Open Heavens Daily Devotional Messages, By Pastor E.A Adeboye.

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Open Heavens Daily Devotional Messages, By Pastor E.A Adeboye.

Open Heavens 8 November 2017: Wednesday daily devotional by Pastor E. A. Adeboye –When The Best Comes Last
Open Heavens 7 November 2017: Tuesday daily devotional by Pastor E. A. Adeboye –Seeing Jesus Purifies
Open Heavens 6 November 2017: Monday daily devotional by Pastor E. A. Adeboye –He responds to love

Open Heavens 8 November 2017: Wednesday daily devotional by Pastor E. A. Adeboye –When The Best Comes Last

Posted: 05 Nov 2017 09:27 AM PST

WHEN THE BEST COMES LAST – Wednesday November 8^th 2017

Memorise: But many that are first shall be last; and the last shall be first. Matthew 19:30

Read: Genesis 1:26-31(KJV)

^1:26And God said, Let us make man in our image, after our likeness: and let them have dominion over the fish of the sea, and over the fowl of the air, and over the cattle, and over all the earth, and over every creeping thing that creepeth upon the earth.

^1:27So God created man in his own image, in the image of God created he him; male and female created he them.

^1:28And God blessed them, and God said unto them, Be fruitful, and multiply, and replenish the earth, and subdue it: and have dominion over the fish of the sea, and over the fowl of the air, and over every living thing that moveth upon the earth.

^1:29And God said, Behold, I have given you every herb bearing seed, which is upon the face of all the earth, and every tree, in the which is the fruit of a tree yielding seed; to you it shall be for meat.

^1:30And to every beast of the earth, and to every fowl of the air, and to every thing that creepeth upon the earth, wherein there is life, I have given every green herb for meat: and it was so.

^1:31And God saw every thing that he had made, and, behold, it was very good. And the evening and the morning were the sixth day.

Bible in one year: Job 9-12, Joel 2:1-17, Hymn: Sing hymn 3

MESSAGE:

A look at the creation story as recorded in Genesis Chapter 1 shows that man, the most important of God's creation, was created on the sixth day. He was the last of God's creation, even though he was the most significant. After man was created, God then rested from His work. One vital lesson here is that being first may not always mean being the most important, while being the last may not always mean that you're the least important. Further reinforcing this truth, Jesus said:

"And, behold, there are last which shall be first, and there are first which shall be last."

This is good news to us all. Are you the last child of your family, and consequently you've believed yourself to be the least? You are simply short-changing yourself! Joseph was the 11^th of 12 brothers but he was the one who became a father to them all. Concerning Joseph, it is written:

"And his brethren also went and fell down before his face; and they said, Behold, we be thy servants."

Genesis 50:18

There are many children who were born last in their families that are presently graced with the gift of becoming the light that every other member of their families look up to. From today, you will come to limelight in Jesus' Name! The Lord will lift you up. Open Heaven 8 November 2017: Wednesday daily devotional by Pastor E. A. Adeboye –When The Best Comes Last. However, you need to drop every fault mindset you have now.

Moreover, another lesson here is that God can reserve the best for the last. When men have exhausted all their efforts and failed, God can show up and intervene in that particular situation. At the marriage feast in Cana of Galilee, Jesus waited for wine to run out before He supplied a more superior wine (John 2:1-10). Something, when God wants to assist us in certain situations, we shove Him aside, telling Him we are mature and can help ourselves. He therefore steps aside and allows us to exhaust our abilities. If you are wise, you will agree with God early enough so that you do not have to waste so much effort in the long run. Yes, you can have the best towards the end! Indeed, do you know that God has reserved the prosperity of some people till they are in their late forties and above? Probably because He wants them to first mature spiritually, mentally and physically, knowing that after maturing, such people will be able to easily cooperate with Him over how He wants the blessings used. Whatever stage your life may be in right now, don't discount yourself. It's not over until God says so.

Key Point:

Whether you arrive now or later, what is most important is that you manifest at your appointed time.

Open Heavens Daily Devotional Lessons was written by Pastor E.A. Adeboye, the General Overseer of the Redeemed Christian Church of God, one of the largest evangelical Church in the world and also the President of Christ the Redeemer's Ministries.
iOpenHeavens is the electronic version of the Hard Copy. The Open Heavens devotional application is available across all mobile platforms and operating systems: iOS, Android, Blackberry, Nokia, Windows Mobile and PC.

hymn 3

1. O LORD my God! When I in awesome wonder

Consider all the works Thy hand hath made;

I see the stars, I hear the mighty thunder,

Thy pow'r throughout the universe displayed:

Chorus:

Then sings my soul, my Saviour God, to Thee,

How great Thou art! How great Thou art!

