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Lord Jesus, I come to You with a deeply repentant heart, please, forgive me and wash all my sins away with your precious blood shed at Calvary. 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 damnation.

OPEN HEAVEN DAILY DEVOTIONAL


DATE: FRIDAY JANUARY 30TH 2026


THEME: UNDERSTANDING SATANIC TRAPS IV


MEMORISE: Watch ye therefore, and pray always, that ye may be accounted worthy to escape all these things that shall come to pass, and to stand before the Son of man. Luke 21:36


READ: Matthew 16:13-23
13 When Jesus came into the coasts of Caesarea Philippi, he asked his disciples, saying, Whom do men say that I the Son of man am?

14 And they said, Some say that thou art John the Baptist: some, Elias; and others, Jeremias, or one of the prophets.

15 He saith unto them, But whom say ye that I am?

16 And Simon Peter answered and said, Thou art the Christ, the Son of the living God.

17 And Jesus answered and said unto him, Blessed art thou, Simon Barjona: for flesh and blood hath not revealed it unto thee, but my Father which is in heaven.

18 And I say also unto thee, That thou art Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it.

19 And I will give unto thee the keys of the kingdom of heaven: and whatsoever thou shalt bind on earth shall be bound in heaven: and whatsoever thou shalt loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven.

20 Then charged he his disciples that they should tell no man that he was Jesus the Christ.

21 From that time forth began Jesus to shew unto his disciples, how that he must go unto Jerusalem, and suffer many things of the elders and chief priests and scribes, and be killed, and be raised again the third day.

22 Then Peter took him, and began to rebuke him, saying, Be it far from thee, Lord: this shall not be unto thee.

23 But he turned, and said unto Peter, Get thee behind me, Satan: thou art an offence unto me: for thou savourest not the things that be of God, but those that be of men.


MESSAGE
Today, I want to conclude this series by discussing another kind of trap which the devil uses. This trap is very subtle but potent in keeping people under his bondage. It is something I would like to call a trap of hypnosis. In this case, the devil hypnotizes an individual by trapping his or her mind and taking control of it.

In today's Bible reading, Jesus asked His disciples who He was, and one of them, Peter, accurately described the person of Jesus. When he gave that description, Jesus announced that he could only have gotten it from a divine revelation. However, the next moment, when Jesus was telling the disciples about the things that were to come, Peter rebuked Him and said that He was not going to die. Immediately, Jesus said, "Get thee behind me, Satan..."In a split moment, the devil had put Peter in bondage and was controlling his thoughts and speech, such that he started speaking as the devil's puppet without knowing it.

One major tool the devil uses to hypnotize people today and take control of their minds is social media. He pushes certain ideologies to them consistently, and after a while, they begin to think the thoughts that he wants them to think. We see this everywhere in the world today; things that were considered shameful and an abomination a few decades ago are now seen as normal in society. The devil particularly targets children, ensuring that they learn all sorts of abominable things at a tender age so that he can take control of their fragile minds. As a child of God, you must beware of this subtle but very dangerous tool that the devil is using to bring people into bondage.

Many times, the devil sneaks his evil ideas into songs and movies, and by so doing, he subtly introduces them to unsuspecting people, hypnotizing them without their knowledge. This is why 1 Thessalonians 5:17 says that you must pray without ceasing. To avoid this trap of the devil, you must remain in touch with the Holy Spirit at all times by studying the Bible diligently, meditating on it at all times, and praying without ceasing.

Beloved, watch, pray, and guard your heart with all diligence (Proverbs 4:23). You must take heed lest you fall (1 Corinthians 10:12) because Jesus Himself said that it were possible, even God's very elect will be victims of the devil (Matthew 24:24).


KEY POINT
Watch, pray, and guard your heart with all diligence.


BIBLE IN ONE YEAR: Leviticus 8-10


AUTHOR: PASTOR E. A ADEBOYE


HYMN 28: GUIDE ME, O THOU GREAT JEHOVAH
Guide me, O thou great Jehovah
pilgrim through this barren land;
I am weak, but you are mighty;
hold me with your powerful hand.
Bread of heaven, bread of heaven,
feed me now and evermore,
feed me now and evermore.

2 Open now the crystal fountain,
where the healing waters flow.
Let the fire and cloudy pillar
lead me all my journey through.
Strong Deliverer, strong Deliverer,
ever be my strength and shield,
ever be my strength and shield.

3 When I tread the verge of Jordan,
bid my anxious fears subside.
Death of death, and hell's Destruction,
land me safe on Canaan's side.
Songs of praises, songs of praises
I will ever sing to you,
I will ever sing to you.

Correct Answers

1. C. Put them in a spiritual bondage by binding the demon operating within them.
2. B. Prayer and fasting.
3. C. Because of their unbelief.
4. C. Their own obedience to God must be complete.
5. B. Her stomach swelled because the bound snake could not leave to defecate.

Objective Questions

1. According to the devotional, what is one method a believer can use to compel a willing slave of the devil to seek deliverance?
A. Publicly shame them for their actions.
B. Ignore them until they decide to change.
C. Put them in a spiritual bondage by binding the demon operating within them.
D. Report them to the church authorities for discipline.

2. What two spiritual disciplines did Jesus say were necessary to cast out the particular kind of demon in the Bible reading (Matthew 17:21)?
A. Laying on of hands and anointing with oil.
B. Prayer and fasting.
C. Speaking in tongues and prophecy.
D. Praise and worship.

3. Why was the disciples' initial attempt to cast out the demon unsuccessful, according to Jesus?
A. They used the wrong method.
B. They did not have the Holy Spirit.
C. Because of their unbelief.
D. The demon was too powerful for them.

4. What condition must a believer meet, according to 2 Corinthians 10:6 as referenced, before they can effectively condemn disobedience or exercise authority in the spiritual realm?
A. They must be a pastor or elder.
B. They must have a large following.
C. Their own obedience to God must be complete.
D. They must have experienced deliverance themselves.

