OPEN HEAVENS BY PST. ENOCH. A. ADEBOYE
THURSDAY SEPTEMBER 26
WISDOM & DEATH
MEMORISE:
For the turning away of the simple shall slay them, and the prosperity of fools shall destroy them.
Proverbs 1:32
READ:
Proverbs 8:32-36
8:32 Now therefore hearken unto me, O ye children: for blessed are they that keep my ways. 8:33 Hear instruction, and be wise, and refuse it not. 8:34 Blessed is the man that heareth me, watching daily at my gates, waiting at the posts of my doors. 8:35 For whoso findeth me findeth life, and shall obtain favour of the LORD. 8:36 But he that sinneth against me wrongeth his own soul: all they that hate me love death.
BIBLE IN ONE YEAR:
2 Kings 18, Daniel 8:1-14
MESSAGE
Rejecting wisdom is a pathway that leads to death. Any human endeavour that is not founded on wisdom will sooner or later die a natural death. This is the reason why the Bible says in Proverbs 4:7:
"Wisdom is the principal thing; therefore get wisdom: and with all thy getting get understanding."
Why does the absence of wisdom result in death? I believe the story of the fox, a cunning animal known for its wisdom, should suffice in illustrating this. The lion was feared as the king of all animals in the jungle. However, he had become terribly old and sick and could no longer chase down his prey, so he devised a scheme to help him get his bfood with ease. He caught a small rabbit and assured the rabbit that he would nhot kill it, if the rabbit would go and inform all the other animals in the jungle that he had changed from being wicked and was now very friendly. The rabbit delivered this message and soon enough, all the animals udecided to visit the lion one after the other to convey ntheir "get-well-soon" greetings to him. However, every animal that went did not return. When it was the fox's turn to visit, he did not jgo inside the lion's den; u rather, he stayed outside and greeted the lion from a distance. The lion said to the fox, "Oh my friend, Mr. Fox, you also came? That's very thoughtful of you; please come in! Why are you greeting me from so far away?" The fox replied, "O king of the jungle, live forever! I am okay outside here, thank you!" Startled, the lion asked, "How do you mean you are comfortable in the sun?" The fox answered, "To be frank with you, O king, I really doubt your sudden change of attitude, and I fear that you are not genuinely sick!" While the fox was saying all this, he kept retreating further and further away from the lion's den. "When I got here, I saw the footprint of those who came in to greet you, but I cannot see any footprints coming out!" said the fox, and he fled for his dear life. This was how wisdom preserved the fox from ending up in the belly of the lion.
I encourage you to embrace wisdom in all you do. God's word is the source of all wisdom, instilling godly fear in our hearts. A lover of wisdom is a lover of life, and to be wise is to embrace the principles of God's word and the type of lifestyle it teaches. Doing so means death will be far away from you. Is wisdom your friend?
PRAYER POINT:
Father, I believe in the effectiveness of Your wisdom to guarantee life, please fill me with the wisdom that distinguishes a person in all areas of endeavour.
HYMN 3
1. When we walk with the Lord
In the light of His word
What a glory He sheds on our way!
While we do His good will,
He abides with us still,
And with all who will trust and obey
Chorus:
Trust and obey,
For there's no other way
To be happy in Jesus,
But to trust and obey.
2. Not a shadow can rise,
Not a cloud in the skies,
But His smile quickly drives it away;
Not a doubt nor a fear
Not a sigh nor a tear,
Can abide while we trust and obey.
3. Not a burden we bear,
Not a sorrow we share
But our toil He doth richly repay;
Not a grief nor a loss,
Not a frown nor a cross,
But is blest if we trust and obey.
4. But we never can prove
The delights of His love
Until all on the altar we lay;
For the favour He shows,
And the joy He bestows,
Are for them who will trust and obey.
5. Then in fellowship sweet
We will sit at His feet,
Or we'll walk by His side in the way;
What He says we will do
Where He sends we will go
Never fear, only trust and obey.
Thursday, 26 September 2019
TRUE RICHES IN CHRIST
EVERYDAY IN THE WORD!
THURSDAY SEPTEMBER 26, 2019.
SUBJECT : TRUE RICHES ARE IN CHRIST!
Memory verse: “Because you say, ‘I am rich, have become wealthy, and have need of nothing’—and do not know that you are wretched, miserable, poor, blind, and naked." (Revelation 3 vs 17.)
READ: Luke 12 vs 15 - 21:
12:15: And He said to them, “Take heed, and beware of covetousness: for one's life does not consist in the abundance of the things he possesses.”
12:16: Then He spoke a parable to them, saying, “The ground of a certain rich man yielded plentifully.
12:17: And he thought within himself, saying, “What shall I do, since I have no room to store my crops?”
12:18: So he said, ‘I will do this: I will pull down my barns, and build greater, and there I will store all my crops and my goods.
12:19: And I will say to my soul, “Soul, you have much goods laid up for many years; take your ease, eat, drink, and be merry.”
12:20: But God said unto him, “Fool! this night your soul will be required of you: then whose will those things be, which you have provided?”
