BIBLE IN A YEAR: Isa. 13-15
EFFECTIVE HEADSHIP?
MEMORIZE: "But I would have you know, that the head of every man is Christ; and the head of the woman is the man; and the head of Christ is God" (1 Cor. 11:3)
READ: 1 Cor. 11:1-3
Deuteronomy 28:13 says you have a divine calling into headship. The head harbors eyes and ears. It also harbors the mouth. This may be viewed from different perspectives. It can be inferred that the head is expected to feed the organization he is heading, because food enters the body through the mouth. Some heads take advantage of their position and suck dry the organization, and at the end, they are head over emptiness. Some departments and churches face high labor (workers and ministers) turnover because their heads have no control over their mouths. When a leader uses his mouth to constantly degrade, disgrace and abuse his subordinates, he erodes his own power base, honor, and sensibilities. When they can no longer stand the insult, they begin to leave in droves. Some believers have driven away their destiny helpers with their tongues.
And some of such helpers will never return to perform their divine assignment in the lives and ministries of such heads. On the other hand, there are heads who use their mouths to feed the organizations they head with ideas, inspiration, hope, prayers, positive confessions and in the process build up a strong and virile organization. At the end, they prolong their headship over those organizations. As the head of your family, school, business, are you feeding it with destructive or constructive food? Proverbs 18:21 says, “Death and life are in the power of the tongue: and they that love it shall eat the fruit thereof”. In the head is also the tongue.
The tongue is capable of life and death depending on the direction it is applied. One easy way to destroy an organization is to get the head to say the wrong thing. As a head, you must be very careful what you say. When provoked, some parents call their children or wards “goat!” If they continue this, they may gradually exchange their human instincts for goatee traits! James 3:3-5 says the tongue is the steering -wheel of the body. It has tremendous control over the body. Never speak evil of your family, church or organization. Make positive declarations. Only say what you desire to come to pass in the lives of your members. If they are weaklings, do not confess them as weaklings. Rather speak strength to them. Some pastors will say, ‘Our members are extremely poor!’ No wonder they are still battling with poverty. Confess wealth and prosperity upon them. And change their mindset through God’s Word. Back this up with prayers and they shall prosper.
ACTIONPOINT: God gave you human beings as children, not goats. If you use your tongue to change them into goats, you will have to explain how they became goats.
Monday, June 30, 2008
Sunday, June 29, 2008
Open Heavens June 29, 2008
BIBLE IN A YEAR: Isa. 10-12
IT'S ABOUT TO RAIN
MEMORIZE: "And had rained down manna upon them to eat, and had given them of the corn of heaven" (Psalms 78:24)
READ: Luke 12:15-20
One of my sons was sacked from his place of work without any reason. As he attended the next Holy Ghost Service, the Lord said through a word of knowledge, that there was somebody present in that situation, but that the one responsible for the trouble was going to die and that the fellow should not be surprised. The following week, his father passed on. The day his father was buried, he received a letter from the organization he got a sack, to return on a promotion. Any letter of sorrow you have received shall be replaced with a letter of joy this season in Jesus’ Name. Whatever household enemies have done against you shall be reversed. Not long ago, I just returned from a trip to the United States when a sister met me with a request for her grandmother. She was sick and was taken to the hospital for an operation. The operation was successful but because she was very old, the stitches refused to heal.
Each time she ate, the food came out through the wound. The doctors said there was nothing else they could do, and that death was inevitable. The sister requested help before her grandmother died. I told her I was too tired to make another trip. But that the God of Paul was also my God. So I asked her to bring a handkerchief, laid my hands on it and prayed. She returned to her grandmother and laid it on the wound by faith. When the doctors came to see if grandma had passed on the following day, they observed that there was no trace of the mark of operation! She had been completely healed.
The wind of the Holy Spirit is about to blow because it is raining season. That impossibility in your life shall suddenly become possible. On the day of Pentecost, the wind blew and the church Peter pastored grew from 120 to 3,120. As the wind blows this season, debtors will turn creditors, the barren into mothers and fathers of children, the stagnant into progressives. You need to be prepared to receive your harvest or you will be blown away. The man in today’s reading was not prepared for his harvest hence it led to sudden death. If the wind had not brought that harvest he would not have died. This means God’s expectations increase as His blessings and graces increase in your life. When God gives you more, He expects more praises, worship, appreciation, commitment, faithfulness, etc. from you. If you respond this way, it will trigger greater blessings in an ever increasing circle. If you give below His expectation, you will become a debtor. Are you prepared for the rain of God’s blessing? You will be drenched in God’s rain of blessings in Jesus’ Name.
ACTIONPOINT: Ask that the rain of God's blessings coming your way will not meet you unprepared
IT'S ABOUT TO RAIN
MEMORIZE: "And had rained down manna upon them to eat, and had given them of the corn of heaven" (Psalms 78:24)
READ: Luke 12:15-20
One of my sons was sacked from his place of work without any reason. As he attended the next Holy Ghost Service, the Lord said through a word of knowledge, that there was somebody present in that situation, but that the one responsible for the trouble was going to die and that the fellow should not be surprised. The following week, his father passed on. The day his father was buried, he received a letter from the organization he got a sack, to return on a promotion. Any letter of sorrow you have received shall be replaced with a letter of joy this season in Jesus’ Name. Whatever household enemies have done against you shall be reversed. Not long ago, I just returned from a trip to the United States when a sister met me with a request for her grandmother. She was sick and was taken to the hospital for an operation. The operation was successful but because she was very old, the stitches refused to heal.
Each time she ate, the food came out through the wound. The doctors said there was nothing else they could do, and that death was inevitable. The sister requested help before her grandmother died. I told her I was too tired to make another trip. But that the God of Paul was also my God. So I asked her to bring a handkerchief, laid my hands on it and prayed. She returned to her grandmother and laid it on the wound by faith. When the doctors came to see if grandma had passed on the following day, they observed that there was no trace of the mark of operation! She had been completely healed.
The wind of the Holy Spirit is about to blow because it is raining season. That impossibility in your life shall suddenly become possible. On the day of Pentecost, the wind blew and the church Peter pastored grew from 120 to 3,120. As the wind blows this season, debtors will turn creditors, the barren into mothers and fathers of children, the stagnant into progressives. You need to be prepared to receive your harvest or you will be blown away. The man in today’s reading was not prepared for his harvest hence it led to sudden death. If the wind had not brought that harvest he would not have died. This means God’s expectations increase as His blessings and graces increase in your life. When God gives you more, He expects more praises, worship, appreciation, commitment, faithfulness, etc. from you. If you respond this way, it will trigger greater blessings in an ever increasing circle. If you give below His expectation, you will become a debtor. Are you prepared for the rain of God’s blessing? You will be drenched in God’s rain of blessings in Jesus’ Name.
ACTIONPOINT: Ask that the rain of God's blessings coming your way will not meet you unprepared
Saturday, June 28, 2008
Open Heavens June 28, 2008
BIBLE IN A YEAR: Isa. 7 -9
ENFORCING YOUR RIGHTS
MEMORIZE: "Hearken, my beloved brethren, Hath not God chosen the poor of this world rich in faith, and heirs of the kingdom which he hath promised to them that love him?" (James 2:5)
READ: Romans 8:13-17
“For the word of God is quick; and powerful; and sharper than any two edged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart” (Hebrews 4:12). The above passage likens the Word of God to a two edged sword. This enables it to cut both ways - to have impact whichever way you look at it. The story of the prodigal son recorded in Luke 15:11-32 has two sides. We want to learn one or two lessons from the other perspective to the story. The prodigal son walked up to his father one day and asked for his portion of wealth. He was somebody who knew his rights and cared to enforce them. Do you know every bonafide believer has a portion of inheritance in everything God has, like Jesus Christ? Hence, Romans 8:17 says, “And if children, then heirs; heirs of God, and joint-heirs with Christ; if so be that we suffer with him, that we may be also glorified together”.
The day your spirit man was recreated in the womb of the Holy Spirit, you become a brand new person in Christ Jesus. From that moment, you became a heir of God and co-heir with the Lord Jesus Christ. This means, you have a portion of whatever God has. If you don’t know your rights, privileges and Kingdom entitlements, you will lose both ways: you will be denied by Heaven out of ignorance according to Hosea 4:6, and the kingdom of darkness will oppress you for the same reason. Recognizing your right is one thing: fighting for it is another. Many believers know prosperity, divine health and success are their covenant rights yet they make little or no effort to enforce them, hence such people are denied.
The prodigal son knew his rights but went further to enforce them. You will note that nothing was given to him of this portion until the day he asked. When he asked, he received everything. Non-enforcement of Kingdom rights makes you a faithless, careless and unserious Kingdom citizen. What’s the point of having rights without enforcing them? Every right or kingdom privilege you fail to enforce robs you of your Kingdom status. Heaven reckons with you according to level of knowledge of your rights and extent of enforcement. Every heavenly benefit you fail to utilize makes rubbish your rating on the heavenly planet; and the earth too! If you don’t enforce your rights, you will become a prey to members of the satanic kingdom who enforce theirs. Be wise!
ACTIONPOINT: List 10 Kingdom benefits that you have not received from the Bible. Ask God for them today.
ENFORCING YOUR RIGHTS
MEMORIZE: "Hearken, my beloved brethren, Hath not God chosen the poor of this world rich in faith, and heirs of the kingdom which he hath promised to them that love him?" (James 2:5)
READ: Romans 8:13-17
“For the word of God is quick; and powerful; and sharper than any two edged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart” (Hebrews 4:12). The above passage likens the Word of God to a two edged sword. This enables it to cut both ways - to have impact whichever way you look at it. The story of the prodigal son recorded in Luke 15:11-32 has two sides. We want to learn one or two lessons from the other perspective to the story. The prodigal son walked up to his father one day and asked for his portion of wealth. He was somebody who knew his rights and cared to enforce them. Do you know every bonafide believer has a portion of inheritance in everything God has, like Jesus Christ? Hence, Romans 8:17 says, “And if children, then heirs; heirs of God, and joint-heirs with Christ; if so be that we suffer with him, that we may be also glorified together”.
The day your spirit man was recreated in the womb of the Holy Spirit, you become a brand new person in Christ Jesus. From that moment, you became a heir of God and co-heir with the Lord Jesus Christ. This means, you have a portion of whatever God has. If you don’t know your rights, privileges and Kingdom entitlements, you will lose both ways: you will be denied by Heaven out of ignorance according to Hosea 4:6, and the kingdom of darkness will oppress you for the same reason. Recognizing your right is one thing: fighting for it is another. Many believers know prosperity, divine health and success are their covenant rights yet they make little or no effort to enforce them, hence such people are denied.
The prodigal son knew his rights but went further to enforce them. You will note that nothing was given to him of this portion until the day he asked. When he asked, he received everything. Non-enforcement of Kingdom rights makes you a faithless, careless and unserious Kingdom citizen. What’s the point of having rights without enforcing them? Every right or kingdom privilege you fail to enforce robs you of your Kingdom status. Heaven reckons with you according to level of knowledge of your rights and extent of enforcement. Every heavenly benefit you fail to utilize makes rubbish your rating on the heavenly planet; and the earth too! If you don’t enforce your rights, you will become a prey to members of the satanic kingdom who enforce theirs. Be wise!
ACTIONPOINT: List 10 Kingdom benefits that you have not received from the Bible. Ask God for them today.