5. What was the physical manifestation that occurred when the demon (the snake) inside the woman was bound?
A. She began to speak in tongues.
B. Her stomach swelled because the bound snake could not leave to defecate.
C. She fell into a deep sleep for many days.
D. She immediately confessed her witchcraft.

Prayer Points on "UNDERSTANDING SATANIC TRAPS III"

1. Father, I thank You for the supreme authority You have vested in the name of Jesus and for the power to bind and loose on earth and in heaven, in Jesus' name.

2. Lord, I ask for mercy for every instance of unbelief, disobedience, or spiritual weakness in my life that has limited my effectiveness in the spiritual battle, in Jesus' name.

3. Father, fortify me spiritually through the disciplines of prayer and fasting; grant me the faith and stamina to operate in the higher levels of authority needed to confront stubborn demonic powers, in Jesus' name.

4. I exercise the authority in Christ and, in His name, I bind every demonic spirit operating in willing captives around me—in my family, workplace, and community—that seeks to cause harm or resist deliverance, in Jesus' name.

5. Lord, complete my obedience to Your word; sanctify me wholly so that my life provides no ground for the enemy and I can stand in full authority to condemn every work of darkness, in Jesus' name.

6. Holy Spirit, reveal to me any specific strongholds or "willing slaves" that I need to confront in prayer; give me divine strategies and the precise words to pray for their compelled deliverance, in Jesus' name.

7. Father, create situations—like the swelling in the woman's stomach—that will make every person enjoying satanic bondage utterly uncomfortable and desperate for the true freedom found only in You, in Jesus' name.

8. Lord, be a wall of fire around me and my loved ones; protect us from any backlash or harm from those whose demonic operations are being bound and challenged through prayer, in Jesus' name.

9. Father, raise a company of believers who are spiritually strong, obedient, and bold to use the keys of the kingdom to liberate the captives and plunder the enemy's camp, in Jesus' name.

10. My personal prayer point: (Mention any specific situation, person, or spiritual stronghold where you need to exercise binding authority and see God's deliverance).

11. Thank You, Father, for the victory is assured. I stand firm in my complete submission to Christ and my God-given authority, in Jesus' mighty name. Amen.

Lord Jesus, I come to You with a deeply repentant heart, please, forgive me and wash all my sins away with your precious blood shed at Calvary. 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 damnation.

OPEN HEAVEN DAILY DEVOTIONAL


DATE: THURSDAY JANUARY 29TH 2026


THEME: UNDERSTANDING SATANIC TRAPS III


MEMORISE: Verily I say unto you, Whatsoever ye shall bind on earth shall be bound in heaven: and wha tsoever ye shall loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven. Matthew 18:18


READ: Matthew 17:14-21
14 And when they were come to the multitude, there came to him a certain man, kneeling down to him, and saying,

15 Lord, have mercy on my son: for he is lunatick, and sore vexed: for ofttimes he falleth into the fire, and oft into the water.

16 And I brought him to thy disciples, and they could not cure him.

17 Then Jesus answered and said, O faithless and perverse generation, how long shall I be with you? how long shall I suffer you? bring him hither to me.

18 And Jesus rebuked the devil; and he departed out of him: and the child was cured from that very hour.

19 Then came the disciples to Jesus apart, and said, Why could not we cast him out?

20 And Jesus said unto them, Because of your unbelief: for verily I say unto you, If ye have faith as a grain of mustard seed, ye shall say unto this mountain, Remove hence to yonder place; and it shall remove; and nothing shall be impossible unto you.

21 Howbeit this kind goeth not out but by prayer and fasting.


MESSAGE
As I continue with my discussion on satanic bondage today, I will tell you how to deal with willing captives and prevent them from harming you.
Mark 16:17-18 tells us that if a true child of God prays for the deliverance of a slave of the devil, such a slave will be delivered unless the slave refuses God's deliverance, as we saw in the cases of the witches I mentioned yesterday.
For willing slaves who do not want to be delivered or have been forcefully delivered but repossessed, one way to compel them to seek deliverance is by putting them in a bondage of your own as long as they remain in the service of the devil. I will share an instance of this with you.

Some years ago, a man came to me claiming that his wife was a witch. The wife denied it and said it was his mother who was a witch. The Holy Spirit revealed to me that there was a snake inside her, so I said, "There is no need to quarrel. I will pray that if you are a witch, whatever demon is inside you will be bound. If you are not a witch, nothing will happen. She asked me to say the prayer, as she thought nothing would happen. I did, and they left. A few weeks later, they came back to me. Her stomach had become swollen because the snake inside her had been bound, so it could not go out to defecate. The snake started defecating inside her, which caused her stomach to start swelling. This time, she was more than ready to be delivered.

I must warn, however, that if you want to bind someone who is a willing slave of the devil, you must ensure that you are strong enough spiritually to bind the spirit in them. In today's memory verse, Jesus said that there are some levels of spiritual authority that you need fasting and prayers to operate in. You must fortify yourself spiritually through the spiritual exercise of fasting and prayer to be able to handle some demons. Also, you must ensure that you are not living in disobedience to God's word. 2 Corinthians 10:6 says that except your obedience is complete, you cannot condemn any disobedience.

Beloved, ensure that you submit completely to Jesus Christ and be committed to your spiritual growth; this is the only way to fully exercise the authority you have in Christ.


PRAYER POINT
Father, at this moment, I bind every demon operating in any willing victim of the devil around me, in Jesus' name.


BIBLE IN ONE YEAR: Leviticus 5-7


AUTHOR: PASTOR E. A ADEBOYE


HYMN 6: I AM SO GLAD THAT OUR FATHER IN HEAV'N
1 I am so glad that our Father in heav’n
Tells of His love in the Book He has giv’n;
Wonderful things in the Bible I see:
This is the dearest, that Jesus loves me.

CHORUS
I am so glad that Jesus loves me,
Jesus loves me, Jesus loves me;
I am so glad that Jesus loves me,
Jesus loves even me.

2 Though I forget Him and wander away,
Still He doth love me whenever I stray;
Back to His dear loving arms would I flee,
When I remember that Jesus loves me.

3 Oh, if there’s only one song I can sing,
When in His beauty I see the great King,
This shall my song in eternity be:
“Oh, what a wonder that Jesus loves me.”

