₦airaland Forum

Julivas:
OPEN HEAVENS BY PST. ENOCH .A. ADEBOYE

TUESDAY 10TH OCTOBER, 2017

I SHALL NOT BE POOR

MEMORISE:
All the brethren of the poor do hate him: how much more do his friends go far from him? he pursueth them with words, yet they are wanting to him. Proverbs 19:7

READ:
1Chronicles 4:9-10
9 And Jabez was more honourable than his brethren: and his mother called his name Jabez, saying, Because I bare him with sorrow.
10 And Jabez called on the God of Israel, saying, Oh that thou wouldest bless me indeed, and enlarge my coast, and that thine hand might be with me, and that thou wouldest keep me from evil, that it may not grieve me! And God granted him that which he requested.

BIBLE IN ONE YEAR:
1 Corinthians 12-14 & Daniel 5:1-12

MESSAGE:
Having tasted poverty and a little bit of wealth, I can tell you that wealth is better than poverty. If you are living in poverty, I prophesy over you that God will lift you out of poverty in Jesus’ Name. One of the reasons why I hate poverty so much is because of what Proverbs 14:20 says about the poor:
“The poor is hated even of his own neighbour: but the rich hath many friends.”
In today’s Bible reading, we are introduced to a Bible hero who experienced poverty, but who was not hypocritical about his undesirable condition. This fellow was Jabez. His mother named him Jebez because she gave birth to him with sorrow. As Jabez grew up, he started experiencing the meaning of his name, and so, he decided to do something about it. It is unfortunate that many people, even some children of God, bear names with negative meanings and connotations, and yet they refuse to do something about it, even after they start sensing the negative influence of such names on their lives. My prayer for you today is that the Almighty God will give you a name that will wipe away generational curses plaguing your life in Jesus’s Name. What Jabez did to change his situation is a common thing that some people don’t consider necessary: he prayed.
There are many lessons we can learn from the life of Jabez, the first of which is that Jabez called on the God he knew was a prayer-answering God - the God of Israel. The question is, who are you calling upon? Psalm 5:3 clearly tells us who we should direct our prayers to:
“My voice shalt thou hear in the morning, O Lord; in the morning will I direct my prayer unto thee, and will look up.”
A second lesson to learn from Jabez is that he did not ask for a small blessing; rather, he prayed that God should bless him indeed. Thirdly, he prayed that God will be with him in his prosperity and keep him from evil. It is an open secret that many rich people live in one calamity or the other. Jabez knew this, and so he prayed against riches that attract evil. What a great man who knew the ways of God! If you want poverty to be history in your life, you have to do something about it. Jabez can be classified as someone who was destined to die in penury, but he prayed himself out of poverty and God heard him. Jesus is the way out of poverty (2 Corinthians 8:9). The life that He gives and His principles will lift you out of poverty. Therefore, give your life to Him without further delay today, and poverty shall become history in your life in Jesus’ Name.

PRAYER POINT:
Father, please bless me indeed with Your blessing that adds no sorrow.

HYMN 10:
1. There shall be showers of blessing:
This is the promise of love;
There shall be seasons refreshing,
Sent from the Savior above.

Refrain:
Showers of blessing,
Showers of blessing we need:
Mercy-drops round us are falling,
But for the showers we plead.

2. There shall be showers of blessing,
Precious reviving again;
Over the hills and the valleys,
Sound of abundance of rain.
Refrain:

3. There shall be showers of blessing;
Send them upon us, O Lord;
Grant to us now a refreshing,
Come, and now honor Thy Word.
Refrain:

4. There shall be showers of blessing:
Oh, that today they might fall,
Now as to God we’re confessing,
Now as on Jesus we call!
Refrain:

Julivas:
OPEN HEAVENS BY PST. ENOCH .A. ADEBOYE

SUNDAY 8TH OCTOBER, 2017

GOD’S KIND OF LOVE

MEMORISE:
But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us. Romans 5:8

READ:
1 Corinthians 13:1-8

BIBLE IN ONE YEAR:
1 Corinthians 7-9 & Daniel 4:19-27

MESSAGE:
Today’s memory verse gives us a glimpse of what God’s kind of love is all about. This scripture reveals one truth about God’s kind of love, which is that it is unconditional. God loves unconditionally, and His love prompts Him to forgive unconditionally! If God had chosen to wait until we became saints before extending His saving love to us, no one would be saved. Some years ago, one of my sons illustrated the unconditional nature of God’s love. In his place of work, his secretary did something unprofessional, and so he moved him out of his office to another role within the department. While suspending this man from his role as secretary, my son strangely instructed him to hold on to the computer he had been working with, and told him to retain all the files that were on it. Some months later, he reinstated this fellow to his old role as secretary. Surprised at his reinstatement, this secretary was initially not comfortable at his former desk, but my son reassured him that he had been forgiven. He said to him, “I had forgiven you even before you asked for forgiveness. Why do you think I told you to retain the computer and keep the files? I forgave you and restored you even as I was suspending you from office. I planned your reinstatement right from that day, and I didn’t want you to return and start from scratch, which is why I left the computer with you even though you were no longer my secretary”. This secretary was dumbfounded.
In today’s Bible reading, we are enlightened on the characteristics of God’s kind of love. The Holy Spirit in these verses first declares the importance of this kind of love, without which life is worthless and meaningless. He then begins to list the characteristics of God’s love. Only God’s type of love suffers long and shows unusual kindness. God is sovereign and all-powerful, so He needs not envy anyone, neither does He need anybody to pump up His ego. God’s love contains no evil (James 1:13). Contrary to some people’s perception, God’s kind of love does not condone or rejoice in iniquity. Some pastors think that the best way of showing God’s kind of love is not to rebuke sinners. Nothing could be further from the truth! God’s kind of love is what Paul instructed Timothy to demonstrate in fulfilling his ministry, by reproving, rebuking and exhorting those he was ministering to with all longsuffering and doctrine (2 Timothy 4:2). My advice to you is that you embrace God’s love as personified by His Son, Jesus Christ, who died for the sins of the whole world.

