Open Heavens 22 September 2017: Friday daily devotional by Pastor Adeboye – When You Are Blessed

Topic: When You Are Blessed — Friday 22, September 2017.

Memorise: By faith Isaac blessed Jacob and Esau concerning things to come. – Hebrews 11:20

Read: Genesis 27:20-29 (KJV)

20 And Isaac said unto his son, How is it that thou hast found it so quickly, my son? And he said, Because the LORD thy God brought it to me.

21 And Isaac said unto Jacob, Come near, I pray thee, that I may feel thee, my son, whether thou be my very son Esau or not.

22 And Jacob went near unto Isaac his father; and he felt him, and said, The voice is Jacob's voice, but the hands are the hands of Esau.

23 And he discerned him not, because his hands were hairy, as his brother Esau's hands: so he blessed him.

24 And he said, Art thou my very son Esau? And he said, I am.

25 And he said, Bring it near to me, and I will eat of my son's venison, that my soul may bless thee. And he brought it near to him, and he did eat: and he brought him wine, and he drank.

26 And his father Isaac said unto him, Come near now, and kiss me, my son.

27 And he came near, and kissed him: and he smelled the smell of his raiment, and blessed him, and said, See, the smell of my son is as the smell of a field which the LORD hath blessed:

28 Therefore God give thee of the dew of heaven, and the fatness of the earth, and plenty of corn and wine:

29 Let people serve thee, and nations bow down to thee: be lord over thy brethren, and let thy mother's sons bow down to thee: cursed be every one that curseth thee, and blessed be he that blesseth thee.

Bible in One Year: Nehemiah 4-6, Ezekiel 44:28-45:9, Hymn: Sing hymn 14 – Take My Life

MESSAGE:

A blessing is an invitation to all the forces in Heaven, on earth and underneath the earth to cooperate with an individual and assist him or her to succeed. When Isaac pronounced a blessing on Jacob in today’s Bible reading, he summoned the dew of heaven, the land, and all the forces on earth to be of assistance to Jacob. As a result of this blessing, Jacob became exceedingly great. Hear what Genesis 30:43 says about his greatness:

“And the man increased exceedingly, and had much cattle, and maidservants, and menservants, and camels, and asses.”

Coming up next: Open Heavens 23 September 2017: Saturday daily devotional by Pastor Adeboye – Resisting God?

How about his brother Esau? Genesis 27:38-40 says after Jacob had stolen the cream of the blessing from him, Esau came to ask for the remnant. What was the result of this “remnant”? From Genesis 32:3-6, we understand that this remnant got him so blessed that he could afford to retain the services of 400 personal bodyguards. If you become so rich that you require 400 men to go with you wherever you go, that is something remarkable. I can recall the first time a president visited us at the Redemption Camp; he came with an entourage of 250 people. So imagine how blessed Esau was for him to have had 400 people in his entourage! I believe he was really blessed.

Moreover, let me add here that after a blessing is pronounced on you, it may not be obvious how the blessing will be fulfilled. Most times, it may not even make sense. You may not even be able to afford a bicycle now, and a blessing may be pronounced on you that a time will come when you will need a Boeing 747 to airlift those who will accompany you whenever you are travelling. It may not make sense to you, but that is what a blessing can do. I often say that I am where I am today by the grace of God and by the blessings of my mother. Any time I did something that pleased her, she would bless me. She would say, “You this boy, you will call one person, and two hundred people will respond.” l didn’t know what she meant back then, and I didn’t know how it would happen, but I always said Amen”. Today, by the grace of God, I can say this has become reality. Have you provoked the blessing of your biological parents? Have you provoked the blessing of your spiritual parents? Most importantly, have you provoked a blessing from God?

Action Point: When a blessing is pronounced on you, simply sustain a conducive atmosphere for its fulfilment, and it will surely come to pass.

Open Heavens Daily Devotional guide was written by Pastor E.A. Adeboye, the General Overseer of the Redeemed Christian Church of God, one of the largest evangelical church in the world and also the President of Christ the Redeemer's Ministries.

iOpenHeavens is the electronic version of the Hard Copy. The Open Heavens devotional application is available across all mobile platforms and operating systems: iOS, Android, Blackberry, Nokia, Windows Mobile and PC.

Press Release!!!

BEING A PRESS STATEMENT BY THE LEADERSHIP OF NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF POLYTECHNIC STUDENTS (NAPS) HELD AT NIGERIA UNION OF JOURNALIST AUDITORIUM OKE-ILEWO, ABEOKUTA ON WEDNESDAY 20TH SEPT. 2017

Martin Luther King Jnr. said “Our lives begin to end the moment we remain silent on the things that affect us“ It is on the adherence of this ideology that the National executive base their mission to articulate, speak and actualize the emancipation and better welfare of great students of Nigerian Polytechnics.
We are not blind to pending issues that directly or indirectly affect the plight and living of Nigerian students, of whom our august organisation has the noble mandate to protect. On this note we are bringing to fore, these germane issues for public discourse, deliberation and positive actions that will improve the situations of our dear country and polytechnic students.

