Prayer Points on Today’s Open Heavens: {Thursday, February 22nd, 2018) – HE ALONE IS GOD

Open Heaven 22 February 2018

1.Merciful and compassionate Father, I worship and adore you.

2.Lord, I give you glory, honour and adoration and I acknowledge you, as the God over my life and the whole universe.

3.Thank you, Father, for bringing me out of the darkness of this world, into your marvelous light.

4.Father, in anyway, l have fallen short of your glory, please, have mercy and forgive me, in Jesus’ name.

5.I renounce the dominion of anyone, anything or power, over my life and destiny, except, that of the God of heaven and earth, my creator, in Jesus’ name.

6.Father, take dominion, authority and preeminence over my life and destiny, in Jesus’ name.

7.Father, let the veil covering the eyes of men and seals blinding their hearts, from recognising you, as God, be removed, today, and burnt to ashes, in Jesus’ name.

8.Father, I decree, that the mouth, I have to worship you, and the knees I have bowed to you, shall never be used to glorify or bow to an idol, in Jesus’ name.

9.Father, as you, saved my soul, please, use me to reach out and save as many who are still under satanic yokes, bondages and captivities, in Jesus’ name.

10.Father, meet Pastor E.A. Adeboye, the author of the open heavens daily devotional and general overseer of RCCG, at the points of his spiritual, material and financial needs, today, in Jesus’ name.

11.Father, let the RCCG, solemn assembly, starting this Sunday, the March Special Holy Ghost Service and the Biennial Missions Conference, following immediately after, at the Redemption Camp, Lagos, Nigeria, be lives transforming, unique and impactful progs, in Jesus’ name.

12.Your Personal petitions.
( Philippians 4:6)
13.In Jesus’ name I pray.
(John 14:13-14; 15:16)
14.Thank you Father for answered prayers.
(1 Thessalonians 5:18).

Open Heaven 23 February 2018

Topic: God With Multiple Names [Teens’ Open Heavens Wednesday 21st, February 2018]

Memorise: …and His name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The Everlasting Father, The Prince Of Peace. – Isaiah 9:6b

Read: Isaiah 9:6

6 For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace.

Bible In One Year: Numbers 5-6, Mark 4:1-20

MESSAGE:

It is the practice in public functions to introduce the special guests or dignitaries present. One person that may not be so easy to introduce is Jesus Christ. Each time He introduces Himself, He does it with a new name or title. If you meet Him today, He may say “I am the Word of God”. When you meet tomorrow, He may tell you He is the Lamb of God. The next time you meet with Him, He may introduce Himself as the Door. Occasionally, He may combine two and say He is the Resurrection and the Life. Sometimes, He may even roll three together and say: “I am the Way, the Truth and the Life”.

The God that we serve has uncountable names and it is so because God arranged it to meet each of our needs. Whatever your need, there is provision for you in one of His names and titles. In Luke 2:10 the angels introduced Him as Good tiding of Great Joy, this season, you shall receive good news in Jesus’ name.

Prayer Point: Lord Jesus, because you are the Good Tidings of Great Joy, terminate evil news coming my way and cause me to hear only good news throughout this year.

Hymn 8:

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 nought changeth Thee.

4. 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 splendour of light hideth Thee.

5. 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

Daily Devotional for Teen’s guide was written by Pastor E.A. Adeboye, the General Overseer of the Redeemed Christian Church of God, one of the largest evangelical church in the world and also the President of Christ the Redeemer’s Ministries.

Topic: Judged By The Company You Keep [Open Heavens 21 Wednesday February 2018]

Memorise: “Be ye not unequally yoked together with unbelievers: for what fellowship hath righteousness with unrighteousness? and what communion hath light with darkness?” – 2 Corinthians 6:14

Read: 2 Chronicles 18:28-32 (KJV)

28 So the king of Israel and Jehoshaphat the king of Judah went up to Ramothgilead.

29 And the king of Israel said unto Jehoshaphat, I will disguise myself, and will go to the battle; but put thou on thy robes. So the king of Israel disguised himself; and they went to the battle.

30 Now the king of Syria had commanded the captains of the chariots that were with him, saying, Fight ye not with small or great, save only with the king of Israel.

31 And it came to pass, when the captains of the chariots saw Jehoshaphat, that they said, It is the king of Israel. Therefore they compassed about him to fight: but Jehoshaphat cried out, and the LORD helped him; and God moved them to depart from him.

