Heaven 27 April 2018 Friday – BELATED CRIES FOR MERCY

Open Heaven 27 April 2018

Memorise: For he saith, I have heard thee in a time accepted, and in the day of salvation have I succoured thee: behold, now is the accepted time; behold, now is the day of salvation.2nd Corinthians 6:2

Read: Luke 16:19-26  Open Heaven 27 April 2018

19 There was a certain rich man, which was clothed in purple and fine linen, and fared sumptuously every day:

20 And there was a certain beggar named Lazarus, which was laid at his gate, full of sores,

21 And desiring to be fed with the crumbs which fell from the rich man’s table: moreover the dogs came and licked his sores.

22 And it came to pass, that the beggar died, and was carried by the angels into Abraham’s bosom: the rich man also died, and was buried;

23 And in hell he lift up his eyes, being in torments, and seeth Abraham afar off, and Lazarus in his bosom.

24 And he cried and said, Father Abraham, have mercy on me, and send Lazarus, that he may dip the tip of his finger in water, and cool my tongue; for I am tormented in this flame.

25 But Abraham said, Son, remember that thou in thy lifetime receivedst thy good things, and likewise Lazarus evil things: but now he is comforted, and thou art tormented.

26 And beside all this, between us and you there is a great gulf fixed: so that they which would pass from hence to you cannot; neither can they pass to us, that would come from thence.

 Bible in one year: Ruth 3-4, Hebrews 4:8-5:10

MESSAGE – OPEN HEAVEN 27 APRIL 2018 FRIDAY DAILY DEVOTIONAL

Whether you believe it or not, the verdict of God is irrevocable: all men have sinned and come short of His glory (Romans 3:23). To escape the everlasting punishment that is the consequence of the verdict, there is the need to cry to God for mercy, obtain forgiveness and live a life of righteousness. Some may say, “I want to enjoy my life the way I deem fit; don’t upset me with your message of doom.” May I further announce to you that there is a limited amount of time for you to cry to God for mercy on account of your sins and be heard. The Bible speaks of this limitation in Hebrews 9:27

“And as it is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgement:”

 Your cry for mercy can only be heard while you are still alive on earth. You can only die once, and immediately after you die you will come face to face with God’s judgement. At this point you can no longer cry for mercy, and there will be no second chance. For this reason, the Lord is warning you today against crying for mercy belatedly. The rich man in today’s Bible text is an example of someone who belatedly cried for mercy. His cries came after he had closed his eyes in death. Hear his plea to Abraham in Luke 16:23-24

“And in hell he lift up his eyes, being in torments, and seeth Abraham afar off, and Lazarus in his bosom. And he cried and said, Father Abraham, have mercy on me, and send Lazarus, that he may dip the tip of his finger in water, and cool my tongue; for I am tormented in this flame.”

OPEN HEAVEN 27 APRIL 2018

Alas, it was too late. The rich man’s cries could have been heard if they had been expressed while he was still alive, but he ignored the warnings of God sent through His messengers. On the other hand, the publican in Luke 18:9-14 is a good example of someone who cried for mercy while he could still be heard. The cry for mercy of the thief at Jesus’ side on the cross also came just in the nick of time, before he gave up the ghost. Beloved, today’s memory verse is food for thought that I want you to consider. If you have never asked God to forgive your sins, do it now for the salvation of your soul. I can assure you that it is either you cry for mercy here and obtain salvation, which is timely, or you will cry for mercy in the hereafter, which will be too late.

Prayer Point – Open Heaven 27 April 2018

Father, have mercy on me; please forgive me and help me never to do again those things that will send me to eternal torment.

SING HYMN 3 – WHAT CAN WASH AWAY MY SINS

What can wash away my sin?

Nothing but the blood of Jesus;

What can make me whole

again?

Nothing but the blood of Jesus.

Chorus:

Oh! Precious is the flow

That makes me white as snow;

No other fount I know,

Nothing but the blood of Jesus.

For my cleansing this I see

Nothing but the blood of Jesus!

For my pardon this my plea

Nothing but the blood of Jesus!

