Open Heavens 17 July 2015: Friday daily devotion by Pastor E. A. Adeboye – Breaking Limitations

Topic: Breaking Limitations [Friday July 17, 2015]

Memorise: Behold, I am the LORD, the God of all flesh: is there any thing too hard for me? - Jeremiah 32:27

Read: Isaiah 40:6-8 (KJV)

6 The voice said, Cry. And he said, What shall I cry? All flesh is grass, and all the goodliness thereof is as the flower of the field:

7 The grass withereth, the flower fadeth: because the spirit of the LORD bloweth upon it: surely the people is grass.

8 The grass withereth, the flower fadeth: but the word of our God shall stand for ever.

Bible In One Year: 2 Chronicles 18:28-20:37; Luke 23:44-24:12

MESSAGE:

Your ability to perform well depends largely on the power and resources available to you. Every human being will be faced with the reality of insufficient resources in the face of a pressing need at one point or the other. Hence, economists advise us to forgo certain alternatives, and draw up a scale of preference on our needs. Man’s limitations have caused the introduction of certain words and phrases into our vocabulary, such as: impossible, cannot, too late, irreversible, etc. All these reflect our state of human limitation and incapacity. Even God recognises man’s limitations. Psalm 103:14 says:

“For he knoweth our frame; he remembereth that we are dust.”

Our natural frailty and limitation is exposed in today’s Bible reading, where man is described as grass that withers easily. Also, Bildad the Shuhite describes man as a frail worm in Jobs 25:6:

“How much less man, that is a worm? And the son of man, which is a worm?”

It is therefore evident that as long as we are confined within our natural sphere, human beings remain seriously limited.

However, God is not limited. He declared in Jeremiah 32:27 thus:

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

Since He owns the Heavens and the earth and everything in them, and because He has all power, He is able to do all things. He does not accommodate limiting words in His vocabulary like men do. How then can we break the yoke of limitation in our lives? It is by being connected to the only One who cannot be limited. When such a link is in place, whatever cannot limit God cannot limit you. What cannot stop God cannot stop you. This is because you have become a partaker of the divine nature (2 Peter 1:4). But you must renew your mind to walk in this reality. To this end, it is necessary to re-examine your vocabulary and delete all limiting words from it. You are what you think; your mindset determines your reality. Many people who had the potential of reaching great heights in their lifetime were stopped by their wrong belief system and limited mindset. You would be amazed to know that what witchcraft cannot stop cannot be stopped by the limiting thoughts you hold about yourself. Beloved, from now on, do not limit yourself. Rather, believe everything God says about you and confess it. Speak God’s Word over that impossible situations, and you shall see it change to conform to your confessions.

Prayer Point: Father, in everyway, I have limited myself, I release myself from it today in Jesus Name.

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

Daily Devotional: Positioned For Generational Blessing | Open Heavens 16 July 2015

Topic: POSITIONED FOR GENERATIONAL BLESSING – Thursday July 16, 2015

Memorize:

There were they in great fear: for God is in the generation of the righteous. -Psalm 14:5

Read: Genesis 48:13-19

13 And Joseph took them both, Ephraim in his right hand toward Israel’s left hand, and Manasseh in his left hand toward Israel’s right hand, and brought them near unto him.
14 And Israel stretched out his right hand, and laid it upon Ephraim’s head, who was the younger, and his left hand upon Manasseh’s head, guiding his hands wittingly; for Manasseh was the firstborn.
15 And he blessed Joseph, and said, God, before whom my fathers Abraham and Isaac did walk, the God which fed me all my life long unto this day,
16 The Angel which redeemed me from all evil, bless the lads; and let my name be named on them, and the name of my fathers Abraham and Isaac; and let them grow into a multitude in the midst of the earth.
17 And when Joseph saw that his father laid his right hand upon the head of Ephraim, it displeased him: and he held up his father’s hand, to remove it from Ephraim’s head unto Manasseh’s head.
18 And Joseph said unto his father, Not so, my father: for this is the firstborn; put thy right hand upon his head.
19 And his father refused, and said, I know it, my son, I know it: he also shall become a people, and he also shall be great: but truly his younger brother shall be greater than he, and his seed shall become a multitude of nations.

MESSAGE:

Shortly before Israel’s death, Joseph his son visited him with his two sons. When it was time to bless the boys, he positioned Manasseh his firstborn to come under his father’s right hand, while Ephraim would come under the left. He knew the implication of position and blessing. But when Israel stretched his hands to bless the boys, he crossed his hands, placing his right hand on the younger and his left hand on the older. Joseph protested but Israel insisted. Let us draw out a few lessons from this passage. The first of these is that after a period of service comes a time of reward. Hence, John the beloved warns in 2nd John 8 that:
“Look to yourselves, that we lose not those things which we have wrought, but that we receive a full reward.”

