Revelation 4:11 (KJV) Thou art worthy, O Lord, to receive glory and honour and power: for thou hast created all things, and for thy pleasure they are and were created. May the Lord by His mercy give you and I the grace to be fulfilled as the pleasure of the LORD in Jesus mighty name.
OPEN HEAVENS DAILY DEVOTIONAL
DATE: WEDNESDAY DECEMBER 13TH, 2023.
TOPIC: DANGERS OF FAME
MEMORISE:
"Then he said, I have sinned: yet honour me now, I pray thee, before the elders of my people, and before Israel, and turn again with me, that I may worship the LORD thy God."
1 Samuel 15:30
READ: 1 SAMUEL 15:24-30 (KJV)
24 And Saul said unto Samuel, I have sinned: for I have transgressed the commandment of the LORD, and thy words: because I feared the people, and obeyed their voice.
25 Now therefore, I pray thee, pardon my sin, and turn again with me, that I may worship the LORD.
26 And Samuel said unto Saul, I will not return with thee: for thou hast rejected the word of the LORD, and the LORD hath rejected thee from being king over Israel.
27 And as Samuel turned about to go away, he laid hold upon the skirt of his mantle, and it rent.
28 And Samuel said unto him, The LORD hath rent the kingdom of Israel from thee this day, and hath given it to a neighbour of thine, that is better than thou.
29 And also the Strength of Israel will not lie nor repent: for he is not a man, that he should repent.
30 Then he said, I have sinned: yet honour me now, I pray thee, before the elders of my people, and before Israel, and turn again with me, that I may worship the LORD thy God.
MESSAGE:
Fame is something that many people pursue without actually knowing just how dangerous it is. Once you are in the limelight, you have to become extra careful. You have to watch your every move because people are looking at you. Sometimes when we go for an event and I am to sit at the high table, my driver will say, "You sit at the high table and we will sit where we can eat". Those at the high table, though hungry, always act otherwise. Even if they eat at all, it would only be a little, with plenty of caution because all eyes are on them.
When you are famous, it is as if you are on the high table everyday of your life and believe me honestly, there is nothing like just being free to do whatever you want to do without anyone looking at you. When you are famous, you cannot even take a stroll outside or play in a public place like every other person.
One of the dangers of being famous is that people tend to forget that famous people are human beings too. I thank God that I have never been after fame so I show regularly that I am as human as anybody can be. I still occasionally buy roasted plantain by the roadside. These days it has become more difficult to do that because of the escort vehicles, but as often as I can, I still do, not minding who is looking at me. I am not after fame, so whatever anybody thinks is their own business.
When you are famous, people expect more from you than the average person and if care is not taken, you would not want to disappoint them. Don't pursue fame; as exciting as it may seem, it comes with a lot of problems. Fame may come as you fulfil your assignment on earth, but it should not be your goal.
Those who chase after people knowing and liking them all the time are likely to get into trouble. In our Bible reading today, King Saul got into trouble with God because he wanted to look good in the eyes of the people.
The only fellow you should live to please is God.
KEY POINT:
Pursuing fame will land you in trouble.
BIBLE IN ONE YEAR: 2 THESSALONIANS 1-3
AUTHOR PASTOR E.A. ADEBOYE
HYMNAL: 3 - ANCIENT WORDS
1. Holy words long preserved,
For our walk in this world,
They resound with God's own heart;
Oh, let the ancient words impart.
REFRAIN:
Ancient words, ever true,
Changing me and changing you,
We have come with open hearts;
Oh, let the ancient words impart.
2. Words of life, words of hope,
Give us strength, help us cope,
In this world, where e'er we roam;
Ancient words will guide us home.
3. Holy words of our faith,
Handed down to this age,
Came to us through sacrifice;
Oh, heed the faithful words of Christ.
4. Holy words long preserved,
For our walk in this world,
They resound with God's own heart;
Oh, let the ancient words impart.
PRAYER POINTS ON TODAY'S OPEN HEAVENS:
Tuesday, 12 December, 2023
TWO TYPES OF SALVATION
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, for the salvation of my soul from eternal destruction in hell fire.
2.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.
3.Father, please, uproot from my life, anything that would not make me to be ultimately saved, in Jesus' name.
4.Father, as Your representative here on earth, please, let me never bring shame, ridicule, disgrace or dishonour to Your church or your holy name, in Jesus' name.
5.Father, please, count me worthy to be among the remnant that will eventually be saved, and see You in glory, in Jesus' name.
6.Father, release upon my life, the grace to remain on the narrow path, till I see You in glory, in Jesus' name.
7.Father, the grace to endure and remain standing in the faith till the end, please, release upon my life, in Jesus' name.
8.Father, empower me with the grace to guard my salvation jealously and work out my salvation with fear and trembling, in Jesus' name.
9.Father, arise, now, and frustrate every plan of the devil to take me back into the world, or cause me to backslide, 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 Samuel 17:37 (KJV) David said moreover, The LORD that delivered me out of the paw of the lion, and out of the paw of the bear, he will deliver me out of the hand of this Philistine. And Saul said unto David, Go, and the LORD be with thee. May the Lord reposition you in His power and give you victory against the gathering of evil forces and adversaries planning to place you in distress, fear, dismay and shame in Jesus mighty name.
