MON, 31/10/2011 - - IDENTIFIED BY FRUITS - - OPEN HEAVENS - - KINGDOM 28

Monday, October 31, 2011

IDENTIFIED BY FRUITS

Memorise: "A good tree cannot bring forth evil fruit, neither can a corrupt tree bring forth good fruit." (Matt 7:18).

  

Read: Matthew 7:15-20 

  

Good works are a manifestation of the anointing of God. If you are truly anointed of God, it will show in the frequency of good deeds emanating from you. If Matthew 5:14-16 is anything to go by, it gives us a veritable link between three variables: the shine of a believer, his or her good works, and glorifying the Father. Anything you do that compels men to offer true praise to God is a good work. As long as it is done by a believer in Christ, with the right motives, and in obedience to God's instructions, it will elicit Heaven's reward. A true mark of a disciple of Christ is the desire for God to be glorified in all his or her deeds, speech or conduct. Your life is supposed to point people to your Father. Can they see Christ in you?

It is possible to identify a believer by his or her conduct. A little child ran home in excitement one Sunday morning telling the mother that he has seen Jesus. "How do you know its Jesus you saw?" the mother asked. "He saw my loosed shoes, bent down and laced them for me", he replied. "OK, can you describe him for me?" she asked. By the time he was through, it was obvious that it was their pastor. Do you have time to knot the tie, wipe the sweat or take off the sand on your children? Little things like that could make great impressions on the minds of these little ones. And adults too! I once travelled to America; as soon as I arrived at the airport, I was conveyed to the church where I was to preach. I kept going from one place to another such that I could not rest except on board a plane. As I took my seat on board the plane, I found myself sitting next to an old woman who had never travelled by air. Since I knew starting a conversation with an old woman would cost me my rest, I decided not to say a word. When she greeted me, I smiled without a word. When we were asked to place our luggage in the upper-compartment, she did not understand what to do, so I helped her. When they announced that we should fasten our belts, she was also at a loss, so I helped her. She thanked me and I smiled. When it was time to eat, she did not know how to release her table from the back of the seat in front of her, so I helped her. She thanked me and I smiled. Before we landed, I assisted her again and then she said, "You must be a pastor". I said "Yes, ma" and she screamed, "I knew it". Can you be identified as a believer without saying a word?

Prayer Point:

Pray that believers in your nation will bear fruits of righteousness that will make unbelievers identify them as the lights of the world. 

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SUN, 30/10/2011 - - UNITE AGAINST THREATS - - OPEN HEAVENS - - KINGDOM 28

Sunday, October 30, 2011

UNITE AGAINST THREATS

Memorise: "And when they heard that, they lifted up their voice to God with one accord, and said, Lord, thou art God, which hast made heaven, and earth, and the sea, and all that in them is:" (Acts 4:24).

  

Read: Acts 4:21-31 

  

From the story of Gideon recorded in Judges 7, we see how unity can give victory in the time of war. If you and a selected few can be united in the battles against your lives, you will have victory. Unity is so powerful that it can deliver from death. By the hands of Haman, who was the second in command over the kingdom of King Ahasuerus, there was a plot to massacre all the Jews under the realm. The plot was strong and money was used as motivation. It took unity of purpose in fasting, prayer and self-defence by Queen Esther, her maids, and all the Jews in Shushan, for their lives to be spared. In a letter, they were asked to unite, resist their enemies and fight. "Wherein the king granted the Jews which were in every city to gather themselves together, and to stand for their life, to destroy, to slay, and to cause to perish, all the power of the people and province that would assault them, both little ones and women, and to take the spoil of them for a prey," (Esther 8:11). Is your life, family, community or nation under threat? With prayers, fasting and the presenting of a united front, your lives would be spared.

In the days of the Early Church, the disciples faced serious threats. A time of threat is not a time to be divided or to go it alone. It is a time to settle your differences and unite to prayerfully overcome the opposition. In Acts 4:21-37 after being threatened, the disciples lifted up their voices to God in one accord (verse 24). They were united. As many as they were, when they cried to God, it was like God heard one voice. Unity unifies the voices of the united. How God loves to hear a church speak with one voice! What was the result of their prayer? Instead of being silenced or becoming irrelevant, a revival broke out which their opposers could not withstand and all the disciples were filled with supernatural boldness. There is a difference between the courage that comes from the Spirit and the one from the flesh. Peter had the one from the flesh, yet he could not affirm Christ before a house maid. The boldness that comes from the Spirit through united prayer is, however, unstoppable. If challenged, it is capable of unpredictable divine power and performance. From today, handle your threats the united way.

Key Point:

Unity is a way around human threats! If family units can unite against whatever is threatening their joy or existence, they will be victorious. 

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SAT, 29/10/2011 - - KEEPING DEATH AT BAY - - OPEN HEAVENS - - KINGDOM 28

Saturday, October 29, 2011

KEEPING DEATH AT BAY

Memorise: "I am he that liveth, and was dead; and, behold, I am alive for evermore, Amen; and have the keys of hell and of death" (Rev 1:18).