Nothing can my sin erase

Nothing but the blood of Jesus!

Naught of works, ‘tis all of grace

Nothing but the blood of Jesus!

This is all my hope and peace

Nothing but the blood of Jesus!

This is all my righteousness

Nothing but the blood of Jesus

OPEN HEAVENS DAILY DEVOTIONAL BY PASTOR E.A.ADEBOYE, 24/04/2018

Open Heaven 24 April 2018 Tuesday – POWER IN THE WORD

Open Heaven 24 April 2018Memorise: In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. John 1:1

Read: Hebrews 4:1-12 Open Heavens 24 April 2018

1 Let us therefore fear, lest, a promise being left us of entering into his rest, any of you should seem to come short of it.

2 For unto us was the gospel preached, as well as unto them: but the word preached did not profit them, not being mixed with faith in them that heard it.

3 For we which have believed do enter into rest, as he said, As I have sworn in my wrath, if they shall enter into my rest: although the works were finished from the foundation of the world.

4 For he spake in a certain place of the seventh day on this wise, And God did rest the seventh day from all his works.

5 And in this place again, If they shall enter into my rest.

6 Seeing therefore it remaineth that some must enter therein, and they to whom it was first preached entered not in because of unbelief:

7 Again, he limiteth a certain day, saying in David, Today, after so long a time; as it is said, Today if ye will hear his voice, harden not your hearts.

8 For if Jesus had given them rest, then would he not afterward have spoken of another day.

9 There remaineth therefore a rest to the people of God.

10 For he that is entered into his rest, he also hath ceased from his own works, as God did from his.

11 Let us labour therefore to enter into that rest, lest any man fall after the same example of unbelief.

12 For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any two edged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.

Open Heaven 24 April 2018

Bible in one year: Judges 19, Hebrews 1:1-2:4

Hymnal: Sing hymn 13

MESSAGE – OPEN HEAVEN 24 APRIL 2018 TUESDAY DAILY DEVOTIONAL

John 1:1 describes the Word of God as God himself. This implies that since God is the Almighty, the Word of God is also Almighty. It is therefore dangerous to trivialise the Word of God. No wonder Psalm 138:2 says,

“I will worship toward thy holy temple, and praise thy name for thy loving-kindness and for thy truth: for thou hast magnified thy word above all thy name.”

In light of this scripture, and considering the immense power embedded in the Name of Jesus, can you then imagine how powerful the word of God truly is? The power in the word of God was demonstrated at the creation of the world. To therefore understand the power in God’s word, just take a look at the universe around you. The Almighty God spoke the word and the word produced the entire universe. Psalm 148:3-5,

“Praise ye him, sun and moon: praise him, all ye stars of light. Praise him, ye heavens of heavens, and ye waters that be above the heavens. Let them praise the name of the LORD: for he commanded, and they were created.”

OPEN HEAVENS 24 APRIL 2018 TUESDAY

You may want ask: what can the word do for me? Well, for one thing, the word can heal you. In Matthew 8:5-13, there is the story of a centurion who begged Jesus Christ to heal his servant, and Jesus agreed to go with him to his house to heal his servant. However, the centurion demonstrated his understanding of the power in the spoken word, particularly that of the Almighty God. In Matthew 8:8 He profoundly said.

“…Lord, I am not worthy that thou shouldest come under my roof: but speak the word only, and my servant shall be healed.”

In responses to this demonstration of faith in the power of God’s word, Jesus Christ released the word and the required healing occurred. Matthew 8:13 says,

“And Jesus said unto the centurion, Go thy way; and as thou hast believed, so be it done unto thee. And his servant was healed in the selfsame hour.”

From this example, it is obvious that space and time are not a limitation to the power in God’s word. It does not matter where you are or how far gone the situation is; the word of God can touch you right where you are. All you need to do is believe (Mark 9:23). I therefore release the word of God to you today: “Be healed of every infirmity that ails you now, because the stripes of Jesus have set you free from that infirmity.” Beloved, believe in the power of God’s word today, and it will make you triumph over every situation of life. It is well with you.

