BIBLE IN A YEAR: Deut 32-34
DIVINE INCUBATOR
MEMORIZE: "And the earth was without form, and void; and dark-ness was upon the face of the deep. And the Spirit of God moved upon the face of the waters" (Genesis 1:2)
READ: Luke 1:34-35
As long as the mark of God was on Samson, he was invincible. The day he lost that mark, his enemies caught up with him. Let the seal of the Holy Spirit remain in you! The Full Gospel Business Men’s Convention was to hold in America some years ago. Members applied to the American Embassy for visas, with their letters of invitation from America confirming their purpose for going: and they were issued visas. One lady also submitted hers, but when she met the visa officer, he refused giving her. When she asked‘Why?’ He replied, “You do not look like one of them”. Mind your dressing: it can make or mar you!
The One who marks you out for God is the Holy Spirit. John 14:16 calls Him the other Comforter. The Holy Spirit is so named because the journey from earth to Heaven is not an easy one. Travelers would surely require the ministry of the Comforter. John 16:33 assures believers of tribulations. But today Christians want everything on a bed of roses. Some pastors are preaching bread and butter Christianity for the same reason. 1 Timothy 5:6 says those who expect everything to be rosy are already dead, while still alive. Isaiah 43:2 categorically states that you will go through fire. The issue is not ‘if’ but ‘when’. There is a beautiful song which was originally inspired of God. Pleasure seeking Christians have changed some of the lyrics to: “No matter what I face, when success comes my way, I will praise the Lord”. You don’t get promoted without an examination! Whether we like it or not, we are bound to go through fire, so that we can be purified.
There is an extent to which you can assist your child. You can teach him, provide him a private teacher and do all it takes to be prepared for the examination. But on that crucial day, he will sit for his examination by himself. In the secular, it is those who aim at becoming someone important, that go through the rigors of several education and examinations. It is also true in the spiritual. The Holy Spirit may never comfort you until you face tribulations and trials. An adage says, anyone who offers you medicine for your wound, should first be asked to produce his own scars. Tribulations and trials are vital ingredients for our spiritual growth and development. Similarly, the Holy Spirit is the divine Incubator. Bible scholars interpret Genesis 1:3 to mean that the Holy Spirit ‘brooded’ over the face of the waters and order was restored. Many of us have not allowed the Holy Spirit to brood over us. Some believers and leaders can’t even spend one hour in prayer. How close are you to the Holy Spirit today?
ACTIONPOINT: In any way you have suffered attacks, been wounded, or suffered a loss, ask the Comforter to comfort you.
Thursday, July 31, 2008
Wednesday, July 30, 2008
Open Heavens July 30, 2008
BIBLE IN A YEAR: Deut 29-31
MANAGING RESOURCES?
MEMORIZE: "And over these three presidents; of whom Daniel was first: that the princes might give account unto them, and the king should have no damage" (Daniel 6:2)
READ: Daniel 6:1-4
Today’s reading gives us two components of faithfulness. Verse two says, “And over these three presidents; of whom Daniel was first: that the princes might give account unto them, and the king should have no damage”. Faithfulness is extreme reduction or total extinction of loss (damage) in any assignment. You are in God’s vineyard to reduce or eradicate wastage or losses. If your ministry is creating wastage in resources - time, money, energy, materials, anointing, etc. you are yet miles away from the highly coveted faithfulness award. There are certain waste to wealth schemes around us today. This component of faithfulness calls for efficient management of resources.
Due to lack of efficient follow-up schemes, we are losing visitors and new converts, who are potential spiritual pillars of the church. This is a waste of human resources! Similarly, in some churches, there is high workers’ (labor) turnover, due to poor handling- bad interpersonal relations and indifference to the needs of the human resource. The faithful servant-leader is an efficient manager of the human resource. Besides, God expects you to manage the money resource efficiently and effectively. While erecting church buildings, what kind of blocks, cement, iron and other materials do you employ? If you use fake materials, with the intention of cutting costs, it will lead to more losses.
A particular church auditorium was being built. The architect examined the materials and specified the strength of blocks needed. The pastor obeyed until some blocks with little cement content were brought. The pastor protested that it negated the specified strength, but his senior pastor ignored his plea. So he reluctantly used them. Later, the blocks started to give way after the building had reached an advanced stage. Mending this became a challenge. That is waste! If you will be faithful, you must prevent waste! In the same vein, a faithful leader must be careful to buy genuine electronics and instruments. Some instruments do not last beyond a few weeks or months after purchase, because they are fake. A faithful servant would always insist on quality. Care must be taken to secure property against thieves and vandalization while installing adequate storage facilities. What of the grace of God on your life? Is it wasted or used for the purpose it is meant? The more you reduce waste, the closer you get to faithfulness.
ACTIONPOINT: Look at home and in your church and list out 10 ways resources are being wasted. Take steps to terminate such waste.
MANAGING RESOURCES?
MEMORIZE: "And over these three presidents; of whom Daniel was first: that the princes might give account unto them, and the king should have no damage" (Daniel 6:2)
READ: Daniel 6:1-4
Today’s reading gives us two components of faithfulness. Verse two says, “And over these three presidents; of whom Daniel was first: that the princes might give account unto them, and the king should have no damage”. Faithfulness is extreme reduction or total extinction of loss (damage) in any assignment. You are in God’s vineyard to reduce or eradicate wastage or losses. If your ministry is creating wastage in resources - time, money, energy, materials, anointing, etc. you are yet miles away from the highly coveted faithfulness award. There are certain waste to wealth schemes around us today. This component of faithfulness calls for efficient management of resources.
Due to lack of efficient follow-up schemes, we are losing visitors and new converts, who are potential spiritual pillars of the church. This is a waste of human resources! Similarly, in some churches, there is high workers’ (labor) turnover, due to poor handling- bad interpersonal relations and indifference to the needs of the human resource. The faithful servant-leader is an efficient manager of the human resource. Besides, God expects you to manage the money resource efficiently and effectively. While erecting church buildings, what kind of blocks, cement, iron and other materials do you employ? If you use fake materials, with the intention of cutting costs, it will lead to more losses.
A particular church auditorium was being built. The architect examined the materials and specified the strength of blocks needed. The pastor obeyed until some blocks with little cement content were brought. The pastor protested that it negated the specified strength, but his senior pastor ignored his plea. So he reluctantly used them. Later, the blocks started to give way after the building had reached an advanced stage. Mending this became a challenge. That is waste! If you will be faithful, you must prevent waste! In the same vein, a faithful leader must be careful to buy genuine electronics and instruments. Some instruments do not last beyond a few weeks or months after purchase, because they are fake. A faithful servant would always insist on quality. Care must be taken to secure property against thieves and vandalization while installing adequate storage facilities. What of the grace of God on your life? Is it wasted or used for the purpose it is meant? The more you reduce waste, the closer you get to faithfulness.
ACTIONPOINT: Look at home and in your church and list out 10 ways resources are being wasted. Take steps to terminate such waste.
Tuesday, July 29, 2008
Open Heavens July 29, 2008
BIBLE IN A YEAR: Deut 26-28
INDIRECT SERVICE
MEMORIZE: "There shall not any man be able to stand before thee all the days of thy life: as I was with Moses, so I will be with thee: I will not fail thee, nor forsake thee" (Joshua 1:5)
READ: 2 Kings 6:14 -16
The Syrian army surrounded the city because of one man. By morning, Elisha’s servant woke to find soldiers everywhere, awaiting instructions to arrest Elisha. In today’s reading, we will observe that the servant of Elisha was called “the servant of the man of God”. This means that the servant was not just serving an ordinary human being, but the Almighty God through his master – the man of God. Any service you render to a man of God is rendered to the Lord, and the reward will come from God. In Matthew 10:40-42, our Lord Jesus established this link when He said that anyone who is hospitable to His disciples is indirectly extending the same gesture to the One who commissioned the disciples on that assignment. Do you wish you lived in the days of Jesus Christ and were able to assist Him? It is possible through this divine arrangement. If you cannot assist your fellow believers, you cannot assist Jesus. If you find it difficult to be a blessing to your spiritual father or pastor, even if Christ were physically present, you will not do differently.
Many of us desire, pray and fast for the anointing of Elisha. The divine rule is that to receive the anointing on Elisha, you must first serve Elijah. Elisha did not receive the anointing on his master until he served him. 2 Kings 3:11 says he was the one pouring water on the hands of Elijah. If you want God to support you like Moses, you must be prepared to serve like Joshua. Joshua served Moses diligently, quietly and steadfastly. When Moses died, while people thought it should be one of the top leaders that should succeed him, God chose Moses’ servant- Joshua, because he paid the price.
On the reverse side, anyone who attacks a genuine man of God, will have the God of that man to contend with. Hence Psalms 105:14-15 warns that we should never do harm to any servant of God. Anyone who attempts to hurt a child of God, will have God to contend with. Anyone persecuting a child of God is persecuting Jesus Christ (Acts 9:5). When a professing Christian persecutes his fellow believer, it is obvious the fellow has switched camp: he is no more in the camp of Jesus, because he is now fighting against Jesus! You cannot be in the Kingdom of God and be maltreating members of the same Kingdom. Have you been fighting against Christ by fighting His servants or children? Repent today and apologize to those you have fought or oppressed, or else, the Lord will fight you in return. How have you supported God’s Kingdom?
ACTIONPOINT: At the end of the tunnel of service is a reward. Are you prepared to humbly serve and receive it?
INDIRECT SERVICE
MEMORIZE: "There shall not any man be able to stand before thee all the days of thy life: as I was with Moses, so I will be with thee: I will not fail thee, nor forsake thee" (Joshua 1:5)
READ: 2 Kings 6:14 -16
The Syrian army surrounded the city because of one man. By morning, Elisha’s servant woke to find soldiers everywhere, awaiting instructions to arrest Elisha. In today’s reading, we will observe that the servant of Elisha was called “the servant of the man of God”. This means that the servant was not just serving an ordinary human being, but the Almighty God through his master – the man of God. Any service you render to a man of God is rendered to the Lord, and the reward will come from God. In Matthew 10:40-42, our Lord Jesus established this link when He said that anyone who is hospitable to His disciples is indirectly extending the same gesture to the One who commissioned the disciples on that assignment. Do you wish you lived in the days of Jesus Christ and were able to assist Him? It is possible through this divine arrangement. If you cannot assist your fellow believers, you cannot assist Jesus. If you find it difficult to be a blessing to your spiritual father or pastor, even if Christ were physically present, you will not do differently.
Many of us desire, pray and fast for the anointing of Elisha. The divine rule is that to receive the anointing on Elisha, you must first serve Elijah. Elisha did not receive the anointing on his master until he served him. 2 Kings 3:11 says he was the one pouring water on the hands of Elijah. If you want God to support you like Moses, you must be prepared to serve like Joshua. Joshua served Moses diligently, quietly and steadfastly. When Moses died, while people thought it should be one of the top leaders that should succeed him, God chose Moses’ servant- Joshua, because he paid the price.
On the reverse side, anyone who attacks a genuine man of God, will have the God of that man to contend with. Hence Psalms 105:14-15 warns that we should never do harm to any servant of God. Anyone who attempts to hurt a child of God, will have God to contend with. Anyone persecuting a child of God is persecuting Jesus Christ (Acts 9:5). When a professing Christian persecutes his fellow believer, it is obvious the fellow has switched camp: he is no more in the camp of Jesus, because he is now fighting against Jesus! You cannot be in the Kingdom of God and be maltreating members of the same Kingdom. Have you been fighting against Christ by fighting His servants or children? Repent today and apologize to those you have fought or oppressed, or else, the Lord will fight you in return. How have you supported God’s Kingdom?
ACTIONPOINT: At the end of the tunnel of service is a reward. Are you prepared to humbly serve and receive it?
Monday, July 28, 2008
Open Heavens July 28, 2008
BIBLE IN A YEAR: Deut 23-25
ACTIVATING SELF PROPHECY
MEMORIZE: "Say ye to the righteous, that it shall be well with him: for they shall eat the fruit of their doings" (Isaiah 3:10)
READ: Marks 5:25-34
You will have a taste of Heaven this season in Jesus’ Name. Today’s reading talks of the woman with the issue of blood. She was once a prosperous woman, but her problem totally eroded her wealth. She moved from one specialist doctor to another. She became a test case - a guinea pig and subject of experiment for medical and traditional sciences. One day, she contacted the Person of Heaven on earth. She ran into Jesus. When she touched Him, She touched the Prophet. All prophets before or after Him will say, “Thus says the Lord”. But whenever Jesus the Prophet speaks, He says: “Verily, verily, I say unto you”. The day this woman touched the Prophet who was Heaven on earth, her prophetic declaration was fulfilled. She had said, “If I can touch the helm of His garment, I shall be made whole”. She touched Him and she became whole. As you look up to the Prophet-Jesus Christ today, and touch Him by faith just where you are, that pending prophecy over your life shall be fulfilled, because He will do to you whatever you speak into His ears (Numbers 14:26-28). The Shunammite woman prophesied to herself that it shall be well: and her dead son resurrected as a result of that prophecy. Every positive prophecy you have spoken concerning yourself shall come to pass this season in Jesus’ Name.
I went to dedicate one of our churches in the east some time ago. As it was my custom, I said, “There is somebody here who will never weep again?” A man who suffered from shock and had lived in sorrow, jumped at the prophecy. Within five minutes, he was completely well. A lady attended one of our Congresses. She heard a word of prophecy that there was a woman there with a ruptured womb after abortion. But that God will replace her womb with a new spare part, and give her a set of twins. She received the prophecy with thanksgiving. After the programme, she knelt at the altar still thanking God, but negotiated her prophecy. She told God she was incapable of handling twins: but that she would prefer to have a baby boy on her birthday. Nine months later, she had a baby boy on her birthday! Thereafter, because she had previously tested positive to HIV, she told God it was of no use having a baby without being able to take care of it. And that He should perfect her healing and it was so. When she went for another test, it was negative. Praise God! Prophesy on your life and family and it shall come to pass. It is well with you, your family and your career. It is well with your today and tomorrow.
ACTIONPOINT : Within the next seven days, make prophetic declarations on yourself, family, ministry, business or work and thereafter thank God for fulfilling them.
ACTIVATING SELF PROPHECY
MEMORIZE: "Say ye to the righteous, that it shall be well with him: for they shall eat the fruit of their doings" (Isaiah 3:10)
READ: Marks 5:25-34
You will have a taste of Heaven this season in Jesus’ Name. Today’s reading talks of the woman with the issue of blood. She was once a prosperous woman, but her problem totally eroded her wealth. She moved from one specialist doctor to another. She became a test case - a guinea pig and subject of experiment for medical and traditional sciences. One day, she contacted the Person of Heaven on earth. She ran into Jesus. When she touched Him, She touched the Prophet. All prophets before or after Him will say, “Thus says the Lord”. But whenever Jesus the Prophet speaks, He says: “Verily, verily, I say unto you”. The day this woman touched the Prophet who was Heaven on earth, her prophetic declaration was fulfilled. She had said, “If I can touch the helm of His garment, I shall be made whole”. She touched Him and she became whole. As you look up to the Prophet-Jesus Christ today, and touch Him by faith just where you are, that pending prophecy over your life shall be fulfilled, because He will do to you whatever you speak into His ears (Numbers 14:26-28). The Shunammite woman prophesied to herself that it shall be well: and her dead son resurrected as a result of that prophecy. Every positive prophecy you have spoken concerning yourself shall come to pass this season in Jesus’ Name.