  

Read: Isaiah 38:1-5 

  

The Creator of death is greater than death, for he created it. As a result, the one to be feared is the Creator and not death itself. Many people have strayed from the narrow path because of the fear of death. For instance, in the time of sickness, when medication and prayers do not bring healing, the fear of death makes some people to yield to satanic alternatives. Yet, in spite of the sacrifices and covenants they enter into with the devil, they still die, ending up in the hands of the enemy. When this happens, they spend their eternity in hell. Now, is it not better to die in that sickness with your faith intact? If you are sick and do not get healed, know that any offer of healing from elsewhere is not worth it. There is no sickness God cannot heal. So, if He says you should come home as a result of that sickness, no devil can heal you. Fight to keep your faith no matter what. The three Hebrew children had this understanding. No wonder when facing Nebuchadnezzar's furnace, they told him that their God could deliver them. And that even if He chooses to let them in the fire, they will retain their faith. Are you denying the Lord through an act of compromise?

Moreover, the Lord Jesus, the Controller of death, can keep death away from you. Is death targeting you? The Lord will keep it from you. In Isaiah 38:1-5, when King Hezekiah's appointment with death came, he cried out to God and the Lord asked death to keep a distance of 15 years from him. Is death so close to you? The Lord shall keep it several years away from you in Jesus name. You shall not die before your time. And like King Hezekiah, when your appointed time comes, you can ask for an extension and it shall be granted. However, you must be born-again. You must have a blossoming relationship with God. You must obey His Word and serve Him with all you have. Above all, you must fear Him and Him alone. No death will come near you when the Controller of death is inside of you. Whenever death comes near you, it will see you carrying His Controller and Creator and will keep off.

Prayer Point:

Every spirit of death sent against me, my family and members of our church keep off and return to sender. 

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FRI, 28/10/2011 - - GOD'S SPOKESPERSON - - OPEN HEAVENS - - KINGDOM 28

Friday, October 28th, 2011

GOD'S SPOKESPERSON

Memorise: "But God hath revealed them unto us by his Spirit: for the Spirit searcheth all things, yea, the deep things of God" (1 Cor 2:10).

  

Read: 1 Corinthians 2:9-13 

  

John 1:1 says Jesus existed before the beginning, and was with God and was God Himself. What does the phrase "And the Word was with God" mean? It means that because Jesus and the Father have been together even before the beginning of the creation, they have the same knowledge. Hence, in Matthew 11:27, Jesus says, "All things are delivered unto me of my Father: and no man knoweth the Son, but the Father; neither knoweth any man the Father, save the Son, and he to whomsoever the Son will reveal him". Whatever God knows, Jesus also knows. If you desire to access what God knows, draw nearer to Jesus Christ. You can be close to Jesus Christ through His Word. When there is closeness between you and the Lord, He will be able to confide in you and share so many divine secrets with you.

Another way of accessing God's secrets is by being baptized in the Holy Spirit. God the Father, God the Son and God the Holy Spirit are one (1 John 5:7). Whenever there is a meeting of the Godhead, the three of them would be present. God the Father could reveal something to you through direct revelation, while God the Son could tell you through the Word or God the Holy Spirit could unveil it by speaking to you because He is the custodian of all of God's secrets (1 Cor 2:9-11). And presently, the Holy Spirit is the PRO of the Godhead. Most times when God speaks, it is voiced out by the Holy Spirit. When you are baptized in the Holy Spirit, you are at the threshold of the supernatural.

Unfortunately, many stop at that and never realize their spiritual potentials. But those who decide to walk with the Holy Spirit see themselves operating in the spiritual realm as an active player. Divine secrets are revealed to them. Events capable of affecting them, their loved ones and even those afar off are shared with them by the Holy Spirit. You can become an active player in the spiritual realm by cultivating a healthy relationship with the Holy Spirit. If you are not born again: Give your life to Christ, feed on God's Word and ask God for the baptism in the Holy Spirit. Fellowship daily and regularly with Him by praying in the Spirit, noting His commands, obeying them promptly and not grieving Him. Worship Him and hide God's Word in your heart. As you take these steps, you will enjoy a cordial relationship with the Holy Spirit.

Prayer Point:

Holy Spirit, help me to cultivate a good working relationship with you.

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THU, 27/10/2011 - - ROCK OF OFFENCE - - OPEN HEAVENS - - KINGDOM 28

Thursday, October 27, 2011

ROCK OF OFFENCE

Memorise: "As it is written, Behold, I lay in Sion a stumblingstone and rock of offence: and whosoever believeth on him shall not be ashamed." (Rom 9:33).

  

Read: Isaiah 8:13-17 

  

Apart from being called the Rock of our strength and the Rock of our salvation, our Lord Jesus is also called the Rock of offence. Romans 9:33 says, "As it is written, Behold, I lay in Sion a stumblingstone and rock of offence: and whosoever believeth on him shall not be ashamed". The implication of Christ being the Rock of offence should call for sober reflections. First, as a Rock of offence, He is a stumbling-block-a hindrance or setback to some people. This is frightening! Believers who fail to follow the Lord with all their hearts, or who take Him for granted and continue to violate His laws, will soon see that the Rock that should protect them, will begin to cause them to fall. In Isaiah 8:13-17, because the children of Israel refused to fear and obey God, He became a stumbling stone and a Rock of offence to them. He hid His face from them and many stumbled, fell and were broken. Some believers today are encountering difficulties not caused by the devil but by the Rock of offence. One way to know if your challenges are as a result of annoying the Rock of offence is if your challenges defy prayer and fasting. Also, God's face will be turned away from you. It is like no matter what you do, you cannot hear his voice. If this is your situation, go to God in repentance. Trace the cause of the stalemate and obey God on all pending issues.