OUR STAND ON SECESSION BY THE SOUTH-EAST

The association wish to ignite our firm support towards One and United Nigeria. It is dawn on us that a geographical section of the country (South East) in recent times as called for secession from Nigeria channeled through the group identified as Independent People of Biafra(IPOB)  led by Nnmandi Kanu. I'm the light of this,  the leadership of NAPS publicly declare our support and allegiance to the Federal Government of Nigeria, and therefore call on members of the association to work towards sustaining the unity of our country.          However , the association urges the federal government to thread the path of dialogue in achieving her aim of unity , and therefore stand against "Operation Python Dance" as a check means in the South East, and also do not agree to the purported "Operation Crocodile Smile", rather the association advises the federal government to adopt the civil approach in the matter, making judicious use of the Nigerian Police to bring about calm if necessary than raise fear with the deployment of the Nigeria Army to the area.


PROMPT INTERVENTION OF NANS IN CONCERN OF THE NATIONAL STRIKE ACTION OF ASUU

NAPS commends the effort of National Association of Nigeria Students (NANS) on her efforts in calling off the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) nationwide strike .  The efforts and struggle put in by NANS were the right peg in the right hole, having played a substantial role of the middle man between the Federal Government and ASUU,this has helped bring back the Academic flow of event on University campuses, shortened prolonged of academic calendar and kill idleness amidst Nigerian Student in our sister institution (University).


NAPS DEMANDS SWIFT ACTION FROM ONDO STATE GOVERNMENT

Following the three(3) weeks old strike of Academic Staff of Rufus Giwa Polytechnic due to non-Payment of 10 month salary, the leadership of NAPS  appeals to the governor of Ondo State, Governor Akeredolu to in earnest find a lasting solution to the strike issue giving a one week ultimatum , failure to meet up with demand within the time specified will result into  the National Body of NAPS moving down her secretariat to Ondo State which may paralyze day to day activities within the state capital until demands are met

NAPS CALLS FOR PEACE BETWEEN THE STUDENTS OF THE COLLEGE OF EDUCATION, IKEERE-EKITI AND THE COMMUNITY

He who calls for war has either never seen war or doesn’t understand what war really means.
On this note, the leadership of NAPS wishes to commend the efforts of the Ekiti State Police Command for maintenance of peace and order in the state. We also recognize and commend the activities of the state command’s PPRO, Alberto Adeyemi for his professional approach towards the rape incident that escalated at the college of Education Ikeere-Ekiti . We implore the students, members of the community, security operatives and all stakeholders involved to ensure that justice is served and the situation does not escalate further.  NAPS wants peace and unity to reign in this community with the understanding that students are youths and they are bound to display youthful exuberances, nonetheless, we seek peace, lest lives and property be wasted.

ON MAPOLY CONVERSION TO MAUSTECH

The leadership of NAPS call on Ogun State Government through the office of the Special Adviser to the governor on student affairs; Comrade Olusegun Clement, who once served as the National PRO of NANS and even at Ogun JCC level to act swiftly with all sincerity of purpose and ensure lasting solutions to the imbroglio affecting students of the prestigious Moshood Abiola Polytechnic, Abeokuta. We also call on the Ogun state government to give hears to the cries of ASUP, Mapoly chapter, to dialogue amicably on this pressing matter, because of the students are at the receiving end. We urge all stakeholders to quickly facilitate the commencement of second semester examinations that have been suspended indefinitely. We remind all actors that “any distraction tends to get in the way of being an effective learner”.



 UNITY OF NAPS

The leadership of NAPS under the watch of Comrade Ennaji Mohamed vows to  fulfil all promise during campaign and urge all executive members  to be supportive. The leadership also won't tolerate any form of faction or anti-student activities that will belittle or dent the image or the organization. The leadership therefore warns any person that is not an executive of the organization not to engage himself in organizing any event or activities related with NAPS without observing and taking due process.


NAPS CALL ON PROWPMAN

NAPS call on the state president, Processed Wood Producers and Marketers of Nigeria (PROWPMAN ), Chief Tola Dosumu to save the life of students in Gateway Polytechnic Saapade (GAPOSA) by cautioning and act against  reckless driving of truck drivers who ply the Polytechnic road. We seek urgent response and intervention on the situation, there has been records of injuries and casualties of accidents, thereby we appeal for every earnest possible measure to avoid loss  of life of any student by the truck drivers.  We also call on Honorable commissioner for Forestry to help take necessary and urgent action.

