OPEN HEAVEN 5 MARCH 2019 MEMORISE:
A man that hath friends must shew himself friendly: and there is a friend that sticketh closer than a brother. Proverb 18:24

OPEN HEAVEN 5 MARCH 2019 READ: Luke 11:5-8

5 And he said unto them, Which of you shall have a friend, and shall go unto him at midnight, and say unto him, Friend, lend me three loaves;

6 For a friend of mine in his journey is come to me, and I have nothing to set before him?

7 And he from within shall answer and say, Trouble me not: the door is now shut, and my children are with me in bed; I cannot rise and give thee.

8 I say unto you, Though he will not rise and give him, because he is his friend, yet because of his importunity he will rise and give him as many as he needeth.

Friendship is so important, powerful and beneficial to human life. Unfortunately, it is commonly said that true friends are very scarce.

The reality of this statement is a fact we live with everyday. However, my question today is, what can we do to change this situation? It is not enough for you to add your voice to those lamenting that there are no true friends; you should do something about it.

The answer is not far-fetched: it lies in each of us deciding to be a true friend to those we choose as our friends! Ask yourself, how true and genuine are yoy to those who consider you their friend? Click Here To Read – Open Heavens 4th March 2019

It’s amazing when we consider that Jesus Christ describes us as His friends. He said to us in John 15:13-14:

“Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends.Ye are my friends, if ye do whatsoever I command you.”

In today’s Bible reading, he also reveals to us the cost of being a true friend. A friend goes the extra mile to make his friends happy because he shares in their happiness.

As followers of Jesus Christ, through the world may practice supernatural form of friendship characterized by denial, betrayal and backstabbing, we must be different. As the light of the world, we must teach the world what true friendship means.

It is true that friendship attracts a high premium and can be demanding. This is why you must choose the number of friends you can effectively and faithfully manage.

Many people mistake mere acquaintance for friendship, this is wrong. An acquaintance cannot pay the price that friendship demands. This is why many people feel disappointed when their expectation from a casual associate at work or brother in church is not met. Click Here To Read – Prayer Points For Today’s Open Heavens 4th March 2019

When the Bible says there is a friend that sticks closer than a brother (Proverbs 18:24), it reveals another misconception that must be corrected in the Body of Christ. The fact that someone is a Christian brother does not mean he is a friend!

Although a brother or sister in Christ should not be taken as an enemy, nevertheless, do not expect much from such a fellow. Beloved, the good news for you today is that Jesus can be that perfect friend you desire.

How true are the words of this hymn written by Joseph Scriven: What a friend we have in Jesus, all our sins and grieve to bear; what a privilege to carry everything to God in prayer! Make Him your friend today, and He will never disappoint you.

OPEN HEAVEN 5 MARCH 2019 ACTION POINT: Reach out to Jesus and make Him your friend by doing His will always.

OPEN HEAVEN 5 MARCH 2019 HYMN 9: IN CHRIST ALONE

In Christ alone my hope is found
He is my light, my strength, my song
This Cornerstone, this solid ground
Firm through the fiercest drought and storm
What heights of love, what depths of peace
When fears are stilled, when strivings cease
My Comforter, my All in All
Here in the love of Christ I stand.

In Christ alone, who took on flesh
Fullness of God in helpless babe
This gift of love and righteousness
Scorned by the ones He came to save
‘Til on that cross as Jesus died
The wrath of God was satisfied
For every sin on Him was laid
Here in the death of Christ I live.

There in the ground His body lay
Light of the world by darkness slain
Then bursting forth in glorious Day
Up from the grave He rose again
And as He stands in victory
Sin’s curse has lost its grip on me
For I am His and He is mine
Bought with the precious blood of Christ

No guilt in life, no fear in death
This is the power of Christ in me
From life’s first cry to final breath
Jesus commands my destiny
No power of hell, no scheme of man
Can ever pluck me from His hand
Till He returns or calls me home
Here in the power of Christ I’ll stand.

Open Heaven 5th March 2019 is written by pastor E A Adeboye. We sincerely hope you’ve been blessed by today’s devotional message. Click the WhatsApp or Facebook button below the Hymn to share with your friends, families and colleagues.

OPEN HEAVEN 5 MARCH 2019 BIBLE IN ONE YEAR: Acts 25-26 and Isaiah 54

Acts 25 King James Version (KJV)

25 Now when Festus was come into the province, after three days he ascended from Caesarea to Jerusalem.

2 Then the high priest and the chief of the Jews informed him against Paul, and besought him,

3 And desired favour against him, that he would send for him to Jerusalem, laying wait in the way to kill him.

4 But Festus answered, that Paul should be kept at Caesarea, and that he himself would depart shortly thither.

5 Let them therefore, said he, which among you are able, go down with me, and accuse this man, if there be any wickedness in him.

6 And when he had tarried among them more than ten days, he went down unto Caesarea; and the next day sitting on the judgment seat commanded Paul to be brought.

7 And when he was come, the Jews which came down from Jerusalem stood round about, and laid many and grievous complaints against Paul, which they could not prove.

8 While he answered for himself, Neither against the law of the Jews, neither against the temple, nor yet against Caesar, have I offended any thing at all.

9 But Festus, willing to do the Jews a pleasure, answered Paul, and said, Wilt thou go up to Jerusalem, and there be judged of these things before me?

10 Then said Paul, I stand at Caesar’s judgment seat, where I ought to be judged: to the Jews have I done no wrong, as thou very well knowest.

11 For if I be an offender, or have committed any thing worthy of death, I refuse not to die: but if there be none of these things whereof these accuse me, no man may deliver me unto them. I appeal unto Caesar.

12 Then Festus, when he had conferred with the council, answered, Hast thou appealed unto Caesar? unto Caesar shalt thou go.

13 And after certain days king Agrippa and Bernice came unto Caesarea to salute Festus.

14 And when they had been there many days, Festus declared Paul’s cause unto the king, saying, There is a certain man left in bonds by Felix:

15 About whom, when I was at Jerusalem, the chief priests and the elders of the Jews informed me, desiring to have judgment against him.

16 To whom I answered, It is not the manner of the Romans to deliver any man to die, before that he which is accused have the accusers face to face, and have licence to answer for himself concerning the crime laid against him.

17 Therefore, when they were come hither, without any delay on the morrow I sat on the judgment seat, and commanded the man to be brought forth.

18 Against whom when the accusers stood up, they brought none accusation of such things as I supposed:

19 But had certain questions against him of their own superstition, and of one Jesus, which was dead, whom Paul affirmed to be alive.

20 And because I doubted of such manner of questions, I asked him whether he would go to Jerusalem, and there be judged of these matters.

21 But when Paul had appealed to be reserved unto the hearing of Augustus, I commanded him to be kept till I might send him to Caesar.

22 Then Agrippa said unto Festus, I would also hear the man myself. To morrow, said he, thou shalt hear him.

23 And on the morrow, when Agrippa was come, and Bernice, with great pomp, and was entered into the place of hearing, with the chief captains, and principal men of the city, at Festus’ commandment Paul was brought forth.

24 And Festus said, King Agrippa, and all men which are here present with us, ye see this man, about whom all the multitude of the Jews have dealt with me, both at Jerusalem, and also here, crying that he ought not to live any longer.

25 But when I found that he had committed nothing worthy of death, and that he himself hath appealed to Augustus, I have determined to send him.

26 Of whom I have no certain thing to write unto my lord. Wherefore I have brought him forth before you, and specially before thee, O king Agrippa, that, after examination had, I might have somewhat to write.

27 For it seemeth to me unreasonable to send a prisoner, and not withal to signify the crimes laid against him.

Acts 26 King James Version (KJV)

26 Then Agrippa said unto Paul, Thou art permitted to speak for thyself. Then Paul stretched forth the hand, and answered for himself:

2 I think myself happy, king Agrippa, because I shall answer for myself this day before thee touching all the things whereof I am accused of the Jews:

3 Especially because I know thee to be expert in all customs and questions which are among the Jews: wherefore I beseech thee to hear me patiently.

4 My manner of life from my youth, which was at the first among mine own nation at Jerusalem, know all the Jews;

5 Which knew me from the beginning, if they would testify, that after the most straitest sect of our religion I lived a Pharisee.

6 And now I stand and am judged for the hope of the promise made of God, unto our fathers:

7 Unto which promise our twelve tribes, instantly serving God day and night, hope to come. For which hope’s sake, king Agrippa, I am accused of the Jews.

8 Why should it be thought a thing incredible with you, that God should raise the dead?

9 I verily thought with myself, that I ought to do many things contrary to the name of Jesus of Nazareth.

10 Which thing I also did in Jerusalem: and many of the saints did I shut up in prison, having received authority from the chief priests; and when they were put to death, I gave my voice against them.

11 And I punished them oft in every synagogue, and compelled them to blaspheme; and being exceedingly mad against them, I persecuted them even unto strange cities.

12 Whereupon as I went to Damascus with authority and commission from the chief priests,

13 At midday, O king, I saw in the way a light from heaven, above the brightness of the sun, shining round about me and them which journeyed with me.

14 And when we were all fallen to the earth, I heard a voice speaking unto me, and saying in the Hebrew tongue, Saul, Saul, why persecutest thou me? it is hard for thee to kick against the pricks.

15 And I said, Who art thou, Lord? And he said, I am Jesus whom thou persecutest.

16 But rise, and stand upon thy feet: for I have appeared unto thee for this purpose, to make thee a minister and a witness both of these things which thou hast seen, and of those things in the which I will appear unto thee;

17 Delivering thee from the people, and from the Gentiles, unto whom now I send thee,

18 To open their eyes, and to turn them from darkness to light, and from the power of Satan unto God, that they may receive forgiveness of sins, and inheritance among them which are sanctified by faith that is in me.

19 Whereupon, O king Agrippa, I was not disobedient unto the heavenly vision:

20 But shewed first unto them of Damascus, and at Jerusalem, and throughout all the coasts of Judaea, and then to the Gentiles, that they should repent and turn to God, and do works meet for repentance.

21 For these causes the Jews caught me in the temple, and went about to kill me.

22 Having therefore obtained help of God, I continue unto this day, witnessing both to small and great, saying none other things than those which the prophets and Moses did say should come:

23 That Christ should suffer, and that he should be the first that should rise from the dead, and should shew light unto the people, and to the Gentiles.