Then sings my soul, my Saviour God, to Thee,

How great Thou art! How great Thou art!

2. When through the woods and forest glades I wander

And hear the birds sing sweetly in the trees;

When I look down from lofty mountain grandeur,

And hear the brook, and feel the gentle breeze:

Chorus:

3. And when I think that God, His Son not sparing,

Sent Him to die - I scarce can take it in:

That on the Cross, my burden gladly bearing,

He bled and died to take away my sin:

Chorus:

4. When Christ shall come with shout of acclamation

And take me home - what joy shall fill my heart!

Then shall I bow in humble adoration,

And there proclaim, my God how great Thou art!

Chorus.

Open Heavens 7 November 2017: Tuesday daily devotional by Pastor E. A. Adeboye –Seeing Jesus Purifies

Posted: 05 Nov 2017 09:19 AM PST

SEEING JESUS PURIFIES – Tuesday November 7^th 2017

Memorise: And he shall sit as a refiner and purifier of sliver: and he shall purify the sons of Levi, and purge them as gold and silver, that they may offer unto the LORD an offering in righteousness. Malachi 3:3

Read: 2^nd Corinthians 3:15-18 (KJV)

^3:15But even unto this day, when Moses is read, the vail is upon their heart.

^3:16Nevertheless when it shall turn to the Lord, the vail shall be taken away.

^3:17Now the Lord is that Spirit: and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty.

^3:18But we all, with open face beholding as in a glass the glory of the Lord, are changed into the same image from glory to glory, even as by the Spirit of the Lord.

Bible in one year: Job 5-8, Joel 1, Hymn: Sing hymn 6

MESSAGE:

When you see Jesus, everything blocking your vision will give way. At the time I came into ministry, we served God selflessly. Nobody had to promise any of us a house, car, position or title. We just loved God and we were ready to serve Him no matter the cost. We were ready to take the shame and suffering that came along with our service. Furthermore, when we suffered, we did not grumble or complain, because our focus was on Jesus. Open Heaven 7 November 2017: Tuesday daily devotional by Pastor E. A. Adeboye –Seeing Jesus Purifies. This is where our focus should also be today. In Mark 10:17-22, a young man came to Jesus to find out what he needed to do in order to make Heaven. The Lord told him to go and sell all that he had and give to the poor, and then he should take up his cross and follow Him. This was too much for him to bear, and so he went away grieved. He thought he had met all the requirements, but the Lord told him what he lacked which he never knew of. Beloved, when you see Jesus, you will realise what is lacking in your life that you never thought about. When you see Jesus, you will be able to see yourself more clearly and deeply. Jesus is the mirror through which you see yourself for who you really are.

"But we are all as an unclean thing, and all our righteousness are as filthy rags, and we all do fade as a leaf; and our iniquities, like the wind, have taken us away."

Isaiah 64:6

It was after Isaiah saw the Lord that he realised he had been inviting God's judgement on himself as well as on the people. He did not know that his lips, which he thought were anointed, were also unclean (Isaiah 6:1-7). He saw his true picture and he cried out to God for help. When you see the Lord, it will change your prayer point, and you will begin to pray more appropriately. Isaiah cried for help and God sent an angel to touch his lips with a coal of fire from the altar to purify his lips. Malachi 3:2-3 says the sons of Levi must be purified by fire. This is why servants of God should not be afraid of trials. When you go through very trying times, it is likely that God wants you to be purified. He wants to take out the dirt and anything that will not allow you to fully manifest the grace of God that is upon your life. It takes you seeing Jesus to know how dirty or unclean you really are. Seeing your true state through Him will motivate you to call on Him for help.

Key Point

Looking at Jesus, the perfect eternal mirror, makes you see yourself in the realities of eternity.

Hymn 6

1. Deeper, deeper in the love of Jesus

Daily let me go;

Higher, higher in the school of wisdom,

More of grace to know.

Chorus:

O deeper yet, I pray,

And higher every day,

And wiser, blessed Lord,

In Thy precious, holy Word.

2. Deeper, deeper, blessed Holy Spirit,

Take me deeper still,

Till my life is wholly lost in Jesus,

And His perfect will.

Chorus:

3. Deeper, deeper! though it cost hard trials,

Deeper let me go!

Rooted in the holy love of Jesus,

Let me fruitful grow.

Chorus:

4. Deeper, higher, every day in Jesus,

Till all conflict past,

Finds me conqu'ror, and in His own image

Perfected at last.

