Open Heavens Feb 29th, 2008

BIBLE IN A YEAR: 1 Kg 17-19

EATING HABITS

MEMORIZE: "And put a knife to thy throat, if thou be a man given to appetite" (Proverbs 23:2)

READ: Proverbs 23:6-8

There is this adage that "A child may have as many clothes as an elder but he will not have as many rags as an elder". This is simply saying that before an elder acquires his grey hairs, he would have passed through a lot. The baby pig said to its mother, "Why are you always making such a sound?" The mother pig replied, "When you are as old as I am, you will know." In 1977, my father in the Lord came to spend some time with me in my little house in Ilesha. He was praying when we went to bed. When I woke up at midnight to ease myself, he was still praying. When we woke up in the morning, he was still praying. As a result, I started wondering what the problem was. Today, I understand better. Elders deserve your respect and honor because of what they have gone through in life.

Home training is a very vital tool in propagating the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Any believer who lacks it could pose a hindrance to the salvation of unbelievers. One thing that reflects whether you have been well trained or not is the way you eat at home and in public. The fellow who cuts a chunk of eba or pounded yam as large as the head of a little child, and tries to swallow it at once, lacks home training. If you visit a house and the people there ask if you will eat: Your answer should be, 'No', even if you are dying of hunger. If they really want you to eat, they should set the table and invite you to join. Even at that, you should insist you are okay until they persuade you. When some people chew food, you would think a dog is eating feces. You should be in silent mode while chewing.

When you eat outside your home, no matter how hungry you may be, never finish the food: always leave some remnants in the plate. When some people eat you will be seeing food in their mouth. That is bad manners. Some people do not know how to eat with cutlery. It may be required when eating in public. After eating, a well brought up person will say, "Thank you" to elders present and those who provided the food. The scripture says whatever you do, including eating, should be to the glory of God. Let people see Christ in the way you eat.

ACTION POINT: The rags of an elder are the proof of his eldership. Several trials, tribulations and temptations a Christian has overcome are his spiritual rags. Which do you have?

Open Heavens Feb 28th, 2008

BIBLE IN A YEAR: 1 Kg 14-16

POSSIBILITIES OF THE NIGHT

MEMORIZE: "And at midnight Paul and Silas prayed, and sang praises unto God: and the prisoners heard them" (Acts 16:25)
READ: Acts 12:5-10

For the king of Syria to arrest Elisha in 2 Kings 6:13-14, he came in the night. For the kingdom of darkness, night time is conference time. It is when the enemies meet to deliver their reports, re-strategize and take decisions concerning the fate of many-including Christians. It is also when they renew covenants, curses and sacrifices. It is the time they supervise the burdens, punishment and yokes already placed on their victims. But more importantly, it is the time they alter the destiny of many. Every night activity of the satanic kingdom against you this season will come to nothing in Jesus' name. Believers must be active participants in the spiritual realm. Praying for one hour at night has great effects on the operations of the dark kingdom, much more all night prayer. Reduce your sleep! As they meet to determine your fate, you go on your kneel and determine theirs, scatter their meeting and strip them powerless.

Similarly, we learn that a lot can happen in one night. In Judges 16:2-3, it was at night that the gates of Gaza shut against Samson, were uprooted and dumped at the mountain top. Every gate of blessing the enemies have shut against you can easily be opened through effective night prayers. Also, taking a cue from Paul and Silas in prison, night time is when to effectively use the weapon of praise to break every yoke in your life and set other captives free (Acts 16:25-26). We can see from Peter's experience in Acts 12:5-10 that midnight prayers easily attract angelic presence and intervention in preventing the unwanted. As you rise to pray from tonight, you shall experience angelic visitations and every undesirable situation in your life will be terminated.

Never underestimate the power of a vigil. In 2 Kings 19:35-37, the chief oppressor of nations-king Senacherib lost an army of 185,000 in one night to an angel. If you can rise up and pray and worship God at night, you can destroy all your enemies in one night. In other words, night time is a period of stress-less and total victory. It is also the time to tame wild lions and beasts as seen in Daniel's case. In one night, he saw wild hungry lions turn to domesticated and satisfied lambs. As you arise and pray from tonight, God will subdue all lions and oppressors sent after you. All your enemies will perish, you will receive divine visitation and you will stay on top.

ACTIONPOINT: What the enemies do in their covens you can do much more at the Throne of Grace at night. Declare a period of continuous vigils of at least 2 hours from 12 midnight-2am for 1, 2, 3 or 4 weeks. Evaluate your gains afterwards.

Open Heavens, Feb 27th, 2008

BIBLE IN A YEAR: 1 Kg 11-13

STANDING ALONE

MEMORIZE: "Thou shall not follow a multitude to do evil, neither shall thou speak in a cause to decline after many to wrest judgment" (Exodus 23:2)

READ: Proverbs 1:10-18

Fire is one of the four basic elements. In Genesis 1:2, we read of water, soil- dry land (Gen. 1:9); air (Gen. 2:7) and fire (Gen. 19:24). According to scientists, 75% of the world is made of water, while this same element is responsible for 70% of the human body. All these elements are very significant to life. Let us look at the characteristics of fire. Fire is very distinct. Elijah and John the Baptist were a type of fire. Fire does not copy. As a youth, you should not follow evil youths (Exodus 23:2). Be distinct. When people see you, they should be able to tell even from your dressing that you are a child of God. You are betrayed by your dressing.

Sometime ago, it was common practice for men of God to wear flowing 'Agbada'. At that time, it was the world's way of saying you have arrived. I wore it once or twice a year especially when I want to dance and praise God in my native dialect. Apart from these times, my dressing singled me out. People complained that I look like a hunter, but I tell them I look like my Savior. When we went to dedicate one of our schools in Sagamu sometime ago, the Governor's representative said although he had never met me, he identified me by my dressing. As a youth, you must not conform to the dressing pattern of the world but rather, you should be the one dictating to them how to dress acceptably.

Another characteristic of fire is that it does not conform. It is not afraid to stand alone. It does not yield to peer pressure. Elijah stood alone in 1 Kings 18:22. Dare to stand alone in your office even when other professing Christians compromise? A nation was taken captive but only four young men stood as fire. It is your standing for the Lord in righteousness that marks you for greater heights. Other intending couples may go into premarital sex but you can't. Other so called believers may be manipulating figures and receipts, but you can't because you are fire. A man of God wrote a tract titled, "Others may, but I cannot." That's because you are fire. Beloved, you are set apart for God. Each time you stand alone in righteousness, you may be unpopular here, but do know that the crowd of witnesses in Heaven suddenly stand to give you an ovation! Jesus Christ also stands to honor and defend you. After all, you are not really alone. Stand for what is right today!

ACTIONPOINT: Pray for an uncommon move of God during the forth-coming special Holy Ghost Service.

Open Heavens Feb 26th, 2008

BIBLE IN A YEAR: 1 Kg 8-10

HEARING THE INAUDIBLE

MEMORIZE: "And Elijah said unto Ahab, Get thee up, eat and drink; for there is a sound of abundance of rain" (1 Kings 18:41)

READ: 1 Kings 18:41-44

The knowledge of God makes you to see the invisible. When I first joined the RCCG, I realized that with all my degrees and certificates, I was heading for hell. This provoked spiritual hunger in me after I received Jesus Christ. I wanted to know the Bible and how to pray. When God saw my hunger, He responded. One afternoon after I newly joined the work-force, I went to the toilet while we prepared for the workers' meeting. As soon as I sat on the toilet seat, the wall in front of me turned into a screen; it was as if I was about to watch a film show. I saw the vision of the Old Headquarters of the church. The service had started. Then I saw the altar. Every seat on the altar was occupied except two. While the song that ushered in the sermon was being taken, the door to the vestry flung open and two men; the preacher and the interpreter came to the altar. Immediately, the vision was taken away. After the workers' meeting, I met my father in the Lord and relayed the vision to him. He screamed, summoned the other pastors and explained that that was how the service was conducted in time past. The preacher and the interpreter would lock themselves to pray in the vestry until it was time for them to minister. Then papa added, 'God is about to bring revival to this church'.