Friday, June 27, 2008
Open Heavens June 27, 2008
BIBLE IN A YEAR: Isa. 4-6
ANOTHER REUBEN?
MEMORIZE: "And it came to pass, when Israel dwelt in that land,that Reuben went and lay with Bilhah his father's concubine: and Israelheard it. Now the sons of Jacob were twelve" (Genesis 35:22)
READ: Genesis 35:21-22
A regular caller at brothels visited one and met a particular prostitute. As they negotiated, she boasted about her reputation to improve the lot of her customers. She said her male callers keep coming back to testify that after meeting her, something good must follow. The following week, his business that was experiencing dryness received a boost through a small contract. Then it dawned on him that it was no coincidence. His life and business were under the manipulation of that prostitute. Instead of returning as his manipulator planned, he ran for his life! He realized he had sold himself into the hands of the enemies through a single sexual contact!
“And it came to pass, when Israel dwelt in that land, that Reuben went and lay with Bilhah his father’s concubine: and Israel heard it. Now the sons of Jacob were twelve” (Genesis 35:22). Another evil of fornication is that it erodes the destiny of the fornicator. Reuben was Israel’s first born. He had a right to all the benefits of first-borns according to Hebrew tradition. One day, while still a young man, he slept with his step mother. Nothing was done about it. His father was told but he kept quiet. Several years later, when Israel gathered all his sons in Egypt to transfer the generational blessing, they were all expectant. Everyone virtually envied Reuben being the firstborn, because his day of glory had finally come. Reuben was unusually pleasant, soft-spoken and expectant. After some praises that raised his expectations, his father delivered the bomb:
“Unstable as water, thou shall not excel; because thou wentest up to thy father’s bed; then defiledst thou it: he went up to my couch” (Genesis 49:4). Reuben got a curse instead of a double portion blessing. Joseph inherited his blessing! Any child of destiny that toys with sexual sins forfeits that destiny. In Genesis 39:1012, when Joseph had an excuse to fornicate with the pretty wife of Potiphar, he fled. Some fellow servants who heard the story later called him a fool. How could he possibly miss such an opportunity that would have earned him greater favor before his madam? But he knew if he had accepted her offer, he would have truncated his destiny. Some people have lost their destiny to fornication. If you fall into that category, repent and turn a new leaf. Shun those immoral thoughts. The thoughts and acts of fornication are the same ten and ten pence. If you have fornicated and have not been disciplined, it will go ahead to truncate your destiny at a time you least expected, like Reuben. Expose your secret acts to your spiritual father for help. Don’t be another Reuben!
ACTIONPOINT: Ask that God will keep our youths from youthful lust - particularly sexual immorality.
ANOTHER REUBEN?
MEMORIZE: "And it came to pass, when Israel dwelt in that land,that Reuben went and lay with Bilhah his father's concubine: and Israelheard it. Now the sons of Jacob were twelve" (Genesis 35:22)
READ: Genesis 35:21-22
A regular caller at brothels visited one and met a particular prostitute. As they negotiated, she boasted about her reputation to improve the lot of her customers. She said her male callers keep coming back to testify that after meeting her, something good must follow. The following week, his business that was experiencing dryness received a boost through a small contract. Then it dawned on him that it was no coincidence. His life and business were under the manipulation of that prostitute. Instead of returning as his manipulator planned, he ran for his life! He realized he had sold himself into the hands of the enemies through a single sexual contact!
“And it came to pass, when Israel dwelt in that land, that Reuben went and lay with Bilhah his father’s concubine: and Israel heard it. Now the sons of Jacob were twelve” (Genesis 35:22). Another evil of fornication is that it erodes the destiny of the fornicator. Reuben was Israel’s first born. He had a right to all the benefits of first-borns according to Hebrew tradition. One day, while still a young man, he slept with his step mother. Nothing was done about it. His father was told but he kept quiet. Several years later, when Israel gathered all his sons in Egypt to transfer the generational blessing, they were all expectant. Everyone virtually envied Reuben being the firstborn, because his day of glory had finally come. Reuben was unusually pleasant, soft-spoken and expectant. After some praises that raised his expectations, his father delivered the bomb:
“Unstable as water, thou shall not excel; because thou wentest up to thy father’s bed; then defiledst thou it: he went up to my couch” (Genesis 49:4). Reuben got a curse instead of a double portion blessing. Joseph inherited his blessing! Any child of destiny that toys with sexual sins forfeits that destiny. In Genesis 39:1012, when Joseph had an excuse to fornicate with the pretty wife of Potiphar, he fled. Some fellow servants who heard the story later called him a fool. How could he possibly miss such an opportunity that would have earned him greater favor before his madam? But he knew if he had accepted her offer, he would have truncated his destiny. Some people have lost their destiny to fornication. If you fall into that category, repent and turn a new leaf. Shun those immoral thoughts. The thoughts and acts of fornication are the same ten and ten pence. If you have fornicated and have not been disciplined, it will go ahead to truncate your destiny at a time you least expected, like Reuben. Expose your secret acts to your spiritual father for help. Don’t be another Reuben!
ACTIONPOINT: Ask that God will keep our youths from youthful lust - particularly sexual immorality.
Thursday, June 26, 2008
Open Heavens June 26, 2008
BIBLE IN A YEAR: Isa. 1 -3
WAS UZZIAH A DEVIL?
MEMORIZE: "In the year that king Uzziah died I saw also the Lord sitting upon a throne, high and lifted up, and his train filled the temple" (Isaiah 6:1)
READ: Isaiah 6:1-4
“In the year that king Uzziah died I saw also the Lord sitting upon a throne, high and lifted up, and his train filled the temple” (Isaiah 6:1) Many bible preachers have commonly interpreted this scripture to mean that, king Uzziah was most probably a satanic force or agent, who wielded tremendous powers of darkness to the extent that he blocked Prophet Isaiah’s vision until he died. This means, if he had not died, Isaiah would not have seen the Lord. They conclude by raising a prayer point such as: “Father, let every king Uzziah in my life die so that I can see your glory”. Nothing can be further from the truth! If you read the accounts of king Uzziah in 2 Chronicles 26:1-23 and 2 Kings 15:1-7 where he was called ‘Azariah’, you will realize he was not a devil.
King Uzziah was a God -fearing reformer who started very well, missed it towards the end of his life and ended up a leper. He became king at the age of 16. He was humble, teachable and totally depended on God and His servants. He followed the right steps of his father Amaziah. He took time to seek God, and that brought prosperity, victory over enemies, and a 310,000 strong army. He invented assorted war equipment and became very popular. His beautiful virtues brought him support and strength until he became a very strong and influential force to be reckoned with. But after he became established, he felt he no longer needed God or the prophets who had assisted him. He decided to violate the Word of God and one day he went into the temple to burn incense which was only meant for the priest.
Azariah the high priest together with 80 priests withstood him, and tried to prevent him, but he was out of control! He took offense and God struck him with leprosy. That was how he ended living in a special house as a leper, while his son Jothan ruled until he died. Not all who started well end well. According to the statistics by a popular international writer, only one in every 10 would end well. I shall end well. How will you end? If you must end well, maintain every virtue in your life that enabled you to climb. Never accept any strange character along the way. Never feel you have arrived. Until you get to Heaven you have not arrived, no matter how successful. Stick with your calling. Submit yourself permanently to God. Give God the glory for every achievement. You will end well. In today’s reading, prophet Isaiah was trying to pass an information that he got a revelation of God on a particular year which coincidentally was the year king Uzziah died.
ACTIONPOINT: In years to come, your life becomes a reference point like king Uzziah's. Will you be seen as a devil or an angel? Answer by your works today.
WAS UZZIAH A DEVIL?
MEMORIZE: "In the year that king Uzziah died I saw also the Lord sitting upon a throne, high and lifted up, and his train filled the temple" (Isaiah 6:1)
READ: Isaiah 6:1-4
“In the year that king Uzziah died I saw also the Lord sitting upon a throne, high and lifted up, and his train filled the temple” (Isaiah 6:1) Many bible preachers have commonly interpreted this scripture to mean that, king Uzziah was most probably a satanic force or agent, who wielded tremendous powers of darkness to the extent that he blocked Prophet Isaiah’s vision until he died. This means, if he had not died, Isaiah would not have seen the Lord. They conclude by raising a prayer point such as: “Father, let every king Uzziah in my life die so that I can see your glory”. Nothing can be further from the truth! If you read the accounts of king Uzziah in 2 Chronicles 26:1-23 and 2 Kings 15:1-7 where he was called ‘Azariah’, you will realize he was not a devil.
King Uzziah was a God -fearing reformer who started very well, missed it towards the end of his life and ended up a leper. He became king at the age of 16. He was humble, teachable and totally depended on God and His servants. He followed the right steps of his father Amaziah. He took time to seek God, and that brought prosperity, victory over enemies, and a 310,000 strong army. He invented assorted war equipment and became very popular. His beautiful virtues brought him support and strength until he became a very strong and influential force to be reckoned with. But after he became established, he felt he no longer needed God or the prophets who had assisted him. He decided to violate the Word of God and one day he went into the temple to burn incense which was only meant for the priest.
Azariah the high priest together with 80 priests withstood him, and tried to prevent him, but he was out of control! He took offense and God struck him with leprosy. That was how he ended living in a special house as a leper, while his son Jothan ruled until he died. Not all who started well end well. According to the statistics by a popular international writer, only one in every 10 would end well. I shall end well. How will you end? If you must end well, maintain every virtue in your life that enabled you to climb. Never accept any strange character along the way. Never feel you have arrived. Until you get to Heaven you have not arrived, no matter how successful. Stick with your calling. Submit yourself permanently to God. Give God the glory for every achievement. You will end well. In today’s reading, prophet Isaiah was trying to pass an information that he got a revelation of God on a particular year which coincidentally was the year king Uzziah died.
ACTIONPOINT: In years to come, your life becomes a reference point like king Uzziah's. Will you be seen as a devil or an angel? Answer by your works today.
Wednesday, June 25, 2008
Open Heavens June 25, 2008
BIBLE IN A YEAR: Gal. 4-6
EXTENDED BENEFITS
MEMORIZE: "And suddenly there was a great earthquake, so that the foundations of the prison were shaken: and immediately all the doors were opened, and every one's bands were loosed" (Acts 16:26)
READ: Acts 16:25-34
When Paul and Silas brought Heaven into their situation, there was an earthquake, after which closed doors were forced open. When Heaven comes on earth, every bondage is destroyed by the anointing that follows (Isaiah 10:27). In this prison, not only were Paul and Silas free from their bondage, all the other prisoners who were watching helplessly became beneficiaries. Suddenly they were free in the prison yard. Do you know that whenever you praise and worship God qualitatively and Heaven comes into your apartment, some benefits will automatically go to your immediate neighbors? Some neighbors cannot explain certain mysterious healings, protection, deliverance and divine intervention they received: but it was because somebody brought down Heaven on earth. When Heaven comes to earth, the blessings go beyond the chief recipient.
“Then he called for a light, and sprang in, and came trembling, and fell down before Paul and Silas” (Acts 16:29). Another interesting thing that takes place when Heaven comes on earth is that the tide turns. The captive becomes the captor. The prisoner becomes the warder. Afraid and trembling, the prison keeper surrendered to them realizing that these were no ordinary men. If you can bring down Heaven through quality praise and worship, your oppressors will surrender to you. Your oppressor will be at your mercy from today because the tide has turned in Jesus’ Name.