Action Point – Open Heaven 24 April 2018

Speak the appropriate word of God to that challenge facing you today.

OPEN HEAVENS 24 APRIL 2018 TUESDAY HYMN

SING HYMN 13 – IMMORTAL. INVISIBLE GOD ONLY WISE

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.

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.

To all life Thou givest, to both

great and small;

In all life Thou livest, the true life

of all;

We bloosom and flourish as leaves

on the tree,

And wither and perish, but nought

Changeth Thee.

Great Father of Glory, pure

Father of 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

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.

OPEN HEAVENS DAILY DEVOTIONAL BY PASTOR E.A. ADEBOYE,2018 Saturday 13 January 2018

THE LORD MIGHTY IN BATTLE

Memorise: If it be so, our God whom we serve is able to deliver us from the burning fiery furnace, and he will deliver us out of thine hand, O king. Daniel 3:17

Bible Reading: Psalm 24:7-10

7 Lift up your heads, O ye gates; and be ye lift up, ye everlasting doors; and the King of glory shall come in.

8 Who is this King of glory? The LORD strong and mighty, the LORD mighty in battle.

9 Lift up your heads, O ye gates; even lift them up, ye everlasting doors; and the King of glory shall come in.

10 Who is this King of glory? The LORD of hosts, he is the King of glory.

BIBLE IN ONE YEAR: Genesis 29-30 and Revelation 12

Hymnal: Hymn 11

Message (Saturday 13 January 2018)

To live a fulfilled life worthy of their election, children of God must know their God as the Lord who is mighty in battle. The story of the three Hebrew boys is a classical example of what God is capable of doing for His children who know who He is (Daniel 3). They confronted the whole emperor of their time, Nebuchadnezzar, with faith in the supremacy of the power of their God over the affairs of men. There is a lesson we must learn from the story of Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego, which the Lord spelt out for us in clear terms in Luke 17:33, saying:

“Whosoever shall seek to save his life shall lose it; and whosoever shall lose his life shall preserve it.”

Note that it was after King Nebuchadnezzar had threatened to burn the three Hebrew boys that they declared that they were not afraid for their lives, even if they had to die defending what they believed in. What an amazing statement of faith this is:

“If it be so, our God whom we serve is able to deliver us from the burning fiery furnace, and he will deliver us out of thine hand, O king.” Daniel 3:17

It takes truly knowing God to make such a bold statement. No wonder Daniel 11:32 says,

“And such as do wickedly against the covenant shall he corrupt by flatteries: but the people that do know their God shall be strong, and do exploits.”

Do you know your God as a weakling or as a mighty warrior? To the three Hebrew boys, the God of Israel was more than able to deliver them, because they knew Him to be the Lord of hosts. He specialises in fighting all manner of battles in all realms. On the ground, He fought for the children of Israel against the Amalekites (Exodus 17:8-16).

In the midst of the sea, He fought for the Israelites against the Egyptians (Exodus 14:13-30). In the air, He fought for Joshua and the children of Israel against the forces of the five kings who gathered against them (Joshua 10:1-20). The awesomeness of this God made the Psalmist to describe Him as the Lord mighty in battle (Psalm 24:8). Beloved, what is that battle confronting you? You would be wise to run to God Almighty to fight for you. He is mighty in battle and has never lost any war. He will be your sure ally and you will be victorious in Jesus’ Name. Surrender your life to Him and hand over those battles of life to Him, and you will begin to enjoy victories without sweat through His involvement.

PRAYER POINT (Saturday 13 January 2018)

Father, please fight the battles of life confronting me today, and in every situation I will encounter this year, don’t let me be a victim but a victor, in Jesus’ Name.

AUTHOR: PASTOR E. A. ADEBOYE

Open Heaven 13 January 2018

HYMN 11: O GOD, OUR HELP IN AGES PAST

1. O God, our help in ages past,

Our hope for years to come,

Our shelter from the stormy blast,

And our eternal home.