NAPS COMMENDS EMEKA GEORGE PHILANTHROPIC ACT

NAPS recognizes and  commend the efforts of  Mr.  Emeka George ,C.E.O Holmes Viu Properties Ltd for his kind Acts and support towards empowerment of hundreds of youth through Emeka Ikwuagwu Foundation(E.I.F). NAPS  urges Mr. Emeka George to extend his humanitarian support for the less privilege student via donating to the NAPS intervention scheme. The scheme aims to assist financially incapacitated students of Nigerian polytechnics and the less privileged by providing scholarships and other aids that will be helpful to students. We also urge other other private organization to emulate his character.

A CALL TO END HND/Bsc DICHOTOMY

NAPS IS fully aware of the most pressing problems affecting the holders of HND certificate; the discrimination between the HND and Bsc holders. Just recently, the council of establishment comprising of the heads of civil services in the 36 states of the federation held a conference in Minna, Niger state and the issue of HND/Bsc dichotomy was brought to the front burner of deliberations. Votes were cast in concern of finding this dichotomy and pro-17 while anti was 16. Against this backdrop, NAPS appeals to  the Federal Government to act and implement  the position adopted by Council of Establishment under the watch of President Muhammed Buhari on lifting embargo on HND career holder in the civil service as well as all benefits and promotion  to the topmost rank. The association also plead to the government to implement all policies and laws to bring an end to the existence of HND/BSC  Dichotomy in our nation .

Conclusively, we assure all students of Nigerian polytechnics that we are working round the clock to ensure that their rights are protected and their welfare is significantly improved upon. We urge all students to be law abiding and stay out of trouble.
ALUTA CONTINUA... VICTORIA ASCERTA.
LONG LIVE NAPS
LONG LIVE NIGERIA



Signed by:
Comr Eneji Mohammed
NAPS NATIONAL PRESIDENT
+234 813 048 2814

Comrade Ijaduoye Olasunkanmi Adetoye
NAPS NATIONAL PUBLIC RELATIONS OFFICER
08063350178

CC:
Director of SSS
NPF OGUN STATE COMMAND
NPF EKITI STATE
SUG PRESIDENT
PROCESS WOOD MARKETER ASSOCISTION OF NIGERIA (PROWMAN)
SSS Remo North
OGUN STATE GOVERNMENT
SGFBEING A PRESS STATEMENT BY THE LEADERSHIP OF NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF POLYTECHNIC STUDENTS (NAPS) HELD AT NIGERIA UNION OF JOURNALIST AUDITORIUM OKE-ILEWO, ABEOKUTA ON WEDNESDAY 20TH SEPT. 2017

Martin Luther King Jnr. said “Our lives begin to end the moment we remain silent on the things that affect us“ It is on the adherence of this ideology that the National executive base their mission to articulate, speak and actualize the emancipation and better welfare of great students of Nigerian Polytechnics.
We are not blind to pending issues that directly or indirectly affect the plight and living of Nigerian students, of whom our august organisation has the noble mandate to protect. On this note we are bringing to fore, these germane issues for public discourse, deliberation and positive actions that will improve the situations of our dear country and polytechnic students.

OUR STAND ON SECESSION BY THE SOUTH-EAST

The association wish to ignite our firm support towards One and United Nigeria. It is dawn on us that a geographical section of the country (South East) in recent times as called for secession from Nigeria channeled through the group identified as Independent People of Biafra(IPOB)  led by Nnmandi Kanu. I'm the light of this,  the leadership of NAPS publicly declare our support and allegiance to the Federal Government of Nigeria, and therefore call on members of the association to work towards sustaining the unity of our country.          However , the association urges the federal government to thread the path of dialogue in achieving her aim of unity , and therefore stand against "Operation Python Dance" as a check means in the South East, and also do not agree to the purported "Operation Crocodile Smile", rather the association advises the federal government to adopt the civil approach in the matter, making judicious use of the Nigerian Police to bring about calm if necessary than raise fear with the deployment of the Nigeria Army to the area.


PROMPT INTERVENTION OF NANS IN CONCERN OF THE NATIONAL STRIKE ACTION OF ASUU

NAPS commends the effort of National Association of Nigeria Students (NANS) on her efforts in calling off the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) nationwide strike .  The efforts and struggle put in by NANS were the right peg in the right hole, having played a substantial role of the middle man between the Federal Government and ASUU,this has helped bring back the Academic flow of event on University campuses, shortened prolonged of academic calendar and kill idleness amidst Nigerian Student in our sister institution (University).