32 For it came to pass, that, when the captains of the chariots perceived that it was not the king of Israel, they turned back again from pursuing him.

Bible in One Year: Leviticus 19-20; 1 Corinthians 8:1-9:7

MESSAGE

“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.” – Psalm 1:1

Why does the Holy Spirit counsel us not to walk in the counsel of the ungodly, or stand in the way of sinners, or sit in the seat of the scornful? It is simply because you will be judged by the company you keep. The story in today’s text is food for thought and a lesson to all those who think they can still keep their old friends after their new birth experience. Jehoshaphat, the godly king of Judah went in the company of Ahab, the evil king of Israel, to fight a battle. Despite the warning by God’s prophet that the outcome of the battle would not be favorable, he still went ahead with Ahab to fight in this battle (2 Chronicle 18:9-16). Meanwhile, Ahab decided to disguise himself as an ordinary soldier, while he persuaded Jehoshaphat to dress in his royal robes. Unknown to Jehoshaphat, the king of Syria had instructed his soldiers to go after the king of Israel alone. So, on sighting Jehoshaphat dressed in royal apparel, the soldier went after him, thinking he was the king of Israel. He would have been killed, but for divine intervention. One lesson here is that the king of Judah would not have been attacked if he had not kept company with an evil king who was under God’s judgment (2 Chronicle 18:27). Another lesson is that keeping company with the ungodly exposes you to the dangers of a fraudulent lifestyle. Why did King Ahab disguise himself as if he was not a king? One can only assume that his motive was to set Jehoshaphat up for intense attack.

There have been stories of young school girls who have been defiled because of the promiscuous company that they kept. So-called “friends” have set friends up for gang rape. One reason why children of God must be wary of keeping company with the ungodly is that the children of this world know how to maneuver through the dangers of a sinful life, but the children of light don’t know the ways of this world (Luke 16:8). The story was told of a good boy who went out for the very first time in the company of drug addicts. Unfortunately, they were raided by law enforcement agents and this boy was arrested along with the drug addicts. His parents could not believe it when the news got to them. A Christian who keeps company with the ungodly will end up becoming a victim. It is certain that nothing good can come out of such relationships. Therefore, be careful of the people you associate or partner with.

Action Point: Check out the friends and brethren you associate with. Withdraw from any one of them who exhibits ungodly attitudes.

Hymn 5: I Have Decided To Follow Jesus

1. I have decided to follow Jesus;
I have decided to follow Jesus;
I have decided to follow Jesus;
No turning back, no turning back.

2. The world behind me, the cross before me;
The world behind me, the cross before me;
The world behind me, the cross before me;
No turning back, no turning back.

3. Though none go with me, still I will follow;
Though none go with me, still I will follow;
Though none go with me, still I will follow;
No turning back, no turning back.

4. My cross I’ll carry, till I see Jesus;
My cross I’ll carry, till I see Jesus;
My cross I’ll carry, till I see Jesus;
No turning back, no turning back.

5. Will you decide now to follow Jesus?
Will you decide now to follow Jesus?
Will you decide now to follow Jesus?
No turning back, no turning back.

Flatimes’ Notice Board: Please do not prolong your salvation if you have not repented. Many are going home daily and tomorrow maybe too late…There is still hope, JESUS LOVES YOU!

Open Heavens 13th February 2018, Daily Devotional guide was written by Pastor E.A. Adeboye, the General Overseer of the Redeemed Christian Church of God, one of the largest evangelical church in the world and also the President of Christ the Redeemer’s Ministries.

iOpenHeavens is the electronic version of the Hard Copy. The Open Heavens devotional application is available across all mobile platforms and operating systems: iOS, Android, Blackberry, Nokia, Windows Mobile and PC.

Topic: Avoid Satan’s Bait [Teens’ Open Heavens Tuesday 20th, February 2018]

Memorise: Till a dart strikes through his liver; as a bird hasteth to the snare, and knoweth not that it is for his life. Proverbs 7:23

Read: Judges 16:15-21

15 And she said unto him, How canst thou say, I love thee, when thine heart is not with me? thou hast mocked me these three times, and hast not told me wherein thy great strength lieth.

16 And it came to pass, when she pressed him daily with her words, and urged him, so that his soul was vexed unto death;

17 That he told her all his heart, and said unto her, There hath not come a razor upon mine head; for I have been a Nazarite unto God from my mother’s womb: if I be shaven, then my strength will go from me, and I shall become weak, and be like any other man.