It is therefore possible to labour for something and never get the reward.
There will always be a time to reap after sowing. Hence, you need to be very careful what you sow, because the harvest is always around the corner. Another lesson from today’s Bible passage is that after a long stretch of service, there comes a time for the impartation of generational blessings. That is, after serving God for several years, a time comes when the blessing that transcends you will be delivered to your children. This can only be done if you have brought up your children in the way of the Lord. Generational blessings come from God. It is more than just a right; it is a reward for quality and consistent service. Psalm 23:30 says:
“A seed shall serve him; it shall be accounted to the Lord for a generation.”

When the time comes for a generational blessing to be transferred to your children and your grandchildren, may they not be found wanting in Jesus’ Name. The implication of this is that whatever effort you put into God’s Kingdom is duly recorded, and that for all your efforts in God’s kingdom, a reward awaits your children. This is why you cannot afford to get tired of loving, serving, pleasing and sacrificing to God. Such efforts help to lay a solid foundation for your children’s future. To what extent are you preparing your children for their tomorrow? Abraham served God and it created a higher platform for Isaac. Isaac also served the Lord and Israel rode on the pedestal. Israel continued from there and Joseph was given a soft landing. Joseph loved the Lord and it affected his sons positively. What kind of blessing will be transferred to your children through your service?

Key Point:
Whether your children will have a smooth ride to destiny or not depends on your relationship with God today.

Bible in one year: 2 Chronicles 16:1-18:27, Luke 23:18-43

Open Heavens Daily Devotional: Accomplice To Sin | Open Heavens 15 July 2015

Topic: ACCOMPLICE TO SIN? – Wednesday July 15, 2015

Memorize:

Who knowing the judgement of God, that they which commit such things are worthy of death, not only do the same, but have pleasure in them that do them. -Romans 1:32

Read: Romans 1:29-32
29 Being filled with all unrighteousness, fornication, wickedness, covetousness, maliciousness; full of envy, murder, debate, deceit, malignity; whisperers,
30 Backbiters, haters of God, despiteful, proud, boasters, inventors of evil things, disobedient to parents,
31 Without understanding, covenant breakers, without natural affection, implacable, unmerciful:
32 Who knowing the judgment of God, that they which commit such things are worthy of death, not only do the same, but have pleasure in them that do them.

MESSAGE:

In trying to rationalise and condone certain types of sin, some people have painted them in different colours. Take lying for instance. This evil act has been categorised by some into white, black and so on. Whether it is a grave lie or a lie that cannot hurt a fly, a lie is a lie. Leviticus 19:11 says it is wrong to lie to other brethren. The devil is the father of all liars according to our Lord Jesus Christ (John 8:44). If you wilfully engage in lies, you definitely have the devil as your father. The Bible declares that outside the gates of Heavens are liars:

“For without are dogs, and sorcerers, and whoremongers, and murderers, and idolaters, and whosoever loveth and maketh a lie.” -Revelation 22:15

If a lie is as trivial as people say it is, why would liars be categorised with fornicators, murderers and idol worshippers? If a lie is not grievous, why would the gate of Heaven be shut against liars? Also, in the above Scripture, a distinction is made between those who love lies and those who tell the lies. In other words, some people are branded liars and because they told a lie, but because they are in accomplice to a lie. If you cover up someone who has lied, you are an accessory to the lie and as a result, a liar yourself.

We understand from our memory verse that while two people may commit a particular sin, ten others may be punished along with them for complicity. This is why you must be very careful. In the process of recommending someone for ordination for example, the fellow may lie that he is a house fellowship leader and provide an address, whereas he is not. If his pastor knows the truth but turns a blind eye and goes ahead to present such a candidate for ordination, he has become an accomplice to a lie and might be on his way knows the truth but cover it up. Do not be taken over by the sin of others! If some people choose to sin, let them face its consequence all by themselves. Never support, sponsor or encourage anyone over sinful act. You must be able to tell the fellow that he or she has sinned and condemn that action with all gravity. Never become the pillow on which the sinner will find solace whenever he or she wants to sin, or else, you will partake or divine judgement and end up in Hell together.

Key Point:
A lot of people will go to Hell because they take pleasure in those who sin.

Bible in one year: 2 Chronicles 13:15, Luke 22:63-23:17

Open Heavens Daily Devotional written by Pastor E.A. Adeboye, the General Overseer of the Redeemed Christian Church of God.