"And Elijah said unto Ahab, Get thee up, eat and drink; for there is a sound of abundance of rain" (1 Kings 18:41). For a user of this Devotional, this is your season. There is a sound of abundant blessings heading your direction. Your joy is about to experience an overflow. When it comes, remember to share your testimony with the congregation. When you know God, you will hear the inaudible; what others cannot hear. While everybody else heard nothing, Elijah heard the sound of abundance of rain. The knowledge of God makes you recognize His voice amidst divers' voices and sounds. You will be able to know what certain sounds are all about. In any case, God is always speaking: however, the meaning of His sound is lost to the noise of the stomach, flesh or Satan. It takes those who know their God to identify His voice in the midst of circumstances. The Lord will speak to you this season. He will open your spiritual ears to hear the inaudible. The Lord will speak peace to you today. How much do you desire to know Him?

ACTIONPOINT: Ask God to open the spiritual ears of His servants in the Body of Christ all over the world. Pray for provision, protection and fulfillment for missionaries in various mission fields.

Open Heavens Feb 25th, 2008

BIBLE IN A YEAR: 1 Kg 5-7


PITFALLS OF THE PROSPERED

MEMORIZE: "And he sought God in the days of Zechariah, who had understanding in the visions of God: and as long as he sought the LORD, God made him to prosper" (2 Chronicles 26:5)

READ: 2 Chronicles 26:14-16

“Ephraim is joined to idols; Let him alone" (Hosea 4:17). God chastens all His children. But if you go to the extent of abusing His love, He will leave you alone. Ephraim and Manasseh were sons of Joseph. Ephraim was the younger son. When Joseph brought the two of them to his father, Ephraim was selected for the double portion blessing meant for the first born. As a result of this blessing, he prospered at least 10 times more than his elder brother. Unfortunately, his prosperity made him to forget God. After series of warnings, God left him alone. Later, God turned his blessing into a curse. Hosea 5:9 says, "Ephraim shall be desolate in the day of rebuke: among the tribes of Israel have I made known that which shall surely be".

Another Bible character that abused God's love was king Uzziah. He was only 16 when he ascended the throne of Judah. He was young and lacked understanding of how to run the kingdom. He had several challenges and enemies which made him to seek God. As he did, the Lord supplied what he lacked, raised several helpers for him and prospered everything he did. Before long, his name began to spread as a great inventor, warrior and king. After his kingdom was established, and men were now singing his praise, he thought he did not need God anymore. Pride came in. God's commandment was no more as important as it used to be. He could violate the order of priests and perform their assignment. He ended up a leper living in a secluded apartment, lost the kingdom to his son, and lived in shame until his last breath.

Everyone God has prospered faces similar pitfalls. The more some leaders get promoted to higher levels, the less they seek God over their affairs and decisions. The more pastors get the approval of men, the less they seek God's approval. How dependent are you on the Holy Spirit? Is human wisdom or reasoning taking over your parameters for decision making? Is that promotion or prosperity not making you to seek God less? After all, God has given me breakthrough in business. Why should I continue to attend the monthly Holy Ghost service? Has pride come into you? Is your prosperity, possession and position making you rub shoulders with God? Have you gone the way of Ephraim and Uzziah! Immediately repent and return to God before your blessing turns into a curse.

ACTIONPOINT: It is an irony that as people climb up the ladder of success, progress or prosperity, they also dig the pit that will bury them.

Open Heavens Feb 24th, 2008

BIBLE IN A YEAR: 1 Kg 1-4

THE GREATEST PROFESSION

MEMORIZE: "And they that be wise shall shine as the brightness of the firmament; and they that turn many to righteousness as the stars for ever and ever" (Dan 12:3)
READ: Luke 5:8-11

“And when they had brought their ships to land, they forsook all, and followed him" (Luke 5:11). Peter lent Jesus his boat and also waited on Him. His work of faith triggered a breakthrough of fishes that could sink two boats. Beyond this, he got another breakthrough that rewrote his history and changed his destiny. Peter stood face to face with two breakthroughs: one caught fishes, the other caught men. One brought limited financial gains; the other brought unlimited eternal gains. One guaranteed his today, the other guaranteed his tomorrow. Men preferred one, God preferred the other. Which was he to choose? He could not have both! Peter finally weighed the options and forsook the fish-filled boats, the fishing equipment and career as a fisherman. He opted to become a fisher of men.

Peter's decision appeared foolish initially but it paid off later. If he had stuck with his fishing profession and business breakthrough, he would long have been forgotten. What brought him into limelight and eternal prominence was his acceptance of the Breakthrough of breakthroughs! Whatever breakthroughs you receive on earth, none can compare with Peter's choice. Even though Peter could not combine both, the Lord is giving you an opportunity to combine financial and spiritual breakthroughs. You can excel in your secular task and excel in your heavenly task. In fact, your secular assignments can be used as a medium to enhance and fulfill your spiritual assignments. How well are you combining them?

What is the worth of a fish compared with a soul? Jesus says the average human soul is priceless- worth more than all material things of planet earth combined. Every soul you win heaps a reward that exceeds the value of the entire universe in your heavenly account. No wonder believers are not just wealthy, but flourishing. There is a level of prosperity the world cannot understand that is waiting for us in eternity. Soul winning is the door into this massive wealth! Little wonder Daniel 12:3 says those who choose this door are wise. You can become among the most flourishing in time and eternity by taking soul winning as your profession. Grab this profession today!

ACTIONPOINT: How many souls do you want to win to the Kingdom this year? How many have you already won? What is left? How do you intend to bring in the others? The Christian that does not win souls is the most foolish person in God's Kingdom

Open Heavens Feb 23rd, 2008

BIBLE IN A YEAR: John 18-21

NEED FOR CARE

MEMORIZE: "And whosoever shall give to drink unto one of these little ones a cup of cold water only in the name of a disciple, verily I say unto you, he shall in no wise lose his reward" (Matthew 10:42)

READ: Matthew 10:39-42
“And whosoever shall give to drink unto one of these little ones a cup of cold water only in the name of a disciple, verily I say unto you, he shall in no wise lose his reward" (Matthew 10:42). Taking care of people is a very important task for all and sundry. A new born baby that is deprived of care will die in a matter of days. This is why we need to take special care of new converts. When I first visited the RCCG in those days, it was quite small. In the eve of my first Sunday worship there, the General Superintendent and four others paid me a visit. I was so impressed that I decided that that was going to be my church. Then some people began to follow me up. If I attended service on Sunday morning but did not show up at Sunday evening service, early the following morning, someone would visit me to find out why.

Today, churches do not take follow-up as important as it deserves. You would be amazed to know the number of people we lose every week, month or year due to inability to follow up visitors and new converts. Many people have interceded for pillars, financial helpers, as well as workers who will help to stabilize the various departments to come to their churches. Unfortunately, after God answered and brought them, nobody took care of them and they went elsewhere. Do you know that you will give account of everyone that comes into your church?

A sister visited a church and continued for a while. Along the line, they observed that she had a 'gift'. She could prophesy and predict certain events. She was desirous of developing the 'gift'. Unknown to them, she had the spirit of divination which easily manifested during praise and worship sessions. One day, she was ill and did not show up in church for a period of three months. When she was visited afterwards, she accused the ministers of lack of care, and told them she had found another church where her 'gift' was appreciated. When a new pastor came to that church and visited and prayed with her, he discovered that she was not even born again, but operated under an unclean spirit. The lady whom the Lord brought into a sound gospel church for deliverance from the spirit of divination, ended up somewhere else- where she would be nursed into hell! How are you taking care of your visitors? The reception department of the church should come up with strategies for effective follow up. Take their details. Take the telephone number and immediately flash them to confirm it is theirs. Send text messages, call them on phone and in person. Back them up in prayer.

