FRI, 30/09/2011 - - COUNSEL: HOW MISLEADING? - - OPEN HEAVENS - - KINGDOM 28

Friday, September 30, 2011

COUNSEL: HOW MISLEADING?

Memorise: "For who hath stood in the counsel of the LORD, and hath perceived and heard his word? who hath marked his word, and heard it?" (Jer 23:18).

  

Read: Jeremiah 23:30-32 

  

In Thyatira, commercial activities were taken over by the occult. To be relevant in business, the inhabitants were made to join in the idolatrous unions which publicly worshipped in their temple feasts. In the church at Thyatira, there was a very influential woman who called herself a prophetess. She was rich and wielded so much influence over the church. She told the brethren in the church to join the unions and participate in the sins of the land and they obeyed because she was one of their leaders. This was an abuse of power! We should find out what Heaven calls us. It is very important. In the church, this woman called herself prophetess so and so. Everybody called her a prophetess and related with her as one but Jesus called her Jezebel. Are you known and addressed as bishop, archbishop, prophet, pastor, world evangelist, senior pastor, Reverend, etc? Before you recline in that toga, find out what the Lord calls you.

Your works also determine the name Heaven will assign to you. You may have an angelic name but if your works are devilish, you will end up with a satanic name. If you do not want to be misled, seriously consider the name Heaven gives to you and to those around you. If God calls you a thief, even if the whole world says you are not, you are a thief. Today, many Christians are falling victims of some so-called men and women of God because they are still judging them by their past lives of holiness, righteousness and truth. If only they can go to God to access the true state of these leaders, they would never fall prey. Leaders must be very careful how they advise their members. It is wrong to take advantage of your flock and mislead them. Never play God in the lives of your members. Remember that you will give account of every one that you mislead (Hebrews 13:17). Besides, those people who are going from one prophet to another will end up in the devil's pot of soup. Beware! If your counsel is driving counselees to hell, you will share the same eternal destination with them.

Prayer Point:

If your counsel will offend God, keep it to yourself. Father, henceforth, every leader with the desire to steal and not to serve, reverse their blessing. 

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THU, 29/09/2011 - - HE OWNS HEAVEN - - OPEN HEAVENS - - KINGDOM 28

Thursday, September 29, 2011

HE OWNS HEAVEN

Memorise: "And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also." (John 14:3).

  

Read: John 14:1-3 

  

Besides telling others of the principles of sowing and reaping, as well as the fact that Jesus is the One in control of times and seasons, you must also tell them that Jesus is the All Sufficient One. Genesis 17:1 calls Him Jehovah El Shaddai - the God who is more than enough. Psalm 24:1 says, "The earth is the LORD's, and the fulness thereof; the world, and they that dwell therein". Everything you will ever need is in His hands. Haggai 2:8 says He owns silver and gold. If He has all you need, then teach your family and church members to pray because He can give them whatever they ask for that is in accordance with His will. According to a Bible scholar, John 14:14 which says that anything you ask in the name of Jesus, He will do it, actually means more than that. According to them, in the original form, that scripture means that if you ask Him what He does not have, He will create it for you. In other words, if only you can think of something He forgot to create while creating the world, He will create it for you.

Somebody heard this and asked the Bible scholar, "In that case why can't you ask God for a cow with four heads?" But the Bible scholar replied: "Rather than ask for a four-headed cow, I would ask for four cows. So if you like cow heads, then you can have them while I keep the body parts". God can do all things. Ephesians 3:20 says, "Now unto him that is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that worketh in us,". Have you prayed for so long without result? Shortly, you shall have testimonies in Jesus name. In addition, tell others that Heaven belongs to Him. Isaiah 66:1 says, "Thus saith the LORD, the heaven is my throne, and the earth is my footstool: where is the house that ye build unto me? and where is the place of my rest?" He created Heaven and earth in the beginning (Genesis 1:1). In John 14:2, Jesus says there are many heavenly mansions awaiting His faithful in Heaven. One way of being a blessing to others is by telling them that Jesus is coming back again (John 14:3). The greatest gift you can give to somebody is to lead the soul to Christ and prepare him or her for Heaven. Are you getting others prepared to enter this blessed land of bliss?

Prayer Point:

Father, help me, that earthly things and challenges may not rob me of my heavenly mansion and rewards. 

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WED, 28/09/2011 - - BARTIMAEUS AND MERCY - - OPEN HEAVENS - - KINGDOM 28

Wednesday, September 28, 2011

BARTIMAEUS AND MERCY

Memorise: "All the paths of the LORD are mercy and truth unto such as keep his covenant and his testimonies." (Ps 25:10).

Read: Mark 10:46-52 

God is rich in mercy. Psalm 89:14 says mercy and truth go before God. All of God's paths and activities are interlaced with mercy, especially to believers (Ps 25:10). One Bible character in whom we can see God's mercy in operation virtually every step of the way, is erstwhile blind Bartimaeus. The first thing we learn from this story is that mercy can compel God to abandon all other routes and locations in order to bless an individual. In this regard, mercy gives God direction and helps Him to choose the route to take from time to time. According to the story, the Lord Jesus Christ entered Jericho and soon left. Nothing miraculous was done there. Now, one thing you must know about God is that He is a God of purpose. He never does anything without a reason and purpose. So, why would He go to Jericho for nothing? He was there because mercy had located a blind beggar on the highway from Jericho. In the name of Jesus, mercy will direct the steps of Jesus to take your route for a divine visitation this season.

