Psalms 40:14 (KJV) Let them be ashamed and confounded together that seek after my soul to destroy it; let them be driven backward and put to shame that wish me evil. May the Lord watch over you, put to confusion those with evil plans against you and keep you high that none of their effort can get to you in Jesus mighty name.
OPEN HEAVENS DAILY DEVOTIONAL
DATE: FRIDAY OCTOBER 6TH, 2023.
THEME: CALL HIM BY HIS NAMES
MEMORISE:
O Lord, thou art my God; I will exalt thee, I will praise thy name; for thou hast done wonderful things; thy counsels of old are faithfulness and truth.
Isaiah 25:1
READ:
Philippians 2:9-10
9 Wherefore God also hath highly exalted him, and given him a name which is above every name:
10 That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of things in heaven, and things in earth, and things under the earth;
MESSAGE:
Jesus clearly loves names and according to our Bible reading today, His name is above all other names. Jesus calls Himself several names, some of which include 'the Son of man' (Matthew 18:11), 'the Door' (John 10:7), 'Bread of life' (John 6:35) and sometimes, He would even combine several names together. For example, He combined two names in John 11:25, three names in John 14:6, five names in Isaiah 9:6 and eight names in Revelation 1:8.
Everybody knows God as God, but when people get closer to Him, they begin to have other names for Him that are borne out of their experiences with Him. For example, in Genesis 22:14, Abraham came up with 'Jehovah Jireh' because God miraculously provided a lamb when he needed to make a sacrifice. In Exodus 17:15, Moses came up with 'Jehovah Nissi' because God helped them win the battle against the Amalekites and promised to wipe out their remembrance from under heaven.
God enjoys being called by names based on how He has revealed Himself to you. When l was younger, we used to have appellations amongst ourselves. For example, you could call your son Ade, but he could call himself Adesco. Thus, if you decided to send Ade on an errand and you want him to go cheerfully, you would call him Adesco. In the same way, when you are relating with God, and you want Him to do something for you, call Him a name that relates to that thing, and you will see Him move in accordance with the name you call Him. He is the One who established this Himself. In Exodus 15:26, when God was telling the Israelites that they would not get infected with the diseases of the Egyptians, He ended that statement by introducing one of His names to them; He said, "I am the Lord that healeth thee". In Exodus 3:14, when Moses asked for God's name, He introduced Himself as, "I am that I am. This was a general name given to the Israelites because on their journey, they needed many dimensions of God. At different points, they needed God to provide for, protect and heal them, even to make a way for them. Thus, if you want God to move in a particular dimension, call Him by a name that relates to what you want Him to do for you.
REFLECTION:
What is that name that you have for God based on your own experiences with Him?
BIBLE IN ONE YEAR:
Matthew 12-13
AUTHOR: PASTOR E.A. ADEBOYE
HYMN 24
THAT WONDERFUL NAME
1. That wonderful Name, Jesus!
That wonderful Name, Jesus!
That wonderful Name, Jesus!
There is no other name I know.
2. The Great Redeemer, Jesus!
His blood washed me clean, Jesus!
And now I am saved, Jesus!
There is no other name I know.
3. The Great Physician, Jesus!
His stripes healeth me, Jesus!
And now I am whole, Jesus!
There is no other name I know.
4. The Great Lord of host, Jesus!
His truth set me free, Jesus!
I am free indeed, Jesus!
There is no other name I know.
5. The Great Provider, Jesus!
He supplies my needs, Jesus!
And now I am full, Jesus!
There is no other name I know.
6. My Great Companion, Jesus!
Always by my side, Jesus!
I have a sure Friend, Jesus!
There is no other name I know.
7. The soon coming King, Jesus!
Coming back for me, Jesus!
I will reign with Him, Jesus!
There is no other name I know.
8. Let us praise His Name, Jesus!
Name above all names, Jesus!
Let us shout His Name, Jesus!
I will sing I will shout, JESUS!
Philippians 2:10-11 (KJV) That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of things in heaven, and things in earth, and things under the earth;
And that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father. Jesus is Mighty to deliver, to save, to restore, to turn darkness to light- have faith in Him and it shall be well with you in Jesus name.
OPEN HEAVENS DAILY DEVOTIONAL
DATE: THURSDAY OCTOBER 5TH, 2023.
THEME: WHERE ARE YOU?
MEMORISE:
Examine yourselves, whether ye be in the faith; prove your own selves. Know ye not your own selves, how that Jesus Christ is in you, except ye be reprobates?