2. Under the shadow of Thy throne,

Still may we dwell secure;

Sufficient is Thine arm alone,

And our defence is sure

3. Before the hills in order stood,

Or earth received her frame,

From everlasting Thou art God,

To endless years the same

4. A thousand ages in Thy sight

Are like an evening gone,

Short as the watch that ends the night

Before the rising sun.

5. Time, like an ever-rolling stream,

Bears all its sons away:

They fly forgotten, as a dream

Dies at the opening day.

6. O God, our help in ages past,

Our hope for years to come,

Be Thou our guard while life shall last,

And our eternal home.

OPEN HEAVENS DAILY DEVOTUONAL BY PASTOR E. A. ADEBOYE, 04/01/2018

OPEN HEAVENS DAILY DEVOTIONAL

DATE: THURSDAY 4TH JANUARY 2018

THEME: ONLY BELIEVE 


MEMORISE:

1. He that believeth on him is not condemned: but he that believeth not is condemned already, because he hath not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God. John 3:18 

READ: Romans 8:31-39

31 What shall we then say to these things? If God be for us, who can be against us?

32 He that spared not his own Son, but delivered him up for us all, how shall he not with him also freely give us all things?

33 Who shall lay any thing to the charge of God's elect? It is God that justifieth.

34 Who is he that condemneth? It is Christ that died, yea rather, that is risen again, who is even at the right hand of God, who also maketh intercession for us.

35 Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or unclothedness, or peril, or sword?

36 As it is written, For thy sake we are killed all the day long; we are accounted as sheep for the slaughter.

37 Nay, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him that loved us.

38 For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come,

39 Nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.


MESSAGE 

Whenever I ruminate over the many-sided blessings embedded in the Good News that came through our Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ, my heart is filled with great joy. I equally find it fascinating that no elaborate process involving complexities is required for us to access these blessings. Jesus did the hard work and made things simple for us. One of such blessings is freedom from condemnation. The righteous judgment of God against sin has brought all of mankind under condemnation. This is the reason why no man can escape the pain of guilt that results from sin, or the consequences that follow it. Romans 3:23 says,
“For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God,”

Romans 6:23 further says, 
“For the wages of sin is death,”

However, the Good News is that Jesus Christ gives us freedom from the condemnation that had put a seal on the destiny of all mankind. In Romans 8:1, this Good News says,

“There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit.”

Those who are in Christ Jesus can now live a life free from guilt of sin or the feeling of inadequacy resulting from past misdeeds. Their conscience is liberated from condemnation because they know their sins have been washed away by the precious blood of Jesus (Revelation 1:5). What does it take to access this blessings of freedom? Only Believe! Believe in the Person of the Lord Jesus Christ, believe He is who He says He is, and believe in the work of salvation He has completed. How do you know you truly believe all these? When your actions and confessions reflect what you claim to believe, that is when you truly believe.


Another blessing of the Good News that you can have access to by faith is the truth that Jesus Christ, though rich, became poor, so that through His poverty, you might be rich (2 Corinthians 8:9). Your faith in this article of the Good News will prevent you from doing diabolical or criminal things to get rich, because you know that your prosperity lies in the sacrificial life that the Master has lived. Believing in the words and works of Jesus gives us contentment, the absence of which brings many sorrows to those who want to be rich by any means (1 Timothy 6:6-10). Beloved, do you believe all these? If you do, live your life by the ideas of the Good News of the Lord Jesus Christ, and you will forever be free from condemnation, now and in eternity. 


PRAYER POINT: 
Father, please help me to live according to Your will, so that I may not be condemned with this world. Grant me grace not to lose sight of the words and works of Jesus. Amen.


BIBLE IN ONE YEAR: Genesis 8-10 and Revelation 3:7-22

AUTHOR: PASTOR E. A ADEBOYE 


HYMN 10: MY FAITH LOOKS UP TO THEE

1. My faith looks up to Thee,
Thou Lamb of Calvary,
Saviour 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.Whenlife’s swift race is run,
Death’s cold work almost done
Be near to me.
Blest Saviour, then in love,
Fear and distrust remove;
Oh, bear me safe above,
A ransomed soul!