Open Heavens

Tuesday, August 9, 2022

Open Heavens Daily Devotional by Pastor E.A. Adeboye

OPEN HEAVENS DAILY DEVOTIONAL 


DATE: WEDNESDAY AUGUST 10TH, 2022.


THEME: LETTER TO THE SMYRNAN CHURCH I


MEMORISE: 

For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, saith the LORD.

Isaiah 55:8 


READ: Revelation 2:8 -10

8 And unto the angel of the church in Smyrna write; These things saith the first and the last, which was dead, and is alive;


9 I know thy works, and tribulation, and poverty, (but thou art rich) and I know the blasphemy of them which say they are Jews, and are not, but are the synagogue of Satan.


10 Fear none of those things which thou shalt suffer: behold, the devil shall cast some of you into prison, that ye may be tried; and ye shall have tribulation ten days: be thou faithful unto death, and I will give thee a crown of life.


MESSAGE

You may wonder if the Smyrna Church offended God, because He kept talking about them going through tribulations and being cast into prison without saying He would rescue them at any point. This letter in the wholeness, gives us a little insight into how God thinks.


Firstly, while it may seem like God cannot see when His children are being persecuted, He knows it all and He has a crown waiting for you if you endure to the end. Secondly, because Jesus knew that some of them would die as a result of persecution, He introduced Himself to them as the One who was dead and is alive. Jesus always relates with us based on what we are going through. He approaches us by letting us know that He has been through that situation before and overcame it. Hebrews 4:15 says:

“For we have not an high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin.”


Whatever it is that you are going through now, Jesus has been through it before, and He overcame. You will also overcome in Jesus' name. Sometimes persecution can come from so-called Christians too. Jesus says you should remain faithful, nonetheless. No matter what these people do, you are to look up to Him who is the author and finisher of your faith (Hebrews 12:2).


Finally, we see God’s perspective of riches. Though these people seemed to be living in poverty, Jesus said "but though art rich" (Revelation 2:9). To man, the rich ones are those with the big cars and houses, but to God, the rich are those with great faith. 2 Corinthians 6:10 says that these are people who, though they may be poor, are rich because they are making others rich. These are the people storing up treasures in Heaven by using all they have to spread the gospel of God's kingdom (Matthew 6:19-20). This is not to say that it is a sin to be rich materially, after all, God said He is the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob (Exodus 3:6) and these were all wealthy men. Understand that no matter how much money you have, you must never see financial wealth as your riches. You are rich when you are rich in faith.


ACTION POINT 

I challenge you to build your faith up so much that even Jesus Christ Himself would testify that you are rich in faith.


BIBLE IN ONE YEAR: Isaiah 10-13


AUTHOR: PASTOR E.A. ADEBOYE 


HYMN 2: CONQUERORS AND OVERCOMERS NOW WE ARE

1 Conquerors and overcomers now are we,

Thro’ the precious blood of Christ we’ve victory,

If the Lord be for us, we can never fail;

Nothing ‘gainst his mighty pow’r can e’er prevail.


Refrain:

Conquerors are we, thro’ the blood, thro’ the blood;

God will give us victory, thro’ the blood, thro’ the blood,

Thro’ the Lamb for sinners slain,

Yet who lives and reigns again,

More than conquerors are we,

More than conquerors are we.


2 In the name of Israel’s God we’ll onward press,

Overcoming sin and all unrighteousness;

Not to us, but unto him the praise shall be,

For salvation and for blood-bought victory. 


3 Unto him that overcometh shall be giv’n

Here to eat of hidden manna sent from heav’n;

Over yonder he the victor’s palm shall bear,

And a robe of white, and golden crown shall wear.

Open Heavens Prayer Points

PRAYER POINTS ON TODAY'S OPEN HEAVENS: 


(Tuesday, August 9, 2022) 


LETTER TO THE EPHESUS CHURCH 2 


Special Note.


These prayer points are not written by Pastor E. A. Adeboye,. but by one of his numerous disciples, of Christ, who was inspired and mandated by the Holy Spirit, effective, January 1st, 2015, to start writing these prayer points, based on the Open Heavens Daily Devotional, authored by Pastor E. A. Adeboye.


Some of the prayer points are deep spiritually and may not be understood by carnal minds.


If you want to be blessed from these prayer points, you must first, surrender Your life, to the Lord Jesus Christ, Himself, by saying this prayer:


“Lord Jesus, I come to You with a deeply repentant heart, please, forgive me all my sins. I surrender my life to you, today, and, I accept You, as my personal Lord and Saviour. Please, come into my life and save my soul from eternal destruction in hell fire. In Jesus' name, I pray.”