ACTIONPOINT: Find out how many visitors came to your church within the last 12 months. How many of them are still in your church? Devise a strategy to retain new comers and converts.

Open Heavens Feb 22nd, 2008

BIBLE IN A YEAR: John 14-17


WATERING DOWN THE WORD?

MEMORIZE: "And honor not his father or his mother, he shall be free. Thus have ye made the commandment of God of none effect by your tradition" (Matt. 15:6)

READ: Matthew 15:1-6

The presence of the anointing in your life destroys satanic yokes and burdens. Apart from this, Isaiah 61:1-3 lists other areas it can assist. The anointing can enable you to preach powerfully and obtain results for God's Kingdom. Fifteen minutes after some preachers take over the pulpit; the congregation will be so bored that many will doze. Three hours into the message of some preachers, the congregation would be alert, expectant and sitting at the edge of their seats. Some sermons are sleeping pills while others are intoxicants. Some sermons feed the flesh, others the spirit. Some messages kill, others give life. What makes the difference is not necessarily the preacher's level of education, or intense preparation, length of message, familiarity with subject matter, etc. The anointing makes the difference.

Many claim to be anointed. The sermons of some preachers are applauded while some are celebrated. The question is: What impact have such sermons made in the lives of the hearers? Don't be carried away when people applaud your ministration. Look out for the proof in their level of compliance with the Word. When last did people break down in tears during your message? When last did the congregation weep after the rendition of songs by the choir, making the sermon unnecessary for that day? We need to return to the basics.

"The wise in heart shall be called prudent: and the sweetness of the lips increaseth learning" (Proverbs 16:21). This tells us that there is an anointing that comes upon a preacher or teacher which makes his words taste to the soul like sugar and honey. The characteristics of an anointed message are: It is easily received and absorbed into the spirit man. It increases knowledge and acts as spiritual calcium to build spiritual bones. An anointed message first touches the soul and generates a sincere response from the inner man. God's Word according to Isaiah 55:11 is time and purpose bound. Even after God has clearly given you a message for the congregation, if you lack the appropriate level of anointing required to deliver it to their spirits, your effort may be in vain. No wonder the church which should be a spiritual clinic that impacts life, has become a graveyard where the Word is released without anointing and therefore kills the hearers! Ask for the anointing of God today!

ACTIONPOINT: There is a spirit behind every word. Whenever the Spirit of the Word of God is not behind a message, never expect Isaiah 55:11 to be fulfilled.

Open Heavens Feb 21st, 2008

BIBLE IN A YEAR: John 11-13


DOUBLE RATING

MEMORIZE: "And the evil spirit answered and said, Jesus I know, and Paul I know; but who are ye?" (Acts 19:15)

READ: Acts 19:13-16

In 2 Kings 6:13-14, when the Syrian king was to arrest Prophet Elisha, he sent his whole army. Your spiritual level and anointing determines the rating and regards the satanic kingdom accords to you. Satan rates you by the extent you have troubled his kingdom, set the captives free, liberated sinners into God's Kingdom and obeyed God's Word. They do not rate you according to your position, title or ordination received. Some leaders occupy high spiritual positions and are highly regarded by men, but do not worth a fly before the kingdom of darkness. How do the enemies rate you?

If Satan can arrest you with one or a few demons, then you are worth nothing to him. To arrest some believers and so called leaders, all Satan need do is send a young lady with seductive spirit. And the story is over. For some, one temptation to steal millions of naira is all they need to throw their integrity and ministry of several years to the wind. If you are so cheap to the satanic kingdom, then you are totally valueless to God's Kingdom. Everyone that is highly rated by God equally commands a commensurate level of fear in the satanic kingdom. Some believers do not occupy high positions and do not bear big titles, yet they are dreaded by the powers of darkness.

Every believer in Christ has a rank in the Heavenly army. Your rank is what determines your rating in the kingdom of darkness. Another lesson here is that demons recognize the name of Jesus Christ. In Acts 19:13-16, when a demon was to be cast out by the sons of Sceva, the demon confessed that he knows only one name by which he can be cast out-Jesus Christ. Some years ago, a demon possessed boy was brought for prayers. He could neither walk nor kneel down. When I commanded him to kneel down, the demon asked, 'In whose name?' Surprised, I said, 'In the name of Jesus Christ'. As he complied, he said, 'That is different'. Thereafter, I commanded him to walk in the name of Jesus and he obeyed, saying, 'That name is different'. You too can use that name to expel demons, but make sure you are not living in secret sin, or else the demon you want to expel, will expel you. In any case, what is your worth in both kingdoms? You can increase your rating by fearing God and obeying His commands. By winning souls to Christ and living like Jesus lived.

ACTIONPOINT: If you can be seduced into fornication by one daughter of Jezebel, that is your true rating. You are not more than a fly to Satan and to God!

Open Heavens Feb 20th, 2008

BIBLE IN A YEAR: Josh 22-24

CHOOSING YOUR FIRE

MEMORIZE: "And unto man he said, Behold, the fear of the Lord, that is wisdom; and to depart from evil is understanding" (Job 28:28)


READ: Job 30:15-20

"But now they that are younger than I have me in derision, whose fathers I would have disdained to have set with the dogs of my flock" (Job 30:1).

God's purifying fire can take any of these two forms: the fire of affliction or the fire of the Holy Spirit. If you do not allow the fire of the Holy Spirit to do the job quietly and steadily, you will be calling for the other fire to come and do it violently and painfully. Job was blessed by God but he was a proud man. That invited the fire of affliction. By the time it was over, he was humbled. It is either you humble yourself or God will force you to be humble. If you do it yourself, you will be saved from several unnecessary troubles.

I learnt this the hard way. Even in my poverty, I was very proud until God dealt with me. As a young Christian, I was blessed with the ability to hear from God. Before leaving home, the Lord would tell me the route to take, and what to preach. Later, I became an interpreter for papa. It appeared the other pastors left me to do this alone. One day, one of the pastors informed me that I will be interpreting for him on that day. I was angry. Within me, I asked, who does he think he is? Imagine the interpreter of the General Superintendent interpreting for that fellow! Eventually, I reluctantly did it, but after the sermon, the Lord clearly said, 'So you are now too big to interpret for my servant?'

That was the last time I heard God speak to me. After that, everything switched to silence mode. When Satan realized I was no longer hearing from God, he tormented me. I prayed, wept, cried, fasted and asked forgiveness but Heaven was silent. It is preferable never to have heard from Him than to hear from Him and lose the gift. I cried some more and made a covenant with Him that if I was going to offend Him tomorrow, He should take me home today. Thereafter, He lifted the embargo. Yet my covenant still stands today. If you see me saying 'Yes sir' to everybody, it is because the fire has burnt pride out of my life. Which of the purifying fires do you want?

ACTIONPOINT: Ask God to uproot the spirit of pride in your life.

Open Heavens Feb 19th, 2008

BIBLE IN A YEAR: Josh 19-21

UNMASKING YOUR ASSETS

MEMORIZE: "My son, give me thine heart, and let thine eyes observe my ways" (Prov. 23:26)

READ: 2 Kings 4:1-7

Until God opens your eyes, you may not realize that what you are looking for abroad is by your side. The Lord will help you to unmask your assets today. It is great to have spiritual sight. When your eyes are shining, you will be exposed to hidden truths in the Word of God. It will also make you to see and appreciate your opportunities for blessings which you probably over-looked for years. In our reading, the widow of one of the sons of the prophets battled with the problem of debt left behind by her late husband. While some husbands die and leave assets behind, hers died and left a monumental liability that was to cost her the freedom of her two sons.