Another implication of Jesus Christ as the Rock of offence is that He will be your stability, and make sure that no matter the boisterous wind, fire, storm or flood you go through, you will not be moved. Whatever happens, the Rock of offence is there to absorb your shame. What are your enemies planning against you? Fear not! You shall not be ashamed because the Rock of offence is there to absorb the shame projected against you. It also means that those who are fighting against you will soon realize they are fighting against the Rock of offence. They will lose their legs. Hence, Jesus told Saul, 'I am Jesus whom thou persecutest: it is hard for thee to kick against the pricks.' (Acts 9:5). He did not want that to happen, so he too became a convert. In the name of Jesus, all your persecutors will become your converts.

Prayer Point:

Lord Jesus, be my Rock of offence and bring stability into my life.

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WED, 26/10/2011 - - YOUR VOICE SHALL BE HEARD - - OPEN HEAVENS - - KINGDOM 28

Wednesday, October 26, 2011

YOUR VOICE SHALL BE HEARD

Memorise: "As soon as they hear of me, they shall obey me: the strangers shall submit themselves unto me." (Psalm 18:44).

 

Read: Psalm 18:43-45 

  

When Bartimaeus was steps away from his breakthrough, the crowd around him shouted him down. But by the grace of God, he doubled his efforts and cried out the more. He simply told the crowd: 'If you think you have heard noise, you have not heard anything yet'. The reality is that if you need help and send a faint cry in the midst of a crowd, they will want to shut you up. But if your cry is unparalleled, defying the voices of the opposition, there would be a general consensus by the crowd for you to be attended to, at least so that they can have their peace. This season, by the mercy of God, there will be a meeting of the crowd hindering your blessing and their consensus would be that you receive immediate attention.

Another lesson from this story is that while people like to hear their own voices, they do not want others to be heard. They can tolerate their own voices but are intolerant of others. It is therefore the mercy of God that causes your voice to be heard even over that of your oppressors. If Bartimaeus' voice could be heard, your voice shall be heard. Has oppression caused you to lose your voice? The mercy of God will restore it to you today. Moreover, it is the mercy of God that compels your enemies who never wanted to hear your voice, to pay attention to you. All those who refused to hear your voice shall hear it from today. In your family, where you had no say on crucial issues, from today, your voice is restored. Your voice shall be heard. In those quarters where you cringed in fear, shame and timidity, you shall stand boldly and speak up. Are you a child of destiny? Then nobody can shut you up. Whatever has shut up your mouth is destroyed today in Jesus name. Your tongue is loosed from today! Do you know even at death, your voice can still be heard? After Abel was murdered, his blood spoke. After Dorcas died, her good works spoke and brought her back to life. What good works have you done that can speak for you today? For your voice to be heard in this world, God needs to hear your voice every morning and evening (Psalm 55:19) and let your good works speak for you. Every stranger shall submit to you, in Jesus mighty name.

Prayer Point:

Father, from today, let my voice be heard!

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TUE, 25/10/2011 - - WHAT TESTIMONIAL? - - OPEN HEAVENS - - KINGDOM 28

Tuesday, October 25, 2011

WHAT TESTIMONIAL?

Memorise: "Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven" (Matt 5:16).

  

Read: Matthew 15:13-16 

  

Just as men assess fellow men and issue out a report of their assessment, so also does God. A testimonial is an official statement that describes an individual's abilities, qualities and character. This could be written by one's former employer or head of an academic institution where the individual was a student. Sometimes, an applicant for a job could get employment on the strength of his testimonial rather than his certificate.

Sometimes, a testimonial may be written in coded language so that the real message is shielded from the person it is written about, but known only to the one to whom it is addressed - such as an employer. This could be dangerous as any potential harm borne in the testimonial is completely hid from the holder. Recently, I stumbled on the testimonial that was issued to me from Ilesha Grammar School in 1960 while searching for documents I needed to apply for a visa. In it, my principal wrote that I was 'cool, calm and collected'. That appeared to be more of a prophesy because to the best of my knowledge, I was anything but what was written of me then.

Today's reading can be considered as the code of our testimonial. The challenge here is for us to live better, healthier and more God-glorifying lives. According to John 1:11-12, the first testimony you are expected to have is that you are a child of God. Whatever is said about you is your recommendation to the world. In those days, when employers were considering some members of the church for sensitive positions, they would come to see the late founder of the church for his recommendation about the applicants. As was his custom, my father-in-the-Lord would describe the applicant either as just a 'Christian' or as a child of God. If you were saved and living right, your testimonial would be that you are a child of God, while a 'Christian' was one whose faith did not go beyond mouth confession. Today, it is so difficult to describe the conduct of believers as a result of their double life styles. If your testimonial is to give you access to a higher spiritual or secular position today, what would be written of you? Would it be that you are just a 'Christian' or a child of God?

Prayer Point:

Father, grant me the grace to be a living witness of the Christian faith.

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MON, 24/10/2011 - - LET YOUR LIGHT SHINE - - OPEN HEAVENS - - KINGDOM 28

Monday, October 24, 2011

LET YOUR LIGHT SHINE

Memorise: "Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven." (Matt 5:16).

Read: Matthew 5:14-16 

According to Acts 10:38, it takes the one who is anointed to do good works. If you perform miracles but your character is questionable, you need to trace the source of that anointing. If you heal the sick and raise the dead, but still live like the devil, your anointing is obviously not from God. If you perform no miracle but exude the fruit of the Spirit, you are heading for Heaven, and God will be proud of you. If you operate under a so-called anointing and miracles are taking place while you are living in lies, deceit, fornication and lust, immediately run to the Cross to be born-again. Any anointing that cannot take you to Heaven is useless and unnecessary. Any anointing that continues to operate while the vessel is still in sin must be avoided.