When Heaven comes to earth, sinners will be fighting to get into the Kingdom of God. The prison keeper was earlier preached to but he dismissed it with a wave of the hand. But when Heaven came to earth, he was the one asking the steps to take to become a born again Christian. Evangelism becomes stressless when Heaven comes to earth. If you can worship God until His presence comes down, souls will see God’s glory on you and they will desire to have the Heaven you have. You don’t need to waste much time preaching. From today, before you go for evangelism, worship God and bring Heaven down. You will have fruitful evangelistic outreaches. After the salvation of the prison keeper, he began to nurse their wounds and serve them food. When Heaven comes to earth, the enemy becomes a servant. The oppressed becomes the respected. In the name of Jesus, those who demoted you will also promote you. Those who humiliated you will treat you like a king. Some Christians want all their human enemies to die, but God wants some of them to become part of the Kingdom. To do this, bring down Heaven today.
ACTIONPOINT: Some are free men in the prison yard, while some are imprisoned in the free world. Bringing Heaven down sets both free.
EXTENDED BENEFITS
MEMORIZE: "And suddenly there was a great earthquake, so that the foundations of the prison were shaken: and immediately all the doors were opened, and every one's bands were loosed" (Acts 16:26)
READ: Acts 16:25-34
When Paul and Silas brought Heaven into their situation, there was an earthquake, after which closed doors were forced open. When Heaven comes on earth, every bondage is destroyed by the anointing that follows (Isaiah 10:27). In this prison, not only were Paul and Silas free from their bondage, all the other prisoners who were watching helplessly became beneficiaries. Suddenly they were free in the prison yard. Do you know that whenever you praise and worship God qualitatively and Heaven comes into your apartment, some benefits will automatically go to your immediate neighbors? Some neighbors cannot explain certain mysterious healings, protection, deliverance and divine intervention they received: but it was because somebody brought down Heaven on earth. When Heaven comes to earth, the blessings go beyond the chief recipient.
“Then he called for a light, and sprang in, and came trembling, and fell down before Paul and Silas” (Acts 16:29). Another interesting thing that takes place when Heaven comes on earth is that the tide turns. The captive becomes the captor. The prisoner becomes the warder. Afraid and trembling, the prison keeper surrendered to them realizing that these were no ordinary men. If you can bring down Heaven through quality praise and worship, your oppressors will surrender to you. Your oppressor will be at your mercy from today because the tide has turned in Jesus’ Name.
When Heaven comes to earth, sinners will be fighting to get into the Kingdom of God. The prison keeper was earlier preached to but he dismissed it with a wave of the hand. But when Heaven came to earth, he was the one asking the steps to take to become a born again Christian. Evangelism becomes stressless when Heaven comes to earth. If you can worship God until His presence comes down, souls will see God’s glory on you and they will desire to have the Heaven you have. You don’t need to waste much time preaching. From today, before you go for evangelism, worship God and bring Heaven down. You will have fruitful evangelistic outreaches. After the salvation of the prison keeper, he began to nurse their wounds and serve them food. When Heaven comes to earth, the enemy becomes a servant. The oppressed becomes the respected. In the name of Jesus, those who demoted you will also promote you. Those who humiliated you will treat you like a king. Some Christians want all their human enemies to die, but God wants some of them to become part of the Kingdom. To do this, bring down Heaven today.
ACTIONPOINT: Some are free men in the prison yard, while some are imprisoned in the free world. Bringing Heaven down sets both free.
Tuesday, June 24, 2008
Open Heavens June 24, 2008
BIBLE IN A YEAR: Gal. 1 -3
LOVER OF NAMES
MEMORIZE: "Who is like unto thee, O Lord, among the gods? Who is like thee, glorious in holiness, fearful in praises, doing wonders?" (Exodus 15:11)
READ: Genesis 17:1-4
Blessings come in different shapes and sizes. The form of a blessing determines how both the beneficiary and those around the fellow will respond to it. Ordinary blessings elicit regular responses. Special blessings provoke surprise responses, while extraordinary blessings provoke fear. When Peter got his net-breaking catch of fishes after a fruitless search, he was frightened (Luke 5:9). When the paralytic man was healed and he took his bed and started walking home in joy, everyone who saw him was afraid (Matthew 9:1-8). “God shall bless us; and all the ends of the earth shall fear him” (Psalms 67:7) Psalms 67:5-7 says there are certain blessings that would frighten the world when they come. All God wants you to do to get such is to praise Him. The Lord will release a fear provoking blessing on you this season in Jesus’ Name.
“And when Abram was ninety years old and nine, the LORD appeared to Abram, and said unto him, I am the Almighty God; walk before me, and be thou perfect” (Genesis 17:1). People, particularly Nigerians are in love with names and titles. This has made some to modify or enlarge their names. For instance, the one who is called Ade at birth further modifies it to ‘Adesco’. My best man during my wedding also enlarged his name. Nigerians love big, long names. God also has a strong love for names and titles. Unlike the meaningless names or titles some Nigerians bear, each of God’s names or titles is meaningful, purposeful and can affect the destiny of men. Each of God’s names provides a solution to an earthly problem, and serves as a haven of rest and safety.
In today’s reading, He is called the Almighty - the One who has all powers. He renders powerless those who call themselves powerful. He is so full of power that there is nothing He cannot do (Luke 1:37). Power is that vital virtue or ingredient that is required to turn an unpleasant situation into a desired outcome. God is full of this quality, hence in Ezekiel 37:1-10, a valley full of dead, dry bones became a strong and virile army. As the Almighty, He has the final say now and in eternity. What is that challenge in your life? The Lord will turn it around for good today in Jesus’ Name. The implication is that if you have the Almighty God in you, you will become as unlimited as He is, and His power will work through you. To what extent have you allowed Him to work through you? Invite Him to manifest His awesome power in you today.
ACTIONPOINT: All believers in Christ have a measure of God's power. But while some are insulators, others are conductors of the power. Which are you?
LOVER OF NAMES
MEMORIZE: "Who is like unto thee, O Lord, among the gods? Who is like thee, glorious in holiness, fearful in praises, doing wonders?" (Exodus 15:11)
READ: Genesis 17:1-4
Blessings come in different shapes and sizes. The form of a blessing determines how both the beneficiary and those around the fellow will respond to it. Ordinary blessings elicit regular responses. Special blessings provoke surprise responses, while extraordinary blessings provoke fear. When Peter got his net-breaking catch of fishes after a fruitless search, he was frightened (Luke 5:9). When the paralytic man was healed and he took his bed and started walking home in joy, everyone who saw him was afraid (Matthew 9:1-8). “God shall bless us; and all the ends of the earth shall fear him” (Psalms 67:7) Psalms 67:5-7 says there are certain blessings that would frighten the world when they come. All God wants you to do to get such is to praise Him. The Lord will release a fear provoking blessing on you this season in Jesus’ Name.
“And when Abram was ninety years old and nine, the LORD appeared to Abram, and said unto him, I am the Almighty God; walk before me, and be thou perfect” (Genesis 17:1). People, particularly Nigerians are in love with names and titles. This has made some to modify or enlarge their names. For instance, the one who is called Ade at birth further modifies it to ‘Adesco’. My best man during my wedding also enlarged his name. Nigerians love big, long names. God also has a strong love for names and titles. Unlike the meaningless names or titles some Nigerians bear, each of God’s names or titles is meaningful, purposeful and can affect the destiny of men. Each of God’s names provides a solution to an earthly problem, and serves as a haven of rest and safety.
In today’s reading, He is called the Almighty - the One who has all powers. He renders powerless those who call themselves powerful. He is so full of power that there is nothing He cannot do (Luke 1:37). Power is that vital virtue or ingredient that is required to turn an unpleasant situation into a desired outcome. God is full of this quality, hence in Ezekiel 37:1-10, a valley full of dead, dry bones became a strong and virile army. As the Almighty, He has the final say now and in eternity. What is that challenge in your life? The Lord will turn it around for good today in Jesus’ Name. The implication is that if you have the Almighty God in you, you will become as unlimited as He is, and His power will work through you. To what extent have you allowed Him to work through you? Invite Him to manifest His awesome power in you today.
ACTIONPOINT: All believers in Christ have a measure of God's power. But while some are insulators, others are conductors of the power. Which are you?
Monday, June 23, 2008
Open Heavens June 23, 2008
BIBLE IN A YEAR: Jas. 3-5
LAZINESS STALLS HEAVENLY MYSTERIES
MEMORIZE: "The slothful man roasteth not that which he took in hunting: but the substance of a diligent man is precious" (Proverbs 12:27)
READ: Proverbs 12:23-28
“Atale bearer revealeth secrets: but he that is of a faithful spirit concealeth the matter” (Proverbs 11:13). Poor management of divine information has made God to stop entrusting His secrets to some of His children. Some people are so loud mouthed and lose tongued that they cannot retain whatever they are told: it must end up with someone else! When believers give away vital information to their enemies, they hinder themselves. Some people receive a revelation about somebody but tell it to somebody else. If care is not taken, what God gave you in confidence to help your needy brother, will become a gossip weapon in the hands of the enemy to scatter his life or family. If you have no control over your tongue, the Lord cannot entrust you with His secrets. Some careless Christians take vital information about their church to unbelievers outside. Testimonies not properly shared will drive hearers rather than draw them to Christ. How have you managed the information already given to you?
Laziness is another reason God bypasses believers with divine secrets. When God gives you a message in coded form, He expects you to come to Him for the key to decode that message. For every coded information there is a decoded version. If you cannot seek God’s face for the decoded version, you are only being lazy. After piling up several undecoded messages, God may stop giving you more. You will identify a lazy person by the volume of untreated files on his table. How many of such files have you treated? Whenever God gives a message to some Christians, it is either He sends another person on the same mission, or be prepared for disappointment.
A lazy Christian is a curse not a blessing to the Christian faith. Disobedience is another revelation killer. If God asks you to deliver a message to someone, but you refuse, you will be standing in God’s way. If you remain in disobedience, God will look for someone else. May the Lord never replace you in His plan in Jesus’ Name. Have you been disobedient? Repent and take corrective steps in all affected areas. Another revelation stopper is poor praise, worship and thanksgiving habit. If you cannot thank God enough for the few secrets He has shared with you, He may not give you more. Many of us take such secrets for granted. Start to thank Him for every piece of information He has shared with you.
ACTIONPOINT: Spend one hour thanking God for past secrets and revelations He has shared with you
LAZINESS STALLS HEAVENLY MYSTERIES
MEMORIZE: "The slothful man roasteth not that which he took in hunting: but the substance of a diligent man is precious" (Proverbs 12:27)
READ: Proverbs 12:23-28
“Atale bearer revealeth secrets: but he that is of a faithful spirit concealeth the matter” (Proverbs 11:13). Poor management of divine information has made God to stop entrusting His secrets to some of His children. Some people are so loud mouthed and lose tongued that they cannot retain whatever they are told: it must end up with someone else! When believers give away vital information to their enemies, they hinder themselves. Some people receive a revelation about somebody but tell it to somebody else. If care is not taken, what God gave you in confidence to help your needy brother, will become a gossip weapon in the hands of the enemy to scatter his life or family. If you have no control over your tongue, the Lord cannot entrust you with His secrets. Some careless Christians take vital information about their church to unbelievers outside. Testimonies not properly shared will drive hearers rather than draw them to Christ. How have you managed the information already given to you?