PRAYER POINT:
Father, let Your love be shed abroad in my heart by the Holy Spirit in Jesus' Name.

HYMN 2:
1. What a friend we have in Jesus,
All our sins and griefs to bear!
What a privilege to carry
Everything to God in prayer!
Oh, what peace we often forfeit,
Oh, what needless pain we bear,
All because we do not carry
Everything to God in prayer!

2. Have we trials and temptations?
Is there trouble anywhere?
We should never be discouraged—
Take it to the Lord in prayer.
Can we find a friend so faithful,
Who will all our sorrows share?
Jesus knows our every weakness;
Take it to the Lord in prayer.

3. Are we weak and heavy-laden,
Cumbered with a load of care?
Precious Savior, still our refuge—
Take it to the Lord in prayer.
Do thy friends despise, forsake thee?
Take it to the Lord in prayer!
In His arms He’ll take and shield thee,
Thou wilt find a solace there.

jiggaz:
The gospel of grace is underwritten by the most precious commodity in the universe – the blood of Jesus.

Some have lost sight of an important truth, possibly the most important truth, which is this: no blood means no salvation. And no redemption, no forgiveness, no sanctification, and no future.

Without the blood, the gospel is no gospel and the cross is nothing more than two beams of wood. As the song-writer wrote, our cleansing, our wholeness, our pardon, our hope, our peace, our righteousness, our overcoming, are all based on nothing but the blood of Jesus.

On the night before he died, Jesus said:

“This cup is the new covenant in my blood, which is poured out for you.” (Lk 22:20)

It was left to the writers of the New Testament to unpackage the full significance of that statement. I want to highlight five things they said about the blood. This is not a complete list, but it will be more than enough to get you thanking Jesus. Don’t race through this list on your way to another website. This list of blessings cost Jesus his life and purchased yours. Read it slowly and be blessed.

(1) Jesus’ blood did away with sin

“He has appeared once for all… to put away sin by the sacrifice of himself” (Heb 9:26b).

Sin is no longer merely covered up by the sacrifice of animals. It has been “removed” (GNB), “abolished” (AMP) and “done away with” (NIV). Sin, your old Master, has been ended, rubbed out, whacked.

You may think that sin is behind some of the problems in your life. How can that be if Jesus has done away with sin? His blood is what the Message Bible calls, “the final solution of sin”. Go take communion and talk to your problems about the precious blood of Jesus that makes you whole.

(2) Jesus’ blood paid for your eternal redemption

“For you know that it was not with perishable things such as silver or gold that you were redeemed from the empty way of life handed down to you from your forefathers, but with the precious blood of Christ, a lamb without blemish or defect.” (1 Pet 1:18-19)

You were born a slave to sin, a prisoner of your appetites, programmed to screw up. Sure, you had some good days when you could keep things in check. But deep down you knew that your desires unleashed would bring ruin and destruction. This is humanity’s heritage – a selfish, sensual life passed on from our ancestor Adam.

But you were redeemed from this pointless way of life by the blood of Jesus. Jesus did not sneak in and kidnap you from the enemy’s camp. He bought you fair and square with something infinitely more precious than silver and gold. Neither did Jesus suffer on the cross just to buy you a weekend pass out of Egypt. His blood secured your complete and eternal redemption (Heb 9:12).

Jesus’ blood has paid your sin-debt in full. Even when you stumble and make mistakes you still belong to Jesus. The devil has absolutely no claim on you. When he reminds you of your shortcomings, remind him of the perfect blood that redeemed you and purchased your perpetual and everlasting freedom.

(3) Jesus’ blood brought you forgiveness and reconciliation with God

“But now in Christ Jesus you who once were far away have been brought near through the blood of Christ.” (Eph 2:13)

Growing up enslaved to sin you were serving in the enemy’s camp earning the wages of death. For as long as you resisted God’s gracious overtures, even your good deeds were storing up wrath for the Day of Judgment. You were born far from God and nothing you did could ever close that gap.

But Jesus became our atonement, bringing us reconciliation with God (1 Jn 2:2). By shedding his own blood, Jesus secured our pardons from death row (Heb 9:22). Forgiveness is not something we have earned. It is a divine gift, paid for with blood. All your sins – past, present and future – were forgiven at the cross (Col 2:13).

Some say there are limits and conditions to God’s forgiveness. They say that we are only forgiven if we straighten up and fly right. That is like saying the blood of Jesus is inadequate, that God himself needs our help. But the Bible says we are redeemed and forgiven “in accordance with the riches of God’s grace” (Eph 1:7). When you do well, you are forgiven. When you don’t do so well, you are still forgiven! There is no flashing sign above your head that switches between “forgiven” and “unforgiven.” Look up and see the blood of Jesus.

What sets you straight with God? The blood plus nothing. What is your proper response to this gift of forgiveness? Rejoice! “Happy are those whose wrongs are forgiven, whose sins are pardoned!” (Rms 4:7, GNB). You are forgiven! Be happy!

(4) Jesus’ blood cleanses, and goes on cleansing you, from all the effects of sin

“…the blood of Jesus Christ His Son cleanses us from all sin and guilt” (1 Jn 1:7b, AMP)

Sin has a corrupting, defiling influence. Even long-ago sin leaves festering wounds and putrescent lesions on the soul. Before the cross your lab report testified to the symptoms of sin: guilt, regret, disappointment, hurt, stress, fear, anxiety and sickness.