She was preoccupied with the problem. She could not see that the solution was right there with her. The bottle of oil, friendly neighbors, plenty of empty vessels, her two sons and a link with God through the man of God, were all her tangible and intangible assets. They were all she required to move from lack to super abundance. She never knew until God opened her eyes. Today, the Lord will open your eyes to see the assets in your life that can trigger your miracle in Jesus' Name.

For many years, we drove through the Lagos-Ibadan expressway without ever knowing our camp ground was there. One day, seven pastors teamed up with me to call on God in prayer. We told Him Ebute-Metta our Headquarters had become too small for our Convention and that we needed a camp ground. The Lord answered and led us to the Express road and said, "That is your camp, but it will become a city". Today, everyone is trying to establish their camp ground along the same Express Way, irrespective of God's leading. This season, God will cause your eyes to shine. You will begin to see the wells of provision that have been by your side unnoticed all these years. You will begin to see all that the Lord had provided to help you in ministry. You will see your assets and use them to attain fullness of joy. Call on the Lord today to open your eyes. Every burden of debt lingering in your life is broken today in Jesus' Name.

ACTIONPOINT: According to Proverbs 20:4, not all beggars should be helped. Helpless and hardworking beggars should be assisted. But lazy beggars should be left alone to hunger.

Open Heavens Feb 18th, 2008

BIBLE IN A YEAR: Joshua 16-18

AVOID THIS ROBBER

MEMORIZE: "The fear of the LORD is a fountain of life, to depart from the snares of death" (Proverbs 14:27)

READ: Proverbs 6:32-33

In Genesis 16:1-12, Abraham sowed a good seed into a bad ground-Hagar, and later a good seed into a good ground-Sarah, and both grounds gave their harvest. One became a curse while the other became a blessing. Your position at the time of the release of God's blessing determines whether your blessing will take the form of a blessing or a curse. If Abraham had released the seed he sowed in Hagar into Sarah, the seed would have cooperated with Isaac and his generations. The world would have become a much peaceful and safer place today. But because he sewed good seed into a wrong soil, the product of that seed grew mightily and became the arch enemy of the product of the good soil in Sarah. When he sewed that seed into Hagar, he had a few minutes pleasure; he never knew he was preparing himself for an evil harvest of sorrows, wars, fighting, deaths, destruction, and general erosion of his good fortunes.

Never attempt fornication or extra-marital affairs. Contraceptives cannot void the effects of fornication! Apart from losing your messiah or child of destiny to a bad soil, you would be preparing yourself for an evil harvest that will destroy all you have worked for, and erode your future. If you want your future intact, flee fornication and all sexual sins! Once a seed is sown, it can never be retrieved in its original state. Be careful. The seed you sow can make or mar you. Your seed can establish or uproot you. This is so because every seed comes with its harvest.

The seed Abraham sowed into a wrong soil remains an eternal regret for both Abraham and Sarah. The effect of sowing a good seed on a wrong soil cannot be imagined! Some bastards have caused so much havoc to families. If you are already married, praise God. Never look out! What you call a pleasurable fling is a death trap that you may never recover from! Unfaithfulness has destroyed many homes. Do you want to lose your children? Never yield to parental pressure to try other grounds if you are still waiting on God. Yielding may not only break your home, but also erode all you ever lived for. It may destroy your tomorrow. Be wise. Be sensitive to recognize the voice of 'Sarah' asking you to try. Usually, it appears harmless. Satan presents sleeping with your secretary or boss as harmless. But when the harvest comes, it may rob you of your job, home, ministry, respect, and all you have labored for over the years. With all your might, avoid this armed robber sent against your soul and body!

ACTIONPOINT: If you want to be an accomplished child of destiny, avoid defilement of women, money and power.

Open Heavens Feb 17th, 2008

BIBLE IN A YEAR: Joshua 13-15

WHAT'S COOKING?

MEMORIZE: "Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it" (Proverbs 22:6)

READ: Proverbs 19:13-16

In a television drama, a woman was trying to misguide her step-daughter in cooking a meal, but unknowingly misled her own daughter. When their dream suitor approached the latter, she tried to impress him; she prepared pounded yam with several 'seeds', and a heavily spiced soup. The suitor and his father tasted the meal and took to their heels. It sounds funny but the truth is that poor cooking can either repel suitors, or break a home after marriage. No man would want to marry a wife who cannot cook because as it is commonly said, the way into a man's heart is through his mouth. Even before Isaac could pronounce a blessing on Esau, he asked for his favorite delicacy. While I was a bachelor, some young men told me that they were not prepared to spend the rest of their lives visiting restaurants, since several educated ladies could only speak grammar, but cannot cook.

If your daughters are of marriageable age yet they cannot cook, that shows that the parents have neglected their duties. From birth, children are open to learning from their parents. Believe it or not children are great copy cats. They have been designed by God to learn from others, which is why they should be exposed only to good examples and influences. Proverbs 22:6 says,
"Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it". The cultivation of basic virtues and proper domestic habits in children is the responsibility of parents. However you cannot give what you don't have. If you cannot nurture your children to imbibe how to cook, wash clothes, do the dishes, sweep and tidy up the house and surroundings, and be motherly, you are laying the foundation to destroy the home they are yet to build. Remember, the failure of your children points accusing fingers at your incompetence.

"House and riches are the inheritance of fathers: and a prudent wife is from the LORD" (Proverbs 19:14). If your daughters are raised up to be humble, hard working, knowledgeable in domestic affairs, prudent and God fearing, the men who would marry them would say they are from God. You would have glorified God in the process. But if your daughters do not possess these qualities, the men who would marry them would say they are from Satan. In the process you would have disgraced God by your negligence! It is not too late. Help to build a peaceful home and future for your children.

ACTIONPOINT: If you cannot prepare mouth-watery meals as an adult female, enroll in a cookery school today.

Open Heavens Feb 16th, 2008

BIBLE IN A YEAR: Joshua 10-12

WATCH THAT ARMOR

MEMORIZE: "Put on the whole armor of God that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil" (Ephesians 6:11)

READ: 1 Samuel 17:37-40

“And David girded his sword upon his armor, and he assayed to go; for he had not proved it. And David said unto Saul, I cannot go with these; for I have not proved them. And David put them off him" (1 Samuel 17:39).

The weapons with which you confront your Goliath will either draw you closer to your victory or turn you into the victim. Be careful what you arm yourself with before facing your challenges! When King Saul could not dissuade David from going to fight Goliath, he insisted that he must be adorned with his own armor. That became another pre-Goliath battle David had to contend with! If the armor was as useful, why did King Saul not put it on and go to face Goliath?

The nature of a problem determines its antidote. You do not fight a spiritual battle with earthly weapons. You will surely miss your target. There is need for wisdom in whatever you do. Never mix divine wisdom with worldly wisdom. They never blend. Some church leaders in an attempt to attract lots of youths into their ministry, have played down biblical principles to the extent that premarital sex and unbridled relations between the opposite sex are tolerated. That is running a brothel in the name of Christ! Jesus Christ has given us His Word as the standard. Nothing should be added or taken away from it.

"For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strong holds;” (2 Corinthians 10:4) Jesus Christ is wisdom personified. Anything you add to Him will spoil your show. He is the only way. Anything He cannot do for you, nobody else can. Another lesson is that unproved weapons should not be used to tackle an enemy you have not encountered. If you do not engage your armor today, they will disappoint you tomorrow. If David had gone out with Saul's armor, he would have died while trying them on. In other words, the spiritual weapons you have repeatedly employed in fighting smaller enemies would also be relevant in combating your Goliath. Faith, knowledge of God's Word, righteousness, obedience, soul-winning, prayer, etc. will be needed to confront any enemy irrespective of its size. Have you engaged smaller challenges in battle? Did you win? If you did, each victory guarantees future victories! Put on God's armor today!