Laziness is another reason God bypasses believers with divine secrets. When God gives you a message in coded form, He expects you to come to Him for the key to decode that message. For every coded information there is a decoded version. If you cannot seek God’s face for the decoded version, you are only being lazy. After piling up several undecoded messages, God may stop giving you more. You will identify a lazy person by the volume of untreated files on his table. How many of such files have you treated? Whenever God gives a message to some Christians, it is either He sends another person on the same mission, or be prepared for disappointment.
A lazy Christian is a curse not a blessing to the Christian faith. Disobedience is another revelation killer. If God asks you to deliver a message to someone, but you refuse, you will be standing in God’s way. If you remain in disobedience, God will look for someone else. May the Lord never replace you in His plan in Jesus’ Name. Have you been disobedient? Repent and take corrective steps in all affected areas. Another revelation stopper is poor praise, worship and thanksgiving habit. If you cannot thank God enough for the few secrets He has shared with you, He may not give you more. Many of us take such secrets for granted. Start to thank Him for every piece of information He has shared with you.
ACTIONPOINT: Spend one hour thanking God for past secrets and revelations He has shared with you
Sunday, June 22, 2008
Open Heavens June 22, 2008
BIBLE IN A YEAR: Jas. 1-2
ACCEPTING SATAN'S SETTLEMENT?
MEMORIZE: "When Jesus therefore perceived that they would come and take him by force, to make him a king, he departed again into a mountain himself alone" (John 6:15)
READ: Matthew 24:37-39
“For as in the days that were before the flood they were eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage, until the day that Noah entered into the ark” (Matthew 24:38). God created you for a purpose. Some people would have preferred to be the opposite of their present gender. It was not your choice to be a male or female. It was God’s. Opting for a gender change through medical surgery defeats God’s original purpose for your life, and turns you into a moving violation - an abomination! Some have abused their bodies and sensibilities because they are ignorant of God’s purpose for their lives. Why are you on earth? Some think it is just to eat, drink, marry, have children, build houses, ride good cars and die at the end. The men that lived before the flood thought so and wasted their lives. Today, history is repeating itself.
Your life is more than mere routine. There is a heavenly mandate you have to perform on earth. Until you discover it, you will not stop pursuing meaningless ends. If you fail to discover why you are on earth, Satan and men will happily sell theirs to you. Our Lord Jesus Christ identified God’s purpose for His life. When you know God’s plan for your life, it becomes difficult for anyone or anything to derail you from that goal. In John 6:1-15, after Jesus miraculously fed the 5000 with five loaves of bread and two small fishes, the male beneficiaries held a meeting and unanimously agreed that Jesus was the Messiah- the prophets spoke about. Then they resolved to make Him their king. And if He refused, they would force Him!
“When Jesus therefore perceived that they would come and take him by force, to make him a king, he departed again into a mountain himself alone” (John 6:15). If Jesus had accepted that offer, He would never have gone to the cross. God’s salvation plan would have been defeated. He ran away from them because He knew God’s purpose for His life. Some offers that come to you after a major breakthrough must be treated with lots of care. As appealing as they may appear, some may be from the pit of hell targeted at derailing you. Look before you leap! If Jesus had accepted that offer, Satan would have ‘settled’ him with an earthly position in exchange for His millenial reign. If you do not know God’s purpose for your life, you will take Satan’s ‘settlement’ for God’s destination. Ask God to reveal to you His purpose for your life. What some Christians are ‘enjoying’ now is Satan’s settlement. They have mortgaged their destiny. Beware. If you fall into that situation, repent, restitute and go for counselling.
ACTIONPOINT: Have you been 'settled' by Satan? Vomit it now or lose your greatness forever!
ACCEPTING SATAN'S SETTLEMENT?
MEMORIZE: "When Jesus therefore perceived that they would come and take him by force, to make him a king, he departed again into a mountain himself alone" (John 6:15)
READ: Matthew 24:37-39
“For as in the days that were before the flood they were eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage, until the day that Noah entered into the ark” (Matthew 24:38). God created you for a purpose. Some people would have preferred to be the opposite of their present gender. It was not your choice to be a male or female. It was God’s. Opting for a gender change through medical surgery defeats God’s original purpose for your life, and turns you into a moving violation - an abomination! Some have abused their bodies and sensibilities because they are ignorant of God’s purpose for their lives. Why are you on earth? Some think it is just to eat, drink, marry, have children, build houses, ride good cars and die at the end. The men that lived before the flood thought so and wasted their lives. Today, history is repeating itself.
Your life is more than mere routine. There is a heavenly mandate you have to perform on earth. Until you discover it, you will not stop pursuing meaningless ends. If you fail to discover why you are on earth, Satan and men will happily sell theirs to you. Our Lord Jesus Christ identified God’s purpose for His life. When you know God’s plan for your life, it becomes difficult for anyone or anything to derail you from that goal. In John 6:1-15, after Jesus miraculously fed the 5000 with five loaves of bread and two small fishes, the male beneficiaries held a meeting and unanimously agreed that Jesus was the Messiah- the prophets spoke about. Then they resolved to make Him their king. And if He refused, they would force Him!
“When Jesus therefore perceived that they would come and take him by force, to make him a king, he departed again into a mountain himself alone” (John 6:15). If Jesus had accepted that offer, He would never have gone to the cross. God’s salvation plan would have been defeated. He ran away from them because He knew God’s purpose for His life. Some offers that come to you after a major breakthrough must be treated with lots of care. As appealing as they may appear, some may be from the pit of hell targeted at derailing you. Look before you leap! If Jesus had accepted that offer, Satan would have ‘settled’ him with an earthly position in exchange for His millenial reign. If you do not know God’s purpose for your life, you will take Satan’s ‘settlement’ for God’s destination. Ask God to reveal to you His purpose for your life. What some Christians are ‘enjoying’ now is Satan’s settlement. They have mortgaged their destiny. Beware. If you fall into that situation, repent, restitute and go for counselling.
ACTIONPOINT: Have you been 'settled' by Satan? Vomit it now or lose your greatness forever!
Saturday, June 21, 2008
Open Heavens June 21, 2008
BIBLE IN A YEAR: Exo. 38-40
LOSING FINGERS
MEMORIZE: "Come now, and let us reason together, saith theLORD: though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they be red like crimson, they shall be as wool"(Isaiah 1:18)
READ: Psalm 24:3-5
Some believers access God’s presence with fear, doubt and uncertainty. You cannot receive from Him that way. Anxiety has robbed many people of their blessings, hence Matthew 6:25-28 commands that you should not be anxious. God prepares a table before His children in the presence of their enemies. Yet today’s reading says to partake of the blessings, you must have clean hands and a pure heart. The elders say, ‘It is the child who knows how to wash his hands that can eat with elders’. If you approach the Communion table with defiled hands or polluted heart, you will be disqualified from eating at the table. Defilement of either hands or heart turns you into a spectator like the enemies God invites to watch helplessly.
Unfortunately, many enemies God invited to be served shame, disgrace and heartache at the dinner table went home celebrating, because some believers who came as guests to the table were denied partaking of the blessings because of sin. Enemies shall not rejoice over me! If you do not want the enemy to rejoice over you, never allow any sin in your heart or hands, before approaching the Holy Communion table.
Before I became born again, I lectured at the University of Lagos. We had diverse stationery used for official purposes. One day, after my conversion, I wrote a personal letter and wanted to use one of the official envelopes to encase it, and my hand suddenly froze. If your hands must partake at the table, keep them from touching anything that is defiled. Sin causes your hands to lose its fingers. Can you hold a cup without fingers? Coming to the table with sin in your life gives you hands without fingers!
Your entire life can be Heaven on earth. But it takes hard work. When the food is set at the table before you, who will do the eating? You. When God prepares wine on the table, who will do the drinking? You. When God opens the door, it is your duty to enter. That is hard work. Some people are so slothful that it is a problem for them to put food into their mouth after it has been served. Proverbs 12:27 says it is laziness that will make a hunter to watch his game rot in his eyes without roasting and eating it. Are you prepared for hard work? Many are praying for the bigger blessings but God is not hearing because He sees that they are not ready. It is your level of preparedness that will determine how much you can take at the table. While some are taking healing for headache, some who are more willing and better prepared are taking contracts of millions of pounds, a car, house, new liver, heavenly heart transplant, healing for HIV/AIDS, etc. How willing and prepared are you?
ACTIONPOINT: Ask God to deliver your hands from evil so that they will not stand in your way to fuller joy
LOSING FINGERS
MEMORIZE: "Come now, and let us reason together, saith theLORD: though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they be red like crimson, they shall be as wool"(Isaiah 1:18)
READ: Psalm 24:3-5
Some believers access God’s presence with fear, doubt and uncertainty. You cannot receive from Him that way. Anxiety has robbed many people of their blessings, hence Matthew 6:25-28 commands that you should not be anxious. God prepares a table before His children in the presence of their enemies. Yet today’s reading says to partake of the blessings, you must have clean hands and a pure heart. The elders say, ‘It is the child who knows how to wash his hands that can eat with elders’. If you approach the Communion table with defiled hands or polluted heart, you will be disqualified from eating at the table. Defilement of either hands or heart turns you into a spectator like the enemies God invites to watch helplessly.
Unfortunately, many enemies God invited to be served shame, disgrace and heartache at the dinner table went home celebrating, because some believers who came as guests to the table were denied partaking of the blessings because of sin. Enemies shall not rejoice over me! If you do not want the enemy to rejoice over you, never allow any sin in your heart or hands, before approaching the Holy Communion table.
Before I became born again, I lectured at the University of Lagos. We had diverse stationery used for official purposes. One day, after my conversion, I wrote a personal letter and wanted to use one of the official envelopes to encase it, and my hand suddenly froze. If your hands must partake at the table, keep them from touching anything that is defiled. Sin causes your hands to lose its fingers. Can you hold a cup without fingers? Coming to the table with sin in your life gives you hands without fingers!
Your entire life can be Heaven on earth. But it takes hard work. When the food is set at the table before you, who will do the eating? You. When God prepares wine on the table, who will do the drinking? You. When God opens the door, it is your duty to enter. That is hard work. Some people are so slothful that it is a problem for them to put food into their mouth after it has been served. Proverbs 12:27 says it is laziness that will make a hunter to watch his game rot in his eyes without roasting and eating it. Are you prepared for hard work? Many are praying for the bigger blessings but God is not hearing because He sees that they are not ready. It is your level of preparedness that will determine how much you can take at the table. While some are taking healing for headache, some who are more willing and better prepared are taking contracts of millions of pounds, a car, house, new liver, heavenly heart transplant, healing for HIV/AIDS, etc. How willing and prepared are you?
ACTIONPOINT: Ask God to deliver your hands from evil so that they will not stand in your way to fuller joy
Friday, June 20, 2008
Open Heavens June 20, 2008
BIBLE IN A YEAR: Exo. 35-37
DUMPING YOUR COVER?
MEMORIZE: "What? know ye not that he which is joined to an harlot is one body? for two, saith he, shall be one flesh" (1 Cor. 6:16)
READ: Zechariah 13:5-9
“Awake, O sword, against my shepherd, and against the man that is my fellow, saith the LORD of hosts: smite the shepherd, and the sheep shall be scattered: and I will turn mine hand upon the little ones” (Zechariah 13:7). Another evil of sexual sin is that it robs a family or congregation of its cover. The fastest way to make a man redundant, and useless to his family, is through immorality. If a pastor is caught in the web of fornication, he ceases to provide spiritual cover for the sheep. From that moment, enemy arrows shot at members that should have passed over them, will hit their mark because the leader has broken the hedge. This is one reason we should intercede for our head and leader.