I went to dedicate one of our churches in the east some time ago. As it was my custom, I said, “There is somebody here who will never weep again?” A man who suffered from shock and had lived in sorrow, jumped at the prophecy. Within five minutes, he was completely well. A lady attended one of our Congresses. She heard a word of prophecy that there was a woman there with a ruptured womb after abortion. But that God will replace her womb with a new spare part, and give her a set of twins. She received the prophecy with thanksgiving. After the programme, she knelt at the altar still thanking God, but negotiated her prophecy. She told God she was incapable of handling twins: but that she would prefer to have a baby boy on her birthday. Nine months later, she had a baby boy on her birthday! Thereafter, because she had previously tested positive to HIV, she told God it was of no use having a baby without being able to take care of it. And that He should perfect her healing and it was so. When she went for another test, it was negative. Praise God! Prophesy on your life and family and it shall come to pass. It is well with you, your family and your career. It is well with your today and tomorrow.
ACTIONPOINT : Within the next seven days, make prophetic declarations on yourself, family, ministry, business or work and thereafter thank God for fulfilling them.
Sunday, July 27, 2008
Open Heavens July 27, 2008
BIBLE IN A YEAR: Deut 20-22
FIRE THAT DRYNESS
MEMORIZE: "Then Gideon built an altar there unto the LORD, and called it Jehovah -shalom: unto this day it is yet in Ophrah of the Abiezrites" (Judges 6:24)
READ: Judges 6:11-22
Fire is associated with revival, power and raining season. In 1 Kings 18:41-45, it was after the fire fell on Mount Carmel that raining season which had been suspended for about three years was restored. It was the day fire fell on Elijah’s sacrifice that signalled an end to dry season. If you can attract the fire of God to accept your sacrifice of thanksgiving, praise, worship, gifts, etc. the same fire will transform your life. It will put an end to dryness in your life and business. Divine fire signals an era of the Almighty God, the beginning of divine breakthroughs. Have you been going through dryness mentally, ideologically or psychologically? The Lord will release His rain on you this season. Are you experiencing dryness in physical, financial or spiritual terms? I command it to cease now. The Lord will pour His rain on you in abundance. Dryness has come to an end in your life.
In today’s reading, the Israelites who had gone through years of dryness received respite. The Midianites devoured all their harvests. Gideon and a few others had to hide their harvests from these enemies. When the Lord intervened, He sent an angel to him. After the fire came on the offering of Gideon, sweeping changes followed. Have you desperately asked for a breakthrough without obtaining it? Ask the Lord to release His fire on you and effect a position change today. The presence of divine fire assures men of God’s active involvement in their affairs.
“Then Gideon built an altar there unto the LORD, and called it Jehovah -shalom: unto this day it is yet in Ophrah of the Abiezrites” (Judges 6:24). Gideon’s encounter with God’s fire not only reversed his situation from being an oppressed to become the oppressor, but also revealed God to him. When his fears were completely dealt with, he experienced God as Jehovah shalom, the Lord our Peace. When the fire of God comes upon you, it will give you fresh revelations of the Almighty God as never before. In other words, just one encounter with God’s fire can revolutionize the different facets of your life! You need God’s fire today. Ask God ceaselessly for this fire. Never stop until you see it. When it comes, you will surely know.
ACTION POINT: A brother who visited the heavenly planet said each time the angels saw a partof God they never knew; they would celebrate and worship Him. Ask God for a fresh revelation of Himself to you.
FIRE THAT DRYNESS
MEMORIZE: "Then Gideon built an altar there unto the LORD, and called it Jehovah -shalom: unto this day it is yet in Ophrah of the Abiezrites" (Judges 6:24)
READ: Judges 6:11-22
Fire is associated with revival, power and raining season. In 1 Kings 18:41-45, it was after the fire fell on Mount Carmel that raining season which had been suspended for about three years was restored. It was the day fire fell on Elijah’s sacrifice that signalled an end to dry season. If you can attract the fire of God to accept your sacrifice of thanksgiving, praise, worship, gifts, etc. the same fire will transform your life. It will put an end to dryness in your life and business. Divine fire signals an era of the Almighty God, the beginning of divine breakthroughs. Have you been going through dryness mentally, ideologically or psychologically? The Lord will release His rain on you this season. Are you experiencing dryness in physical, financial or spiritual terms? I command it to cease now. The Lord will pour His rain on you in abundance. Dryness has come to an end in your life.
In today’s reading, the Israelites who had gone through years of dryness received respite. The Midianites devoured all their harvests. Gideon and a few others had to hide their harvests from these enemies. When the Lord intervened, He sent an angel to him. After the fire came on the offering of Gideon, sweeping changes followed. Have you desperately asked for a breakthrough without obtaining it? Ask the Lord to release His fire on you and effect a position change today. The presence of divine fire assures men of God’s active involvement in their affairs.
“Then Gideon built an altar there unto the LORD, and called it Jehovah -shalom: unto this day it is yet in Ophrah of the Abiezrites” (Judges 6:24). Gideon’s encounter with God’s fire not only reversed his situation from being an oppressed to become the oppressor, but also revealed God to him. When his fears were completely dealt with, he experienced God as Jehovah shalom, the Lord our Peace. When the fire of God comes upon you, it will give you fresh revelations of the Almighty God as never before. In other words, just one encounter with God’s fire can revolutionize the different facets of your life! You need God’s fire today. Ask God ceaselessly for this fire. Never stop until you see it. When it comes, you will surely know.
ACTION POINT: A brother who visited the heavenly planet said each time the angels saw a partof God they never knew; they would celebrate and worship Him. Ask God for a fresh revelation of Himself to you.
Saturday, July 26, 2008
Open Heavens July 26, 2008
BIBLE IN A YEAR: Deut 17-19
ADVENTURE IN CHRIST
MEMORIZE: "Men that have hazarded their lives for the name of our Lord Jesus Christ" (Acts 15:26)
READ: Acts 15:23-26
The parable of the lost son stated in Luke 15:11-32, presents us with more lessons. In verse 12, we discover that while the elder brother kept to himself, it was the younger son who dared his father for the portion of his inheritance. This reveals one salient fact: the younger, the more adventurous. Adventure is tied up with youth. Not too many elderly people want to go mountain climbing, or sky diving. God has great expectations from youths. Ecclesiastes 12:1 says the best time to remember God is in the days of youth. Old age comes with its own challenges. If you want to do exploits for God, it is now. You can predict the end of a youth by what he or she is addicted to. If your youthful days are firmly established in Christ, your old age will definitely be glorious. Caleb and Joshua were two youths who went on an adventure for God’s Kingdom. Forty five years later, they were still standing tall, and retained their physical, spiritual, emotional and intellectual strength. As parents, ensure you give your children a solid Christian foundation. Lead them to Christ. Teach them God’s Word and lead by example. If your child has such a godly foundation, even when he or she strays from the pathway of life, the fellow will be able to retrace his way to God. Without this foundation, the fellow may be completely lost.
“Men that have hazarded their lives for the name of our Lord Jesus Christ” (Acts 15:26). Paul and Barnabas were also youths who went on an adventure for Christ. They put their lives on the line just to please the Master. How adventurous have you been for God? What risks have you taken for Jesus? Anyone who will finish the Christian race strong must secure his or her youthful foundation in Christ. Similarly, the prodigal son made an attempt at living on his own. He wanted to be independent. The moment he got his freedom and left the home, he messed up. How you raise your children or wards will determine how they will live away from home. Many children and youths who had the opportunity of going to the boarding school or higher institutions have betrayed their family upbringing. Like the prodigal son, as soon as they left home, they dabbled into all kinds of silly youthful lusts. This puts a question mark on how they were raised. If your children cannot sustain the Christian upbringing they were given at home, it shows that what they got was the counterfeit. What is inside your children will be revealed when they go out. What have you invested in them?
ACTIONPOINT : Some are taking great risks for the Kingdom while some others shy away from minimum risks. Heaven rewards great risk takers more.
ADVENTURE IN CHRIST
MEMORIZE: "Men that have hazarded their lives for the name of our Lord Jesus Christ" (Acts 15:26)
READ: Acts 15:23-26
The parable of the lost son stated in Luke 15:11-32, presents us with more lessons. In verse 12, we discover that while the elder brother kept to himself, it was the younger son who dared his father for the portion of his inheritance. This reveals one salient fact: the younger, the more adventurous. Adventure is tied up with youth. Not too many elderly people want to go mountain climbing, or sky diving. God has great expectations from youths. Ecclesiastes 12:1 says the best time to remember God is in the days of youth. Old age comes with its own challenges. If you want to do exploits for God, it is now. You can predict the end of a youth by what he or she is addicted to. If your youthful days are firmly established in Christ, your old age will definitely be glorious. Caleb and Joshua were two youths who went on an adventure for God’s Kingdom. Forty five years later, they were still standing tall, and retained their physical, spiritual, emotional and intellectual strength. As parents, ensure you give your children a solid Christian foundation. Lead them to Christ. Teach them God’s Word and lead by example. If your child has such a godly foundation, even when he or she strays from the pathway of life, the fellow will be able to retrace his way to God. Without this foundation, the fellow may be completely lost.
“Men that have hazarded their lives for the name of our Lord Jesus Christ” (Acts 15:26). Paul and Barnabas were also youths who went on an adventure for Christ. They put their lives on the line just to please the Master. How adventurous have you been for God? What risks have you taken for Jesus? Anyone who will finish the Christian race strong must secure his or her youthful foundation in Christ. Similarly, the prodigal son made an attempt at living on his own. He wanted to be independent. The moment he got his freedom and left the home, he messed up. How you raise your children or wards will determine how they will live away from home. Many children and youths who had the opportunity of going to the boarding school or higher institutions have betrayed their family upbringing. Like the prodigal son, as soon as they left home, they dabbled into all kinds of silly youthful lusts. This puts a question mark on how they were raised. If your children cannot sustain the Christian upbringing they were given at home, it shows that what they got was the counterfeit. What is inside your children will be revealed when they go out. What have you invested in them?
ACTIONPOINT : Some are taking great risks for the Kingdom while some others shy away from minimum risks. Heaven rewards great risk takers more.
Friday, July 25, 2008
Open Heavens July 25, 2008
BIBLE IN A YEAR: Deut 13-16
SPIRITUAL SIGHT
MEMORIZE: "And when they urged him till he was ashamed, he said, Send. They sent therefore fifty men; and they sought three days, but found him not." (2 Kings 2:17)
READ: 2 Kings 2:9-13
The physical body has a set of eyes. The soul also has its eyes called eyes of understanding. The spirit equally has its set of eyes. It is when a man has all of these that his eyesight is complete. Ask God to give you complete eyesight today. Just like the body and the soul, the human spirit has a set of eyes called the eyes of the spirit. These enable you to see into the realm of the spirit. It makes you see what no ordinary eyes can see. In today’s reading, Elijah told Elisha just before being raptured: “If you witness my rapture, your difficult request will be granted”. He did not mean being seen physically but spiritually. If Elisha’s spiritual eyes were not opened, he would have only observed his master’s suddenly disappearance. How? He would not be able to tell.
“And it came to pass, as they still went on, and talked, that, behold, there appeared a chariot of fire, and horses of fire, and parted them both asunder; and Elijah went up by a whirlwind into heaven” (2 Kings 2:11). As the heavenly fiery chariot came to pick Elijah, Elisha saw it and screamed, ‘I can see my father Elijah and the chariot carrying you’. After that, Elijah’s spiritual authority came in double fold upon Elisha. Those who see into the realm of the spirit receive impartation. They get what they desire. Many Christians have remained stagnant and powerless for long, because their spiritual eyes have not been opened. Any believer who is spiritually blind, will not be able to see angels, demons, the future, or have a glimpse of heaven. The race of such a Christian will be tedious and uneventful. This can be compared with asking a man to separate a mixture of water and oil with his eyes blindfolded.
Sometime ago, I saw in a vision the figure 888. That struck me as strange. We know 666 is the mark of the beast. 777 is the mark of the perfect Trinity. So I asked the Lord for the meaning of 888, and He said it is the mark of perfect Resurrection. The fact that the number of 8 is tripled means that resurrection would be physical - those who are given up to die would live; Resurrection would be mental - the eyes of understanding of someone would be opened; And resurrection would be spiritual - the spiritual eyes of some would be opened. In any area you need the power of resurrection, the Lord will visit you.
ACTIONPOINT: Without complete sight, you cannot have total vision. Ask God to give your complete sight.
SPIRITUAL SIGHT
MEMORIZE: "And when they urged him till he was ashamed, he said, Send. They sent therefore fifty men; and they sought three days, but found him not." (2 Kings 2:17)
READ: 2 Kings 2:9-13
The physical body has a set of eyes. The soul also has its eyes called eyes of understanding. The spirit equally has its set of eyes. It is when a man has all of these that his eyesight is complete. Ask God to give you complete eyesight today. Just like the body and the soul, the human spirit has a set of eyes called the eyes of the spirit. These enable you to see into the realm of the spirit. It makes you see what no ordinary eyes can see. In today’s reading, Elijah told Elisha just before being raptured: “If you witness my rapture, your difficult request will be granted”. He did not mean being seen physically but spiritually. If Elisha’s spiritual eyes were not opened, he would have only observed his master’s suddenly disappearance. How? He would not be able to tell.
“And it came to pass, as they still went on, and talked, that, behold, there appeared a chariot of fire, and horses of fire, and parted them both asunder; and Elijah went up by a whirlwind into heaven” (2 Kings 2:11). As the heavenly fiery chariot came to pick Elijah, Elisha saw it and screamed, ‘I can see my father Elijah and the chariot carrying you’. After that, Elijah’s spiritual authority came in double fold upon Elisha. Those who see into the realm of the spirit receive impartation. They get what they desire. Many Christians have remained stagnant and powerless for long, because their spiritual eyes have not been opened. Any believer who is spiritually blind, will not be able to see angels, demons, the future, or have a glimpse of heaven. The race of such a Christian will be tedious and uneventful. This can be compared with asking a man to separate a mixture of water and oil with his eyes blindfolded.
Sometime ago, I saw in a vision the figure 888. That struck me as strange. We know 666 is the mark of the beast. 777 is the mark of the perfect Trinity. So I asked the Lord for the meaning of 888, and He said it is the mark of perfect Resurrection. The fact that the number of 8 is tripled means that resurrection would be physical - those who are given up to die would live; Resurrection would be mental - the eyes of understanding of someone would be opened; And resurrection would be spiritual - the spiritual eyes of some would be opened. In any area you need the power of resurrection, the Lord will visit you.
