₦airaland Forum

Hmmm! Ride on

ehn ehn, na dis once be cultist, no be those local hunters wey Okorosa dey pardade d other day.

I pray day heartily embrace d amnesty and never go back to crime again

RCCG SUNDAY SCHOOL STUDENTS MANUAL

(LESSON EIGHT)

SUNDAY 23RD OCTOBER 2016.

TOPIC: OVERCOMING TEMPTATION

MEMORY VERSE:

"For in that he himself hath suffered being tempted, he is able to succour them that are tempted.” – Hebrews 2:18

BIBLE PASSAGE:

Hebrews 4:14-16

INTRODUCTION:

Just as we cannot stop birds from flying over our heads but can stop them from nesting in our hair, so also can we not stop evil thoughts from passing through our minds. However, we need not accept them or allow them to take a stronghold. The consequence of yielding to temptation can be disastrous whereas resisting it, births victory.

LESSON OUTLINES

1. The results of temptations
2. How can one overcome?
THE RESULTS OF TEMPTATIONS
There are two possible outcomes of temptation. We either yield to it or we resist it and overcome. If a Christian yields to temptation, it becomes sin (1 Timothy 6:9). The result then is that the Christian’s testimony is badly affected and he becomes spiritually weak (Matthew 26:41). If the temptation is resisted, the Lord is glorified and the Christian grows spiritually stronger and is thus able to resist other temptations in the future (James 1:2-4). The victorious Christian grows in faith and maturity. God is happy because the determination of the Christian to obey Him is confirmed.

HOW CAN ONE OVERCOME?

There are several ways of overcoming temptations. We shall mention some of them:
1.By trusting God. We can rely on God’s faithfulness. He changes not (1 Corinthians 1:9, 10:13)
2.By memorising the word of God and quoting them when the need arises like Jesus did in Matthew 4
3.By constant prayer and carefulness (Matthew 26:41). The man who knows that his weakness is alcoholic drinks should not be frequent in beer parlours.
4.By fleeing (2 Timothy 2:22). When Joseph found himself cornered by Potiphar’s wife, he ran.
5.By resisting (James 4:7). The devil is a coward. If we resist him, he flees. That is, he runs away in terror.

CONCLUSION

Avoid falling into temptation whenever it comes. Rely on Jesus Christ who is constantly praying for us (Luke 22:31-32). Beware of yielding to sin. To fall is easy but the scars often remain. Remember, we can do all things through Christ, including resisting temptations.

QUESTIONS:

1. List four possible ways of escape from temptation?
2. What are the results of temptations?

OPEN HEAVEN DEVOTIONAL 2016

Sunday October 23, 2016

THE TOUCH OF FAITH 

Memorise : Then touched he their eyes, saying, According to your faith be it unto you. - Matthew 9:29

Read: Matthew 9:20-22

9:20 And, behold, a woman, which was diseased with an issue of blood twelve years, came behind him, and touched the hem of his garment:

9:21 For she said within herself, If I may but touch his garment, I shall be whole.

9:22 But Jesus turned him about, and when he saw her, he said, Daughter, be of good comfort; thy faith hath made thee whole. And the woman was made whole from that hour.


MESSAGE : 

There is tremendous power in a touch. It may be positive or negative as there are categories and types of touches.

The touch of faith Naaman knew the power in a touch, especially from representatives of God and said with a sense of disappointment when Elisha did not come out to touch him when he went to Samaria:

“…Behold, I thought, He will surely come out to me, and stand, and call on the name of the Lord his God, and strike his hand over the place, and recover the leper.” 2nd Kings 5:11

A touch can bring death as in the case of Uzzah in the book of Samuel:

“And when they came to Nachon’s threshing floor, Uzzah put forth his hand to the ark of God, and took hold of it; for the oxen shook it. And the anger of the Lord was kindled against Uzzah; and God smote him there for his error; and there he died by the ark of God.”
2nd Samuel 6:6-7

During one of our Conventions at the Redemption Camp in Nigeria, the Lord asked me to lay out a piece of cloth for people to touch by faith and receive their healing, with a warning that it should simply be touched and not held. A man went ahead to touch (I will say without faith) because he also grabbed the cloth. It took special grace and forgiveness of God for him not to die the moment he touched outside of faith; his entire body began to shake uncontrollably from morning till evening. It would have been a touch of death but for God’s intervention.

Another touch can bring healing as in the case of the woman with the issue of blood in our Bible reading for today.

“For she said within herself, if I may but touch his garment, I shall be whole.” Matthew 9:21

This is the touch of faith. The touch of faith can work for the one who touches and for the touched. In the same chapter of Matthew’s gospel, Jesus Christ was met by two blind men who were crying for mercy of healing. When Jesus found out that these men had faith to receive divine touches for healing, the Bible says:

“Then touched he their eyes, saying, According to your faith be it unto you. And their eyes were opened; and Jesus straitly charged them, saying, see that no man know it.” Matthew 9:29-30

The touch of faith is required anytime you need a miracle.