12:21: “So is he who lays up treasure for himself, and is not rich toward God.”
INTIMATION:
God’s measure of success is different from ours. Most people think that wealth is a sign of God’s approval, but true riches and good success is a function of our relationship and fellowship with Him. God calls us to faith, not to affluence. Character is more important to Him than our purses. Knowing this truth, we should be concerned about how we get our wealth. Some believers assume that numerous material possessions are a sign of God’s spiritual blessing.
In our contemporary society, people think that true riches connote having money, possessions, wealth, power and so on, hence their relentless desire to get ahead in pursuance of these things. But true riches are inherent in observing God's laws and being strong and courageous to obey, and follow His leading. You may not be rich by world's standards, but you will be rich in God's eyes, and His opinion is final and lasts forever. If you accumulate wealth only to enrich yourself, with no concern for helping others, you will enter eternity empty-handed. Jesus challenges us to think beyond earthbound goals and to use what we have been given for God’s kingdom. Faith, service, and obedience are the way to become rich toward God.
We find true wealth by developing our spiritual life, not by developing our financial assets. God is interested in what is lasting (our souls), not in what is temporary (our money and possessions). What you have in your heart, not your bank account, matters to God and endures for eternity.
The Scripture in Revelation 3 vs 17 - 18, Jesus said to the Laodiceans church, “Because you say, “I am rich, have become wealthy, and have need of nothing’—do not know that you are wretched, miserable, poor, blind, and naked—I counsel you to buy from Me gold refined in the fire, that you may be rich; and white garments, that you may be clothed, that the shame of your nakedness may not be revealed; and anoint your eyes with eye salve, that you may see.” Wealth, luxury, and ease can make people feel confident, satisfied, and complacent. But no matter how much you possess or how much money you make, you have nothing if you don’t have a vital relationship with Christ.
Laodicea was known for its great wealth. What the Laodiceans could see and buy had become more valuable to them than what is unseen and eternal. Christ told the Laodiceans to buy their gold from Him (real spiritual treasures). The city was proud of its cloth and dyeing industries; Christ told them to buy white garments from Him (His righteousness). Laodicea prided itself on its precious eye salve that healed many eye problems; Christ told them to buy salve for their eyes so they could see the truth (John 9 vs 39). Christ was showing the Laodiceans that true value was not in material possessions but in a right relationship with God. Their possessions and achievements were valueless compared with the everlasting future of Christ’s kingdom.
Jesus said, “Take heed and beware of covetousness, for one’s life does not consist in the abundance of the things he possess.” (Luke 12 vs 15.) Jesus says that the good life has nothing to do with being wealthy, the exact opposite of what society usually says. A truly fulfilled life is living in a relationship with God and doing His work. If you are trying to find fulfillment only through riches, wealth may be the only reward you will ever get—and it does not last. We should not seek comfort now at the expense of eternal life. Our heavenly rewards will be the most accurate reflection of what we have done on earth, and they will be far greater than we can imagine. How does your current level of wealth affect your spiritual desire? Instead of centering your life primarily on comfort and luxury, find your true riches in Christ.
Prayer: Abba Father, You have put eternity in our hearts. Engrace me to be eternity conscious that I may serve and obey You to obtain Your crown of life, in Jesus’ Name I have prayed. Amen.
PRAISE THE LORD!
THURSDAY SEPTEMBER 26, 2019.
SUBJECT : TRUE RICHES ARE IN CHRIST!
Memory verse: “Because you say, ‘I am rich, have become wealthy, and have need of nothing’—and do not know that you are wretched, miserable, poor, blind, and naked." (Revelation 3 vs 17.)
READ: Luke 12 vs 15 - 21:
12:15: And He said to them, “Take heed, and beware of covetousness: for one's life does not consist in the abundance of the things he possesses.”
12:16: Then He spoke a parable to them, saying, “The ground of a certain rich man yielded plentifully.
12:17: And he thought within himself, saying, “What shall I do, since I have no room to store my crops?”
12:18: So he said, ‘I will do this: I will pull down my barns, and build greater, and there I will store all my crops and my goods.
12:19: And I will say to my soul, “Soul, you have much goods laid up for many years; take your ease, eat, drink, and be merry.”
12:20: But God said unto him, “Fool! this night your soul will be required of you: then whose will those things be, which you have provided?”
12:21: “So is he who lays up treasure for himself, and is not rich toward God.”
INTIMATION:
God’s measure of success is different from ours. Most people think that wealth is a sign of God’s approval, but true riches and good success is a function of our relationship and fellowship with Him. God calls us to faith, not to affluence. Character is more important to Him than our purses. Knowing this truth, we should be concerned about how we get our wealth. Some believers assume that numerous material possessions are a sign of God’s spiritual blessing.
In our contemporary society, people think that true riches connote having money, possessions, wealth, power and so on, hence their relentless desire to get ahead in pursuance of these things. But true riches are inherent in observing God's laws and being strong and courageous to obey, and follow His leading. You may not be rich by world's standards, but you will be rich in God's eyes, and His opinion is final and lasts forever. If you accumulate wealth only to enrich yourself, with no concern for helping others, you will enter eternity empty-handed. Jesus challenges us to think beyond earthbound goals and to use what we have been given for God’s kingdom. Faith, service, and obedience are the way to become rich toward God.