ACTIONPOINT: Without complete sight, you cannot have total vision. Ask God to give your complete sight.
Thursday, July 24, 2008
Open Heavens July 24, 2008
BIBLE IN A YEAR: Ecc 10-12
VICTIM OF STRAY BULLETS?
MEMORIZE: "Let your moderation be known unto all men. The Lord is at hand" (Philippians 4:5)
READ: Revelation 7:1-3
The title you bear, position you occupy and what you profess about yourself, will either be reinforced or destroyed by your dressing. If you know Jesus, it will show in your dressing. Call yourself, Lady Bishop, Pastor (Mrs.), Mother-in-Israel or Evangelist, how you dress is what tells everyone who you really are; a sinner or a saint. Certain dressing styles are forbidden for believers. You cannot say you are a believer and dress like a devil. If I am in need of a personal secretary for example, and we place an advertisement and two ladies apply: one is moderately and decently dressed, while the dressing of the second lady is begging for attention, with each part of her hair painted a different colour: I would not waste my time interviewing the second one. Yet some leaders employ the female secretaries they know could easily seduce them in the office. It is a fool that will dig a pit he knows he will fall into. If you have a weakness with women, you have no business employing a female secretary.
One reason God seals His own is to prevent them from being hit by stray bullets from God. According to today’s reading, an angel was sent to bring judgement on the earth, but another angel asked him to hold on until a seal was put over God’s own. Some believers turn easy preys to the enemy because of their dressing. I was once a victim. Some years ago, I went to minister at Aba. I was given a present; the attire of an Igbo chief. To show appreciation, I wore it and put on the cap. They gave me a Mercedes Benz car to take me to the airport. On the way, armed robbers accosted us, entered the car with a gun in my throat, and ordered my driver to drive on, until he entered a bush.
There, they asked me to take everything off, leaving my singlet, trouser and shoes. I complied. Then they asked us to go. As they left, I asked God, ‘Where are my guardian angels? How can this happen to your son?’ The Lord answered, “You dressed like one of them. They were looking for a chief, not a pastor; and you dressed like the chief they were looking for”. How are you dressed? Sometime ago, a boy was kidnapped at Costain by an idol worshipper and ritualist with the intention of using him for rituals. Later, the juju worshipper returned with the boy saying his idol refused him because he had a divine mark on him. May the devil and his agents refuse you as an object of sacrifice. Many believers, particularly leaders are victims of stray bullets because of their dressing!
ACTIONPOINT: Examine your wardrobe. Any dress that will not glorify God or that will fuel lust in the opposite sex must be destroyed. You can avoid stray bullets!
VICTIM OF STRAY BULLETS?
MEMORIZE: "Let your moderation be known unto all men. The Lord is at hand" (Philippians 4:5)
READ: Revelation 7:1-3
The title you bear, position you occupy and what you profess about yourself, will either be reinforced or destroyed by your dressing. If you know Jesus, it will show in your dressing. Call yourself, Lady Bishop, Pastor (Mrs.), Mother-in-Israel or Evangelist, how you dress is what tells everyone who you really are; a sinner or a saint. Certain dressing styles are forbidden for believers. You cannot say you are a believer and dress like a devil. If I am in need of a personal secretary for example, and we place an advertisement and two ladies apply: one is moderately and decently dressed, while the dressing of the second lady is begging for attention, with each part of her hair painted a different colour: I would not waste my time interviewing the second one. Yet some leaders employ the female secretaries they know could easily seduce them in the office. It is a fool that will dig a pit he knows he will fall into. If you have a weakness with women, you have no business employing a female secretary.
One reason God seals His own is to prevent them from being hit by stray bullets from God. According to today’s reading, an angel was sent to bring judgement on the earth, but another angel asked him to hold on until a seal was put over God’s own. Some believers turn easy preys to the enemy because of their dressing. I was once a victim. Some years ago, I went to minister at Aba. I was given a present; the attire of an Igbo chief. To show appreciation, I wore it and put on the cap. They gave me a Mercedes Benz car to take me to the airport. On the way, armed robbers accosted us, entered the car with a gun in my throat, and ordered my driver to drive on, until he entered a bush.
There, they asked me to take everything off, leaving my singlet, trouser and shoes. I complied. Then they asked us to go. As they left, I asked God, ‘Where are my guardian angels? How can this happen to your son?’ The Lord answered, “You dressed like one of them. They were looking for a chief, not a pastor; and you dressed like the chief they were looking for”. How are you dressed? Sometime ago, a boy was kidnapped at Costain by an idol worshipper and ritualist with the intention of using him for rituals. Later, the juju worshipper returned with the boy saying his idol refused him because he had a divine mark on him. May the devil and his agents refuse you as an object of sacrifice. Many believers, particularly leaders are victims of stray bullets because of their dressing!
ACTIONPOINT: Examine your wardrobe. Any dress that will not glorify God or that will fuel lust in the opposite sex must be destroyed. You can avoid stray bullets!
Wednesday, July 23, 2008
Open Heavens July 23, 2008
BIBLE IN A YEAR: Ecc 7-9
LORD OR SERVANT?
MEMORIZE: "Feed the flock of God which is among you, taking the oversight thereof, not by constraint, but willingly; not for filthy lucre, but of a ready mind;" (1 Peter 5:2)
READ: 1 Peter 5:1-4
“And Moses verily was faithful in all his house, as a servant, for a testimony of those things which were to be spoken after” (Hebrews 3:5). Moses was faithful as a servant, not as a lord. In the parable of the talents recorded in Matthew 25:14-30, Jesus told the servants who received five and two talents, “Well done, thou good and faithful servant”. In several passages, the word ‘faithful’ is used in connection with a servant or messenger. This tells us one thing straight away: faithfulness is all about being a servant, not a lord. A lord cannot be faithful. It is only the servant that had done his assignments well, that can be faithful. Today, we have too little servants, but so many lords. The work of the Master is being hampered because we have too many lords. If the leaders and the led see themselves as the servants they are, there would be tremendous progress in the work assigned to us.
“Neither as being lords over God’s heritage, but being ensamples to the flock” (1 Peter 5:3). The church is God’s inheritance. It is a mark of unfaithfulness and a breach of trust for a leader or pastor to turn it into his personal property. The pastors who exploit members, or who see them as a means to their ends, are lords not servants. Lords extort from those under them. If you are sitting on the remuneration or benefits of those under you in church or ministry, you are a boss, a lord: you cannot receive the award of faithfulness, no matter how much you try.
If you are always using threats, strife and intimidation to manipulate your congregation or ministers, you are a lord. If you have to be paid before you feed the flock in your care, you are a lord. If you do not care for the welfare of the sheep, until you are compelled to, you are a boss. If your flock cannot see you as a role model for them to copy, you are a lord. If you use your flock to advance yourself, you are a lord. All lords will face the Chief Shepherd in judgment someday. If you look around you, it is easy to identify the true leaders. They are the servant-leaders. Their desire is to please the Lord Jesus who assigned them. If you want to be faithful, you must be a servant. Jesus will only reward the faithful leaders and pastors with a crown of glory. This is not a cheap reward as no bossy leader will come close to it.
ACTIONPOINT: You are either a lord or a servant by the leadership style you adopt. Ask God for grace to be a servant leader.
LORD OR SERVANT?
MEMORIZE: "Feed the flock of God which is among you, taking the oversight thereof, not by constraint, but willingly; not for filthy lucre, but of a ready mind;" (1 Peter 5:2)
READ: 1 Peter 5:1-4
“And Moses verily was faithful in all his house, as a servant, for a testimony of those things which were to be spoken after” (Hebrews 3:5). Moses was faithful as a servant, not as a lord. In the parable of the talents recorded in Matthew 25:14-30, Jesus told the servants who received five and two talents, “Well done, thou good and faithful servant”. In several passages, the word ‘faithful’ is used in connection with a servant or messenger. This tells us one thing straight away: faithfulness is all about being a servant, not a lord. A lord cannot be faithful. It is only the servant that had done his assignments well, that can be faithful. Today, we have too little servants, but so many lords. The work of the Master is being hampered because we have too many lords. If the leaders and the led see themselves as the servants they are, there would be tremendous progress in the work assigned to us.
“Neither as being lords over God’s heritage, but being ensamples to the flock” (1 Peter 5:3). The church is God’s inheritance. It is a mark of unfaithfulness and a breach of trust for a leader or pastor to turn it into his personal property. The pastors who exploit members, or who see them as a means to their ends, are lords not servants. Lords extort from those under them. If you are sitting on the remuneration or benefits of those under you in church or ministry, you are a boss, a lord: you cannot receive the award of faithfulness, no matter how much you try.
If you are always using threats, strife and intimidation to manipulate your congregation or ministers, you are a lord. If you have to be paid before you feed the flock in your care, you are a lord. If you do not care for the welfare of the sheep, until you are compelled to, you are a boss. If your flock cannot see you as a role model for them to copy, you are a lord. If you use your flock to advance yourself, you are a lord. All lords will face the Chief Shepherd in judgment someday. If you look around you, it is easy to identify the true leaders. They are the servant-leaders. Their desire is to please the Lord Jesus who assigned them. If you want to be faithful, you must be a servant. Jesus will only reward the faithful leaders and pastors with a crown of glory. This is not a cheap reward as no bossy leader will come close to it.
ACTIONPOINT: You are either a lord or a servant by the leadership style you adopt. Ask God for grace to be a servant leader.
Tuesday, July 22, 2008
Open Heavens July 22, 2008
BIBLE IN A YEAR: Ecc 4-6
REDEFINING YOUR NIGHT
MEMORIZE: "Love not sleep, lest thou come to poverty; open thine eyes, and thou shall be satisfied with bread" (Proverbs 20:13)
READ: 2 Kings 6:13-14
The Syrian king sent soldiers after Elisha to know where he was hiding. He was not discouraged even after three previous disappointments. Never allow discouragement in your heart. You are assured of victory in any endeavor, if only you keep your doors permanently shut against this unwanted guest. Discouragement can make you to take silly decisions and steps. In 1 Samuel 30:16,18 when David and his army returned from the battle ground, they discovered while they were away, that their homes and families had become prey for their enemies. They were so discouraged that they turned against David, their leader. Never take any important decision when down with discouragement. You may regret it later. In the midst of discouragement and weeping, David found time to encourage himself. It was after he came up from the pit of discouragement that help came. Discouragement is a deep pit. If you fall inside and need help, even when you see the help, you will not recognize it. You will mistake your helpers for the problem. That was what happened to David’s men.
Another notable thing in today’s reading is the time the Syrian army launched their attack. They came at night. They knew that night time is rest time. Not many work at night. Attacking at night is meant to trap the enemy when he least expects danger. The best time to launch an offensive against the powers of darkness, is at night. They will be busy in their covens and would not expect any danger but suddenly, a bomb lands through your intercession, and it explodes in their camp, and they panic and scatter. Any believer who sleeps throughout the night is not following the steps of Jesus. Jesus Christ was a night person. He spent most nights fellowshipping with the Father. In the process, He dislodged the strongholds of darkness and obtained victory for the day.
Those who will succeed in life and ministry, cannot afford to lose their nights to sleep. Every night you stay awake to pray, fellowship with God, study your Bible, or get engaged in some other meaningful assignment, draws you a step closer to your breakthrough. Some believers are far from breakthrough because they love sleep too much. Proverbs says too much sleep causes want, poverty and failure. If you truly want to make it in any area of life, reconsider your nights. Plan a programme for your nights. Before long, you will be noted in hell, as a fellow who cannot be ignored. And Heaven too will note you.
ACTIONPOINT: Plan out your Night Success Strategy. Prayerfully receive grace and discipline to implement it.
REDEFINING YOUR NIGHT
MEMORIZE: "Love not sleep, lest thou come to poverty; open thine eyes, and thou shall be satisfied with bread" (Proverbs 20:13)
READ: 2 Kings 6:13-14
The Syrian king sent soldiers after Elisha to know where he was hiding. He was not discouraged even after three previous disappointments. Never allow discouragement in your heart. You are assured of victory in any endeavor, if only you keep your doors permanently shut against this unwanted guest. Discouragement can make you to take silly decisions and steps. In 1 Samuel 30:16,18 when David and his army returned from the battle ground, they discovered while they were away, that their homes and families had become prey for their enemies. They were so discouraged that they turned against David, their leader. Never take any important decision when down with discouragement. You may regret it later. In the midst of discouragement and weeping, David found time to encourage himself. It was after he came up from the pit of discouragement that help came. Discouragement is a deep pit. If you fall inside and need help, even when you see the help, you will not recognize it. You will mistake your helpers for the problem. That was what happened to David’s men.
Another notable thing in today’s reading is the time the Syrian army launched their attack. They came at night. They knew that night time is rest time. Not many work at night. Attacking at night is meant to trap the enemy when he least expects danger. The best time to launch an offensive against the powers of darkness, is at night. They will be busy in their covens and would not expect any danger but suddenly, a bomb lands through your intercession, and it explodes in their camp, and they panic and scatter. Any believer who sleeps throughout the night is not following the steps of Jesus. Jesus Christ was a night person. He spent most nights fellowshipping with the Father. In the process, He dislodged the strongholds of darkness and obtained victory for the day.
Those who will succeed in life and ministry, cannot afford to lose their nights to sleep. Every night you stay awake to pray, fellowship with God, study your Bible, or get engaged in some other meaningful assignment, draws you a step closer to your breakthrough. Some believers are far from breakthrough because they love sleep too much. Proverbs says too much sleep causes want, poverty and failure. If you truly want to make it in any area of life, reconsider your nights. Plan a programme for your nights. Before long, you will be noted in hell, as a fellow who cannot be ignored. And Heaven too will note you.
ACTIONPOINT: Plan out your Night Success Strategy. Prayerfully receive grace and discipline to implement it.
Monday, July 21, 2008
Open Heavens July 21, 2008
BIBLE IN A YEAR: Ecc 1-3
DURABLE BLESSING
MEMORIZE: "And the LORD shall make thee the head, and not the tail; and thoshalt be above only, and thou shalt not be beneath; if that thou hearken unto the commandments of the LORD thy God, which I command thee this day, to observe and to do them" (Deut. 28:13)
READ: Deuteronomy 28:1-13
Some successes are temporary: they evaporate immediately after the celebration. But some are enduring. It is my prayer that the Lord will give you permanent blessings in Jesus’ Name. There are however certain secrets that can secure perpetual success. Deuteronomy 28:1-13 clearly spells out powerful blessings which can be yours today. Verse two says, “And all these blessings shall come on thee, and over take thee, if thou shalt hearken unto the voice of the LORD thy God”. The first condition is that you must do on earth what is done in Heaven. From that moment, because you are focussed on God, blessings will focus on you. Blessings love those who truly love and obey the Lord. They are under commandment to follow such people. As you hear and obey God’s voice from today, you will stop chasing blessings: blessings will pursue you and overtake you until you tell God, ‘It is too much’. And God will reply, ‘I have just started’. It shall be so for you this season in the mighty name of Jesus Christ.