24 And as he thus spake for himself, Festus said with a loud voice, Paul, thou art beside thyself; much learning doth make thee mad.

25 But he said, I am not mad, most noble Festus; but speak forth the words of truth and soberness.

26 For the king knoweth of these things, before whom also I speak freely: for I am persuaded that none of these things are hidden from him; for this thing was not done in a corner.

27 King Agrippa, believest thou the prophets? I know that thou believest.

28 Then Agrippa said unto Paul, Almost thou persuadest me to be a Christian.

29 And Paul said, I would to God, that not only thou, but also all that hear me this day, were both almost, and altogether such as I am, except these bonds.

30 And when he had thus spoken, the king rose up, and the governor, and Bernice, and they that sat with them:

31 And when they were gone aside, they talked between themselves, saying, This man doeth nothing worthy of death or of bonds.

32 Then said Agrippa unto Festus, This man might have been set at liberty, if he had not appealed unto Caesar.

Isaiah 54 King James Version (KJV)

54 Sing, O barren, thou that didst not bear; break forth into singing, and cry aloud, thou that didst not travail with child: for more are the children of the desolate than the children of the married wife, saith the Lord.

2 Enlarge the place of thy tent, and let them stretch forth the curtains of thine habitations: spare not, lengthen thy cords, and strengthen thy stakes;

3 For thou shalt break forth on the right hand and on the left; and thy seed shall inherit the Gentiles, and make the desolate cities to be inhabited.

4 Fear not; for thou shalt not be ashamed: neither be thou confounded; for thou shalt not be put to shame: for thou shalt forget the shame of thy youth, and shalt not remember the reproach of thy widowhood any more.

5 For thy Maker is thine husband; the Lord of hosts is his name; and thy Redeemer the Holy One of Israel; The God of the whole earth shall he be called.

6 For the Lord hath called thee as a woman forsaken and grieved in spirit, and a wife of youth, when thou wast refused, saith thy God.

7 For a small moment have I forsaken thee; but with great mercies will I gather thee.

8 In a little wrath I hid my face from thee for a moment; but with everlasting kindness will I have mercy on thee, saith the Lord thy Redeemer.

9 For this is as the waters of Noah unto me: for as I have sworn that the waters of Noah should no more go over the earth; so have I sworn that I would not be wroth with thee, nor rebuke thee.

10 For the mountains shall depart, and the hills be removed; but my kindness shall not depart from thee, neither shall the covenant of my peace be removed, saith the Lord that hath mercy on thee.

11 O thou afflicted, tossed with tempest, and not comforted, behold, I will lay thy stones with fair colours, and lay thy foundations with sapphires.

12 And I will make thy windows of agates, and thy gates of carbuncles, and all thy borders of pleasant stones.

13 And all thy children shall be taught of the Lord; and great shall be the peace of thy children.

14 In righteousness shalt thou be established: thou shalt be far from oppression; for thou shalt not fear: and from terror; for it shall not come near thee.

15 Behold, they shall surely gather together, but not by me: whosoever shall gather together against thee shall fall for thy sake.

16 Behold, I have created the smith that bloweth the coals in the fire, and that bringeth forth an instrument for his work; and I have created the waster to destroy.

17 No weapon that is formed against thee shall prosper; and every tongue that shall rise against thee in judgment thou shalt condemn. This is the heritage of the servants of the Lord, and their righteousness is of me, saith the Lord.

Prayer Points on Today’s Open Heavens Sunday March 3 2019

1.I worship You, Father, for Your thoughts toward me, are thoughts of good and not of evil, to bring me to an expected end.

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

3.Father, neutralise and destroy every effect of any strange and evil touch in my life, by the blood of Jesus, that was shed at Calvary, in Jesus’ name.

4.Father, let the blood of Jesus begin to flow from the crown of my head, to the souls of my feet, and let every satanic deposit in my body be destroyed and flushed out, in Jesus’ name.

5.Father, please, lay Your hands of healing and deliverance, upon my life and destiny, and set me free from stubborn yokes, sicknesses and infirmities, in Jesus’ name. Read – Open Heaven 4 March 2019

6.Father, help my unbelief and meet me at the point of my need today in Jesus’ Name

7.Father, supply all my needs according to Your riches in glory by Christ Jesus, in Jesus’ name.

8.Father, touch and heal me today, and make me an agent of healing, in Jesus’ name.

9.Father, please, help me to live through today, without committing a single sin, in Jesus’ name.

10.Father, lay Your hands of healing upon Your son, Pastor E.A. Adeboye, and grant him divine health, for the rest of his life on earth, in Jesus’ name.

11.Father, bless Your son, that You have been using to prepare these prayer points, beyond measures, and all those who have been rebroadcasting them, in Jesus’ name!

12.Father, let every challenge, hindrance and obstacle of getting these prayer points across to Your children, timely, and on daily basis be removed, in Jesus’ name.

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

OPEN HEAVENS DAILY DEVOTIONAL FOR TEENS 4 MARCH 2019 – SEASONED WITH SALT

MEMORISE: Let no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth, but that which is good to the use of edifying, that it may minister grace unto the hearers. Ephesians 4:29

Please read: Colossians 4:6

MESSAGE:

Your words define you, Jesus Christ said it is not what goes into a man that defiles him, but what comes out of him (Matthew 15:1-11).

In other words, the words you speak is a pointer to the kind of heart you have. If you use abusive words, check your heart. If you are always talking about dirty things, check, fornication may have its hands around you. Don’t claim that you only say it but don’t do it.

That is a lie of the devil to deceive you. He will first make a fellow comfortable around where it is being said, then the fellow will start saying it and because it is out of the abundance of the heart that the mouth speaks, before long, the heart falls and then the body follows. Read – Open Heaven 4 March 2019

Your words must carry life in them and since John 14:6 says Jesus is the life, and John 1:1 says He is the Word of God, then you should know that you must always speak the Word of God. One way to know a good Christian is if you hear the word of God in their every conversation. If you study your Bible often, your words will carry the very life of Jesus; they will be seasoned with salt.

REFLECTION:
When people have discussions with you, do they hear the Word of God as you speak?

BIBLE IN ONE YEAR:
Numbers 32-33
Mark 10-1-31

Hymn 13

AUTHORS: Pastor E.A. Adeboye and Pastor (Mrs.) Folu Adeboye.

OPEN HEAVEN 4 MARCH 2019 MEMORISE:
But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:19

OPEN HEAVEN 4 MARCH 2019 READ: Genesis 22:7-14

7 And Isaac spake unto Abraham his father, and said, My father: and he said, Here am I, my son. And he said, Behold the fire and the wood: but where is the lamb for a burnt offering?

8 And Abraham said, My son, God will provide himself a lamb for a burnt offering: so they went both of them together.

9 And they came to the place which God had told him of; and Abraham built an altar there, and laid the wood in order, and bound Isaac his son, and laid him on the altar upon the wood.

10 And Abraham stretched forth his hand, and took the knife to slay his son.

11 And the angel of the LORD called unto him out of heaven, and said, Abraham, Abraham: and he said, Here am I.

12 And he said, Lay not thine hand upon the lad, neither do thou any thing unto him: for now I know that thou fearest God, seeing thou hast not withheld thy son, thine only son from me.

13 And Abraham lifted up his eyes, and looked, and behold behind him a ram caught in a thicket by his horns: and Abraham went and took the ram, and offered him up for a burnt offering in the stead of his son.

14 And Abraham called the name of that place Jehovahjireh: as it is said to this day, In the mount of the LORD it shall be seen.

It is amazing that in spite of the exuberant declaration of faith in today’s memory verse, some children of God still look up to financiers, godfather and other human providers to meet their needs.

We must take note that what this verse says and learn an eternal truth from it. In it, the Holy Spirit lumped all our life requirements into singular form and simply called it “need”, because they are not a big deal for our God to handle.

Failure to understand this truth can cause a child of God to fall for the devil’s trick of supposedly turning stone into bread. He tried to deceive Jesus with this tactic in the wilderness of temptation, but thank God he failed (Luke 4:3-4). Click Here To Read – Open Heavens 3 March 2019

What does it mean to turn stone into bread? It means obtaining satisfaction through satisfaction through illegitimate means or outside God’s plan of provision for you.

Today’s Bible reading narrates Father Abraham’s encounter with the Almighty Jehovah-Jireh on one of the mountains in the land of Morah. Abraham had been instructed to go to the land of Morah to sacrifice his only son of promise there.

In the course of their journey, Isaac, already accustomed to the rites of sacrifice, noticed that something vital was missing. In Genesis 22:7c, he asked his father:

“Behold the fire and the wood: but where is the lamb for a burnt offering?”

This serves as a great lesson to all parents. Do your children know what it takes to serve your God? What have you taught them about Christian service in tithing and other areas of giving? Click Here To Read – Prayer Points For Today’s Open Heavens 3 March 2019

What about the requirement of peace with all men and holiness, without which no man shall see the Lord (Hebrews 12:14)? In response to Isaac’s question, Abraham demonstrated his faith in God’s ability to meet his needs, saying in Genesis 22:8:

“My son, God will provide himself a lamb for a burnt offering”

Beloved, it is time for you to re-examine your walk with God to see if you possess enough trust in the One who is able to meet all your needs without you compromising your faith. Do you need a job urgently? God knew this even before you were born.

Do you need a promotion to take you over and above the tyrant boss who is hindering you from serving your God as expected? Jehovah-Jireh will do without you being a sycophant or sleeping around with the personnel manager.

Are you in serious debt and your income is not able to pay it off? Trust in Jehovah-Jireh and don’t attempt to use His tithes to pay your debt. The one who paid your debt of sin is also able to pay your debt of money (Romans 8:32).

I say to you in the words of Apostle Paul, “my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus” do you believe this? Blessed are you if you do.

OPEN HEAVEN 4 MARCH 2019 PRAYER POINT: Father, help my unbelief and meet me at the point of my need today in Jesus’ Name.

OPEN HEAVEN 4 MARCH 2019 HYMN 8: 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!

OPEN HEAVEN 4 MARCH 2019 BIBLE IN ONE YEAR: Acts 23-24 and Isaiah 52:13-53:12

Acts 23 King James Version (KJV)

23 And Paul, earnestly beholding the council, said, Men and brethren, I have lived in all good conscience before God until this day.