We find true wealth by developing our spiritual life, not by developing our financial assets. God is interested in what is lasting (our souls), not in what is temporary (our money and possessions). What you have in your heart, not your bank account, matters to God and endures for eternity.
The Scripture in Revelation 3 vs 17 - 18, Jesus said to the Laodiceans church, “Because you say, “I am rich, have become wealthy, and have need of nothing’—do not know that you are wretched, miserable, poor, blind, and naked—I counsel you to buy from Me gold refined in the fire, that you may be rich; and white garments, that you may be clothed, that the shame of your nakedness may not be revealed; and anoint your eyes with eye salve, that you may see.” Wealth, luxury, and ease can make people feel confident, satisfied, and complacent. But no matter how much you possess or how much money you make, you have nothing if you don’t have a vital relationship with Christ.
Laodicea was known for its great wealth. What the Laodiceans could see and buy had become more valuable to them than what is unseen and eternal. Christ told the Laodiceans to buy their gold from Him (real spiritual treasures). The city was proud of its cloth and dyeing industries; Christ told them to buy white garments from Him (His righteousness). Laodicea prided itself on its precious eye salve that healed many eye problems; Christ told them to buy salve for their eyes so they could see the truth (John 9 vs 39). Christ was showing the Laodiceans that true value was not in material possessions but in a right relationship with God. Their possessions and achievements were valueless compared with the everlasting future of Christ’s kingdom.
Jesus said, “Take heed and beware of covetousness, for one’s life does not consist in the abundance of the things he possess.” (Luke 12 vs 15.) Jesus says that the good life has nothing to do with being wealthy, the exact opposite of what society usually says. A truly fulfilled life is living in a relationship with God and doing His work. If you are trying to find fulfillment only through riches, wealth may be the only reward you will ever get—and it does not last. We should not seek comfort now at the expense of eternal life. Our heavenly rewards will be the most accurate reflection of what we have done on earth, and they will be far greater than we can imagine. How does your current level of wealth affect your spiritual desire? Instead of centering your life primarily on comfort and luxury, find your true riches in Christ.
Prayer: Abba Father, You have put eternity in our hearts. Engrace me to be eternity conscious that I may serve and obey You to obtain Your crown of life, in Jesus’ Name I have prayed. Amen.
PRAISE THE LORD!
ACCEPT HIS TIMING
*ACCEPT HIS TIMING⚓*
*TODAY’S SCRIPTURE📖*
And let us not grow weary while doing good, for in due season we shall reap if we do not lose heart._
_*Galatians 6:9 KJV*_
And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not.
*TODAY’S WORD🍞*
I’d love to tell you that if you stay in faith, if you believe, GOD will always answer your prayer within twenty-four hours, or at least within the first week. But we know that’s not reality. GOD promises He will be true to His Word, but He never puts a timeframe on it. In fact, He tells us that we need patience to see the promises come to pass. Sure, it would be a lot easier if GOD told us when we were going to get well, when we would meet the right person, or when our child would straighten up. But the truth is, that wouldn’t take any faith. It takes faith to say, “GOD, I don’t know when You are going to do it, but I trust You enough to believe that You will do it, that the answer is already in my future.”
Today and every day let this be your prayer: “God, give me the grace to accept Your timing.” That means you’re asking for GOD’s strength, His supernatural empowerment to stand strong while you are waiting. Choose to keep believing, choose to praise Him, and choose to accept His timing, whether it’s twenty minutes or twenty years, knowing that what GOD promised He will bring to pass.
*A PRAYER FOR TODAY🙏*
Father, thank You for Your hand of favor, blessing and mercy on my life. You are good and faithful. Because of that I trust You. I trust Your love, and I trust Your timing in *JESUS*’ name. Amen Shalom good morning from evangelist OLATUNBOSUN BOSEDE ISAAC
*TODAY’S SCRIPTURE📖*
And let us not grow weary while doing good, for in due season we shall reap if we do not lose heart._
_*Galatians 6:9 KJV*_
And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not.
*TODAY’S WORD🍞*
I’d love to tell you that if you stay in faith, if you believe, GOD will always answer your prayer within twenty-four hours, or at least within the first week. But we know that’s not reality. GOD promises He will be true to His Word, but He never puts a timeframe on it. In fact, He tells us that we need patience to see the promises come to pass. Sure, it would be a lot easier if GOD told us when we were going to get well, when we would meet the right person, or when our child would straighten up. But the truth is, that wouldn’t take any faith. It takes faith to say, “GOD, I don’t know when You are going to do it, but I trust You enough to believe that You will do it, that the answer is already in my future.”
Today and every day let this be your prayer: “God, give me the grace to accept Your timing.” That means you’re asking for GOD’s strength, His supernatural empowerment to stand strong while you are waiting. Choose to keep believing, choose to praise Him, and choose to accept His timing, whether it’s twenty minutes or twenty years, knowing that what GOD promised He will bring to pass.