‘Now when he had left speaking, he said unto Simon, Launch out into the deep, and let down your nets for a draught” (Luke 5:4). Another step into perpetual success is abandon the valley for the heights, leave shallow waters for the deep. It takes faith to launch out into the deep. Ascending the heights is a work of faith. Your ability to do this is largely borne out of hunger pangs. If you are not hungry, you may not want to eat. But if you are famished, your focus will be on food. There are several implications of launching into the deep: change your mindset, think big. There is nothing small about Heaven. God says He can do beyond your requests. It is not humility that makes people ask small, but fear, doubt and unbelief.
Aim high. When I shared the vision of the RCCG with somebody, he thought I was crazy. How can the church be in every country? How can every family on earth have one member of RCCG? He found it very difficult to believe. Think big and work big. Let your attitude to work show you are heading somewhere (Prov. 22:29). The attitude with which some people handle their official assignments shows that they have no future in it. Also, support God’s work in a big way. Be a big giver and a regular sower (2 Cor. 9:6). Stick with Christ in a big way. Never let Him go. Let everyone know you are a Jesus fanatic. Ask big. Many of us insult God by our meagre requests. As you move from the shallow waters, you will secure big lasting blessings.
ACTIONPOINT: Blessings take various shapes. Some are brand new, others are fairly used. Some are original, others are fake. Some are durable, others are fleeting.Qualify the blessing you want.
DURABLE BLESSING
MEMORIZE: "And the LORD shall make thee the head, and not the tail; and thoshalt be above only, and thou shalt not be beneath; if that thou hearken unto the commandments of the LORD thy God, which I command thee this day, to observe and to do them" (Deut. 28:13)
READ: Deuteronomy 28:1-13
Some successes are temporary: they evaporate immediately after the celebration. But some are enduring. It is my prayer that the Lord will give you permanent blessings in Jesus’ Name. There are however certain secrets that can secure perpetual success. Deuteronomy 28:1-13 clearly spells out powerful blessings which can be yours today. Verse two says, “And all these blessings shall come on thee, and over take thee, if thou shalt hearken unto the voice of the LORD thy God”. The first condition is that you must do on earth what is done in Heaven. From that moment, because you are focussed on God, blessings will focus on you. Blessings love those who truly love and obey the Lord. They are under commandment to follow such people. As you hear and obey God’s voice from today, you will stop chasing blessings: blessings will pursue you and overtake you until you tell God, ‘It is too much’. And God will reply, ‘I have just started’. It shall be so for you this season in the mighty name of Jesus Christ.
‘Now when he had left speaking, he said unto Simon, Launch out into the deep, and let down your nets for a draught” (Luke 5:4). Another step into perpetual success is abandon the valley for the heights, leave shallow waters for the deep. It takes faith to launch out into the deep. Ascending the heights is a work of faith. Your ability to do this is largely borne out of hunger pangs. If you are not hungry, you may not want to eat. But if you are famished, your focus will be on food. There are several implications of launching into the deep: change your mindset, think big. There is nothing small about Heaven. God says He can do beyond your requests. It is not humility that makes people ask small, but fear, doubt and unbelief.
Aim high. When I shared the vision of the RCCG with somebody, he thought I was crazy. How can the church be in every country? How can every family on earth have one member of RCCG? He found it very difficult to believe. Think big and work big. Let your attitude to work show you are heading somewhere (Prov. 22:29). The attitude with which some people handle their official assignments shows that they have no future in it. Also, support God’s work in a big way. Be a big giver and a regular sower (2 Cor. 9:6). Stick with Christ in a big way. Never let Him go. Let everyone know you are a Jesus fanatic. Ask big. Many of us insult God by our meagre requests. As you move from the shallow waters, you will secure big lasting blessings.
ACTIONPOINT: Blessings take various shapes. Some are brand new, others are fairly used. Some are original, others are fake. Some are durable, others are fleeting.Qualify the blessing you want.
Sunday, July 20, 2008
Open Heavens July 20, 2008
BIBLE IN A YEAR: Num 34-36
ENTERING HEAVENLY SECRETS
MEMORIZE: "He staggered not at the promise of God through unbelief; but was strong in faith, giving glory to God;" (Rom. 4:20)
READ: Romans 4: 18-22
After Abraham was selected by divine prerogative, he paid a price to become God’s friend. If you go through the Bible, you can count God’s friends on your fingertips. May you become one of them. A look at the life of Abraham reveals certain attributes that made him a custodian of divine secrets. The first noticeable trait was his pro-God attitude. In Genesis 12:1-3 when he was asked to leave his familiar terrain to an unknown place, he ‘foolishly’ followed. He heard God’s voice but did not see him, yet he followed. Members of his extended family and friends in Haran queried his questionable trip and concluded he must have gone nuts: yet he went. For God to entrust you with His secrets, you must first trust Him absolutely, and be ready to follow Him like a robot.
“And he said, Take now thy son, thine only son Isaac, whom thou lovest, and get thee into the land of Moriah; and offer him there for a burnt offering upon one of the mountains which I will tell thee of” (Genesis 22:2). Another trait that earned Abraham God’s trust was because he loved God beyond his greatest need. He was prepared to sacrifice his greatest treasure - Isaac. Until you are ready, and willing to part with your best, you can never receive God’s best. If you are still holding something back, you are not ready to be entrusted with Heaven’s secrets. In Genesis 14:17-24, Abraham totally depended on God as his source. He would not even take spoils from the war lest the glory of his blessing be ascribed to a man. That challenged God. Who is your source today?
“Who against hope believed in hope, that he might become the father of many nations, according to that which was spoken, So shall thy seed be” (Romans 4:18). Abraham believed God’s promise as long as it took to be fulfilled. He went against all odds to possess his possession. Are you tired of waiting for God to fulfill a particular promise He made to you? Don’t lose hope. You are closer than you were years, months or weeks ago. Your ability to wait on Him to fulfill His Word in your situation will make Him to select you as part of the few He can trust. In Genesis 14:17-24, another reason Abraham was chosen as a custodian of God’s secrets was his commitment to raising godly seeds to follow God’s ways. If your home is in shambles, God may not entrust you with His secrets. God knew Abraham. Does God know you? What are you known for? Psalms 25:14 says the fear of God gives you access into His secrets. Proximity to the Holy Spirit is another factor (1 Cor. 2:10). You can enter Heaven’s secrets as you strive to imbibe these virtues from today.
ACTIONPOINT: According to Proverbs 19:4, wealth attracts friends while poverty repels them. Friendships built on trust, not material things last longer, hence the poor are more likely to have better friends than the rich.
ENTERING HEAVENLY SECRETS
MEMORIZE: "He staggered not at the promise of God through unbelief; but was strong in faith, giving glory to God;" (Rom. 4:20)
READ: Romans 4: 18-22
After Abraham was selected by divine prerogative, he paid a price to become God’s friend. If you go through the Bible, you can count God’s friends on your fingertips. May you become one of them. A look at the life of Abraham reveals certain attributes that made him a custodian of divine secrets. The first noticeable trait was his pro-God attitude. In Genesis 12:1-3 when he was asked to leave his familiar terrain to an unknown place, he ‘foolishly’ followed. He heard God’s voice but did not see him, yet he followed. Members of his extended family and friends in Haran queried his questionable trip and concluded he must have gone nuts: yet he went. For God to entrust you with His secrets, you must first trust Him absolutely, and be ready to follow Him like a robot.
“And he said, Take now thy son, thine only son Isaac, whom thou lovest, and get thee into the land of Moriah; and offer him there for a burnt offering upon one of the mountains which I will tell thee of” (Genesis 22:2). Another trait that earned Abraham God’s trust was because he loved God beyond his greatest need. He was prepared to sacrifice his greatest treasure - Isaac. Until you are ready, and willing to part with your best, you can never receive God’s best. If you are still holding something back, you are not ready to be entrusted with Heaven’s secrets. In Genesis 14:17-24, Abraham totally depended on God as his source. He would not even take spoils from the war lest the glory of his blessing be ascribed to a man. That challenged God. Who is your source today?
“Who against hope believed in hope, that he might become the father of many nations, according to that which was spoken, So shall thy seed be” (Romans 4:18). Abraham believed God’s promise as long as it took to be fulfilled. He went against all odds to possess his possession. Are you tired of waiting for God to fulfill a particular promise He made to you? Don’t lose hope. You are closer than you were years, months or weeks ago. Your ability to wait on Him to fulfill His Word in your situation will make Him to select you as part of the few He can trust. In Genesis 14:17-24, another reason Abraham was chosen as a custodian of God’s secrets was his commitment to raising godly seeds to follow God’s ways. If your home is in shambles, God may not entrust you with His secrets. God knew Abraham. Does God know you? What are you known for? Psalms 25:14 says the fear of God gives you access into His secrets. Proximity to the Holy Spirit is another factor (1 Cor. 2:10). You can enter Heaven’s secrets as you strive to imbibe these virtues from today.
ACTIONPOINT: According to Proverbs 19:4, wealth attracts friends while poverty repels them. Friendships built on trust, not material things last longer, hence the poor are more likely to have better friends than the rich.
Saturday, July 19, 2008
Open Heavens July 19, 2008
BIBLE IN A YEAR: Num 31-33
TIMING AND KINGDOM BENEFITS
MEMORIZE: "Give us this day our daily bread" (Matthew 6:11)
READ: Matthew 6:9-13
The life of the prodigal son teaches us that your ability to possess your possessions is a function of recognizing and demanding your Kingdom rights and privileges. Also, every believer has a portion in God. Better yet, you could make God your portion. In addition, one request can deliver several answers. Another lesson we learn here is the issue of timing in relation to Kingdom benefits. The prodigal son realized that his entitlement was meant for his life time. There is a time requirement to every blessing God gives. In the model prayer recorded in Matthew 6:9-13, our Lord Jesus Christ taught us to ask for our daily bread each day because Psalms 68:19 says Heaven releases a load of benefits on daily basis. If you fail to request for the day’s provision, it will be wasted.
Another thing worth nothing here is that your daily allocation is released to you in the place of prayer. Prayerlessness is responsible for believers living below Heaven’s provision and expectation on regular basis. If you fail to pray effectively, your load of benefits meant for that day with your name attached will not be released. Many prayers against demons and agents of darkness that have seized our blessings are misplaced: we are the real culprits through prayerlessness! If you can pray aggressively, demons or agents of darkness will find your blessings too hot to steal or sit on: they will be covered with fire! If not, anything can happen to them. “Give us this day our daily bread” (Matthew 6:11). The best time to say this prayer is very early that morning. Seeking God’s face early should precede daily victories. If you rush out of the house without spending your first moments in His presence, you may rush back empty-handed! It is your ability to keep your appointment with God, that compels men to keep theirs with you.
The question is: Do you maximize your daily provision for the purpose they are released? Nothing will hit some believers so hard than to get to Heaven and discover heaps of unutilized graces, favors, financial and material provisions, helpers, ministerial allocations, etc. attached to their names. These are unnecessary in Heaven, but heaps of waste! Any resource you cannot utilize now becomes a waste! The Lord will release His daily blessings to you. Your daily heavenly ration will not elude you.
ACTIONPOINT: Stop dumping refuse in Heaven. Every earth-bound but unutilized provision in Heaven constitutes a refuse. Prayerfully clear pending blessings today. Keep Heaven clean.
TIMING AND KINGDOM BENEFITS
MEMORIZE: "Give us this day our daily bread" (Matthew 6:11)
READ: Matthew 6:9-13
The life of the prodigal son teaches us that your ability to possess your possessions is a function of recognizing and demanding your Kingdom rights and privileges. Also, every believer has a portion in God. Better yet, you could make God your portion. In addition, one request can deliver several answers. Another lesson we learn here is the issue of timing in relation to Kingdom benefits. The prodigal son realized that his entitlement was meant for his life time. There is a time requirement to every blessing God gives. In the model prayer recorded in Matthew 6:9-13, our Lord Jesus Christ taught us to ask for our daily bread each day because Psalms 68:19 says Heaven releases a load of benefits on daily basis. If you fail to request for the day’s provision, it will be wasted.
Another thing worth nothing here is that your daily allocation is released to you in the place of prayer. Prayerlessness is responsible for believers living below Heaven’s provision and expectation on regular basis. If you fail to pray effectively, your load of benefits meant for that day with your name attached will not be released. Many prayers against demons and agents of darkness that have seized our blessings are misplaced: we are the real culprits through prayerlessness! If you can pray aggressively, demons or agents of darkness will find your blessings too hot to steal or sit on: they will be covered with fire! If not, anything can happen to them. “Give us this day our daily bread” (Matthew 6:11). The best time to say this prayer is very early that morning. Seeking God’s face early should precede daily victories. If you rush out of the house without spending your first moments in His presence, you may rush back empty-handed! It is your ability to keep your appointment with God, that compels men to keep theirs with you.
The question is: Do you maximize your daily provision for the purpose they are released? Nothing will hit some believers so hard than to get to Heaven and discover heaps of unutilized graces, favors, financial and material provisions, helpers, ministerial allocations, etc. attached to their names. These are unnecessary in Heaven, but heaps of waste! Any resource you cannot utilize now becomes a waste! The Lord will release His daily blessings to you. Your daily heavenly ration will not elude you.
ACTIONPOINT: Stop dumping refuse in Heaven. Every earth-bound but unutilized provision in Heaven constitutes a refuse. Prayerfully clear pending blessings today. Keep Heaven clean.
Friday, July 18, 2008
Open Heavens July 18, 2008
BIBLE IN A YEAR: Num 28-30
COMPLETE EYESIGHT
MEMORIZE: "The eyes of your understanding being enlightened; that ye may know what is the hope of his calling, and what the riches of the glory of his inheritance in the saints" (Ephesians 1:18)
READ: 1 Corinthians 1:18-25
“And the very God of peace sanctify you wholly; and I pray God your whole spirit and soul and body be preserved blameless unto the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ” (1Thess. 5:23). Man is a trinity comprising body, soul and spirit. Man is three in one and this affords him three pairs of eyes. The first sets are the physical eyes attached to the body. Anyone who lacks physical eyes is seriously challenged, because the eyes are the light of the body (Matt. 6:22). It is dangerous to be without physical sight like the man in John 9:1-7. The blind cannot enjoy the beauty of nature. Walking is seriously hampered and collision is inevitable. Many times blind people remain on the same spot they were left. Are you blind? The Lord will touch your eyes and restore perfect sight in Jesus’ Name.
“The eyes of your understanding being enlightened; that ye may know what is the hope of his calling, and what the riches of the glory of his inheritance in the saints” (Ephesians 1:18). The second set of eyes belong to the soul. They are the eyes of understanding. During communication - which is the exchange of meanings, symbols, signs or words are exchanged and at some point, the recipient of such a message receives meaning from them. The eyes of understanding are so vital that they could make the difference between salvation and perdition. When the Gospel is preached, many people find it difficult to understand how the death of someone over 2000 years ago can secure Heaven for them.