Correct Answers

1. C. They are fully aware that they are in bondage.
2. C. Exodus 21:2-6
3. C. It prevented her from flying to her witchcraft meetings at night.
4. C. She valued the power to control her husband and enable her adultery.
5. B. They are at risk of eternal condemnation.

Objective Questions

1. According to the devotional, what is the defining characteristic of the second major category of people entrapped in the devil's bondage?
A. They are completely unaware of their bondage.
B. They are aware of their bondage but believe they are not trapped.
C. They are fully aware that they are in bondage.
D. They were tricked into bondage by family members.

2. What biblical passage is used to illustrate the concept of a person choosing to remain in bondage?
A. Matthew 12:43-45
B. Deuteronomy 30:19
C. Exodus 21:2-6
D. 2 Timothy 2:19-22

3. What reason did the first woman (the witch) give for stopping her attendance at church?
A. She felt judged by the congregation.
B. The church services were too long.
C. It prevented her from flying to her witchcraft meetings at night.
D. Her husband forbade her from attending.

4. What was the second woman's reason for rejecting deliverance from witchcraft?
A. She was afraid of the power of God.
B. She did not believe in deliverance.
C. She valued the power to control her husband and enable her adultery.
D. She feared retaliation from other witches.

5. What is the ultimate risk for those who refuse Jesus' offer of deliverance from bondage, as stated in the Key Point?
A. They will face increased demonic oppression.
B. They are at risk of eternal condemnation.
C. They will lose all their earthly possessions.
D. They will be shunned by their community.

Prayer Points on "UNDERSTANDING SATANIC TRAPS II"

1. Father, I thank You for the gift of free will and for Your clear offer of life, liberty, and deliverance through Jesus Christ; thank You that the power of choice remains with us, in Jesus' name.

2. Lord, I ask for mercy for any area in my life where I have knowingly tolerated bondage or preferred a sinful benefit over the freedom You offer; forgive my rebellion and blindness, in Jesus' name.

3. Father, break the deceptive power of sin in the lives of those who love their bondage; open their eyes to see the eternal condemnation that awaits them and stir in them a desperate hunger for true freedom, in Jesus' name.

4. Holy Spirit, send a spirit of conviction and deep dissatisfaction to every willing captive in my family, community, and church; shatter the illusion of pleasure and control that keeps them chained, in Jesus' name.

5. Lord, grant me divine wisdom and discernment to recognize those who are willingly enslaved to the devil, and teach me how to pray effectively for their compelled deliverance, as the devotional promises to discuss, in Jesus' name.

6. Father, according to Your word in Deuteronomy 30:19, I choose life and blessing for myself and my seed today; I reject every form of bondage and curse, consciously or unconsciously, in Jesus' name.

7. I pray for every believer engaged in deliverance ministry; grant them supernatural insight to distinguish between those who want freedom and those who don’t, and guide their strategies accordingly, in Jesus' name.

8. Lord, surround and protect me, my family, and my church from the potential harm that willing slaves of the devil might intend; be our shield and strong tower, in Jesus' name.

9. Father, let the reality of eternal condemnation terrify every soul currently enjoying sinful bondage into a genuine repentance that leads to everlasting freedom, in Jesus' name.

10. My personal prayer point: (Mention any area where you struggle to fully embrace God's freedom or the name of someone you know who is a "willing captive" ).

11. Thank You, Father, for Your deliverance is powerful and complete. I trust You to preserve me and all mine from willful bondage, in Jesus' mighty name. Amen.

Lord Jesus, I come to You with a deeply repentant heart, please, forgive me and wash all my sins away with your precious blood shed at Calvary. 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 damnation.

OPEN HEAVEN DAILY DEVOTIONAL


DATE: WEDNESDAY JANUARY 28TH 2026


THEME: UNDERSTANDING SATANIC TRAPS II


MEMORISE: I call heaven and earth to record this day against you, that I have set before you life and death, blessing and cursing: therefore choose life, that both thou and thy seed may live: Deuteronomy 30:19


READ: Exodus 21:2-6
2 If thou buy an Hebrew servant, six years he shall serve: and in the seventh he shall go out free for nothing.

3 If he came in by himself, he shall go out by himself: if he were married, then his wife shall go out with him.

4 If his master have given him a wife, and she have born him sons or daughters; the wife and her children shall be her master's, and he shall go out by himself.

5 And if the servant shall plainly say, I love my master, my wife, and my children; I will not go out free:

6 Then his master shall bring him unto the judges; he shall also bring him to the door, or unto the door post; and his master shall bore his ear through with an aul; and he shall serve him for ever.


MESSAGE
I have observed over the years that there are two major categories of victims who are entrapped in the devil's bondage. The first category are the victims who are not aware that they have been entrapped by the devil, while the second category are those who are fully aware. Within this second category, there are two major sets of people: those who want to be set free and those who do not.

Today, I will be discussing the set of victims who know that they are in bondage but do not want to be set free. It may sound strange that some victims do not want to be set free from bondage, but from today's Bible reading and my personal experience, many people actually fall into this category.

For example, I have met witches who like the fact that thev are witches and don't want to be set free. I recall a particular incident that occurred years ago. A married couple started attending our church, but after a short while, the wife stopped coming. When we followed up with her, she told us that since she started coming to our church, she had been unable to fly to her witchcraft meetings at night. Since she wanted to continue flying to her meetings, she stopped coming. Deliverance was available to her, but she preferred to be in bondage.

In another instance, another woman, who was a witch, came to our church, and we prayed for her to be delivered. When nothing happened, she told us, why are you praying for me to be delivered? This is the power I use to control my husband such that he drives me to my boyfriend's house, waits for me in the car, and when I am done having fun with my boyfriend, he drives me back home. Do you want me to lose that power?" She held on to her bondage even though deliverance was available to her.

If God wants to set someone free from bondage, but the person does not want to accept His offer, then that they will remain in bondage, since that is what the fellow wants. Such a person is a willing captive, and even if the person is forcefully delivered but does not submit to Gou he or she will be recaptured and repossessed again (Matthew 12:43-45).