Another lesson here is that God knows your location. Mercy moves God to locate the favoured. Mercy prompted the Lord and He travelled to Jericho. He began to search for the candidate of mercy but could not find him in the city. So the Lord left there and continued to search for the candidate of His mercy until he was found. God's mercy will compel Heaven to search for you. You may not be in the city. You may not be in the town or village you were supposed to be. You may even not be in the country. Wherever you are, the mercy of God will direct His feet to you. Are you in the dungeon or pit akin to the one Joseph found himself in? The mercy of God that traced him there and brought him out, shall trace you and bring you out of that pit. Are you covered by darkness? The mercy of God will cause God to locate and bring you out. Wherever the enemies have buried your star, the mercy of God will move God there and exhume it.

Action Point:

There is no hiding from God's mercy. Contractors who collected money but fail to execute the contract will pay for it in many ways! If you are one, immediately go and restitute before it's too late!

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TUE, 27/09/2011 - - WHEN GOD LOOKS - - OPEN HEAVENS - - KINGDOM 28

Tuesday, September 27, 2011

WHEN GOD LOOKS

Memorise: "Search me, O God, and know my heart: try me, and know my thoughts:" (Psalm 139:23).

  

Read: Psalm 139:23-24 

  

“And God looked upon the children of Israel, and God had respect unto them" (Exo 2:25). Just as we look and see things, so also does God. God sees everything, everywhere, every time. God's eyes are unlike man's eyes. Our view is limited by scope, depth and clarity. Our eyes cannot see beyond physical objects such as bags, containers, walls, metal substances, etc. Due to technological advancement however, it is possible to see in the dark through night vision goggles, and to see through bags and containers using x-ray machines, metal detectors, etc. God's view is unlimited. A brother who was privileged to visit Heaven said that when Jesus looks at you, He looks right through you and is seeing the whole world at the same time. One look from God captures all activities done by everybody in every family, community, state, country and continent. Darkness and the four walls of an apartment cannot obstruct anything from Him. It is unfortunate that men have reduced God's view to man's, hence, they device various ways of covering up their evils. What can you do to truly hide something from God's glare?

"Fear them not therefore: for there is nothing covered, that shall not be revealed; and hid, that shall not be known" (Matt 10:26). Every cover up has an expiry date. There is nothing that can be hidden from God's prying, all-seeing eyes. Is it works or actions? Revelation 22:12 says Jesus will reward everyone according to their works. Everything you do is seen and recorded. Both good and evil deeds are known to God and recorded for appropriate heavenly response at the right time. God does not need a human witness to testify in Heaven's court whether a particular offence was committed or not. He has put angels on that beat. Is it thoughts? Luke 2:35 talks of thoughts being revealed. No wonder David asked God to search him to discover the contents of his heart and thoughts as seen in today's passage. When God looks at you, everything in your heart is exposed to Him. Knowing therefore that you cannot hide from Him, keep away from any action or thought that can get you into trouble. Ensure your thoughts are always pure and God-glorifying (Phil 4:8). Ask God to search your heart and thoughts so as to make you conform to His expectations. Are you covering a wrong deed or thought? Repent and expose it today so as to avoid a greater shame and judgement tomorrow.

Action Point:

The one who covers up an evil, thinking he is smart, will later realize it was better if he had opened up. What are you covering up? Pray: 'Father, sanctify my thoughts and my imaginations. Cleanse me inside out'. 

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MON, 26/09/2011 - - ASK - - OPEN HEAVENS - - KINGDOM 28

Monday, September 26, 2011

ASK

Memorise: "Blessed are they which do hunger and thirst after righteousness: for they shall be filled." (Matt 5:6).

  

Read: Matthew 7:7-11 

  

God has so much to give but do you have what it takes to receive from Him? When God was about to turn around the situation of acute poverty and lack that surrounded the widow of the late prophet in 2 Kings 4:1-7, she was asked to borrow empty vessels. Until they were all filled, the oil did not stop. The volume of anointing that you can get is a function of how much you are willing to receive. Similarly, in 2 Kings 2:9-12, Elijah told Elisha to ask what he wanted. That was an open cheque. Although he asked for a double portion of Elijah's anointing, that was still a limited request. He could have asked for triple portion, or times five or times ten. Although Elijah said asking a double portion was a hard thing, Elisha still got what he asked for. If you look through the Scriptures, you will discover that while Elijah performed seven remarkable miracles, Elisha on the other hand performed 14 outstanding miracles because that was the extent of his request. If he had asked for times ten, it would have been a hard request but he would have been given. What kind of requests do you make to God? Some people are afraid to ask God for what they think is impossible to have for fear of being ignored. The elders say: 'If you are going to eat a toad, it is better to eat the one with lots of eggs; after all, a toad is a toad'.

In 1 Corinthians 12:31, Paul, by the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, says we should covet the best gifts. In doing this sometime ago, I told God I wanted a double portion of the anointing on Elisha plus the double portion of the anointing on Peter, Paul and the Lord Jesus Christ (while He was on earth). I asked Him to add up all these and double the result and release it on me. Then the Lord told me, "You are asking for trouble. People will not allow you to rest". I said that would be a good problem than being ignored or seen as irrelevant. To what extent do you hunger and thirst for God? To what extent do you thirst for righteousness? You cannot be filled beyond the vacuum created by your thirst. How thirsty are you?