Chorus:

5. Deeper, deeper in the faith of Jesus,

Holy faith and true;

In His pow'r and soul exulting wisdom

Let me peace pursue.

Chorus.

Open Heavens 6 November 2017: Monday daily devotional by Pastor E. A. Adeboye –He responds to love

Posted: 05 Nov 2017 09:12 AM PST

HE RESPONDS TO LOVE – Monday November 6^th 2017

Memorise: I love them that love me; and those that seek me early shall find me. Proverbs 8:17

Read: Proverbs 8:17-18 (KJV)

^8:17I love them that love me; and those that seek me early shall find me.

^8:18Riches and honour are with me; yea, durable riches and righteousness.

Bible in one year: Job 1-4, Hosea 14, Hymn Sing hymn 1

MESSAGE:

From the encounter the widow of Zarephath had with God in 1^st Kings 17:8-16, we learn that God knows how to reciprocate love. It takes deep love for God for you to be ready to give up your very last meal for His sake. When in Proverbs 8:17 God said,

"I love them that love me; and those that seek me early shall find me."

He meant every word of it. When the widow was told to go and first prepare food for Elijah, she looked at him and said, "I will do it. Not for you, but for your God and because of my love for Him." Can it be said that you truly love the Lord? The testimony of genuine love for God is a great testimony every believer in Christ should have. After all is said and done, may it be declared concerning you that you loved the Lord!

Beloved, do you know that the giving of first fruits is just a test of your love for God? By the grace of God, out of my love for God and to reach out to lost souls, I desired to convene a Holy Ghost Congress. Open Heaven 6 November 2017: Monday daily devotional by Pastor E. A. Adeboye –He responds to love. The first Congress took place in 1977. I wanted to invite all students to come together for this purpose, but I could not afford to feed them all, I had no money, but I had a car, and without thinking much about it, I sold the car for that purpose. I did this with every sense of joy and satisfaction. At that time, some people thought I was mad, and really, I was madly in love with God.

When God says He loves who love Him, He means it, when you demonstrate how much you love Him, He will reciprocate. Just recently, I announced to the congregation that I no longer had a need for cars, so nobody should give me a car as a gift anymore. When I got home that same day, four new cars were already waiting for me. I said I didn't want any more cars, but God said I haven't seen anything yet. I gave Him my first car and ever since, He keeps sending me cars. The widow gave God her last meal and God kept sending more meals to her. While everyone around her was either starving or dying due to famine, she and her household got more fattened. You may not believe this, but do you know that I gave the very first house I built in my life to the Lord? For me, it was indeed a pleasurable thing to do. I did not come into this world with a house. God built one for me and when He needed it, I gave it to Him out of love. I can tell you that He has been very faithful to me ever since. Are you are still holding back the lands, houses, money and other things that you could have given Him to demonstrate you love and provoke greater returns? Do you really love Him?

Action Point:

Pray that God will cause your nation to make progress in every sector.

hymn 1

Verse 1:

My faith looks up to thee,

Thou Lamb of Calvary,

Savior divine;

Now hear me while I pray;

Take all my guilt away.

O let me from this day

Be wholly thine!

Verse 2:

May thy rich grace impart

Strength to my fainting heart,

My zeal inspire.

As thou hast died for me,

O may my love to thee

Pure, warm, and changeless be,

A living fire!

Verse 3:

While life's dark maze I tread

And griefs around me spread,

Be thou my guide;

Bid darkness turn to day,

Wipe sorrow's tears away,

Nor let me ever stray

From thee aside.

Verse 4:

When life's swift race is run,

Death's cold work almost done,

Be near to me.

Blest Savior, then, in love

Fear and distrust remove.

O bear me safe above,

Redeemed and free!

Open Heavens Daily Devotional Messages, By Pastor E.A Adeboye.

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Open Heavens Daily Devotional Messages, By Pastor E.A Adeboye.

Open Heavens 5 November 2017: Sunday daily devotional by Pastor E. A. Adeboye –Why Praise Him?

Posted: 03 Nov 2017 01:32 PM PDT

WHY PRAISE HIM? – Sunday November 5^th 2017

Memorise: Who satisfieth thy mouth with good things; so that thy youth is renewed like the eagle's. Psalm 103:5

Read: Psalm 103:1-8 (KJV)

103:1 Bless the Lord, O my soul: and all that is within me, bless his holy name.