I pray for someone using this devotional; the Lord will touch you for healing and deliverance today, and will have a testimony in Jesus’ name. I also pray that whatever you touch by faith today will prosper in Jesus’ name.

PRAYER POINT :
Father, please touch me in the areas where I need Your intervention today and let my joy be full in Jesus’ name.

BIBLE IN ONE YEAR :
Obadiah 1;
Jonah 1-4;
Psalm 85

End of d road for them

Haba dis is 2 harsh o. Dis Chanji govt no go kill us o

OPEN HEAVEN DEVOTIONAL 2016

Friday October 21, 2016

I KNOW YOUR WORKS VI

Memorise : Therefore, my beloved brethren, be ye steadfast, unmoveable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, forasmuch as ye know that your labour is not in vain in the Lord.- 1st Corinthians 15:58

Read: Revelation 3:7-11

3:7 And to the angel of the church in Philadelphia write; These things saith he that is holy, he that is true, he that hath the key of David, he that openeth, and no man shutteth; and shutteth, and no man openeth;

3:8 I know thy works: behold, I have set before thee an open door, and no man can shut it: for thou hast a little strength, and hast kept my word, and hast not denied my name.

3:9 Behold, I will make them of the synagogue of Satan, which say they are Jews, and are not, but do lie; behold, I will make them to come and worship before thy feet, and to know that I have loved thee.

3:10 Because thou hast kept the word of my patience, I also will keep thee from the hour of temptation, which shall come upon all the world, to try them that dwell upon the earth.

3:11 Behold, I come quickly: hold that fast which thou hast, that no man take thy crown.


MESSAGE :

Another exciting thing about the Almighty God is that He is the most generous employer of labour. He pays the best wages in history. This is reason Apostle Paul admonishes us in today’s memory verse to always abound in the work of the Lord because He will definitely pay us wages beyond our imagination. The disciples asked Jesus Christ what they should do that they might work the works of God? He answered them :

“This is the work of God, that ye believe on him whom he hath sent.” (John 6:28-29).

You may not appreciate the ability to believe that the Holy Spirit has bestowed upon you, until you discover the outcome of those who died as a result of unbelief (Hebrews 3:12-19). God celebrates those who exercise faith in Him; this is why without faith we cannot please Him (Hebrews 11:6). In the message of Jesus Christ to the Church in Philadelphia, it is written:

“I know thy works: behold, I have set before thee an open door, and no man can shut it: for thou has a little strength, and hast kept my work, and hast not denied my name.” Revelation 3:8

One serious point to note is that there are many practical unbelievers in Christ, playing empty religion. They do not believe in the Name of Jesus Christ and He knows their works! How do we explain this? The Bible says that He shall be called Jesus because He shall save His people from their sins. This category of Church goers do not believe that through His Name we can receive deliverance from sins. They deny the possibility of living above the power of sin, and so their slogan is “let us sin the more that we may enjoy the grace the more”. Against this background Apostle Paul wrote:

“What shall we say then? Shall we continue in sin, that grace may abound? God forbid. How shall we, that are dead to sin, live any longer therein?”
Romans 6:1-2

Beloved, in the light of these, do you believe in the saving name of Jesus? Are you ready to keep His Word? He has promised that the agents of Satan shall not do you any harm. Rather, they would bow before you and acknowledge the fact that you are a beloved of the Lord. He promised:

“Because thou hast kept the word of my patience, I also will keep thee from the hour of temptation, which shall come upon all the world, to try them that dwell upon the earth.” Revelations 3:10

ACTION POINT :
Find out the areas where you have been exercising unbelief and repent today. 

BIBLE IN ONE YEAR :
Amos 1:1-5:17;
Psalms 83

Comic Actor indeed

Na wah 4 dis Boko boys wey refuse to be technically defeated o. But by the grace of God you shall not only be technically defeated but totally defeated in Jesus Name. Amen

Barney11:
that is good. but why didn't the man marry from his age group(if na Muslim now, yawa for don gas here)

mr Man, do those ladies look like unde 14

I think they are trying to warn u before hand so dat u don't cry foul wen it happens

soberdrunk:
How does that last picture relate to the story? Did he eat that too??

the man must be a glutton

OPEN HEAVEN DEVOTIONAL 2016

Thursday October 20, 2016

I KNOW YOUR WORKS V

Memorise : Watch and pray, that ye enter not into temptation: the spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak. - Matthew 26:41

Read: Revelation 3:1-6

3:1 And unto the angel of the church in Sardis write; These things saith he that hath the seven Spirits of God, and the seven stars; I know thy works, that thou hast a name that thou livest, and art dead.

3:2 Be watchful, and strengthen the things which remain, that are ready to die: for I have not found thy works perfect before God.

3:3 Remember therefore how thou hast received and heard, and hold fast, and repent. If therefore thou shalt not watch, I will come on thee as a thief, and thou shalt not know what hour I will come upon thee.