If you are the light of the world, it will show in your conduct. It will show in your behaviour. It will show in the way you relate with your fellow human beings. It is not enough to preach; many preach but their conduct negates their message. Your life is saying something to those around you. What is the message your conduct is sending out? Many years ago, one of our pastors in Ilesa took up the challenge of daily cleaning up the pit latrine that no co-tenant wanted to touch. When this pastor was eventually transferred from the local church, his co-tenants wept. Like they say, actions speak louder than words. By your good works, you can show to people that you serve the living God. Come down from your lofty place! Some people are so proud and unreachable. They look down on virtually everyone. If you claim to be a believer and look down on unbelievers, how can they ever see Christ in you? Pride is satanic! As long as you remain proud, it is Satan you are showing to those around you.

Key Point:

If your character is not pointing others to Christ, you are probably emitting a negative ray. Shine for God in all you do.

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FRI, 21/10/2011 - - REPLAYING OLD TRICKS - - OPEN HEAVENS - - KINGDOM 28

Friday, October 21, 2011

REPLAYING OLD TRICKS

Memorise: "And every man that striveth for the mastery is temperate in all things. Now they do it to obtain a corruptible crown; but we an incorruptible." (1 Cor 9:25).

  

Read: 1 Corinthians 9:24-27 

  

In Revelation 2:18-29, God spoke angrily about Jezebel. Why? She used three powerful weapons against the children of God, namely: food, sex and money. These are still part of Satan's tools today. The reason some people refuse to accept Christ as Lord and Saviour is because of what they will eat. Some people love beer, alcohol, and cigarette so much that they prefer to ignore Christ in order to continue such sinful and unhealthy habits. Even for some who have received Christ, the reason they cannot serve God, pray at night and fast is because they worship their stomach. They do everything possible to avoid hunger. Whenever they feel the slightest hunger pang, they grab food. They have forgotten that 1 Corinthians 6:13 says both the belly and food will perish some day. If the reason you cannot pray at night is because of eating heavy food late or over eating, you are still a victim of Satan's old trick. If you have truly decided to follow Christ, it will show in what, how and where you eat.

Another old trick of the devil that Jezebel used was sex. Ordinarily, sex is good as long as it is practised within the context of marriage, and meets with standards of decency. But rather than wait for the right time, many youths have become victims of premarital sex. Apart from this, there is so much abuse of the gift of sex that today men sleep with men, women with women, man or woman with animals, etc. Even between married couples, abuses such as oral sex, anal sex, masturbation, pornography are rife. If you have become a victim of these, run to Jesus for deliverance today as you are in great danger.

In addition, Jezebel used the old satanic tool of money. Everyone wants to be wealthy. If you have tasted poverty, you would almost do anything to avoid it. The devil knows this; hence, he offers people several get-rich-quick schemes which end up engulfing the recipient in hell. Are you already accepting Satan's offer of wealth? Turn it down now or else you will pay with your life and still burn in hell. One common feature in all three-food, sex and money-is that there is need for lots of self-control or restraint. If you will not fall a victim of any of these satanic booby traps, you must develop the fruit of the Spirit called self-control or temperance.

Key point:

Self-control is another indicator of Christian maturity. Ask God for grace to be temperate in all things. 

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Thu, 20/10/2011 - - ROCK OF SALVATION - - OPEN HEAVENS - - KINGDOM 28

Thursday, October 20, 2011

ROCK OF SALVATION

Memorise: "He only is my rock and my salvation; he is my defence; I shall not be greatly moved." (Psalm 62:2).

  

Read: Psalm 62:2-7 

  

Jesus Christ is not only the Rock of our strength, but also the Rock of our salvation. One person who experienced Him in this capacity was David. In Psalm 62:2, He says, "He only is my rock and my salvation; he is my defence; I shall not be greatly moved". One implication of being the Rock of our salvation is that there is no way any man or woman on earth can be saved from the problem of sin, except he or she receives Jesus Christ as Saviour (Acts 4:12). If you want to be spiritually salvaged but you are yet to receive Christ, you are still miles away from your source of salvation. The answer is either Christ or nothing! Similarly, His scope of salvation goes beyond the spiritual plane. There is no type of danger you may find yourself that the Rock of salvation cannot rescue you from as a child of God. No wonder Hebrews 7:25 says, "Wherefore he is able also to save them to the uttermost that come unto God by him, seeing he ever liveth to make intercession for them". What is that situation that you need to be delivered from? Call upon the Rock of our Salvation and He will deliver you even from unseen and hidden forces.

Jesus as Rock of our salvation is the One who can assure you of salvation. When He saves you, you can go to sleep. You are saved. If the Lord has saved you but the devil brings doubt, ignore the fears and doubts and hold on to the Word of the Rock of our salvation. He is the only One who can tell who is saved and who is not. Are you a religionist or churchgoer whose leader has assured will get into Heaven by merely doing good, alms-giving and being kind? Well, you have been deceived! Without accepting Jesus Christ, you will end up in the very same hell that leader is headed. Run to Jesus today, confess your sins, forsake them and invite Jesus into your heart. Do not return to your evil ways. Join a Gospel or Bible-believing church and start attending the young converts class there and it shall be well with you. In any way you need the touch of the Rock of salvation, He will visit you today.

Prayer Point:

Pray for members of your extended family that the Rock of salvation should totally deliver them from sin, Satan, self and every evil. 