Some people refuse to pray for their pastors as a way of punishment. But they are only punishing themselves. If you intercederegularly for your pastor, leaders, husband, etc. you are only helping yourself. If you refuse to pray for them and they fail, it will affect you. There are several hawks Satan has sent in the form of strange men and women against established homes. You need to pray against them so that your family will not be a victim. Every satanic hawk sent to steal your spouse and scatter the family shall be roasted by fire in Jesus’ Name.
According to Proverbs 5:10-11, fornication is a basis for wealth transfer. It says fornication digs a hole in your reserves and before you know it, your wealth is in the hands of strangers. That means that it is the root cause of poverty. But the enemy tries to present a different picture - as if you can be rich through fornication. Anything you acquired through trafficking in fornication is a curse, not an increase. It will bring you sorrow and cause you regret. There is no gain in fornication! Every reward of sexual immorality gives the devil legal grounds to nail the recipient. Fornication is the height of spiritual filth. Every reward of immorality is filthy. Is someone promising you Heaven and earth in exchange for illicit sex?
Never yield! The only pay you can get is hell. Another evil of fornication is that it erodes your health and life span (Proverbs 5:11). It attracts all sex related sicknesses and diseases. Some think using condoms and other contraceptives can prevent infections and conception. Fornication is not only physical, but also spiritual. 1 Corinthians 6:16 says whenever you fornicate, there is a physical bonding that has spiritual implications. If a woman is cursed and she fornicates with a man, the curses on her and demons chasing her will affect the man. Ask God to give you intense hatred against all forms of sexual sin.
ACTIONPOINT: Poverty alleviation is the theme of most developmental programmes of nations today. Unfortunately, they never fight against the root cause of spiritual and physical poverty fornication!
DUMPING YOUR COVER?
MEMORIZE: "What? know ye not that he which is joined to an harlot is one body? for two, saith he, shall be one flesh" (1 Cor. 6:16)
READ: Zechariah 13:5-9
“Awake, O sword, against my shepherd, and against the man that is my fellow, saith the LORD of hosts: smite the shepherd, and the sheep shall be scattered: and I will turn mine hand upon the little ones” (Zechariah 13:7). Another evil of sexual sin is that it robs a family or congregation of its cover. The fastest way to make a man redundant, and useless to his family, is through immorality. If a pastor is caught in the web of fornication, he ceases to provide spiritual cover for the sheep. From that moment, enemy arrows shot at members that should have passed over them, will hit their mark because the leader has broken the hedge. This is one reason we should intercede for our head and leader.
Some people refuse to pray for their pastors as a way of punishment. But they are only punishing themselves. If you intercederegularly for your pastor, leaders, husband, etc. you are only helping yourself. If you refuse to pray for them and they fail, it will affect you. There are several hawks Satan has sent in the form of strange men and women against established homes. You need to pray against them so that your family will not be a victim. Every satanic hawk sent to steal your spouse and scatter the family shall be roasted by fire in Jesus’ Name.
According to Proverbs 5:10-11, fornication is a basis for wealth transfer. It says fornication digs a hole in your reserves and before you know it, your wealth is in the hands of strangers. That means that it is the root cause of poverty. But the enemy tries to present a different picture - as if you can be rich through fornication. Anything you acquired through trafficking in fornication is a curse, not an increase. It will bring you sorrow and cause you regret. There is no gain in fornication! Every reward of sexual immorality gives the devil legal grounds to nail the recipient. Fornication is the height of spiritual filth. Every reward of immorality is filthy. Is someone promising you Heaven and earth in exchange for illicit sex?
Never yield! The only pay you can get is hell. Another evil of fornication is that it erodes your health and life span (Proverbs 5:11). It attracts all sex related sicknesses and diseases. Some think using condoms and other contraceptives can prevent infections and conception. Fornication is not only physical, but also spiritual. 1 Corinthians 6:16 says whenever you fornicate, there is a physical bonding that has spiritual implications. If a woman is cursed and she fornicates with a man, the curses on her and demons chasing her will affect the man. Ask God to give you intense hatred against all forms of sexual sin.
ACTIONPOINT: Poverty alleviation is the theme of most developmental programmes of nations today. Unfortunately, they never fight against the root cause of spiritual and physical poverty fornication!
Thursday, June 19, 2008
Open Heavens June 19, 2008
BIBLE IN A YEAR: Exo. 32-34
HOOKED ON WRONG CHOICES?
MEMORIZE: "Be careful for nothing; but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God" (Philippians 4:6)
READ: Philippians 4:6-9
How I long for the day the divine fire will burn so intensely in the church that agents of darkness who have comfortably risen through the ranks and occupied various ecclesiastical positions would either run, be disgraced to the point of true conversion, or be roasted by fire. Today, several manipulations take place in the church of God because agents of darkness are comfortably seated. It is because there is no fire. God wants you to become the agent of His fire in your assembly. If you are on fire, and refuse to compromise or be intimidated by lukewarm brethren, over a period, your fire can set the whole church ablaze!
In a popular Gospel church, some years ago, a brother was seeking for a wife but because he followed his eyes, not the Spirit, he fell into the trap of an agent of darkness. After their wedding, he observed she would cover her hair for 24 hours, even when she slept. He kept talking to her about the need to expose her hair for fresh air: but she warned him to leave her hair alone. He became very curious one day and decided to remove the scarf from her head while she slept. And behold, she had two short horns on her head! He was shocked. The wife knew what happened and reported him to their coven. His spirit was summoned to the marine kingdom where he was warned not to touch her because she was the daughter of the mermaid. That was the beginning of terrible spiritual problems. To leave that marriage, he found himself already hooked. The divine fire can keep you from such satanic booby traps. Some people with a calling in the ministry are getting hooked to fire- killing daughters of Jezebel. Once hooked, their ministry can never be the same. All because of absence of fire!
ACTIONPOINT: Reproach is a stubborn spiritual stain. The Holy Spirit is the approved detergent to remove it.
HOOKED ON WRONG CHOICES?
MEMORIZE: "Be careful for nothing; but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God" (Philippians 4:6)
READ: Philippians 4:6-9
How I long for the day the divine fire will burn so intensely in the church that agents of darkness who have comfortably risen through the ranks and occupied various ecclesiastical positions would either run, be disgraced to the point of true conversion, or be roasted by fire. Today, several manipulations take place in the church of God because agents of darkness are comfortably seated. It is because there is no fire. God wants you to become the agent of His fire in your assembly. If you are on fire, and refuse to compromise or be intimidated by lukewarm brethren, over a period, your fire can set the whole church ablaze!
In a popular Gospel church, some years ago, a brother was seeking for a wife but because he followed his eyes, not the Spirit, he fell into the trap of an agent of darkness. After their wedding, he observed she would cover her hair for 24 hours, even when she slept. He kept talking to her about the need to expose her hair for fresh air: but she warned him to leave her hair alone. He became very curious one day and decided to remove the scarf from her head while she slept. And behold, she had two short horns on her head! He was shocked. The wife knew what happened and reported him to their coven. His spirit was summoned to the marine kingdom where he was warned not to touch her because she was the daughter of the mermaid. That was the beginning of terrible spiritual problems. To leave that marriage, he found himself already hooked. The divine fire can keep you from such satanic booby traps. Some people with a calling in the ministry are getting hooked to fire- killing daughters of Jezebel. Once hooked, their ministry can never be the same. All because of absence of fire!
ACTIONPOINT: Reproach is a stubborn spiritual stain. The Holy Spirit is the approved detergent to remove it.
Wednesday, June 18, 2008
Open Heavens June 18, 2008
Tuesday, June 17, 2008
Open Heavens June 17, 2008
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ANY UNCONQUERED GROUND? | |||
READ: Joshua 13:1-7 Faithfulness is not only recognizing your calling and abiding in it, and providing the highest returns to the Master, but also doing the assignment using the resources provided. 1 Corinthians 9:7 says it is the one who sends a soldier to the battle field that is responsible for kitting him. Do you know that God has provided all you require for success in that particular assignment? Many pastors will be shocked when they get to Heaven to find a heap of unutilized resources and blessings meant for their churches and parishioners, which failed to reach them because they failed to ask. If God sends you on an assignment but the resources appear unavailable, return to ask Him to show you where they are. We do that with our earthly bosses, but grumble, complain and abandon the work when it comes to Kingdom business. This attitude makes you unfaithful. James 4:2 says you have not because you ask not. If you say you have asked but have not received, it is because you have not asked to the point of receiving. Matthew 7:7 says asking should be a continuous exercise until reception takes place. “We then, as workers together with him, beseech you also that ye receive not the grace of God in vain” (2 Cor. 6:1). There is provision for every heavenly assignment. God expects you to use the resources provided for the task given. Whatever you fail to use or divert to a wrong use, becomes a wasted effort. If God has anointed you, He expects some results from the anointing. If you do not apply the anointing Another component of faithfulness is found in 2 Timothy 4:7. It says: “I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith”. Faithfulness is starting and completing the heavenly assignment within Heaven’s set time. When Joshua was old, God told him he had several unconquered grounds thereby falling below Heaven’s expectations. That affected his faithfulness. Some are good starters but bad finishers. Many start but do not complete what was started. You must conclude your assignment according to Heaven’s specification and timing if you will be rated faithful. Heaven assesses your attempts. At the end of Paul’s time on earth, he assessed his performance and said he fought a good fight. You can fell when you make a poor, fair, or very good attempt in an exam. How are your attempts? Can Satan say you gave him a good fight? Will your race end in Heaven or on earth?
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Monday, June 16, 2008
Open Heavens June 16, 2008
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| ETERNAL GREATNESS | |||
READ: 2 Cor. 3:15-18 Heaven is a place of wealth, fame, power, position and greatness. If you attain any of these in this glorious planet, you are forever made. Heaven is also a place of hierarchy. Lucifer was one of the top angels in Heaven. At a point he was not satisfied with his level. He wanted to go higher. He desired to be like God but followed the path of pride and rebellion, and completely lost out of this Kingdom.
Today, God is giving mortal men the opportunity Satan lost. You can actually desire to be like God and achieve it through His path. You are free to determine your position, glory, power and eternal rewards in Heaven. However you must be ready to meet with Heaven’s requirements. Do you know that the reward for each soul won to the soul winner varies depending on the situation on ground? There are several countries where the laws of the land favor the Gospel. But there are countries where preaching Christ could land you in prison. If you put your life on line to win a soul in anti-Christian communities and nations, you will get more value from the Lord than the fellow who won five souls from a nation that allows the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Through this, God adequately compensates missionaries who live their home countries to distant parts of the earth - particularly Muslim, Buddhist and pagan strongholds and war ravaged nations. Also, Heaven is a place of hierarchies and order. After the rewards -crowns and stars have been distributed according to individual’s works, several hierarchies would emerge: One crown no star, one crown one star, to one crown infinity stars are several levels. Then you have two crowns no star, two crowns one star to infinity. Up to seven crowns, no star; seven crowns one star to infinity. Whatever level you fall, will determine the level of glory (God’s light) that will radiate through your body; the grade of mansion you will live in; the several other fringe benefits you will be given; the size of the Kingdom Jesus will appoint you to rule over during the 1000 years reign, and the dominion of your eternal reign with | |||
Sunday, June 15, 2008
Open Heavens June 15, 2008
| LIVING A PURPOSE-DRIVEN LIFE? Sunday June 15th | ||
READ: Romans 9:15-17 “For the scripture saith unto Pharaoh, Even for this same purpose have I raised thee up, that I might show my power in thee, and that my name might be declared throughout all the earth” (Romans 9:17).