Prayer Points: 


1 Thank You, Father, for Your promise that the gates of hell will not prevail over Your church.


2.Father, in anyway I have fallen short of your glory, please, have mercy and forgive me; let Your mercy prevail over any judgement of sin in my life, in Jesus' name.


3.Father, let Your fire consume every spirit of lukewarmness in my life and in the body of Christ, in Jesus' name.


4.Father, let Your fire consume every spirit of hypocrisy and eye service, in Your church, in Jesus' name.


5.Father, heal every inch of backsliding in my life and in Your church, in Jesus' name.


6.Father, restore unto me the joy of Your salvation and renew the right spirit within me, in Jesus' name.


 7.O Lord, open thou my lips; and my mouth shall shew forth Your praise.


8.Father, give me the grace to love You with all my heart, soul and spirit, and to  go back to my first works;  please, renew my zeal, dedication and commitment to Your work,  in Jesus' name.


9.Father, rekindle the fire of Your revival in my life, in my family  and in the body of Christ, in Jesus' name.


10.Father, bless your son, Pastor Enoch Adejare Adeboye;  and, bless his ministry and home forever, in Jesus' name.


11.Father, bless Your son that You have been using to prepare these prayer points, beyond measures, and all those who have been rebroadcasting them, in Jesus' name.


12.Father, let every challenge, hindrance and obstacle of getting these prayer points across to Your children, timely, and on daily basis be removed, in Jesus' name.


13.Your Personal petitions.

( Philippians 4:6)


14.In Jesus' name I pray.

(John 14:13-14; 15:16)


15.Thank you Father for answered prayers.

(1 Thessalonians 5:18).


#GodBlessOurNation


These prayers have no expiry dates! Please, pray them, irrespective of the time they get to you. Remain blessed, in Jesus' name.


Kindly, purchase your own hard copy or online version of the Open Heavens devotional & buy for your friends too, as a potent evangelism tool. God bless you, as you sow, into Pastor E.A. Adeboye's book Ministry, in Jesus' name.


Note:

You may not add, subtract or rearrange these prayer points. The Holy Spirit is the author, though He used someone, who, out of humility has refused to take glory for it, by not putting his name. It is plagiarism to use, or pass as your own, someone's else writing or work. The original author of these prayer points is the Holy Spirit. So, share, but don't share His glory with Him in the process. Remain blessed, as you obey, in Jesus' name.

Open Heavens Daily Devotional by Pastor E.A. Adeboye

OPEN HEAVENS DAILY DEVOTIONAL


DATE: MONDAY AUGUST 8TH, 2022.


THEME: LETTER TO THE EPHESUS CHURCH I


MEMORISE:  

And said, O LORD God of Israel, there is no God like thee in the heaven, nor in the earth; which keepest covenant, and shewest mercy unto thy servants, that walk before thee with all their hearts: 

2 Chronicles 6:14


READ: Revelation 2:1 -3

1 Unto the angel of the church of Ephesus write; These things saith he that holdeth the seven stars in his right hand, who walketh in the midst of the seven golden candlesticks;


2 I know thy works, and thy labour, and thy patience, and how thou canst not bear them which are evil: and thou hast tried them which say they are apostles, and are not, and hast found them liars:


3 And hast borne, and hast patience, and for my name's sake hast laboured, and hast not fainted.


MESSAGE

The first thing Jesus said to the Ephesus Church, after introducing Himself to them is:


*I know thy works, and thy labor, and thy patience, and how thou canst not bear them which were evil: and thou hast try them which says they are apostles, and are not, and has found them liars:*

Revelation 2:2


God is watching us closely. He can see it all! He said that members of the Ephesus church did not tolerate sinners. They were separate (2 Corinthians 6:17). Are you comfortable amongst sinners? The Bible asks “what has light gotten to do with darkness”? if you choose a business partner who is not born again, he could be brandishing charm under the table where no one can see him. You would then be wondering why God is not answering your prayers, without knowing that evil spirits have been invited into your business.


Jesus also commended the church for trying the people who came to them claiming to be apostles and finding the fake ones to be liars. When Paul was about to leave the Ephesians, he said:

*“For I know this, that after my departing shall grievous wolves enter among you, not sparing the flocks.* Also of your own self shall men arise, speaking perverse things, to draw away disciples after them”   Acts 20: 29-30.