NAPS DEMANDS SWIFT ACTION FROM ONDO STATE GOVERNMENT

Following the three(3) weeks old strike of Academic Staff of Rufus Giwa Polytechnic due to non-Payment of 10 month salary, the leadership of NAPS  appeals to the governor of Ondo State, Governor Akeredolu to in earnest find a lasting solution to the strike issue giving a one week ultimatum , failure to meet up with demand within the time specified will result into  the National Body of NAPS moving down her secretariat to Ondo State which may paralyze day to day activities within the state capital until demands are met

NAPS CALLS FOR PEACE BETWEEN THE STUDENTS OF THE COLLEGE OF EDUCATION, IKEERE-EKITI AND THE COMMUNITY

He who calls for war has either never seen war or doesn’t understand what war really means.
On this note, the leadership of NAPS wishes to commend the efforts of the Ekiti State Police Command for maintenance of peace and order in the state. We also recognize and commend the activities of the state command’s PPRO, Alberto Adeyemi for his professional approach towards the rape incident that escalated at the college of Education Ikeere-Ekiti . We implore the students, members of the community, security operatives and all stakeholders involved to ensure that justice is served and the situation does not escalate further.  NAPS wants peace and unity to reign in this community with the understanding that students are youths and they are bound to display youthful exuberances, nonetheless, we seek peace, lest lives and property be wasted.

ON MAPOLY CONVERSION TO MAUSTECH

The leadership of NAPS call on Ogun State Government through the office of the Special Adviser to the governor on student affairs; Comrade Olusegun Clement, who once served as the National PRO of NANS and even at Ogun JCC level to act swiftly with all sincerity of purpose and ensure lasting solutions to the imbroglio affecting students of the prestigious Moshood Abiola Polytechnic, Abeokuta. We also call on the Ogun state government to give hears to the cries of ASUP, Mapoly chapter, to dialogue amicably on this pressing matter, because of the students are at the receiving end. We urge all stakeholders to quickly facilitate the commencement of second semester examinations that have been suspended indefinitely. We remind all actors that “any distraction tends to get in the way of being an effective learner”.



 UNITY OF NAPS

The leadership of NAPS under the watch of Comrade Ennaji Mohamed vows to  fulfil all promise during campaign and urge all executive members  to be supportive. The leadership also won't tolerate any form of faction or anti-student activities that will belittle or dent the image or the organization. The leadership therefore warns any person that is not an executive of the organization not to engage himself in organizing any event or activities related with NAPS without observing and taking due process.


NAPS CALL ON PROWPMAN

NAPS call on the state president, Processed Wood Producers and Marketers of Nigeria (PROWPMAN ), Chief Tola Dosumu to save the life of students in Gateway Polytechnic Saapade (GAPOSA) by cautioning and act against  reckless driving of truck drivers who ply the Polytechnic road. We seek urgent response and intervention on the situation, there has been records of injuries and casualties of accidents, thereby we appeal for every earnest possible measure to avoid loss  of life of any student by the truck drivers.  We also call on Honorable commissioner for Forestry to help take necessary and urgent action.

NAPS COMMENDS EMEKA GEORGE PHILANTHROPIC ACT

NAPS recognizes and  commend the efforts of  Mr.  Emeka George ,C.E.O Holmes Viu Properties Ltd for his kind Acts and support towards empowerment of hundreds of youth through Emeka Ikwuagwu Foundation(E.I.F). NAPS  urges Mr. Emeka George to extend his humanitarian support for the less privilege student via donating to the NAPS intervention scheme. The scheme aims to assist financially incapacitated students of Nigerian polytechnics and the less privileged by providing scholarships and other aids that will be helpful to students. We also urge other other private organization to emulate his character.

A CALL TO END HND/Bsc DICHOTOMY

NAPS IS fully aware of the most pressing problems affecting the holders of HND certificate; the discrimination between the HND and Bsc holders. Just recently, the council of establishment comprising of the heads of civil services in the 36 states of the federation held a conference in Minna, Niger state and the issue of HND/Bsc dichotomy was brought to the front burner of deliberations. Votes were cast in concern of finding this dichotomy and pro-17 while anti was 16. Against this backdrop, NAPS appeals to  the Federal Government to act and implement  the position adopted by Council of Establishment under the watch of President Muhammed Buhari on lifting embargo on HND career holder in the civil service as well as all benefits and promotion  to the topmost rank. The association also plead to the government to implement all policies and laws to bring an end to the existence of HND/BSC  Dichotomy in our nation .

Conclusively, we assure all students of Nigerian polytechnics that we are working round the clock to ensure that their rights are protected and their welfare is significantly improved upon. We urge all students to be law abiding and stay out of trouble.
ALUTA CONTINUA... VICTORIA ASCERTA.
LONG LIVE NAPS
LONG LIVE NIGERIA



Signed by:
Comr Eneji Mohammed
NAPS NATIONAL PRESIDENT
+234 813 048 2814

Comrade Ijaduoye Olasunkanmi Adetoye
NAPS NATIONAL PUBLIC RELATIONS OFFICER
08063350178

CC:
Director of SSS
NPF OGUN STATE COMMAND
NPF EKITI STATE
SUG PRESIDENT
PROCESS WOOD MARKETER ASSOCISTION OF NIGERIA (PROWMAN)
SSS Remo North
OGUN STATE GOVERNMENT
SGF

Open Heavens 21 September 2017: Thursday daily devotional by Pastor Adeboye – Abba, Father

Topic: Abba, Father — Thursday 21, September 2017.