18 And when Delilah saw that he had told her all his heart, she sent and called for the lords of the Philistines, saying, Come up this once, for he hath shewed me all his heart. Then the lords of the Philistines came up unto her, and brought money in their hand.

19 And she made him sleep upon her knees; and she called for a man, and she caused him to shave off the seven locks of his head; and she began to afflict him, and his strength went from him.

20 And she said, The Philistines be upon thee, Samson. And he awoke out of his sleep, and said, I will go out as at other times before, and shake myself. And he wist not that the LORD was departed from him.

21 But the Philistines took him, and put out his eyes, and brought him down to Gaza, and bound him with fetters of brass; and he did grind in the prison house.

Bible In One Year: Numbers 3-4, Mark 3:22-25

MESSAGE:

It is pretty difficult to catch an eagle because of the attitude at which it flies. If you fly high spiritually, it will be very difficult for you to be caught by Satan’s traps. Occasionally, it is possible to ensnare and capture eagles that fly overhead in the jungle. To capture an eagle that has been sighted, hunters clear a space in the jungle from which it can be monitored. This space also gives it a clear view of the bait that has been set for it. The bait is usually a robust chicken with a rope tied around its neck so that it can only move within a circle in the space that has been created. Eagles love to eat chickens, so when it sees the chicken, it will zoom downwards at a very high speed to pick it up; but the rope will not let it go with the chicken. Before it realizes what is happening, the hunters would have covered it with a net.

This is similar to how the devil gets divine eagles. He uses what they love most as bait. This is why we must be wary of anything that appears too good and yet too easy to get. It could be a bait to get you into Satan’s snare. Be very careful and watchful.

Key Point: If something sounds too good to be true, it probably is.

Hymn 16:

1. Christian, seek not yet repose
Hear thy gracious Savior say;
Thou art in the midst of foes:
Watch and pray.

2. Principalities and powers
Mustering their unseen array
Wait for the unguarded hours:
Watch and pray

3. Gird the heavenly armor on,
Wear it ever night and day;
Ambushed lies the evil one:
Watch and pray.

4. Hear the victors who o’ercame,
Still they mark each warriors’s way;
All with one sweet voice exclaim,
Watch and pray.

5. Hear, above all, hear thy Lord,
Him thou loves to obey;
Hide within thy heart His word:
Watch and pray.

6. Watch, as if on that alone
Hung the issue of the day;
Pray, that help may be sent down:
Watch and pray.

Daily Devotional for Teen’s guide was written by Pastor E.A. Adeboye, the General Overseer of the Redeemed Christian Church of God, one of the largest evangelical church in the world and also the President of Christ the Redeemer’s Ministries.

Topic: There Should Be No Complex [Open Heavens 20 Tuesday February 2018]

Memorise: “But all these worketh that one and the selfsame Spirit, dividing to every man severally as he will.” – 1 Corinthians 12:11

Read: 1 Corinthians 12:1-12 (KJV)

1 Now concerning spiritual gifts, brethren, I would not have you ignorant.

2 Ye know that ye were Gentiles, carried away unto these dumb idols, even as ye were led.

3 Wherefore I give you to understand, that no man speaking by the Spirit of God calleth Jesus accursed: and that no man can say that Jesus is the Lord, but by the Holy Ghost.

4 Now there are diversities of gifts, but the same Spirit.

5 And there are differences of administrations, but the same Lord.

6 And there are diversities of operations, but it is the same God which worketh all in all.

7 But the manifestation of the Spirit is given to every man to profit withal.

8 For to one is given by the Spirit the word of wisdom; to another the word of knowledge by the same Spirit;

9 To another faith by the same Spirit; to another the gifts of healing by the same Spirit;

10 To another the working of miracles; to another prophecy; to another discerning of spirits; to another divers kinds of tongues; to another the interpretation of tongues:

11 But all these worketh that one and the selfsame Spirit, dividing to every man severally as he will.

12 For as the body is one, and hath many members, and all the members of that one body, being many, are one body: so also is Christ.