2 And the high priest Ananias commanded them that stood by him to smite him on the mouth.

3 Then said Paul unto him, God shall smite thee, thou whited wall: for sittest thou to judge me after the law, and commandest me to be smitten contrary to the law?

4 And they that stood by said, Revilest thou God’s high priest?

5 Then said Paul, I wist not, brethren, that he was the high priest: for it is written, Thou shalt not speak evil of the ruler of thy people.

6 But when Paul perceived that the one part were Sadducees, and the other Pharisees, he cried out in the council, Men and brethren, I am a Pharisee, the son of a Pharisee: of the hope and resurrection of the dead I am called in question.

7 And when he had so said, there arose a dissension between the Pharisees and the Sadducees: and the multitude was divided.

8 For the Sadducees say that there is no resurrection, neither angel, nor spirit: but the Pharisees confess both.

9 And there arose a great cry: and the scribes that were of the Pharisees’ part arose, and strove, saying, We find no evil in this man: but if a spirit or an angel hath spoken to him, let us not fight against God.

10 And when there arose a great dissension, the chief captain, fearing lest Paul should have been pulled in pieces of them, commanded the soldiers to go down, and to take him by force from among them, and to bring him into the castle.

11 And the night following the Lord stood by him, and said, Be of good cheer, Paul: for as thou hast testified of me in Jerusalem, so must thou bear witness also at Rome.

12 And when it was day, certain of the Jews banded together, and bound themselves under a curse, saying that they would neither eat nor drink till they had killed Paul.

13 And they were more than forty which had made this conspiracy.

14 And they came to the chief priests and elders, and said, We have bound ourselves under a great curse, that we will eat nothing until we have slain Paul.

15 Now therefore ye with the council signify to the chief captain that he bring him down unto you to morrow, as though ye would enquire something more perfectly concerning him: and we, or ever he come near, are ready to kill him.

16 And when Paul’s sister’s son heard of their lying in wait, he went and entered into the castle, and told Paul.

17 Then Paul called one of the centurions unto him, and said, Bring this young man unto the chief captain: for he hath a certain thing to tell him.

18 So he took him, and brought him to the chief captain, and said, Paul the prisoner called me unto him, and prayed me to bring this young man unto thee, who hath something to say unto thee.

19 Then the chief captain took him by the hand, and went with him aside privately, and asked him, What is that thou hast to tell me?

20 And he said, The Jews have agreed to desire thee that thou wouldest bring down Paul to morrow into the council, as though they would enquire somewhat of him more perfectly.

21 But do not thou yield unto them: for there lie in wait for him of them more than forty men, which have bound themselves with an oath, that they will neither eat nor drink till they have killed him: and now are they ready, looking for a promise from thee.

22 So the chief captain then let the young man depart, and charged him, See thou tell no man that thou hast shewed these things to me.

23 And he called unto him two centurions, saying, Make ready two hundred soldiers to go to Caesarea, and horsemen threescore and ten, and spearmen two hundred, at the third hour of the night;

24 And provide them beasts, that they may set Paul on, and bring him safe unto Felix the governor.

25 And he wrote a letter after this manner:

26 Claudius Lysias unto the most excellent governor Felix sendeth greeting.

27 This man was taken of the Jews, and should have been killed of them: then came I with an army, and rescued him, having understood that he was a Roman.

28 And when I would have known the cause wherefore they accused him, I brought him forth into their council:

29 Whom I perceived to be accused of questions of their law, but to have nothing laid to his charge worthy of death or of bonds.

30 And when it was told me how that the Jews laid wait for the man, I sent straightway to thee, and gave commandment to his accusers also to say before thee what they had against him. Farewell.

31 Then the soldiers, as it was commanded them, took Paul, and brought him by night to Antipatris.

32 On the morrow they left the horsemen to go with him, and returned to the castle:

33 Who, when they came to Caesarea and delivered the epistle to the governor, presented Paul also before him.

34 And when the governor had read the letter, he asked of what province he was. And when he understood that he was of Cilicia;

35 I will hear thee, said he, when thine accusers are also come. And he commanded him to be kept in Herod’s judgment hall.

Acts 24 King James Version (KJV)

24 And after five days Ananias the high priest descended with the elders, and with a certain orator named Tertullus, who informed the governor against Paul.

2 And when he was called forth, Tertullus began to accuse him, saying, Seeing that by thee we enjoy great quietness, and that very worthy deeds are done unto this nation by thy providence,

3 We accept it always, and in all places, most noble Felix, with all thankfulness.

4 Notwithstanding, that I be not further tedious unto thee, I pray thee that thou wouldest hear us of thy clemency a few words.

5 For we have found this man a pestilent fellow, and a mover of sedition among all the Jews throughout the world, and a ringleader of the sect of the Nazarenes:

6 Who also hath gone about to profane the temple: whom we took, and would have judged according to our law.

7 But the chief captain Lysias came upon us, and with great violence took him away out of our hands,

8 Commanding his accusers to come unto thee: by examining of whom thyself mayest take knowledge of all these things, whereof we accuse him.

9 And the Jews also assented, saying that these things were so.

10 Then Paul, after that the governor had beckoned unto him to speak, answered, Forasmuch as I know that thou hast been of many years a judge unto this nation, I do the more cheerfully answer for myself:

11 Because that thou mayest understand, that there are yet but twelve days since I went up to Jerusalem for to worship.

12 And they neither found me in the temple disputing with any man, neither raising up the people, neither in the synagogues, nor in the city:

13 Neither can they prove the things whereof they now accuse me.

14 But this I confess unto thee, that after the way which they call heresy, so worship I the God of my fathers, believing all things which are written in the law and in the prophets:

15 And have hope toward God, which they themselves also allow, that there shall be a resurrection of the dead, both of the just and unjust.

16 And herein do I exercise myself, to have always a conscience void to offence toward God, and toward men.

17 Now after many years I came to bring alms to my nation, and offerings.

18 Whereupon certain Jews from Asia found me purified in the temple, neither with multitude, nor with tumult.

19 Who ought to have been here before thee, and object, if they had ought against me.

20 Or else let these same here say, if they have found any evil doing in me, while I stood before the council,

21 Except it be for this one voice, that I cried standing among them, Touching the resurrection of the dead I am called in question by you this day.

22 And when Felix heard these things, having more perfect knowledge of that way, he deferred them, and said, When Lysias the chief captain shall come down, I will know the uttermost of your matter.

23 And he commanded a centurion to keep Paul, and to let him have liberty, and that he should forbid none of his acquaintance to minister or come unto him.

24 And after certain days, when Felix came with his wife Drusilla, which was a Jewess, he sent for Paul, and heard him concerning the faith in Christ.

25 And as he reasoned of righteousness, temperance, and judgment to come, Felix trembled, and answered, Go thy way for this time; when I have a convenient season, I will call for thee.

26 He hoped also that money should have been given him of Paul, that he might loose him: wherefore he sent for him the oftener, and communed with him.

27 But after two years Porcius Festus came into Felix’ room: and Felix, willing to shew the Jews a pleasure, left Paul bound.

Isaiah 52:13-53:12 New International Version (NIV)

The Suffering and Glory of the Servant

13 See, my servant will act wisely[a];
    he will be raised and lifted up and highly exalted.
14 Just as there were many who were appalled at him[b]—
    his appearance was so disfiguredbeyond that of any human being
    and his form marred beyond human likeness—
15 so he will sprinkle many nations,[c]
    and kings will shut their mouthsbecause of him.
For what they were not told, they will see,
    and what they have not heard, they will understand.

53 Who has believed our message
    and to whom has the arm of theLord been revealed?
2 He grew up before him like a tender shoot,
    and like a root out of dry ground.
He had no beauty or majesty to attract us to him,
    nothing in his appearance that we should desire him.
3 He was despised and rejected by mankind,
    a man of suffering, and familiar with pain.
Like one from whom people hide their faces
    he was despised, and we held him in low esteem.

4 Surely he took up our pain
    and bore our suffering,
yet we considered him punished by God,
    stricken by him, and afflicted.
5 But he was pierced for our transgressions,
    he was crushed for our iniquities;
the punishment that brought us peacewas on him,
    and by his wounds we are healed.
6 We all, like sheep, have gone astray,
    each of us has turned to our own way;
and the Lord has laid on him
    the iniquity of us all.

7 He was oppressed and afflicted,
    yet he did not open his mouth;
he was led like a lamb to the slaughter,
    and as a sheep before its shearers is silent,
    so he did not open his mouth.
8 By oppression[d] and judgment he was taken away.
    Yet who of his generation protested?
For he was cut off from the land of the living;
    for the transgression of my people he was punished.[e]
9 He was assigned a grave with the wicked,
    and with the rich in his death,
though he had done no violence,
    nor was any deceit in his mouth.

10 Yet it was the Lord’s will to crush him and cause him to suffer,
    and though the Lord makes[f] his life an offering for sin,
he will see his offspring and prolong his days,
    and the will of the Lord will prosperin his hand.
11 After he has suffered,
    he will see the light of life[g] and be satisfied[h];
by his knowledge[i] my righteous servant will justify many,
    and he will bear their iniquities.
12 Therefore I will give him a portion among the great,[j]
    and he will divide the spoils with the strong,[k]
because he poured out his life unto death,
    and was numbered with the transgressors.
For he bore the sin of many,
    and made intercession for the transgressors.

Prayer Points on Today’s Open Heavens 3rd March 2019

1.I worship You, Lord Jesus, for humbly submitting to the Authority of the Father, by leaving Your glory in heaven to take the form of man.

2.Thank You, Father, for bringing me out of the darkness of this world into Your marvelous light, in Christ Jesus, to show forth Your glory.

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

4.Father, as I journey through this wilderness of life, let Jesus remain my focus and standard, not man or pastor, in Jesus’ name.

5.Father, touch me with Your divine hand of healing. Resch the sick all over the world today, in Jesus’ name. Read – Open Heavens 3 March 2019

6.Father, as a good soldier of Christ, give me the grace to endure hardship, trials and challenges of life, and strengthen me never to faint or become weary, in Jesus’ name.

7.Lord Jesus, make me an agent of healing, in Jesus’ name.

8.Father, please, help me to live through today, without committing a single sin, in Jesus’ name.