“For the preaching of the cross is to them that perish foolishness; but unto us which are saved it is the power of God” (1 Cor. 1:18). It is amazing how many people would end up in hell, just because they are disappointed that God’s way of salvation is too simple. They will believe and accept something complex, not something as easy as salvation by grace. If you tell them to pay some millions of naira, or fast for a year, inflict various punishment or injury just to be saved, they will easily believe you. If you believe that salvation is free and not by works, thanks God for opening the eyes of your understanding. It took me a long time to understand and believe that we have been healed by His stripes. Whenever people testified that they had not used medicine for 16 years, I will ask: ‘Who followed them to their bedroom to verify their claims?’ I thought they wanted me to die through the teaching on divine healing. But one day, the eyes of my understanding were opened. I have been a living witness of divine health ever since. The Lord will open the eyes of your understanding to enable you receive His Word.
ACTIONPOINT:Ask God to open the eyes of your understanding to enable you comprehend everything He has for you in His Word and in Heaven.
COMPLETE EYESIGHT
MEMORIZE: "The eyes of your understanding being enlightened; that ye may know what is the hope of his calling, and what the riches of the glory of his inheritance in the saints" (Ephesians 1:18)
READ: 1 Corinthians 1:18-25
“And the very God of peace sanctify you wholly; and I pray God your whole spirit and soul and body be preserved blameless unto the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ” (1Thess. 5:23). Man is a trinity comprising body, soul and spirit. Man is three in one and this affords him three pairs of eyes. The first sets are the physical eyes attached to the body. Anyone who lacks physical eyes is seriously challenged, because the eyes are the light of the body (Matt. 6:22). It is dangerous to be without physical sight like the man in John 9:1-7. The blind cannot enjoy the beauty of nature. Walking is seriously hampered and collision is inevitable. Many times blind people remain on the same spot they were left. Are you blind? The Lord will touch your eyes and restore perfect sight in Jesus’ Name.
“The eyes of your understanding being enlightened; that ye may know what is the hope of his calling, and what the riches of the glory of his inheritance in the saints” (Ephesians 1:18). The second set of eyes belong to the soul. They are the eyes of understanding. During communication - which is the exchange of meanings, symbols, signs or words are exchanged and at some point, the recipient of such a message receives meaning from them. The eyes of understanding are so vital that they could make the difference between salvation and perdition. When the Gospel is preached, many people find it difficult to understand how the death of someone over 2000 years ago can secure Heaven for them.
“For the preaching of the cross is to them that perish foolishness; but unto us which are saved it is the power of God” (1 Cor. 1:18). It is amazing how many people would end up in hell, just because they are disappointed that God’s way of salvation is too simple. They will believe and accept something complex, not something as easy as salvation by grace. If you tell them to pay some millions of naira, or fast for a year, inflict various punishment or injury just to be saved, they will easily believe you. If you believe that salvation is free and not by works, thanks God for opening the eyes of your understanding. It took me a long time to understand and believe that we have been healed by His stripes. Whenever people testified that they had not used medicine for 16 years, I will ask: ‘Who followed them to their bedroom to verify their claims?’ I thought they wanted me to die through the teaching on divine healing. But one day, the eyes of my understanding were opened. I have been a living witness of divine health ever since. The Lord will open the eyes of your understanding to enable you receive His Word.
ACTIONPOINT:Ask God to open the eyes of your understanding to enable you comprehend everything He has for you in His Word and in Heaven.
Thursday, July 17, 2008
Open Heavens July 17, 2008
BIBLE IN A YEAR: Num 25-27
HOLY SEAL.
MEMORIZE: "And this is life eternal, that they might know thee the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom thou hast sent" (John 17:3)
READ: John 17:1-5
“And this is life eternal, that they might know thee the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom thou hast sent” (John 17:3). In John 10:10 Jesus says, “The thief comes not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy: I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly”. It is either you are benefiting from the ministry of Jesus, or from that of Satan. You cannot stay aloof without receiving from either. Although Jesus came primarily to offer life in abundance to those who are willing, you cannot access it except by knowing Him. He is Eternal Life personified. Without Him, no man can enter Heaven (John 14:6). If you are born again, there is a measure of life of God in you. There are varying measures of life in believers. The extent of your knowledge of Christ determines the measure of life in you.
Do you know Him? To know someone involves knowing his likes and dislikes. If you know what your friend hates, yet continue to indulge in it, you can be sure that such a friendship is headed for the rocks. Do you continue to indulge in what makes Jesus unhappy? No wonder your friendship is threatened. Repent and desist from this. Ephesians 1:13 says; “In whom ye also trusted, after that ye heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation: in whom also after that ye believed, ye were sealed with that holy Spirit of promise”. The Holy Spirit is God’s seal on every believer. He clearly marks you out for Jesus. A knowledge of the Master reinforces the seal of the Spirit on you. If this seal is on you, without saying a word, people will identify you as a Christian.
Everyone who has an intimate knowledge of God is usually identified (2 Kings 1:1-8). In years gone by, if you met a Christian brother or sister, you will identify the fellow with the Lord. Today, things are so different that even when I see some people singing in the choir on television, I wonder if they are genuine children of God. How you dress speaks volume about who you are. In Matthew 3:4, a description was given of the dressing of John the Baptist. He was identified by his dressing. How do you dress today? What does your style of dressing say about you? If you have become too sophisticated or enlightened to dress decently, you are miles away from Christian maturity! If you are dressing like the world, you will gradually erode the seal of the Holy Spirit on your life. If the enemies cannot see that seal, they will eat you for breakfast.
ACTIONPOINT God's seal on believers is the Holy Spirit. Satan's seal on unbelievers are his demons. Believers must not be seen with Satan's seal.
HOLY SEAL.
MEMORIZE: "And this is life eternal, that they might know thee the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom thou hast sent" (John 17:3)
READ: John 17:1-5
“And this is life eternal, that they might know thee the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom thou hast sent” (John 17:3). In John 10:10 Jesus says, “The thief comes not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy: I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly”. It is either you are benefiting from the ministry of Jesus, or from that of Satan. You cannot stay aloof without receiving from either. Although Jesus came primarily to offer life in abundance to those who are willing, you cannot access it except by knowing Him. He is Eternal Life personified. Without Him, no man can enter Heaven (John 14:6). If you are born again, there is a measure of life of God in you. There are varying measures of life in believers. The extent of your knowledge of Christ determines the measure of life in you.
Do you know Him? To know someone involves knowing his likes and dislikes. If you know what your friend hates, yet continue to indulge in it, you can be sure that such a friendship is headed for the rocks. Do you continue to indulge in what makes Jesus unhappy? No wonder your friendship is threatened. Repent and desist from this. Ephesians 1:13 says; “In whom ye also trusted, after that ye heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation: in whom also after that ye believed, ye were sealed with that holy Spirit of promise”. The Holy Spirit is God’s seal on every believer. He clearly marks you out for Jesus. A knowledge of the Master reinforces the seal of the Spirit on you. If this seal is on you, without saying a word, people will identify you as a Christian.
Everyone who has an intimate knowledge of God is usually identified (2 Kings 1:1-8). In years gone by, if you met a Christian brother or sister, you will identify the fellow with the Lord. Today, things are so different that even when I see some people singing in the choir on television, I wonder if they are genuine children of God. How you dress speaks volume about who you are. In Matthew 3:4, a description was given of the dressing of John the Baptist. He was identified by his dressing. How do you dress today? What does your style of dressing say about you? If you have become too sophisticated or enlightened to dress decently, you are miles away from Christian maturity! If you are dressing like the world, you will gradually erode the seal of the Holy Spirit on your life. If the enemies cannot see that seal, they will eat you for breakfast.
ACTIONPOINT God's seal on believers is the Holy Spirit. Satan's seal on unbelievers are his demons. Believers must not be seen with Satan's seal.
Wednesday, July 16, 2008
Open Heavens July 16, 2008
BIBLE IN A YEAR: Num 21-24
IS ABSOLUTE OBEDIENCE EASY?
MEMORIZE: "And being made perfect, he became the author of eternal salvation unto all them that obey him" (Hebrews 5:9)
READ: Hebrews 5:5-10
Absence of obedience brings total doom. Partial obedience makes you forfeit the most important thing in your life - e.g. Moses lost his promised land, Abraham, part of his destiny, and king Saul, his throne. Partial obedience is one of the greatest robbers of our time. If God asks you to go to a place and do something to a particular person, do not leave out any detail or else, apart from losing the reward, it can cost you the best thing that ever happened to you. Some believers have forfeited their blessings because of this. In fact, some have even lost their destinies! In any way you have lost your valuable future to partial obedience, I ask that God’s mercy will prevail over His judgement on your life this season in Jesus’ Name.
“Though he were a Son, yet learned he obedience by the things which he suffered” (Hebrews 5:8). Absolute obedience is what Heaven demands from the one who would win the Heavenly Award of faithfulness. Do you know that total obedience could be very painful? Abraham sacrificing his long awaited Isaac was very painful. Total obedience brings a lot of suffering, pain and anguish on the obedient. In today’s reading, we learn that Jesus suffered so much because He wanted to obey God absolutely. It is painful not to retaliate against your offenders, especially your subordinates. It is painful to be denied your rights and just look up to God when you have hands, mouth, well placed people with which to fight.
Absolute obedience led to suffering, which led to perfection and finally attracted to Jesus Christ a Heavenly Award - Author of Eternal Salvation. There is a link among the variables. There is a relationship between total obedience and perfection. If you can obey God absolutely, you are a perfect fellow. If you will be faithful, you must obey God absolutely. Whether the command is logical or illogical, convenient, urgent or not, as far as it is from God, you must obey promptly. If you delay in obeying, you are not faithful. Every debt you owe is a mark of unfaithfulness. Are you owing in tithes, offering, pledges and vows? Pay up or you will remain unfaithful. Are you suffering because you have given God your Isaac? Be encouraged. The reward cannot be compared with what you have given. You will have your reward.
ACTIONPOINT:Absolute obedience may not be easy, but it is possible. Ask for the spirit of obedience to come upon the Body of Christ worldwide.
IS ABSOLUTE OBEDIENCE EASY?
MEMORIZE: "And being made perfect, he became the author of eternal salvation unto all them that obey him" (Hebrews 5:9)
READ: Hebrews 5:5-10
Absence of obedience brings total doom. Partial obedience makes you forfeit the most important thing in your life - e.g. Moses lost his promised land, Abraham, part of his destiny, and king Saul, his throne. Partial obedience is one of the greatest robbers of our time. If God asks you to go to a place and do something to a particular person, do not leave out any detail or else, apart from losing the reward, it can cost you the best thing that ever happened to you. Some believers have forfeited their blessings because of this. In fact, some have even lost their destinies! In any way you have lost your valuable future to partial obedience, I ask that God’s mercy will prevail over His judgement on your life this season in Jesus’ Name.
“Though he were a Son, yet learned he obedience by the things which he suffered” (Hebrews 5:8). Absolute obedience is what Heaven demands from the one who would win the Heavenly Award of faithfulness. Do you know that total obedience could be very painful? Abraham sacrificing his long awaited Isaac was very painful. Total obedience brings a lot of suffering, pain and anguish on the obedient. In today’s reading, we learn that Jesus suffered so much because He wanted to obey God absolutely. It is painful not to retaliate against your offenders, especially your subordinates. It is painful to be denied your rights and just look up to God when you have hands, mouth, well placed people with which to fight.
Absolute obedience led to suffering, which led to perfection and finally attracted to Jesus Christ a Heavenly Award - Author of Eternal Salvation. There is a link among the variables. There is a relationship between total obedience and perfection. If you can obey God absolutely, you are a perfect fellow. If you will be faithful, you must obey God absolutely. Whether the command is logical or illogical, convenient, urgent or not, as far as it is from God, you must obey promptly. If you delay in obeying, you are not faithful. Every debt you owe is a mark of unfaithfulness. Are you owing in tithes, offering, pledges and vows? Pay up or you will remain unfaithful. Are you suffering because you have given God your Isaac? Be encouraged. The reward cannot be compared with what you have given. You will have your reward.
ACTIONPOINT:Absolute obedience may not be easy, but it is possible. Ask for the spirit of obedience to come upon the Body of Christ worldwide.
Tuesday, July 15, 2008
Open Heavens July 15, 2008
BIBLE IN A YEAR: Jere 17-20
AWAKE THIS SLEEPING GIANT
MEMORIZE: "Insomuch that they brought forth the sick into the streets, and laid them on beds and couches, that at the least the shadow of Peter passing by might overshadow some of them" (Acts 5:15)
READ: Acts 5:12-16
After Peter accepted God’s higher calling, he moved from being unknown into becoming most popular. Nobody knew this fisherman all the years he fished at a subsistent level. But the moment he understood and accepted God’s calling on his life, he became the talk of the town. He moved from the natural to the supernatural. Acts 5:12-16 says Peter’s shadow began to conduct powerful deliverance and healing services right on the streets! The one many looked down upon became highly revered and sought for. He became Heaven on earth. If you have not identified why you are here, you are on a bus headed for an unknown destination. Disembark and enter the appropriate bus heading for God’s approved destination for your life! There is a sleeping giant waiting to be awakened in you. Roman 8:19 says that is what the world is waiting to see in you, because that is only what can benefit them. Wake your sleeping potential today.
Some years ago, I had a particular brother as my driver. Whenever he drove, he would fall asleep before arriving at the destination, owing to his deplorable state. One day, he met me and told me God’s purpose for his life was not to be a driver, but a prayer warrior. On a lighter note, I asked if he will not also fall asleep while praying with the prayer champions. After our discussion, I granted his request, and he joined the prayer champions. Not long after, he was on fire for God, and totally transformed into someone else. His discovery of God’s purpose for his life changed him and his ministry. He was full of fire whenever he led the prayer champions during the eve of any Holy Ghost Service.
I have another brother who feels fulfilled driving me. He does it with joy and a sense of achievement. God has blessed the labor of his hands since he started driving me. Today, he has an air conditioned house and several comforts of life, because he discovered God’s purpose for his life and arose to fulfill it. When occupying the space the Lord has carved out for you, grace is released. You will enjoy doing whatever you are doing for God without stress. You would need no one to be on your neck to get you to do the job. Do you know that if God’s purpose for you is to clean the chairs, and you take it up diligently, sinners can get saved merely seeing a faultlessly clean church? The anointing of God can flow through your life to those who will sit on the chairs or pews. When people who were meant to be intercessors are preachers, they cannot be fulfilled.