Action Point:

It is those who ask that receive. You may never get beyond your request. Ask. Ask big! 

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SUN, 25/09/2011 - - PRAYER BRINGS PEACE - - OPEN HEAVENS - - KINGDOM 28

Sunday, September 25th, 2011

PRAYER BRINGS PEACE

Memorise: "My voice shalt thou hear in the morning, O LORD; in the morning will I direct my prayer unto thee, and will look up." (Ps 5:3).

  

Read: 1 Timothy 2:1-4 

  

It is great to intercede for leaders. In today's reading, we are enjoined to pray for all who are in positions of authority, as this can bring peace, godliness and honesty. This means, if we are surrounded by so much turmoil, wickedness and corruption, it is an evidence of not praying enough. Intercede for your husband. The prayers you invest into your husband will eventually work in your favour. In the same way, children should pray for their parents. Do you know that there are parents who bring shame to the family name? Gehazi was one father no child would want to have. While other parents were blessing their children, leaving beautiful legacies behind, Gehazi not only brought leprosy to himself but also his children and generations after him. Every child that was born into that family cursed the day of their birth. Is your father, mother or guardian misbehaving? Intercede for them! You can turn their impact from shame to honour.

However, apart from praying for your leaders, leaders must take time to regularly pray for themselves. If you depend solely on the prayer of your prayer champions, you are a lazy leader. God's call upon your life does not come with a guarantee of success. In my early days of ministry, I once attended a minister's conference in Ghana. After the day's programme of events, fellow ministers who shared the same hotel with me were busy chatting and jesting, but I had some disquiet within me. I was not satisfied with myself, my level, etc., so I quietly took my Bible and went to the rest room and began to study it and pray until I had a knowing in my spirit that my longings had been satisfied. If you are distracted where you are, you can separate yourself for personal communion with God in a rest room, football or volley ball pitch or even in a prayer walk through streets that are not too busy or too noisy. Your ministry is made or marred in the place of prayer. Ministry without prayer is like a house with no blocks. The prayer efforts that go into the life of a leader are not wasted. Even though some prayers are needed for future use by Heaven, they are still required today.

Action Point:

Don't limit yourself in prayer. If one prayer method is not working, try another. Do a prayer-walk of one hour daily, walking around less busy streets and praying without closing your eyes. 

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SAT, 24/09/2011 - - NEARER YOUR GOAL? - - OPEN HEAVENS - - KINGDOM 28

Saturday, September 24, 2011

NEARER YOUR GOAL?

Memorise: "Are ye so foolish? having begun in the Spirit, are ye now made perfect by the flesh?" (Gal 3:3).

  

Read: Galatians 3:1-4 

  

Several years ago, Myles Munroe spoke on five questions you must ask yourself: Who am I? Where am I from? Why am I here? What can I become? Where am I going? These are very crucial issues which, if properly answered, will help you to optimize your earthly existence. Have you been able to find the answers to these questions?

In addition to the above questions, it is important to also ask yourself: How far am I from my goal? If you left point A for point B, it is important to take stock so as to know how close or far your destination is. This calls for self-examination, personal appraisal or evaluation of actions, tactics, strategy and plans. Why do you think Paul asked the Corinthian church to examine themselves, to know whether they were still in the faith (2 Cor 13:5)? It is because it is possible to start off as a Christian but along the way lose one's faith in Christ. For this same reason, Paul queried the church in Galatia as to why they would end up in the flesh, having begun in the Spirit (Gal 3:3). Today, many believers who started the Christian race as honest, God-fearing, Jesus-seeking, Spirit-filled, heaven-bound saints, are now flesh-controlled, position-seeking, money-serving, people-victimizing political beings. Unfortunately, they have continued their journey without asking how far or how close they are to their original goal.

If truth be told, position is robbing many of holiness. It is shocking to hear that some senior pastors fix the stipends and salaries of junior pastors and workers in banks for a period and receive interest up front into their personal pockets, without thinking of the hardship they cause such families. Such leaders are farther from their destination. There are some things you do that take you several miles away from your destination. It is safe to assume that if you were saved some 10, 15, or 20 years ago, and you were living to please God for that period, you are closer to heaven than when you started. But if you begin to do certain things wrong, it will set you backwards, even beyond the years you started out. Have you asked how close you are to your goal?

Key Point:

There is no guarantee that debtors will make it to Heaven, including senior pastors, top Christian leaders who deliberately sit on the salaries and stipends of their subordinates. They may pay their debts eternally in hell.

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FRI, 23/09/2011 - - THE WORLD CULT - - OPEN HEAVENS - - KINGDOM 28

Friday, September 23, 2011

THE WORLD CULT

Memorise: "And that no man might buy or sell, save he that had the mark, or the name of the beast, or the number of his name." (Rev 13:17).

  

Read: Revelation 2:18-29 

  

The letter to the church in Thyatira was the longest, even though that church was the smallest. This simply tells us that what God says about an individual, family or church is not necessarily because of its size but its works, challenges and activities. Also, a smaller church can face greater challenges than a bigger church. Whatever happens, the Owner of the church knows exactly what every member of His body is going through and He has an answer for everyone.