Bible in One Year: Leviticus 17-18; 1 Corinthians 7:17-40

MESSAGE

There is one silent source of confusion in the body of Christ which must be addressed for the sake of the advancement of God’s kingdom. It is a combination of attitudes and feelings known as the “complex”. A complex is a mental or psychological state that should be alien to the Body of Christ. It manifests itself as inferiority or superiority complex. Ironically, the church has lived with this issue through the ages. Apostle Paul in today’s text warns us against the manifestation of such attitudes- whether as inferiority or superiority complex. How does the issue of “complex” operate in the Body of Christ? It is through the exhibition of spiritual gifts. There was an issue with the demonstration of spiritual gifts in the Church at Corinth, whereby some offices were considered superior and some other spiritual gifts were looked down on as inferior. Against this background, Paul wrote to the Corinthian brethren to enlighten them on the distribution and operation of the different offices and spiritual gifts in the body of Christ. The analogy of human body parts used by Paul to explain this spiritual truth is very profound. In 1 Corinthians 12:17, Paul rhetorically asks,

“If the whole body were an eye, where were the hearing? If the whole were hearing, where were the smelling?”

The truth is that the whole body cannot be the eyes; if this where the case there would be no movement, which is the prerogative of the legs. Therefore, if the eye cannot do without the legs and the ears cannot do without the nose, why should the eyes or ears think that they are superior to the legs or nose? Unfortunately, this was the situation in the Church at Corinth, as is the case in a typical church organization today. We must recognize this reality and work towards eradicating the anomaly by continuously teaching ourselves the truth of God’s word. The most important thing about spiritual gifts is that their recipients must use them for the edification of the Body Christ (Ephesians 4:11-13, 1 Corinthians 12:7). Another mystery of spiritual gifts is that those gifts which some consider as less important are equally as important as those held in high esteem (Corinthians 12:22-25). For example, if we ignore the ministry of intercession because intercessors are often not known or seen like the evangelist and minstrels, the Church may become a comfortable zone for demons to operate, and then the preacher and the choir will preach and sing with no effect. The Church must begin to appreciate the gifts of God in each member of the Body of Christ and celebrate them for who they are as very important and valuable. There should be no complex of any kind.

Action Point: Identify the spiritual gifts God has deposited in your life and begin to use them for the advancement of God’s kingdom in your local church assembly.

Hymn 15: Nearer My God To Thee.

Nearer, my God, to Thee, nearer to Thee!
E’en though it be a cross that raiseth me,
Still all my song shall be, nearer, my God, to Thee. Nearer to Thee!

Though like the wanderer, the sun gone down,
Darkness comes over me, my rest a stone;
Yet in my dreams I’d be nearer, my God, to Thee. Nearer to Thee!

There let me see the sight, an open Heaven;
All that Thou sendest me, in mercy given;
Angels to beckon me nearer, my God, to Thee. Nearer to Thee!

Then, with my waking thoughts bright with Thy praise,
Out of my stony griefs Bethel I’ll raise;
So by my woes to be nearer, my God, to Thee. Nearer to Thee!

Flatimes’ Notice Board: Please do not prolong your salvation if you have not repented. Many are going home daily and tomorrow maybe too late…There is still hope, JESUS LOVES YOU!

Open Heavens 20th February 2018, Daily Devotional guide was written by Pastor E.A. Adeboye, the General Overseer of the Redeemed Christian Church of God, one of the largest evangelical church in the world and also the President of Christ the Redeemer’s Ministries.

iOpenHeavens is the electronic version of the Hard Copy. The Open Heavens devotional application is available across all mobile platforms and operating systems: iOS, Android, Blackberry, Nokia, Windows Mobile and PC.

Topic: Use Your Money Wisely [Teens’ Open Heavens Monday 19th, February 2018]

Memorise: Wilt thou set thine eyes upon that which is not? For riches certainly make themselves wings; they fly away as an eagle towards heaven. – Proverbs 23:5

Read: Proverbs 21:20

20 There is treasure to be desired and oil in the dwelling of the wise; but a foolish man spendeth it up.

Bible In One Year: Numbers 1-2, Mark 3:1-21

MESSAGE:

As a teenager, your parents give you money for little things that you may want to buy in school, sometimes your uncles or aunties also come around and give you some money. How do you use all that money? Do you use it all to buy cookies and sweets or do you save some of it? Don’t be deceived by how much money you receive free of charge now, the truth is, money does not come free, people have to work for it; but the more money you save now, the more money you will have when you are old enough to start making money. Also, don’t think that you are too young to start saving, the earlier you get used to the saving culture, the easier it will be to adapt it into your lifestyle.