Thank God for the blood of Jesus which washes away all that black history, making you white as snow (Is 1:18). Jesus doesn’t do patch-up jobs. He deals with the root cause by removing our condemnation. Our hearts have been sprinkled and our guilty consciences cleansed (Heb 10:22). When we make mistakes Jesus, the Righteous One, intercedes for us and the Holy Spirit convicts us that we are still the righteousness of God in Christ (1 Jn 2:1). This is not merely a new start, but a whole new life.

(5) Jesus’ blood sanctifies you

“My friends, the blood of Jesus gives us courage to enter the most holy place.” (Heb 10:19 CEV)

Jesus doesn’t just point us in the right direction and leave us to our own devices, he takes care of the finish as well. His blood both cleanses us, redeeming our past, and sanctifies us, guaranteeing our present and future (Heb 9:13-14). In times of need we can approach the throne of grace fearlessly and boldly to receive grace and mercy (Heb 4:16). What qualifies us to enter God’s presence and enjoy his blessings? Nothing but the blood of Jesus.

The moment we are saved our official status before God becomes “perfect forever” (Heb 10:14). A day-old Christian who has done nothing for Jesus can have the same confidence before God as a Billy Graham or a Charles Spurgeon. Where does this confidence come from? The perfect sanctifying blood of Jesus.

Nothing but the blood of Jesus

At the last supper Jesus took the cup and announced a new covenant based on his blood. If the disciples had known then what they learned later, they would’ve rejoiced, for God was on the verge of reconciling the world to favor with himself. It was the gospel in a cup!

Communion in many churches is a time of somber reflection. It ought to be a time of celebration and joy! The blood represented by that cup paid for your freedom, secured your pardon, brought you forgiveness with God and made you holy and acceptable. Neither should we limit communion to church. When you’re sick, take communion and remember with faith his body broken for your healing. When you stumble, take communion and remember with faith his blood shed for your forgiveness. Jesus is not condemning you – he died for you! Go and sin no more.

Some people compare following Jesus to an endurance race. This makes it sound like our success depends on our effort. Okay, but before we nullify the grace of God by trusting in our own works, let me ask you this. What qualifies you to run the race? Nothing but the blood of Jesus. What is it that keeps you in the race? Nothing but the blood of Jesus.

And at the finish line when they ask what enabled you to overcome to the very end, even in the face of death, what will be your testimony then?



https://escapetoreality.org/2010/07/01/nothing-but-the-blood/

Omooba77:
The 65th Annual Convention of the Redeemed Christian Church of God comes up from 7th to 13th August, 2017.
The first 3 days 7-9th August will take place at the Old Congress Arena. Why the last 4 days 10-13th August takes place at Simawa (3x3km).
We are all cordially invited and God bless us as we join the programme.
There will also be live vewing at various viewing centres and Dove Tv.

Let Somebody shout HALLELUYA!!!

Julivas:
OPEN HEAVENS BY PST. ENOCH .A. ADEBOYE

SATURDAY 29TH JULY, 2017

HELP FROM ABOVE

MEMORISE:
My help cometh from the Lord, which made heaven and earth. Psalm 121:2

READ:
Psalm 121: 1-4
1 I will lift up mine eyes unto the hills, from whence cometh my help.
2 My help cometh from the Lord, which made heaven and earth.
3 He will not suffer thy foot to be moved: he that keepeth thee will not slumber.
4 Behold, he that keepeth Israel shall neither slumber nor sleep.

BIBLE IN ONE YEAR:
1 Kings 7 & Ezekiel 16:59-17:10

MESSAGE:
The reason why many people pray without getting answers is because their prayers are actually directed to men instead of God. Today, many people seeking jobs, contracts, spouses and admission into academic institutions prefer to ask for help from those they believe can assist them instead of going to the true source of help: God. The truth about receiving help from man is that men are most unreliable, limited in resources and ability and can be swayed by situations and circumstances. Where do you channel your request to?
In 2 Kings 6:26, a woman in dire need cried to the King for help, and the King responded to her cry with these words:
“…If the Lord do not help thee, whence shall I help thee? out of the barnfloor, or out of the winepress?” 2 Kings 6:27
This king recognized that God is the true source of help we all need. No wonder David, in today’s Bible reading, said that he would look up to the source of his help: God. Who is your helper? To whom do you turn or run for help in time of need? God is the true Helper because He is the All-Sufficient God. He is the creator and owner of the earth and everything in it (Psalm 24:1). He has all the ability, knowledge and power, and so He can do anything, answer any question and solve all problems. Ecclesiastes 5:8 says He is higher than everyone and everything, and so He is above all. Psalm 91:1 calls Him the Most High. He is also the most influential, because the mention of His Name compels everything and everyone else to bow to Him (Philippians 2:9-11). He is so powerful that with just a simple statement, the toughest of requests is granted (Psalm 33:8-9). His word is final on any issue; hence, you do not need to accept any negative verdict from any other source (Lamentations 3:37). He stands as the Universal Judge who can upturn any judgment as He pleases in favour of those He loves. It is a great privilege to have access to this God, table requests before Him and receive answers to our requests. If you find it difficult to make your requests known to God, it is obvious that you do not know Him, or you are proud. From now on, make it a habit to praise and worship Him and thereafter make your request known to the true Helper (Philippians 4:6). He will help you today.

ACTION POINT:
Spend an hour thanking God for how He has helped you thus far, and then ask for His help on every difficult situation you are confronted with.

HYMN 4:
1. Through the love of God, our Saviour,
All will be well;
Free and changeless is His favour,
All will be well;
Precious is the blood that healed us,
Perfect is the grace that sealed us,
Strong the hand stretched out to shield us,
All will be well.