Paul warned them of false prophets, and they immediately started trying whoever claim to be sent by God to them. This tell us that the member of this church were not just hearers of the word but doers also. If these people have not acted on Paul's admonition to them, only God knows the kind of doctrine that could have enter the church. It is because of this admonition that Jesus said they hated the Nicolaitans. The Nicolaitans are those who preach that once you are saved, you are forever saved- the false grace preachers. The Ephesus church never believed their lies because they tested spirit before even listening to any preacher. You will only fall for false doctrines if you don’t test all spirits.


PRAYER POINT

Father, give me the gift of the discerning of spirits so that I don't fall prey to wrong doctrines.


BIBLE IN ONE YEAR: Isaiah 1-5


AUTHOR: PASTOR E.A. ADEBOYE 


HYMN 3: DEEPER DEEPER IN THE LOVE OF JESUS

1 Deeper, deeper in the love of Jesus

Daily let me go;

Higher, higher in the school of wisdom,

More of grace to know.


Refrain:

Oh, deeper yet, I pray,

And higher ev'ry day,

And wiser, blessed Lord,

In Thy precious, holy word.


2 Deeper, deeper! blessed Holy Spirit,

Take me deeper still,

drsTill my life is wholly lost in Jesus,

And His perfect will.]


3 Deeper, deeper! tho' it cost hard trials,

S let me go!

Rooted in the holy love of Jesus,

Let me fruitful grow. 


4 Deeper, higher, ev'ry day in Jesus,

Till all conflict past,

Finds me conqu’ror, and in His own image

Perfected at last.

Open Heavens Daily Devotional by Pastor E.A. Adeboye

OPEN HEAVENS DAILY DEVOTIONAL


DATE: TUESDAY AUGUST 9TH, 2022.


THEME: LETTER TO THE EPHESUS CHURCH II.


MEMORISE:  Matthew 15:8

 This people draweth nigh unto me with their mouth, and honoureth me with their lips; but their heart is far from me.


READ: Revelation 2:4-7

4 Nevertheless I have somewhat against thee, because thou hast left thy first love.


5 Remember therefore from whence thou art fallen, and repent, and do the first works; or else I will come unto thee quickly, and will remove thy candlestick out of his place, except thou repent.


6 But this thou hast, that thou hatest the deeds of the Nicolaitanes, which I also hate.


7 He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches; To him that overcometh will I give to eat of the tree of life, which is in the midst of the paradise of God.



MESSAGE

You wonder how Jesus would say that the Ephesus church had forgotten their first love after saying that He had seen their works, labour and patience (Revelation 2;4). This tells us clearly that all the labour that these people were putting into the work of God was not from their heart. It had all become routine and there was no longer a deep fellowship between them and the Holy spirit.


Many Christians today fall into this trap of the devil. When they are in prayer meeting, they can pray for two hours, but they can hardly pray for 5 minutes in their closets. When the church evangelism team goes out to evangelize, they are the first to arrive, but they have never opened their mouth to preach the gospel to their neighbors who is an unbeliever. Oh! Gone are those days when you would arrive in church only to be told by the pastor that you would be the one to preach that morning, days when every Christian was a soldier, ever ready for the use of his Master. These days, the Pastor has to pray hard, and give enough notice before he can ask a member to lend the church their car for an assignment. Sadly, the love of many has waxed cold. Is it your love for God that pushes you to the things you do for Him, or do you do them just as a normal duty you have in church? Are you still bubbling with that first love you had when you first gave your life to Christ or is your Christianity now a bunch of activities?


Remember therefore from whence thou art fallen, and repent, and do the first works; or else I will come unto thee quickly, and will remove thy candlestick out of his place, except thou repent.

Revelation 2:5 


At the beginning of the letter, Jesus said He has seen their works. In verse 5 above, He says they should return to their first works.


There is the work you do mechanically, without being driven by love for God and there is the work you as a result of your love for Him.. Jesus is telling you today to return to your first love, to do the first works that were driven by that love. It could be the same activity, but the works must now be backed by love.


REFLECTION 

Ask yourself, "What drives me to do the work of God?"


BIBLE IN ONE YEAR: Isaiah 6-9


AUTHOR: PASTOR E.A. ADEBOYE 


HYMN 3: DEEPER DEEPER IN THE LOVE OF JESUS

1 Deeper, deeper in the love of Jesus

Daily let me go;

Higher, higher in the school of wisdom,

More of grace to know.