Take a cue from Joseph; he saved 20% of Egypt’s income when they had enough; later on when there wasn’t food in the whole world, only Egypt enjoyed abundance. Save at least 20% of any money you get from now on, at the end of every month, ask your dad to help you use the money to buy shares in a good company. If you do this consistently, your parents will be proud of you and you could be a millionaire by the time you are a university graduate.

Action Point: The Bible says that money has wings, if you are not wise with it, it will fly away from your hands.

Hymn 2:

1. When we walk with the Lord in the light of His Word,
What a glory He sheds on our way!
While we do His good will,
He abides with us still,
And with all who will trust and obey.

Chorus:
Trust and obey, for there’s no other way
To be happy in Jesus, but to trust and obey.

2. Not a shadow can rise, not a cloud in the skies,
But His smile quickly drives it away;
Not a doubt or a fear, not a sigh or a tear,
Can abide while we trust and obey.

3. Not a burden we bear, not a sorrow we share,
But our toil He doth richly repay;
Not a grief or a loss, not a frown or a cross,
But is blessed if we trust and obey.

4.But we never can prove the delights of His love
Until all on the altar we lay;
For the favor He shows, for the joy He bestows,
Are for them who will trust and obey.

5. Then in fellowship sweet we will sit at His feet,
Or we’ll walk by His side in the way;
What He says we will do, where He sends we will go;
Never fear, only trust and obey.

Daily Devotional for Teen’s guide was written by Pastor E.A. Adeboye, the General Overseer of the Redeemed Christian Church of God, one of the largest evangelical church in the world and also the President of Christ the Redeemer’s Ministries.

Topic: In Jesus Name [Open Heavens 19 Monday February 2018]

Memorise: “And she shall bring forth a son, and thou shalt call his name JESUS: for he shall save his people from their sins.” – Matthew 1:21

Read: Mark 16:15-18 (KJV)

15 And he said unto them, Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature.

16 He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be damned.

17 And these signs shall follow them that believe; In my name shall they cast out devils; they shall speak with new tongues;

18 They shall take up serpents; and if they drink any deadly thing, it shall not hurt them; they shall lay hands on the sick, and they shall recover.

Bible in One Year: Leviticus 15-16; 1 Corinthians 6:12-7:16

MESSAGE

Prior to the birth of our Lord Jesus Christ, God placed high value on the Name to be given to His only Begotten Son, so much so that He sent an angel to signify what His Name should be (Matthew 1:21). There is absolutely nothing that the Name of Jesus Christ cannot accomplish for whosoever believes in Him. This Name cannot be ignored by the devil or any of his fallen angels. Why is this Name so powerful? It is because God has bestowed astonishing power, privilege, authority and honor on that Name (Philippians 2:9-11). Above all else, this Name breaks the power of sin. Acts 10:43 says:

“To him give all the prophets witness, that through his name whosoever believeth in him shall receive remission of sins.”

One amazing truth about this Name is that all its accomplishments are to the glory of God the Father, and for this reason, the Father will not spare anyone who despises it. Of course, the Name carries the authority of its Owner, and is capable of doing whatever its Owner can do. Just as your signature can take millions of money out of the bank without you necessarily being there, so also the Name of Jesus perform the feats that Jesus Christ performed, but only when all the necessary conditions for its use are met by the user. Some of these conditions are spelt out in today’s Bible text. Demons are cast out by the Name of Jesus Christ. You may not appreciate this function of His Name until your eyes of understanding are opened to the diabolical and destructive activities of demons in the lives of people. This Name also empowers us to lay hand on the sick for healing. One of the greatest weapons of torment in the hand of the devil is sickness, but through faith in the use of this Name, sicknesses and diseases are vanquished.

A woman who was diabolically attached with a terrible cough was brought to one of our church programmes. A simple prayer was said for her in the Name of Jesus Christ and she was healed. The agent of the devil who inflicted her with this infirmity wondered how she got healed. Because the one who prepared the charm for her said the sickness had no cure. The liberated lady told her adversary that she got her healing in the church. The wicked woman then begged her ex-victim to take her to Jesus where she confessed her sins and became a child of God as well. The Name of Jesus indeed brings healing (Acts 3:1-16). Peter in Acts 3:16a testified thus about this Name:

“And his name through faith in his name hath made this man strong, whom ye see and know:”

This Name will also work wonders in your life; if you just believe, you will see the glory of God.