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Wed, 19/10/2011 - - Fortified By Mercy - - OPEN HEAVENS - - KINGDOM 28

Wednesday, October 19, 2011

Fortified By Mercy

Memorise: "Behold, we count them happy which endure. Ye have heard of the patience of Job, and have seen the end of the Lord; that the Lord is very pitiful, and of tender mercy." (James 5:11).

  

Read: Hebrews 10:38-39 

  

After Bartimaeus heard that Jesus was passing his way, he cried out for mercy. One vital lesson here is that answer to prayers is only a product of God's mercy. According to James 4:3, not everyone who asks from God receives a favourable answer. Whenever you ask, God, being sovereign, decides whether to grant the request or not. Contrary to what people think, Matthew 6:7-8 says answers are not based on how much you pray or even how well. After all, Romans 8:26-27 says we need the help of the Holy Spirit in order to pray effectively and effectually, since we do not know how to pray as we should. Every time God gives you an answer of joy, know that you have just benefited from His mercy. Besides, all our requests can be summed up by asking for God's mercy, especially when you consider your unfaithfulness, short comings and times of disobedience. You will know that you do not qualify for any answer except by His mercy.

Moreover, when Bartimaeus shouted to Jesus, and the crowd asked him to keep quiet, he instead doubled his effort to get the Lord's attention (Mark 10:48). From this, we learn that it takes God's mercy for one to not yield to opposing forces, especially at the threshold of your breakthrough. As it is commonly experienced, it is always darkest before dawn; hence, you will need assistance to hold on at this crucial moment. Most people who failed, did so at the verge of their breakthrough. If only they realized how close they were to their destination, they would not have given up. You are in a race to Heaven. You may have started several years, or months, or even weeks, ago; one thing is clear, though: you are nearer your goal than when you started. Why would you backslide now, or return to the ungodly ways you left behind several years ago? Shun every voice that asks you to give up! You are heavenly-breed and Heaven-bound; according to today's reading, you are not the type that gives up. Is your situation getting tougher and you feel like giving up? Don't! You are very close to your breakthrough. Some of you started the process that has brought you to this point 10, 20, 30 or more years ago. Truncating it means taking you several years back. You can make it! Hold on fast: you will get there!

Action Point:

Going back to your vomit means undoing all that Heaven has done in your life over the years. This makes you a loser. Pray: Father, Help me not to look back. 

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Tue, 18/10/2011 - - Divine Gaze - - OPEN HEAVENS - - KINGDOM 28

Tuesday, October 18, 2011

Divine Gaze

Memorise: "This then is the message which we have heard of him, and declare unto you, that God is light, and in him is no darkness at all" (1 John 1:5).

  

Read: Isaiah 6:1-3 

  

“Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and cometh down from the Father of lights, with whom is no variableness, neither shadow of turning" (James 1:17). God is light. He is the source of light hence He is called the Father of lights. He is absolutely as pure as light hence in Him is no iota of darkness (John 1:5). God is also powerful, loving and merciful. In Isaiah 6:1-3, Isaiah had a vision of God where the angels were crying, 'Holy! Holy! Holy!'. None of His other attributes was so emphasized. An indispensable quality of God which He holds in high esteem is holiness.

Habakkuk 1:13 says God's eyes are so pure that they cannot behold evil. At the cross of Calvary, when Jesus carried the sins of the whole world, the Father who had never left the Son, separated from Him for this reason. This was why Jesus cried, 'My God, My God, why hast thou forsaken me?" (Mark 15:34). He is incomparably pure. If you are a child of God, it is expected that you would be as pure as your Father. Your level of purity will determine whether God's gaze will be set on you or not. If you are harbouring sin, God cannot look in your direction. If your heart is a fertile ground for evil thoughts, God cannot look in your direction. If God turns away His face from an individual, that fellow will be bereft of God's blessings, mercies and favour.

When God visits His people in a church, in spite of their singing: "Pass me not oh Gentle Saviour", He is left with no choice but to look away because of sin. What is that sinful habit in you? Are you harbouring grudges, bitterness, unforgiveness, greed, covetousness etc.? Repent now so that the Lord will look in your direction. He looked in the direction of Bartimaeus and he came seeing. He looked in the direction of Zachaeus and salvation entered his house. The Lord will look in your direction this season. That gaze will birth a great testimony.

Apart from dealing with sin, if you want God to look in your direction, be humble, teachable, always ready to hear and obey God's Word (Isaiah 66:2). Be in a hurry to obey God. The Almighty God is Lord hence He must be obeyed in haste. If you are in a hurry to hear God and put His Word into practice, the Lord will look in your direction. God has given some instructions to some of His children which have not been carried out for days, weeks, months or even years. If you fall into this category, you have been the one hindering your progress! Repent and obey Him today.

Action Point:

Sin and holiness determine where God looks or does not look. If God is not looking in your direction, examine yourself, sin could be the cause. 

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MON, 17/10/2011 - - ANY SHINE IN YOU? - - OPEN HEAVENS - - KINGDOM 28

Monday, October 17, 2011

ANY SHINE IN YOU?

Memorise: "Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven." (Matthew 5:16).

 

Read: 1 Peter 2:11-12 

  

“For God, who commanded the light to shine out of darkness, hath shined in our hearts, to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ" (2 Cor 4:6).