3:4 Thou hast a few names even in Sardis which have not defiled their garments; and they shall walk with me in white: for they are worthy.

3:5 He that overcometh, the same shall be clothed in white raiment; and I will not blot out his name out of the book of life, but I will confess his name before my Father, and before his angels.

3:6 He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches.


MESSAGE :

Our Lord Jesus Christ is the most practical personality that has ever lived on the earth. This should not be surprising, since He is both God and man; He came to show us the way to live a victorious and fulfilled life. He affirmed that He came that we may have life and to have it more abundantly (John 10:10).

In the Lord’s letter to the Church at Sardis, He told the Church that they were living in self-delusion; that they thought they were vibrant and full of life, whereas, they were half dead and something must be done urgently to preserve the remaining half of their lives, because their works were not perfect before God. They were to watch and pray to rejuvenate their spirituality. Our compassionate Lord, who would not want anyone, particularly those who have confessed Him as Lord to perish is here in today’s reading appealing to and warning the Church to remember how they started and hold fast the Word of truth.

One lesson here is that God is not interested in the death of a backslider but that the backslider should repent and be saved.

“Turn, O backsliding children, saith the Lord; for I am married unto you; and I will take you one of a city, and two of a family, and I will bring you to Zion.”
Jeremiah 3:14

Another interesting lesson we must learn from today’s reading is that the Almighty God knows the state and details of our lives, both spiritually and physically. In spite of the indictment of the imperfect works of the Church at Sardis, the Lord still revealed the truth that not all the members of the Church were corrupt. 

“Thou hast a few names even in Sardis which have not defiled their garments; and they shall walk with me in white: for they are worthy.”
Revelations 3:4

The accurate judge said that there are names (though few) that are worthy! I pray that you will be declared worthy in Jesus’ name. However, you have to watch over your soul in this pervert generation and pray always if you will be worthy at the end of the age. Moreover, the Lord promised that He would judge individuals in the church, according to each person’s deeds. There shall be no collective responsibility when it comes to spiritual accountability.

“The soul that sinneth, it shall die. The son shall not bear the iniquity of the father; neither shall the father bear the iniquity of the son: the righteousness of the righteous shall be upon him, and the wickedness of the wicked shall be upon him.” Ezekiel 18:20  

ACTION POINT : 
Since the Lord knows your works; take a self-examination of yourself and see where you need to repent, watch and pray for restoration.

BIBLE IN ONE YEAR :
Joel 1-3;
Psalms 82

OPEN HEAVEN DEVOTIONAL 2016

Wednesday October 19, 2016

I KNOW YOUR WORKS IV

Memorise : This is a true saying, if a man desire the office of a bishop, he desireth a good work. A bishop then must be blameless… -1st Timothy 3:1-2a

Read: Revelations 2:18-24

2:18 And unto the angel of the church in Thyatira write; These things saith the Son of God, who hath his eyes like unto a flame of fire, and his feet are like fine brass;

2:19 I know thy works, and charity, and service, and faith, and thy patience, and thy works; and the last to be more than the first.

2:20 Notwithstanding I have a few things against thee, because thou sufferest that woman Jezebel, which calleth herself a prophetess, to teach and to seduce my servants to commit fornication, and to eat things sacrificed unto idols.

2:21 And I gave her space to repent of her fornication; and she repented not.

2:22 Behold, I will cast her into a bed, and them that commit adultery with her into great tribulation, except they repent of their deeds.

2:23 And I will kill her children with death; and all the churches shall know that I am he which searcheth the reins and hearts: and I will give unto every one of you according to your works.

2:24 But unto you I say, and unto the rest in Thyatira, as many as have not this doctrine, and which have not known the depths of Satan, as they speak; I will put upon you none other burden.


MESSAGE :

It is amazing and at the same time fearful to realise that the Almighty God takes note of the so-called minor misses of the Church as seen in today’s Bible reading. God is mindful of those who occupy His altar and He will hold in contempt, not only those who climb the altar with profanity but also those who allow them to climb. In Revelation 2:20, God said:

“Notwithstanding I have a few things against thee, because thou sufferest that woman Jezebel, which calleth herself a prophetess, to teach and to seduce my servants to commit fornication, and to eat things sacrificed unto idols.”

The first lesson to be learnt from today’s reading is in verse 18. The One that is assessing the Church in Thyatira has eyes like unto a flame of fire! In other words, He sees everything done in secret and in public. Absolutely nothing is hidden from Him. Psalms 139:11-12 says:

“If I say, Surely the darkness shall cover me; even the night shall be light about me. Yea, the darkness hideth not from thee; but the light shineth as the day; the darkness and the light are both alike to thee.”

As we have mentioned over and over, the Almighty God knows the details of our service. This should always be a consolation to us, especially when it seems our services in the Church are not being appreciated. Know this, your Father in heaven who sees in secret will always reward you in the open. If you are a Deacon and you labour for the church like the General Overseer, it will amaze you that the reward of a General Overseer will pursue, overtake and stay with you. David was fighting like the commander-in-chief of the hosts of Israel and God rewarded him handsomely in many respects even before he was crowned. The greatest lesson with a strong warning is that your service is not perfect when it is laden with immorality and any form of evil. A Church is in danger when she allows profanity to take over the sanctuary.