2. Though we pass through tribulation,
All will be well;
Ours is such a full salvation,
All will be well.
Happy when in God confiding,
Fruitful if in Christ abiding,
Holy through the Spirit's guiding,
All will be well.

3. We expect a bright tomorrow;
All will be well;
Faith can sing through days of sorrow,
All will be well;
On our Father's love relying,
Jesus every need supplying
In our living, in our dying,
All will be well.

Donaldomo:
MY EXPERIENCE!
If ever there is something a Christian should desire, it should be the Baptism of the Holy Ghost. I grew up in Deeper Life. I have heard & prayed much about it but never got Baptised. At a time, I got discouraged about the whole thing.
However, my thoughts & conclusion received a blow when I got the experience in August 2008. I attended a program organised for those who wanted to be baptized in the HolyGhost in a church in Oshodi, Lagos. After the program, there was a laying on of hands. Some people started speaking in tongues right immediately hand was laid on them. But for me, there was nothing. I did not doubt God, yet there was no evidence of Baptism. But 3 days later, I woke early morning to have my devotion. Then suddenly, I started speaking a language I did not understand and learn. I tried to control it. Immediately it dawned on me that the experience is here. The experience is great, awesome and real. It is not learnt or taught. It is auction to function for God. Don't be deceived, it is not a hoarse or a gimmick. It is the comforter Himself in you. God bless you!

Donaldomo:
MY EXPERIENCE!
If ever there is something a Christian should desire, it should be the Baptism of the Holy Ghost. I grew up in Deeper Life. I have heard & prayed much about it but never got Baptised. At a time, I got discouraged about the whole thing.
However, my thoughts & conclusion received a blow when I got the experience in August 2008. I attended a program organised for those who wanted to be baptized in the HolyGhost in a church in Oshodi, Lagos. After the program, there was a laying on of hands. Some people started speaking in tongues right immediately hand was laid on them. But for me, there was nothing. I did not doubt God, yet there was no evidence of Baptism. But 3 days later, I woke early morning to have my devotion. Then suddenly, I started speaking a language I did not understand and learn. I tried to control it. Immediately it dawned on me that the experience is here. The experience is great, awesome and real. It is not learnt or taught. It is auction to function for God. Don't be deceived, it is not a hoarse or a gimmick. It is the comforter Himself in you. God bless you!

Julivas:
OPEN HEAVENS BY PST. ENOCH .A. ADEBOYE

SATURDAY 15TH JULY,2017

SALVATION: HOW GENUINE?

MEMORISE:
He that covereth his sins shall not prosper: but whoso confesseth and forsaketh them shall have mercy. Proverbs 28:13

READ:
2 CORINTHIANS 7:9-11
9 Now I rejoice, not that ye were made sorry, but that ye sorrowed to repentance: for ye were made sorry after a godly manner, that ye might receive damage by us in nothing.
10 For godly sorrow worketh repentance to salvation not to be repented of: but the sorrow of the world worketh death.
11 For behold this selfsame thing, that ye sorrowed after a godly sort, what carefulness it wrought in you, yea, what clearing of yourselves, yea, what indignation, yea, what fear, yea, what vehement desire, yea, what zeal, yea, what revenge! In all things ye have approved yourselves to be clear in this matter.

BIBLE IN ONE YEAR:
2 Samuel 5-6 & Ezekiel 8:7-18

MESSAGE:
God’s offer of salvation is for all those who come to Him. To access this salvation however, there are certain criteria you must meet. For instance, you cannot experience salvation without genuine repentance. Unfortunately, there are people who think that they can be saved even without repenting from their sins. Some people believe that responding to an altar call for salvation is enough. No, it is not! Can you believe that when some people come out to answer an altar call, instead of repenting of their sinful lifestyles, they take pictures? Those who do so can only come out and go back the same way they came. This will not be your portion in Jesus’ Name! Heaven’s demands for obtaining salvation are clearly stated in Proverbs 28:13:
“He that covereth his sins shall not prosper: but whoso confesseth and forsaketh them shall have mercy.”
If you do not satisfy Heaven’s demand of confessing your sins to God and forsaking your sinful lifestyle, you will never be saved. If you claim to be born again, how did you get saved? Did you confess your sins to God out of a sorrowful heart and resolve not to return to your sinful lifestyle? If your salvation lacks this key foundational pillar, you will need to revisit the salvation experience.
In Luke 13:2-5, Jesus plainly taught His hearers that except they repented, they would perish like those who went before them. God does not want anyone to perish, but He wants us all to repent (2 Peter 3:9). God wants you to change your ways and to stop doing the wicked things you do. It is then you will obtain mercy from him. Today, the term “born again” has been so abused. Many people say they are born again but they do not even know what it means. If you are truly born again, you will receive genuine salvation that will completely turn your life around (2 Corinthians 5:17). When you come out to receive Jesus, you come out because you are truly sorry for your sins; you come out with a determination to change your ways. You need to come to the altar of God crying to Him for help, not only to forgive you your sins but to also change you inside out. When you do this, you will obtain salvation. 2 Corinthians 7:10 says it is godly sorrow that brings about repentance that yields salvation. Are you really born again? If your salvation is not genuine, go back to the cross of Calvary today!

KEY POINT:
Fake salvation can never produce the fruit of the Holy Spirit.

HYMN 11:
1. I have decided to follow Jesus;
I have decided to follow Jesus;
I have decided to follow Jesus;
No turning back, no turning back.

2. Though none go with me, still I will follow;
Though none go with me, still I will follow;
Though none go with me, still I will follow;
No turning back, no turning back.

3. My cross I’ll carry till I see Jesus;
My cross I’ll carry till I see Jesus;
My cross I’ll carry till I see Jesus;
No turning back, no turning back.