Tomorrow, I will discuss how you can ensure that a willing slave of the devil is unable to harm you and how you can possibly compel them to seek deliverance.


KEY POINT
Those who are in bondage and refuse to accept Jesus' offer of deliverance are at risk of tern al condemnation.


BIBLE IN ONE YEAR: Leviticus 1-4


AUTHOR: PASTOR E. A ADEBOYE


HYMN 28: GUIDE ME, O THOU GREAT JEHOVAH
Guide me, O thou great Jehovah
pilgrim through this barren land;
I am weak, but you are mighty;
hold me with your powerful hand.
Bread of heaven, bread of heaven,
feed me now and evermore,
feed me now and evermore.

2 Open now the crystal fountain,
where the healing waters flow.
Let the fire and cloudy pillar
lead me all my journey through.
Strong Deliverer, strong Deliverer,
ever be my strength and shield,
ever be my strength and shield.

3 When I tread the verge of Jordan,
bid my anxious fears subside.
Death of death, and hell's Destruction,
land me safe on Canaan's side.
Songs of praises, songs of praises
I will ever sing to you,
I will ever sing to you.[url][/url]

Correct Answers

1. B. He studies their lusts and provides those things as bait.
2. B. Flee from them.
3. B. How the devil fattens his victims with temporary good things before a day of destruction.
4. B. Because the devil makes them relaxed in the prison he has built for them.
5. C. All gifts from the devil have sorrow attached, while God's blessings come with no sorrow.

Objective Questions

1. According to the devotional, what is the primary method Satan uses to trap humans?
A. He uses physical force and oppression to subdue them.
B. He studies their lusts and provides those things as bait.
C. He attacks them with sickness and financial hardship.
D. He uses other people to openly persecute and discourage them.

2. What is the scriptural command given as the key response to "youthful lusts"?
A. Pray about them.
B. Flee from them.
C. Confront them.
D. Manage them carefully.

3. The devotional uses an analogy of a farmer and a chicken to illustrate a particular satanic strategy. What does this analogy represent?
A. How God nurtures His children for a purpose.
B. How the devil fattens his victims with temporary good things before a day of destruction.
C. The importance of being well-fed spiritually.
D. The need for patience in waiting for God's blessings.

4. According to the message, why might someone who has given in to temptation feel that "things are getting better" initially?
A. Because God immediately forgives and restores them.
B. Because the devil makes them relaxed in the prison he has built for them.
C. Because every sin has a natural positive consequence.
D. Because they have successfully negotiated with the devil.

5. What is the key difference between the devil's gifts and God's blessings, as stated in the devotional?
A. The devil's gifts are always material, while God's are spiritual.
B. The devil's gifts come faster, while God's blessings are slower.
C. All gifts from the devil have sorrow attached, while God's blessings come with no sorrow.
D. The devil's gifts are for everyone, while God's blessings are only for the righteous.

Prayer Points on "UNDERSTANDING SATANIC TRAPS I"

1. Father, I thank You for Your word that exposes the schemes of the enemy; thank You for the wisdom to recognize bait and the grace to escape every satanic trap, in Jesus' name.

2. Lord, I ask for mercy for every time I have entertained fleshly lusts or lingered in the vicinity of temptation instead of fleeing; cleanse me from all unrighteousness, in Jesus' name.

3. Father, open my spiritual eyes to discern the bait in every attractive offer from the enemy; let me see the hidden hook and the cage behind every seductive smile or proposition, in Jesus' name.

4. Holy Spirit, instill a holy terror in my heart towards every "youthful lust"; grant me the strength and urgency to run away without looking back, in Jesus' name.

5. Lord, shatter every illusion of safety and progress the enemy has built around me or anyone I know who is in bondage; let the light of Your truth expose the prison and trigger a desperate run for freedom, in Jesus' name.

6. Father, purge me from every defilement and make me a vessel of honor, sanctified and ready for Your use; let my life be marked by righteousness, faith, love, and peace, in Jesus' name.

7. I reject every "gift" with attached sorrow; I choose to wait for and receive only Your blessings which add no sorrow to my life, in Jesus' name.

8. Lord, surround me with godly companions who call on You with a pure heart; let our collective pursuit of holiness be a shield against the enemy's traps, in Jesus' name.

9. Father, by Your mercy, recover every destiny that has been ensnared and destroyed by the devil's bait; let testimonies of restoration abound, in Jesus' name.

10. My personal prayer point: (Mention any specific area of vulnerability or temptation where you need grace to flee and stand firm).

11. Thank You, Father, for I am preserved, sanctified, and delivered from every snare of the fowler, in Jesus' mighty name. Amen.

Lord Jesus, I come to You with a deeply repentant heart, please, forgive me and wash all my sins away with your precious blood shed at Calvary. 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 damnation.

OPEN HEAVEN DAILY DEVOTIONAL


DATE: TUESDAY JANUARY 27TH 2026


THEME: UNDERSTANDING SATANIC TRAPS I


MEMORISE: Dearly beloved, I beseech you as strangers and pilgrims, abstain from fleshly lusts, which war against the soul; 1 Peter 2:11


READ: 2 Timothy 2:19-22
19 Nevertheless the foundation of God standeth sure, having this seal, The Lord knoweth them that are his. And, Let every one that nameth the name of Christ depart from iniquity.

20 But in a great house there are not only vessels of gold and of silver, but also of wood and of earth; and some to honour, and some to dishonour.

21If a man therefore purge himself from these, he shall be a vessel unto honour, sanctified, and meet for the master's use, and prepared unto every good work.

22 Flee also youthful lusts: but follow righteousness, faith, charity, peace, with them that call on the Lord out of a pure heart.


MESSAGE
Hunters usually use the favorite foods of their targeted animals as bait in the traps set to capture them. Once the animals see the food, they rush towards it, and as they begin to eat it, the traps capture them. This is the same way the devil traps humans; he studies those he wants to trap to find out the things they usually lust after. Then, he provides those things to them on a platter of gold. If they are not discerning, they will get carried away by their lust, and while they are 'enjoying' what the devil has provided, they will suddenly find themselves in bondage, and it will take only the grace and mercy of God to bring them out. I will turn 84 years old ina couple of months, and believe me, I have seen many great destinies that have been entrapped and destroyed by the devil with this method. I pray you will never be entrapped by the devil, in Jesus' name.