If you visit the supermarket, you will find an array of assorted products. Each product has been designed to meet a need. The degree to which the need is satisfied however is dependent on several factors. Just as products are manufactured to meet specific needs, so also nobody is created without a purpose. A purpose-driven life is one that sets out to identify and fulfill the purpose of existence. Ignorance of your purpose of existence can make you waste Heaven’s allocated resources. In God’s Kingdom, there is no room for wastage. God allocates resources to individuals according to His mandate. Events, situations, circumstances, tests and trials come to you according to the purpose of your existence. Can you imagine that God created Pharaoh for the purpose of destroying him at the
“And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose” (Romans 8:28). As long as you are prepared to fulfill God’s purpose for creating you, all things will work for your good. Even lost or wasted years can be recovered. Previous experiences, knowledge and events will become an advantage. Nothing is lost while in God’s will, in pursuit of God’s purpose. I once asked the Lord why He allowed me to waste 27 years studying Mathematics, when He knew I would eventually become a pastor. He told me it was to enable me preach Mathematically. Apostle Paul was a lawyer and tent maker. His doctorate degree in law was however not meant to defend clients in civil litigations, but to present the Gospel logically, and defend the faith which was once delivered to the saints. Today, with believers in various careers and professions, God expects a contribution from your career or profession. Medicine, Law, Banking and Finance, Architecture, Public Relations, Education, |
Saturday, June 14, 2008
Open Heavens June 14, 2008
BIBLE IN A YEAR: Exo. 14-17
THE LOADED TABLE
MEMORIZE: "Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies.Thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over" (Psalms 23:5)
READ: Psalms 23:1-6
“Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies. Thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over” (Psalms 23:5). Those who honor the invitation to dine with the King of kings during the Holy Communion service, enjoy tremendous benefits. One unique feature about this meal is that it is prepared by God, not the communicants. God is an outstanding cook. The food He prepares is beyond compare. In John 21:1-14, in a post-resurrection appearance to His disciples, the Lord prepared bread and fish and invited them to dinner. He knew they were hungry after a fruitless fish search all-night. After that meal, Peter who had earlier thrice denied the Lord, thrice affirmed his love for the Master. The meal he took supernaturally prepared him for upright service.
When artificial measures are used in expediting the ripening process of unripe fruits, they may not be as sweet as the fruits that became ripe naturally. Once in a while, God loves to show off. Before He does, He prepares the table full of good things for His children, and then invites the enemies as observers. The
Communion Table is one place God likes to show off. After preparing numerous blessings for His children, He will invite the enemies to come and watch them receive their healing, babies, deliverance, freedom, property, breakthroughs, etc. Yet the enemies will be unable to do anything about it. Never miss the communion service! Every blessing the Lord has prepared for you this season will come to you and the enemies will be unable to touch them.
For a user of this Devotional, the Lord is preparing promotion for you on His dinner table right before your enemies. Those who have always opposed your rise will be incapable of stopping you this time. Before their eyes, and in spite of their desires, you will rise. When God prepares a table before you in the presence of your enemy, He is only asking you to come and dine in the presence of Heaven. Isaiah 54:17 says no weapon fashioned against you shall prosper. If you have the opportunity to dine with the King of glory, never misuse it. God is preparing great blessings for you this season. Enter His presence with joy and singing: possess all God has for you without fear! Your joy shall be full. Fear not.
ACTIONPOINT: Satan's unholy communion never digests after being eaten. It stands as a witness against the eater. Don't try it!
THE LOADED TABLE
MEMORIZE: "Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies.Thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over" (Psalms 23:5)
READ: Psalms 23:1-6
“Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies. Thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over” (Psalms 23:5). Those who honor the invitation to dine with the King of kings during the Holy Communion service, enjoy tremendous benefits. One unique feature about this meal is that it is prepared by God, not the communicants. God is an outstanding cook. The food He prepares is beyond compare. In John 21:1-14, in a post-resurrection appearance to His disciples, the Lord prepared bread and fish and invited them to dinner. He knew they were hungry after a fruitless fish search all-night. After that meal, Peter who had earlier thrice denied the Lord, thrice affirmed his love for the Master. The meal he took supernaturally prepared him for upright service.
When artificial measures are used in expediting the ripening process of unripe fruits, they may not be as sweet as the fruits that became ripe naturally. Once in a while, God loves to show off. Before He does, He prepares the table full of good things for His children, and then invites the enemies as observers. The
Communion Table is one place God likes to show off. After preparing numerous blessings for His children, He will invite the enemies to come and watch them receive their healing, babies, deliverance, freedom, property, breakthroughs, etc. Yet the enemies will be unable to do anything about it. Never miss the communion service! Every blessing the Lord has prepared for you this season will come to you and the enemies will be unable to touch them.
For a user of this Devotional, the Lord is preparing promotion for you on His dinner table right before your enemies. Those who have always opposed your rise will be incapable of stopping you this time. Before their eyes, and in spite of their desires, you will rise. When God prepares a table before you in the presence of your enemy, He is only asking you to come and dine in the presence of Heaven. Isaiah 54:17 says no weapon fashioned against you shall prosper. If you have the opportunity to dine with the King of glory, never misuse it. God is preparing great blessings for you this season. Enter His presence with joy and singing: possess all God has for you without fear! Your joy shall be full. Fear not.
ACTIONPOINT: Satan's unholy communion never digests after being eaten. It stands as a witness against the eater. Don't try it!
Friday, June 13, 2008
Open Heavens June 13, 2008
BIBLE IN A YEAR: Num. 1-3
BROTHELS IN DIGNIFIED PLACES
MEMORIZE: "But whoso committeth adultery with a woman lacketh understanding: he that doeth it destroyeth his own soul" (Proverbs 6:32)
READ: Proverbs 6:32-35
Most offices have turned brothels. Fornication has become the basis for recruitment and promotion. It is also the reason for demotion, denied benefits and dismissal. Marketing or sales now revolves around nude women. No product can be thought sold except given a dose of fornication. The vestry of many churches have turned into brothels. Youth vigils have become sex bouts where the flesh, instead of the spirit is fed. In the educational sector, the story is not different. For many lecturers, fornication is the ticket to success.
“Ye are the salt of the earth: but if the salt have lost his savor, wherewith shall it be salted? It is thenceforth good for nothing, but to be cast out, and to be trodden under foot of men” (Matthew 5:13). You are the hope of the world. God’s light in you makes you the light of the world. If everyone else falls, remain standing. You can make a difference. In the midst of those whose garments are defiled with fornication, God is looking for someone who can make a difference. God is seeking a man, a woman who would pay the ultimate price to stand for righteousness. You can be that person. If all ministers decide to fornicate, you must differ. Not only in thoughts, words, but also in action. If Joseph refused to be defiled, you too can maintain purity. God will only use clean vessels, not fornicators. If your garment is already stained, repent, restitute and break away from every sinful link. Violence is needed to separate you from everyone who wants to keep you perpetually in sin. Resist them with all your strength!
ACTIONPOINT: Before Sodom and Gomorrah were razed down by fire, they provoked God through sexual sins. Are you provoking a similar judgment in any way?
BROTHELS IN DIGNIFIED PLACES
MEMORIZE: "But whoso committeth adultery with a woman lacketh understanding: he that doeth it destroyeth his own soul" (Proverbs 6:32)
READ: Proverbs 6:32-35
Most offices have turned brothels. Fornication has become the basis for recruitment and promotion. It is also the reason for demotion, denied benefits and dismissal. Marketing or sales now revolves around nude women. No product can be thought sold except given a dose of fornication. The vestry of many churches have turned into brothels. Youth vigils have become sex bouts where the flesh, instead of the spirit is fed. In the educational sector, the story is not different. For many lecturers, fornication is the ticket to success.
“Ye are the salt of the earth: but if the salt have lost his savor, wherewith shall it be salted? It is thenceforth good for nothing, but to be cast out, and to be trodden under foot of men” (Matthew 5:13). You are the hope of the world. God’s light in you makes you the light of the world. If everyone else falls, remain standing. You can make a difference. In the midst of those whose garments are defiled with fornication, God is looking for someone who can make a difference. God is seeking a man, a woman who would pay the ultimate price to stand for righteousness. You can be that person. If all ministers decide to fornicate, you must differ. Not only in thoughts, words, but also in action. If Joseph refused to be defiled, you too can maintain purity. God will only use clean vessels, not fornicators. If your garment is already stained, repent, restitute and break away from every sinful link. Violence is needed to separate you from everyone who wants to keep you perpetually in sin. Resist them with all your strength!
ACTIONPOINT: Before Sodom and Gomorrah were razed down by fire, they provoked God through sexual sins. Are you provoking a similar judgment in any way?
Thursday, June 12, 2008
Open Heavens June 12, 2008
BIBLE IN A YEAR: Heb.11-13
FIRE: EVIDENCE OF VICTORY
MEMORIZE: "Then the fire of the LORD fell, and consumed the burnt sacrifice, and the wood, and the stones, and the dust, and licked up the water that was in the trench" (1 Kings 18:38)
READ: 1 Kings 18:37-40
The presence of divine fire is an evidence of answered prayers and accepted offerings. In addition, it signifies total victory over enemies. In the battle of the gods on Mount Carmel, fire was the instrument that was mutually agreed should determine the winning party. The 450 Baal prophets could not get their gods to send fire. In the past, they would use magic to manipulate cutting of bodies with knives and lancets without marks or wounds. Such magical performances made Israel believe they were powerful prophets. But the day Elijah challenged them to a duel, their magical powers failed them. As they cut themselves, instead of entertainment, they got woe-tainment. They started bleeding. Those who cut themselves deep emptied their intestines. A display of power became a display of emptiness, shame and disgrace. As you ask God to rekindle His fire in your life, the operation of Baal prophets in your life, family, ministry and destiny will be reduced to total disgrace and shame. As you go into God’s presence, thirsty after the divine fire, all your known and unknown enemies will be roasted in Jesus’ Name.
“And they took the bullock which was given them, and they dressed it, and called on the name of Baal from morning even until noon, saying, O Baal, hear us. But there was no voice, nor any that answered. And they leaped upon the altar which was made” (1 Kings 18:26). The prophets of Baal cried to their gods beyond the appointed time, yet there was no answer, not even a voice. The voice they used to hear suddenly stopped. They were left alone when they needed that god the most. This is exactly how Satan pays his followers. Satan may brag and make a lot of noise, but he is chicken-hearted. Satan knows his limits. After deceiving his followers that he is more powerful than the God of Christians - his Creator, he abandons them when there is a confrontation. He knows he is no match for God so he runs while his followers foolishly face the music. Anyone who confronts your God this season is in trouble. Hand the battle over to the Consuming Fire. Before long, such a contender and his gods will be roasted. Whenever your God is challenged, happily accept it, and call on Him to defend His name. You will surely see the defeat of those enemies! As long as the fire of God burns in your life, no man or woman will be able to stand before you.