Refrain

Oh, deeper yet, I pray,

And higher ev'ry day,

And wiser, blessed Lord,

In Thy precious, holy word.


2 Deeper, deeper! blessed Holy Spirit,

Take me deeper still,

Till my life is wholly lost in Jesus,

And His perfect will. 


3 Deeper, deeper! tho' it cost hard trials,

Deeper let me go!

Rooted in the holy love of Jesus,

Let me fruitful grow. 


4 Deeper, higher, ev'ry day in Jesus,

Till all conflict past,

Finds me conqu’ror, and in His own image

Perfected at last.

Sunday, August 7, 2022

Open Heavens Prayer Points

PRAYER POINTS ON TODAY'S OPEN HEAVENS: 


(Sunday, August 7, 2022) 


LETTER TO THE CHURCHES 


Special Note.


These prayer points are not written by Pastor E. A. Adeboye,. but by one of his numerous disciples, of Christ, who was inspired and mandated by the Holy Spirit, effective, January 1st, 2015, to start writing these prayer points, based on the Open Heavens Daily Devotional, authored by Pastor E. A. Adeboye.


Some of the prayer points are deep spiritually and may not be understood by carnal minds.


If you want to be blessed from these prayer points, you must first, surrender Your life, to the Lord Jesus Christ, Himself, by saying this prayer:


“Lord Jesus, I come to You with a deeply repentant heart, please, forgive me all my sins. I surrender my life to you, today, and, I accept You, as my personal Lord and Saviour. Please, come into my life and save my soul from eternal destruction in hell fire. In Jesus' name, I pray.”


Prayer Points: 


1.I worship and adore You, my Father, You're the Alpha and the Omega, the beginning and the end, the first and the last.


2.Father, You're He who was, who is, and who is to come; You're the Almighty God.


3.Thank You, Father, for Your promise that the gates of hell shall not prevail over Your Church.


4.Father, in anyway I have fallen short of your glory, please, have mercy and forgive me; let Your mercy prevail over any judgement of sin in my life, in Jesus' name.


5.Father, please, give me and the entire body of Christ the grace to do Your perfect will, in Jesus' name.


6.Father, as a Christian and one of the leaders in Your church, please, don't let me ever compromise Your standard, for the filthy lucre of this world, in Jesus' name.


7.Father, let my life and lifestyle be such that will not bring shame and reproach to Your church or holy name, in Jesus' name.


8.Father, when I shall stand before Your throne of judgment, to give account of my stewardship, please, don't let me be found wanting, in Jesus' name.


9.Father, please, let me be rewarded for all my labours of love in Your vineyard, in Jesus' name.


10.Father, bless your son, Pastor Enoch Adejare Adeboye;  and, bless his ministry and home forever, in Jesus' name.


11.Father, bless Your son that You have been using to prepare these prayer points, beyond measures, and all those who have been rebroadcasting them, in Jesus' name.


12.Father, let every challenge, hindrance and obstacle of getting these prayer points across to Your children, timely, and on daily basis be removed, in Jesus' name.


13.Your Personal petitions.

( Philippians 4:6)


14.In Jesus' name I pray.

(John 14:13-14; 15:16)


15.Thank you Father for answered prayers.

(1 Thessalonians 5:18).


#GodBlessOurNation


These prayers have no expiry dates! Please, pray them, irrespective of the time they get to you. Remain blessed, in Jesus' name.


Kindly, purchase your own hard copy or online version of the Open Heavens devotional & buy for your friends too, as a potent evangelism tool. God bless you, as you sow, into Pastor E.A. Adeboye's book Ministry, in Jesus' name.


Note:

You may not add, subtract or rearrange these prayer points. The Holy Spirit is the author, though He used someone, who, out of humility has refused to take glory for it, by not putting his name. It is plagiarism to use, or pass as your own, someone's else writing or work. The original author of these prayer points is the Holy Spirit. So, share, but don't share His glory with Him in the process. Remain blessed, as you obey, in Jesus' name.

Saturday, August 6, 2022

Open Heavens Daily Devotional by Pastor E.A. Adeboye

OPEN HEAVENS DAILY DEVOTIONAL


DATE: SUNDAY AUGUST  7TH, 2022.


THEME: LETTER TO THE CHURCHES.


MEMORISE:  

The mystery of the seven stars which thou sawest in my right hand, and the seven golden candlesticks. The seven stars are the angels of the seven churches: and the seven candlesticks which thou sawest are the seven churches. 