Open Heavens 14 July 2015: Tuesday daily devotion by Pastor E. A. Adeboye – Philippians 4:19 was Earned

Tuesday, 14 July 2015

Topic: Philippians 4:19 Was Earned [Tuesday July 14, 2015]

Memorise: Not because I desire a gift: but I desire fruit that may abound to your account. -Philippians 4:17

Read: Philippians 4:14-19

14 Notwithstanding ye have well done, that ye did communicate with my affliction.

15 Now ye Philippians know also, that in the beginning of the gospel, when I departed from Macedonia, no church communicated with me as concerning giving and receiving, but ye only.

16 For even in Thessalonica ye sent once and again unto my necessity.

17 Not because I desire a gift: but I desire fruit that may abound to your account.

18 But I have all, and abound: I am full, having received of Epaphroditus the things which were sent from you, an odour of a sweet smell, a sacrifice acceptable, wellpleasing to God.

19 But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus.

Bible In One Year: 2 Chronicles 9:29-12:16; Luke 22:39-62

MESSAGE:

If you are enjoying God’s love, you must be ready to give something in return to him as a demonstration of your love for Him. This was demonstrated by the church at Philippi in today’s Bible reading. Paul reported that they were the only ones who stood with him during the period of his trial and need. After he left Macedonia, some churches used that as an excuse not to support him anymore, but not the brethren at Philippi. Even after he travelled to Thessalonica, they repeatedly sent provisions to meet his need there. Today, some people still hide under the cover of distance to shy away from showing love through giving. They would say “You are so far away and that is why it is so difficult to send assistance to you.” If it is difficult to send assistance now, it was much more difficult to do so then. As challenging as it was then, the brethren in Philippi found a way around the difficulties and supported Paul. They knew what they were doing. They become a major financial backbone of the ministry of Paul. Paul declared that by virtue of their being so sacrificial in giving, he was full, having all his needs met. It was based on this that he prayed that God would supply all their needs in Philippians 4:19.

Just as you have needs, so does God have needs. If you can meet Gods needs, He will surely meet yours. The project of expending God’s kingdom on earth has needs. There is therefore a need to support anymore or any cause that is dedicated to meeting these needs. Why did Paul not pray the same prayer for the other churches? It is because a person has the responsibility to provoke the blessings that come to him or her as an individual, family or church. Before you expect so much from God, ask yourself what you have done to provoke what you are expecting. As revealed in Philippians 4:17, know that everyone has an account with God:

“Not because I desire a gift: but I desire fruit that may abound to your account.”

Everything you give to God grows that account. It is when your account is full that your harvest will come. The church at Philippi got their harvest. What about you? What have you given to God in demonstration of your love for Him? What contributions have you made to grow your local parish and meet their needs? How have you met the needs of your pastor and his family?

Key Point: Can your pastor say like Paul that he is full and has no needs as a result of your car

DCLM Daily Manna, Monday July 13, 2015 by Pastor Kumuyi – Ever the Same

Monday, 13 July 2015

Topic: Ever The Same [Monday July 13, 2015]

Text: Psalm 72:1-20

Key Verse: “His name shall endure for ever: his name shall be continued as long as the sun: and men shall be blessed in him: all nations shall call him blessed” (Psalm 72:17).

All through the ages, enemies of Christ had waged fierce battles against Him. But they have always lost in such battles. The battle began when Herod tried to kill Him at birth and in frustration of not getting Him, directed the massacre of all infants within the age-range of Christ. He thought that with that evil edict, Jesus would be eliminated in the process. Again, he was wrong.

Several attempts were made at His life until the appointed time when a band of evil men crucified Him in line with the Scriptures. Yet, He rose from the dead and ascended up to heaven to be with the Father. Today, despite the fact that He is no longer physically on earth, His enemies are still fighting to obliterate the mention of His name.

In our text today, the Psalmist says that no matter what the enemies of Christ do, His name shall endure forever; that His name will continue as long as the sun continue to shine and that He will continue to bless His people. Although all over the world, believers are being persecuted and martyred, we are not to be discouraged by the spate of these atrocities for we have a God Who is infinitely greater and incomparably superior to our enemies and the awesome challenges we face daily.

Believers must be rest assured that whatever happens, the counsel of the Lord must stand in their lives. Stories abound of believers who passed through tough oppressions in the hands of the enemy, yet they eventually triumphed. No matter the situation, it is sweet to know that nothing can dim the star of a child of God.

Bible In One Year: Genesis 38-40

Thought For The Day: In Jesus lies ultimate triumph and victory.