ACTIONPOINT: Complaining to man is a futile act, reporting problems to God is an eventful act. One is definitely better than the other.
FIRE: EVIDENCE OF VICTORY
MEMORIZE: "Then the fire of the LORD fell, and consumed the burnt sacrifice, and the wood, and the stones, and the dust, and licked up the water that was in the trench" (1 Kings 18:38)
READ: 1 Kings 18:37-40
The presence of divine fire is an evidence of answered prayers and accepted offerings. In addition, it signifies total victory over enemies. In the battle of the gods on Mount Carmel, fire was the instrument that was mutually agreed should determine the winning party. The 450 Baal prophets could not get their gods to send fire. In the past, they would use magic to manipulate cutting of bodies with knives and lancets without marks or wounds. Such magical performances made Israel believe they were powerful prophets. But the day Elijah challenged them to a duel, their magical powers failed them. As they cut themselves, instead of entertainment, they got woe-tainment. They started bleeding. Those who cut themselves deep emptied their intestines. A display of power became a display of emptiness, shame and disgrace. As you ask God to rekindle His fire in your life, the operation of Baal prophets in your life, family, ministry and destiny will be reduced to total disgrace and shame. As you go into God’s presence, thirsty after the divine fire, all your known and unknown enemies will be roasted in Jesus’ Name.
“And they took the bullock which was given them, and they dressed it, and called on the name of Baal from morning even until noon, saying, O Baal, hear us. But there was no voice, nor any that answered. And they leaped upon the altar which was made” (1 Kings 18:26). The prophets of Baal cried to their gods beyond the appointed time, yet there was no answer, not even a voice. The voice they used to hear suddenly stopped. They were left alone when they needed that god the most. This is exactly how Satan pays his followers. Satan may brag and make a lot of noise, but he is chicken-hearted. Satan knows his limits. After deceiving his followers that he is more powerful than the God of Christians - his Creator, he abandons them when there is a confrontation. He knows he is no match for God so he runs while his followers foolishly face the music. Anyone who confronts your God this season is in trouble. Hand the battle over to the Consuming Fire. Before long, such a contender and his gods will be roasted. Whenever your God is challenged, happily accept it, and call on Him to defend His name. You will surely see the defeat of those enemies! As long as the fire of God burns in your life, no man or woman will be able to stand before you.
ACTIONPOINT: Complaining to man is a futile act, reporting problems to God is an eventful act. One is definitely better than the other.
Wednesday, June 11, 2008
Open Heavens June 11, 2008
BIBLE IN A YEAR: Heb. 8-10
IMPOTENCE FORBIDDEN
MEMORIZE: "If a man abide not in me, he is cast forth as a branch, and is withered; and men gather them, and cast them into the fire, and they are burned " (John 15:6)
READ: Genesis 1:20-28
Every thing hampering fruitfulness in your body and soul shall be taken away in Jesus’ name. God hates stagnancy with a passion. In Genesis 1:20-28, God commanded the waters to produce living creatures, and it was so. God also commanded all creeping, flying and swimming creatures to be fruitful, and it was so. You hardly hear that a hen or dog is barren. It is mostly human beings that have that challenge. In the name of Jesus, every curse of barrenness operating in your life is terminated today in Jesus’ Name. For someone using this Devotional, your barrenness of many years has just ended. The Lord has changed your dirge into a song of celebration. That business people said will be unprofitable, will become profitable from this season.
At the pool of Bethesda laid the impotent. Some years ago during a Holy Ghost service tagged, The Battle of the gods, a man who had been impotent for years attended. He came from the east. He had lost hope for a change, and had made up his mind to commit suicide on his return from the programme. Nobody prayed or laid hands on him during the programme but suddenly, what was dead came back to life! In the name of Jesus, life is coming back to your body! That organ that was weak and impotent is receiving life now. Your love for your spouse that had died is receiving a divine touch now. Your spiritual life that has lost its fire and zeal is receiving Heaven’s attention now. Every shackle of stagnancy, dryness, impossibility and fear is being destroyed now in Jesus’ Name. Something new is beginning in your life. Something new is replacing the old order.
Another category of people who made the pool of Bethesda their dwelling place were the withered. The withered are those who used to be fat, but something went wrong and they became thin, even skinny. They are those who were once heads but are now tails. They once handled contracts worth several millions of naira, pounds, dollars or Euro, but now, not only is the situation a far departure from what it used to be, some cannot even tell when they last had a contract. If you are in that situation, a change is coming your way. That withered business will flourish again. The customers that have gone away will return with speed to you. The Lord will turn your dryness into springs of water. Whatever went wrong the Lord will put right. Reconnect to God. Put your trust in Him. Constantly abide in Him.
ACTIONPOINT: Your cup remains a piece of property as long as you keep it to yourself; but when used in serving cold water to others, it becomes God's vessel of honor
IMPOTENCE FORBIDDEN
MEMORIZE: "If a man abide not in me, he is cast forth as a branch, and is withered; and men gather them, and cast them into the fire, and they are burned " (John 15:6)
READ: Genesis 1:20-28
Every thing hampering fruitfulness in your body and soul shall be taken away in Jesus’ name. God hates stagnancy with a passion. In Genesis 1:20-28, God commanded the waters to produce living creatures, and it was so. God also commanded all creeping, flying and swimming creatures to be fruitful, and it was so. You hardly hear that a hen or dog is barren. It is mostly human beings that have that challenge. In the name of Jesus, every curse of barrenness operating in your life is terminated today in Jesus’ Name. For someone using this Devotional, your barrenness of many years has just ended. The Lord has changed your dirge into a song of celebration. That business people said will be unprofitable, will become profitable from this season.
At the pool of Bethesda laid the impotent. Some years ago during a Holy Ghost service tagged, The Battle of the gods, a man who had been impotent for years attended. He came from the east. He had lost hope for a change, and had made up his mind to commit suicide on his return from the programme. Nobody prayed or laid hands on him during the programme but suddenly, what was dead came back to life! In the name of Jesus, life is coming back to your body! That organ that was weak and impotent is receiving life now. Your love for your spouse that had died is receiving a divine touch now. Your spiritual life that has lost its fire and zeal is receiving Heaven’s attention now. Every shackle of stagnancy, dryness, impossibility and fear is being destroyed now in Jesus’ Name. Something new is beginning in your life. Something new is replacing the old order.
Another category of people who made the pool of Bethesda their dwelling place were the withered. The withered are those who used to be fat, but something went wrong and they became thin, even skinny. They are those who were once heads but are now tails. They once handled contracts worth several millions of naira, pounds, dollars or Euro, but now, not only is the situation a far departure from what it used to be, some cannot even tell when they last had a contract. If you are in that situation, a change is coming your way. That withered business will flourish again. The customers that have gone away will return with speed to you. The Lord will turn your dryness into springs of water. Whatever went wrong the Lord will put right. Reconnect to God. Put your trust in Him. Constantly abide in Him.
ACTIONPOINT: Your cup remains a piece of property as long as you keep it to yourself; but when used in serving cold water to others, it becomes God's vessel of honor
Tuesday, June 10, 2008
Open Heavens June 10, 2008
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| ALWAYS A BETTER WAY | |||
| READ: Matthew 25:14-30 Part from identifying and abiding in your calling, another component of faithfulness is your ability to provide maximum yield to the Master, according to the parable of the talents (Matthew 25:30) The issue in not how many talents you received, but what you did with what you got. The servant who received five talents traded with them and gained five more. He doubled his investment, and the Lord called him ‘faithful servant’. Likewise the one who received two talents. You cannot be faithful until you exhaust the potentials of God’s gifts in your life, and bring Him maximum profit.
“Meditate upon these things; give thyself wholly to them; that thy profiting may appear to all” (1 Timothy 4:15). God is a very shrewd investor. He expects not just some returns on investments, but the best possible returns! Many Kingdom based services are far below optimum level. What God is saying is, ‘Enlarge your coast; broaden your horizon’. Companies today are broadening their customer base by looking out for new uses for their products. This translates into more money in their bank accounts. There are several ways you can use each gift so as to obtain the highest level of approval and commendation. Take time to think and pray about it, and the Lord will show you. Each gift is loaded with immense potentials! God expects you to completely unload it. “But covet earnestly the best gifts: and yet show I unto you a more excellent way”
(1 Cor. 12:31). There is always a more excellent way. Those who want to be faithful are never satisfied with what they have done, or are doing. They are ever in search of a better way of pleasing God. Many of us are yet to say our best prayers, preach our best sermons, give our best offerings. You are yet to sow your best seed! Many believers have kept back their best for the last: no wonder they never meet with Heaven’s set mark! Unlike such Christians, Solomon put his best foot forward very early, and got his breakthrough. Your best offering, seed, service, worship is what would dramatically change your life for good. What is it doing in reserves? Release it today! You can obtain better result from the same activity, | |||
Monday, June 9, 2008
Open Heavens June 9, 2008
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| KEEPING DISTANCE? | |||
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MEMORIZE: "And the LORD said, Shall I hide from Abraham that thing which I do;" (Genesis 18:17)
READ: Genesis 18:16-19 If your relationship with God has not gone beyond being a servant, you cannot access divine secrets. If you are dull of hearing, the information you needed to change your life and that of others will remain in Heaven. When we get to Heaven, many believers will lament when they see the heap of divine information that could have led them to their promised land. Pay whatever price that is required today, and become a custodian of divine mysteries!
“Then took they him, and led him, and brought him into the high priest’s house. And Peter followed afar off” (Luke 22:54). After Jesus was arrested, Peter still followed the Lord but from a distance. Another reason divine secrets elude believers is because of keeping away from the Lord. The distance is not necessarily physical. You can be physically present in church, but spiritually absent, when your heart is somewhere else. Even though some believers are hardly absent from various church meetings, their hearts however are far flung from God. So close, yet so far. Judas Iscariot was very close to the Lord. They ate and slept together. As the treasurer he was contacted regularly, yet his heart was thousands of miles away from Jesus. If you want to receive divine information, your heart must be where He is.
Distance could also be physical. If you keep away from the gathering of God’s people, it will be difficult for God to entrust you with heavenly mysteries. During a sermon, if your heart and spirit are paying maximum attention, God could open your eyes, or ears, or both to divine information that the preacher does not know. One well delivered revelation gives birth to several others. If the pastor is sharing a revelation received from the study of God’s Word, you could suddenly access several others. If a revelation is incapable of delivering more revelations, it may be immature. Keeping a distance from the Word of God, keeps you far from divine secrets. Similarly, according to Colossians 3:1-3, if you are not interested in heavenly things, you may not receive heavenly secrets. Psalm 37:4 says you should make God the focus of your interest. If you are interested in God, you would want to know Him, and what interests Him. Also, you would want to please Him. How close are you to God? Can God confide in you? Bridge every existing gap between you and God today! | |||
Sunday, June 8, 2008
Open Heavens June 8, 2008
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| WHERE IS YOUR ORIGIN? | |||
| READ: Genesis 2:1-7 In addition to identifying who you are, there is need to know where you come from This is a major component of self discovery. Various fields of study have attempted to answer this question, but have failed. You are not a product of a theorized evolution. You did not descend from the ancient ancestry of apes. You did not emanate from the changes in the molten magma of the earth. You are not a product of a myth. You did not drop from the sky like the Yoruba fable. You are not the work of any man. Although you passed through the womb of your mother, you did not come from her womb. So where do you come from?