*A PRAYER FOR TODAY🙏*
Father, thank You for Your hand of favor, blessing and mercy on my life. You are good and faithful. Because of that I trust You. I trust Your love, and I trust Your timing in *JESUS*’ name. Amen Shalom good morning from evangelist OLATUNBOSUN BOSEDE ISAAC
Wednesday, 25 September 2019
POWER IN HIS WORD OPEN HEAVEN
OPEN HEAVENS BY PST. ENOCH .A. ADEBOYE
WEDNESDAY SEPTEMBER
25
POWER IN HIS WORD
MEMORISE:
All things were made by him; and without him was not any thing made that was made. John 1:3
READ:
Genesis 1:1-5
1:1 In the beginning God created the heaven and the earth. 1:2 And the earth was without form, and void; and darkness was upon the face of the deep. And the Spirit of God moved upon the face of the waters. 1:3 And God said, Let there be light: and there was light. 1:4 And God saw the light, that it was good: and God divided the light from the darkness. 1:5 And God called the light Day, and the darkness he called Night. And the evening and the morning were the first day.
BIBLE IN ONE YEAR:
2 Kings 16-17, & Daniel 7:13-28
MESSAGE:
Those who fail to live according to God's word don't realise that they cannot attain their full potential in life without the power in the word, which created all things in the universe. Going against God's word is like standing in the path of a moving train. Those who do this will only succeed in wreaking havoc on themselves now and in eternity. When an engine is used contrary to its manufacturer's guidelines, it breaks down. For example, if you try to run a diesel engine on petrol, you will only end up watching the money you spent in buying it go up in flames. This illustration describes what happens when a person goes contrary to God's word, either ignorantly or deliberately. Since all things were made by the word of God, it goes without saying that this same word has the power to repair and restore those things it created that have become faulty. Speaking on the restorative and curative power of the word, Psalm 107:20 says:
"He sent his word, and healed them, and delivered them from their destructions."
It is therefore not surprising that God always emphasises compliance with His word.
Genesis 1:2 reveals that before the creative power of God's word came into action, the earth was shapeless, empty and chaotic. However, when the omnipotent power of the word was released, the earth took good shape. Beloved, are you in despair because your life seems void and shapeless? If you allow God's word to operate in your life today, everything will turn around for the better. When God commanded that there should be light, light came into being. Those who live by God's word do not live in darkness, because Jesus is the Word of God and also the Light of the world (John 8:12). When He comes into your life, emptiness becomes history. For one reason or the other, some people have never experienced a good day since they were born. If they allow God's Word, in the person of Jesus, to dwell in them, they will have a testimony like the one Peter had. As a fisherman, Peter laboured all through the night, without catching any fish, but when he allowed Jesus into his boat, he had a net-breaking and boat-sinking catch of fish in the same place where he had earlier laboured and caught nothing (Luke 5:4-7). It is indeed God who gives power to get wealth, and this power is in His word (Deuteronomy 8:18, Joshua 1:8). The light that God's word gives is available to anyone groping in darkness. Remember, darkness is harmful, and so we need the light of God's word to illuminate our paths so that we do not stumble or fall in a ditch. Psalm 119:105 says:
"Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path."
Beloved, embrace the infallible word of God today, and it will do you good.
PRAYER POINT:
Father, let Your word be glorified in my life from now on in Jesus' Name.
HYMN 3:
1. When we walk with the Lord
In the light of His word
What a glory He sheds on our way!
While we do His good will,
He abides with us still,
And with all who will trust and obey
Chorus:
Trust and obey,
For there's no other way
To be happy in Jesus,
But to trust and obey.
2. Not a shadow can rise,
Not a cloud in the skies,
But His smile quickly drives it away;
Not a doubt nor a fear
Not a sigh nor a tear,
Can abide while we trust and obey.
3. Not a burden we bear,
Not a sorrow we share
But our toil He doth richly repay;
Not a grief nor a loss,
Not a frown nor a cross,
But is blest if we trust and obey.
4. But we never can prove
The delights of His love
Until all on the altar we lay;
For the favour He shows,
And the joy He bestows,
Are for them who will trust and obey.
5. Then in fellowship sweet
We will sit at His feet,
Or we'll walk by His side in the way;
What He says we will do
Where He sends we will go
Never fear, only trust and obey.
WEDNESDAY SEPTEMBER
25
POWER IN HIS WORD
MEMORISE:
All things were made by him; and without him was not any thing made that was made. John 1:3
READ:
Genesis 1:1-5
1:1 In the beginning God created the heaven and the earth. 1:2 And the earth was without form, and void; and darkness was upon the face of the deep. And the Spirit of God moved upon the face of the waters. 1:3 And God said, Let there be light: and there was light. 1:4 And God saw the light, that it was good: and God divided the light from the darkness. 1:5 And God called the light Day, and the darkness he called Night. And the evening and the morning were the first day.