9.I declare that I am crucified with Christ, nevertheless, I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh, I live by the faith of the son of God, who loved me and gave His life for me; amen, in Jesus’ name.

10.Father, lift up the head of Your son, Pastor E.A. Adeboye, above those of his enemies, round about him, in Jesus’ name.

11.Father, bless Your son, that You have been using to prepare these prayer points, beyond measures, and all those who have been rebroadcasting them, in Jesus’ name!

12.Father, let every challenge, hindrance and obstacle of getting these prayer points across to Your children, timely, and on daily basis be removed, in Jesus’ name.

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

RCCG SUNDAY SCHOOL STUDENT’S MANUAL 3RD MARCH 2019 – COMPLETE EYESIGHT

SUNDAY SCHOOL HYMN

*1.* O Sunday School, on the Lord’s day,
O how I love Thee well,
I am happy, it makes me glad
To rejoice at Thy birth.

*2.* O Sunday School, on the Lord’s day,
Thy friend friendship suits me well,
Both young and old will sing Thy song,
We long for Sunday School.

*3.* O Sunday School, on the Lord’s day,
Christ was Thy first teacher,
The Holy Spirit, great teacher,
Does manifest in thee.

*4.* O Sunday School, on the Lord’s day,
This testimony is sure,
That God, the Father Almighty,
Poured His blessing on Thee.

*5.* O Sunday School, on the Lord’s day,
Though the sun be so bright,
Or if the clouds be black with rain,
I’ll be in Sunday School.

*6.* O Sunday School, on the Lord’s day,
I rejoice to see Thee,
Will thou pass over me today?
Without my being blest?

MEMORY VERSE: “Open thou mine eyes, that I may behold wondrous things out of thy law”. Psalms 119:18

BIBLE PASSAGE: 2Kings 6:13-17

2 Kings:6.13
So he said, “Go and see where he [is,] that I may send and get him.” And it was told him, saying, “Surely [he is] in Dothan.”
2 Kings:6.14
Therefore he sent horses and chariots and a great army there, and they came by night and surrounded the city.
2 Kings:6.15
And when the servant of the man of God arose early and went out, there was an army, surrounding the city with horses and chariots. And his servant said to him, “Alas, my master! What shall we do?”
2 Kings:6.16
So he answered, “Do not fear, for those who [are] with us [are] more than those who [are] with them.”
2 Kings:6.17
And Elisha prayed, and said, “LORD, I pray, open his eyes that he may see.” Then the LORD opened the eyes of the young man, and he saw. And behold, the mountain [was] full of horses and chariots of fire all around Elisha.

INTRODUCTION:
A man is incomplete without his eyesight. He finds it difficult to dominate or fulfill purpose(s). Gen 1:28. The eye is a very important part of the body because it is the body’s camera. In addition to vision, the eye also provides depth perception and contributes to the man’s balance. — Matt. 6:22.

LESSON OUTLINES
1. Types and usefulness of the eyes
2. Dangers of not having complete eyesight

TYPE AND USEFULNESS OF THE EYES

The eyes can be categorised into three. The first is the physical eyes attached to the body. Anyone without the physical eyes is seriously handicapped because the eye is the light of the body (Luke 11:36; John 9:1).

The second is the eye of the soul, also known as ‘the eyes of understanding’ (Ephesians 1:18). These eyes are so vital that they could make the difference between salvation and perdition.

When the Gospel is preached, many people find it difficult to understand how the death of ‘someone’ over 2000 years ago could secure eternity in Heaven for them. To believe that salvation is not by works but free is because your eyes of understanding is enlightened. Read – Open Heavens 3 March 2019

The third category is the spiritual eye which enables you to see into the realm of the spirit. It makes you see what no ordinary eye can see (2Kings 2:11-12). Those who see into the realm of the spirit receive impartation and get what they desire.

Usually, the physical eye sees problems, while the spiritual eye sees the solution (2Kings 6:15-17, John 11:22-23). If you are always seeing in the physical but never see in the spiritual, you will be far from solutions (Job 2:9). Those whose spiritual eyes are opened always see solutions right within the problem (Job 19:25).

In 2Kings 2:11, Elisha would not have received the double portion of anointing from Elijah if his spiritual eyes were not opened. Any believer who is spiritually blind will not be able to see into the realm of the spirit and have a glimpse of Heaven (Isaiah 6:1-6, Luke 9:32-33).

DANGERS OF NOT HAVING COMPLETE EYESIGHT

It is dangerous to be without physical sight like the man in John 9:1-7. The blind cannot enjoy the beauty of nature. Walking is seriously hampered and collision is inevitable. Many times blind people remain on the same spot (Mark 10:46, John 9:8).

They may be hindered from fulfilling the purpose for which they were born. When the gospel is preached, those whose eyes of understanding are darkened will find it difficult to believe that Jesus is God and through Him they can find everlasting life (Acts 28:26-28, Ephesians 1:18). Their end is death.

CONCLUSION
Without a complete eyesight, you cannot have total vision. The race of such a Christian will be tedious and unexciting. If your spiritual eyes are always open, not only will your problems be solved, you will become an answer to the problem of others.

QUESTIONS
1. Mention the types and usefulness of the eyes.
2. What are the dangers of incomplete eyesight?

RCCG MARCH 2019 SPECIAL HOLY GHOST SERVICE – SWIMMING IN GLORY – PART 3

MINISTERING: PASTOR E.A. ADEBOYE

BIBLE TEXT: ISAIAH 60:1-3

DATE: 28TH FEBRUARY, 2019

Thank You Father! Let me hear somebody shout a really big Hallelujah – HALLELUJAH!

… Let us pray!

SONG:

There is none Holy as the Lord (as the Lord)
There is none beside Thee (beside Thee)
Neither is there any Rock like our God
There is none Holy as the Lord (repeated)

OPENING PRAYER:

The Holy One of Israel we worship You; the only One who can do what no man can do, we bow before You. The Unchangeable Changer; may Your Name be Glorified. Accept our Worship please, in Jesus’ Name.

We thank You for all the Messages we have heard tonight. Thank You for speaking to us so Mightily through Your children. Please accept our Worship in Jesus’ Name.

Father am asking that You would bless these Your children; You would refill them; You would pour fresh Oil on them; You would move them from Glory to Glory.

Now, as for those of us who have come tonight, I pray that You give each and everyone of an an ADVANCED Miracle. I Pray that even before we gather tomorrow (Friday 1st March, 2019); each and every one of us will have a Brand New Testimony.

Thank You Almighty God because we know that tomorrow will be alright. In Jesus Mighty Name we have prayed. Amen!

….Let someone shout hallelujah – Hallelujah!

How about shaking hands with two (2) or three (3) people; say: Your Excellency, “God bless you”.

And then you may please be seated.

I want to thank the Almighty God for ALL those who have ministered tonight; they all did excellently well. The various Choirs are good! The Preachers, wonderful! Everyone of them; they did very well.

… Daddy took time to go through major points raised by each of the four (4) Preachers.

Why don’t you give the Lord a Mighty, Mighty round of applause for these wonderful children. This is why I look forward to a time when these young men – the Youths and Young Adults will be preaching. Because it’s going to be like Bible School within a day. They give you so much to bite; so .such to digest; so much to meditate upon.

Please join me one more time to give the Lord a big round of applause for these wonderful children.

Thank you! Your turn will come. I say your turn will come. You will be the next one to preach from this Altar, in Jesus’ Name – Amen.

Normally, my assignment on the Eve (of the Special Holy Ghost Service) is always to come, go over what these people have said, and then pray.

But a couple of weeks ago, in one of our Youth Churches, I shared some words with my Young Ones. And since it was Sunday Morning, you were all in your Churches. It’s most likely that even though Dove Media carried it, you missed the Message (the Message was documented by the Discovery Media Crew).

And as I was praying concerning tonight; God impressed upon my mind that, that Message should go round. So for the next few minutes (because it was a very short Sermon) I want to share with you from ISAIAH 60:1-3

1 Arise, shine; for thy light is come, and the glory of the LORD is risen upon thee.

2 For, behold, the darkness shall cover the earth, and gross darkness the people: but the LORD shall arise upon thee, and his glory shall be seen upon thee.

3 And the Gentiles shall come to thy light, and kings to the brightness of thy rising.

If you are the one God is talking to, let me hear your Amen – Amen!

According to John 10:10 “The thief cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy: I am come that they might have life, and that they might have [it] more abundantly.”

Darkness has three (3) principal assignments and Light has three (3) principal assignments.

John 10:10 says the thief (darkness) cometh not but to STEAL, KILL and to DESTROY. These are the three (3) Assignments of darkness

But Jesus Christ said: “I have come that you might have life and have it more abundantly.”

The assignments of Light is to reverse what the darkness has done. Darkness comes to steal but Light comes to RESTORE.

Mark 5: 25-34; The devil attacked the woman with the issue of blood, stole her health, destroyed her fortunes and wanted to kill her completely.
But the woman came in contact with Jesus Christ and there was Total Restoration.

The devil comes to kill but the Light comes to Resurrect.

In Mark 5:35-43; the devil came to the home of Jairus, killed his only daughter, Jesus came to the same home and brought the girl back to life.

The devil’s job is to destroy while the work of the Light is to RECREATE.

2 Corrithians 5:17 says: “Therefore if any man [be] in Christ, [he is] a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.”

At Recreation, old things are passed away and behold old things had become New.

Now, “where do I come in into this?” You may ask.

The One who is the Light of the world has called us The Light.

Matthew 5:14-16 says:
“Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on an hill cannot be hid. Neither do men light a candle, and put it under a bushel, but on a candlestick; and it giveth light unto all that are in the house. Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.”

… Jesus Christ said ‘you are the Light of the World’.

In case you haven’t told anyone in recent time, why can’t you turn to the fellow on your right and left and say: “I am the Light of the world”.

If He says you are the Light of the world, then it means that the assignment He has given to the Light is also given to you. Because the Light of the world Himself said in John 14:12 that: “Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that believeth on me, the works that I do shall he do also; and greater [works] than these shall he do; because I go unto my Father.”

He said that the works that He did you shall do also. Meaning what?

It’s your job, your assignment to Restore. The devil has come to steal, it is your duty to Restore.

Mark 16:17-18 says: “And these signs shall follow them that believe; In my name shall they cast out devils; they shall speak with new tongues; 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.”