^103:2Bless the Lord, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits:

^103:3Who forgiveth all thine iniquities; who healeth all thy diseases;

^103:4Who redeemeth thy life from destruction; who crowneth thee with lovingkindness and tender mercies;

^103:5Who satisfieth thy mouth with good things; so that thy youth is renewed like the eagle's.

^103:6The Lord executeth righteousness and judgment for all that are oppressed.

^103:7He made known his ways unto Moses, his acts unto the children of Israel.

^103:8The Lord is merciful and gracious, slow to anger, and plenteous in mercy.

Bible in one year: 1^st John 5; 2^nd John, 3 John Jude Hosea 13, Hymn: Sing hymn 2

MESSAGE:

Anytime you find it difficult to worship God, just know that pride might be creeping into your heart. If pride finds a place in your heart, God will begin to resist you from that moment (James 4:6). May God not resist you! Some people have become too big to dance for the King of kings in public. Be warned! 1^st Peter 2:9 says we were created, chosen and called to praise God, and so, anything that tries to hinder you from praising God must be avoided like a plague. However, why should you be grateful to this God? Why should you thank and praise Him? Our Bible reading gives some reasons. Open Heaven 5 November 2017: Sunday daily devotional by Pastor E. A. Adeboye –Why Praise Him? The first reason is for the salvation of your soul (Revelation 1:5-6). When the blood of goats and that of other animals could not wash away our sins, God had to send His Son Jesus Christ to shed His Blood for that purpose (Hebrews 10:4). How much did you pay for the Blood of Jesus to wash away your sins? How much have you also paid to receive cleansing by the same Blood, whenever you fall into sin? If Christ had not offered His Blood, there would not have been one soul saved in all of the earth! So what do you do about this? Be thankful for the Blood of Jesus!

Similarly, you ought to be grateful for your deliverance. Concerning this, Hebrew 2:14-15 says,

"Forasmuch then as the children are partakers of flesh and blood, he also himself likewise took part of the same; that through death he might destroy him that had the power of death, that is, the devil; And deliver them who through fear of death were all their lifetime subject to bondage."

Revelations 12:11 also says that the Blood of Jesus Christ makes it possible for you to overcome your worst enemy: Satan. The Blood protects you from harm's way. What about your translation from the kingdom of darkness into the Kingdom of Jesus Christ, made possible by the light of the glorious gospel of Christ (Colossians 1:13)? Have you ever paid for this? How about the healing stripes? 1^st Peter 2:24 says because of the lashes that Jesus received, you and I can now access divine healing for every category of sickness. What about His love? Can you pay for His incomparable love with which He has loved you, even while you were deep in sin? But for this love, where would you be by now? Yes, you ought to equally praise Him for His tender mercies that keep you alive on a daily basis (Lamentations 3:22-23). Even when you go to sleep, do you realise it is not by your power that you wake up? Psalm 3:5 says it is God who does this daily, and this is just another reason to praise and worship Him. Are you ready to give Him the thanks and praise due to His holy Name?

Action Point:

Today, use every opportunity you have to just praise, thank, adore and worship the Lord.

hymn 2

Verse 1:
What a Friend we have in Jesus,
All our sins and griefs to bear!
What a privilege to carry
Everything to God in prayer!
O what peace we often forfeit,
O what needless pain we bear,
All because we do not carry
Everything to God in prayer!

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

Verse 3:

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

Open Heavens Daily Devotional Messages, By Pastor E.A Adeboye.

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Open Heavens Daily Devotional Messages, By Pastor E.A Adeboye.

Open Heavens 4 November 2017: Saturday daily devotional by Pastor E. A. Adeboye –Don’t Faint!

Posted: 02 Nov 2017 01:23 PM PDT

DON'T FAINT! - Saturday November 4^th 2017

Memorise: Therefore seeing we have this ministry, as we have received mercy, we faint not; 2^nd Corinthians 4:1

Read: 2^nd Corinthians 4:15-16 (KJV)

^4:15For all things are for your sakes, that the abundant grace might through the thanksgiving of many redound to the glory of God.

^4:16For which cause we faint not; but though our outward man perish, yet the inward man is renewed day by day.

Bible in one year: 1^st John 2-4, Hosea 12, Hymn: Sing hymn 10

MESSAGE:

As children of God, one lesson we derive from Luke 6:38 is that giving precedes receiving. Those who expect to receive when they have not sown are waiting for an empty harvest. Some people may contend with this truth by citing John 4:38, which says,

"I sent you to reap that whereon ye bestowed no labour: other men laboured, and ye are entered into their labours."