4. The world behind me, the cross before me;
The world behind me, the cross before me;
The world behind me, the cross before me;
No turning back, no turning back.

4reala:
RCCG SUNDAY SCHOOL MANUAL
LESSON THIRTY-SEVEN
SUNDAY, 14TH MAY, 2017
TOPIC: CHRISTIAN MARRIAGE
MEMORY VERSE: ‘’And Adam said, This is now bone of my bones, and flesh of my flesh: she shall be called Woman, because she was taken out of Man." - Genesis 2:23
BIBLE PASSAGE: Genesis 2:21-25
INTRODUCTION:
The marriage institution was ordained by God as part of the essential process of life. It is one of the fundamental and basic sacraments in the Christian church. It is the oldest institution which God Himself established at the beginning of creation. It is the bedrock of the church. We should approach marriage with dignity as a sacred and divine institution (Hebrews 13:4).
LESSON OUTLINES
1. The reason for marriage
2. Marriage is for adults
THE REASON FOR MARRIAGE
There are various reasons people go into marriage relationship. The first principal reason for Christian marriage is for mutual fellowship. Loneliness is not good. It is dangerous. The Lord saw the man needed companionship, hence, the creation of woman (Genesis 2:18-22, 24). There are exceptions according to the Apostle Paul in 1Corinthians 7:32. Secondly, God made us with sexual desires that are good, holy and legitimate but must only be satisfied in marriage. This will also check the sinful life of adultery or fornication (1Corinthians 7:12). Thirdly, to obey the command of God, which is to be fruitful, multiply, propagate the human race and replenish the earth through child bearing/rearing in the fear of God (Genesis 1:28; 9:1; Proverbs 22:6). Fourthly, two are better than one because they have a good reward for their labour (Eccles. 4:9-11). Lastly, it takes two (a man and a woman) to make "one flesh" (Genesis 2:24).
MARRIAGE IS FOR ADULTS
Anyone who wants to marry must be matured physically and should have attained the age of accountability. Financially, the intending couple, especially the man, should be strong enough to provide for a household (1Timothy 5:. They should also be mentally and emotionally balanced (Titus 1:. Marriage requires a separation from parents (Mark 10:6-9). It carries a lot of responsibilities that childish minded persons cannot bear (1Samuel 25:18-25). A good Christian marriage also requires the consent and blessing of parents of both parties (Genesis 24:50-51, 59-60).
CONCLUSION:
Marriage is a holy institution and God is the author. He has set the ideals in the Bible. Anyone who fails to apply these will surely have problems with their homes. Let us pray for the success of all Christian marriages worldwide.
QUESTIONS
1. Give reasons for marriage?
2. Who is qualified to marry?

Julivas:
OPEN HEAVENS BY PST. ENOCH .A. ADEBOYE

SATURDAY 13TH MAY, 2017

FORBID EXTENSION!

MEMORISE:
But the God of all grace, who hath called us unto his eternal glory by Christ Jesus, after that ye have suffered a while, make you perfect, stablish, strengthen, settle you. 1Peter 5:10

READ:
Genesis 15:10-15

BIBLE IN ONE YEAR:
Deuteronomy 18-20 & Jeremiah 30:10-24

MESSAGE:
One assurance you have as a believer is that the boat of your life and endeavours cannot sink. Be assured that every storm, contrary wind and wave that is working against you is only for an appointed time. The Holy Spirit made this clear in 1 Peter 5:10 when He said,
“But the God of all grace, who hath called us unto his eternal glory by Christ Jesus, after that ye have suffered a while, make you perfect, stablish, strengthen, settle you.”
Beloved, don’t believe the lie of the devil that things will continue to get worse. They will not! Don’t believe that the unpleasant situation you find yourself will persist. It will not! Every pain, sorrow or distress is for a set time and it will definitely expire. After its expiration, the imperfect shall be perfected, the unstable shall be established, the weak shall be strengthened and there shall be divine settlement. These shall be your portion from now on in Jesus’ Name!
However, sometimes the devil attempts to extend the period of a trial of faith beyond what was originally sanctioned by God. This is why we need to know God’s will concerning a situation and thereafter stand on it. You need to know your kingdom rights and insist on receiving them. The devil is rightly called a thief in John 10:10. He steals what does not belong to him. Any ground you fail to conquer in the Kingdom will be lost to the enemy’s camp. Any promise of God you do not know and lay claim to shall be lost to the enemy. How much of God’s promises and prophesies do you know? How many of them have you laid claim to? Do you know that God can allow you go through a trial of faith situation for three years, but if you fail to know the exact duration or are not sensitive enough, the devil can take advantage of that situation and prolong the hardship? This was the case in today’s reading. God spoke of Abraham’s descendants going into slavery in a strange land for a period of 400 years and thereafter they would come out with great wealth; but do you know that by the time the Israelites were delivered, they had spent an extra 30years in slavery (Exodus 12:40)! Even today, many believers have allowed the devil to enjoy extra time in afflicting them. They have moved from the preset trial period to a period of satanic affliction, thinking they are still going through the God-ordained trial of faith. How can you check this? Ask God. Seek His face over it. Use all the weapons you have as a Christian: the Name of Jesus, the Blood of Jesus, the promises of God and a life of holiness to combat that unpleasant situation. If the situation stops, it means your trial is over.

PRAYER POINT:
Every satanic extension to my “trial of faith” period is terminated now in Jesus’ Name.

HYMN 4:
1. Through the love of God, our Saviour,
All will be well;
Free and changeless is His favour,
All will be well;
Precious is the blood that healed us,
Perfect is the grace that sealed us,
Strong the hand stretched out to shield us,
All will be well.