He made it clear; these signs shall follow them that believe, in my Name they would even lay hands on the sick and they shall be heal.

Acts 9:32-34 says: “And it came to pass, as Peter passed throughout all [quarters], he came down also to the saints which dwelt at Lydda. And there he found a certain man named Aeneas, which had kept his bed eight years, and was sick of the palsy. And Peter said unto him, Aeneas, Jesus Christ maketh thee whole: arise, and make thy bed. And he arose immediately.”

Peter did exactly that in the life of Aeneas. God has healed him and immediately the man got up from his sick bed.

Your duty is to Restore.

Your duty is to Resurrect. In order words, when you find anyone who is already dead, your duty is to bring them back to life.

In Acts 9: 36-42, the same Peter followed the example of our Lord Jesus Christ by bringing Dorcas back to life. His your duty as Light was to Resurrect.

It is your duty to Recreate.

How can I Recreate?

Very simple, you bring people to the One who can give them Brand New Beginning.

John 15:16 says: “Ye have not chosen me, but I have chosen you, and ordained you, that ye should go and bring forth fruit, and [that] your fruit should remain: that whatsoever ye shall ask of the Father in my name, he may give it you.”

He said, you have not chosen me, I have chosen you that you will go and bring forth fruit and that your will abide. Read – Open Heaven 3 March 2019

When you win souls, you are recreating, you are changing a sinners to a Saints. You are bringing out of hell somebody the devil has completely destroyed and bringing them into the kingdom of God.

So you have an assignment as the Light to do the works that the Light did; Restore, Resurrect and Recreate.

If you believe that by the Grace of God, you will begin to do all these things from now on, let me hear you say Amen – Amen!

Then comes the question, when am I to begin doing these things? When is my Light supposed to begin to Shine? Because from the text that we read, ARISE, SHINE Why? Your Light has COME!

When will I begin to heal the sick?

May be I should put the question this way: When are you suppose to be healing the sick?

You can’t even answer – ‘NOW’!

You are not sure – ‘NOW’!

I got a text message after the Sermon from somebody, I don’t know which of my children. He said; daddy, teach us how to heal the sick. I said, it doesn’t need any teaching. It’s a very simple matter. “These Signs shall follow them that believe”.

The first question you should ask yourself is: Do I believe in Jesus?

Let me ask you the question: Do you believe in Jesus?

YES!

Do you believe He is the TRUTH? Do you believe He will never LIE?

… Once you you believed, then you are qualified for stage one.

Then the next thing He ask you to do is to LAY HANDS on the SICK.

And the question now is: If I lay hands on them and they don’t get well, what happens?

Who told you they wouldn’t get well?

The only fellow who can say if you lay hands on the sick they may not recover is the devil because Jesus said: ‘You shall lay hands on the sick and they shall recover’.

So, whom are you going to believe now? Is it Jesus or the devil?

JESUS! I can’t hear you – JESUS!

Then somebody asked me once; daddy are you saying that everyone you lay hands on get well? Do they all recovered?

I said no. If I lay hands on one (1) and he doesn’t recover, I go to the other, I lay hands on the second, then I go to the third, I lay hands on the forth.

Then I decided to shared with somebody who was very close to me who was a beginner in laying hands on the sick. I said, you know what, when I was younger, I prayed a prayer, God I saw from the story at the Pool of Bethesda that there were many sick people there, You healed only one (1) person. Please Lord, the only sick people You will send to me are those whom you want to heal.

Childish prayer is it?

The Lord met me at my level of Faith. He brought to me only those He wanted to heal.

The moment I saw any sick fellow coming; I knew this one, God already wants to heal. He just wants to use me as a camouflage.

But latter on as I grew, I changed my prayer, just bring them all – anyone who is sick, bring them. I will lay my hands in Your Mighty Name and I know they will recover.

How many of you believed that from now on when you lay hands in the Name of Jesus they would recover? – MOSES/TITILAYOMI/OLUSOLA

If you believe, let me hear you say Amen loud and clear – Amen!

So, I want to give you an assignment that is probably why God wants me to share this with you. It is that even between today and tomorrow, look for sick people and lay your hands on them and let us see how many Testimonies we would get tomorrow. Because my God is going to surprise you from now.

… If you really believe, your Amen should have been loud – Amen!

But the conclusion of the matter is just like all the boys who spoke before me had said; “you cannot Swim in Glory if you have not made contact with the King of Glory.”

STEP 1: To Swim in Glory is that you must become Associated with the King of Glory Himself.

That is why even tonight in case there is anyone who is yet to be Associated with the King of Glory. If there is anyone who is yet to surrender his or her life to Jesus, you should come forward now. Come quickly, He can save your soul now and did you know what, you can even be laying hands on the sick for them to recover from this moment onward.

So, if you want to give your life to Jesus Christ, no matter how few you are in number, I will wait for you and I will count from one (1) to five (5). You come, you surrender your life to Him and I pray for your Salvation and a New Beginning – a Brand New Beginning will come into your life.

So if you want to give your life to Jesus, you want to be associated with the King of Glory, so that one day you too will begin to Swim in Glory. Come now as I count….

Who told you that God can’t turn you to a Vessel unto Honour?

The Bible says, taste and see, the Lord is good. Come and surrender your life to Him. He can turn you to someone who will even heal the sick, raise the dead; doing the Works that He did.

So if you are coming, you have to hurry up so that I can pray for you.

This is just the EVE of the Special Holy Ghost Service and we want the people to be able to leave on time. Come quickly, Thank You Father!

Now, those of you who have come, talk to Almighty God and ask Him to save your souls, tell Him to wash away your sins, promise Him that from now on, you will be serving Him, tell Him to be your Lord and Saviour. Talk to Him and ask for the Salvation of Your soul.

The rest of us, let’s stretch our hands towards these people and pray for them that the One who saved our souls will save their own souls too. That God will recreate them and make them brand New Creatures in Him.

Those of you on the way, hurry up because I want to pray now. The rest of us, in another one (1) minute or two (2) pray that the Saviour who saved your soul will saves their souls also.

Thank You Father, in Jesus Mighty Name we Prayed – Amen!

PRAYER OF SALVATION: Savour we want to say Thank You for Your Words, Thank You for all Your children who have already spoken before us. Thank You for the Messages of tonight, please accept our thanks in Jesus’ Name.

As for these people who have come to surrender their lives unto You, I pray Lord Almighty that You will receive them, You will forgive them their sins, You will wash away their sins and You will saves their souls.

Father, am praying that beginning from today, You will write their names in the book of life. You will receive them into the family of God and from this moment onward, anytime they call on You, You will please answer them by fire.

In Jesus Mighty Name we prayed – Amen!

Those of you who have come forward, I want to rejoice with you and I want to promise you that from now on, I will be praying for you. So I would need your names, address and your prayer requests. I promise you, I will be praying for you. So if you turn to your left, you will see a man there with a placard, please follow him, he will take you to where some Pastors are waiting and they will collect your information and bring you back very quickly.

God bless you, you can begin to go now. Let’s give the Lord a big round applause as they go.

If you are clapping for Jesus, clap and if you don’t want to clap, don’t clap at all. You know the Lord told me that proud people don’t know how to Praise Him. When you can’t Praise Him, you can’t clap for Him. It’s a symbol of pride (2x).

Clap for Him (2x). Thank You Father – Amen!

It is only one prayer I want you to pray tonight before I pray for you.

But in the mean time, I want you to stand on your feet, lift your voice to the Almighty God loud and clear and say: Father, beginning from right now, begin To use me for Miracles, Signs and Wonders: Open your mouth and cry unto Him, beginning from right now (2x), begin to use me Lord for Miracles, for Signs, for Wonders, begin to use me for Healing the sick, begin to use me for Raising the dead, begin to use me for Opening the wombs, begin to use me Lord for Miracles, for Signs and Wonders. Begin from this very moment, begin to use me for Miracles, for Signs and for Wonders.

Thank You Father, in Jesus Mighty Name we have prayed – Amen.

CLOSING PRAYER:

So Father, tonight in Your Precious Mighty Name, I decree concerning all these Your children who have come, beginning from now, begin to use them for Your Miracles, for your Signs and for Your Wonders.

Beginning from this very moment, when they lay hands on the sick, let them recover, when they lay hands on the dead, let the dead rise again, when they pray for the barren , let them conceive.

Beginning from this moment, My Father and My God, let them begin to Shine.

And I pray Lord God Almighty that even before tomorrow morning, they would have Testimonies.

Thank You Almighty God; in Jesus Mighty Name we have prayed – Amen!

If you believe God has answered that prayer, let me hear you shout Hallelujah – HALLELUJAH!!!

Thank you so much for staying all through to read.

It is outrightly wrong and a sin for anyone that wants to swim in God’s Glory to consciously remove the original source of the work that does not emanate for him or her!

OPEN HEAVEN 3 MARCH 2019 MEMORISE: 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. Mark 16:18

OPEN HEAVEN 3 MARCH 2019 READ: Luke 13:10-13

10 And he was teaching in one of the synagogues on the sabbath.

11 And, behold, there was a woman which had a spirit of infirmity eighteen years, and was bowed together, and could in no wise lift up herself.

12 And when Jesus saw her, he called her to him, and said unto her, Woman, thou art loosed from thine infirmity.

13 And he laid his hands on her: and immediately she was made straight, and glorified God.

Several times in the Bible, virtue power is transferred from a source to a recipient through a touch. We also see through the Bible that there are different kinds of touches.

There is the touch of life, and there is the touch of sin and death. We also find the touch of healing and the touch of sickness. For example, when God’s breath life touched the lifeless body of the man whom He formed out of dust of the earth, he became a living soul (Genesis 2:7). Click To Read – Open Heavens 2 March 2019

In like manner, when the devil was permitted by God to touch Job with the touch of sickness, Job became grievously sick to the point of death.

Thank God that the touch of healing was given to override the touch of sickness. Are you sick in your body? The Lord will touch you with His healing touch today in Jesus’ Name. The Lord Jesus in John 10:10 said:

“The thief cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy: I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly.” Click To Read – Prayer Points For Open Heavens 2 March 2019

In order words, the devil came to touch humanity with all kinds of sicknesses, but Jesus came with His healing touch to recue us from them all. However, it is amazing that some children of God do not know their Father the way they ought to know Him.