I have always told my biological and spiritual sons, "If a lady smiles at you seductively, run as fast as you can in another direction." Today's Bible reading says that you should flee youthful lusts. Flee means that you should run as if you are terrified. Don't wait around to see what will happen; just run! Yoruba elders have a saying, "What you must not taste, you should not smell." No matter how sweet poison smells, once you know it is poison, you will not sniff it. Likewise, once you see something that can destroy your destiny, flee!

Some people might say, "| gave in to temptation, but nothing has changed. In fact, things are getting better for me." They should not be deceived; the devil is only doing everything to make them relaxed in the prison he has built for them. When you buy a chicken with the intention of killing it and preparing it for a special occasion, you will likely feed the chicken very well in order to fatten it up. The chicken might think it is enjoying, but you know that you are fattening it until the day it will be slaughtered. This is what the devil does; he ensures that his victims feel relaxed until the day of slaughter because he doesn't want them to seek help. He always collects more from his victims than he gives them.
Beloved, all gifts from the devil have sorrow attached to them; only God's blessings come with no sorrow (Proverbs 10:22).


KEY POINT
Flee youthful lusts.


BIBLE IN ONE YEAR: Exodus 38-40


AUTHOR: PASTOR E. A ADEBOYE


HYMN 31: YIELD NOT TO TEMPTATION
1 Yield not to temptation,
For yielding is sin;
Each vict’ry will help you,
Some other to win;
Fight valiantly onward,
Evil passions subdue;
Look ever to Jesus,
He will carry you through.

Refrain:
Ask the Savior to help you,
Comfort, strengthen and keep you;
He is willing to aid you,
He will carry you through.

2 Shun evil companions,
Bad language disdain;
God’s name hold in rev’rence,
Nor take it in vain;
Be thoughtful and earnest,
Kindhearted and true;
Look ever to Jesus,
He will carry you through.

3 To him that o’ercometh,
God giveth a crown;
Through faith we will conquer,
Though often cast down;
He who is our Savior,
Our strength will renew;
Look ever to Jesus,
He will carry you through.

Correct Answers

1. B. The need for persistent compassion and effort to restore those who have left the faith.
2. B. Have compassion on some and save others with fear.
3. C. The unexpected personal visit from the Pastor after many years.
4. B. There is more joy in heaven than over ninety-nine who need no repentance.
5. C. To prayerfully reach out to anyone you know who has backslidden.

Objective Questions

1. What is the primary theme of the devotional "Restore Backsliders"?
A. The importance of personal holiness and avoiding sin.
B. The need for persistent compassion and effort to restore those who have left the faith.
C. The story of the lost sheep and the shepherd's immediate joy.
D. The consequences of backsliding and divine judgment.

2. According to the memory verse (Jude 1:22-23), what two approaches are recommended towards those in error?
A. Ignore them and focus on the faithful.
B. Have compassion on some and save others with fear.
C. Publicly rebuke them and then offer forgiveness.
D. Wait for them to return on their own and then welcome them.

3. In the personal story shared, what was the key factor that finally led the backslidden brother to return to faith?
A. A powerful sermon he heard at a crusade.
B. The persistent prayers of the church members.
C. The unexpected personal visit from the Pastor after many years.
D. A personal tragedy that made him reconsider his life.

4. What does the devotional say is the heavenly response when one sinner repents?
A. Angels are assigned to watch over them.
B. There is more joy in heaven than over ninety-nine who need no repentance.
C. A record of their previous backsliding is erased.
D. The saints on earth are notified to celebrate.

5. What is the "Action Point" given at the end of the devotional?
A. To pray for the conversion of all unbelievers.
B. To study the parable of the lost sheep in depth.
C. To prayerfully reach out to anyone you know who has backslidden.
D. To examine your own life to ensure you are not backsliding.

Prayer Points on "RESTORE BACKSLIDERS"

1. Father, I thank You for Your heart of compassion that never gives up on the lost; thank You for the model of Christ who receives sinners and for the joy in heaven over one repentant soul, in Jesus' name.

2. Lord, I ask for forgiveness for any time I have been indifferent, judgmental, or given up too easily on brothers and sisters who have wandered from the faith, in Jesus' name.

3. Father, baptize me with a spirit of compassion and fearless love like that described in Jude; guide me to know when to show mercy and when to speak firmly to pull others from the fire, in Jesus' name.

4. Holy Spirit, bring to my remembrance every backslider I know—family, friends, and former church members—and give me a specific strategy to prayerfully and lovingly reach out to them this week, in Jesus' name.

5. Lord, break the power of pride, shame, and hardness of heart in every backslidden believer; use my obedience and persistence as a key to soften their heart and draw them back to You, in Jesus' name.

6. Father, grant me divine appointments and orchestrations, just as You guided the Pastor to the brother's house; lead me to the right person at the right time for a destiny-restoring encounter, in Jesus' name.

7. I reject the spirit of discouragement and "I'm tired" in the work of restoration; fill me with relentless faith and patience that never gives up, believing for the full recovery of every lost sheep, in Jesus' name.

8. Father, reward every effort made to restore a backslider with the eternal joy of heaven and the promise that I will shine like the stars forever for turning many to righteousness, in Jesus' name.

9. Lord, protect the restored; when backsliders return, establish them in Your love and word, surround them with a supportive community, and guard them from falling away again, in Jesus' name.

10. My personal prayer point: (Mention the name(s) of specific backsliders you are led to restore and ask for wisdom, opportunity, and the right words for your approach).

11. Thank You, Father, for I believe my labor in love is not in vain, and I will see the fruit of restored lives for Your glory, in Jesus' mighty name. Amen.

Lord Jesus, I come to You with a deeply repentant heart, please, forgive me and wash all my sins away with your precious blood shed at Calvary. 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 damnation.