BIBLE IN ONE YEAR:
2 Kings 16-17, & Daniel 7:13-28
MESSAGE:
Those who fail to live according to God's word don't realise that they cannot attain their full potential in life without the power in the word, which created all things in the universe. Going against God's word is like standing in the path of a moving train. Those who do this will only succeed in wreaking havoc on themselves now and in eternity. When an engine is used contrary to its manufacturer's guidelines, it breaks down. For example, if you try to run a diesel engine on petrol, you will only end up watching the money you spent in buying it go up in flames. This illustration describes what happens when a person goes contrary to God's word, either ignorantly or deliberately. Since all things were made by the word of God, it goes without saying that this same word has the power to repair and restore those things it created that have become faulty. Speaking on the restorative and curative power of the word, Psalm 107:20 says:
"He sent his word, and healed them, and delivered them from their destructions."
It is therefore not surprising that God always emphasises compliance with His word.
Genesis 1:2 reveals that before the creative power of God's word came into action, the earth was shapeless, empty and chaotic. However, when the omnipotent power of the word was released, the earth took good shape. Beloved, are you in despair because your life seems void and shapeless? If you allow God's word to operate in your life today, everything will turn around for the better. When God commanded that there should be light, light came into being. Those who live by God's word do not live in darkness, because Jesus is the Word of God and also the Light of the world (John 8:12). When He comes into your life, emptiness becomes history. For one reason or the other, some people have never experienced a good day since they were born. If they allow God's Word, in the person of Jesus, to dwell in them, they will have a testimony like the one Peter had. As a fisherman, Peter laboured all through the night, without catching any fish, but when he allowed Jesus into his boat, he had a net-breaking and boat-sinking catch of fish in the same place where he had earlier laboured and caught nothing (Luke 5:4-7). It is indeed God who gives power to get wealth, and this power is in His word (Deuteronomy 8:18, Joshua 1:8). The light that God's word gives is available to anyone groping in darkness. Remember, darkness is harmful, and so we need the light of God's word to illuminate our paths so that we do not stumble or fall in a ditch. Psalm 119:105 says:
"Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path."
Beloved, embrace the infallible word of God today, and it will do you good.
PRAYER POINT:
Father, let Your word be glorified in my life from now on in Jesus' Name.
HYMN 3:
1. When we walk with the Lord
In the light of His word
What a glory He sheds on our way!
While we do His good will,
He abides with us still,
And with all who will trust and obey
Chorus:
Trust and obey,
For there's no other way
To be happy in Jesus,
But to trust and obey.
2. Not a shadow can rise,
Not a cloud in the skies,
But His smile quickly drives it away;
Not a doubt nor a fear
Not a sigh nor a tear,
Can abide while we trust and obey.
3. Not a burden we bear,
Not a sorrow we share
But our toil He doth richly repay;
Not a grief nor a loss,
Not a frown nor a cross,
But is blest if we trust and obey.
4. But we never can prove
The delights of His love
Until all on the altar we lay;
For the favour He shows,
And the joy He bestows,
Are for them who will trust and obey.
5. Then in fellowship sweet
We will sit at His feet,
Or we'll walk by His side in the way;
What He says we will do
Where He sends we will go
Never fear, only trust and obey.
PRAYER
Morning Prayer:
John. 8 vs 10-11
When Jesus had lifted up himself, and saw none but the woman, he said unto her, Woman, where are those thine accusers? hath no man condemned thee?
She said, No man, Lord. And Jesus said unto her, Neither do I condemn thee: go, and sin no more.
Prayer:
Wherever we have been wrongly accused, the Almighty God will defend us in Jesus name, Amen. The Almighty God will scatter every gathering of household enemies, planning to condemn us before our benefactors in Jesus name, Amen.
We shall not be condemned in Jesus name, Amen.
Beautiful Morning
Shalom good morning from evangelist OLATUNBOSUN BOSEDE ISACC
John. 8 vs 10-11
When Jesus had lifted up himself, and saw none but the woman, he said unto her, Woman, where are those thine accusers? hath no man condemned thee?
She said, No man, Lord. And Jesus said unto her, Neither do I condemn thee: go, and sin no more.
Prayer:
Wherever we have been wrongly accused, the Almighty God will defend us in Jesus name, Amen. The Almighty God will scatter every gathering of household enemies, planning to condemn us before our benefactors in Jesus name, Amen.
We shall not be condemned in Jesus name, Amen.
Beautiful Morning
Shalom good morning from evangelist OLATUNBOSUN BOSEDE ISACC
OBSERVE TIMES OF SILENCE. BEFORE GOS
EVERYDAY IN THE WORD!
WEDNESDAY SEPTEMBER 25, 2019.
SUBJECT : OBSERVE TIMES OF SILENCE BEFORE GOD!
Memory verse: “For Thus says the Lord God, the Holy One of Israel: “In returning and rest you shall be saved; in quietness and confidence shall be your strength.” But you would not," (Isaiah 30 vs 15.)
READ: Psalm 46 vs 10; Revelation 8 vs 1 - 4:
Psalm 46:10: Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth!
Revelation 8:1: When He opened the seventh seal, there was silence in heaven for about half an hour.