The Lord is warning someone using this devotional that has been using service to cover up his or her immorality and greed. Please, repent today and stop polluting the sanctuary of the Lord. The consequence of your defiant attitude to this warning are severe as seen in Revelation 2:22-23. May the Almighty God have mercy in Jesus’ name. . 

PRAYER POINT :
Father, wherever I have been missing it in my service to You, please help me make amends.

BIBLE IN ONE YEAR :
Hosea 11-14;
Psalms 81

OPEN HEAVEN DEVOTIONAL 2016

Tuesday October 18, 2016

I KNOW YOUR WORKS III

Memorise : Now the Spirit speaketh expressly, that in the latter times some shall depart from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits, and doctrines of devils; - 1st Timothy 4:1

Read: Revelation 2:12-17

2:12 And to the angel of the church in Pergamos write; These things saith he which hath the sharp sword with two edges;

2:13 I know thy works, and where thou dwellest, even where Satan's seat is: and thou holdest fast my name, and hast not denied my faith, even in those days wherein Antipas was my faithful martyr, who was slain among you, where Satan dwelleth.

2:14 But I have a few things against thee, because thou hast there them that hold the doctrine of Balaam, who taught Balac to cast a stumblingblock before the children of Israel, to eat things sacrificed unto idols, and to commit fornication.

2:15 So hast thou also them that hold the doctrine of the Nicolaitanes, which thing I hate.

2:16 Repent; or else I will come unto thee quickly, and will fight against them with the sword of my mouth.

2:17 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 hidden manna, and will give him a white stone, and in the stone a new name written, which no man knoweth saving he that receiveth it.


MESSAGE :

In the Bible reading, Jesus Christ commended the Church in Pergamos, reassuring them that nothing about them is hidden from Him. The interesting thing about this Church is that in spite of the nearness of the Church to the seat of Satan, they still held on to the Name of Jesus Christ, they never denied their faith even in the face of terrible persecution.

However, Jesus Christ had a serious allegation against them. They tolerated in their midst those who were holding on to and practising false doctrines. This is a food for thought for Christians of the 21st century. In this end-time, we compromise a lot of the apostolic orthodox in the name of civilization and fundamental human rights. We have forgotten that just as God is not a democrat, He is also not a human activist. He has His set of rules that we must abide by, however, we compromise this divine standard because we think we can through that, win these blasphemers into the Kingdom. As a matter of fact, because we have tolerated them so much, they now see themselves as Christians too, setting worldly standard for the Church as they dangle their wealth at the saints.

Will Jesus not hate such a compromise in the name of magnanimity when it becomes a stumbling block to the saints? The saints are living their first love because of the doctrine of Balaam. This compromise spoiled the good works of the Church in Pergamos. In Revelations 2:16, Jesus warned the Church:

 “Repent; or else I will come unto thee quickly, and will fight against them with the sword of my mouth.”

One major revelation in this passage is that the message of repentance was preached to the Church in Pergamos. We are hereby encouraged to heed this warning too, so that we can overcome these temptations through genuine repentance. When we overcome, our reward will be the hidden manna and a testimonial of perfection written on precious stone.

Beloved, do not be deceived by your longevity in Church. God knows your works and He will reward you accordingly.

PRAYER POINT :
Father, help me to disassociate myself from worldly pollution.

BIBLE IN ONE YEAR :
Hosea 6-10;
Psalms 80:8-19

I think dis must be the handy work of owode weed

taiosino:
You people must sha pick something negative! Did you read the part where they waited for four years before getting married? Besides if she was 53 at the time of her death, it means she'd have been 63 by now, leaving just 10 years difference between her and pmb.
Besides Obasanjo met his first wife remi when she was 11, And married her several years later

Oga, its not about persons, but d act. Your reason doesn't justify d act. How can old men be looking at Children lustfully?

OPEN HEAVEN DEVOTIONAL 2016

Monday October 17, 2016

I KNOW YOUR WORKS II 

Memorise : He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the Churches. - Revelation 2:29

Read: Revelation 2:8-11

2:8 And unto the angel of the church in Smyrna write; These things saith the first and the last, which was dead, and is alive;

2:9 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.

2:10 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.

2:11 He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches; He that overcometh shall not be hurt of the second death.


MESSAGE :

The Almighty Father knows all that we do, nothing we do is hidden from Him. This should make us rejoice because it means that our Master knows our works, (assuming that our works are good) and He will appreciate and commend us for them. In other words, even if people don’t appreciate us or if they misunderstood us, God never misunderstoods. In Revelation 2:9, the Lord sent a message of goodwill to the Church in Smyrna:

 “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.