OPEN HEAVEN DAILY DEVOTIONAL


DATE: MONDAY JANUARY 26TH 2026


THEME: RESTORE BACKSLIDERS


MEMORISE: And of some have compassion, making a difference: And others save with fear, pulling them out of the fire; hating even the garment spotted by the flesh. Jude 1:22-23


READ: Luke 15:1-7
1 Then drew near unto him all the publicans and sinners for to hear him.

2 And the Pharisees and scribes murmured, saying, This man receiveth sinners, and eateth with them.

3 And he spake this parable unto them, saying,

4 What man of you, having an hundred sheep, if he lose one of them, doth not leave the ninety and nine in the wilderness, and go after that which is lost, until he find it?

5 And when he hath found it, he layeth it on his shoulders, rejoicing.

6 And when he cometh home, he calleth together his friends and neighbours, saying unto them, Rejoice with me; for I have found my sheep which was lost.

7I say unto you, that likewise joy shall be in heaven over one sinner that repenteth, more than over ninety and nine just persons, which need no repentance.


MESSAGE
Do you know anyone who used to be a Christian but has returned to the world? If yes, what have you done to restore such a person back to Christ? You might say that you have once tried unsuccessfully to talk to him or her about returning to Christ; however, have you tried again? Will you allow the fellow to remain on the path to hell just because you don't want him or her to reject your counsel again?

Many years ago, some church members and I followed up on a church member who had backslidden, and thankfully, he returned to Christ. However, after a while, he backslid again and left the church. We did everything we could to get him to return until it got to a point where I said, "I'm tired. 1"Il leave this man to do whatever he likes." Many years later, I went to preach at the University of Ife. After my ministration, Il wanted to return to Lagos, but God told me to travel in the opposite direction. I did not know where God was leading me to until l got to the neighborhood where this brother lived.

It was at that moment that I knew what God wanted me to do. I went to his house, and when I got there, his wife hurried to tell him that I had come to visit them. He did not believe it; he thought she was playing a prank on him until he came out and saw me waiting for him. That visit was all it took for him to return to faith. He probably said to himself, "if you could still remember me and reach out to me after all these years and all the rejection, then your love for me is real, and l am returning."

Beloved, don't give up on anyone who has backslidden. Keep following up on them prayerfully and never give up until the Holy Spirit convicts them to return to the faith again. Just one more phone call or visit from you may save such people from spending eternity in hell. Intentionally go after backsliders and restore them to the Lord. In today's memory verse, the Bible talks about having compassion on such people. Keep reaching out to them and never stop interceding on their behalf until they are restored. Remember, there's a great reward for winning souls, as the Bible says that those who turn many to righteousness will shine like the stars forever (Daniel 12:3).


ACTION POINT
If you know anyone who has backslidden, prayerfully reach out to him or her today.


BIBLE IN ONE YEAR: Exodus 35-37


AUTHOR: PASTOR E. A ADEBOYE


HYMN 4: TO THE WORK, TO THE WORK
1 To the work! to the work! we are servants of God,
Let us follow the path that our Master has trod;
With the balm of His counsel our strength to renew,
Let us do with our might what our hands find to do.

Refrain:
Toiling on, toiling on,
Toiling on, toiling on:
Let us hope, let us watch,
And labor till the Master comes.

2 To the work! to the work! let the hungry be fed;
To the fountain of life let the weary be led;
In the cross and its banner our glory shall be,
While we herald the tidings, "Salvation is free!"

3 To the work! to the work! there is labor for all;
For the kingdom of darkness and error shall fall;
And the name of Jehovah exalted shall be,
In the loud-swelling chorus, "Salvation is free!"

4 To the work! to the work! in the strength of the Lord,
And a robe and a crown shall our labor reward;
When the home of the faithful our dwelling shall be,
And we shout with the ransomed, "Salvation is free!"

Correct Answers

1. B. Leading people to Christ and ensuring they grow in the faith.
2. C. Matthew 28:18-20
3. B. To commit what he had learned to faithful men who would teach others also.
4. B. They are wise.
5. B. They will shine like the stars forever and ever.

Objective Questions

1. According to the devotional, what is the primary meaning of true fruitfulness in the life of a believer?
A. Achieving great material success and having many children.
B. Leading people to Christ and ensuring they grow in the faith.
C. Living a morally upright and holy life.
D. Attaining high positions of leadership in the church.

2. Which scripture reference is called the "Great Commission" and forms the basis for the call to spiritual fruitfulness?
A. John 15:16
B. 2 Corinthians 2:14
C. Matthew 28:18-20
D. Proverbs 11:30

3. What did Apostle Paul instruct Timothy to do in 2 Timothy 2:2, which illustrates God's desired multiplication?
A. To focus on his own personal spiritual growth.
B. To commit what he had learned to faithful men who would teach others also.
C. To write letters to all the churches.
D. To confront false teachers and doctrines.

4. What does the Bible say about a person who wins souls, according to Proverbs 11:30 as referenced in the devotional?
A. They shall be rewarded on earth.
B. They are wise.
C. They will have great wealth.
D. They will be spared from trials.

5. What is the promised result for those who are truly fruitful in turning many to righteousness, as stated in Daniel 12:3?
A. They will be given authority over nations.
B. They will shine like the stars forever and ever.
C. They will be free from all sickness.
D. Their descendants will be mighty on earth.

Prayer Points on "TRUE FRUITFULNESS"

1. Father, I thank You for choosing and ordaining me to bear fruit that remains; thank You for the privilege of being part of Your redemptive work, in Jesus' name.

2. Lord, I ask for mercy for the times I have prioritized material pursuits or personal goals over the primary calling of winning souls and making disciples, in Jesus' name.

3. Father, ignite in me a fresh passion for the Great Commission; let the burden for the salvation of souls become a burning fire in my heart, in Jesus' name.

4. Lord, grant me divine wisdom, strategy, and boldness to effectively share the gospel with my family, friends, colleagues, and neighbors, in Jesus' name.