Memorise: And because ye are sons, God hath sent forth the Spirit of his Son into your hearts, crying, Abba, Father. –Galatians 4:6

Read: Romans 8:14-16 (KJV)

14 For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons of God.

15 For ye have not received the spirit of bondage again to fear; but ye have received the Spirit of adoption, whereby we cry, Abba, Father.

16 The Spirit itself beareth witness with our spirit, that we are the children of God:

Bible in One Year: Nehemiah 1-3, Ezekiel 44:15-27, Hymn: Sing hymn 6 – Deeper, Deeper

MESSAGE:

In the Lord’s Prayer, Jesus taught us to pray by approaching God as our Father. He said:

“After this manner therefore pray ye: Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name.” - Matthew 6:9

Why did He not say “Our God”, “Our Maker” or “Our Deliverer”? It is because God wants us to have a definite, personal relationship with Him. Of all the relationships we could possibly have with God, the father-son relationship is one of the greatest. In Mark 14:36, when the Lord Jesus Christ was facing His greatest challenge dying on the cross of Calvary He addressed God as “Abba, Father which in other words is “My Daddy”. This level of closeness with God is not exclusive to Jesus Christ alone. Romans 8:15 says,

“For ye have not received the spirit of bondage again to fear; but ye have received the Spirit of adoption, whereby we cry, Abba, Father.”

Coming up next: Open Heavens 22 September 2017: Friday daily devotional by Pastor Adeboye – When You Are Blessed

If you compare this scripture with Galatians 4:6, you will realise that both the Holy Spirit and our Lord Jesus Christ have made it possible for us to share the same kind of closeness with the Father that Jesus had. Therefore, we too can unashamedly call God, “My Daddy”. If only you know how much God longs to have such intimacy with you!

Intimacy with God is something you cannot do without if you are to fulfil God’s plan for your life. There is a time of need that everyone will face, which will require each of us to draw on our relationship with God. Those who have God as their creator will approach Him as “My Creator” while those who serve Him will approach Him as “My God”. In such times, those who are intimate with Him will call Him “My Daddy”. You can be sure that one carries more weight than the others. How would you want to approach God? Would you want to approach Him as a distant Creator, as God of the universe or as your personal Father? The choice is yours. When you develop a good relationship with God, He will indeed be a father to you by acting as the fountain from which you came forth (Genesis 2:7). David understood this and he experienced a very intimate level of closeness with God. This is the reason why inPsalm 23, he could testify of enjoying that which a father provides: food, sleep, water, protection, guidance, security, goodness and mercy. These all will be yours today in Jesus’ Name! Do everything possible to build your intimacy with God!

Action Point: Father, draw me close to You like never before.

Open Heavens Daily Devotional guide was written by Pastor E.A. Adeboye, the General Overseer of the Redeemed Christian Church of God, one of the largest evangelical church in the world and also the President of Christ the Redeemer's Ministries.

iOpenHeavens is the electronic version of the Hard Copy. The Open Heavens devotional application is available across all mobile platforms and operating systems: iOS, Android, Blackberry, Nokia, Windows Mobile and PC.

Must read!!! by Idikulala

*Must read❗❗❗*

A blind boy sat on the steps of a building with a hat by his feet. He held up a sign which said: *"I am blind, please help."* There were only a few coins in the hat.

A man was walking by. He took a few coins from his pocket and dropped them into the hat. He then took the sign, turned it around, and wrote some words. He put the sign back so that everyone who walked by would see the new words. Soon the hat began to fill up. A lot more people were giving money to the blind boy.

That afternoon the man who had changed the sign came to see how things were. The boy recognised his footsteps and asked, "Were you the one who changed my sign this morning? What did you write?" The man said, "I only wrote the truth. I said what you said but in a different way. "I wrote: *'Today is a beautiful day; but I cannot see it.'"*

Both signs told people that the boy was blind. But the first sign simply said the boy was blind. The second sign reminded people how fortunate they were to have their sight.

Should we be surprised that the second sign was more effective?

Moral of the Story: *Be thankful for what you have. Be creative. Be innovative. Think differently and positively.*

When life gives you a 100 reasons to cry, show life that you have 1000 reasons to smile.

*Face your past without regret. Handle your present with confidence. Prepare for the future without fear.*

*Keep the faith and drop the fear.* It's a beautiful thing to see a person smiling. But even more beautiful if you are the reason for the smile!