8:2: And I saw the seven angels who stand before God; and to them were given seven trumpets.
8:3: Then another angel, having a golden censer, came and stood at the altar. He was given much incense, that he should offer it with the prayers of all saints upon the golden altar which was before the throne.
8:4: And the smoke of the incense, with the prayers of saints ascended before God from the angel's hand.
INTIMATION:
Silence is the state of remaining quiet and still; an absence of sound. This necessitates concentration and attentiveness. Observing a quiet or silent time before God is reverently honoring Him and His power and majesty. And concentration and attentiveness is a prerequisite for hearing God’s still small voice. How proper, then for us to be still in honor and reverence to Him, and in patience to hear from Him. Take time each day to be still and honor God. This is a command from God. In Psalm 46 vs 10, God said, “Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth!” God is exalted and reverenced in quietness, and His works are also done quietly.
In communing with God in prayers, often we dump our requests on Him, and end our prayers in Jesus’ name, without really waiting to hear from Him. We hardly allow Him to speak in the conversation, but do all the speaking while He listens. But we require to hear what He has to say to us. And when He speaks, we can only hear from Him in quietness because He speaks in a still small voice. We must wait for God “in quietness and confidence.” No amount of fast talking or hasty activity could speed up God’s grand design.
The Scripture recorded, in First Kings 19 vs 11 - 13, God’s revelation to prophet Elijah regarding how He speaks; “Then He said, “Go out, and stand on the mountain before the Lord.” And behold, the Lord passed by, and a great and strong wind tore into the mountain and broke the rocks in pieces before the Lord, but the Lord was not in the wind, and after the wind an earthquake, but the Lord was not in the earthquake; and after the earthquake a fire, but the Lord was not in the fire; and after the fire a still small voice. So it was, when Elijah heard it, that he wrapped his face in his mantle and went out and stood in the entrance of the cave. Suddenly a voice came to him, and said, ”What are you doing here Elijah?”
Elijah knew that the sound of a still small voice belonged to God. He realized that God doesn’t reveal Himself only in powerful, miraculous ways. To look for God only in something big (rallies, churches, conferences, highly visible leaders) may be to miss Him because He is often found gently whispering in the quietness of a humble heart. Are you listening for God? Step back from the noise and activity of your busy life and listen humbly and quietly for His guidance. It may come when you least expect it.
Our memory verse notes that when Christ opened the seventh seal, there was silence in heaven for about half an hour. With all the activity, this dramatic pause must have seemed to last for an eternity. During this time, the only activity was prayers of the saints (see Revelation 8 vs 3 - 4). We must seek God in times of silence. How proper for us to be quiet and honor God for His power and might. Take time each day to be silent and exalt God. Silence also conveys trust and confidence in God. We can trust God, and be peacefully confident that He will give us strength to face our difficulties, and provide the justice against oppressors that we seek.
The Scripture says, “But the Lord is in His Holy temple. Let all the earth keep silence before Him.” (Habakkuk 2 vs 20.) We who worship the living God come to Him in silent awe and reverence. In so doing we acknowledge that God is in control and knows what He is doing.
Prayer: Abba Father, endue me with the spirit of quietness and confidence in You, that I may humbly come to You daily in reverential silence, and hear You speak to me, in Jesus’ Name I have prayed. Amen.
PRAISE THE LORD!
WEDNESDAY SEPTEMBER 25, 2019.
SUBJECT : OBSERVE TIMES OF SILENCE BEFORE GOD!
Memory verse: “For Thus says the Lord God, the Holy One of Israel: “In returning and rest you shall be saved; in quietness and confidence shall be your strength.” But you would not," (Isaiah 30 vs 15.)
READ: Psalm 46 vs 10; Revelation 8 vs 1 - 4:
Psalm 46:10: Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth!
Revelation 8:1: When He opened the seventh seal, there was silence in heaven for about half an hour.
8:2: And I saw the seven angels who stand before God; and to them were given seven trumpets.
8:3: Then another angel, having a golden censer, came and stood at the altar. He was given much incense, that he should offer it with the prayers of all saints upon the golden altar which was before the throne.
8:4: And the smoke of the incense, with the prayers of saints ascended before God from the angel's hand.
INTIMATION:
Silence is the state of remaining quiet and still; an absence of sound. This necessitates concentration and attentiveness. Observing a quiet or silent time before God is reverently honoring Him and His power and majesty. And concentration and attentiveness is a prerequisite for hearing God’s still small voice. How proper, then for us to be still in honor and reverence to Him, and in patience to hear from Him. Take time each day to be still and honor God. This is a command from God. In Psalm 46 vs 10, God said, “Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth!” God is exalted and reverenced in quietness, and His works are also done quietly.
In communing with God in prayers, often we dump our requests on Him, and end our prayers in Jesus’ name, without really waiting to hear from Him. We hardly allow Him to speak in the conversation, but do all the speaking while He listens. But we require to hear what He has to say to us. And when He speaks, we can only hear from Him in quietness because He speaks in a still small voice. We must wait for God “in quietness and confidence.” No amount of fast talking or hasty activity could speed up God’s grand design.