There are beautiful things to note from the above scripture: Jesus knows about the tribulation we are passing through. Little wonder one of the saints of old wrote a hymn titled: “There’s not a Friend like the Lowly Jesus.” The Chorus reads:

Jesus knows all about our struggles,
He will guide till the day is done;
There’s not a friend like the lowly Jesus,
No, not one! No, not one!

Another interesting thing about today’s Bible reading is the courage that the Master gave to the Church in Smyrna. He said: “Fear none of those things which thou shalt suffer….be thou faithful unto death, and I will give thee a crown of life.” Beloved, this is a message from Jesus, the Lover of your soul. Before this time, in John 16:33, Jesus made a categorical statement void of ambiguity.

“These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.”

Jesus further assured us of the great reward of escaping the second death if we will strive to overcome (Revelation 2:11). May the Lord help us to overcome in Jesus’ name.

PRAYER POINT :
Father, strengthen my inner man so that I may stand strong till the very end.

BIBLE IN ONE YEAR :
Hosea 1-5;
Psalms 80:1-7

R0LL0N:
Thanks. Very useful during the sunday school

u ar welcomed

RCCG SUNDAY SCHOOL MANUAL
SUNDAY 16TH OCTOBER, 2016
LESSON SEVEN
THEME; TEMPTATION
Memory Verse:
“There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it..” – 1Corinthians 10:13
BIBLE PASSAGE: James 1:12-27
INTRODUCTION:
Temptation is one of the most familiar experiences of a true child of God and no one can totally escape from it. Even our Lord Jesus Christ was tempted (Matthew 4:15).This is why the Lord taught us to include in our daily prayer the petition, “And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil.”
Lesson Outlines
1. Sources of and reasons for temptations
2. How do temptations arise?
SOURCES OF AND REASONS FOR TEMPTATIONS
God never tempts any man although He may give permission to the devil to so when He is certain that the end result would be to His glory (James 1:13).
In which case, He sets the boundaries (Job 1:1-12, 2:6). The actual source of temptation are:
(a) Satan (Matthew 4:1)
(b) The flesh (James 1:14)
(c) Evil association (Proverbs 1:10)
(d) Christian friends (Matthew 16:22-23).
When can God allow temptations to come our way? The answer is simply:
1. When He wants to test our faith (James 1:2-3).
2. When He wants to test our obedience (Genesis 22:1-3)
God tests men to know the depth of their love and the sincerity of their testimonies that they would obey Him in all things at all times. It is easy to say that we love God and that He can do all things. It is only at the time of severe trials that we can discover if we mean what we say or not.
However, in all these cases, God always provides a way for us to overcome (1Corinthians 10:13).
Of course, there are temptations that we bring upon ourselves through the lust of the flesh (1John 2:15-17).
HOW DO TEMPTATIONS ARISE?
Temptations can come through many avenues. We shall list a few of them to know how to watch out. Temptations can come through:
1. Poverty or prosperity (proverbs 30:9)
2. Discouragement (Psalm 42:11; 1Kings 19: 4)
3. Pride, the case of Nebuchadnezzar’s fall (Daniel 4:30).
4. Pleasure, that led Demas astray ( 2Timothy 4:10).
5. Desire for power, that brought a curse on Simon Magus (Acts 8:19).
6. Material possessions that ruined Achan (Joshua 7).
7. Love of women, that ruined Solomon and caused the anger of God against David (Nehemiah 13:26; 2Samuel 11:2-4).
8. Love of money, that led to the destruction of Judas Iscariot (1Timothy 6:9; John 13:21-30).
CONCLUSION
To be tempted is not a sin. However, to yield to temptation is a sin.
QUESTIONS
1. Identify the primary sources of temptation
2. Mention five pointers to temptation

OPEN HEAVENS DAILY DEVOTIONAL
DATE : SUNDAY 16 OCTOBER 2016
THEME : I KNOW YOUR WORKS I
Memorise:
Nevertheless I have somewhat against thee, because thou has left thy first love. Revelation 2:4
Read: Revelations 2:1-5, (KJV)
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.
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.
MESSAGE
Many people think of a high level of sin and crime when we talk of backsliding, whereas to backslide does not require going into heinous sins as some erroneously think. What is backsliding? Simply defined, backsliding is failure to do the good things you were doing before. James 4:17says:
“Therefore to him that knoweth to do good, and doeth it not, to him it is sin.”
It becomes a serious matter when you have started doing a good work and you stop doing it; that is backsliding in its practical form. This was the situation in the Church at Ephesus. The Lord commended their labour, their patience and their zero tolerance for evil. The Lord also knew how careful they were in scrutinizing and distinguishing between true and false apostles. In other words, they did not take any message in the Name of the Lord if they were not persuaded in the Holy Ghost about its authenticity. They held fast the faith, labouring to defend it without compromise. However, the Lord had something against them; they had left their first love. As a Christian, where is your first love? Is it still intact or have you left it for the theology of relativism? Is the end justifying the means of your livelihood? Your Church is swelling up in attendance after you compromised the faith. Those who you could not tolerate on God’s altar are those that are frequently invited. Those singers that you could never allow near God’s sanctuary are those who now frequently “minister” in songs to your congregation. Where is your first love? The Master in Revelation 2:5 is saying:
“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 they candlestick out of his place, except thou repent.”
In the past, Christians didn’t walk in the counsel of the ungodly. They didn’t stand where sinners stood, and they didn’t sit at the forum of the scornful (Psalms 1:1). Nowadays, Christians promote and applaud jesting and ungodly jokes. We seem to have forgotten that not only doers will be punished but also those who love the doers. Romans 1:28, 32 says:
“…Who knowing the judgment of God, that they which commit such things are worthy of death, not only do the same, but have pleasure in them that do them.”
Beloved, we should never allow our love for Christ go cold. Let us go back to our first love and be ready to suffer fleshy loss so that we can ultimately win Christ.
Prayer Point:
Father, please forgive me in anyway I have backslide and restore me to my first love for You and Your Kingdom.
BIBLE IN ONE YEAR : Daniel 11-12 and Psalms 79
HYMN 4: 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 ceaseless praise,
Let them flow in ceaseless 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.