ACTIONPOINT: Using unproved weapons to fight the enemy is like giving a jet fighter to a non pilot on the day of war. He will be destroyed inside it.

Open Heavens Feb 15th, 2008

BIBLE IN A YEAR: Josh 7-9

SPIRITUAL UNDERSTANDING

MEMORIZE: "But God hath revealed them unto us by his Spirit: for the Spirit searcheth all things, yea, the deep things of God" (1 Cor. 2:10)

READ: 1 Cor. 2:9-12

There are different ways of knowing somebody. It could be through information spread by people, by personal observation, association or revelation. According to our reading, it is the duty of the Holy Spirit to reveal what no eye had seen or ear heard. The Holy Spirit is the greatest revealer of secrets. In the spirit realm, forces of darkness are so disenchanted with this work of the Spirit that they tag Him a 'gossip'. Yet, as much as the Holy Spirit is revealing and wants to reveal secret plans of the enemy, as well as beautiful plans of the Godhead, many believers remain in the dark. If you want the Holy Spirit to reveal things to you about your life, future, family, community, nation, neighbors or even other nations, you must be prepared to walk and live in the spirit.

"Call unto me, and I will answer thee and shew thee great and mighty things, which thou knowest not" (Jeremiah 33:3). One way to access such information is by praying with burden or compassion for the individual or group. Whenever you intercede with a burden for an individual, community or nation, the Holy Spirit will share some of His knowledge on the subject matter with you. He will take you into confidence. If you pray without a burden, you may just be scratching the surface, and may never access vital information, no matter how long you pray. Some of us are too superficial in our prayer effort. This is why we do not receive divine assistance in time of prayer (Romans 8:26-27).

"What is it then? I will pray with the spirit, and I will pray with the understanding also: I will sing with the spirit, and I will sing with the understanding also" (1 Cor. 14:15). The day a believer is baptized in the Holy Spirit, the fellow is given a spiritual language - the ability to speak in a tongue he or she never learnt. What is the purpose of a language? Why do you learn English language, French or your local language? It is to aid you in communication. You are expected to speak English to those who understand English so that knowledge or meaning can be shared. The language of the Spirit is given to you for the same purpose. Your spirit man understands you better than your body, just as the Holy Spirit best understands God. It is expected that you regularly communicate with the Holy Spirit in your heavenly tongue. As you do this, you will grow in the spirit, and in spiritual understanding. It will help you to acquire knowledge of events taking place in the spirit realm. How frequently do you engage your heavenly language?

ACTIONPOINT: If you have not chosen a praying position - kneeling, sitting, standing, walking, etc. and if you have not noticed the difference between praying in the spirit and in understanding and their effects, you don't have a prayer life!

Open Heavens Feb 14th, 2008

BIBLE IN A YEAR: Joshua 4-6

TREMBLING AT HIS WORD

MEMORIZE: "Hear the word of the LORD, ye that tremble at his word; your brethren that hated you, that cast you out for my name's sake, said, Let the LORD be glorified: but he shall appear to your joy, and they shall be ashamed" (Isaiah 66:5)

READ: Isaiah 66:1-5

When a man commits a crime, a policeman is sent to arrest him. If he is a notorious criminal, a band of policemen will be sent. But when the army of a nation is sent to arrest one unarmed prophet, what would you say? This was what happened between the king of Syria and Elisha. This reveals the high regards the enemy has towards our God. James 2:19 says, "Thou believest that there is one God; thou doest well: The devils also believe, and tremble". You may be surprised to know that the devil respects God more than many of us Christians. Demons tremble at the name of Jesus Christ.

"For all those things hath mine handmade, and all those things have been, saith the LORD, but to this man will I look, even to him that is poor and of a contrite spirit, and trembleth at my word" (Isaiah 66:2). Many believers have made God's Word and name common. Whenever you hear the Word of God, how do you receive it? There are some so-called Christians who during a fit of anger tear or burn their Bibles. A self professed Christian once thought his younger brothers who recently converted to the Christian faith were becoming too fanatical. One day, he seized their bibles, including one he earlier gave them, and set them ablaze. Thereafter he warned them against regular attendance of church programmes. A year later, he got into trouble and was in prison for several years. Some 20 years later, he has not found his feet!

There are two sets of believers - those that tremble at God's Word and those that do not. At a time of backsliding - when the Israelites including the priests and Levites were unequally yoked in marriage to the daughters of the world, Ezra called a meeting of those that trembled at God's Word to fast and repent before God (Ezra 9:1-6). Today, when the sermon is on, people will be discussing, chatting and laughing over unrelated issues. This includes ministers. It shows their attitude to God. If you tremble at God's Word, you will pay attention to it, take notes and immediately put the Word into practice. You will not let God's Word fall to the ground. You will hold the Bible and everything about God in high esteem.

According to our reading, God will make a difference between His children on their ability to tremble at His Word. Believers, who do so, on the day the Lord shows up, will be joyfully rewarded, while the nonchalant ones will be rewarded with shame. Do you tremble at God's Word?

ACTIONPOINT: Those who tremble at God's Word never tremble before their enemy.

Open Heavens Feb 13th, 2008

BIBLE IN A YEAR: Josh 1-3

VICTIM OF PASSION

MEMORIZE: "Now when they saw the boldness of Peter and John, and perceived that they were unlearned and ignorant men, they marveled; and they took knowledge of them, that they had been with Jesus" (Acts 4:13)

READ: Mark 3:13-19

A hunter went out for gaming and killed a big leopard. Then he discovered its prey had a small baby. Out of sympathy, he took it home. When the chief of the community saw the baby leopard, he asked the man why it was spared and domesticated, and he replied it was only a little innocent and harmless creature. The little leopard began to grow, and played with children in the neighborhood. The son of the hunter could even take a ride on its back. With time, the community dwellers had lost all sense of danger posed by the young leopard. After it had grown into a big leopard, the son of the hunter was taking a ride on its back when he fell and bruised his legs against thorns. He began to bleed. The leopard licked the blood and suddenly the leopard instincts that had been sleeping, woke up. The hunter's son became its first victim!

If you do not destroy the little leopard in your life, it will surely destroy you. Now is the time to tame and mortify anger, lust for strange flesh, love of money, and love for worldly things. Whenever we talk of purity, we also mean that contamination has been removed. One way such contamination can be removed is through fire because of its ability to purify. Peter was a beneficiary of this. He was number one among those called by the Lord. He had great potentials. But then he had one little problem - fear. Satan discovered it the day Peter walked on water, hence after the arrest of Jesus, a little girl confronted him and he denied his Lord three times. Fear could have robbed him of his destiny, but for the intercession of the Master. On the day of Pentecost when the fire fell, it roasted fear out of Peter's life. From that moment, Peter moved from fear to faith, cowardice to bravery (Acts 4:13).

Is fear lurking somewhere in your heart? Ask God to consume it with His fire. Fear is one enemy that overcomes its host. You cannot accomplish much for God if you have fear. It will always come between you and your tasks. It will also come between you and your glorious destiny. Is bitterness in your life? It will stop you from tasting the joy of the Lord. It can prevent you from sweetness. Has anyone offended you but you have not forgiven him? Arise and forgive the fellow now. Do not allow any contamination! Don't become the victim of your passions!