2. Though we pass through tribulation,
All will be well;
Ours is such a full salvation,
All will be well.
Happy when in God confiding,
Fruitful if in Christ abiding,
Holy through the Spirit's guiding,
All will be well.

3. We expect a bright tomorrow;
All will be well;
Faith can sing through days of sorrow,
All will be well;
On our Father's love relying,
Jesus every need supplying
In our living, in our dying,
All will be well.

FirstS2B:
Despite the fact that the world around us is full of ungodliness & sin multiplying, you can still have a godly home built on the Rock.
It all begins with you as a person knowing the Lord through genuine repentance & faith in Christ's sacrifice at Calvary. That means you must be born anew to have Christ reign in your home. This should be followed by the evidence of the new life which is freedom from sin, presence of God in your life, love for God & man, obedience to God's word, love for spiritual things, & departure from anything that God does not approve of.
Your friends, neighbours & all those who knew you before will notice the difference that Christ makes in your life.

Having encountered Christ this way, you need to grow up in the faith by continually abiding in Christ, studying the bible, regular prayer life, fellowshipping with God's children always & sharing your faith with others.

If you've not been married before, you'll have to pray to God to lead you to the person He has chosen for you. If you're married, you will have to live the christian life to draw your spouse too to the Lord if he/she has not been saved yet.

The christian home is a place of love, peace, godliness, dependence on God & selflessness.
No nagging, no cheating on one another, no strife or disagreement because Jesus rules in every heart. Children are taught in the way of the Lord & they don't follow the path of waywardness.

Is your home a christian home? If yes, thank God for you. If not, you can invite Jesus into your heart & home today!

Satan is busy fighting the home front of many today. You can always have the victory if we allow Jesus the full control of our hearts & lives.
Why not invite Him into our heart & home now? He will come in & put out the fire of the devil from your home.

Julivas:
OPEN HEAVENS BY PST. ENOCH .A. ADEBOYE

TUESDAY 9TH MAY, 2017

UPGRADE YOUR TITHE

MEMORISE:
And as soon as the commandment came abroad, the children of Israel brought in abundance the first fruits of corn, wine, and oil, and honey, and of all the increase of the field; and the tithe of all things brought they in abundantly. 2 Chronicles 31:5

READ:
Malachi 3:8-12

BIBLE IN ONE YEAR:
Deuteronomy 9-10 & Jeremiah 28:5-17

MESSAGE:
If you want to experience the blessings that God promised His children, you must be prepared to follow divine financial principles. Do you know that your seed will determine your harvest? 2 Corinthians 9:6 says,
“But this I say, He which soweth sparingly shall reap also sparingly; and he which soweth bountifully shall reap also bountifully.”
From the above scripture, we learn that if you spare or hold back a good part of your seed, God will also hold back a good part of the harvest He wanted to give to you. On the other hand, if you go beyond the norm in your giving, God will also do the extraordinary regarding your harvest. This is why I encourage you to grow in all forms of giving. It is wrong for you to remain on the same spot in your offerings when God keeps increasing you. Do you know that you can provoke a change in your financial situation by increasing your offering even when your income has not changed?
In addition to growing your offering, you can also grow in your tithe. You can go beyond the basic level of tithing which is 10%. The Lord once told me to exceed my tithe and watch what He would do; He said I could call the difference a seed. Since 1979, I attended the Kenneth Hagin conference in Tulsa, Oklahoma, which had about 17,000 people in attendance. During the meeting, there was a fund raising event. The brother who took the offering challenged everyone to give their best, and surprisingly, he added that he and his wife would match the total sum we all gave. Astonished by his challenge, we were certain he would be in the red by the time our offering was counted. When we had all given our offering, a total sum of $13.5 million was raised; surely, we thought, he would be unable to match this! However, to our surprise, when the total was announced, he said, “Is this the best you all can do?” He and his wife then wrote a check for the exact sum. When I saw this, I said to myself, “This man must know something I don’t know, and I am going to find out what it is.” Wise people always gather knowledge; they seek to know what made a great person great, so as to apply the same principles. By the time I discussed with this brother, I learnt that five years before, he started a business with $500 and struck a deal with God that God would receive 90% of his profit while he would keep just 10%. As at the time he was telling me his story, his business had grown into $50million Company. I took up this challenge and increased the percentage of my tithe. What can you do that you have not done before, to change what you normally receive from God? Rise up and do it now.

PRAYER POINT:
Father, grant me the grace to upgrade all areas of my life.

HYMN 10:
1. There shall be showers of blessing:
This is the promise of love;
There shall be seasons refreshing,
Sent from the Saviour above.

Refrain:
Showers of blessing,
Showers of blessing we need:
Mercy-drops round us are falling,
But for the showers we plead.

2. There shall be showers of blessing,
Precious reviving again;
Over the hills and the valleys,
Sound of abundance of rain.
[Refrain]

3. There shall be showers of blessing;
Send them upon us, O Lord;
Grant to us now a refreshing,
Come, and now honour Thy Word.
[Refrain]

4. There shall be showers of blessing:
Oh, that today they might fall,
Now as to God we’re confessing,
Now as on Jesus we call!
[Refrain]

5. There shall be showers of blessing,
If we but trust and obey;
There shall be seasons refreshing,
If we let God have His way.
(Refrain)

sweerychick:
Anyone else can behave like that so it shouldn't be limited to soldiers only. Besides I see soldiers as discipline people. Wouldn't mind marrying one . At least I'll be safe from harm

Tuham:
Are you on blogger or WordPress?

she234:
Hello everyone, I started working in 2013 after completing the compulsory NYSC. I finished with a 2.2 although narrowly missed out on 2.1.