DCLM Daily Manna was written by Pastor William Folorunso Kumuyi; is the founder and General Superintendent of the Deeper Life Bible Church situated at KM 42 on the busy Lagos-Ibadan Expressway, Nigeria.

Open Heavens 13 July 2015: Monday daily devotion by Pastor E. A. Adeboye – Fasting is Relevant

Monday, 13 July 2015

Topic: Fasting is Relevant [Monday July 13, 2015]

Memorise: In weariness and painfulness, in watchings often, in hunger and thirst, in fastings often, in cold and nakedness.  - 2 Corinthians 11:27

Read: Matthew 17:14-21 (KJV)

14 And when they were come to the multitude, there came to him a certain man, kneeling down to him, and saying,

15 Lord, have mercy on my son: for he is lunatick, and sore vexed: for ofttimes he falleth into the fire, and oft into the water.

16 And I brought him to thy disciples, and they could not cure him.

17 Then Jesus answered and said, O faithless and perverse generation, how long shall I be with you? how long shall I suffer you? bring him hither to me.

18 And Jesus rebuked the devil; and he departed out of him: and the child was cured from that very hour.

19 Then came the disciples to Jesus apart, and said, Why could not we cast him out?

20 And Jesus said unto them, Because of your unbelief: for verily I say unto you, If ye have faith as a grain of mustard seed, ye shall say unto this mountain, Remove hence to yonder place; and it shall remove; and nothing shall be impossible unto you.

21 Howbeit this kind goeth not out but by prayer and fasting.

Bible In One Year: 2 Chronicles 7:11-9:28; Luke 22:14-38

MESSAGE:

When you pay the price for greater heights in your relationship with God and in ministry, you will be moved up to operate at a new level. When the price is paid, you will not only see the invisible, you will also hear the inaudible. In 1 Kings 18:41, while others were busy discussing the miracle fire that fell suddenly from Heaven, Elijah rose up and declared the sound of abundance of rain. Note that no other person saw the sign or heard the sound. You shall hear the inaudible from today in Jesus’ Name! However, to operate at this level, you must be given to fasting and prayer. In 2 Corinthians 11:27, Paul said that he fasted and often. The moment you sign up for this level of ministry, the struggle between your flesh and your spirit will take a new dimension. While the flesh will be pulling you forcefully to the left, the spirit will be pulling you to the right. You need fasting in order to weaken the flesh and strengthen your spirit.

“It is the spirit that quickeneth; the flesh profiteth nothing: the words that I speak unto you, they are spirit, and they are life.” - John 6:63

Using the arm of flesh at this level of ministry will definitely meet with disappointments. You need to walk in the Spirit by following the Holy Spirit’s directions; this empowers your spirit-man and subdues the flesh. A while ago, one of my sons asked me “Daddy, now that you are over 70, will you stop fasting?” I laughed and replied, “The moment I quit fasting, you can begin to expect my departure, because I have resolved no to be a relic. As for as I am concerned, the day I cease to be relevant, I go.” Elisha remained relevant until death. Even on his deathbed, he was still dictating the future, instructing the king on what would happen and how he could have victory. In the Name of Jesus, you shall not be lost in oblivion. You shall be relevant in your generation and beyond your generation. Are you prepared to subdue your flesh? The flesh has pegged the rise of many a child of God. If you do not have control over your stomach or appetite, you are not prepared for the ministry of signs and wonders. If you are still indulging in sin, you are not yet serious about the move of the miraculous in your life. Consider what is outstanding in your life and strive to meet up today!

Key Point: If you want heavenly results, feed your spirit. If you feed your flesh, it will deliver sin to you.

DCLM Daily Manna, Sunday July 12, 2015 by Pastor Kumuyi – New Birth, Please

Sunday, 12 July 2015

Topic: New Birth, Please [Sunday July 12, 2015]

Text: John 3:5-12

Key Verse: “Jesus answered, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God” (John 3:5).

As a leopard cannot change its skin, so can no man, by his own power, change his sinful ways. Birth is the beginning of life and to be born again is to begin a new life with God. This new life has its source in Christ, the Son of God.

In our text, Nicodemus is introduced as a Pharisee and a ruler of the Jews. Jesus Christ plainly tells him that except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God. This great truth of the necessity of regeneration, a second birth is thus solemnly laid down. Nicodemus did not grasp Christ’s message. He however humbled himself and sought for explanation from the Saviour, which He gave willingly. Jesus corrected the erroneous belief that the Messiah would come to condemn the world. He emphasized that God’s plan is to save the world and bring judgment and condemnation upon those who reject Him.

