Open Heavens

Friday, September 18, 2020

Open Heavens Daily Devotional by Pastor E.A. Adeboye

 OPEN HEAVENS DAILY DEVOTIONAL


DATE: SATURDAY 19TH SEPTEMBER 2020.


THEME: BECOMING AN EXEMPLARY LEADER III.




MEMORISE:


Then spake Jesus again unto them, saying, I am the light of the world: he that followeth me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life.

John 8:12



READ: Genesis 11:4-5


4 And they said, Go to, let us build us a city and a tower, whose top may reach unto heaven; and let us make us a name, lest we be scattered abroad upon the face of the whole earth.


5 And the LORD came down to see the city and the tower, which the children of men builded.


MESSAGE:


We have seen that if you want your followers to have one language, then you must ensure the vision is big and clearly articulated from the onset.


If your vision is to ensure there is a restroom in every building in your city, people may not take you seriously as it may appear too simple a task. However, if your goal is audacious like that of Barack Obama- the first black President of the United States of America, the people would follow you with all their heart.


God-given vison usually seem impossible to achieve; however, He is able to fulfil whatever He has promised (Romans 4:21). A vision worth pursuing is that which appears impossible to achieve. If for nothing else, people will follow to see if it will actually be achieved.


One day in 1988, I announced we were going to hold a crusade in Lagos where four million people would be in attendance. It really looked impossible, bu at the end, we discovered over six million people attended. Of course, while many did come to be part of the big vision, some came to see if we would actually have the projected attendance. People were so many that not all could see or hear what was happening on the altar, but they stayed until the end because it was a vision that was worth becoming a part of.


The crowd attracted international media and ever since, we have had gatherings with even larger numbers by God’s grace. I know the power of God has always drawn people to our programmes; however, it is proven that if your vision appears impossible, you will attract attention. The vision of the people in Genesis 11:5 was so big that it got God’s attention.


“And the LORD came down to see the city and the tower, which the children of men builded.”


Can your vision attract God’s attention? If people don’t see your vision as impossible, then you need to rethink it.



KEY POINT:


The vision worth following is one that seems impossible to achieve.



BIBLE IN ONE YEAR: Haggai 1-2.



AUTHOR: PASTOR E. A. ADEBOYE 



HYMN 29: WHAT A FRIEND WE HAVE IN JESUS.


1. What a friend we have in Jesus,

All our sins and griefs to bear!

What a privilege to carry

Everything to God in prayer!

Oh, what peace we often forfeit,

Oh, what needless pain we bear,

All because we do not carry

Everything to God in prayer!


2. Have we trials and temptations?

Is there trouble anywhere?

We should never be discouraged—

Take it to the Lord in prayer.

Can we find a friend so faithful,

Who will all our sorrows share?

Jesus knows our every weakness;

Take it to the Lord in prayer.


3. Are we weak and heavy-laden,

Cumbered with a load of care?

Precious Savior, still our refuge—

Take it to the Lord in prayer.

Do thy friends despise, forsake thee?

Take it to the Lord in prayer!

In His arms He’ll take and shield thee,

Thou wilt find a solace there.


4. Blessed Savior, Thou hast promised

Thou wilt all our burdens bear;

May we ever, Lord, be bringing

All to Thee in earnest prayer.

Soon in glory bright, unclouded,

There will be no need for prayer—

Rapture, praise, and endless worship

Will be our sweet portion there.

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