Revelation 1:20


READ: Revelation 1:10 -20

10 I was in the Spirit on the Lord's day, and heard behind me a great voice, as of a trumpet,


11 Saying, I am Alpha and Omega, the first and the last: and, What thou seest, write in a book, and send it unto the seven churches which are in Asia; unto Ephesus, and unto Smyrna, and unto Pergamos, and unto Thyatira, and unto Sardis, and unto Philadelphia, and unto Laodicea.


12 And I turned to see the voice that spake with me. And being turned, I saw seven golden candlesticks;


13 And in the midst of the seven candlesticks one like unto the Son of man, clothed with a garment down to the foot, and girt about the paps with a golden girdle.


14 His head and his hairs were white like wool, as white as snow; and his eyes were as a flame of fire;


15 And his feet like unto fine brass, as if they burned in a furnace; and his voice as the sound of many waters.


16 And he had in his right hand seven stars: and out of his mouth went a sharp twoedged sword: and his countenance was as the sun shineth in his strength.


17 And when I saw him, I fell at his feet as dead. And he laid his right hand upon me, saying unto me, Fear not; I am the first and the last:


18 I am he that liveth, and was dead; and, behold, I am alive for evermore, Amen; and have the keys of hell and of death.


19 Write the things which thou hast seen, and the things which are, and the things which shall be hereafter;


20 The mystery of the seven stars which thou sawest in my right hand, and the seven golden candlesticks. The seven stars are the angels of the seven churches: and the seven candlesticks which thou sawest are the seven churches.


MESSAGE

We see in our Bible reading, today that Jesus Christ was about to dictate letters for John to write and deliver to seven Churches. The Almighty God chose these seven Churches because represent all the strengths and weaknesses of Christians all through the ages. In the next few days, we will be looking at each of these letters and drawing lessons from them because they are meant for the body of Christ in general and also for the individuals’ that make up the church. Thus, we should them as letters from your husband to you – Christ is the husband of the church as we are his bride.


The statement, he that have an ear should let him hear (Revelation 2:7. 11. 17.29, 3:6. 13. 22) makes it clear that He is talking to individuals. On judgment day, you will get the reward of your works here on earth, regardless of which church you were attending.


When John turn to see the voice that spoke to him, there were seven candlesticks representing the churches and, in their midst, he saw Jesus (Revelation 1:12-13). This tells us that Jesus is in the midst of the churches. Jesus is in our midst in the Redeemed Christian Church of God and other every other churches of God out there. Halleluyah.


As soothing as this information is, it should also bring fear to those who are not doing His will. He is right there in your midst and can see all the atrocities that you are committing in the church. On the other hand, He can see all faithful ones and He has a reward for everyone according to their works. What reward does Jesus has for you?


John also saw seven stars in the hand of Jesus and these seven stars are the angel of the churches. Since it is the angel of these churches that the letters were addressed to (Revelation 2:1), it means these were the leaders of the churches – the Pastors. The Pastors are in His hands. This is why He says that you should not touch his anointed and do his prophet no harm (Psalm 105 :15).


If you are a pastor, ensure that you do not bring abomination into his vineyard so that you will not be crushed by His everlasting hands.


REFLECTION 

Based on your works so far, what kind of reward do you think Jesus has prepared for you.

Click here for TODAY'S OPEN HEAVENS PRAYER POINTS 

BIBLE IN ONE YEAR: Songs 3- 8


AUTHOR: PASTOR E.A. ADEBOYE 


HYMN 14: NEARER MY GOD TO THEE

1. Nearer, my God, to thee,

Nearer to thee!

E’en though it be a cross

That raiseth me.

Still all my song shall be

Nearer, my God, to thee,

Nearer, my God, to thee,

Nearer to thee!


2. Though like the wanderer,

The sun gone down,

Darkness be over me,

My rest a stone,

Yet in my dreams I’d be

Nearer, my God, to thee,

Nearer, my God, to thee,

Nearer to thee!


3. There let the way appear,

Steps unto heav’n;

All that thou sendest me,

In mercy giv’n;

Angels to beckon me

Nearer, my God, to thee,

Nearer, my God, to thee,

Nearer to thee!


4. Then with my waking thoughts

Bright with thy praise,

Out of my stony griefs

Bethel I’ll raise;

So by my woes to be

Nearer, my God, to thee,

Nearer, my God, to thee,

Nearer to thee!