OPEN HEAVENS DAILY DEVOTIONAL..

DATE : FRIDAY 14th OCTOBER 2016

THEME : PROVEN WEAPON?

Memorise:

The name of the Lord is a strong tower: the righteous runneth into it, and is safe. Proverbs 18:10

Read: 1st Samuel 17:38-47, (KJV)

38 And Saul armed David with his armour, and he put an helmet of brass upon his head; also he armed him with a coat of mail.

39 And David girded his sword upon his armour, and he assayed to go; for he had not proved it. And David said unto Saul, I cannot go with these; for I have not proved them. And David put them off him.

40 And he took his staff in his hand, and chose him five smooth stones out of the brook, and put them in a shepherd's bag which he had, even in a scrip; and his sling was in his hand: and he drew near to the Philistine.

41 And the Philistine came on and drew near unto David; and the man that bare the shield went before him.

42 And when the Philistine looked about, and saw David, he disdained him: for he was but a youth, and ruddy, and of a fair countenance.

43 And the Philistine said unto David, Am I a dog, that thou comest to me with staves? And the Philistine cursed David by his gods.

44 And the Philistine said to David, Come to me, and I will give thy flesh unto the fowls of the air, and to the beasts of the field.

45 Then said David to the Philistine, Thou comest to me with a sword, and with a spear, and with a shield: but I come to thee in the name of the Lord of hosts, the God of the armies of Israel, whom thou hast defied.

46 This day will the Lord deliver thee into mine hand; and I will smite thee, and take thine head from thee; and I will give the carcases of the host of the Philistines this day unto the fowls of the air, and to the wild beasts of the earth; that all the earth may know that there is a God in Israel.

47 And all this assembly shall know that the Lord saveth not with sword and spear: for the battle is the Lord's, and he will give you into our hands.

MESSAGE

One unfortunate thing about the spiritual warfare of this end-time is that many warriors of the Cross use weapons that have not been proven. As a result, they either die on the battlefield or become prisoners of spiritual wars.

Many of us are familiar with the story of David and Goliath, but it is possible that we missed one or two lessons in the story. As we continue to read and mediate on this popular story, we can gain insights into more reasons why the story was recorded for us to learn from. The first lesson we can learn is the fact that king Saul, as bad as his state of spirituality might have been as at that time was very concerned about the safety of the young man who was proving to be a “dare devil”. He put on David the weapons of his own defence. The question is; if this armour could help, how come the original owner did not use it to free his nation from the threat of the giant? We can quickly learn that it is a curse to be under a weak or discouraged leader. What saved the day was that David realised that the battle was not just a physical battle. So, he quickly turned spiritual in his approach to the battle with, (humanly speaking) the most ridiculous weapon of war. In fact, Goliath himself felt that the battle had turned to a comic drama. 1st Samuel 17:42-43

“And when the Philistine looked about, and saw David, he disdained him: for he was but a youth, and ruddy, and of a fair countenance. And the Philistine said unto David, Am I a dog, that thou comest to me with staves? And the Philistine cursed David by his gods.”

Another lesson, particularly from the above scripture is that in spite of the disdainful weapon that David was carrying, Goliath still employed his spiritual allies; he cursed David by his gods. How I wish that all children of God will realise that it is not the grammar of the language they use that will do the work of conversion; it is by the Spirit of our God. Human methods have never worked in the history of the Church, men and women of God who succeeded in the ministry were those who allowed the Spirit rather than self might, power or administrative acumen to lead in their ministries. David was a better match for this warrior who was fighting through the spirit of divination and sorcery. He said: “…Thou comest to me with a sword, and with a spear, and with a shield: but I come to thee in the name of the Lord of hosts, the God of the armies of Israel, whom thou hast defied.” The end of the story was victory for Israel and great defeat for the Philistines. David used the weapon he had proven and found to be true; the name of the Lord.