5. Father, make me a faithful mentor and teacher in the body of Christ; help me to disciple new believers and commit Your truths to faithful people who will teach others also, in Jesus' name.

6. Holy Spirit, teach me how to nurture and water the seeds I have sown, that the fruits of my evangelism may remain and grow strong in the faith, in Jesus' name.

7. Lord, connect me with divine appointments and opportunities daily where I can manifest the savour of Your knowledge and lead others to triumph in Christ, in Jesus' name.

8. Father, let my life so shine before men that it becomes a powerful witness, drawing others to the glory of God within me, in Jesus' name.

9. Lord, according to Your promise, make me wise in soul-winning and cause me to shine like the stars forever and ever as a reward for my labour, in Jesus' name.

10. My personal prayer point: (Mention specific individuals or groups you are led to reach, and ask for grace to be fruitful in your witness).

11. Thank You, Father, for I believe I am equipped and sent forth as a fruitful branch in Your vineyard, bringing eternal joy to heaven, in Jesus' mighty name. Amen.

Lord Jesus, I come to You with a deeply repentant heart, please, forgive me and wash all my sins away with your precious blood shed at Calvary. 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 damnation.

OPEN HEAVEN DAILY DEVOTIONAL


DATE: SUNDAY JANUARY 25TH 2026


THEME: TRUE FRUITFULNESS


MEMORISE: Now thanks be unto God, which always causeth us to triumph in Christ, and make th manifest the savour of his knowledge by us in every place. 2 Corinthians 2:14


READ: Matthew 28:18-20
18 And Jesus came and spake unto them, saying, All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth.

19 Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost:

20 Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen.


MESSAGE
When God says you should be fruitful, He is not just talking about you being successful materially and having children; He is also talking about you winning souls.
In John 15:16, Jesus said:
Ye have not chosen me, but I have chosen you, and ordained you, that ye should go and bring forth fruit, and that your fruit should remain: that whatsoever ye shall ask of the Father in my name, he may give it you.

As a disciple of Jesus Christ, being fruitful is primarily about leading people to Christ and ensuring that they grow and remain in the faith. A soul won to Christ is a fruit that brings eternal joy to God and also to you. The Bible says in Luke 15:7 that there is so much joy in heaven when a soul is saved from eternal damnation and won into the kingdom of the Almighty God.

God wants us to multiply spiritually. This is why Bible scholars often refer to Matthew 28:18-20 as the Great Commission. Jesus commands us to go into all the world and make disciples of all nations. To make disciples means to teach others to follow Christ just as you are following Him. This involves preaching the gospel to unbelievers and mentoring other Christians with the word of God to help them grow in their walk with God. God wants you to make disciples; He wants you to reproduce yourself. Apostle Paul understood this principle and taught it to Timothy. In 2 Timothy 2:2, he said, "And the things that thou hast heard of me among many witnesses, the same commit thou to faithful men, who shall be able to teach others also. “He instructed Timothy to pass on what he had learned to faithful believers who would teach other believers in turn.
This is the multiplication God desires - fruitfulness that extends beyond you to others and continues through generations.

Beloved, the Bible says that a person who wins souls is wise (Proverbs 11:30). Are you spiritually fruitful? Are you leading others to Christ? Are you teaching and mentoring others in the faith? Ifyou have not been doing these, it is time to start. Begin with those around you - your family, friends, colleagues, and neighbours. Share the love of God with them and invite them to experience the blessings you enjoy in Christ. When you do all these, you will be truly fruitful, and God will make you shine like the stars forever and ever (Daniel 12:3).


REFLECTION
Are you truly being fruitful according to God's standard?


BIBLE IN ONE YEAR: Exodus 31-34


AUTHOR: PASTOR E. A ADEBOYE


HYMN 4: TO THE WORK, TO THE WORK
1 To the work! to the work! we are servants of God,
Let us follow the path that our Master has trod;
With the balm of His counsel our strength to renew,
Let us do with our might what our hands find to do.

Refrain:
Toiling on, toiling on,
Toiling on, toiling on:
Let us hope, let us watch,
And labor till the Master comes.

2 To the work! to the work! let the hungry be fed;
To the fountain of life let the weary be led;
In the cross and its banner our glory shall be,
While we herald the tidings, "Salvation is free!"

3 To the work! to the work! there is labor for all;
For the kingdom of darkness and error shall fall;
And the name of Jehovah exalted shall be,
In the loud-swelling chorus, "Salvation is free!"

4 To the work! to the work! in the strength of the Lord,
And a robe and a crown shall our labor reward;
When the home of the faithful our dwelling shall be,
And we shout with the ransomed, "Salvation is free!"

Correct Answers

1. B. The rich have abundance, but the wealthy have so much they don't think twice before buying anything.
2. C. Flourishing.
3. C. He moved and dug new wells until he found a place of no strife.
4. B. To forget past successes and keep reaching for more.
5. C. Because Isaac had become mightier and more prosperous than the entire nation.

Objective Questions

1. According to the devotional, what is the difference between being "rich" and being "wealthy"?
A. The rich are blessed by God, while the wealthy are self-made.
B. The rich have abundance, but the wealthy have so much they don't think twice before buying anything.
C. The rich are envied, while the wealthy are respected.
D. The rich are financially stable, while the wealthy are also spiritually mature.

2. What biblical term describes a level of success greater than just being wealthy, characterized by righteousness and fruitfulness even in old age?
A. Prosperity.
B. Greatness.
C. Flourishing.
D. Abundance.

3. What was Isaac's response when the Philistines filled his father's wells with earth and later strove with him over new wells?
A. He declared war on them.
B. He complained to King Abimelech.
C. He moved and dug new wells until he found a place of no strife.
D. He prayed for fire to consume his enemies.

4. What is the main scriptural admonition given for believers who have achieved some level of success?
A. To give thanks and rest on their laurels.
B. To forget past successes and keep reaching for more.
C. To invest wisely and secure their future.
D. To teach others how to achieve the same success.

5. Why did King Abimelech ask Isaac to leave Gerar?
A. Because Isaac refused to pay taxes.
B. Because Isaac's servants attacked the locals.
C. Because Isaac had become mightier and more prosperous than the entire nation.
D. Because God told the king to send Isaac away.