ACTIONPOINT: Ask God to help you discover His purpose for your life and grace to pursue it with singleness of heart
AWAKE THIS SLEEPING GIANT
MEMORIZE: "Insomuch that they brought forth the sick into the streets, and laid them on beds and couches, that at the least the shadow of Peter passing by might overshadow some of them" (Acts 5:15)
READ: Acts 5:12-16
After Peter accepted God’s higher calling, he moved from being unknown into becoming most popular. Nobody knew this fisherman all the years he fished at a subsistent level. But the moment he understood and accepted God’s calling on his life, he became the talk of the town. He moved from the natural to the supernatural. Acts 5:12-16 says Peter’s shadow began to conduct powerful deliverance and healing services right on the streets! The one many looked down upon became highly revered and sought for. He became Heaven on earth. If you have not identified why you are here, you are on a bus headed for an unknown destination. Disembark and enter the appropriate bus heading for God’s approved destination for your life! There is a sleeping giant waiting to be awakened in you. Roman 8:19 says that is what the world is waiting to see in you, because that is only what can benefit them. Wake your sleeping potential today.
Some years ago, I had a particular brother as my driver. Whenever he drove, he would fall asleep before arriving at the destination, owing to his deplorable state. One day, he met me and told me God’s purpose for his life was not to be a driver, but a prayer warrior. On a lighter note, I asked if he will not also fall asleep while praying with the prayer champions. After our discussion, I granted his request, and he joined the prayer champions. Not long after, he was on fire for God, and totally transformed into someone else. His discovery of God’s purpose for his life changed him and his ministry. He was full of fire whenever he led the prayer champions during the eve of any Holy Ghost Service.
I have another brother who feels fulfilled driving me. He does it with joy and a sense of achievement. God has blessed the labor of his hands since he started driving me. Today, he has an air conditioned house and several comforts of life, because he discovered God’s purpose for his life and arose to fulfill it. When occupying the space the Lord has carved out for you, grace is released. You will enjoy doing whatever you are doing for God without stress. You would need no one to be on your neck to get you to do the job. Do you know that if God’s purpose for you is to clean the chairs, and you take it up diligently, sinners can get saved merely seeing a faultlessly clean church? The anointing of God can flow through your life to those who will sit on the chairs or pews. When people who were meant to be intercessors are preachers, they cannot be fulfilled.
ACTIONPOINT: Ask God to help you discover His purpose for your life and grace to pursue it with singleness of heart
Monday, July 14, 2008
Open Heavens July 14, 2008
BIBLE IN A YEAR: Jere 13-16
MAKING SCRIPTURES WORK
MEMORIZE: "Not because I desire a gift: but I desire fruit that may abound to your account" (Phi. 4:17)
READ: Philippians 4:15-19
“Cry yet, saying, Thus saith the LORD of hosts; My cities through prosperity shall yet be spread abroad; and the LORD shall yet comfort Zion, and shall yet choose Jerusalem” (Zechariah 1:17). Some people have been praying and fasting to be prospered. But God is interested in their motives for the request. Why do you want to be financially blessed? If it is all about you, God may not grant that desire. But if it is about accessing wealth to further enlarge His Kingdom, He will answer. When God realized that Peter was willing to join hands with Him in building the Kingdom of God, the Lord prospered him overnight. All his losses, failures and disappointments vanished in one night. Many scriptures are quoted out of context. For instance, Philippians 4:19. We should start from verse 15 so that we can understand the premise under which the promise was made. The Philippian church supplied the needs of the Lord and God in return promised to retaliate. You can quote, pray and fast on that scripture. That is faith. But until you put works into it by either meeting the needs of the church or that of God’s bonafide servants, the scripture may never become a reality.
Many years ago, a young man came to me to request for prayers for a financial breakthrough that will enable him to sponsor the RCCG Convention. As at this time, he was on a salary of over N600 naira. I applauded his desire, we prayed and he left. A week later, he was sacked at his place of work, and ran back complaining of his ordeal. I laughed and asked how he could have sponsored the Convention with N600. I encouraged him that God’s way was different from ours, and that God closed that door so that He could open another. A year later, the same boy returned to say he was being paid N10,000 Naira in another job opening. Then the naira had value. Peter submitted all and his promotion began. Peter should have died unknown: but just because he became selflessly committed to the Kingdom of God, his name is all over the world, almost 2000 years after he lived on earth. You too can access uncommon prosperity and fame in God’s Kingdom by getting your motives right, and focusing on God’s Kingdom. How much are you contributing in time, money and materials towards the establishment of God’s Kingdom? Your obedience to God’s Word and a right attitude will make God’s promises to work in your life.
ACTIONPOINT: Before making a request, choose from an array of motives. Let it be right
MAKING SCRIPTURES WORK
MEMORIZE: "Not because I desire a gift: but I desire fruit that may abound to your account" (Phi. 4:17)
READ: Philippians 4:15-19
“Cry yet, saying, Thus saith the LORD of hosts; My cities through prosperity shall yet be spread abroad; and the LORD shall yet comfort Zion, and shall yet choose Jerusalem” (Zechariah 1:17). Some people have been praying and fasting to be prospered. But God is interested in their motives for the request. Why do you want to be financially blessed? If it is all about you, God may not grant that desire. But if it is about accessing wealth to further enlarge His Kingdom, He will answer. When God realized that Peter was willing to join hands with Him in building the Kingdom of God, the Lord prospered him overnight. All his losses, failures and disappointments vanished in one night. Many scriptures are quoted out of context. For instance, Philippians 4:19. We should start from verse 15 so that we can understand the premise under which the promise was made. The Philippian church supplied the needs of the Lord and God in return promised to retaliate. You can quote, pray and fast on that scripture. That is faith. But until you put works into it by either meeting the needs of the church or that of God’s bonafide servants, the scripture may never become a reality.
Many years ago, a young man came to me to request for prayers for a financial breakthrough that will enable him to sponsor the RCCG Convention. As at this time, he was on a salary of over N600 naira. I applauded his desire, we prayed and he left. A week later, he was sacked at his place of work, and ran back complaining of his ordeal. I laughed and asked how he could have sponsored the Convention with N600. I encouraged him that God’s way was different from ours, and that God closed that door so that He could open another. A year later, the same boy returned to say he was being paid N10,000 Naira in another job opening. Then the naira had value. Peter submitted all and his promotion began. Peter should have died unknown: but just because he became selflessly committed to the Kingdom of God, his name is all over the world, almost 2000 years after he lived on earth. You too can access uncommon prosperity and fame in God’s Kingdom by getting your motives right, and focusing on God’s Kingdom. How much are you contributing in time, money and materials towards the establishment of God’s Kingdom? Your obedience to God’s Word and a right attitude will make God’s promises to work in your life.
ACTIONPOINT: Before making a request, choose from an array of motives. Let it be right
Sunday, July 13, 2008
Open Heavens July 13, 2008
BIBLE IN A YEAR: Jere 9-12
ATTITUDE DETERMINES ALTITUDE
MEMORIZE: "For I know him, that he will command his children and his household after him, and they shall keep the way of the LORD, to do justice and judgment; that the LORD may bring upon Abraham that which he hath spoken of him" (Genesis 18:19)
READ: Genesis 18:17-19
Does God entrust you with divine secrets? Can He vouch for your character? May He find you trustworthy to bear His mysteries from today in Jesus’ Name? Although God could not confide in many, however He was at home with Abraham. Do you know you could become such a friend of God to the extent that the Lord will not keep secrets from you? In Genesis 18:16-22, God revealed His plan to destroy Sodom, Gomorrah and neighboring cities to Abraham. He did this because Abraham was His friend, and Lot and his family lived in Sodom and would be destroyed if nothing was done. One lesson here is that although Lot was a just man, he could have been destroyed for being in the wrong place - Sodom. No matter how righteous you are, if you are residing with rebels and frolicking with enemies of God, you could become a casualty of God’s judgment on them. 1 Thessalonians 5:22 commands you to be physically absent from anywhere sin is celebrated.
Similarly, in Genesis 15:9-16, God informed Abraham of a 400 year captivity coming on his descendants in Egypt. And that afterwards, God would judge that nation and bring them out with great wealth. In addition, He gave him an idea of when he would die, and the peace that would precede his transition. God also told him he would become the father of millions of believers from all over the world. You cannot underestimate the volume of divine secrets that would come to you when God chooses you as His confidant.
What did Abraham do to become a storehouse of God’s secrets? Genesis 18:1619 said he adopted a positive attitude that compelled God to fulfill His promises in his life. After God makes you a promise, He begins to watch your attitude. That attitude would determine whether He would fulfill His promise or not. The attitude of many believers has made God change His mind concerning His original plan for their lives. When God promises to bless you with a child, and you become very hostile to the children of others, He may change His mind. When He makes a covenant of prosperity with you but you become self centered, and do not care for the needs of God’s house or other brethren, He may change His mind. When God intends to use you in the miraculous, but you refuse to completely break away from lust, evil thoughts, or sexual sins, He will change His mind. May God not reverse His great plan for your life. How is your attitude towards God today?
ACTIONPOINT:Thank God for adding another year to Pastor (Mrs) Folu Adeboye. Ask that God would multiply His grace on her to support Daddy Adeboye and to provide quality leadership for mothers worldwide
ATTITUDE DETERMINES ALTITUDE
MEMORIZE: "For I know him, that he will command his children and his household after him, and they shall keep the way of the LORD, to do justice and judgment; that the LORD may bring upon Abraham that which he hath spoken of him" (Genesis 18:19)
READ: Genesis 18:17-19
Does God entrust you with divine secrets? Can He vouch for your character? May He find you trustworthy to bear His mysteries from today in Jesus’ Name? Although God could not confide in many, however He was at home with Abraham. Do you know you could become such a friend of God to the extent that the Lord will not keep secrets from you? In Genesis 18:16-22, God revealed His plan to destroy Sodom, Gomorrah and neighboring cities to Abraham. He did this because Abraham was His friend, and Lot and his family lived in Sodom and would be destroyed if nothing was done. One lesson here is that although Lot was a just man, he could have been destroyed for being in the wrong place - Sodom. No matter how righteous you are, if you are residing with rebels and frolicking with enemies of God, you could become a casualty of God’s judgment on them. 1 Thessalonians 5:22 commands you to be physically absent from anywhere sin is celebrated.
Similarly, in Genesis 15:9-16, God informed Abraham of a 400 year captivity coming on his descendants in Egypt. And that afterwards, God would judge that nation and bring them out with great wealth. In addition, He gave him an idea of when he would die, and the peace that would precede his transition. God also told him he would become the father of millions of believers from all over the world. You cannot underestimate the volume of divine secrets that would come to you when God chooses you as His confidant.
What did Abraham do to become a storehouse of God’s secrets? Genesis 18:1619 said he adopted a positive attitude that compelled God to fulfill His promises in his life. After God makes you a promise, He begins to watch your attitude. That attitude would determine whether He would fulfill His promise or not. The attitude of many believers has made God change His mind concerning His original plan for their lives. When God promises to bless you with a child, and you become very hostile to the children of others, He may change His mind. When He makes a covenant of prosperity with you but you become self centered, and do not care for the needs of God’s house or other brethren, He may change His mind. When God intends to use you in the miraculous, but you refuse to completely break away from lust, evil thoughts, or sexual sins, He will change His mind. May God not reverse His great plan for your life. How is your attitude towards God today?
ACTIONPOINT:Thank God for adding another year to Pastor (Mrs) Folu Adeboye. Ask that God would multiply His grace on her to support Daddy Adeboye and to provide quality leadership for mothers worldwide
Saturday, July 12, 2008
Open Heavens July 12, 2008
BIBLE IN A YEAR: Jere 6-8
ONE REQUEST, SEVERAL ANSWERS
MEMORIZE: "And the younger of them said to his father, Father, give me the portion of goods that falleth to me. And he divided unto them his living" (Luke 15:12)
READ: Exodus 4:10-17
When the prodigal son met his father to demand the portion of his inheritance, it triggered the release of his elder brother’s portion, even though the latter never picked a pin from it (Luke 15:12). This shows that God is waiting for you to make a particular request before releasing the blessings of others. God’s answers sometimes extend beyond our scope or definition. There are certain requests you make that will not only open the door for you, but also for others. In Acts 16:20-26, after Paul and Silas offered a powerful praise, worship and prayers to God in the inner prison, they received a divine intervention. Not only was the door beside them opened, all other doors in the prison were opened; Not only were their chains and fetters with which they were bound loosed, but every other prisoner enjoyed the same fate.
Your heart felt praise, worship and prayers will not only affect you, but also your family and neighbors. Ignorance of this truth has made many to underrate their exalted position in Christ. There are times enemies are unable to carry out planned attacks against your neighbors because they met you praying or worshipping. Your prayers produced a spiritual climate that rendered their plans ineffective. Never joke with your prayers, especially at midnight. Many people depend on it! Sometimes while you wake up to pray at midnight, some of your neighbors who could not sleep would fall asleep. Sometimes, while you are praying at night, they will be praying along in their apartments. If you do what you should, the Kingdom of Heaven will be enlarged.
Moses complained about his stammering lips and requested that God should choose someone who is eloquent. That request brought in Aaron as his spokesman. Aaron who was not originally in God’s plan as spokesperson, became part of Moses’ ministry as a result of his request. Similarly, it was after David desired to build for God that the Lord commissioned Solomon to do so (1 Chronicles 17:15; 28:1-6). One request or desire could birth several answers or responses. In any case, take your fellowship with God more seriously. Pray more regularly. Praise and worship God more intensively. As long as you do so with the right heart, and in spirit, they will yield results beyond your expectations.
ACTIONPOINT: The spouses of some believers, financial and departmental pillars of some churches and those through whom we will earn our greatest rewards in Heaven have not been saved. Prayer for their salvation meets several needs, when answered.
ONE REQUEST, SEVERAL ANSWERS
MEMORIZE: "And the younger of them said to his father, Father, give me the portion of goods that falleth to me. And he divided unto them his living" (Luke 15:12)
READ: Exodus 4:10-17
When the prodigal son met his father to demand the portion of his inheritance, it triggered the release of his elder brother’s portion, even though the latter never picked a pin from it (Luke 15:12). This shows that God is waiting for you to make a particular request before releasing the blessings of others. God’s answers sometimes extend beyond our scope or definition. There are certain requests you make that will not only open the door for you, but also for others. In Acts 16:20-26, after Paul and Silas offered a powerful praise, worship and prayers to God in the inner prison, they received a divine intervention. Not only was the door beside them opened, all other doors in the prison were opened; Not only were their chains and fetters with which they were bound loosed, but every other prisoner enjoyed the same fate.
Your heart felt praise, worship and prayers will not only affect you, but also your family and neighbors. Ignorance of this truth has made many to underrate their exalted position in Christ. There are times enemies are unable to carry out planned attacks against your neighbors because they met you praying or worshipping. Your prayers produced a spiritual climate that rendered their plans ineffective. Never joke with your prayers, especially at midnight. Many people depend on it! Sometimes while you wake up to pray at midnight, some of your neighbors who could not sleep would fall asleep. Sometimes, while you are praying at night, they will be praying along in their apartments. If you do what you should, the Kingdom of Heaven will be enlarged.