Let's look at the history of Thyatira. This was a great town which specialized in dyeing wool into red or purple. It had a shrine where fortune-telling was regularly practiced. There were several commercial activities which were organized by trade unions. These unions pledged allegiance to their local deities and freely engaged in immorality in the temples of their shrines. One major challenge Christian traders faced in Thyatira was how to do their business without sinning against God. If they joined these idolatrous trade unions, they would be compelled to engage in idolatry and immorality. If they refused to join, however, they could not carry out their respective businesses. They found themselves in a fix.

One lesson we can learn from this is that we need to thank God that evil has not completely overtaken our societies and nations. Thank God for the freedom of worship and expression, as well as the freedom to practise any type of trade, profession or business without any form of molestation. How would you have coped if you were in a place like Thyatira? Secondly, just as the devil dominated business and all money-making ventures in Thyatira, Revelation 13 says a time is coming when the Antichrist will dominate the business of the whole world. Business at that time will be like a global cult that only members can freely participate in. Non-members will not even have the right to live. But even worse, the Antichrist will force everybody, both old and young, to either belong to this satanic cult or be tortured and killed. If you find it difficult to cope today with the little temptations in your trade, career or profession, how can you cope at that time? Give your life to Jesus today and hold fast to your salvation until Jesus comes or until death comes. Don't trade it for anything!

Prayer Point:

Father, thank You for the United Nations Declaration of Human Rights. Lord, let these rights be effectively adopted and enforced in all nations of the world. 

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THU, 22/09/2011 - - TIME AND SPEED - - OPEN HEAVENS - - KINGDOM 28

Thursday, September 22, 2011

TIME AND SPEED

Memorise: "And he changeth the times and the seasons: he removeth kings, and setteth up kings: he giveth wisdom unto the wise, and knowledge to them that know understanding:" (Dan 2:21).

  

Read: Daniel 2:20-21 

  

Another truth you need to tell others including your family and church members is that God is the controller of times and seasons. "And he changeth the times and the seasons: he removeth kings, and setteth up kings: he giveth wisdom unto the wise, and knowledge to them that know understanding:" (Dan 2:21). Many people think what befalls them is purely by chance. Nothing happens by chance! Revelation 1:8 speaks of the Alpha and Omega who is fully in control of what has happened in the past and what will happen tomorrow. Your future is not in the hands of anyone, no matter how hard the fellow tries. Anyone who says you shall not be promoted in your place of work, or who says you shall not graduate from your school, must be told that your future is not in the hands of man but in the hands of the Most High God. When men forgot Joseph for years, in God's time, He gave him a turn-around within 24 hours. Similarly, at the feast in Cana of Galilee, the Lord, who awaited His right time, soon delivered to them their much needed miracle-wine. One moment, He was saying, 'My time has not come', but the next moment, He had moved swiftly into action. Since the Lord is in control of time, He can change 'Not yet!' to 'Right now!'. In your situation, the Lord will change 'Not yet!' into 'Right now!' this season.

Christ's ability to change 'Not yet!' into 'Right now!' speaks of His capacity to turn what is not urgent into something urgent, and what is not important into something important. God can give speed to your breakthrough. When Samuel sent for David in the house of Jesse, he refused to sit down until David was brought from the sheep-fold at the back of the desert. The Lord was urgent upon David's matter. Suddenly, an insignificant youngster became very important. This season, the Lord will give speed to your turn-around. By His intervention in your situation this period, those who have been saying you are not yet ripe for promotion will suddenly appoint you into your next level. The Lord will give you speed. The Lord will manipulate time and chance in your favour today!

Prayer Point:

Father, all my good desires that are on Your waiting list, move them to Your urgent list today.

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WED, 21/09/2011 - - MERCY AHEAD - - OPEN HEAVENS - - KINGDOM 28

Wednesday, September 21, 2011

MERCY AHEAD

Memorise: "Justice and judgment are the habitation of thy throne: mercy and truth shall go before thy face." (Psa 89:14).

  

Read: Psalm 89:13-14 

  

God's mercies can apply to all of creation, and particularly to human beings created in His own image. However, it takes conforming to His image and becoming like Him from a recreated spirit to access the higher levels of God's mercies. May this be your portion from now on.

According to Psalm 89:14, God's mercy goes ahead of God. That means, if you are seeking God's face, what you will encounter first is His mercy. In fact, you may never see His face but if you truly seek Him, you will see His mercy. That was Moses' experience in Exodus 34:5-7. Earlier, Moses had requested to see God's glory but the Lord told him that nobody can see His face and live. By the time the Lord passed by, His mercy was ahead of Him. "And the LORD passed by before him, and proclaimed, The LORD, The LORD God, merciful and gracious, longsuffering, and abundant in goodness and truth" (Exo 34.6). One way of knowing that you have encountered God while seeking His face is when you experience His mercy. Wherever God's mercy is, God is there.

Another very interesting truth about God's mercy is that everything He does is a reflection of His mercy, especially towards those who have a personal relationship with Him (Psalm 25:10). Every decision God takes concerning you is out of mercy. If you accept this truth, then you will know that it is impossible for God to think evil concerning you. If He is leading you to marry the fellow you do not love, it is because He will supply the love at the time it is needed. You can be sure that, that divine decision is in your interest and will work in your favour. Whether you believe it or not, like it or not, you will go through hardship and trials as a redeemed soul. Yet, there is really nothing to fear: God's mercy has made Him to specifically sanction or disallow what Satan can bring your way, and He has also provided adequately for you to not fall (1 Cor 10:13). What a show of mercy! If you can only look up to Him in that moment of trial or temptation, you will not fall. The fact that all God does towards you is laced with mercy is the reason all things, both good and bad, work ultimately for your good (Rom 8:28). As you seek the Lord this season, you will encounter His mercy.