*Faith is not about everything turning out OK. Faith is about being OK no matter how things turn out.*

Open Heavens 20 September 2017: Wednesday daily devotional by Pastor Adeboye – Give First

Topic: Give First — Wednesday 20, September 2017.

Memorise: I will sing unto the LORD, because he hath dealt bountifully with me. – Psalm 13:6

Read: 1 Chronicles 16:2-3, Acts 20:35(KJV)

2 And when David had made an end of offering the burnt offerings and the peace offerings, he blessed the people in the name of the LORD.

3 And he dealt to every one of Israel, both man and woman, to every one a loaf of bread, and a good piece of flesh, and a flagon of wine.

Acts 20:35:

35 I have shewed you all things, how that so labouring ye ought to support the weak, and to remember the words of the Lord Jesus, how he said, It is more blessed to give than to receive.

Bible in One Year: Ezra 9-10, Ezekiel 44:1-14, Hymn: Sing hymn 10 – There Shall be Showers of Blessing

MESSAGE:

Generous divine provision is a benefit of those in the sheepfold of the Great Shepherd. God prepares a table of abundance for His sheep (Psalm 23:5). No wonder David, in Psalm 13:6, said:

“I will sing unto the LORD, because he hath dealt bountifully with me”

Coming up next: Open Heavens 21 September 2017: Thursday daily devotional by Pastor Adeboye – Abba, Father

This scripture is a personal testimony of David. After God had blessed him beyond measure, he began to testify of God’s goodness through songs. If you carefully study the life of David, you will discover that the secret of his prosperity lay in the principles he lived by. One of such principles is demonstrated in today’s Bible reading: he believed giving to be the key to receiving. Can you imagine a man giving a loaf of bread to every citizen of a country? This was what David did, and he even gave much more! We often wonder why most of us are not flowing in God’s abundance, even though God has resources to cater for more than we could ever need. One likely reason for this is that we do not strictly follow divine financial principles. Jesus, in Luke 6:38, said:

“Give, and it shall be given unto you; good measure, pressed down, and shaken together, and running over, shall men give into your bosom. For with the same measure that ye mete withal it shall be measured to you again.”

Let us draw a few lessons from this. Firstly, if you ever want to receive, it is your duty to first give. If you fail to sow, you would be deceiving yourself to expect a harvest. Many of us refuse to give, and yet we continue to pray, fast and do all other things right. If you want to receive, first give. It is important to note that God will never owe anyone. If you give, you will receive a harvest, no matter how long it takes, as long as the seed is not uprooted.

However, the way the harvest comes and when it will come are issues that may not be too clear to you. For instance, you may be expecting you harvest for a particular seed in the form of physical cash, not knowing that God has already given it to you as a harvest of peace in the time of trouble, or as protection when the enemy came calling. Sometimes, you cannot tell how the harvest of a given seed will come, although if you key into the Holy Spirit, He can sometimes reveal to you that a particular harvest you received was from a particular seed you sowed. Moreover, God who knows our needs should be given the freedom to determine when and how our harvests should come. Just make sure that a lifestyle of giving and sowing seeds is an indelible part of you. Do you give to God? Do you give to His servants? Do you give to the needy? How often do you give?

Action Point: Giving is an act. Giving is also a spirit. Pray that God will give you the spirit of giving.

Open Heavens Daily Devotional guide was written by Pastor E.A. Adeboye, the General Overseer of the Redeemed Christian Church of God, one of the largest evangelical church in the world and also the President of Christ the Redeemer's Ministries.

iOpenHeavens is the electronic version of the Hard Copy. The Open Heavens devotional application is available across all mobile platforms and operating systems: iOS, Android, Blackberry, Nokia, Windows Mobile and PC.

Open Heavens 19 September 2017: Tuesday daily devotional by Pastor Adeboye – The Ground Is Not For You

Topic: The Ground Is Not For You — Tuesday 19, September 2017.

Memorise: For a just man falleth seven times, and riseth up again: but the wicked shall fall into mischief.  – Proverbs 24:16

Read: Luke 22:31-34 (KJV)

31 And the Lord said, Simon, Simon, behold, Satan hath desired to have you, that he may sift you as wheat:

32 But I have prayed for thee, that thy faith fail not: and when thou art converted, strengthen thy brethren.

33 And he said unto him, Lord, I am ready to go with thee, both into prison, and to death.

34 And he said, I tell thee, Peter, the cock shall not crow this day, before that thou shalt thrice deny that thou knowest me.