God’s plan of redemption is for all men, both Jews and Gentiles (John 3:16). The humility in Nicodemus should challenge many today who have a form of godliness but deny the power of God. Church membership, religious observances, alms-giving, natural goodness and tithing without the second birth are worthless and unprofitable.

We must carefully note the progression of the Lord’s discourse with Nicodemus. First, a man must be born again to see the kingdom of God (verse 3). Even so, a man must be born of water and of the Spirit to enter into the Kingdom (verse 5). In other words, it is not just enough to see the Kingdom through the new birth; you must enter and can only abide therein as you submit fully to the agency of God’s word and the definite leading of the Holy Spirit. If you claim to be born again without being ruled by God’s word and led by His Spirit, you are none of His.

Bible In One Year: Genesis 35-37

Thought For The Day: He who is born once will die twice, but he who is born twice will die once.

DCLM Daily Manna was written by Pastor William Folorunso Kumuyi; is the founder and General Superintendent of the Deeper Life Bible Church situated at KM 42 on the busy Lagos-Ibadan Expressway, Nigeria

Open Heavens 12 July 2015: Sunday daily devotion by Pastor E. A. Adeboye – Touch Not

Topic: Touch Not [Sunday July 12, 2015]

Memorise: He suffered no man to do them wrong: yea, he reproved kings for their sakes, Saying, Touch not mine anointed, and do my prophet no harm. - 1 Chronicles 16:21-22

Read: 1 Samuel 30:1-8 (KJV)

1 And it came to pass, when David and his men were come to Ziklag on the third day, that the Amalekites had invaded the south, and Ziklag, and smitten Ziklag, and burned it with fire;

2 And had taken the women captives, that were therein: they slew not any, either great or small, but carried them away, and went on their way.

3 So David and his men came to the city, and, behold, it was burned with fire; and their wives, and their sons, and their daughters, were taken captives.

4 Then David and the people that were with him lifted up their voice and wept, until they had no more power to weep.

5 And David's two wives were taken captives, Ahinoam the Jezreelitess, and Abigail the wife of Nabal the Carmelite.

6 And David was greatly distressed; for the people spake of stoning him, because the soul of all the people was grieved, every man for his sons and for his daughters: but David encouraged himself in the LORD his God.

7 And David said to Abiathar the priest, Ahimelech's son, I pray thee, bring me hither the ephod. And Abiathar brought thither the ephod to David.

8 And David inquired at the LORD, saying, Shall I pursue after this troop? shall I overtake them? And he answered him, Pursue: for thou shalt surely overtake them, and without fail recover all.

Bible In One Year: 2 Chronicles 6:12-7:10; Luke 21:25-22:13

MESSAGE:

In today’s Bible reading, while David and his men were away, the Amalekites invaded Ziklag, defeated the city and set it on fire; after which they took members of their families – wives, sons and daughters as captives. When they returned and saw the situation of Ziklag, David and his men were really distressed, disappointed and discouraged. It was more so for David because the incident brought so much disaffection, bad blood and misunderstanding between him and his men; to the extent that they blamed him for the incident and spoke of stoning him to death. 1 Samuel 30:6 says:

“And David was greatly distressed; for the people spake of stoning him, because the soul of all the people was grieved, every man for his sons and for his daughters: but David encouraged himself in the LORD his God.”

There are some lessons we can learn from this. The first thing we see here is that whenever you arise to fight the people of God, you lose your defence and you or your family may suffer for it. David was running from King Saul and he went to take up refuge with the Philistines, who were enemies of God (1 Samuel 27:1). When a battle ensued between Israel and the Philistines, he decided to team up with them to fight his own people (1 Samuel 29). Thank God he was sent back home by the Philistines who realised who he was. By the time he go back home, the covering over his family was blown, and his loved ones had been taken captive. Never team up with the enemy against the people of God! Whatever your justification might be, never fight anyone who is named after the Name of Christ, irrespective of how long he or she has been in the faith. You will blow your cover and endanger innocent lives. Certain things that should not be heard of are happening to believers today, because they are busy fighting one another. The second lesson here is that even when he had not fought against his people, just because he had pitched his tent with the enemies of God, his family suffered for it. If you pitch your tent in Sodom, when the fire comes to destroy Sodom, it will equally engulf you. Check your life today! Are you fighting, speaking against or treading upon on any child of God? You are courting trouble! Have you partnered with unbelievers to torment, oppress, rob, deny, persecute or deal with a believer in Christ? Repent today, apologise and desist from such actions before they boomerang on you or your family.

Key Point: God strictly warms that His bona fide children must not be touched. Anyone who touches them will definitely pay dearly for it.