Action Point:

God's mercy is the believer's assurance of a glorious today and tomorrow. Pray: "Be merciful to me o God". 

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TUE, 20/09/2011 - - CREATIVE MIRACLES - - OPEN HEAVENS - - KINGDOM 28

Tuesday, September 20, 2011

CREATIVE MIRACLES

Memorise: "Jesus answered, Neither hath this man sinned, nor his parents: but that the works of God should be made manifest in him." (John 9:3).

  

Read: John 9:1-7 

  

When the Lord said the sickness of Lazarus was not unto death in John 11:4, it was because He is in control of life and death. His Word is final as it relates to life and death. Death cannot have anyone without taking permission from Jesus. Anyone or anything in its custody must be restored immediately to life the minute the Lord orders his release. Today, in the Name of Jesus, every good thing in your life that is dead shall rise up. Every negative effect of the spirit of death in your life shall be reversed today!

Apart from reversing the irreversible, God sometimes uses some people to demonstrate His ability and willingness to heal. It is one thing to be capable of healing people and another to be willing to heal. In Matthew 8:1-3, a leper met the Lord and told Him: 'I know you can heal me but I don't know if you are willing to'. The Lord said to him, 'It is my will that you are healed. Receive your healing'. Are you sick in your body? The Lord is both willing and able to heal you of that ailment. After your healing, and as you share your testimonies with others, you will become a vessel of honour in His hands. When the Lord and His disciples met a man who was born blind in John 9:1-7, the disciples asked who was responsible: 'Was it because of his sins or that of his parents?' The Lord said their sins were not responsible. He told them the man's infirmity was an opportunity to occasion God's glory and testify to his healing and creative power. Is there a major deficiency in your body from birth? The Lord will perform a creative miracle in your body and use it to glorify His Name.

During a crusade we had at Rowe Park (Lagos) several years ago, there was a young man born with only one testicle. In an attempt to solve the problem, his parents took him to a native doctor who destroyed his only testicle. Yet, he went ahead and married. He attended the crusade and God's power touched him. He suddenly discovered he had two testicles. By the time he came to testify, he was in the company of his pregnant wife. Praise God! Every biological deficiency in your body from birth, shall receive a creative miracle today. That problem shall cause God to be glorified through His miraculous touch.

Key Point:

Anyone with biological deficiencies is a candidate for a creative miracle. 

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MON, 19/09/2011 - - RECEIPTS DETERMINED BY REQUESTS- - OPEN HEAVENS - - KINGDOM 28

Monday, September 19, 2011

RECEIPTS DETERMINED BY REQUESTS

Memorise: "Hast thou not known? hast thou not heard, that the everlasting God, the LORD, the Creator of the ends of the earth, fainteth not, neither is weary? there is no searching of his understanding." (Isa 40:28).

  

Read: Isaiah 40:25-28 

  

After accepting to shine, a question you must ask yourself is: 'How bright do I want to shine?' The reason you must honestly ask yourself this question is because God has so much to offer. 1 Corinthians 2:9 says, "But as it is written, Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that love him". This means that you have not seen anything yet. No wonder God is the inexhaustible One whose understanding cannot be comprehended. It is said that the greatest genius that the world ever knew operated below 30% of his brain capacity, before his death. If this is so, you can imagine the level of technological breakthrough we would have reached if someone was to utilize 70% of his brain capacity! Scientists have discovered that the most advanced computer in the world is still operating below 10% capacity of the human brain. This shows the awesome potential in you, waiting to be manifested. How much of your potentials have been realized?

God has so much to offer to us. Unfortunately, we are not eager to receive from Him. Your capacity to receive from God is a function of the level of hunger, thirst and faith you harbour or express. Without hunger, you may never receive an inch of God. While on a visit to London, I ran out of funds. With two days to my return, I still had some shopping to do. So I casually expressed a wish that I had 50 pounds to buy what I wanted. Few minutes later, the phone rang and someone said "Biyi.". I told him it was a wrong number, and so he apologized. Thereafter I said, 'God bless you', preparing to hang up. Then a conversation ensued and he got to know who I was and came over. After prayers, as he left with his brother, he gave me 50 pounds. I thanked God, but said if I had known it would be so easy, I would have wished for 100 pounds. A few minutes later, the door bell rang. Before I could get there, a stingy rich man who never gave me money before had written a note saying that he felt God wanted him to give me 50 pounds. I found the enveloped dropped at the door. While thanking God and heading upstairs, I wished I had asked for 150 pounds. Few minutes later, another 50 pounds came. At that point, fear gripped me and I told God I was only joking. I was too awe-struck to continue asking! God has more than you can ever ask for. How much can you ask for?

Prayer Point:

Thank God for missionaries in the various mission fields of the world. Pray that God will meet all their needs and use them to increase His Kingdom. 