Moses complained about his stammering lips and requested that God should choose someone who is eloquent. That request brought in Aaron as his spokesman. Aaron who was not originally in God’s plan as spokesperson, became part of Moses’ ministry as a result of his request. Similarly, it was after David desired to build for God that the Lord commissioned Solomon to do so (1 Chronicles 17:15; 28:1-6). One request or desire could birth several answers or responses. In any case, take your fellowship with God more seriously. Pray more regularly. Praise and worship God more intensively. As long as you do so with the right heart, and in spirit, they will yield results beyond your expectations.
ACTIONPOINT: The spouses of some believers, financial and departmental pillars of some churches and those through whom we will earn our greatest rewards in Heaven have not been saved. Prayer for their salvation meets several needs, when answered.
Friday, July 11, 2008
Open Heavens July 11, 2008
BIBLE IN A YEAR: Jere 3-5
DIVINE SHINE
MEMORIZE: "Such knowledge is too wonderful for me; it is high, I cannot attain unto it." (Psalms 139:6).
READ: Psalms 139:6-8
You are identified by what you wear. How people will relate with you is also dependent on what you wear. Whether good or bad will follow you, is determined by what you are clothed with. What are you wearing - humility or pride? A few years ago, a lady testified of God’s intervention after one of our Conventions. At the end of the Convention, after the Holy Ghost night on Friday, the woman wanted to go to Abeokuta that Saturday morning. She entered one of the “one-chance” buses which unknown to her, was operated by kidnappers and ritualists. On their way, they diverted towards the bush into an unknown distant location. They were about to be sacrificed to an idol. The ritualists were already preparing them for rituals when one of them began to speak in tongues. Then others followed. The chief priest came out and asked where the kidnappers got these strange fellows from. And they told him in front of the Redemption Camp. The man screamed and said they wanted to put him in trouble by bringing the children of Adeboye to their joint. That was how they were freed.
“And all that sat in the council, looking steadfastly on him, saw his face as it had been the face of an angel” (Acts 6:15). If you wear pride, the devil will recognize you as one of his children. Proud people are betrayed by looks, carriage, speech, motive, actions or inaction. They are noted in hell but Heaven sees and relates with them from a distance. God is miles away from the colony of the proud. If you wear humility, the devil will through the glow on your face link you with the One who humbled Himself even to the shameful death on the cross (Phil 2:8). Humility makes the humble to radiate God’s glory. After a carpenter has constructed a piece of furniture, he will spray it with the chosen colour. Usually, the colour remains dull until a particular liquid is applied to make it shine. Without this liquid, the furniture may remain dull, and unattractive. But after the shine, it becomes attractive and radiant. God’s graces and gifts on believers may remain covered, buried or unappealing, until you apply the heavenly shine of humility. Then they will shine like the face of Stephen. The more doses of liquid humility you apply to the anointing, teaching, singing, soul winning abilities, the more appealing, attractive and pronounced they become.
ACTIONPOINT: You are addressed by your dressing. If you are clothed with pride, disgraceful situations will attend to you. If with humility, honorable and uplifting situations will be your guests
DIVINE SHINE
MEMORIZE: "Such knowledge is too wonderful for me; it is high, I cannot attain unto it." (Psalms 139:6).
READ: Psalms 139:6-8
You are identified by what you wear. How people will relate with you is also dependent on what you wear. Whether good or bad will follow you, is determined by what you are clothed with. What are you wearing - humility or pride? A few years ago, a lady testified of God’s intervention after one of our Conventions. At the end of the Convention, after the Holy Ghost night on Friday, the woman wanted to go to Abeokuta that Saturday morning. She entered one of the “one-chance” buses which unknown to her, was operated by kidnappers and ritualists. On their way, they diverted towards the bush into an unknown distant location. They were about to be sacrificed to an idol. The ritualists were already preparing them for rituals when one of them began to speak in tongues. Then others followed. The chief priest came out and asked where the kidnappers got these strange fellows from. And they told him in front of the Redemption Camp. The man screamed and said they wanted to put him in trouble by bringing the children of Adeboye to their joint. That was how they were freed.
“And all that sat in the council, looking steadfastly on him, saw his face as it had been the face of an angel” (Acts 6:15). If you wear pride, the devil will recognize you as one of his children. Proud people are betrayed by looks, carriage, speech, motive, actions or inaction. They are noted in hell but Heaven sees and relates with them from a distance. God is miles away from the colony of the proud. If you wear humility, the devil will through the glow on your face link you with the One who humbled Himself even to the shameful death on the cross (Phil 2:8). Humility makes the humble to radiate God’s glory. After a carpenter has constructed a piece of furniture, he will spray it with the chosen colour. Usually, the colour remains dull until a particular liquid is applied to make it shine. Without this liquid, the furniture may remain dull, and unattractive. But after the shine, it becomes attractive and radiant. God’s graces and gifts on believers may remain covered, buried or unappealing, until you apply the heavenly shine of humility. Then they will shine like the face of Stephen. The more doses of liquid humility you apply to the anointing, teaching, singing, soul winning abilities, the more appealing, attractive and pronounced they become.
ACTIONPOINT: You are addressed by your dressing. If you are clothed with pride, disgraceful situations will attend to you. If with humility, honorable and uplifting situations will be your guests
Thursday, July 10, 2008
Open Heavens July 10, 2008
BIBLE IN A YEAR: Jere 1-2
CANED BY GOD OR MAN?
MEMORIZE: "It is a fearful thing to fall into the hands of the living God" (Hebrew 10:31)
READ: Hebrews 10:26-31
“Every wise woman buildeth her house: but the foolish plucketh it down with her hands” (Proverbs 14:1). The role of the wife in the life and ministry of her husband is very crucial. It can determine failure or success. The elders have a saying, ‘The crab uses its eyes to watch its head’. It is the responsibility of every wife to protect her husband against wolves in female clothes. When the opposite sex is getting too close to your husband, and you keep quiet about it, you are destroying your head: your husband is your head. The only time your husband as a believer or minister can be of use to you and the family, is when he has not become a captive of the sin in fornication. Once he falls into that pit, he is automatically stripped of his role as helper. He becomes a liability!
Whenever you find any lady or sister, irrespective of her position behaving in a dangerously suspicious way with your husband, put her where she belongs, even if it means disgracing her. Call it ‘Operation Salvage’. It is better for you to lose a member but retain your husband, than take it quietly then you and your entire family become puppets in the hands of the enemies. If some wives warn their minister husbands, “I don’t like the way Sister So and So is becoming too close to you’, the man would say, ‘Please leave that sister alone: she is only helping the ministry’. It is God who provides help for ministry as long as you remain holy. The elders will tell you that it takes a thief to identify the footsteps of a thief on a rock. Any woman can sense a dangerous woman a thousand miles away. Many mighty men of God who fell would not have suffered that fate, if they had listened to the warning of their wives. Husband listen to your wife!
According to Hebrews 13:4, God will destroy all who partake in fornication. If a husband dies as a result of God’s judgment, his wife becomes a widow. Protect your head! After flogging a pastor sometime ago, he left and did not attend church for two Sundays. Some brethren came to report to me. I asked them to leave him alone; That he has only received my cane but from that moment, he will be receiving from the Lord. Four weeks later he returned and pleaded for more strokes: he said he preferred my cane to God’s. But I told him because he has become a landlord, he has outgrown discipline. If your spiritual father cannot correct you, you are a bastard, not a son. When you sin and it is covered or your spiritual father refuses to discipline you, God will take that case over. God’s cane can be terrible!
ACTIONPOINT: Fornication turns assets into liabilities. Protect all your assets from its defilement.
CANED BY GOD OR MAN?
MEMORIZE: "It is a fearful thing to fall into the hands of the living God" (Hebrew 10:31)
READ: Hebrews 10:26-31
“Every wise woman buildeth her house: but the foolish plucketh it down with her hands” (Proverbs 14:1). The role of the wife in the life and ministry of her husband is very crucial. It can determine failure or success. The elders have a saying, ‘The crab uses its eyes to watch its head’. It is the responsibility of every wife to protect her husband against wolves in female clothes. When the opposite sex is getting too close to your husband, and you keep quiet about it, you are destroying your head: your husband is your head. The only time your husband as a believer or minister can be of use to you and the family, is when he has not become a captive of the sin in fornication. Once he falls into that pit, he is automatically stripped of his role as helper. He becomes a liability!
Whenever you find any lady or sister, irrespective of her position behaving in a dangerously suspicious way with your husband, put her where she belongs, even if it means disgracing her. Call it ‘Operation Salvage’. It is better for you to lose a member but retain your husband, than take it quietly then you and your entire family become puppets in the hands of the enemies. If some wives warn their minister husbands, “I don’t like the way Sister So and So is becoming too close to you’, the man would say, ‘Please leave that sister alone: she is only helping the ministry’. It is God who provides help for ministry as long as you remain holy. The elders will tell you that it takes a thief to identify the footsteps of a thief on a rock. Any woman can sense a dangerous woman a thousand miles away. Many mighty men of God who fell would not have suffered that fate, if they had listened to the warning of their wives. Husband listen to your wife!
According to Hebrews 13:4, God will destroy all who partake in fornication. If a husband dies as a result of God’s judgment, his wife becomes a widow. Protect your head! After flogging a pastor sometime ago, he left and did not attend church for two Sundays. Some brethren came to report to me. I asked them to leave him alone; That he has only received my cane but from that moment, he will be receiving from the Lord. Four weeks later he returned and pleaded for more strokes: he said he preferred my cane to God’s. But I told him because he has become a landlord, he has outgrown discipline. If your spiritual father cannot correct you, you are a bastard, not a son. When you sin and it is covered or your spiritual father refuses to discipline you, God will take that case over. God’s cane can be terrible!
ACTIONPOINT: Fornication turns assets into liabilities. Protect all your assets from its defilement.
Wednesday, July 9, 2008
Open Heavens July 9, 2008
BIBLE IN A YEAR: 2 Tim 1-4
PARTIAL OBEDIENCE
MEMORIZE: "And Samuel said, Hath the LORD as great delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices, as in obeying the voice of the LORD? Behold, to obey is better than sacrifice, and to hearken than the fat of rams" (1 Samuel 15:22)
READ: 1 Samuel 15:1-11
Hebrews 3:2 says Jesus, and Moses were faithful. Apart from disobedience which is total absence of obedience, you have partial obedience and absolute obedience. Partial obedience entails the removal of a detail from an instruction. It is effecting an instruction leaving out at least one essential part. Partial obedience is very rife among believers. Even when some believers set out on a journey into complete obedience, they end up in a different destination - partial obedience. If you obey God 99% but leave out 1% detail, you are still unfaithful. This is very sad. If you want to hear, “Well done, thou good and faithful servant” from the Master, your obedience must be total.
“Now go and smite Amalek, and utterly destroy all that they have, and spare them not; but slay both man and woman, infant and suckling, ox and sheep, carmel and ass” (1 Sam. 15:3). God sent king Saul on “Operation No Mercy” to Amalek. After giving him the terms of reference, He began to watch how king Saul would effect the command. He led the Israeli army to Amalek and utterly destroyed everything that was vile and refuse, but spared Agag the king; and they took the spoils for themselves. King Saul had good intentions. He felt killing Agag would be a painless death. He needed to die slowly so that he could suffer more. The army also had good intentions. They saw very robust cows and sheep and other good things, and felt it was better to take these back home to offer to God.
Partial obedience is synonymous with rejection of God’s Word. This also makes God to reject the fellow (1 Samuel 15:23). King Saul’s obedience was about 60% yet he was unfaithful and received judgement instead of a blessing. He lost his kingdom to partial obedience. Whenever you think you know better than God over an issue, your obedience will be partial. When God gives an instruction, your suggestions are unnecessary. In Genesis 12:1-3, God gave Abraham three instructions. He kept two but ignored the third. He had over 66% in obedience, yet that unfaithful act kept him on one spot for over 10 years! In Numbers 20:7-13, God asked Moses to speak to the rock and water would come out, but he struck it twice. His expectation was granted: water flowed beyond what they could use; but that unfaithful act robbed him of his hard earned destiny. Today, many Christians who obey in part are deceived by positive results. Results will come to meet the needs of the people, but the partially obedient will suffer terrible consequences. Do you obey God to the letter?
ACTIONPOINT: The greatest danger the average believer faces is not total disobedience but partial obedience.
PARTIAL OBEDIENCE
MEMORIZE: "And Samuel said, Hath the LORD as great delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices, as in obeying the voice of the LORD? Behold, to obey is better than sacrifice, and to hearken than the fat of rams" (1 Samuel 15:22)
READ: 1 Samuel 15:1-11
Hebrews 3:2 says Jesus, and Moses were faithful. Apart from disobedience which is total absence of obedience, you have partial obedience and absolute obedience. Partial obedience entails the removal of a detail from an instruction. It is effecting an instruction leaving out at least one essential part. Partial obedience is very rife among believers. Even when some believers set out on a journey into complete obedience, they end up in a different destination - partial obedience. If you obey God 99% but leave out 1% detail, you are still unfaithful. This is very sad. If you want to hear, “Well done, thou good and faithful servant” from the Master, your obedience must be total.
“Now go and smite Amalek, and utterly destroy all that they have, and spare them not; but slay both man and woman, infant and suckling, ox and sheep, carmel and ass” (1 Sam. 15:3). God sent king Saul on “Operation No Mercy” to Amalek. After giving him the terms of reference, He began to watch how king Saul would effect the command. He led the Israeli army to Amalek and utterly destroyed everything that was vile and refuse, but spared Agag the king; and they took the spoils for themselves. King Saul had good intentions. He felt killing Agag would be a painless death. He needed to die slowly so that he could suffer more. The army also had good intentions. They saw very robust cows and sheep and other good things, and felt it was better to take these back home to offer to God.
Partial obedience is synonymous with rejection of God’s Word. This also makes God to reject the fellow (1 Samuel 15:23). King Saul’s obedience was about 60% yet he was unfaithful and received judgement instead of a blessing. He lost his kingdom to partial obedience. Whenever you think you know better than God over an issue, your obedience will be partial. When God gives an instruction, your suggestions are unnecessary. In Genesis 12:1-3, God gave Abraham three instructions. He kept two but ignored the third. He had over 66% in obedience, yet that unfaithful act kept him on one spot for over 10 years! In Numbers 20:7-13, God asked Moses to speak to the rock and water would come out, but he struck it twice. His expectation was granted: water flowed beyond what they could use; but that unfaithful act robbed him of his hard earned destiny. Today, many Christians who obey in part are deceived by positive results. Results will come to meet the needs of the people, but the partially obedient will suffer terrible consequences. Do you obey God to the letter?
ACTIONPOINT: The greatest danger the average believer faces is not total disobedience but partial obedience.