Action Point: Apply the Name of Jesus to areas of your life that needs deliverance.

Hymn 14: Onward Christian Soldier

1. 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,
With the cross of Jesus going on before.

2. At the name of Jesus 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.

3. 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 faith and Spirit, One in charity.

4. 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, which can never fail.

5. 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.

Flatimes’ Notice Board: Please do not prolong your salvation if you have not repented. Many are going home daily and tomorrow maybe too late…There is still hope, JESUS LOVES YOU!

Open Heavens 13th February 2018, Daily Devotional guide was written by Pastor E.A. Adeboye, the General Overseer of the Redeemed Christian Church of God, one of the largest evangelical church in the world and also the President of Christ the Redeemer’s Ministries.

iOpenHeavens is the electronic version of the Hard Copy. The Open Heavens devotional application is available across all mobile platforms and operating systems: iOS, Android, Blackberry, Nokia, Windows Mobile and PC.

Topic: Stronger Than Death [Open Heavens 18 Sunday February 2018]

Memorise: “Then Paul answered, What mean ye to weep and to break mine heart? for I am ready not to be bound only, but also to die at Jerusalem for the name of the Lord Jesus.” – Acts 21:13

Read: Acts 21:8-14(KJV)

8 And the next day we that were of Paul’s company departed, and came unto Caesarea: and we entered into the house of Philip the evangelist, which was one of the seven; and abode with him.

9 And the same man had four daughters, virgins, which did prophesy.

10 And as we tarried there many days, there came down from Judaea a certain prophet, named Agabus.

11 And when he was come unto us, he took Paul’s girdle, and bound his own hands and feet, and said, Thus saith the Holy Ghost, So shall the Jews at Jerusalem bind the man that owneth this girdle, and shall deliver him into the hands of the Gentiles.

12 And when we heard these things, both we, and they of that place, besought him not to go up to Jerusalem.

13 Then Paul answered, What mean ye to weep and to break mine heart? for I am ready not to be bound only, but also to die at Jerusalem for the name of the Lord Jesus.

14 And when he would not be persuaded, we ceased, saying, The will of the Lord be done.

Bible in One Year: Leviticus 14; 1 Corinthians 5:1-6:11

MESSAGE

It is very dangerous for a person to believe in religious falsehood, particularly because the love the person has for what he or she worships can be stronger than death. We can see the negative impact of this manifested in the proliferation of suicide bombers in the world we live in today. The unfortunate and sad aspect of this satanic phenomenon is that people engaged in such acts believe that they are dying for God’s cause, but nothing could be further from the truth. No wonder Jesus, in John 4:22, said to the woman at Jacob’s well in Samaria:

“Ye worship ye know not what: we know what we worship: for salvation is of the Jews.”

One man who knew who he was worshipping and worshipped Him in spirit and in truth was Paul. His worship of God was based on his love for Him and his love for fellow men. This is unlike some today, whose worship is based on the hatred for others who do not share their ideology; hence their commitment to bring sorrow, tears and even death to them. A demonstration of the strong love Paul had for God is seen in today’s Bible reading. His determination to please the Master is highly intimidating to those of us living in such times as these. He was determined to pay the supreme price, if that was the will of God for his life. This contrasts with what is happening in the Church today, where people are still arguing about whether they need to give up the worldly lifestyle they were living before becoming born again. Some people find it difficult to change content of their wardrobe which contradicts the new life they profess to have embraced. Some so-called Christians do not have the love for Christ that is strong enough to make them abandon their appetite for alcohol and other sinful substances. The commitment some people have for Christ does not take their eyes away from women other than their wives. Unlike such people, Paul refused to back down from proclaiming the Name of Jesus to the world, despite the accurate prophecy concerning the suffering his commitment to the cause of the gospel would bring on him (Acts 21:13). How God would love to have many more Christians like Paul today! Heaven clearly acknowledge and recorded the sacrifice and trials of those who have gone ahead of us in Hebrews 11:36-37;

“36 And others had trial of cruel mockings and scourgings, yea, moreover of bonds and imprisonment: 37 They were stoned, they were sawn asunder, were tempted, were slain with the sword: they wandered about in sheepskins and goatskins; being destitute, afflicted, tormented;”

Is your commitment to Christ comparable to the commitment shown by them? Examine your commitment to Christ today and determine whether you are worthy of being called His disciple.