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FRI, 16/09/2011 - - THE OVERCOMER'S REWARDS - - OPEN HEAVENS - - KINGDOM 28

Friday, September 16, 2011

THE OVERCOMER'S REWARDS

Memorise: "Rejoice, and be exceeding glad: for great is your reward in heaven: for so persecuted they the prophets which were before you." (Matthew 5:12).

  

Read: Revelation 2:16-17 

  

“He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches; To him that overcometh will I give to eat of the hidden manna, and will give him a white stone, and in the stone a new name written, which no man knoweth saving he that receiveth it" (Rev 2:17).

God rewards overcomers. You may be faithfully 'denying yourself', saying 'No' to compromise, and overcoming sin, self, Satan and the world, without any special attention or mention. Don't be discouraged! God sees and takes note of these and one day, you will be rewarded. In the above verse, we see three rewards for the 'overcomers'. First, they will have access to eat the hidden manna. According to Psalm 78:24-25, manna is the food of angels, but God gave it to the Israelites during their wilderness sojourn. If you are an 'overcomer', you will eat angels' food. But beyond this, there is a specially reserved heavenly delicacy which even angels have not taken. It is specially reserved for 'overcomers'. It is called the hidden manna. On our wedding day with Jesus, we will eat this most outstanding meal. If you like food, then wait until you get to Heaven to taste of this hidden manna!

Another reward for 'overcomers' is a white stone. White is Heaven's colour, hence Revelation 7:9 says we shall be dressed in white robes and in fine, white linen (Rev 19:8). This refers to Heaven's designer outfit. To qualify for this white stone, your heart must be as pure as light. In addition, the 'overcomers' will receive a new name. On the white stone the Lord gives to each 'overcomer' will be a new name that nobody else will know except you say it out. Presently, in Heaven, you may not need to announce your name before you are addressed by it. This is because the inhabitants operate on a higher level of knowledge than we do on earth. Somebody may be seeing you for the first time but would address you by name. But nobody will know your new name until you say it out. The change of name is necessary as our earthly names will no longer be required in Heaven. I shall receive my white stone and new name in Heaven, no matter what it costs me. What about you?

Key Point:

Unlike our first naming ceremony on earth, Heaven's renaming ceremony is a special experience. Don't miss it! 

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THU, 15/09/2011 - - HE STILL MOVES MOUNTAINS- - OPEN HEAVENS - - KINGDOM 28

Thursday, September 15, 2011

HE STILL MOVES MOUNTAINS

Memorise: "Who art thou, O great mountain? before Zerubbabel thou shalt become a plain: and he shall bring forth the headstone thereof with shoutings, crying, Grace, grace unto it." (Zech 4:7).

  

Read: Zechariah 4:6-7 

Another truth that you must teach your family and church members is that there is a God who helps the helpless. There is a limit to which you can help yourself. There is also a limit to which any man, woman or institution can help you. There are problems you can never solve by your limited wisdom, power, ability or financial resources. This is why 1 Samuel 2:9 says no one can prevail by his or her physical strength. To reach your set-goal, you require more than your limited knowledge and strength. The situations that are beyond your ability must be made known to the Lord. 1 Peter 5:7 says you should lay every burden on the Lord because He cares for you. Whenever I am confronted by a challenge that I cannot solve, I pray and go to sleep. People have wondered how I am able to enjoy restful sleep in the midst of myriad of challenges brought to my notice from all our churches. It's because I have learnt to carry what I can and allow God, the Owner of the church, to carry what I cannot. Carrying what you cannot wears you out so easily, and causes you to age quickly. Are you carrying the ministry on your head, instead of handing it over to the Owner of the church?

My first year as the General Overseer of the RCCG was very turbulent for me as a young man. When I travelled and returned home, my wife would have kept a catalogue of problems waiting for me. After she carefully reeled out all the problems, I would simply request for my food, and after eating, I would pray and go to bed. She would be surprised that I had not made any comment despite all she had said. The truth is, if joy is coming tomorrow morning, why should I lose my sleep today? The challenges you face, that appear so big to you, are nothing to Him. What appears like a mountain to you is only a mole hill to Him. This is why you need Him to help you. It is when you have Him by your side that He will level the mountains before you and cause what is terrorizing you to quake in His sight. This season, as you hand over your cares to Jesus, He will take over the situation. The Lord will level those mountains facing you today.

Key Point:

The higher the mountain confronting you, the easier it is for your God to crush. When a problem moves from being a molehill to a mountain, it begins to compete with God for attention. 

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WED, 14/09/2011 - - GOD'S MERCIES - - OPEN HEAVENS - - KINGDOM 28

Wednesday, September 14, 2011

GOD'S MERCIES

Memorise: "All the paths of the LORD are mercy and truth unto such as keep his covenant and his testimonies." (Psalm 25:10).

Read: Psalm 25:6-10

“But God, who is rich in mercy, for his great love wherewith he loved us," (Eph 2:4).

God is a God of mercy. Mercy is one of His outstanding attributes. It is not possible to separate God from mercy, even when He is passing a judgement. He is able to demonstrate so much mercy because He has it in abundance. He is rich in mercy. If you have something in abundance, it is easy for you to give some out. Mercy and grace are somewhat similar. Mercy ensures you are not paid in your own coin - that is, you do not get what you deserve for a wrong deed. After a criminal is apprehended, tried in a court of law and found guilty, setting such a criminal free is simply an act of mercy. On the other hand, grace is receiving what you do not deserve. So, having one automatically entails receiving the other. That is why 'mercy' and 'grace' are sometimes used interchangeably.