2 Corinthians 13:5
READ:
Genesis 3:8-9
8 And they heard the voice of the LORD God walking in the garden in the cool of the day: and Adam and his wife hid themselves from the presence of the LORD God amongst the trees of the garden.
9 And the LORD God called unto Adam, and said unto him, Where art thou?
MESSAGE:
I am convinced that the question God asked Adam in our Bible reading is still relevant today. Beloved, if God asks you that question today, what would be your sincere response?
To answer the question above sincerely, you must first ask yourself another question: "Where was l yesterday?" In this case. yesterday could be last week, last year or when you first got born again. After answering this question sincerely, you can then proceed to answer the question. "Where are you now?"
From the day of birth, we all begin a return journey to where we are from (Ecclesiastes 12:1-7). That is why, no matter how young you are, you are growing older day by day. You should therefore ask yourself regularly, "How far have l gone in fulfilling the purpose of my creation and salvation?"
Let us consider Samson. He used to be a terror to the enemies but ended up grinding corn in their prison. You should ask yourself, "Am l going on to greater heights, bearing fruits that abide? Am l increasing spiritually or decreasing? Am l spending more time in God's presence than l used to or is the reverse the case? Am l winning more souls into the kingdom than l used to?"
You should also ask yourself. "Am l increasing financially or decreasing? If there is a decrease, could it be that you have been eating your seed? Or could it be that you are sowing sparingly (2 Corinthians 9:6)? Could it be that, because you have been defaulting in your tithe and offerings, you are working under a divine curse (Malachi 3:8-9)
Beloved, as a child of God, it is important to ask yourself these questions from time to time. If you discover that you are not experiencing growth in any area of your life, please consider your ways (Haggai 1:5-7). Ask the Holy Spirit to examine you and show you where you might have gotten it wrong. Ask Him for what to do to bring about a positive turn around in your life.
I pray you will fulfil God's purpose for your life, in Jesus' name.
REFLECTION:
Are you where you are supposed to be?
BIBLE IN ONE YEAR:
Matthew 10-11
AUTHOR: PASTOR E.A. ADEBOYE
HYMN 12
ONWARD CHRISTIAN SOLDIERS!
1. Onward, Christian soldiers,
Marching as to war,
With the cross of Jesus going on before!
Christ, the royal Master,
Leads against the foe;
Forward into battle,
See his banners go!
Refrain:
Onward, Christian soldiers, marching as to war,
With the cross of Jesus going on before!
2. At the name
Satan’s host doth flee;
On, then, Christian soldiers,
On to victory.
Hell's foundations quiver
At the shout of praise;
Brothers, lift your voices,
Loud your anthems raise.
3. Like a mighty army moves the church of God;
Brothers, we are treading where the Saints have trod.
We are not divided; all one body we:
One in hope and doctrine, one in charity.
4. Crowns and thrones may perish, Kingdoms rise and wane;
But the church of Jesus constant will remain:
Gates of hell can never 'gainst that church prevail
We have Christ's own promise and that cannot fail
5. Onward, then, ye people, join our happy throng.
Blend with ours your voices, in the triumph song:
Glory, praise and honour, unto Christ the King;
This through countless ages, men and angels sing.
Prayer Points on Today’s Open Heavens:
Wednesday, October 4, 2023
Benefits of Righteousness 2
Special Note.
These prayer points are not written by Pastor E. A. Adeboye, but by one of his , 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, the salvation of my soul and for the precious blood of Jesus that was shed at Calvary.
2.Thank you, Father, for the redemption of my soul from eternal destruction in hell fire.
3.Father, in anyway I have fallen short of your glory, please, have mercy and
forgive me; let Your mercy prevail over judgement of sin in my life, in Jesus name.
4.Father, please, sanctify and cleanse me from all unrighteousness, in Jesus name.
5.Father, I am committing to You to be pure and holy from now on, please, help me, in Jesus name.
6.Father, let every evil targeted at me, be diverted to another, in Jesus name.
7.Father, please, deliver me from all my many afflictions, in Jesus name.
8.Father, let Your eyes ever be upon me and let Your ears be opened unto my cry, in Jesus name.
9.Father, release upon my life, the grace to depart from evil; empower me to do good, to seek peace and to pursue it, in Jesus name.
10.Father, bless your son, Pastor Enoch Adejare Adeboye; and, bless his ministry, home, and family (biological and spiritual), 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, books ministry.
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.
1 Peter 5:10 (KJV) But the God of all grace, who hath called us unto his eternal glory by Christ Jesus, after that ye have suffered a while, make you perfect, stablish, strengthen, settle you. May the Lord by His mercy visit you, perfect that which concerns you, keep you strong in Him, settle you in all ramification in the mighty name of Jesus Christ.