OPEN HEAVENS DAILY DEVOTIONAL
DATE: TUESDAY 12TH, DECEMBER 2023.
THEME: TWO TYPES OF SALVATION
MEMORISE
Esaias also crieth concerning Israel, Though the number of the children of Israel be as the sand of the sea, a remnant shall be saved:
Romans 9:27
READ : Matthew 22:8-14
Matthew 22:8 Then saith he to his servants, The wedding is ready, but they which were bidden were not worthy.
Matthew 22:9 Go ye therefore into the highways, and as many as ye shall find, bid to the marriage.
Matthew 22:10 So those servants went out into the highways, and gathered together all as many as they found, both bad and good: and the wedding was furnished with guests.
Matthew 22:11 And when the king came in to see the guests, he saw there a man which had not on a wedding garment:
Matthew 22:12 And he saith unto him, Friend, how camest thou in hither not having a wedding garment? And he was speechless.
Matthew 22:13 Then said the king to the servants, Bind him hand and foot, and take him away, and cast him into outer darkness; there shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth.
Matthew 22:14 For many are called, but few are chosen.
MESSAGE
Jesus said clearly in Matthew 7:21 that not all who call Him 'Lord' will enter into the Kingdom of God. This implies that not everyone who is dancing and praising God in Church will go to heaven. Anyone who is a child of God is regarded as an Israelite, but then our memory verse today says that though there will be many who will become born again, only a remnant amongst them will be saved on the last day.
Not every Prophet, Pastor or evangelist will make it to heaven. Don't think that every man who says he is a man of God will make it to heaven. Thus, when you hear of certain men of God doing some ungodly things, don't let it surprise you; some of them are not on the narrow path to heaven at all.
There are two categories of Salvation. There is instant salvation, the kind that happens when people answer the altar call (Romans 10:13) and then there is the ultimate salvation, which happens when you endure to the end as seen in Matthew 10:22:
And ye shall be hated of all men for my name's sake: but he that endureth to the end shall be saved.
The fact that you are standing now is great, but you must stand until the end to be saved. Some people teach that once you are saved, you are saved forever; that you can be saved and then live like a child of the devil and you would still make it to heaven. That is the devil's lie. You must guard your salvation jealously as shown in Philippians 2:12:
Wherefore, my beloved, as ye have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling.
The devil will do everything within his power to take you back to himself. Don't think that because you have done many great things for God, you now have a sure ticket to heaven. You must remain standing until the end if you would make it to heaven.
KEY POINT
You must remain standing until the end if you would make it to heaven.
BIBLE IN ONE YEAR: 1 Thessalonians 1-5
AUTHOR: PASTOR E.A. ADEBOYE
HYMN 21: STANDING ON THE PROMISES OF CHRIST MY KING
1 Standing on the promises of Christ my King,
Through eternal ages let His praises ring,
Glory in the highest, I will shout and sing,
Standing on the promises of God.
Standing, standing,
Standing on the promises of God my Savior;
Standing, standing,
I’m standing on the promises of God.
2 Standing on the promises that cannot fail,
When the howling storms of doubt and fear assail,
By the living Word of God I shall prevail,
Standing on the promises of God.
3 Standing on the promises I now can see
Perfect, present cleansing in the blood for me;
Standing in the liberty where Christ makes free,
Standing on the promises of God.
4 Standing on the promises of Christ the Lord,
Bound to Him eternally by love’s strong cord,
Overcoming daily with the Spirit’s sword,
Standing on the promises of God.
5 Standing on the promises I shall not fall,
List’ning every moment to the Spirit’s call.
Resting in my Savior as my All in all,
Standing on the promises of God.
Prayer Points on Today’s Open Heavens:
Monday, 11 December, 2023
Embrace His Word Completely
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.I worship and adore You, my Father, because You're Holy and You changeth not; You're consistent in all Your ways.
2.Thank You, Father, for the salvation of my soul and for the grace to always follow in Your steps.
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, let every spirit of hypocrisy in my life, be consumed by Your fire, in Jesus name.
5.Father, please, let me never worship You in vain, help me to embrace Your word completely, in Jesus name.
6.Father, give me the grace to live above sin and above all the activities of the flesh, in Jesus name.
7.Father, the grace to consistently live holy and do Your perfect will, release upon my life, in Jesus name.
8.Father, empower me to believe in tithing and help me to fulfill all my tithe obligations, regularly, in Jesus name.
9.Father, the grace to honour You with my substance and my first fruits, even, as the new year is around the corner, please, release upon my life, 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.
Psalms 128:2 (KJV) For thou shalt eat the labour of thine hands: happy shalt thou be, and it shall be well with thee. By His word and overwhelming mercy, may you eat the Labour of your hands, be happy and joyful withersoever you go and may you be accomplished in all your heart desires to do in Jesus mighty name.