Prayer Points on "REACH FOR MORE"

1. Father, I thank You for every level of success and progress I have attained by Your grace; thank You for the promise that my path will shine brighter and brighter, in Jesus' name.

2. Lord, I ask for forgiveness for every time I have become complacent or settled on past achievements, forgetting that You have called me to continually press forward, in Jesus' name.

3. Father, deliver me from a limiting mindset; break every spirit of contentment with mediocrity and ignite in me a holy dissatisfaction that constantly reaches for more in You, in Jesus' name.

4. Lord, give me the persevering spirit of Isaac; when I face opposition or envy, grant me the wisdom and grace to keep digging until I find my "Rehoboth"—a place of room and fruitfulness, in Jesus' name.

5. Father, elevate me from being merely rich or wealthy to the state of *flourishing*—righteous, planted in Your house, and fruitful even in old age, in Jesus' name.

6. Oh Lord, align my desires with Your perfect will; let my pursuit of more be for Your glory and the expansion of Your kingdom, not for selfish ambition, in Jesus' name.

7. Holy Spirit, teach me to forget past successes and failures rightly; help me to lay aside every weight and distraction as I reach forth for the higher calling in Christ Jesus, in Jesus' name.

8. Father, as I obey Your word and leading like Isaac did in Gerar, cause me to prosper and flourish even in unlikely places, to the point that my growth is undeniable, in Jesus' name.

9. Lord, make me a person of relentless progress; let my life be a testimony that with You, success is a journey with ever greater levels to attain, in Jesus' name.

10. My personal prayer point: (Mention specific areas where you are settling or facing opposition, and where you need grace to "reach for more" ).

11. Thank You, Father, for I believe I am moving forward, growing, and flourishing according to Your word, in Jesus' mighty name. Amen!

Lord Jesus, I come to You with a deeply repentant heart, please, forgive me and wash all my sins away with your precious blood shed at Calvary. 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 damnation.

OPEN HEAVEN DAILY DEVOTIONAL


DATE: SATURDAY JANUARY 24TH 2026


THEME: REACH FOR MORE


MEMORISE: Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended: but this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before. Philippians 3:13


READ: Genesis 26:12-22
12 Then Isaac sowed in that land, and received in the same year an hundredfold: and the LORD blessed him.

13 And the man waxed great, and went forward, and grew until he became very great:

14 For he had possession of flocks, and possession of herds, and great store of servants: and the Philistines envied him.

15 For all the wells which his father's servants had digged in the days of Abraham his father, the Philistines had stopped them, and filled them with earth.

16 And Abimelech said unto Isaac, Go from us; for thou art much mightier than we.

17 And Isaac departed thence, and pitched his tent in the valley of Gerar, and dwelt there.

18 And Isaac digged again the wells of water, which they had digged in the days of Abraham his father; for the philistines had stopped them after the death of Abraham: and he called their names after the names by which his father had called them.

19 And Isaac's servants digged in the valley, and found there a well of springing water.

20 And the herdmen of Gerar did strive with Isaac's herdmen, saying, The water is ours: and he called the name of the well Esek; because they strove with him.

21 And they digged another well, and strove for that also: and he called the name of it Sitnah.

22 And he removed from thence, and digged another well; and for that they strove not: and he called the name of it Rehoboth; and he said, For now the LORD hath made room for us, and we shall be fruitful in the land.


MESSAGE
Sometimes, some people who appear to have attained a level of success begin to relax in their efforts to advance in their respective fields of endeavor. They feel they are on top of the world because of the success they have achieved. However, no matter how successful or prosperous a person has become, there are always greater levels to attain. This is why I always tell those who are close to me that success is a journey, not a destination.

For example, people who have attained a great level of financial success can be classified as rich or wealthy. The rich have a level of abundance, but truly wealthy people are those who have so much abundance that they don't have to think twice before they buy anything. l once heard of a truly wealthy man who went on a morning walk one day and bought a car factory he saw on his way just because he felt it wasn't well kept. He was so angry at the state of the factory because that was the factory producing the brand of car he rides, so he negotiated with the owners and bought it immediately.

There is, however, a level of success that is greater than just being wealthy; it is a level that Psalm 92:12-14 refers to as "flourishing'. A flourishing person is described as righteous, planted in the house of the Lord, and fruitful even in old age. People at this level live according to the will of God, meditate on His word day and night, and prosper in all they do (Psalm 1:1-3). Isaac is a good example of someone who flourished in the Bible. God commanded him to stay in Gerar even though, humanly speaking, it didn't seem like the right thing to do. However, he obeyed and flourished in the land (Genesis 26:1-14). He kept prospering until he became great and very great to the extent that the king pleaded with him to leave the kingdom because he had become greater and more prosperous than the entire nation.

Beloved, God desires that you flourish (3 John 1:2). His design and perfect will for you is not only that you become prosperous in everything you do but that you keep flourishing until you leave the earth. This is why Proverbs 4:18 says that the path of the just shines brighter and brighter unto the perfect day. I encourage you to be like Apostle Paul; forget your past successes and keep reaching for more (Philippians 3:12-14).


KEY POINT
There are always greater levels of success and prosperity to attain.


BIBLE IN ONE YEAR: Exodus 28-30


AUTHOR: PASTOR E. A ADEBOYE


HYMN 28: GUIDE ME, O THOU GREAT JEHOVAH
Guide me, O thou great Jehovah
pilgrim through this barren land;
I am weak, but you are mighty;
hold me with your powerful hand.
Bread of heaven, bread of heaven,
feed me now and evermore,
feed me now and evermore.

2 Open now the crystal fountain,
where the healing waters flow.
Let the fire and cloudy pillar
lead me all my journey through.
Strong Deliverer, strong Deliverer,
ever be my strength and shield,
ever be my strength and shield.

3 When I tread the verge of Jordan,
bid my anxious fears subside.
Death of death, and hell's Destruction,
land me safe on Canaan's side.
Songs of praises, songs of praises
I will ever sing to you,
I will ever sing to you.