OPEN HEAVENS DAILY DEVOTIONAL
DATE: WEDNESDAY OCTOBER 4TH, 2023.
TOPIC: BENEFITS OF RIGHTEOUSNESS II
MEMORISE:
The eyes of the LORD are upon the righteous, and his ears are open unto their cry.
Psalm 34:15
READ:
PSALM 34:7-22
7 The angel of the LORD encampeth round about them that fear him, and delivereth them.
8 O taste and see that the LORD is good: blessed is the man that trusteth in him.
9 O fear the LORD, ye his saints: for there is no want to them that fear him.
10 The young lions do lack, and suffer hunger: but they that seek the LORD shall not want any good thing.
11 Come, ye children, hearken unto me: I will teach you the fear of the LORD.
12 What man is he that desireth life, and loveth many days, that he may see good?
13 Keep thy tongue from evil, and thy lips from speaking guile.
14 Depart from evil, and do good; seek peace, and pursue it.
15 The eyes of the LORD are upon the righteous, and his ears are open unto their cry.
16 The face of the LORD is against them that do evil, to cut off the remembrance of them from the earth.
17 The righteous cry, and the LORD heareth, and delivereth them out of all their troubles.
18 The LORD is nigh unto them that are of a broken heart; and saveth such as be of a contrite spirit.
19 Many are the afflictions of the righteous: but the LORD delivereth him out of them all.
20 He keepeth all his bones: not one of them is broken.
21 Evil shall slay the wicked: and they that hate the righteous shall be desolate.
22 The LORD redeemeth the soul of his servants: and none of them that trust in him shall be desolate.
MESSAGE:
Another major benefit of righteousness is that when evil is about to come for you, God takes you out of its way and substitutes you with an unbeliever. This is clearly stated in Proverbs 11:8: "The righteous is delivered out of trouble, and the wicked cometh in his stead."
This is called the Law of Substitution. When trouble wants to swallow the righteous, God will stop it and may put a substitute in his or her stead. There are many instances like this in Scripture. The people who threw Shadrack, Meshack and Abednego into the fire are the ones who died instead of the Hebrew boys who were saved by the Lord, because the furnace had to be fed (Daniel 3). The people who threw Daniel into the den of lions were also the ones the lions ate (Daniel 6).
Many years ago, a lady came to me for prayers. She said she had a dream that her husband, who was on a trip, would be brought back in a casket. I asked her if her husband was born again, and she said yes. We prayed about the dream and she left. After some time, I saw an obituary in the newspaper, and the fellow there had the same surname as this sister. The following Sunday in Church, I asked her about the obituary wondering if it was her husband. She responded saying it was not her husband, but a relative of his. Death was coming for a believer; God revealed it to us so we could pray and when we did, He delivered the righteous from death, while an unbeliever became the substitute. There is no life insurance policy as good as living holy.
When you live a righteous life, you go through life with boldness, knowing that tomorrow will be alright. The Bible says in Proverbs 28:1: "The wicked flee when no man pursueth: but the righteous are bold as a lion."
If you believe that the policemen around you carrying revolvers are your protectors, wait until they come across people carrying AK47s, then you will discover that you are on your own. The righteous are as bold as a lion because they know that they have God on their side. I want to challenge you to make a commitment today. I want you to go to the Almighty God and tell Him you are committing to a life of righteousness.
PRAYER POINT:
Father, I am committing to You to be pure and holy from now on.
BIBLE IN ONE YEAR:
MATTHEW 7-9
AUTHOR: PASTOR E.A. ADEBOYE
HYMN 23
TAKE MY LIFE, AND LET IT BE
1. Take my life, and let it be
Consecrated, Lord to Thee;
Take my moments and my days,
Let them flow in endless praise,
Let them flow in endless praise.
2. Take my hands and let them move
At the impulse of thy love.
Take my feet and let them be
Swift and beautiful for thee,
Swift and beautiful for thee.
3. Take my voice and let me sing
Always, only, for my King.
Take my lips and let them be
Filled with messages from thee,
Filled with messages from thee.
4. Take my silver and my gold;
Not a mite would I withhold.
Take my intellect and use
Every power as thou shalt choose,
Every power as thou shalt choose.
5. Take my will and make it thine,
It shall be no longer mine.
Take my heart it is thine own;
It shall be thy royal throne,
It shall be thy royal throne.
6. Take my love; my Lord, I pour
At thy feet its treasure store.
Take myself, and I will be
Ever, only, all for Thee,
Ever, only, all for Thee.