Action Point:

Use the Name of the Lord to confront the battles you are facing today and you will see them crumble before you. The Name is lethal.

Bible in one year: Daniel 7-8 and Psalms 78:40-55

AUTHOR: Pst E. A ADEBOYE

HYMN 9: MY FAITH HAS FOUND A PLACE

My faith has found a resting place,
Not in device or creed;
I trust the ever living One,
His wounds for me shall plead.

Chorus:
I need no other argument,
I need no other plea,
It is enough that Jesus died,
And that He died for me.

Enough for me that Jesus saves,
This ends my fear and doubt;
A sinful soul I come to Him,
He'll never cast me out.

Chorus:

My heart is leaning on the Word,
The living Word of God,
Salvation by my Savior's Name,
Salvation through His blood.

Chorus:

My great Physician heals the sick,
The lost He came to save;
For me His precious blood He shed,
For me His life He gave.

Chorus.

Interesting! But how true is dis

Maybe she took d money by force for service rendered

I dnt understand is he soliciting for a cover up or wat.
Abeg Oga Lie Lie, a lot of pple still get integrity o

OPEN HEAVEN DEVOTIONAL 2016

Thursday October 13, 2016

DIVINE PARTNERSHIP

Memorise : Blessed is he that considereth the poor: the Lord will deliver him in time of trouble.- Psalms 41:1

Read: Psalms 41:1-3

 41:1 Blessed is he that considereth the poor: the Lord will deliver him in time of trouble.

41:2 The Lord will preserve him, and keep him alive; and he shall be blessed upon the earth: and thou wilt not deliver him unto the will of his enemies.

41:3 The Lord will strengthen him upon the bed of languishing: thou wilt make all his bed in his sickness.


MESSAGE :

When is the link between divine partnership and consideration of the poor? As we may know, divine partnership has to do with partnering with the Almighty God. What is the connection between being in the same business with God and our attitude towards the poor? In our Bible reading for today, we discover that when we remember and help the poor, the Lord will deliver us from trouble. The reason is that the Almighty God watches over the poor and listens to their cry. When you respond to the cry of the poor, you are responding on behalf of their Maker who will in return replenish your pocket. The Bible says in Proverbs 19:17 :

“He that hath pity upon the poor lendeth unto the Lord; and that which he hath given will he pay him again.”

Another thing that will happen to someone in divine partnership is that the fellow shall be preserved. The tendency is high and it is common to many cultures that the poor live at the mercy of the rich. In Isaiah 3:14, the Bible says :

“The Lord will enter into judgment with the ancients of his people and the princes thereof: for ye have eaten up the vineyard; the spoil of the poor is in your houses.”

So, when someone decides to take care of the poor instead of maltreating them, the Lord will preserve the fellow so that he can continue the good work. The one who partners with God in taking care of the poor earns longevity for himself. The Lord promised in His Word that whoever spares the poor of violence shall live.

The Bible says that the poor shall never cease out of the land, therefore, He commanded us to remember the poor and the needy (Deuteronomy 15:4-11). When we partner with God in taking care of the poor, the Lord will bless us mightily beyond our wildest imagination.

Another blessing which accrues from partnering with God via taking care of the poor, is that the Lord promised to deliver us from the will of our enemies. Every right thinking fellow will do all things possible to keep a dutiful servant alive. Divine healing is the portion of whoever will take it upon himself to care for the poor on behalf of God. The Lord promised to visit the caretakers of the poor on their sick beds if at all they become sick; and when He visits, healing is guaranteed. The Lord also promised to make your bed for you if you will remember the poor and meet him at the point of his or her need. Beloved, there are many ways whereby we can partner with God; caring for the poor is one.

We can learn a lesson from developed countries that take care of the poor. They are more comfortable than those countries which have no plan for the poor in the land. This is a food for thought for developing countries.

ACTION POINT :
Draw up a charity plan for the poor around you and prayerfully embark on helping them in your own little way.

BIBLE IN ONE YEAR :
Daniel 4:34-6:28;
Psalms 78:17-39

Hmmmn Buhari! There is hunger in d land o......
But Suicide iss not d best option man

OPEN HEAVEN DEVOTIONAL 2016

Wednesday October 12, 2016

THE BELIEVER'S AUTHORITY 11

Memorise : Behold, I give unto you power to tread on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy: and nothing shall by any means hurt you.- Luke 10:19

Read: Luke 10:17-20

10:17 And the seventy returned again with joy, saying, Lord, even the devils are subject unto us through thy name.

10:18 And he said unto them, I beheld Satan as lightning fall from heaven.

10:19 Behold, I give unto you power to tread on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy: and nothing shall by any means hurt you.

10:20 Notwithstanding in this rejoice not, that the spirits are subject unto you; but rather rejoice, because your names are written in heaven.


MESSAGE :

As it was pointed out yesterday, the power and the authority which Jesus Christ has made available to believers can not be imagined by natural minds. Some people subject themselves to long life bondage because they are looking for power and protection outside Jesus. Hebrews 2:14-15 says :

"For as much then as the children are partakers of flesh and blood, he also himself likewise took part of the same; that through death he might destroy him that had the power of death, that is, the devil; And deliver them who through fear of death were all their lifetime subject to bondage."