The Scripture recorded, in First Kings 19 vs 11 - 13, God’s revelation to prophet Elijah regarding how He speaks; “Then He said, “Go out, and stand on the mountain before the Lord.” And behold, the Lord passed by, and a great and strong wind tore into the mountain and broke the rocks in pieces before the Lord, but the Lord was not in the wind, and after the wind an earthquake, but the Lord was not in the earthquake; and after the earthquake a fire, but the Lord was not in the fire; and after the fire a still small voice. So it was, when Elijah heard it, that he wrapped his face in his mantle and went out and stood in the entrance of the cave. Suddenly a voice came to him, and said, ”What are you doing here Elijah?”
Elijah knew that the sound of a still small voice belonged to God. He realized that God doesn’t reveal Himself only in powerful, miraculous ways. To look for God only in something big (rallies, churches, conferences, highly visible leaders) may be to miss Him because He is often found gently whispering in the quietness of a humble heart. Are you listening for God? Step back from the noise and activity of your busy life and listen humbly and quietly for His guidance. It may come when you least expect it.
Our memory verse notes that when Christ opened the seventh seal, there was silence in heaven for about half an hour. With all the activity, this dramatic pause must have seemed to last for an eternity. During this time, the only activity was prayers of the saints (see Revelation 8 vs 3 - 4). We must seek God in times of silence. How proper for us to be quiet and honor God for His power and might. Take time each day to be silent and exalt God. Silence also conveys trust and confidence in God. We can trust God, and be peacefully confident that He will give us strength to face our difficulties, and provide the justice against oppressors that we seek.
The Scripture says, “But the Lord is in His Holy temple. Let all the earth keep silence before Him.” (Habakkuk 2 vs 20.) We who worship the living God come to Him in silent awe and reverence. In so doing we acknowledge that God is in control and knows what He is doing.
Prayer: Abba Father, endue me with the spirit of quietness and confidence in You, that I may humbly come to You daily in reverential silence, and hear You speak to me, in Jesus’ Name I have prayed. Amen.
PRAISE THE LORD!
Tuesday, 24 September 2019
PRAY FOR YOUR LEADERS :OPEN HEAVEN
OPEN HEAVENS DAILY DEVOTIONAL
DATE: TUESDAY 24TH SEPTEMBER 2019
THEME: PRAY FOR YOUR LEADERS
MEMORISE:
Brethren, pray for us.
1 Thessalonians 5:25
READ: 2 Thessalonians 3:1-2
3:1 Finally, brethren, pray for us, that the word of the Lord may have free course, and be glorified, even as it is with you: 3:2 And that we may be delivered from unreasonable and wicked men: for all men have not faith.
MESSAGE
Prayer is such a potent weapon that can do and undo things in people's lives. It is so powerful that even the person praying cannot comprehend the extent of its reach. Those who walked with God in times past knew the importance of prayer, and this is what inspired Paul's request in today's memory verse. Even though he was a prayer warrior himself, he asked the brethren to continually pray for him and his team. Our Lord Jesus Christ also demonstrated the importance of prayer by often spending all night in prayer alone, encouraging His disciples also to be prayerful (Luke 18:1-8). In the Garden of Gethsemane, Jesus prayed for grace to accomplish the will of His Father and also asked His disciples to join Him in prayer, rebuking them when they did not do so. Matthew 26:38 & 40 says:
"Then saith he unto them, My soul is exceeding sorrowful, even unto death: tarry ye here, and watch with me... And he cometh unto the disciples, and findeth them asleep, and saith unto Peter, What, could ye not watch with me one hour?"
Paul also learnt from the Lord about the potency of corporate prayers, which is why he often craved prayers for himself and his team in his epistles. He believed that they could do nothing without God, and that God would do nothing without prayer, based on His principle in Matthew 7:7. On the surface, one would expect that pastors alone should pray for their flock, but in today's Bible reading, we see an apostle giving the Church at Thessalonica a prayer request that the Lord would have His way in the ministry He committed to them. He also asked the Church to pray for their deliverance from wicked men who did not believe in the gospel, trying their best to stop its spread. The Church is facing a lot of obstacles today because we are not praying enough like the early Church did. Peter would not have escaped King Herod's sword if the early Church was not fervent in prayers. The Lord answered their prayers by sending an angel to rescue him. Having witnessed the great impact of prayer, Apostle James wrote in James 5:16b, saying:
"The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much."
Beloved, we ought to continually pray for our leaders. The temptations and battles facing Christian leaders are beyond what members of the Church can imagine. We must therefore faithfully and consistently pray for our spiritual and secular leaders so that they may not make mistakes in governance, and so that we can live a peaceful and holy life in this world (1 Timothy 2:1-2). Spiritual leaders need our prayers to administer their responsibilities correctly, and in order not to disappoint God and betray the trust reposed in them by the Church. Furthermore, they need our prayers to finish well and strong. Are you praying for them?
ACTION POINT:
Make it an obligation to pray for the spiritual leaders God has set over you on a daily basis.