"All the paths of the LORD are mercy and truth unto such as keep his covenant and his testimonies" (Ps 25:10). God's mercy is extended to all of creation - both animate and inanimate objects (Ps 145:9). This means that if you take a cursory look at each of God's creation, one common denominator is the mercy of God. Moreover, Matthew 5:45 says of all creatures, human beings enjoy more of God's mercy-irrespective of whether they are born-again Christians or not. This is why human beings are entitled to breathe in clean air, benefit from the sun, the moon, rainfall, etc., irrespective of whether they are at peace with God or not. As good as this may sound, it is not enough. Hence, today's reading tells us that if you do not want God's mercy on you to be limited to the level meant for all men, then you must take a step to cultivate a personal relationship with Him. The moment you confess and forsake your sins, and invite Jesus into your heart, that experience will move you to receive a higher level of God's mercy. From that moment on, you can enjoy God's great mercies in all you do. Whatever the level of mercy you enjoy now, you can move even higher by receiving Jesus, keeping His commandments, and honouring His covenant. This season you shall enjoy God's mercies in Jesus name.

Key Point:

God is rich in mercy. The closer you are to Him, the more of His mercies you enjoy. Show mercy!

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TUE, 13/09/2011 - - GOLDEN VESSELS - - OPEN HEAVENS - - KINGDOM 28

Tuesday, September 13, 2011

GOLDEN VESSELS

Memorise: "But in a great house there are not only vessels of gold and of silver, but also of wood and of earth; and some to honour, and some to dishonour" (2 Tim 2:20).

Read: Acts 8:5-8 

God can use all categories of people for His purpose. Some may be used for honourable purposes and others for dishonourable purposes. May the Lord use you for honourable purposes in Jesus name. There is this friend of mine of blessed memory by name Moses. Until his conversion, he was a terror to the villagers. Whenever he was on holiday, everyone ensured their children were safely locked indoors for fear of being defiled by him. But after his conversion, he began to serve God with the same intensity with which he served the devil. If you find yourself in the same taxi cab with him, he will not let you go until you receive Jesus Christ. If God can use Brother Moses, He can use you. History and experience tells us the greatest potentials for the gospel lie in the staunchest opposers of the good news, fanatical antichrists, and even atheists. They can end up as mighty vessels in God's hands. So do not pray that these should die because they are persecuting you and the Kingdom of God. Rather, ask that the One who arrested, converted and commissioned Paul will do same to them.

2 Timothy 2:20 places the vessels God uses into different categories; there are golden, silver, wooden, and earthen vessels. In Scriptures, one outstanding golden vessel in God's hands was Mary. There are certain opportunities and tasks that occur only once. Anyone so favoured to be used for such an assignment becomes very outstanding. There is no way our Lord Jesus Christ could have been born through a virgin more than once. So, in the choice of which virgin to use, virgins all over the world went through some kind of secret unofficial contest. This was a winner-takes-all situation. At the grand finale of the competition, one winner emerged! Mary! What a golden vessel she was! Even when you are not chosen for such a one-time opportunity, you can still be a golden vessel. In Acts 8:5-8, we see another golden vessel. As a deacon, Philip stood out of the crowd. He not only performed his duty in distributing food but allowed the Lord to use him to turn the city of Samaria to Christ. He became a reference point to someone who later became one of God's greatest golden vessels - Paul. The latter, an erstwhile antichrist, became so transformed that God began to perform special miracles through him (Acts 19:11-12). You too can become a golden vessel. However, are you prepared to pay the price? To be a golden vessel, you must be wholly yielded and obedient to Jesus. Your goal in life should be to serve and please God with no ulterior motive at all. Yes, you must be ready to die in the service of His Majesty. Are you ready?

Action Point:

A golden vessel will risk everything he or she has just to please the Master. Are you capable of taking the highest risk for Jesus? Pray that you will attain the level of Gal 2:20. 

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MON, 12/09/2011 - - DESTINY TIES - - OPEN HEAVENS - - KINGDOM 28

Monday, September 12, 2011

DESTINY TIES

Memorise: "Then Jonathan and David made a covenant, because he loved him as his own soul." (1 Sam 18:3).

 Read: 1 Samuel 18:1-5 

Although one person's destiny is different from another's, however, sometimes destinies are interlinked. This occurs in a symbiotic relationship where those with such heavenly ties will mutually benefit from each other. An example of this is Elijah and Elisha. Their destinies were intertwined. Until Elijah threw his mantle on Elisha, the latter had thought he was born to be a farmer. But after the mantle came on him, everything changed. His goal, vision for life and dreams changed. Suddenly, he realized he was born to be a prophet. Some people have had to carry me like an egg after they realized that their destinies were tied up with mine. It is very important not to detach from the one with whom your destiny is tied. That fellow is your helper and is sent your way not by your choice, but by divine choice. Allow the plan of God concerning that tie between you and the fellow to be fully realized.