They trust Him for all manner of things, including the most costly of them all, which is the salvation of their souls, yet they find it difficult to trust Him for the healing of their bodies.

With the prevalence of many incurable diseases, children of God need to begin to trust God for His healing touch. This is necessary because from time immemorial, man’s best efforts to cure diseases and sicknesses have always been limited in impact, and millions are still suufering incurably today.

The woman with the issue of blood is an example of someone who suffered a great deal from incurable disease. Mark 5:25-26 says this about her:

“And a certain woman, which had an issue of blood twelve years,And had suffered many things of many physicians, and had spent all that she had, and was nothing bettered, but rather grew worse,”

She remained in this condition until her touch of faith drew the healing touch of the Master into her life. Today’s Bible reading tells of another woman who was sick for eighteen years.

She encountered the healing touch of the Master and was made whole. Beyond this, today’s memory verse assures us that if only we believe, we can even graduate from being healed to becoming agents of healing. I pray that this will be your testimony in Jesus’ Name.

OPEN HEAVEN 3 MARCH 2019 PRAYER POINT: Father, touch and heal me today, and make me an agent of healing to others in Jesus’ Name.

OPEN HEAVEN 3 MARCH 2019 HYMN 9: IN CHRIST ALONE

In Christ alone my hope is found
He is my light, my strength, my song
This Cornerstone, this solid ground
Firm through the fiercest drought and storm
What heights of love, what depths of peace
When fears are stilled, when strivings cease
My Comforter, my All in All
Here in the love of Christ I stand.

In Christ alone, who took on flesh
Fullness of God in helpless babe
This gift of love and righteousness
Scorned by the ones He came to save
‘Til on that cross as Jesus died
The wrath of God was satisfied
For every sin on Him was laid
Here in the death of Christ I live.

There in the ground His body lay
Light of the world by darkness slain
Then bursting forth in glorious Day
Up from the grave He rose again
And as He stands in victory
Sin’s curse has lost its grip on me
For I am His and He is mine
Bought with the precious blood of Christ

No guilt in life, no fear in death
This is the power of Christ in me
From life’s first cry to final breath
Jesus commands my destiny
No power of hell, no scheme of man
Can ever pluck me from His hand
Till He returns or calls me home
Here in the power of Christ I’ll stand.

OPEN HEAVEN 3 MARCH 2019 BIBLE IN ONE YEAR: Acts 21-22 and Isaiah 51:17-52:12

Acts 21 King James Version (KJV)

21 And it came to pass, that after we were gotten from them, and had launched, we came with a straight course unto Coos, and the day following unto Rhodes, and from thence unto Patara:

2 And finding a ship sailing over unto Phenicia, we went aboard, and set forth.

3 Now when we had discovered Cyprus, we left it on the left hand, and sailed into Syria, and landed at Tyre: for there the ship was to unlade her burden.

4 And finding disciples, we tarried there seven days: who said to Paul through the Spirit, that he should not go up to Jerusalem.

5 And when we had accomplished those days, we departed and went our way; and they all brought us on our way, with wives and children, till we were out of the city: and we kneeled down on the shore, and prayed.

6 And when we had taken our leave one of another, we took ship; and they returned home again.

7 And when we had finished our course from Tyre, we came to Ptolemais, and saluted the brethren, and abode with them one day.

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.

15 And after those days we took up our carriages, and went up to Jerusalem.

16 There went with us also certain of the disciples of Caesarea, and brought with them one Mnason of Cyprus, an old disciple, with whom we should lodge.

17 And when we were come to Jerusalem, the brethren received us gladly.

18 And the day following Paul went in with us unto James; and all the elders were present.

19 And when he had saluted them, he declared particularly what things God had wrought among the Gentiles by his ministry.

20 And when they heard it, they glorified the Lord, and said unto him, Thou seest, brother, how many thousands of Jews there are which believe; and they are all zealous of the law:

21 And they are informed of thee, that thou teachest all the Jews which are among the Gentiles to forsake Moses, saying that they ought not to circumcise their children, neither to walk after the customs.

22 What is it therefore? the multitude must needs come together: for they will hear that thou art come.

23 Do therefore this that we say to thee: We have four men which have a vow on them;

24 Them take, and purify thyself with them, and be at charges with them, that they may shave their heads: and all may know that those things, whereof they were informed concerning thee, are nothing; but that thou thyself also walkest orderly, and keepest the law.

25 As touching the Gentiles which believe, we have written and concluded that they observe no such thing, save only that they keep themselves from things offered to idols, and from blood, and from strangled, and from fornication.

26 Then Paul took the men, and the next day purifying himself with them entered into the temple, to signify the accomplishment of the days of purification, until that an offering should be offered for every one of them.

27 And when the seven days were almost ended, the Jews which were of Asia, when they saw him in the temple, stirred up all the people, and laid hands on him,

28 Crying out, Men of Israel, help: This is the man, that teacheth all men every where against the people, and the law, and this place: and further brought Greeks also into the temple, and hath polluted this holy place.

29 (For they had seen before with him in the city Trophimus an Ephesian, whom they supposed that Paul had brought into the temple.)

30 And all the city was moved, and the people ran together: and they took Paul, and drew him out of the temple: and forthwith the doors were shut.

31 And as they went about to kill him, tidings came unto the chief captain of the band, that all Jerusalem was in an uproar.

32 Who immediately took soldiers and centurions, and ran down unto them: and when they saw the chief captain and the soldiers, they left beating of Paul.

33 Then the chief captain came near, and took him, and commanded him to be bound with two chains; and demanded who he was, and what he had done.

34 And some cried one thing, some another, among the multitude: and when he could not know the certainty for the tumult, he commanded him to be carried into the castle.

35 And when he came upon the stairs, so it was, that he was borne of the soldiers for the violence of the people.

36 For the multitude of the people followed after, crying, Away with him.

37 And as Paul was to be led into the castle, he said unto the chief captain, May I speak unto thee? Who said, Canst thou speak Greek?

38 Art not thou that Egyptian, which before these days madest an uproar, and leddest out into the wilderness four thousand men that were murderers?

39 But Paul said, I am a man which am a Jew of Tarsus, a city in Cilicia, a citizen of no mean city: and, I beseech thee, suffer me to speak unto the people.

40 And when he had given him licence, Paul stood on the stairs, and beckoned with the hand unto the people. And when there was made a great silence, he spake unto them in the Hebrew tongue, saying,

Acts 22 King James Version (KJV)

22 Men, brethren, and fathers, hear ye my defence which I make now unto you.

2 (And when they heard that he spake in the Hebrew tongue to them, they kept the more silence: and he saith,)

3 I am verily a man which am a Jew, born in Tarsus, a city in Cilicia, yet brought up in this city at the feet of Gamaliel, and taught according to the perfect manner of the law of the fathers, and was zealous toward God, as ye all are this day.

4 And I persecuted this way unto the death, binding and delivering into prisons both men and women.

5 As also the high priest doth bear me witness, and all the estate of the elders: from whom also I received letters unto the brethren, and went to Damascus, to bring them which were there bound unto Jerusalem, for to be punished.

6 And it came to pass, that, as I made my journey, and was come nigh unto Damascus about noon, suddenly there shone from heaven a great light round about me.

7 And I fell unto the ground, and heard a voice saying unto me, Saul, Saul, why persecutest thou me?

8 And I answered, Who art thou, Lord? And he said unto me, I am Jesus of Nazareth, whom thou persecutest.

9 And they that were with me saw indeed the light, and were afraid; but they heard not the voice of him that spake to me.

10 And I said, What shall I do, Lord? And the Lord said unto me, Arise, and go into Damascus; and there it shall be told thee of all things which are appointed for thee to do.

11 And when I could not see for the glory of that light, being led by the hand of them that were with me, I came into Damascus.

12 And one Ananias, a devout man according to the law, having a good report of all the Jews which dwelt there,

13 Came unto me, and stood, and said unto me, Brother Saul, receive thy sight. And the same hour I looked up upon him.

14 And he said, The God of our fathers hath chosen thee, that thou shouldest know his will, and see that Just One, and shouldest hear the voice of his mouth.

15 For thou shalt be his witness unto all men of what thou hast seen and heard.

16 And now why tarriest thou? arise, and be baptized, and wash away thy sins, calling on the name of the Lord.

17 And it came to pass, that, when I was come again to Jerusalem, even while I prayed in the temple, I was in a trance;

18 And saw him saying unto me, Make haste, and get thee quickly out of Jerusalem: for they will not receive thy testimony concerning me.

19 And I said, Lord, they know that I imprisoned and beat in every synagogue them that believed on thee:

20 And when the blood of thy martyr Stephen was shed, I also was standing by, and consenting unto his death, and kept the raiment of them that slew him.

21 And he said unto me, Depart: for I will send thee far hence unto the Gentiles.

22 And they gave him audience unto this word, and then lifted up their voices, and said, Away with such a fellow from the earth: for it is not fit that he should live.

23 And as they cried out, and cast off their clothes, and threw dust into the air,

24 The chief captain commanded him to be brought into the castle, and bade that he should be examined by scourging; that he might know wherefore they cried so against him.

25 And as they bound him with thongs, Paul said unto the centurion that stood by, Is it lawful for you to scourge a man that is a Roman, and uncondemned?

26 When the centurion heard that, he went and told the chief captain, saying, Take heed what thou doest: for this man is a Roman.

27 Then the chief captain came, and said unto him, Tell me, art thou a Roman? He said, Yea.

28 And the chief captain answered, With a great sum obtained I this freedom. And Paul said, But I was free born.

29 Then straightway they departed from him which should have examined him: and the chief captain also was afraid, after he knew that he was a Roman, and because he had bound him.

30 On the morrow, because he would have known the certainty wherefore he was accused of the Jews, he loosed him from his bands, and commanded the chief priests and all their council to appear, and brought Paul down, and set him before them.

Isaiah 51:17-52:12 King James Version (KJV)

17 Awake, awake, stand up, O Jerusalem, which hast drunk at the hand of the Lord the cup of his fury; thou hast drunken the dregs of the cup of trembling, and wrung them out.

18 There is none to guide her among all the sons whom she hath brought forth; neither is there any that taketh her by the hand of all the sons that she hath brought up.

19 These two things are come unto thee; who shall be sorry for thee? desolation, and destruction, and the famine, and the sword: by whom shall I comfort thee?