In Genesis 1:3, God called forth light. To 'shine' means many things to many people. It could mean to show forth light. One major reason for creating light is for it to shine forth. Light has something to give out that will be beneficial to others around. No wonder our Lord Jesus Christ said that light was never created to be hid (Matt 5:14-16). Believers are called the light of the world. You were created to shine. Any light that fails to shine forth is defeating the purpose of its existence. Jesus is commanding you to show your light. What is the light you should show to the world? 1 Peter 2:12 says, "Having your conversation honest among the Gentiles: that, whereas they speak against you as evildoers, they may by your good works, which they shall behold, glorify God in the day of visitation". God wants you to show forth good works. The ministry of Christ was characterized by good works (Acts 10:38). If you claim to be anointed but fail to display good works, your anointing is questionable. Anointing and good works go together. The amount of good works that you do is an evidence of the level of anointing operating in your life.

Generally speaking, good works border on the fruit and gifts of the Holy Spirit-particularly the fruit. Today, the gifts are being seen in the lives of some; what is fast becoming a rarity is the fruit. According to 1 Peter 2:12, honesty is a good work. An honest fellow does things with the best of intentions. He or she is truthful and open, in spite of the prevailing circumstance. To find honest people today is very difficult. It is increasingly more difficult to see Christians who speak the truth and stand for it. Even though one of the titles of our Lord and Saviour is The Truth, many who claim to follow Him are living in lies. A lying pastor, minister or worker cannot show forth the light of Christ. A leader who lives in secret sin has no light to show to the world. Many lights of the world have lost the shine in them hence, they can only reflect darkness. Where is your light?

Prayer Point:

When you radiate light and darkness at different times, you confuse the world. Father, plant your truth in my inward parts. 

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SUN, 1610/2011 - - COOPERATION IS NEEDED - - OPEN HEAVENS - - KINGDOM 28

Sunday, October 16, 2011

COOPERATION IS NEEDED

Memorise: "Endeavouring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace" (Eph 4:3).

  

Read: Matthew 25:14-19 

  

The Godhead is the most powerful team. When powerful leaders team up to do an assignment, what a breakthrough their efforts will deliver! Were it not for the unity of the Godhead, the plan of redemption would never have seen the light of day. In God's house, it is common to see God call a group of leaders together, headed by one of them, to enable them jointly perform an assignment. It is also common to see Satan introduce divisive tendencies in their midst, just to prevent them from getting to their goal. This is why we need to pray for the unity of our leaders in all our churches and in the body of Christ worldwide. As long as there is unity in a church, the people there would be unstoppable.

In Exodus 18:14-26, God enlarged the ministry of Moses to a point that he needed the support of able men, who could occupy various leadership positions, such as over thousands, over hundreds, over fifties and over tens. Contrary to popular opinion, the leader over thousands is not more important than the leader over tens. What God looks at is not necessarily the size under the leader but the level of faithfulness of each leader. To this end, while a faithful leader over tens will receive a reward from God, an unfaithful leader over thousands will receive judgement.

In the parable of the talents recorded in Matthew 25:14-30, it is obvious that each of us have grace and abilities given us by God for the purpose of doing His work. To get the best from your subordinates, you must respect the abilities and grace of God in their lives. In the first place, the talents are God's property-His goods (Matt 25:14). These are distributed according to the individual's several abilities. God knows all His children and their individual capacity and limitations. It is therefore wrong to envy, compare or downplay the gifts of God in the life of your brother or sister. Doing so makes prayers said for such leaders ineffective; it hinders the move of the Spirit. If you are a leader indeed, you will encourage others and create a conducive environment for them to maximally contribute their quota to the work given to you.

Action Point:

No matter how highly placed you are, if you can humble yourself, it will be easy to be a team player. Pray for unity in your family and church. 

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SAT, 15/10/2011 - - ACCUSING GOD? - - OPEN HEAVENS - - KINGDOM 28

Saturday, October 15, 2011

ACCUSING GOD?

Memorise: "In all this Job sinned not, nor charged God foolishly." (Job 1:22).

Read: Job 1:13-22

After the woman in 1 Kings 17:17-24 lost her son, she began to accuse Elijah as the murderer. She forgot that both she and her son would have died long before then, had Elijah not come. When there is a crisis, that is not the best time to speak up. Take things easy and lie low for some time before taking any step. This is because spontaneous reactions to a crisis situation will most probably be thoughtless or prone to error. This is why in the School of Disciples, it is taught that when you receive an unexpected blow which lands you on the floor during a boxing match, stay down and count up to eight before you rise up. That is a wrong time to ask questions as you most probably may not get an answer. However, the devil will push you hard and wait to hear your response, so as to use it against you. Remember that you will give account of every idle word you say at such a time. Irrespective of what happens, never accuse God falsely. Do you know that in spite of the negative events, God is good and merciful? This kind of disposition has helped me to handle several tough situations I had to go through.

Another lesson here speaks of God's nature. Despite the woman's accusation, God still went ahead and restored her son to life. This speaks of God's mercy and compassion. Psalm 103:13-14 says, "Like as a father pitieth his children, so the LORD pitieth them that fear him. For he knoweth our frame; he remembereth that we are dust". This is very comforting. Sometimes, when we have made some slips like this woman, God allows what He knows about us to prevail, rather than the repercussion of our error. For instance, righteous Job also falsely accused God of killing his children in Job 1:21; yet, God overlooked his ignorance and restored him. God is no murderer. It is the devil who kills. Many believers are painting God in Satan's colours. This must stop! Any time you blame God for an unpleasant occurrence, you falsely accuse God.

Key Point:

When somebody dies young, people say: The Lord has given and the Lord has taken. That is a false accusation! The Lord gave but something else took. Mind your language!