Tuesday, July 8, 2008
Open Heavens July 8, 2008
Monday, July 7, 2008
Open Heavens July 7, 2008
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| PRIORITIZING WORK | |||
READ: Matthew 6:31-33 In Luke 5:1-11, there were two boats at the seaside, but Heaven chose Peter’s. God always sets up those who are determined to please Him. Favor comes to their door steps even without asking for it. Initially, the situation may come like a problem, but at the end, it would birth the testimony contained inside it. Are you going through a particular problem presently? Fear not. As you hold on to God, that situation would birth your testimony. For instance, in 2 Samuel 6:6 11 there was a problem. God killed Uzzah for wanting to prevent the ark of God from falling while returning it to What is making others to fall would cause you to stand. The basis for sack of others would be the reason for your promotion at work in Jesus’ Name. Another lesson from God’s choice of Peter is that those who want to please God not only serve Him with their resources, but also with their time. Peter did not only surrender his boat to the Lord: he also stood by Him. As a result of this, God changed time and season to favor him. Paul said he is both willing to spend and be spent for the Master (2 Cor. 12:15). Have you been serving God with your resources - money, car, house, intellect, etc.? Praise God. Heaven requires you to take a step further. Beyond your money for missionary work, make your time available for Him. Another attribute of those who please God is that they suspend their work to attend to God’s. Peter was mending his net when Jesus needed his service. So he suspended what he was doing to attend to Jesus. Whenever the work of some believers clash with God’s work, they will allow God’s own to suffer. God is watching us keenly. When I finished my Ph.D. dissertation, I submitted it. Although I needed to study to defend it, the period clashed with a crusade in my village so I attended to God’s business. Meanwhile, God was working for me while I was working for Him. The External Examiner who was to examine my defense read through and told my Head of Department he has no question for me, and that I should be awarded the Ph.D. But my Head of Department protested that it has never been done to award a Ph.D. without an oral examination: even if it was just to ask of my name. So the External Examiner asked him: “Who is the expert in this field? You or me?” He insisted he has no question for me and that I be given my Doctorate Degree. And that settled the matter. Can you abandon your work for God’s? | |||
Sunday, July 6, 2008
Open Heavens July 6, 2008
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| WHEN OTHERS ARE FAVORED Sunday July 6, 2008 | |||
READ: Romans 12:15-21 If after some years of toiling, one of your colleagues or even somebody younger or junior in rank suddenly experiences an elevation that puts the fellow far above you; how will you respond? Or when your contemporary receives a major financial breakthrough and as a result rides big cars, lives in an executive mansion and affords the comforts of life; What will you do? Believers need to address their minds on handling such situations because they do occur, and will continue to occur. When Christians are not prepared for such an occurrence,they may be swept away by wrong emotions - envy, jealousy, hatred and other negative responses. In Genesis 37:1-8, Joseph’s brothers were full of envy and resentment towards Joseph, because he was more favored, and had a more promising future. Since they did not address it, they ended up selling him into slavery. In 1 Samuel 16:1-13, Samuel came to the house of Jesse, bypassed all his hefty sons invited to the sacrifice, and anointed their youngest brother, David. Instead of rejoicing that the next king had been chosen from their family, they were sad and envious. In 1 Samuel 17:28, when David was sent to meet his three elder brothers in the Israeli camp, his eldest brother Eliab vented his anger for no offense done. All because of envy. Many Christians have not properly responded to such situations. When your colleague or subordinate is promoted above you, the following steps could be useful. First, accept it as the will of God because no man gets anything except given by God. Alternatively, you can ask God about it. If told it is God’s will, that should settle the matter; Resisting it amounts to resisting God’s will. Spend quality time to appreciate God for it - at least that whole day. Believe that fellows time has come, and yours too will, in its season. Be the first to call or send congratulatory card or message, and encourage him with words like - “It is just the beginning: the Lord is taking you further up”. Share the testimony with others in buttressing God’s faithfulness. Sincere thanksgiving to God on behalf of the favored one helps to Neutralize feelings of envy, resentment and bitterness. Put yourself in your neighbor’s shoes: When God uplifts you, would you want others to hate you because of it? See it as a test. Your ability to pass that test determines how Heaven will treat you. Above all, be clothed with humility. There is strength in humility to receive any unpalatable news or development. Your up-liftment is around the corner. It will locate you this season. | |||
Saturday, July 5, 2008
Open Heavens July 5, 2008
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| WHAT'S YOUR PORTION Saturday July 5, 2008 | |||
MEMORIZE:
“The LORD is the portion of mine inheritance and of my cup: thou maintainest my lot” (Psalms 16:5). If you were asked to choose between one hundred million dollars and God, which will you take? Today, many are choosing less valuable materials instead of God. The Psalmist here said when told to make a similar choice, he chose God. Abraham, like the Psalmist, made God his portion. If God becomes your portion, everything that responds to God, would respond to you. When you make God your portion, anywhere the lines fall on will turn to gold. Many people lost blessings because they ran after mundane things rather than God. When God is your portion He will regularly maintain, refresh or service whatever you have. Is God your portion? If you want God to be your portion like the Levites during the sharing of the promised land, you must set God always before you. “I have set the LORD always before me: because he is at my right hand, I shall not be moved” (Psalms 16:8). For God to be before you means you will allow Him to lead while you follow. You will always look to Him: He will be your focus, not any man or influential person somewhere. Some believers are linked with influential persons, yet all efforts to receive help has failed. For some, God has allowed them to experience Psalms 127:1. They have sidelined God, hence God did not give His blessings. If such can return and make God their number one and focus, the same thing they tried without success, will yield beautiful results. Make God your portion today! | |||
Friday, July 4, 2008
Open Heavens July 4, 2008
BIBLE IN A YEAR: Psa 34-36
IDENTIFIED BY DRESSING
MEMORIZE: "When he maketh inquisition for blood, he remembereth them: he forgetteth not the cry of the humble" (Psalms 9:12)
READ: Genesis 18:1-5
Someone attended the Holy Ghost Congress and met me. He asked me to adopt him as my son. I asked him why? He replied that he was at Azuza Conference the Pentecostal Movement that just clocked 100 years. The centinary anniversary was held in Los Angeles where it all began. Preachers were invited from all over the world to come and preach. I was chosen to represent Africa. The man said he was there from the beginning to the end. He listened to great speakers, but I was different from all of them. He asked if I would like to become his daddy. I felt humbled and told him he was welcome. Humility is a cloak that distinguishes you from the crowd. Let people take a look at you and say you are different. Let them ask where you come from, the organization you belong to, etc. Some years ago, we attended a Kenneth Hagin Camp Meeting. A prominent Lagos chief was also in attendance. Some of my children entered the hall before me. As they stepped in, they saw the chief and could tell from his dressing that he must be a Nigerian. They prostrated before him while the girls knelt down as is customary with the Yorubas. The man was surprised. He said, ‘This is America. People do not prostrate or kneel down in America’ He wondered whose these children were. Just then I walked in and he saw me. Then he said, ‘You must be children of Adeboye’.
“And he lift up his eyes and looked, and, lo, three men stood by him: and when he saw them, he ran to meet them from the tent door, and bowed himself toward the ground” (Genesis 18:2). You are identified by what you wear. Abraham the father of faith bowed himself to strangers. He humbled himself and was hospitable to them. Let us be wise. Humility does not erode your position; it establishes it. Some leaders dumped their garment of humility the moment they were promoted to a higher office. There are some leaders who after a promotion suddenly changed. They could no longer mix with former circle of friends. Some broke long standing positive friendships because of promotion. Some of them have suddenly become unapproachable, or built a fence around themselves. Some pastors cannot greet their elders anymore because they are now pastors or senior pastors. That is pride. Pride erodes your position. If you are wise, the more God lifts you up, the more you should humble yourself. Some members carry themselves arrogantly before their pastor because they are more materially blessed, or occupy an important secular position. Humble yourself! How are you known: through pride or humility? Be clothed always with humility so that it can be well with you. It is only the humble that can reach the destination God has for them.
ACTIONPOINT: Pray for the salvation of your boss, colleagues and their families. Ask God to make people identify you with the cloak of humility.
IDENTIFIED BY DRESSING
MEMORIZE: "When he maketh inquisition for blood, he remembereth them: he forgetteth not the cry of the humble" (Psalms 9:12)
READ: Genesis 18:1-5
Someone attended the Holy Ghost Congress and met me. He asked me to adopt him as my son. I asked him why? He replied that he was at Azuza Conference the Pentecostal Movement that just clocked 100 years. The centinary anniversary was held in Los Angeles where it all began. Preachers were invited from all over the world to come and preach. I was chosen to represent Africa. The man said he was there from the beginning to the end. He listened to great speakers, but I was different from all of them. He asked if I would like to become his daddy. I felt humbled and told him he was welcome. Humility is a cloak that distinguishes you from the crowd. Let people take a look at you and say you are different. Let them ask where you come from, the organization you belong to, etc. Some years ago, we attended a Kenneth Hagin Camp Meeting. A prominent Lagos chief was also in attendance. Some of my children entered the hall before me. As they stepped in, they saw the chief and could tell from his dressing that he must be a Nigerian. They prostrated before him while the girls knelt down as is customary with the Yorubas. The man was surprised. He said, ‘This is America. People do not prostrate or kneel down in America’ He wondered whose these children were. Just then I walked in and he saw me. Then he said, ‘You must be children of Adeboye’.
“And he lift up his eyes and looked, and, lo, three men stood by him: and when he saw them, he ran to meet them from the tent door, and bowed himself toward the ground” (Genesis 18:2). You are identified by what you wear. Abraham the father of faith bowed himself to strangers. He humbled himself and was hospitable to them. Let us be wise. Humility does not erode your position; it establishes it. Some leaders dumped their garment of humility the moment they were promoted to a higher office. There are some leaders who after a promotion suddenly changed. They could no longer mix with former circle of friends. Some broke long standing positive friendships because of promotion. Some of them have suddenly become unapproachable, or built a fence around themselves. Some pastors cannot greet their elders anymore because they are now pastors or senior pastors. That is pride. Pride erodes your position. If you are wise, the more God lifts you up, the more you should humble yourself. Some members carry themselves arrogantly before their pastor because they are more materially blessed, or occupy an important secular position. Humble yourself! How are you known: through pride or humility? Be clothed always with humility so that it can be well with you. It is only the humble that can reach the destination God has for them.
ACTIONPOINT: Pray for the salvation of your boss, colleagues and their families. Ask God to make people identify you with the cloak of humility.
Thursday, July 3, 2008
Open Heavens July 3, 2008
BIBLE IN A YEAR: Psa 31-33
FAMILY AFFAIRS
MEMORIZE: "Likewise, ye husbands, dwell with them according to knowledge, giving honor unto the wife, as unto the weaker vessel, and as being heirs together of the grace of life; that your prayers be not hindered" (1 Peter 3:7)
READ: Philippians 3:10-12
“That I may know him and the power of his resurrection, and the fellowship of his sufferings, being made conformable unto his death” (Phil. 3:10). If you know the Lord, it will show in your ministerial ethics. For instance, who should be your number one prayer partner? It is your spouse. If you float, you float together; but if you sink, you sink together. It is wrong for you to allow someone else; particularly the opposite sex, take the place of your spouse in prayer partnership. When you pray regularly with someone and confide in the fellow, bonding takes place. Whenever you come to pray together, you will feel God’s presence, and it will be easy for the duo to pick up things -similar thoughts and ideas from the Spirit. If this bonding occurs with the opposite sex, it could gradually drag the two into lust or fornication.
The elders have a saying that, When poverty comes to a couple, their children will also be affected. If anything goes wrong between husband and wife, it is the children that will suffer most. Any minister in his or her right senses will make his or her Christian spouse the number one prayer partner. This will facilitate resolution of quarrels or disagreements before they sleep, so that their prayers are not hindered. Whenever my wife and I are miles apart for the sake of the Gospel, we maintain our agreement prayers on phone. It is foolishness for a believer, especially a minister, to have a quarrel with the spouse and disallow proper settlement for weeks or months. They will surely count their losses! During that period, the lives of their children and wards are in danger. Even the members of their congregation will be without spiritual cover. It is a wicked leader that will accommodate strife beyond one day!
What biblical or ethical principles guide your ministry? It is wrong for ministers to treat their wives shabbily. If you disgrace your wife in public, you are only disgracing yourself. It is your honor you are eroding. When you make members of the work-force, congregation or family to lose their respect for your wife, it will erode the foundation of respect they have for you. Even when your wife is very stubborn, you cannot solve a problem by multiplying it. Similarly, never deny your spouse due benevolence using the ministry as an excuse, except with mutual consent for a specified period (1 Cor. 7:3-5). When your wife offends, call her aside and correct her in love. Don’t take it out on her. If you cannot correct her quietly at that moment, do so later in the day when you are both alone. If love is the basis for correcting your spouse, it will be well received. Never correct her publicly.
ACTIONPOINT:A man who cannot pray for 30 minutes with his wife but can spend hours praying with another woman is in error
FAMILY AFFAIRS
MEMORIZE: "Likewise, ye husbands, dwell with them according to knowledge, giving honor unto the wife, as unto the weaker vessel, and as being heirs together of the grace of life; that your prayers be not hindered" (1 Peter 3:7)
READ: Philippians 3:10-12
“That I may know him and the power of his resurrection, and the fellowship of his sufferings, being made conformable unto his death” (Phil. 3:10). If you know the Lord, it will show in your ministerial ethics. For instance, who should be your number one prayer partner? It is your spouse. If you float, you float together; but if you sink, you sink together. It is wrong for you to allow someone else; particularly the opposite sex, take the place of your spouse in prayer partnership. When you pray regularly with someone and confide in the fellow, bonding takes place. Whenever you come to pray together, you will feel God’s presence, and it will be easy for the duo to pick up things -similar thoughts and ideas from the Spirit. If this bonding occurs with the opposite sex, it could gradually drag the two into lust or fornication.
The elders have a saying that, When poverty comes to a couple, their children will also be affected. If anything goes wrong between husband and wife, it is the children that will suffer most. Any minister in his or her right senses will make his or her Christian spouse the number one prayer partner. This will facilitate resolution of quarrels or disagreements before they sleep, so that their prayers are not hindered. Whenever my wife and I are miles apart for the sake of the Gospel, we maintain our agreement prayers on phone. It is foolishness for a believer, especially a minister, to have a quarrel with the spouse and disallow proper settlement for weeks or months. They will surely count their losses! During that period, the lives of their children and wards are in danger. Even the members of their congregation will be without spiritual cover. It is a wicked leader that will accommodate strife beyond one day!
What biblical or ethical principles guide your ministry? It is wrong for ministers to treat their wives shabbily. If you disgrace your wife in public, you are only disgracing yourself. It is your honor you are eroding. When you make members of the work-force, congregation or family to lose their respect for your wife, it will erode the foundation of respect they have for you. Even when your wife is very stubborn, you cannot solve a problem by multiplying it. Similarly, never deny your spouse due benevolence using the ministry as an excuse, except with mutual consent for a specified period (1 Cor. 7:3-5). When your wife offends, call her aside and correct her in love. Don’t take it out on her. If you cannot correct her quietly at that moment, do so later in the day when you are both alone. If love is the basis for correcting your spouse, it will be well received. Never correct her publicly.
ACTIONPOINT:A man who cannot pray for 30 minutes with his wife but can spend hours praying with another woman is in error
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