Bible in One Year: Ezra 7-8, Ezekiel 43:13-27, Hymn: Sing hymn 4 – Through the Love of God Our Saviour

MESSAGE:

It’s a fact of life that we are all susceptible to making mistakes. However, when we make mistakes, we must have the strength of character to admit our mistakes and also to resolve never to repeat them again(Proverbs 28:13). A child learning to walk will stand up, take a step or two and fall down again. You will observe however that in spite of these falls, he or she does not give up trying. The child will repeatedly make attempts at walking, and in the process of time, that child will not only walk, he or she will also run, leap and jump, all without falling to the ground like before. Do not turn a mistake into your final destination. Can you believe that because some people made a mistake in their walk of faith in Christ, they gave up the race entirely and decided to die there? That is most unfortunate! Some people cannot forgive themselves for either denying Jesus at a very crucial moment when their faith was tested, or for falling into a particular sin that they have been preaching against all along. Such people need to learn from the example of Apostle Peter, who thrice denied Christ. The Lord had to make him realise that it was not over yet. That same Peter was the one who later led the other disciples in defending their faith in Christ and in propagating the Good News of the gospel around the world

“Rejoice not against me, O mine enemy: when I fall, I shall arise; when I sit in darkness, the LORD shall be a light unto me.” - Micah 7:8

Coming up next: Open Heavens 20 September 2017: Wednesday daily devotional by Pastor Adeboye – Give First

One lesson from this scripture is that the fact that you slipped and fell does not mean that the enemy has won the battle over your life. He hasn’t. It also says that there is the possibility of a comeback. From where you fell, you shall arise in Jesus’ Name! Your rise shall be more formidable! You may say that your case is a bad one because you have fallen so many times and you therefore concluded that it was better to stop trying. Oh, how wrong you are! Proverbs 24:16 says it is possible for a righteous man to fall seven times and still rise. To fall seven times simply refers to the possibility of falling to a point of experiencing what most people will call the final or ultimate fall. Yet, even at that, if you are a child of God, the Lord says that you should not give up hope. Make another attempt at reconciling with the Lord, confess your weakness to Him, and ask for His help. He will lift you up and He will sustain you afterwards. So are you still on the floor? Arise now!

Key Point: Falling and rising in the Christian faith does not make you a failure; it only shows that you are at the babyhood stage of maturity and would need to trust Jesus Christ the more.

Open Heavens Daily Devotional guide was written by Pastor E.A. Adeboye, the General Overseer of the Redeemed Christian Church of God, one of the largest evangelical church in the world and also the President of Christ the Redeemer's Ministries.

iOpenHeavens is the electronic version of the Hard Copy. The Open Heavens devotional application is available across all mobile platforms and operating systems: iOS, Android, Blackberry, Nokia, Windows Mobile and PC.

Open Heaves 18 September 2017: Monday daily devotional by Pastor Adeboye

Open Heavens 18 September 2017: Monday daily devotional by Pastor Adeboye – Restitution: Evidence of Salvation II

Topic — Restitution: Evidence of Salvation II — Monday 18, September 2017.

Memorise: Then said Paul, I wist not, brethren, that he was the high priest: for it is written, Thou shalt not speak evil of the ruler of thy people.  – Act 23:5

Read: Acts 23:1-5 (KJV)

1 And Paul, earnestly beholding the council, said, Men and brethren, I have lived in all good conscience before God until this day.

2 And the high priest Ananias commanded them that stood by him to smite him on the mouth.

3 Then said Paul unto him, God shall smite thee, thou whited wall: for sittest thou to judge me after the law, and commandest me to be smitten contrary to the law?

4 And they that stood by said, Revilest thou God's high priest?

5 Then said Paul, I wist not, brethren, that he was the high priest: for it is written, Thou shalt not speak evil of the ruler of thy people.

Bible in One Year: Ezra 4-6, Ezekiel 42:15-43:12, Hymn: Sing hymn 14 – Take My Life

MESSAGE:

A sign that confirms whether or not you have experienced genuine salvation is your willingness to make restitution with your fellow men. When you are genuinely saved, the Spirit of Jesus Christ in you will motivate you to right your wrongs and undo your evil deeds. An elderly judge once attended one of our meetings at the Sheraton Hotels, Ikeja (Lagos), and he gave his life to Christ. On his way home after the programme, he just could not contain himself. There was a person he quarrelled with several years before, and he had a burning urge to resolve the dispute; so right from the venue of our programme, he went straight to the house of the person in order to settle the matter. Did you say you are saved, but you still hold grudges, have bitterness and manifest an unforgiving spirit? Please examine yourself to be sure you are truly in Christ.

Coming up next: Open Heavens 19 September 2017: Tuesday daily devotional by Pastor Adeboye – The Ground Is Not For You

Similarly, there was a particular king in Ogun State, Nigeria. For several months, I went to preach to him and he would tell me “Before your mother married your father, I have been going to church.” He would show me a Bible that Queen Victoria gave to his grandfather. Repeatedly, I said to him, “Your royal highness, that is not what I am talking about. I am asking you to repent of your sins and surrender your life to Jesus Christ.” Then one day, he yielded and gave his life to Jesus. By that time, he had not seen his wife for years, due to a disagreement they had. Within days of giving his life to Christ, he promptly contacted her, and they resolved their differences. You cannot be genuinely saved and refuse to restitute.