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FRI, 14/10/2011 - - NO EXCUSE - - OPEN HEAVENS - - KINGDOM 28

Friday, October 14, 2011

NO EXCUSE

Memorise: "Or despisest thou the riches of his goodness and forbearance and longsuffering; not knowing that the goodness of God leadeth thee to repentance?" (Rom 2:4).

  

Read: Romans 2:1-6 

  

In the church at Thyatira, there was such a wonderful fellowship, with lots of love and Christian service, yet Jezebel dwelled there. It is a terrible thing to pretend to be what you are not. Like Jezebel, some self-professing Christians are nothing but poison; they forget that nobody can deceive God. Matthew 6:24 says you have to choose which master to serve. Of all the masters on earth, there is only one true Lord-Jesus Christ. Acts 4:12 echoes this point, saying: "Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved". One thing many religious people have resisted is the saying that Jesus Christ is the only way to God. They would then ask: 'If Jesus is the only way, what about the fate of billions who do not believe in Him?' It is a simple matter. The landlord of the house says there is only one way into His house, and people are asking why. God sent Jesus Christ as The WAY to God (John 3:16). It is either you take it or leave it. He is free to do what He wants. He sets the rules. He gives the conditions. It is up to us to comply. In any case, do you know that Jesus Christ cannot fail?

"The wicked shall be turned into hell, and all the nations that forget God" (Psalm 9:17). If you choose to go to hell, it is you that will be forever lost. God never loses. You are not doing God a favour by accepting His plan of salvation. If you could contact the dead, you would know that Heaven and hell are real. If you do not believe what the Bible says concerning eternity because of the vain philosophies of men, one day, like the rich man who died in the days of Lazarus, you would be forced to believe (Luke 16:19-31). God has paid the ultimate price for your redemption by sacrificing His only begotten Son, Jesus Christ. He has not asked you to pay money to be saved; He says accept Jesus Christ into your heart and receive His salvation-gift free-of-charge. If you fail to accept this free-gift, you have no excuse before God. Accept Jesus Christ into your heart today!

Key Point:

All God's goodness, mercies, protection, provision, deliverance and blessings to you are targeted at your salvation. If you miss salvation, you have lost everything. 

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THU, 13/10/2011 - - ROCK OF OUR STRENGTH - - OPEN HEAVENS - - KINGDOM 28

Thursday, October 13, 2011

ROCK OF OUR STRENGTH

Memorise: "Because thou hast forgotten the God of thy salvation, and hast not been mindful of the rock of thy strength, therefore shalt thou plant pleasant plants, and shalt set it with strange slips:" (Isaiah 17:10).

  

Read: Isaiah 17:10-11 

  

“And did all drink the same spiritual drink: for they drank of that spiritual Rock that followed them: and that Rock was Christ." (1 Cor 10:4).

One of the titles of our Lord Jesus Christ is Rock. Rock symbolizes strength and stability. "Because thou hast forgotten the God of thy salvation, and hast not been mindful of the rock of thy strength, therefore shalt thou plant pleasant plants, and shalt set it with strange slips:" (Is 17:10). He is the Rock of our strength. One implication of this is that we cannot achieve any feat without Him. He is the Strength behind His children. No wonder He told His disciples in John 15:5, "... without me you can do nothing". Your embarking on any project without the backing of the Rock of your strength, will definitely end up in frustration and disappointment. In Isaiah 17:10-11, the children of Israel forsook the Rock of their strength; all their efforts yielded sorrow and grief. When you know you cannot succeed without Him, why do you embark on projects, ministries and plans without His direction?

Another implication of Jesus as the Rock of our strength is the reality that even after we are saved, we have very limited strength. This is deliberate. God gave each of His children very little strength, and kept the rest to Himself, so that whenever we are confronted by any situation beyond our strength, we will invite Him into it. As we do this, it will compel us to depend on Him always. Also, this knowledge of our fragile strength will always help us to make our ways right with Him. Relying on the Rock of our strength makes us humble. Those who fail to do so are proud and God relates with the proud from a distance. You would be amazed to know that there are some believers who have become so self-governing that there is hardly any issue that they involve the Lord. Virtually all they do is from their limited strength, wisdom and effort. But that is an act of pride and foolishness. Any area of your life you keep from the Rock of our strength will definitely be lacking in many ways. You cannot get the best of plans or decisions by shutting God out of the equation of your life. Is Jesus the Rock of your strength?

Prayer Point:

Lord, from today, I want You, in every area of my life, to be the Rock of my strength. 

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WED, 12/10/2011 - - WHAT YOU HEAR COUNTS - - OPEN HEAVENS - - KINGDOM 28

Wednesday, October 12, 2011

WHAT YOU HEAR COUNTS

Memorise: "So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God" (Rom 10:17).

  

Read: Romans 10:16-18 

  

Many people who intend to make contact with the Lord may be lost in the crowd except God's mercy works in their favour. This season, in any way you have been hindered by a crowd, the mercy of God will fish you out in Jesus name. Another lesson from the story of blind Bartimaeus recorded in Mark 10:46-52 is that God's mercy can make you hear what will connect you with your breakthrough. What you hear is very important because it can affect your thoughts and actions. This is one reason you should surround yourself with people who can positively affect your faith by what they say. If you associate with optimists, you will likely continue to strive towards your goal. But if you frolic with pessimists, you will give up on your goal. What kind of company do you keep? What kind of words do you listen to?