I got a job in a funny industry (logistics and supply chain). I thought the industry was funny because I had hoped to start working in oil and gas and earning good six digits from the first day, lol.
I picked the job earning 5 digits as a contract staff and started learning the rudiments of logistics. Although there were times the salary was very discouraging, I stayed on the job because I wanted to build my experience. I remained a contract staff for over a year but gained good experience. Although I was offered permanent employment with improved pay, I wasn't satisfied because I knew deep down in my heart that I deserved more. I Was very loyal to my bosses and kept fighting on my knees and got some cool certifications.

My job came by referral, A foreigner that has worked with me before headhunted me, I didn't need to undergo any form of interview. My interview was just a chat, briefing me about the new role and the profile of the company I was to join. My new salary is more than 3 times what I earned in the previous company with other mouth-watering benefits attached.

I kept praying for a ''miracle job'' the whole time and also told God I didn't care how he would do it. I got disappointed many times after going for interviews with my experience and wasn't called back/got regret mails. I didn't know God was preparing mine to be a complete miracle.

Thanks for taking the time to read this post and I sincerely hope my story can inspire someone. Happy Sunday!!!

dailyguide:
1. Recognize that God has created you for a close friendship with Himself. 
By design, the way you hear best from God is in the context of a friendship with Him. God intends for you to figure out His will freely and intelligently as you engage in regular conversations with Him. God’s will is to be personally present with you and speaking with you moment by moment as you go through life. Then you’ll grow to understand Him more and become more like His Son, Jesus.

2. Consider your motives for wanting to hear from God. 
Honestly reflect on why you want to hear from God. Is it because you’re truly open to whatever God has to say and committed to putting His guidance into action and fulfilling His purposes, even when doing so is challenging? Or is it for a selfish reason, such as wanting to feel righteous or comforted? Confess and repent of any wrong motives. Ask God to give you an openness to hear and respond faithfully to what He wants to tell you.
3. Make your goal more than just hearing God. 
While it’s important to hear from God, that shouldn’t be your ultimate goal. Instead, make your main goal to become a spiritually mature person in a close relationship with God. That’s the only way you’ll clearly and correctly hear what God has to say to you.
4. Know that you’re important to God, but be humble. 
Have the confidence that God is willing to speak to you just as powerfully as He did to the people in the bible, because He values you just as much. However, don’t let pride creep into your soul, because you must be humble in order to faithfully receive and respond the messages God has for you.
5. Don’t try to force God to tell you something. 
No matter how much you want to hear from God about something or how hard you may try to convince Him to speak to you, you’ll only hear from God when He chooses to communicate with you. Focus on developing a respectful relationship with God and wait for His timing to deliver messages to you. Also, if God chooses not to give you specific guidance about something you’ve prayed about and what you’re considering is within the Bible’s moral principles, you can confidently go ahead and make your own decision about what to do and be within God’s will.

6. Recognize that God communicates in many forms, but most often through your mind. 
God may choose any one of many different ways to communicate to you, according to what’s best at particular times and in particular circumstances. You may sometimes hear God’s message in dramatic ways, such as through angels, visions, or miraculous events. But more often, you’ll hear God speaking through your thoughts, and He will use ordinary practices such as reading the Bible, praying quietly, learning from circumstances, or seeking counsel from other Christians to reach out to you as you think about them. God will use dramatic means to get your attention when necessary, but His goal is for you to be so closely connected to Him that you’ll pay attention whenever He speaks to you. Usually, God speaks through what people have described as a “still, small voice” to encourage those He loves to choose to keep walking closely with Him through life.
7. Renew your mind. 
Since God often speaks to you through your mind and wants you to develop what the Bible calls the “mind of Christ” (the ability to make decisions as Jesus would), it’s crucial for you to follow the Bible’s urging in romans 12 vs 2: “Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but but be tran the renewal of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is – His good, pleasing and perfect will.” As you invite the Holy Spirit to renew your mind every day, He will cleanse it from such dirt and clutter as false beliefs and attitudes, unhealthy feelings, and misguided plans. Then the Holy Spirit will replace all of that with true thoughts that reflect God’s purposes.
8. Invite the living Word to help you when you read the written word. 
The Word of God is a living, creative force – Jesus Himself – and He is actively at work when you read God’s written word – the Bible – prayerfully. When you read the Bible, ask Jesus to make the Bible’s words come alive for you and become conduits through which He sends His thoughts, faith, and love into your soul. Then focus on what He sends you and orient yourself toward it so it will begin to transform your life.
9. Recognize God’s voice above all others.
By experience, you can learn to recognize God’s voice when He speaks, and to confidently respond to what He says. When thoughts recur, pray about them to discern if they may be coming from God. Keep in mind that God will never send you a message that contradicts the Bible’s principles. Also, God’s voice carries the weight of authority within it, and expresses a spirit of peace, confidence, joy, reasonableness, and goodwill. If you think that God may speaking to you, ask Him to confirm so as you study and meditate on the Bible, as you’re alert to the circumstances you encounter, or as you experience the Holy Spirit’s impressions in your mind.
10. Set aside time regularly to listen for God’s messages. 
Make a habit of intentionally and expectantly listening for whatever God may want to tell you. It’s more important to become a person who listens regularly to God than it is to constantly ask God to give you guidance.
Set aside sometime today to begin listening for God's voice and hearing his promises and plans for you. Keep a journal to remember the things he brings to life in you.

ADEWUMIMichael:
In our day and age, I have noticed,
and please correct me if I am wrong,
that some people including Christians
do not take God’s commands or
doctrines very seriously.



Some people
think that when the new covenant,
the covenant of grace, came into
effect, God stopped caring about
doctrine. Some feel that doctrine is
insignificant in the new covenant,
only serving and loving God’s
people are what’s important today.