Prayer Point: Father, please help me love You, even as You love me.

Hymn 12: Take My Life, And Let It Be.

1. Take my life and let it be
Consecrated, Lord, to Thee.
Take my moments and my days,
Let them flow in endless praise.

2. Take my hands and let them move
At the impulse of Thy love.
Take my feet and let them be
Swift and beautiful for Thee.

3. Take my voice and let me sing,
Always, only for my King.
Take my lips and let them be
Filled with messages from Thee.

4. Take my silver and my gold,
Not a mite would I withhold.
Take my intellect and use
Every power as Thou shalt choose.

5. Take my will and make it Thine,
It shall be no longer mine.
Take my heart, it is Thine own,
It shall be Thy royal throne.

6. Take my love, my Lord, I pour
At Thy feet its treasure store.
Take myself and I will be
Ever, only, all for Thee.

Flatimes’ Notice Board: Please do not prolong your salvation if you have not repented. Many are going home daily and tomorrow maybe too late…There is still hope, JESUS LOVES YOU!

Open Heavens 13th February 2018, Daily Devotional guide was written by Pastor E.A. Adeboye, the General Overseer of the Redeemed Christian Church of God, one of the largest evangelical church in the world and also the President of Christ the Redeemer’s Ministries.

iOpenHeavens is the electronic version of the Hard Copy. The Open Heavens devotional application is available across all mobile platforms and operating systems: iOS, Android, Blackberry, Nokia, Windows Mobile and PC.

Topic: The Great Day Of Deliverance [Open Heavens 5 Monday February 2018]

Memorise: “And call upon me in the day of trouble: I will deliver thee, and thou shalt glorify me.” – Psalm 50:15

Read: Luke 8:26-39 (KJV)

26 And they arrived at the country of the Gadarenes, which is over against Galilee.

27 And when he went forth to land, there met him out of the city a certain man, which had devils long time, and ware no clothes, neither abode in any house, but in the tombs.

28 When he saw Jesus, he cried out, and fell down before him, and with a loud voice said, What have I to do with thee, Jesus, thou Son of God most high? I beseech thee, torment me not.

29 (For he had commanded the unclean spirit to come out of the man. For oftentimes it had caught him: and he was kept bound with chains and in fetters; and he brake the bands, and was driven of the devil into the wilderness.)

30 And Jesus asked him, saying, What is thy name? And he said, Legion: because many devils were entered into him.

31 And they besought him that he would not command them to go out into the deep.

32 And there was there an herd of many swine feeding on the mountain: and they besought him that he would suffer them to enter into them. And he suffered them.

33 Then went the devils out of the man, and entered into the swine: and the herd ran violently down a steep place into the lake, and were choked.

34 When they that fed them saw what was done, they fled, and went and told it in the city and in the country.

35 Then they went out to see what was done; and came to Jesus, and found the man, out of whom the devils were departed, sitting at the feet of Jesus, clothed, and in his right mind: and they were afraid.

36 They also which saw it told them by what means he that was possessed of the devils was healed.

37 Then the whole multitude of the country of the Gadarenes round about besought him to depart from them; for they were taken with great fear: and he went up into the ship, and returned back again.

38 Now the man out of whom the devils were departed besought him that he might be with him: but Jesus sent him away, saying,

39 Return to thine own house, and shew how great things God hath done unto thee. And he went his way, and published throughout the whole city how great things Jesus had done unto him.

Bible in One Year: Exodus 28, Romans 9:19-10:4

MESSAGE

In our Bible text, we read about the great deliverance the Lord Jesus Christ wrought in the life of the madman of Gadara. For this, mad man, although that day started like any other day of his affliction, his story changed before he went to bed that night. He went to bed in his house and not in the tombs where he used to be. I prophesy to a user of this devotional: your story will change for the better before you go to bed tonight in the Mighty name of Jesus Christ. What is that challenge confronting you or even driving you crazy? I have good news for you today: the Great Deliverer, Jesus Christ, will deliver you today. If you ask me what makes me so sure he will do it, I will tell you what he said in his word, which I know is forever settled in heaven. In Jeremiah 32:27 He said,

“Behold, I am the LORD, the God of all flesh: is there any thing too hard for me?”

Since He did it for the madman of Gadara, and your own case is not as serious as his, be of good cheer because today you shall see the glory of the Lord. However, you need to give your life to Christ, and if you have done so, only believe His word.