ACTIONPOINT: Anyone in bitterness cannot know the taste of sweetness because even when sweet things come, they will mix with bitterness in the fellow and the end result will be bitter

Open Heavens Feb 12th, 2008

BIBLE IN A YEAR: 1 Thess. 1-3


STRENGTHEN YOUR EMOTIONS

MEMORIZE: "My brethren, count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations;" (James 1:2)

READ: James 1:2-4

If you want to access true material wealth, never accept Satan's alternative. One of my sons by virtue of his position awarded a contract to a contractor. At this time, he was in dire need of a car. Not long after, the contractor in the name of appreciation brought him enough money to buy a car, but the Spirit warned him not to take it because a car can become a mobile coffin. He simply thanked the fellow and told him he does not want to die in his prime. The contractor left, thinking he must be a fool. Know the gifts you receive! Some gifts can bless, others can curse, while some can even kill.

Those who know their God shall be emotionally strong because they are connected to the Source of joy. Psalm 16:11 says, "Thou wilt shew me the path of life: in thy presence is fullness of joy; at thy right hand there are pleasures for evermore". Have you suffered an emotional breakdown? The Lord is speaking strength to you now. Nehemiah 8:10 says the joy of the Lord has elements of strength. Anyone who lacks it becomes weak. The extent of your joy is the extent of your strength; hence Philippians 4:4 commands you to rejoice always, your circumstance notwithstanding. Joy is the mother of happiness, laughter and celebration. Those who know their God shall be emotionally strong because their joy is rooted in the Lord and not in ephemeral blessings such as a car, promotion, new house, title, etc. Blessing or not, God is constant. As long as God is constant, their joy also is constant.

Their joy is not affected by trials, or any unpleasant event (James 1:2-4). They are assured that all things work together for their good according to Romans 8:20 "If thou faint in the day of adversity, thy strength is small" (Proverbs 24:10). If you give in or give up in times of difficulty and intense pressure, it is because you lack the joy of the Lord. Are you weeping? The Lord is asking you to rejoice. According to Psalm 30:5, your sorrow cannot last as long as sunrise follows sunset. Your sorrow will give way to joy. To energize your joy, count past blessings and mercies of God. Reflect on how the Lord made a way for you, or someone else that was in a similar situation. Search through the Bible to locate and claim the promises of God concerning a situation like what you are facing. Rejoice in the Lord. It shall be well.

ACTIONPOINT: Fainting in the midst of pressure indicates little strength. Pray that God will triple your strength in adversity.

Open Heavens Feb 11th, 2008

BIBLE IN A YEAR: Dan 10-12

CONDUCT TOWARDS ELDERS

MEMORIZE: "Let the elders that rule well be counted worthy of double honor, especially they who labor in the word and doctrine" (1 Tim. 5:17)

READ: 1Timothy 5:17-19

Proper home training is lacking among Spirit-filled Christians today. Such people are unable to apply common sense on simple moral or ethical issues. 'Common sense' is not as common after all. One of the issues that should be properly addressed is how we handle our elders. Honoring elders is a vital part of home training. 1 Peter 5:5 says, "Likewise ye younger, submit yourselves unto the elder. Yea, all of you be subject one to another, and be clothed with humility. For God resisteth the proud, and giveth grace to the humble". God expects you to treat elders with great humility. For instance, if you see an elder carrying some heavy load, do not wait to be invited before you assist him. Some ministers or workers will see their pastors carrying some load, but they would pretend they saw nothing. It is an evidence of no good home training. When you have an elder as a subordinate, send him on errands not with force but with love, respect and humility.

Similarly, if you are sitting down in church or in a bus, and there are no more seats, and you see an elder standing, you should immediately rise and offer him your seat. You should not allow an elder to greet you first. If you are travelling on a narrow road and an elder is coming, you should wait to give way to the elder. 1 Timothy 5:1-2 says, "Rebuke not an elder, but in treat him as a father; and the younger men as brethren; the elder women as mothers; the younger as sisters, with all purity". It is wrong to scold an elder like you would do to your mate or child. Some people rebuke their pastor like a child right in front of members. They call it boldness but it is a lack of home training.

When you see your elder sweeping, cleaning, washing or doing some other chores, you should immediately take over such chores. When dealing with elders, you can easily receive a blessing or a curse; hence you should be very careful with them. You are commanded to treat elders as your father and mother. You should care for them, feel for them and always prefer them. Your pastor by virtue of his office is an elder even if he was 10 years old. You should treat him with great respect as you would treat your father. He is not perfect. If he does something wrong, prayerfully bring it to his notice. Be humble, patient and loving.

ACTIONPOINT: Ask God to multiply His grace on all our elders and pastors. Ask God to give you grace to become an elder too.

Open Heavens Feb 10th, 2008

BIBLE IN A YEAR: Dan 7-9

ALL-EMBRACING WORD

MEMORIZE: "His mother saith unto the servants, whatsoever he saith unto you, do it" (John 2:5)

READ: John 2:1-5


“Now when he had left speaking, he said unto Simon, Launch out into the deep, and let down your nets for a draught" (Luke 5:4).

God leads His children in definite ways. He loves to speak plainly with His own. But when He speaks in coded form using signs and symbols, it is important the recipient of such a message returns to ask for the meaning, or else the fellow defeats the purpose of such communication. John 10:3 says, "To him the porter openeth; and the sheep hear his voice: and he calleth his own sheep by name, and leadeth them out". How do you hear from God? Is it in Plain or in dark speeches? May He speak clearly to you from now in Jesus' Name! The Word that God sends to meet your need is all embracing. Psalm 107:20 says, "He sent his word, and healed them, and delivered them from their destructions".

This is the purpose of God's Word in your life. The Word that Peter received at the lake of Gennesaret was all embracing. Many believers are in need of one Word and their lives will never be the same again. The Word that will change your life and impact on your destiny for good will reach you today.

The Word Peter received contained several things. It provided information on what to do, he was asked to launch out. Are you in need of what step to take, which career to pursue or what to do concerning that pressing issue? The Lord will give you the right word today. It also told him where to do it. He was expected to launch out right where he was. If you know what to do but fail to know the right location to do it, the desired result may not come. The Word Peter received also indicated when to do what should be done. There is a right timing for every issue under Heaven (Ecclesiastes 3:1). If you do the right thing in the right location but at a wrong time, the result will be futile. For Peter, the time was 'Now'. For someone using this devotional, the time for you to take that step of progress is now. The time to leave procrastination is now. The time for your salvation is now. The time to obey God in that pending area is now. The Word also informed Peter how to do it. He was to throw his nets into the deep. Peter was limited. He had only one net. His catch was limited. The Word equally told him the purpose of what he was doing; to take his harvest of fishes. Ask God for the Word that will solve your problems completely.

ACTIONPOINT: Ask God for the all-embracing Word that will put an end to sorrow in your life.

Open Heavens Feb 9th, 2008

BIBLE IN A YEAR: Dan 4-6

UNSEATING DOUBT

MEMORIZE: "For verily I say unto you,That whosoever shall say unto this mountain, Be thou removed, and be thou cast into the sea; and shall not doubt in his heart, but shall believe that those things which he saith shall come to pass; he shall have whatsoever he saith " (Mark 11:23)

READ: Matthew 14:25-33

When you fight Goliath and overcome, it will bring you to limelight. Before you face your Goliath, like David, you may have to confront fear, envy and jealousy. Another force David had to contend with before facing his major challenge was King Saul. When he was brought before him, King Saul assessed him based on his size, youthfulness and lack of military experience, and concluded he was no match for the giant.

Leaders who doubt the ability of subordinates are another tough enemy to a man's breakthrough. Usually those in that category would have made unsuccessful attempts, and would not want somebody else to succeed where they failed. If you must reach your goal, pay deaf ears to them. As a young Christian, I had such to contend with. After seeing how close to Hell I was until God saved me, I was on fire for God in a bid to win souls. Some elders in the church saw my zeal for the Lord and challenged me. They asked me where those who had gone ahead of me where, and concluded that I will soon cool down like they did. But I told them that I would rather get hotter for Jesus. Every superior sent to quench the revival fire of God in your life and ministry will fail.