5. Or if, on joyful wing

Cleaving the sky,

Sun, moon, and stars forgot,

Upward I fly,

Still all my song shall be

Nearer, my God, to thee,

Nearer, my God, to thee,

Nearer to thee

Friday, August 5, 2022

Open Heavens Daily Devotional by Pastor E.A. Adeboye

OPEN HEAVENS DAILY DEVOTIONAL


DATE: SATURDAY AUGUST 6TH, 2022.


THEME: SET IN YOUR WAYS


MEMORISE:  

For as I passed by, and beheld your devotions, I found an altar with this inscription, TO THE UNKNOWN GOD. Whom therefore ye ignorantly worship, him declare I unto you. 

Acts 17:23


READ: Acts 10:9 -20

9 On the morrow, as they went on their journey, and drew nigh unto the city, Peter went up upon the housetop to pray about the sixth hour:


10 And he became very hungry, and would have eaten: but while they made ready, he fell into a trance,


11 And saw heaven opened, and a certain vessel descending unto him, as it had been a great sheet knit at the four corners, and let down to the earth:


12 Wherein were all manner of fourfooted beasts of the earth, and wild beasts, and creeping things, and fowls of the air.


13 And there came a voice to him, Rise, Peter; kill, and eat.


14 But Peter said, Not so, Lord; for I have never eaten any thing that is common or unclean.


15 And the voice spake unto him again the second time, What God hath cleansed, that call not thou common.


16 This was done thrice: and the vessel was received up again into heaven.


17 Now while Peter doubted in himself what this vision which he had seen should mean, behold, the men which were sent from Cornelius had made enquiry for Simon's house, and stood before the gate,


18 And called, and asked whether Simon, which was surnamed Peter, were lodged there.


19 While Peter thought on the vision, the Spirit said unto him, Behold, three men seek thee.


20 Arise therefore, and get thee down, and go with them, doubting nothing: for I have sent them.


MESSAGE

God can move in different ways so we cannot put Him in a box. He can also change His mind once in a while when certain conditions are met. In Matthew 15:22-28, a gentile woman came to meet Him asking for healing for her daughter and He ignored her because she was not a Jew. This woman persisted and met the condition of faith. Jesus then changed His mind and healed her daughter, by virtue of her faith.


In John 4:7-30, the Lord Jesus met a Samaritan woman and decided to talk to her about salvation. In those days, the Jews considered Samaritans unclean and had no dealings with them, but here was Jesus Christ Himself preaching to a Samaritan woman. The Samaritan woman became an evangelist, bringing people to meet with Jesus Christ.


God could change the way He does things while leaving the end goal constant. It is, however, surprising that many Christians are set in their ways. When you are set in your ways, you limit how much God can use you.


The Redeemed Christian Church of God is where it is today because we refused to be set in our ways. When I decided to introduce musical instruments in the early days of the Church, some of the elders were opposed to it, but I showed them Psalm 150:3-5, where musical instruments were used to praise God in the Scriptures, and they yielded. Later on, we decided to start model parishes where people who want more comfortable Church environments can worship. In every country of the world that we get to, we don’t insist on doing things the same way we do in Nigeria. For example, the Holy Ghost Service is called the Festival of Life in many other countries because they are afraid of the word ‘Ghost’. Thus, we have been able to reach millions more people for Christ.


Once the goal is carefully spelt out, don’t be rigid in the way it is achieved as long as you are not going against the will of God.  Paul saw the people worshipping an unknown God; he did not say “Throw this god away and I will introduce you to another”; rather, he said “I want to help you to know this unknown God”. It was the same goal of winning souls, but different methods.


KEY POINT

When you are set in your ways, you limit how much God can use you. 


BIBLE IN ONE YEAR: Ecclesiastes 9- Songs 2


AUTHOR: PASTOR E.A. ADEBOYE 


HYMN 8: I'M PRESSING ON THE UPWARD WAY

1 I’m pressing on the upward way,

New heights I’m gaining every day;

Still praying as I onward bound,

“Lord, plant my feet on higher ground.”

 

Refrain:

Lord, lift me up, and let me stand

By faith on Canaan’s tableland;

A higher plane than I have found,

Lord, plant my feet on higher ground.


2 My heart has no desire to stay

Where doubts arise and fears dismay;

Though some may dwell where these abound,

My prayer, my aim, is higher ground.


3 I want to live above the world,

Though Satan’s darts at me are hurled;

For faith has caught the joyful sound, 

The song of saints on higher ground.


4 I want to scale the utmost height

And catch a gleam of glory bright;

But still I’ll pray till rest I’ve found,

“Lord, lead me on to higher ground.”