It was what Bartimaeus heard that prompted his crying out. Until he heard that Jesus was passing his way, he was quietly begging for alms. The moment he heard this good news, he began to cry out for mercy. Until he heard Jesus was passing by, he was focused on men, but after he heard of the Lord's itinerary, he changed his focus. What you hear can change your focus. If you are still concentrating on men for that job or assistance, it is because you have not heard the right word. Today, many are discouraged because they cannot hear the information or prophetic utterance that will take them to the next level. The link between your present level and the next is information. May you hear what will take you to your next level today! When Bartimaeus heard that Jesus passed by, he began to shout. What you hear can provoke the spirit of violence that you need to possess your possession. The prayers of many believers are so cold that they may never receive an answer from God, except by an act of divine mercy. Brethren, the truth is, you are either saying a prayer of tolerance or a prayer of violence. For many years, Bartimaeus prayed a prayer of tolerance and got nothing. It took his hearing the right information to switch his prayer mode. The word that will provoke you to change your prayer mode and connect you to your breakthrough will reach you today. What are you hearing?

Key Point:

If you pray wrong, you will not get an answer. But if you pray right, it may take you few minutes to get your answer. What is your prayer like? Pray right. 

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TUE, 11/10/2011 - - MAKE GOD ARISE - - OPEN HEAVENS - - KINGDOM 28

Tuesday, October 11, 2011

 

MAKE GOD ARISE

Memorise: "The LORD is my rock, and my fortress, and my deliverer; my God, my strength, in whom I will trust; my buckler, and the horn of my salvation, and my high tower." (Psalm 18:2).

  

Read: Psalm 18:1-6 

  

God does not like enemies rejoicing over His children. When they do, He is provoked and steps into the situation. After Samson was tied and delivered to his enemies, they began to celebrate. Their rejoicing was short-lived. The Spirit of God came mightily on him, and he broke the ropes with which he was tied, grabbed the jawbone of an ass that had been strategically positioned there, and in no time a thousand enemies were dead. From today, your enemies will not rejoice over you. In Isaiah 41:10-14, God says He will help you. For emphasis, He repeated His promise to help you thrice. He says by the time He is through with your enemies, they would disappear into thin air. Those troubling you today will soon meet their waterloo. You will look for them and not find them. If you are born-again and living right before God, your enemies automatically become God's enemies. Those fighting you will soon discover that they are fighting God. Nobody can fight with God. When God arises, all His enemies will scatter. God will arise on your behalf today.

Moreover, let us look at the instrument Samson employed against his enemies. It was the jawbone, not the leg bone or hand bone. The jawbone is the controller of the mouth. You may not have the jawbone of an ass, but you have your own weapon-your mouth. Two veritable ways by which you could provoke God to arise on your behalf are by praise and prayer. When you pray, God will send an angel to give you your miracle, but when you praise Him extraordinarily, He will arise on your behalf and step into your situation Himself. It is common among party goers to make an impression. Some may even borrow clothes and go there with their whole salary. By the time the musician begins to eulogize them and call them by big titles, they would be moved to spray all their money on the musician. When you begin to call God by His names and titles, and from your heart coin more epithets to lionise Him, God will arise for you. One reason David could not be killed by his enemies, was because he knew how to call God by special names-"my Lord, my strength, my rock, my fortress", etc. You can call up the Almighty God to arise on your behalf today!

Prayer Point:

Father, arise and scatter all the enemies of true progress in Nigeria.

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MON, 10/10/2011 - - ENLARGE YOUR CAPACITY! - - OPEN HEAVENS - - KINGDOM 28

Monday, October 10, 2011

ENLARGE YOUR CAPACITY!

Memorise: "Enlarge the place of thy tent, and let them stretch forth the curtains of thine habitations: spare not, lengthen thy cords, and strengthen thy stakes;" (Isaiah 54:2).

  

Read: Isaiah 54:2-3 

  

If you will shine for the Lord, you must not limit His grace in your life. To some people, retirement means 'nothing else to do', or simply, idleness. That is purely a reactive posture. To proactive retirees however, retirement means having more time to achieve greater heights for the Lord. How do you view retirement? Although God is ready to fill us up with more of His power, some people by their actions and attitudes have decided that they do not need more anointing. There are believers who, when they had no big titles or were ordinary deacons and deaconesses, would pray and fast, and pant after God. But today, because they have moved to senior pastoral levels, they believe they have arrived. They believe, in a matter of time, they will become the General Overseer. If you feel you have arrived, then there is no where else to go. Do you consider yourself to have arrived in your Christian race?

Whenever I travel to America and one of my children offers to take me out for shopping, I would ask them to take me to a bookshop. This is simply because I want to know more. One day, a brother who travelled with me from Nigeria, offered to take me for shopping. I agreed but told him it was at his instance. After picking several books and tapes, I observed he was doing some silent calculations. By the time I looked back again, he had disappeared. The elders say that it is what you love most that will be common among your possessions. What meets your fancy? There are some of us who by virtue of age and providence have attained the level where we do not need new clothes anymore. Some have accumulated enough shoes to last them the next 30 years. Even when there is no more room for clothes and shoes, there should still be room for the development of your mind. You have to make God see that you have enlarged the space within you, for Him to fill you up with more of His power. How hungry are you for His filling? How much room is truly used up? Genesis 2:19-20 tells us the incredible level of wisdom Adam operated in. He was so full of God that he could name and thereby affect the destinies of all animals, birds, and sea creatures. What have you achieved with what you have? How much time do you devote to knowing more?

Action Point:

List five positive ways of enlarging your capacity and prayerfully apply them. In addition, on a monthly basis, buy and read between one and three books to grow your mind. 

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