20 Thy sons have fainted, they lie at the head of all the streets, as a wild bull in a net: they are full of the fury of the Lord, the rebuke of thy God.

21 Therefore hear now this, thou afflicted, and drunken, but not with wine:

22 Thus saith thy Lord the Lord, and thy God that pleadeth the cause of his people, Behold, I have taken out of thine hand the cup of trembling, even the dregs of the cup of my fury; thou shalt no more drink it again:

23 But I will put it into the hand of them that afflict thee; which have said to thy soul, Bow down, that we may go over: and thou hast laid thy body as the ground, and as the street, to them that went over.

52 Awake, awake; put on thy strength, O Zion; put on thy beautiful garments, O Jerusalem, the holy city: for henceforth there shall no more come into thee the uncircumcised and the unclean.

2 Shake thyself from the dust; arise, and sit down, O Jerusalem: loose thyself from the bands of thy neck, O captive daughter of Zion.

3 For thus saith the Lord, Ye have sold yourselves for nought; and ye shall be redeemed without money.

4 For thus saith the Lord God, My people went down aforetime into Egypt to sojourn there; and the Assyrian oppressed them without cause.

5 Now therefore, what have I here, saith the Lord, that my people is taken away for nought? they that rule over them make them to howl, saith the Lord; and my name continually every day is blasphemed.

6 Therefore my people shall know my name: therefore they shall know in that day that I am he that doth speak: behold, it is I.

7 How beautiful upon the mountains are the feet of him that bringeth good tidings, that publisheth peace; that bringeth good tidings of good, that publisheth salvation; that saith unto Zion, Thy God reigneth!

8 Thy watchmen shall lift up the voice; with the voice together shall they sing: for they shall see eye to eye, when the Lord shall bring again Zion.

9 Break forth into joy, sing together, ye waste places of Jerusalem: for the Lord hath comforted his people, he hath redeemed Jerusalem.

10 The Lord hath made bare his holy arm in the eyes of all the nations; and all the ends of the earth shall see the salvation of our God.

11 Depart ye, depart ye, go ye out from thence, touch no unclean thing; go ye out of the midst of her; be ye clean, that bear the vessels of the Lord.

12 For ye shall not go out with haste, nor go by flight: for the Lord will go before you; and the God of Israel will be your reward.

OPEN HEAVENS DAILY DEVOTIONAL FOR TEENS 2 MARCH 2019 – HELP YOUR NEIGHBOUR

MEMORISE: thou shall love thy neighbor as thyself. Mark 12:31

Read: Luke 10:25-37

25 And then a certain lawyer arose to try (test, tempt) Him, saying, Teacher, what am I to do to inherit everlasting life [that is, to partake of eternal salvation in the Messiah’s kingdom]?

26 Jesus said to him, What is written in the Law? How do you read it?

27 And he replied, You must love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength and with all your mind; and your neighbor as yourself.

28 And Jesus said to him, You have answered correctly; do this, and you will live [enjoy active, blessed, endless life in the kingdom of God].

29 And he, etermined to acquit himself of reproach, said to Jesus, And who is my neighbor?

30 Jesus, taking him up, replied, A certain man was going from Jerusalem down to Jericho, and he fell among robbers, who stripped him of his clothes and belongings and beat him and went their way, [unconcernedly] leaving him half dead, as it happened.

31 Now by coincidence a certain priest was going down along that road, and when he saw him, he passed by on the other side.

32 A Levite likewise came down to the place and saw him, and passed by on the other side [of the road].

33 But a certain Samaritan, as he traveled along, came down to where he was; and when he saw him, he was moved with pity and sympathy [for him],

34 And went to him and dressed his wounds, pouring on [them] oil and wine. Then he set him on his own beast and brought him to an inn and took care of him.

35 And the next day he took out two denarii [two day’s wages] and gave [them] to the innkeeper, saying, Take care of him; and whatever more you spend, I [myself] will repay you when I return.

36 Which of these three do you think proved himself a neighbor to him who fell among the robbers?

37 He answered, The one who showed pity and mercy to him. And Jesus said to him, Go and do likewise.

MESSAGE:

Do you know that many Christian teenagers are actually not Christ like? The sad irony is that the teenagers who are not Christians are more humane that some ‘Christian’ teenagers. The Holy Bible says that God is Love. If you don’t show love to the people around you, then you are not a genuine child of God. Click Here To Read – Open Heaven 2 March 2019

Jesus Christ said that the greatest commandment is that we love God and the second greatest is that we love our neighbours. 1 John 4:20 puts it in a better perspective; it says if you claim to love God and you don’t love your neighbours that you can see, then you are a liar.

If you truly love God, anytime you see someone in need, you will lend a helping hand. It is God’s wish that you always look out for people in need and help them as well as you can.

KEY POINT:
Even when someone is cruel to you, be kind to them still.

BIBLE IN ONE YEAR:
Numbers 28-29
Mark 9:1-29

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.

AUTHORS: Pastor E.A. Adeboye and Pastor (Mrs.) Folu Adeboye.

OPEN HEAVEN 2 MARCH 2019 MEMORISE: Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus: Philippians 2:5

OPEN HEAVEN 2 MARCH 2019 READ: Hebrews 2:9-18, 3:1

9 But we see Jesus, who was made a little lower than the angels for the suffering of death, crowned with glory and honour; that he by the grace of God should taste death for every man.

10 For it became him, for whom are all things, and by whom are all things, in bringing many sons unto glory, to make the captain of their salvation perfect through sufferings.

11 For both he that sanctifieth and they who are sanctified are all of one: for which cause he is not ashamed to call them brethren,

12 Saying, I will declare thy name unto my brethren, in the midst of the church will I sing praise unto thee.

13 And again, I will put my trust in him. And again, Behold I and the children which God hath given me.

14 Forasmuch then as the children are partakers of flesh and blood, he also himself likewise took part of the same; that through death he might destroy him that had the power of death, that is, the devil;

15 And deliver them who through fear of death were all their lifetime subject to bondage.

16 For verily he took not on him the nature of angels; but he took on him the seed of Abraham.

17 Wherefore in all things it behoved him to be made like unto his brethren, that he might be a merciful and faithful high priest in things pertaining to God, to make reconciliation for the sins of the people.

18 For in that he himself hath suffered being tempted, he is able to succour them that are tempted.

1Wherefore, holy brethren, partakers of the heavenly calling, consider the Apostle and High Priest of our profession, Christ Jesus;

Yesterday, we started considering the all important topic of focusing our attention on Jesus Christ, and we saw some of the reasons why we need to fix our eyes on Him while we journey through the wilderness of this world.

Today, we shall be reflecting on some of the benefits of looking unto Jesus.

For we have not an high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin. Hebrews 4:15

One of the reasons why our Lord took on the form of man was to lay down a pattern of life that would always serve as a perfect example for us to look up to.

Although He experienced everything we go through as humans, He triumphed over all. Following His example will therefore cause us to triumph over every trial and temptation we will face in the world. Click Here To Read – Open Heavens 1 March 2019

He is the only human figure we can completely pattern our lives after and still live acceptable before the Almighty Father. One virtue of His that we must definitely follow is the virtue of endurance in the face of trials and temptations.

The Holy Spirit counsels us to practice this virtue in order to avoid experiencing wariness in our soul and spirit. Speaking in Hebrews 12:3, He said:

“For consider him that endured such contradiction of sinners against himself, lest ye be wearied and faint in your minds.”

When we are focused on living as Christ lived, we would not be deterred by what the ungodly do to us. Our Lord says to us in John 15:18-19:

“ If the world hate you, ye know that it hated me before it hated you.If ye were of the world, the world would love his own: but because ye are not of the world, but I have chosen you out of the world, therefore the world hateth you.”

Don’t be discouraged when your boss maltreats you because you refuse to sleep with him based on your Christian conviction, or when your colleagues hate you because you refuse to go along with their plan to steal from the company. Click Here To Read – Prayer Points For Open Heavens 1 March 2019

You have already been forewarned of their hostility by the Master, who Himself also endured the “contradiction of sinner”. Lastly, we must focus on Jesus because He is our role model in leadership, giving and love.

He established His leadership by serving us, and He gave us His very best by laying down His life as a ransom for our salvation (John 10:10-18).

As you begin to focus your gaze upon Jesus from today, I pray that God will help you in Jesus’ Name.

OPEN HEAVEN 2 MARCH 2019 KEY POINT: We are commanded to look up to Jesus and not to any other person or institution.

OPEN HEAVEN 2 MARCH 2019 HYMN 2 : OH JESUS I HAVE PROMISED

1. O Jesus, I have promised
To serve Thee to the end;
Be Thou forever near me,
My Master and my Friend;
I shall not fear the battle
If Thou art by my side,
Nor wander from the pathway
If Thou wilt be my Guide.

2. Oh, let me feel Thee near me;
The world is ever near;
I see the sights that dazzle,
The tempting sounds I hear;
My foes are ever near me,
Around me and within;
But, Jesus, draw Thou nearer,
And shield my soul from sin.

3. Oh, let me hear Thee speaking,
In accents clear and still,
Above the storms of passion,
The murmurs of self-will;
Oh, speak to reassure me,
To hasten, or control;
Oh, speak, and make me listen,
Thou Guardian of my soul.

4. O Jesus, Thou hast promised
To all who follow Thee
That where Thou art in glory
There shall Thy servant be;
And Jesus, I have promised
To serve Thee to the end;
Oh, give me grace to follow,
My Master and my Friend.

5. Oh, let me see Thy footmarks,
And in them plant mine own;
My hope to follow duly
Is in Thy strength alone.
Oh, guide me, call me, draw me,
Uphold me to the end;
And then to rest receive me,
My Savior and my Friend.

OPEN HEAVEN 2 MARCH 2019 BIBLE IN ONE YEAR: Acts 19-20 & Isaiah 51:4-16

Acts 19 King James Version (KJV)

19 And it came to pass, that, while Apollos was at Corinth, Paul having passed through the upper coasts came to Ephesus: and finding certain disciples,

2 He said unto them, Have ye received the Holy Ghost since ye believed? And they said unto him, We have not so much as heard whether there be any Holy Ghost.

3 And he said unto them, Unto what then were ye baptized? And they said, Unto John’s baptism.

4 Then said Paul, John verily baptized with the baptism of repentance, saying unto the people, that they should believe on him which should come after him, that is, on Christ Jesus.