One of my spiritual children testified that it was the grace of Jesus Christ that prevented him from entangling himself in occultism. Before he met the Lord, he had determined to join as many secret societies as could be found on earth, to ensure his security. Fortunately for him, he met the Lord and he is now exercising the authority of a believer. 

Beloved, the believer's authority is yours if you genuinely accept Jesus Christ. This authority was given to us without measure. Our Lord said He has given to us authority over all the powers of the enemy and that nothing will by any means hurt us. When we rely on this, we will leave our lives in peace even in the midst of a storm. Our Lord Jesus Christ is in the boat, it will not capsize. However, we must use the authority to our advantage. The story was told of a man who inherited magical powers to ward off evil and the spell whoever might want to harm him on a journey which he set for himself. As he started on the journey, he sighted robbers, instead of putting the magic power to use, he started shivering, and cringing. His wife then burst into a song "encouraging" her husband to keep on shivering because that is how he usually shivers to kill hundreds and thousands. The robbers, taking the song to be true of the man, ran away for their lives. And that was how the woman saved the day for her husband. The lesson we should learn from this story is that, though the authority to conquer the devil and his cohorts are available, unless we exercise it in holy boldness, we remain as powerless as though it isn't available.

To exercise authority over sickness, demonic oppression, poverty and all unpleasant situations, we need to be believers indeed by being born again through faith in Jesus Christ our Saviour. Also, we need to live according to the Word of God.

We must be doers of the Word because it is the authority of the Word that we honour that can help us in the times of trouble. 

ACTION POINT :
Begin to exercise faith the Son of the living God, and you will experience the supernatural. 

BIBLE IN ONE YEAR : 
Daniel 3:1-4:33;
Psalms 78:9-16

Pinture pls, may his gentle soul Rip

Wow congratz

OPEN HEAVEN DEVOTIONAL 2016

Tuesday October 11, 2016

THE BELIEVER'S AUTHORITY 1

Memorise : Then he called his twelve disciples together, and gave them power and authority over all devils, and to cure diseases.- Luke 9:1

Read: Luke 9:1-6

9:1 Then he called his twelve disciples together, and gave them power and authority over all devils, and to cure diseases.

9:2 And he sent them to preach the kingdom of God, and to heal the sick.

9:3 And he said unto them, Take nothing for your journey, neither staves, nor scrip, neither bread, neither money; neither have two coats apiece.

9:4 And whatsoever house ye enter into, there abide, and thence depart.

9:5 And whosoever will not receive you, when ye go out of that city, shake off the very dust from your feet for a testimony against them.

9:6 And they departed, and went through the towns, preaching the gospel, and healing every where. 


MESSAGE :

A believer's power and authority are two potent legacies that are highly irresistible beyond any man's imagination. However, it is unfortunate that many children of God do not recognize them. This is the reason why the devil batters them on every side. As a result of this ignorance, the victor becomes a victim of circumstances. I pray for someone using this devotional; you will never be a victim of circumstances in Jesus' name. 

Power is the ability to perform a function and this is what Jesus Christ has made available to all His genuine disciples. 
Authority is more valuable than power because you can have the ability to do something, but if you don't have the authority, you may not be able to. For example, with the power of the gun, you can hunt wildlife in the jungle, but if you are not licensed to hunt and you do, you may be jailed. In John 5:25-27 the Bible says :

"Verily, verily, I say unto you, The hour is coming, and now is, when the dead shall hear the voice of the Son of God: and they that hear shall live. For as the Father hath life in himself; so hath he given to the Son to have life in himself; And hath given him authority to execute judgment also, because he is the Son of man."

Interestingly, according to today's memory verse, this power and authority to perform have been given to us by our Lord Jesus Christ :

"Then he called his twelve disciples together, and gave them power and authority over all devils, and to cure diseases." 

When a (so called) child of God is now caught in situations that are unbecoming of a saint and he then says "it is the work of the devil!" such a believer does not know the authority he has. The power to live above sin is made available through the work of redemption that Jesus Christ wrought at Calvary. The Bible says in 1 John 3:8 :

"He that committeth sin is of the devil; for the devil sinneth from the beginning. For this purpose the Son of God was manifested, that he might destroy the works of the devil."

When you come to Jesus Christ and you believe that He came to save you from the power of sin, He will not only forgive you, but will also give you the power to go and sin no more (John 8:11). This is the assurance that we have; that the grace of Jesus Christ will deliver us from the dominion of sin (Romas 6:14).

My prayer is that you will not be beaten by the power of sin in Jesus' name. 

PRAYER POINT :
I prophecy to my life: I will no longer be a victim of sin, but a victor in Christ Jesus. Amen. 

BIBLE IN ONE YEAR : 
Daniel 1-2 ;
Psalms 78:1-8