Two other Bible characters who had common destiny ties were David and Jonathan. According to 1 Samuel 18:3-4, the first day they met, they both realized they had something in common. They loved each other dearly. Jonathan stripped himself of virtually all that he had and gave them to David. Their love was so strong and they mutually benefited from it. However, Jonathan made a mistake by separating himself from David (1 Sam 20:1-42). After they entered into a covenant, instead of following David, Jonathan returned to the palace. That was why the day his wicked father died, he too died. When you have identified the one you have a destiny tie with, do everything possible never to be detached from the fellow. Destiny ties affect ministries and even families. In some homes, because the destinies of the couples are tied, God begins to bless the man for the sake of the woman. Before long, the man who lived from hand to mouth starts to live in affluence. At some point, the man may begin to feel that his wife is not sophisticated enough. As a result, he may throw her out and marry another. Then things begin to take a downward turn. Whatever happens, stay with your lawfully wedded spouse. God will perfect the purpose of your union. Marriage is meant for life and God hates divorce.

Prayer Point:

Father, let all those who share destiny ties with me come into my life and propel me towards my destiny. 

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SUN, 11/09/2011 - - BENEFITS OF KNOWING HIM - - OPEN HEAVENS - - KINGDOM 28

Sunday, September 11, 2011

BENEFITS OF KNOWING HIM

Memorise: "My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge: because thou hast rejected knowledge, I will also reject thee, that thou shalt be no priest to me: seeing thou hast forgotten the law of thy God, I will also forget thy children" (Hosea 4:6).

  

Read: John 17:1-4 

  

“And this is life eternal, that they might know thee the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom thou hast sent" (John 17:3). The greatest thing in life is knowing God. If all your energy, time and resources are channelled towards knowing the Lord, it is worth it. There are several benefits from knowing Him. According to the above verse, knowing Him is foundational to receiving eternal life. In other words, anyone that does not know Him cannot access eternal life. Such a person can have limited earthly life and thereafter be thrown into Hell.

Another benefit of knowing Him is that it opens you to supernatural knowledge (Psalm 103:7). While the Israelites were seeing miracles, Moses was seeing the making of miracles. God took him to His factory and he saw the ingredients for mixing miracles. Knowing God will always make a difference between the ordinary and the extraordinary. Similarly, knowing Him guarantees your freedom. John 8:32 says, "And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free". You may acquire all kinds of knowledge but until you receive the knowledge of Jesus Christ, you will remain in bondage. The much of Him you know is the extent your freedom is guaranteed.

"My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge: because thou hast rejected knowledge, I will also reject thee, that thou shalt be no priest to me: seeing thou hast forgotten the law of thy God, I will also forget thy children" (Hosea 4:6). From this scripture, it is evident that the knowledge of God provides several benefits: It prevents destruction, provides divine acceptance and Heaven's seal of approval over your ministry; and makes God to remember your children always. If you must remain in ministry, you must know Him. If it will be well with your family, you must know Him. Knowing Him is a matter of life and death. Daniel 11:32 says the knowledge of God produces strength, courage and ushers a person into the realm of the miraculous. It is wisdom to know Him. It is greater wisdom to dig deep and draw nearer in a bid to know Him more. Do you know Him? How much of Jesus Christ do you know? Irrespective of what you have known of Him, there is yet a depth you have not yet tasted, a height you have not yet attained and a width you have not comprehended. Ask Him to reveal Himself to you today and everyday.

Prayer Point:

Father, reveal yourself to me and grant unto me the strength that comes from the knowledge of you. 

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SAT, 10/09/2011 - - WHITHER GREATER WORKS? - - OPEN HEAVENS - - KINGDOM 28

Saturday, September 10, 2011

WHITHER GREATER WORKS?

Memorise: "Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that believeth on me, the works that I do shall he do also; and greater works than these shall he do; because I go unto my Father." (John 14:12).

  

Read: John 14:12-14 

  

In addition to identifying your purpose on earth, it is equally important to know what you can become. That is, you should know your potentials in Christ. One person who knew both his purpose and potential was John the Baptist. In John 3:29, he said, "He that hath the bride is the bridegroom: but the friend of the bridegroom, which standeth and heareth him, rejoiceth greatly because of the bridegroom's voice: this my joy therefore is fulfilled". In other words, John was saying, 'I am going to be Jesus' best man during His wedding: I know where I am going. I know where I will reach'. Do you appreciate your core purpose in life?

As a young boy, God gave Joseph two dreams that revealed his potential. As a result, he knew he was going to be a ruler someday. When God called Elisha, he knew that there was something else in the offing for him, than just being the most successful farmer. He had obviously been waiting for something better than farming. So when the mantle landed on him, he immediately rounded up his business and followed Elijah. Later, when his master was about to leave the scene, he told him to stop following him and stay in a particular place. Elisha, however, refused because he saw he was yet to achieve his potential (2 Kings 2:1-15). Eventually, he got a double portion of the anointing of his master! Do you know your potentials? In John 14:12, Jesus said, "Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that believeth on me, the works that I do shall he do also; and greater works than these shall he do; because I go unto my Father". In other words, if you forsake Christ, you may never realize the possibilities in Him. Also, as a believer in Christ, you can do all the Lord did and even greater works than He did. That's your potential. To what extent have you been used to perform the greater works? If you have not experienced the greater works of God in your life and ministry, you are far from fulfilling your potentials in Christ. If you have not seen the greater works, go to Him in prayer and worship Him, asking Him to bring them to manifestation in your life.

Action Point:

To see the greater works, start with the regular miracles. Provoke God by engaging His anointing in you to solve the problems of others. 

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