5 When they heard this, they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus.

6 And when Paul had laid his hands upon them, the Holy Ghost came on them; and they spake with tongues, and prophesied.

7 And all the men were about twelve.

8 And he went into the synagogue, and spake boldly for the space of three months, disputing and persuading the things concerning the kingdom of God.

9 But when divers were hardened, and believed not, but spake evil of that way before the multitude, he departed from them, and separated the disciples, disputing daily in the school of one Tyrannus.

10 And this continued by the space of two years; so that all they which dwelt in Asia heard the word of the Lord Jesus, both Jews and Greeks.

11 And God wrought special miracles by the hands of Paul:

12 So that from his body were brought unto the sick handkerchiefs or aprons, and the diseases departed from them, and the evil spirits went out of them.

13 Then certain of the vagabond Jews, exorcists, took upon them to call over them which had evil spirits the name of the LordJesus, saying, We adjure you by Jesus whom Paul preacheth.

14 And there were seven sons of one Sceva, a Jew, and chief of the priests, which did so.

15 And the evil spirit answered and said, Jesus I know, and Paul I know; but who are ye?

16 And the man in whom the evil spirit was leaped on them, and overcame them, and prevailed against them, so that they fled out of that house naked and wounded.

17 And this was known to all the Jews and Greeks also dwelling at Ephesus; and fear fell on them all, and the name of the Lord Jesus was magnified.

18 And many that believed came, and confessed, and shewed their deeds.

19 Many of them also which used curious arts brought their books together, and burned them before all men: and they counted the price of them, and found it fifty thousand pieces of silver.

20 So mightily grew the word of God and prevailed.

21 After these things were ended, Paul purposed in the spirit, when he had passed through Macedonia and Achaia, to go to Jerusalem, saying, After I have been there, I must also see Rome.

22 So he sent into Macedonia two of them that ministered unto him, Timotheus and Erastus; but he himself stayed in Asia for a season.

23 And the same time there arose no small stir about that way.

24 For a certain man named Demetrius, a silversmith, which made silver shrines for Diana, brought no small gain unto the craftsmen;

25 Whom he called together with the workmen of like occupation, and said, Sirs, ye know that by this craft we have our wealth.

26 Moreover ye see and hear, that not alone at Ephesus, but almost throughout all Asia, this Paul hath persuaded and turned away much people, saying that they be no gods, which are made with hands:

27 So that not only this our craft is in danger to be set at nought; but also that the temple of the great goddess Diana should be despised, and her magnificence should be destroyed, whom all Asia and the world worshippeth.

28 And when they heard these sayings, they were full of wrath, and cried out, saying, Great is Diana of the Ephesians.

29 And the whole city was filled with confusion: and having caught Gaius and Aristarchus, men of Macedonia, Paul’s companions in travel, they rushed with one accord into the theatre.

30 And when Paul would have entered in unto the people, the disciples suffered him not.

31 And certain of the chief of Asia, which were his friends, sent unto him, desiring him that he would not adventure himself into the theatre.

32 Some therefore cried one thing, and some another: for the assembly was confused: and the more part knew not wherefore they were come together.

33 And they drew Alexander out of the multitude, the Jews putting him forward. And Alexander beckoned with the hand, and would have made his defence unto the people.

34 But when they knew that he was a Jew, all with one voice about the space of two hours cried out, Great is Diana of the Ephesians.

35 And when the townclerk had appeased the people, he said, Ye men of Ephesus, what man is there that knoweth not how that the city of the Ephesians is a worshipper of the great goddess Diana, and of the image which fell down from Jupiter?

36 Seeing then that these things cannot be spoken against, ye ought to be quiet, and to do nothing rashly.

37 For ye have brought hither these men, which are neither robbers of churches, nor yet blasphemers of your goddess.

38 Wherefore if Demetrius, and the craftsmen which are with him, have a matter against any man, the law is open, and there are deputies: let them implead one another.

39 But if ye enquire any thing concerning other matters, it shall be determined in a lawful assembly.

40 For we are in danger to be called in question for this day’s uproar, there being no cause whereby we may give an account of this concourse.

41 And when he had thus spoken, he dismissed the assembly.

Acts 20 King James Version (KJV)

20 And after the uproar was ceased, Paul called unto him the disciples, and embraced them, and departed for to go into Macedonia.

2 And when he had gone over those parts, and had given them much exhortation, he came into Greece,

3 And there abode three months. And when the Jews laid wait for him, as he was about to sail into Syria, he purposed to return through Macedonia.

4 And there accompanied him into Asia Sopater of Berea; and of the Thessalonians, Aristarchus and Secundus; and Gaius of Derbe, and Timotheus; and of Asia, Tychicus and Trophimus.

5 These going before tarried for us at Troas.

6 And we sailed away from Philippi after the days of unleavened bread, and came unto them to Troas in five days; where we abode seven days.

7 And upon the first day of the week, when the disciples came together to break bread, Paul preached unto them, ready to depart on the morrow; and continued his speech until midnight.

8 And there were many lights in the upper chamber, where they were gathered together.

9 And there sat in a window a certain young man named Eutychus, being fallen into a deep sleep: and as Paul was long preaching, he sunk down with sleep, and fell down from the third loft, and was taken up dead.

10 And Paul went down, and fell on him, and embracing him said, Trouble not yourselves; for his life is in him.

11 When he therefore was come up again, and had broken bread, and eaten, and talked a long while, even till break of day, so he departed.

12 And they brought the young man alive, and were not a little comforted.

13 And we went before to ship, and sailed unto Assos, there intending to take in Paul: for so had he appointed, minding himself to go afoot.

14 And when he met with us at Assos, we took him in, and came to Mitylene.

15 And we sailed thence, and came the next day over against Chios; and the next day we arrived at Samos, and tarried at Trogyllium; and the next day we came to Miletus.

16 For Paul had determined to sail by Ephesus, because he would not spend the time in Asia: for he hasted, if it were possible for him, to be at Jerusalem the day of Pentecost.

17 And from Miletus he sent to Ephesus, and called the elders of the church.

18 And when they were come to him, he said unto them, Ye know, from the first day that I came into Asia, after what manner I have been with you at all seasons,

19 Serving the Lord with all humility of mind, and with many tears, and temptations, which befell me by the lying in wait of the Jews:

20 And how I kept back nothing that was profitable unto you, but have shewed you, and have taught you publicly, and from house to house,

21 Testifying both to the Jews, and also to the Greeks, repentance toward God, and faith toward our Lord Jesus Christ.

22 And now, behold, I go bound in the spirit unto Jerusalem, not knowing the things that shall befall me there:

23 Save that the Holy Ghost witnesseth in every city, saying that bonds and afflictions abide me.

24 But none of these things move me, neither count I my life dear unto myself, so that I might finish my course with joy, and the ministry, which I have received of the Lord Jesus, to testify the gospel of the grace of God.

25 And now, behold, I know that ye all, among whom I have gone preaching the kingdom of God, shall see my face no more.

26 Wherefore I take you to record this day, that I am pure from the blood of all men.

27 For I have not shunned to declare unto you all the counsel of God.

28 Take heed therefore unto yourselves, and to all the flock, over the which the Holy Ghost hath made you overseers, to feed the church of God, which he hath purchased with his own blood.

29 For I know this, that after my departing shall grievous wolves enter in among you, not sparing the flock.

30 Also of your own selves shall men arise, speaking perverse things, to draw away disciples after them.

31 Therefore watch, and remember, that by the space of three years I ceased not to warn every one night and day with tears.

32 And now, brethren, I commend you to God, and to the word of his grace, which is able to build you up, and to give you an inheritance among all them which are sanctified.

33 I have coveted no man’s silver, or gold, or apparel.

34 Yea, ye yourselves know, that these hands have ministered unto my necessities, and to them that were with me.

35 I have shewed you all things, how that so labouring ye ought to support the weak, and to remember the words of the Lord Jesus, how he said, It is more blessed to give than to receive.

36 And when he had thus spoken, he kneeled down, and prayed with them all.

37 And they all wept sore, and fell on Paul’s neck, and kissed him,

38 Sorrowing most of all for the words which he spake, that they should see his face no more. And they accompanied him unto the ship.

Isaiah 51:4-16 King James Version (KJV)

4 Hearken unto me, my people; and give ear unto me, O my nation: for a law shall proceed from me, and I will make my judgment to rest for a light of the people.

5 My righteousness is near; my salvation is gone forth, and mine arms shall judge the people; the isles shall wait upon me, and on mine arm shall they trust.

6 Lift up your eyes to the heavens, and look upon the earth beneath: for the heavens shall vanish away like smoke, and the earth shall wax old like a garment, and they that dwell therein shall die in like manner: but my salvation shall be for ever, and my righteousness shall not be abolished.

7 Hearken unto me, ye that know righteousness, the people in whose heart is my law; fear ye not the reproach of men, neither be ye afraid of their revilings.

8 For the moth shall eat them up like a garment, and the worm shall eat them like wool: but my righteousness shall be for ever, and my salvation from generation to generation.

9 Awake, awake, put on strength, O arm of the Lord; awake, as in the ancient days, in the generations of old. Art thou not it that hath cut Rahab, and wounded the dragon?

10 Art thou not it which hath dried the sea, the waters of the great deep; that hath made the depths of the sea a way for the ransomed to pass over?

11 Therefore the redeemed of the Lord shall return, and come with singing unto Zion; and everlasting joy shall be upon their head: they shall obtain gladness and joy; and sorrow and mourning shall flee away.

12 I, even I, am he that comforteth you: who art thou, that thou shouldest be afraid of a man that shall die, and of the son of man which shall be made as grass;

13 And forgettest the Lord thy maker, that hath stretched forth the heavens, and laid the foundations of the earth; and hast feared continually every day because of the fury of the oppressor, as if he were ready to destroy? and where is the fury of the oppressor?

14 The captive exile hasteneth that he may be loosed, and that he should not die in the pit, nor that his bread should fail.

15 But I am the Lord thy God, that divided the sea, whose waves roared: The Lord of hosts is his name.

16 And I have put my words in thy mouth, and I have covered thee in the shadow of mine hand, that I may plant the heavens, and lay the foundations of the earth, and say unto Zion, Thou art my people