Never allow the seed of doubt take root in your life. In today's reading, Jesus walked on water to meet His disciples who were stuck at the middle of the sea. When they saw Him, they thought they were seeing a ghost, until the Lord introduced Himself and calmed their fears. When I studied this passage, I observed that Jesus stretched out His hands to Peter and he grabbed it. This shows he was within close range. Peter was already so close to his goal when doubt set in. Doubt never takes you forward because it puts the gear on the reverse. You cannot maintain your position or status when doubt sets in. The life you are called to live is the higher, greater and better life. It is called the abundant life. It is a life of faith.

If you must get to your goal this year, disengage from doubt and engage faith. Believe every Word of God coming to you and act on it with expectations. Cut off anyone who has been a vehicle for sowing doubt in your life. That fellow is a hindrance to your goal.

ACTIONPOINT: Whenever you engage faith, your progress is guaranteed. If you engage doubt, your progress does not stop, it progression is the reverse direction.

Open Heavens Feb 8th, 2008

BIBLE IN A YEAR: Dan 1-3

LEAKING ROOF

MEMORIZE: "And I will add unto thy days fifteen years; and I will deliver thee and this city out of the hand of the king of Assyria; and I will defend this city for mine own sake, and for my servant, David's sake" ( 2 Kings 20:6)

READ: 2 Kings 20:5-6

God wants you under divine cover. Nobody decides who will be his or her parents before coming into this world. That is the exclusive prerogative of God. In other matters, God can prevent you from being located in the wrong place. I was born an African. Through a problem I encountered, I developed a sincere hunger for God. First I went to the CAC but the Lord told me that that was not where He was taking me. He kept pushing me until I got to the Redeemed Christian Church of God. My first day in this church, I knew this was where God wanted me to be. But when persecution came afterwards, I thought of leaving. The Lord taught me a tough lesson. I almost lost my first born. When I finally agreed to stay, the boy became well. The Lord told me the day I leave the RCCG, I will lose my first born. The Lord will lead you by His Spirit to where He wants you to be.

"And I will add unto thy days fifteen years; and I will deliver thee and this city out of the hand of the king of Assyria; and I will defend this city for mine own sake, and for my servant David's sake" (2 Kings 20:6). God was going to defend Judah for the sake of David. David was a cover not just over a few people, but over a city.

A cover is some kind of umbrella. When the rain is falling and you come under an umbrella, it prevents you from getting wet. The degree of coverage however is dependent on the strength, size and texture of your umbrella. There are some umbrellas that cannot withstand the wind. Some umbrellas have holes and therefore cannot provide adequate protection for those under them. Some umbrellas are too small to do anyone good. If your spiritual cover is living in secret sins, that cover is perforated. If your spiritual head has backslidden, those under him will be totally exposed. Some believers are attending churches with no covering. This accounts for the barrage of evil befalling members, which could have been prevented if their umbrella was intact. As a pastor, what kind of cover are you providing for God's flock? If you are indulging in sin, you are compromising the well being of your flock. Repent today. If you will not live righteously because you choose to, then do it for the sake of the flock. You could walk so close to God that hundreds or thousands of years after your departure, you would remain a cover over your descendants like David. Parents, what kind of cover are you providing for your children? Sin destroys spiritual covers.

ACTIONPOINT: Fornication is a leading cover perforator. If there are uncontrollable negative events in your family or church, it is possible your roof is leaking.

Open Heavens Feb, 7th 2008

BIBLE IN A YEAR: Esther 8-10

SPIRITUAL WARFARE TIPS

MEMORIZE: "Before the mountains were brought forth, or ever thou hadst formed the earth and the world, even from everlasting to everlasting, thou art God" (Psalm 90:2)

READ: 2 Kings 6:8-14

When we consider the actions of the king of Syria in his bid to capture Elisha, we learn certain useful tips for engaging in spiritual warfare. First, have an ultimate and clearly defined goal. A goal is a destination towards which all resources are directed. If you have no goal, you have no destination. This is true in
all spheres of life; hence you must set a goal for yourself in every area of life. A Goal-less life turns one into a vagabond and a fugitive that keeps going round in circles. If that defines your situation, the Lord will bring order and direction into your life in Jesus name. From today, you will move forward. The goal of the king of Syria was to make Israel part of his kingdom and he pursued it. My goal is to make it to Heaven taking many with me. What is your goal in life?

Two, the Syrian king realized there was no need of going to war with Israel when he could get their king. In other words, after setting your goal, device a strategy of how you would get there. Wisdom is more appropriate than strength. Three, if you find yourself failing time and again, seek counsel on what could be responsible. Ask 'Why''. The forth lesson is that the friend of your enemy is also your enemy. Some people want to make friend with their pastor but hate his wife. It is not possible. Anyone who hates your wife hates you no matter how much show of love the fellow demonstrates. The king of Israel was the enemy of the king of Syria. Anyone who be-friends your enemy is your adversary. James 4:4 says if you are a friend of the world, you are an enemy of God.

The fifth lesson is that you must properly identify your problem before asking it to move. Before you ask God to arise and scatter His enemies make sure you are not one of them. Ensure you are not the one blocking your way. Similarly, never lose hope, no matter the size of the mountain confronting you. Your mountain will move as long as you retain your hope in God, because He knows the foundation of every mountain, and can easily uproot them. That mountain in your life will move this season in Jesus' Name. Lastly, whenever you engage in spiritual warfare, ensure you are not fighting God, because that is a fight you can never win. But if He is on your side, victory is sure. Is God on your side?

ACTIONPOINT: Pray for two hours in the Spirit. Write down every impression the Holy Spirit lays on your heart while doing so.

Open Heavens Feb, 6th 2008

BIBLE IN A YEAR: Esther 4-7


UNMEEKING THE MEEKEST

MEMORIZE: "Now the man Moses was very meek, above all the men which were upon the face of the earth" (Numbers 12:3)

READ: Exodus 14:10-14

“Now the man Moses was very meek, above all the men which were upon the face of the earth." (Numbers 12:3) Moses was a great man. Like Noah and Lot, he was a pace setter. As far as meekness was concerned, he held world record. But he had a little contamination. Unlike those whose weaknesses are in alcohol, his was anger. Whenever the devil wants to bring down a world champion, he looks out for a tiny 'but' in his life for cultivation. Being meek shows Moses was hardly angry except probably once in 40 years. The devil noticed it, and smiled that he had got what would pull him down. It took over 40 years before that opportunity came, yet the devil waited. Satan can be very patient when targeting the fall of a champion!

All his years in exile, Satan never showed up. But the moment he took the mantle of leadership to lead the children of Israel into the promised land, Satan surfaced. He began to use the adverse and trying situations in the wilderness to stir up anger in Moses. Initially, Moses refused to respond. But as Satan continued to hit him on the same spot, he started responding. After another salvo, Moses turned to God and asked Him, 'Why are you doing this to me? Am I their father?' Satan was happy and said, 'Since you are responding now, very soon you will turn against your supporter'. The climax came in Numbers 20:2-13, when the people murmured again because there was no water, and Moses could stand it no more! He was boiling now. His 'pet' anger had grown into a giant! He called them names and while trying to provide solutions, he struck the Rock twice, without knowing the rock was Jesus Christ, and He should only be crucified once.

After 40 years of ministry, Moses ended a failure. You are a divine champion if you are more than a conqueror. What is that weakness you have swept under carpet? Is it masturbation? Some leaders and senior pastors still indulge in it and claim that there is no biblical passage that prohibits it. It is part of sexual uncleanliness. If you don't stop it, it will surely stop you. As harmless as that little lie is, if you do not deal with it, by the time it pulls out its joker, it may be at the peak of your trip, you will be like Moses seeing the Promised Land but stepping no further. That shall not be your portion. Take a corrective step today!