BIBLE IN ONE YEAR:
2 Kings 14-15, Daniel 7:1-12
AUTHOR: PASTOR E. A. ADEBOYE
HYMN 3: TRUST AND OBEY
1. When we walk with the Lord
In the light of His word
What a glory He sheds on our way!
While we do His good will,
He abides with us still,
And with all who will trust and obey
Chorus:
Trust and obey,
For there's no other way
To be happy in Jesus,
But to trust and obey.
2. Not a shadow can rise,
Not a cloud in the skies,
But His smile quickly drives it away;
Not a doubt nor a fear
Not a sigh nor a tear,
Can abide while we trust and obey.
3. Not a burden we bear,
Not a sorrow we share
But our toil He doth richly repay;
Not a grief nor a loss,
Not a frown nor a cross,
But is blest if we trust and obey.
4. But we never can prove
The delights of His love
Until all on the altar we lay;
For the favour He shows,
And the joy He bestows,
Are for them who will trust and obey.
5. Then in fellowship sweet
We will sit at His feet,
Or we'll walk by His side in the way;
What He says we will do
Where He sends we will go
Never fear, only trust and obey.contact
DATE: TUESDAY 24TH SEPTEMBER 2019
THEME: PRAY FOR YOUR LEADERS
MEMORISE:
Brethren, pray for us.
1 Thessalonians 5:25
READ: 2 Thessalonians 3:1-2
3:1 Finally, brethren, pray for us, that the word of the Lord may have free course, and be glorified, even as it is with you: 3:2 And that we may be delivered from unreasonable and wicked men: for all men have not faith.
MESSAGE
Prayer is such a potent weapon that can do and undo things in people's lives. It is so powerful that even the person praying cannot comprehend the extent of its reach. Those who walked with God in times past knew the importance of prayer, and this is what inspired Paul's request in today's memory verse. Even though he was a prayer warrior himself, he asked the brethren to continually pray for him and his team. Our Lord Jesus Christ also demonstrated the importance of prayer by often spending all night in prayer alone, encouraging His disciples also to be prayerful (Luke 18:1-8). In the Garden of Gethsemane, Jesus prayed for grace to accomplish the will of His Father and also asked His disciples to join Him in prayer, rebuking them when they did not do so. Matthew 26:38 & 40 says:
"Then saith he unto them, My soul is exceeding sorrowful, even unto death: tarry ye here, and watch with me... And he cometh unto the disciples, and findeth them asleep, and saith unto Peter, What, could ye not watch with me one hour?"
Paul also learnt from the Lord about the potency of corporate prayers, which is why he often craved prayers for himself and his team in his epistles. He believed that they could do nothing without God, and that God would do nothing without prayer, based on His principle in Matthew 7:7. On the surface, one would expect that pastors alone should pray for their flock, but in today's Bible reading, we see an apostle giving the Church at Thessalonica a prayer request that the Lord would have His way in the ministry He committed to them. He also asked the Church to pray for their deliverance from wicked men who did not believe in the gospel, trying their best to stop its spread. The Church is facing a lot of obstacles today because we are not praying enough like the early Church did. Peter would not have escaped King Herod's sword if the early Church was not fervent in prayers. The Lord answered their prayers by sending an angel to rescue him. Having witnessed the great impact of prayer, Apostle James wrote in James 5:16b, saying:
"The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much."
Beloved, we ought to continually pray for our leaders. The temptations and battles facing Christian leaders are beyond what members of the Church can imagine. We must therefore faithfully and consistently pray for our spiritual and secular leaders so that they may not make mistakes in governance, and so that we can live a peaceful and holy life in this world (1 Timothy 2:1-2). Spiritual leaders need our prayers to administer their responsibilities correctly, and in order not to disappoint God and betray the trust reposed in them by the Church. Furthermore, they need our prayers to finish well and strong. Are you praying for them?
ACTION POINT:
Make it an obligation to pray for the spiritual leaders God has set over you on a daily basis.
BIBLE IN ONE YEAR:
2 Kings 14-15, Daniel 7:1-12
AUTHOR: PASTOR E. A. ADEBOYE
HYMN 3: TRUST AND OBEY
1. When we walk with the Lord
In the light of His word
What a glory He sheds on our way!
While we do His good will,
He abides with us still,
And with all who will trust and obey
Chorus:
Trust and obey,
For there's no other way
To be happy in Jesus,
But to trust and obey.
2. Not a shadow can rise,
Not a cloud in the skies,
But His smile quickly drives it away;
Not a doubt nor a fear
Not a sigh nor a tear,
Can abide while we trust and obey.
3. Not a burden we bear,
Not a sorrow we share
But our toil He doth richly repay;
Not a grief nor a loss,
Not a frown nor a cross,
But is blest if we trust and obey.
4. But we never can prove
The delights of His love
Until all on the altar we lay;
For the favour He shows,
And the joy He bestows,
Are for them who will trust and obey.
5. Then in fellowship sweet
We will sit at His feet,
Or we'll walk by His side in the way;
What He says we will do
Where He sends we will go
Never fear, only trust and obey.contact
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