“And the LORD God formed man of the dust of the ground, and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life; and man became a living soul” (Genesis 2:7). The creation of man can be attributed to two major factors - the earth and God. All men are heavenly products. The earth (dust) refers to the meekest of all things. Although it bears everything on it, it does not grumble or complain. Even when grossly misused, it does not say a word. The earth also refers to the cheapest and most common commodity. Everyone has access to the earth. On the other hand, man comes from God. Apart from giving man a form with His bare hands, God put His breath (Spirit) in man. It is this fusion of earth and the breath of God that makes man a living soul. God refers to the greatest and highest being that ever lived. Man is therefore a product of the lowest and the highest. God is a spirit hence He created man to have a spirit.
“Blessed are the meek: for they shall inherit the earth” (Matthew 5:5). An understanding of your origin automatically spells out certain expectations. God expects you to take after the traits of both God and the earth. Humility and meekness are expected from you. If you are as meek as the earth, the earth will be very happy with you, and will provide all your help in its custody. It is only those who share the earth’s characteristic of meekness that will inherit it. This means you will outlive others and be blessed. In the same vein, God wants you to relate and fellowship with Him in spirit and in truth. If you are not born again, your spirit through which you can access and relate with God is dead. It takes a spiritual rebirth to bring it to life. The ability to manifest the traits of the earth and the attributes of God show where you come from. If you are proud, strife prone, quarrelsome and wicked, go and look for where you come from. Maybe you came from another planet but obviously not from God or the earth! | |||
Saturday, June 7, 2008
Open Heavens June 7, 2008
BIBLE IN A YEAR: Matt. 23-25
IS THAT ANGER JUSTIFIED
MEMORIZE: "Be not hasty in thy spirit to be angry: for anger resteth in the bosom of fools " (Ecc. 7:9)
READ: Esther 1:10-12
Under the influence of wine, king Ahasuerus made what he should jealously keep to himself become a public ridicule. Abraham was ready to trade Sarah for his life on two occasions, and therefore failed the test of love. Some Christians are not different from this king. They can go to any length to give away their wives, even to the point of having them dress seductively for the opposite sex, just to obtain favors. Some people do not mind asking their wives to fornicate with a particular fellow just to influence his decision in their favor. It is a foolish wife that will consent to such a sinful, hell-ful request. At such a point like Queen Vashti, the woman becomes an object - a means to an end. Whenever one’s spouse is being used this way, it is evident that love has gone down the drain.
A man lodged in a hotel with his pretty wife and young daughter. For fear of being witch haunted by relations, he preferred to move from hotel to hotel than live in a regular rented apartment. One day, the hotel owner made a pass at his wife. Instead of being angry after she told him, he jumped at it. He asked her to agree to sleep with him so that while their meeting is in progress, he would suddenly burst into the room, organize camera shots of the scene, and blackmail their victim to either pay a huge ransom, or write off the debt they had incurred on their hotel apartment. King Ahasuerus had turned his wife, the queen, into a cheap commodity having lost his sense of value. Your wife is not a commodity. Don’t sell her!
When king Ahasuerus regained his senses, he was angry that his command had been flouted. Should he really be angry? He took a step he would not have taken if in his right mind; yet, on coming round, instead of being sorry for wanting to humiliate his wife, and praising her for not yielding, he became angry. This boils down to pride. In several homes today, some men are angry, in fact very angry over nothing. If you care to find out the basis of their anger, you would be shocked. He may say, ‘I thought she wanted to ridicule me’. But after realizing this was not the case, why remain angry? It is pride that makes a leader or head not to accept his fault. If you are a true child of the loving God, you will easily make amends. An angry person is a fool. But getting angry over nothing or for flimsy reasons makes the fellow a bigger fool. It is foolish to maintain a situation of wrong when you have a better picture. King Ahasuerus’ anger was uncalled for. Look at yourself and examine your reasons for being angry with your neighbor. Bury that anger today!
ACTIONPOINT:
God conducts a beauty pageant for men and women. Contestants will be evaluated by inner beauty, godly character and finery of works. Will you win in this competition?
IS THAT ANGER JUSTIFIED
MEMORIZE: "Be not hasty in thy spirit to be angry: for anger resteth in the bosom of fools " (Ecc. 7:9)
READ: Esther 1:10-12
Under the influence of wine, king Ahasuerus made what he should jealously keep to himself become a public ridicule. Abraham was ready to trade Sarah for his life on two occasions, and therefore failed the test of love. Some Christians are not different from this king. They can go to any length to give away their wives, even to the point of having them dress seductively for the opposite sex, just to obtain favors. Some people do not mind asking their wives to fornicate with a particular fellow just to influence his decision in their favor. It is a foolish wife that will consent to such a sinful, hell-ful request. At such a point like Queen Vashti, the woman becomes an object - a means to an end. Whenever one’s spouse is being used this way, it is evident that love has gone down the drain.
A man lodged in a hotel with his pretty wife and young daughter. For fear of being witch haunted by relations, he preferred to move from hotel to hotel than live in a regular rented apartment. One day, the hotel owner made a pass at his wife. Instead of being angry after she told him, he jumped at it. He asked her to agree to sleep with him so that while their meeting is in progress, he would suddenly burst into the room, organize camera shots of the scene, and blackmail their victim to either pay a huge ransom, or write off the debt they had incurred on their hotel apartment. King Ahasuerus had turned his wife, the queen, into a cheap commodity having lost his sense of value. Your wife is not a commodity. Don’t sell her!
When king Ahasuerus regained his senses, he was angry that his command had been flouted. Should he really be angry? He took a step he would not have taken if in his right mind; yet, on coming round, instead of being sorry for wanting to humiliate his wife, and praising her for not yielding, he became angry. This boils down to pride. In several homes today, some men are angry, in fact very angry over nothing. If you care to find out the basis of their anger, you would be shocked. He may say, ‘I thought she wanted to ridicule me’. But after realizing this was not the case, why remain angry? It is pride that makes a leader or head not to accept his fault. If you are a true child of the loving God, you will easily make amends. An angry person is a fool. But getting angry over nothing or for flimsy reasons makes the fellow a bigger fool. It is foolish to maintain a situation of wrong when you have a better picture. King Ahasuerus’ anger was uncalled for. Look at yourself and examine your reasons for being angry with your neighbor. Bury that anger today!
ACTIONPOINT:
God conducts a beauty pageant for men and women. Contestants will be evaluated by inner beauty, godly character and finery of works. Will you win in this competition?
Friday, June 6, 2008
Open Heavens June 6, 2008
BIBLE IN A YEAR: Matt. 20-22
MANIPULATION
MEMORIZE: "For she hath cast down many wounded: yea, many strong men have been slain by her" (Proverbs 7:26)
READ: Proverbs 9:13-18
In Number 25:2, after the children of Israel began to fornicate with the Moabitish ladies, they accompanied them to idolatrous feasts, ate food sacrificed to idols and bowed down to their gods. Any idol you bow to has authority over you. Any idol you submit to can destroy you at will. The implication of bowing to an idol is that it has been empowered to do and undo in your life, and that it has become a course- charter for that individual. Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego refused to bow to Nebuchadnezzar’s golden idol because they knew that would have been their end. Jesus also refused to bow to Satan because evil should bow to good. Any idol you bow to will inherit your rights. Stop bowing to lifeless objects and demons from today! Bow only to the King of kings -Jesus Christ! If you are a fornicator, you are an idol worshipper!
Another evil of fornication is that it robs the fornicator of the power of control. Most fornicators are under severe manipulations. Many of them are helplessly manipulated. Fornication in this sense makes the fornicator to lose his or her future. The bright future of many young and enterprising youths has been eaten up by witchcraft through fornication. Even some believers are yet to recover the future already lost to years of immorality. It takes time to recover what you lose by body abuse, especially the sin of fornication. Anyone you see roaming aimlessly, with no future in sight, is likely a victim of fornication.
An ex-agent of Satan once confessed that while still operating for the demonic kingdom, she had a snake inside her. When she slept with a man, he would think he was meeting with her, not knowing he was entering a snake. After ejaculation into the snake, the semen was conveyed by the snake into the spirit world and through that manipulated the life, finance, family, destiny of their victim. Another formeragent of darkness said they have a way of collecting semen from brothels for their use in the spirit world. Many fornicators have sold out their future through such acts. Even in homes where the wife is a witch, she uses the same methods to manipulate her family. Any home where the husband is like a dunce and the wife is in charge, it is likely such a manipulation of witchcraft is in operation. In whatever way you or your family have been under witchcraft manipulations, the Lord will set you free. I decree an end to witchcraft in your home, life and ministry in Jesus’ Name. I command that everything the enemies have done to you will be reversed today in Jesus’ Name. Are you a fornicator? See the pastor of a living church for help.
ACTIONPOINT: Ask every seed of immorality in you to die and be uprooted. Semen of fornicators is in high demand by satanic forces as raw materials. Yours must never be part of this evil pool
MANIPULATION
MEMORIZE: "For she hath cast down many wounded: yea, many strong men have been slain by her" (Proverbs 7:26)
READ: Proverbs 9:13-18
In Number 25:2, after the children of Israel began to fornicate with the Moabitish ladies, they accompanied them to idolatrous feasts, ate food sacrificed to idols and bowed down to their gods. Any idol you bow to has authority over you. Any idol you submit to can destroy you at will. The implication of bowing to an idol is that it has been empowered to do and undo in your life, and that it has become a course- charter for that individual. Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego refused to bow to Nebuchadnezzar’s golden idol because they knew that would have been their end. Jesus also refused to bow to Satan because evil should bow to good. Any idol you bow to will inherit your rights. Stop bowing to lifeless objects and demons from today! Bow only to the King of kings -Jesus Christ! If you are a fornicator, you are an idol worshipper!
Another evil of fornication is that it robs the fornicator of the power of control. Most fornicators are under severe manipulations. Many of them are helplessly manipulated. Fornication in this sense makes the fornicator to lose his or her future. The bright future of many young and enterprising youths has been eaten up by witchcraft through fornication. Even some believers are yet to recover the future already lost to years of immorality. It takes time to recover what you lose by body abuse, especially the sin of fornication. Anyone you see roaming aimlessly, with no future in sight, is likely a victim of fornication.
An ex-agent of Satan once confessed that while still operating for the demonic kingdom, she had a snake inside her. When she slept with a man, he would think he was meeting with her, not knowing he was entering a snake. After ejaculation into the snake, the semen was conveyed by the snake into the spirit world and through that manipulated the life, finance, family, destiny of their victim. Another formeragent of darkness said they have a way of collecting semen from brothels for their use in the spirit world. Many fornicators have sold out their future through such acts. Even in homes where the wife is a witch, she uses the same methods to manipulate her family. Any home where the husband is like a dunce and the wife is in charge, it is likely such a manipulation of witchcraft is in operation. In whatever way you or your family have been under witchcraft manipulations, the Lord will set you free. I decree an end to witchcraft in your home, life and ministry in Jesus’ Name. I command that everything the enemies have done to you will be reversed today in Jesus’ Name. Are you a fornicator? See the pastor of a living church for help.
ACTIONPOINT: Ask every seed of immorality in you to die and be uprooted. Semen of fornicators is in high demand by satanic forces as raw materials. Yours must never be part of this evil pool
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