In what areas would you need to make restitution today? If you stole anything from anybody, return it or pay for its replacement if it’s lost. If you bore false witness against somebody, go and uncover the truth. Have you fraudulently acquired your academic certificate? Go and restitute. If you have stolen another person’s passport and impersonated the fellow, using the passport to move around, go and restitute. Are you a second or third wife to a man, or have you as a man married two or more wives? You are living in adultery. Make restitution! Have you received payment for a contract which you did not execute? Go and return the money! Have you been falsifying records and stealing money through that? Go and restitute. If you have tough cases, seek counselling from a pastor in a true Bible-believing church. Also, ask God to help you. If you really want to obey God, He will definitely make a way for you.

Key Point: Salvation straightens your crooked paths with God, while restitution strengthens your crooked paths with men.

Open Heavens Daily Devotional guide was written by Pastor E.A. Adeboye, the General Overseer of the Redeemed Christian Church of God, one of the largest evangelical church in the world and also the President of Christ the Redeemer's Ministries.

iOpenHeavens is the electronic version of the Hard Copy. The Open Heavens devotional application is available across all mobile platforms and operating systems: iOS, Android, Blackberry, Nokia, Windows Mobile and PC.

Open Heavens 17 September 2017: Sunday daily devotional by Pastor Adeboye – Worship First, Request Last

Topic: Worship First, Request Last — Sunday 17, September 2017.

Memorise: Enter into his gates with thanksgiving, and into his courts with praise: be thankful unto him, and bless his name.  – Psalm 100:4

Read: Mark 5:21-24 (KJV)

21 And when Jesus was passed over again by ship unto the other side, much people gathered unto him: and he was nigh unto the sea.

22 And, behold, there cometh one of the rulers of the synagogue, Jairus by name; and when he saw him, he fell at his feet,

23 And besought him greatly, saying, My little daughter lieth at the point of death: I pray thee, come and lay thy hands on her, that she may be healed; and she shall live.

24 And Jesus went with him; and much people followed him, and thronged him.

Bible in One Year: Ezra 1-3, Ezekiel 42:1-14, Hymn: Sing hymn 3 – How Great Thou Art

MESSAGE:

How you approach a house will determine whether you will be welcomed or chased out. If you approach the door and knock, you will be attended to as a lady or a gentleman, but if you decide to break through the window, you will surely be taken for a burglar, thief or robber and met with severe resistance. Your approach matters! In the same vein, to enter into God’s presence, you must follow heaven’s protocol. The Holy Spirit in Psalm 100:4 revealed this protocol when He said:

“Enter into his gates with thanksgiving, and into his courts with praise: be thankful unto him, and bless his name.”

Coming up next: Open Heavens 18 September 2017: Monday daily devotional by Pastor Adeboye – Restitution: Evidence of Salvation II

If you want to be welcomed into God’s presence and have your requests granted, don’t just crash in, follow heaven’s protocol! Let your heart and mouth be full of thanks for all God has done for you, your family and loved ones. When you approach God, let Him first hear your thanksgiving. Let this be followed by quality praise and worship. Let your request come last, and let the time you use in making your request be shorter than the time you spent giving thanks, praise and worship. Whenever you violate this order, you do damage to your requests and hurt your relationship with the Lover of your soul - the Almighty God Himself.

Moreover, you may want to ask: Why must I approach God with reverence, thanksgiving and praise? It is because worshippers always get what they want. In Matthew 8:1-3; a leper approached Jesus, fell at His feet and worship Him, even before he made his request. In the end, he was cleansed. What of the mad man of Gadara whose story is recorded in Mark 5:1-15? As mad as he was, after approaching Jesus, he knew enough to fall down at His feet to worship Him. For this reason, even without verbalising his desire to be delivered from the demonic siege he was under, Jesus set him free. Effective worship works wonders! Jarius was a top leader in Israel, and yet, when his daughter was seriously sick and he approached Jesus, he forgot his position, power and wealth, fell at the Master’s feet and worshipped Him. Also, when the woman whose daughter was tormented by demons came to the Lord expressing her need, the Lord ignored her; but when she began to worship Him, the tide turned (Matthew 15:21-28). From today, follow heaven’s protocol in approaching God and you will get your heart’s desires. 

Key Point: Presenting your request before worshipping God is like placing the cart before the horse.

Open Heavens Daily Devotional guide was written by Pastor E.A. Adeboye, the General Overseer of the Redeemed Christian Church of God, one of the largest evangelical church in the world and also the President of Christ the Redeemer's Ministries.

iOpenHeavens is the electronic version of the Hard Copy. The Open Heavens devotional application is available across all mobile platforms and operating systems: iOS, Android, Blackberry, Nokia, Windows Mobile and PC.