ACTIONPOINT: Ask that you will not be a victim of internal weaknesses. Prayerfully deal with those vices today!

Open Heavens, Feb 5th 2008

BIBLE IN A YEAR: Esther 1-3


ABUNDANCE IN FIRST FRUITS

MEMORIZE: "Honor the LORD with thy substance, and with the first fruits of all thine increase:" (Proverbs 3:9)


READ: Proverbs 3:9-10

Today's reading says those that know their God honor Him with their first fruits. If you do not pay your first fruits, it is evidence that you are yet to know who you serve. Those who know God never trivialize His commands because whatever He asks you to do is of utmost importance. When Abraham gave Isaac as an offering to God, he was honoring God with his first fruits. No wonder today, he has countless children all over the world! Your first salary in a new job is your first fruits. The first profit from a new line of business is your first fruits. For those already working, every year, your first salary or profit is your first fruits. When promoted to another level, the difference between your former salary and the new one is your first fruits. Honor God with it. As you faithfully pay it, abundance is triggered.

"A just weight and balance is the LORD's: all the weights of the bag are his work"

(Proverbs 16:11). Those who will be strong materially never take the money that does not belong to them. They know it will be counter-productive. Lies, falsification of records and other fraudulent measures cannot add to you. They will work against your financial prosperity. Have you ever sat back to compare how you spend the money that comes clean with the ones that come through the back-door? If you do, you will observe that the former is peaceful, gives joy and is well spent. The latter however, does not give its owner peace of mind. Negative events suddenly erupt and before long such wealth is gone. You cannot use such money to do something truly meaningful. A Muslim Alhaji once gave his hall for rent to a Gospel church. After some years, he was under pressure by Muslim leaders to eject the church. He refused, saying the little that the church pays him is clean money as he could not compare it with the millions of dirty money he gets elsewhere.

Proverbs 15:16 says, "Better is little with the fear of the LORD than great treasure and trouble therewith". What most struggling believers do not know is that the rich in the world are envious of them. The CEO of a large establishment was envious of one of his staff who is a believer. The staff was poorly paid and denied his benefits for years, yet the little he has, as well as the clothes he wears, became the envy of his multi-millionaire boss. This year, you will be envied. Your little will be blessed. The Lord will multiply your blessings. You will overtake those ahead of you. But remember to honor the Lord with every increase He brings your way.

ACTIONPOINT: Do you owe God first fruits? Pay it today!

Open Heavens, Feb 4th 2008

BIBLE IN A YEAR: Neh. 10-13

RELATIONSHIP COMPARED.

Monday February 4th, 2008

MEMORIZE: "For whosoever shall do the will of my Father which is in heaven, the same is my brother, and sister, and mother" (Matthew 12:50)

READ: Matthew 12:46-50

If you love God, when you come into His house and find the chairs dusty, you will look for a piece of cloth and wipe them clean, without necessarily blaming the ushers or sanitation people. As you take a stroll within the camp, and you see a piece of paper on the floor, you will pick it up because of love in your heart. It is wrong to litter God's house as He expects you to keep it clean always. Do you have supreme love for the Master?

"Hereby perceive we the love of God, because he laid down his life for us: and we ought to lay down our lives for the brethren" (1 John 3:16). Many of us are yet to obey this scripture. God expects us to reciprocate the love of Christ for us, by us loving our fellow brethren. That means we should demonstrate our love for Christ by the measure of love shown to the believers. Earthly relatives are bound by human blood. Heavenly relatives are bound by the blood of Jesus Christ. While the duration of the former is short lived, that of the latter is eternal. This is why Galatians 6:10 says the greatest beneficiaries of our help and love should be those of the Household of faith.

The spiritual family is superior to the earthly family. The Lord Jesus Christ demonstrated this in the gospel. While preaching, someone brought news that His mother and brothers had come to seek His audience. He clearly told them, "For whosoever shall do the will of my Father which is in heaven, the same is my brother, and sister, and mother" (Matthew 12:50). He was not denying Mary and His blood brothers of their relationship, but was trying to establish the superiority of the spiritual over physical relationships. It is possible that that was what contributed to the conversion of His family.

Very soon, the trumpet shall sound. The Lord will take anyone who is blood washed and living right according to Heaven. The Earth will face its worst moment of distress. For seven years, brothers will not know brothers. Families will turn against themselves as they face God's wrath. Finally, during the Great White Throne Judgment, family members will be parted along two eternal destinies. All right living believers will unite with others in Heaven to form the heavenly family. If you love your earthly family, lead them all to Christ, before you are eternally separated!

ACTIONPOINT: One reason you have a means of livelihood is to afford you the resources with which to mobilize members of your extended family into God's Kingdom. How well are you doing this?

Open Heavens - Feb 3rd 2008

Waiting In Vain

MEMORIZE: "But thou, son of man, hear what I say unto thee; Be not thou rebellious like that rebellious house: open thy mouth, and eat that I give thee " (Ezekiel 2:8)

READ: Acts 16:25-28

One vital lesson from Peter's encounter with the Lord at the Lake of Gennesaret, is that the Word that will usher you into your breakthrough is earned. It does not just come. God keeps it to His heart until you have done something to provoke it. Luke 5:4 says, "Now when he had left speaking, he said unto Simon, Launch out into the deep, and let down your nets for a draught". Why did Jesus not say this to Peter when they first met? Why did He wait until after He was through with the preaching? It was simply because Peter had a price to pay! He needed to suspend his personal plans and aspirations, and focus on the desire of Heaven. He needed to loan the Lord his boat and move it for Him. He needed to wait patiently on Him until the Lord was satisfied. He was not promised any reward at the time of request. He needed to do some volunteer work for the Lord. Peter paid the price. He earned the Word from Jesus.

One particular year, I made a call for volunteers to come and work for a period at the camp. I did not promise any form of payment. There was a brother who had been battling with joblessness. Several years after his first degree, he remained jobless. He saw this invitation as the medium to trigger his breakthrough and jumped at it. Not long after the assignment was over, he landed a job in a bank. He has been on the rise since then. He is now married, has his own house and has changed cars. He paid the price!

Many believers are waiting for the Word that will change their lives forever. They are waiting and full of expectations, but they have done nothing about it. Such people may wait much longer. The only way Heaven recognizes that you need its touch, is by doing something. There is a way you will praise and worship God that will provoke your Word of deliverance, like Paul and Silas. There is a way you will demonstrate your love and commitment to Christ that He will have no choice but to give you the Word you need. There is an offering you will give that will rewrite your history. There is an extent you will obey the Master and provoke your blessing. Have you paid the price? If you have not paid the price, it is not because you cannot pay it, but because you refuse to. As long as you refuse to do what you ought to do, Heaven will keep back what it should release to you. Stop waiting in vain. Provoke your blessing today!

ACTIONPOINT: There are two sets of waiting believers in the Body of Christ; Those whose waiting will produce a mirage - no substance, and those whose waiting will produce a definite result. Where do you belong?

Bible in a Year - Neh 7 - 9

Welcome

Hi Everyone
I'd like to welcome you all to the Pacesetters Blogspot. As the name suggests, we're going to be using this as an avenue to dig deeper into the word of God. Please share your questions, concerns, ideas...anything that is on your mind here, my hope is that this will not only be a meeting place for the HOF Pacesetters, but that we will also use it as an evangelical tool. Send your friends the link to this site, the same way you would any other site. The goal is to grow in Christ Together...remember, As iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another (Pro. 27:17)

Let's make this work.

Shola