Also in John 9:1, the Bible talks about a man who was born blind. Even though this man had been blind for more than 40 years, when his day of great deliverance came, Jesus saw him. This was not just an ordinary glance from some nobody; it was God directing his attention to the Maker of the whole universe to him. Jesus thereafter created two brand new eyeballs in his empty eye sockets. Have you been groping in the dark for a long time, and it seems you have no sense of direction? Are you being led by people to wherever they want you to go, regardless of your own will? Today is your day of great deliverance. The Lord will touch you before you finish reading this devotional. Peter, who witnessed the ministry of the Lord Jesus Christ, testified to his great power of deliverance. Here is his testimony in Acts 10:38:

“How God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Ghost and with power: who went about doing good, and healing all that were oppressed of the devil; for God was with him.”

I can also testify to his great power of deliverance. There was a man who I think had two PhDs and for one more than 6 years could not get a job. When he was brought to the church for prayers, he looked like a madman, and you could not even believe he ever went to school. He had suffered a lot! We introduced him to Jesus and he gave his life to Christ. Before he got home, people were looking for him to offer him a job. This is the power of our Great Deliverer. Praise the Lord!

Prayer Point: Father, deliver me today from every affliction of the devil in Jesus Name.

Hymn 10: 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 ends life’s transient dream,
When death’s cold, sullen stream
Shall o’er me roll;
Blest Savior, then in love,
Fear and distrust remove;
Oh, bear me safe above,
A ransomed soul!

Flatimes’ Notice Board: Please do not prolong your salvation if you have not repented. Many are going home daily and tomorrow maybe too late.

Open Heavens 5 February 2018, Daily Devotional guide was written by Pastor E.A. Adeboye, the General Overseer of the Redeemed Christian Church of God, one of the largest evangelical church in the world and also the President of Christ the Redeemer’s Ministries. If you missed yesterday’s devotional click to read Open heavens 4 February 2018.

iOpenHeavens is the electronic version of the Hard Copy. The Open Heavens devotional application is available across all mobile platforms and operating systems: iOS, Android, Blackberry, Nokia, Windows Mobile and PC.

Topic — Stand In The Gap: Be An Intercessor [Teens’ Open Heavens Tuesday 6th, February 2018]

Memorise: Wherefore lift up the hands which hang down, and the feeble knees; Hebrews 12:12

Read: Hebrews 12:12-14

12 Wherefore lift up the hands which hang down, and the feeble knees;

13 And make straight paths for your feet, lest that which is lame be turned out of the way; but let it rather be healed.

14 Follow peace with all men, and holiness, without which no man shall see the Lord:

Bible In One Year: Exodus 39-40, Matthew 24:1-22

MESSAGE:

Sometimes, I look around and I can’t seem to recognize Christians anymore. To be a Christian is to be Christ-like; to have His nature and behaviour, but this is not the case with many so-called Christians today. When you see someone falling or weak in the faith, what do you do? Do you laugh at the person, make the person a topic for gossip or do you pray for the person? When you see someone who does have food to eat or is wearing rags, do you begin to look down on the person or do you step in to help the person in whatever capacity that you can?

Hebrews 12-12 tells us that we are to lift up weak hands and feeble knees, not ignore them or gossip about them. We are to stand in the gap! When last did you pray for someone around you? When last did you share what you had with someone who needed it? You need to always stand in the gap, not just for your friends and family members, but also for those who you are not close to

Action Point: Stand in the gap

Hymn 13:

1. Is your life a channel of blessing?
Is the love of God flowing through you?
Are you telling the lost of the Savior?
Are you ready His service to do?

Chorus:
Make me a channel of blessing today,
Make me a channel of blessing, I pray;
My life possessing, my service blessing,
Make me a channel of blessing today.

2. Is your life a channel of blessing?
Are you burdened for those that are lost?
Have you urged upon those who are straying
The Savior who does on the cross?

3. Is your life a channel of blessing?
Is it a daily telling for Him?
Have you spoken the Word of salvation
To those who are dying in sin?

4. We cannot be channels of blessing
If our lives are not free from sin;
We will barriers be and a hindrance
To those we are trying to win.

Daily Devotional for Teen’s guide was written by Pastor E.A. Adeboye, the General Overseer of the Redeemed Christian Church of God, one of the largest evangelical church in the world and also the President of Christ the Redeemer’s Ministries.