Brethren, I am a firm believer that
serving and loving God’s people are
important. However, obeying God’s
commands and doctrines are very
important as well. In fact, not only
are we going to be judged on our
service to others, but we will also be
judged on how faithful we are in
following the Word of God.



(1) According to ( Gal. 1:9 ), people
who distort the Word of God will be
eternally condemned.



(2) According to ( 2 Pet. 2:1-3; 3:16 ),
people who distort the Word of God
will bring upon themselves
destruction.



(3) We must never intentionally
distort the Word of God to satisfy our
human and worldly beliefs. If we do,
we are jeopardizing our souls.



(4) If we distort or disobey a
commandment of God, we commit
sin ( 1 Jn. 3:4 ). And you know, as
well as I know that sin is a very
serious offense.




(5) When God gives us a command,
we need to do our very best to follow
it. We need to start taking God’s
commands more seriously. In the
Bible, when people disobeyed God’s
instructions, they were punished.

Julivas:
OPEN HEAVENS BY PST. ENOCH .A. ADEBOYE
FRIDAY 17th FEBRUARY,2017
ACCEPTABLE SERVICE
MEMORISE:
Pure religion and undefiled before God and the Father is this, To visit the fatherless and widows in their affliction, and to keep himself unspotted from the world. James 1:27

READ:
Romans 12:1-2
1 I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service.
2 And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.

BIBLE IN ONE YEAR:
John 18:19 and Isaiah 40:6-23

MESSAGE:
In these end times, the Lord is looking for those who are ready to consecrate themselves to His use. If you are ready to partner with God in His service, you can be sure that your reward will not only
be great on earth but also in heaven. However, for you to be a vessel unto honour in the service of the Lord, you must be ready to admit your insignificance before Him (Isaiah 40:17). You must also be ready to follow the Lord all the way, cheerfully and heartily. You should see it as a great honour for God to count you worthy of being called into the service of His kingdom.
Furthermore, God is holy, and so, for you to be a vessel in His service, you must also be holy in thought, character and conduct.
Those who want to continue in sin and also live a hypocritical lifestyle cannot be blessed in God’s service. You must surrender your life to Christ genuinely. This is a prerequisite in offering acceptable service to the Lord. Any defiled or polluted person cannot behold the glory of God’s holiness. In the scriptures, those who offered acceptable service, such as Enoch, Daniel, Elijah and
Job, made up their minds that they would not allow anything to pollute their lives. Note however that you cannot all by yourself keep yourself from the vanities of this world; neither can you live a holy life through your morality. You can only live a holy and acceptable life by yielding to the grace of God. God’s grace enables us to offer acceptable service before Him. Expounding on
this grace, Titus 2:11-12 says,
“For the grace of God that bringeth salvation hath appeared to all men, Teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly, in this present world”
Although there are several winds of false doctrine blowing across the world today, the Lord expects us to continue in the pure and undiluted word of God (2 Peter 3:16-18). This is the anchor that keeps us from being tossed about (Hebrews 6:18-19). This undefiled word of God will help us keep that which is committed
into our hands as we offer our service to God in these last days. We must be watchful so that our works will not be adjudged as imperfect before the throne of God. In the Body of Christ today, many people serve God amiss. They are working, but not asking themselves if their labour follows the due order of heaven (1 Chronicles 15:13). If you fail to assess the methods you are using to achieve the mandate of the Commission, you will be shocked at the judgement seat of Christ (2 Corinthians 5:10, 1 Corinthians 3:13-15). What are the motives behind what you do in Church?
What attitude do you display when your pastor is not there to watch over you? How are you utilizing the resources entrusted to your care?

ACTION POINT:
Access your service in God’s Kingdom. Does it follow God’s pattern?

Author....     Pastor E. A. Adeboye

beshiman:
I don't really know where to start but let me start this way:

Late last year, I was asked to take a break from work (that was how the man put it). This got me astonished as I did not apply for leave. I asked, what could this mean?
The man said, the firm is facing some financial challenges and won't be able to pay staff's salaries as before. But, I may be called back early this year to resume. No call was received from them.

Funny enough, rather for me to be sad at the spot, I was joyous in my "spirit man", my mind and head knowledge couldn't comprehend why my heart was joyous. I left the firm after I handed over all that were in my possession.

I went to God through prayer to ask what was going. All He is said is: it's settled, be patient. To an extent, He showed me this in dream. I was calm as possible as I could but I geared up the speed at which I applied.

I got numerous invitations in which I rejected many, some were illegitimate, some were legitimate but I cannot work in such environment because of my career. But I attended some.

In a nutshell, I activated my faith and said to myself I was going to resume work on 6th February, 2017. I had no appointment letter nor invite as at then. I washed my clothes, ironed them and arranged them including my credentials.
Behold, exactly 08:05AM on Monday morning, 6th February, 2017, a Church member sent me a whatsapp message that there is urgent need for an employee because the position is vacant. I didn't see this message until 10:00AM because my data was off. I quickly replied his message (though, he didn't reply back) and went to the said address.
Immediately I got there, without checking my credentials, assessment and interviews (2) were done for me.

It got me astonished because I never expected such but I am always prepare for the unforeseen. I study everyday and pray.

Furthermore, the HR officer called me back after I left the premises. I went in and she said I passed all and we discussed salary (which is better than the previous with little or no transport fare because the place is to my house).
I was there today, file has been opened for me and I am resuming tomorrow.
Praise the Lord!

Note: never lose hope nor give up because God is faithful to do it for you. You are next in line to testify.

Thank you.

fewj:
Inspired by donogaga, I've decided to upload my own Pre-wedding photos.

fewj:
Inspired by donogaga, I've decided to upload my own Pre-wedding photos.