Yes, it is possible to reap where you did not sow, but you will always reap what you sow. Open Heaven 4 November 2017: Saturday daily devotional by Pastor E. A. Adeboye –Don't Faint! If you check the scriptures, you will find out that the privilege of reaping where you did not sow is reserved for the hardworking fellow and not for the lazy. If you consider the parable of the talents in Matthew 25:14-30, you will discover that the servant who had 10 talents was given the extra talent that was taken away from the lazy servant. The Lord justified this action with those words in Matthew 25:29:

"For unto every one that hath shall be given, and he shall have abundance: but from him that hath not shall be taken away even that which he hath."

If you work hard and excel in whatever assignment the Lord has given you, if you make sacrifices in doing God's bidding beyond every other person, or if you out-give everyone else, you will not only enter into abundance, but you may also qualify to receive the harvest of the lazy.

Moreover, we see that the lazy servant lost his harvest. May you not lose your harvest to someone else! It is interesting to note that some people lose their harvest not only to laziness but also as a result of lack of patience. A story was told of the pastor of a local assembly, who fasted, prayed and evangelised his community but could not get a harvest. It appeared as if the ground was iron. Unknown to him, God was working out something that would bring a lot of people to that community. Sadly, before God could finish what He was doing, this pastor got discouraged and quit ministry. Just about the same time, another pastor started a ministry in the same community. The people that God caused to relocate to this community, as reward for the toiling of the pastor who quit, now became a harvest for the new pastor. This new pastor must have concluded that ministry was so easy, without knowing what really happened. In light of this, never give up on your assignment! No matter how tough things may be, remain with God and you will reap your harvest.

Key Point

If you remove people out of their rightful harvest, get set to be thrown out of your own harvest, unless you fully restitute.

hymn 10

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

[Chorus]

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

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

[Chorus]

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

[Chorus]

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

[Chorus]

Open Heavens Daily Devotional Messages, By Pastor E.A Adeboye.

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Open Heavens Daily Devotional Messages, By Pastor E.A Adeboye.

Open Heavens 3 November 2017: Friday daily devotional by Pastor E. A. Adeboye –Upturning Blessings

Posted: 01 Nov 2017 01:03 PM PDT

UPTURNING BLESSINGS – Friday November 3^rd 2017

Memorise: And ye, in any wise keep yourselves from the accursed thing, lest ye make yourselves accursed, when ye take of the accursed thing, and make the camp of Israel a curse, and trouble it. Joshua 6:18

Read: Malachi 2:1-6 (KJV)

2:1 And now, O ye priests, this commandment is for you.

^2:2If ye will not hear, and if ye will not lay it to heart, to give glory unto my name, saith the Lord of hosts, I will even send a curse upon you, and I will curse your blessings: yea, I have cursed them already, because ye do not lay it to heart.

^2:3Behold, I will corrupt your seed, and spread dung upon your faces, even the dung of your solemn feasts; and one shall take you away with it.

^2:4And ye shall know that I have sent this commandment unto you, that my covenant might be with Levi, saith the Lord of hosts.

^2:5My covenant was with him of life and peace; and I gave them to him for the fear wherewith he feared me, and was afraid before my name.

^2:6The law of truth was in his mouth, and iniquity was not found in his lips: he walked with me in peace and equity, and did turn many away from iniquity.

Bible in one year: 2^nd Peter 1-3, 1^st John 1, Hosea 11, Hymn: Sing hymn 10

MESSAGE:

God can bless you by pronouncing a blessing on you, cancelling a curse or even turning a curse into a blessing. It is important to establish at this point that no man can change your blessing into a curse – not even the one through whom the blessing was pronounced. Once the blessing is pronounced, it cannot be taken back. We see a manifestation of this truth in Genesis 27:30-37. After Esau returned from his father's errand and realised his younger brother had stolen his blessing by impersonating him, he went to his father and said, "Daddy, what have you done?" Isaac his father replied, "I am sorry son, I have already blessed him and he remains blessed. I didn't know I was blessing the wrong fellow, but I can't change the blessing now. Open Heaven 3 November 2017: Friday daily devotional by Pastor E. A. Adeboye –Upturning Blessings. He is already blessed!" In the Name that is above all names, every blessing that has been pronounced on you and your family shall come to pass! Your blessing shall never be reversed in Jesus' Name! Every plan of the wicked to upturn your blessings shall fail and meet with disappointment!

However, God can change a blessing into a curse. In 1^st Samuel 2:30, God told Eli, "With My mouth, I said that you and your father's house would stand before Me forever, but now, because of what you have done, I have changed My mind", and with the same mouth, God cursed Eli and his descendants forever. In that scripture, the Lord revealed that honouring Him is very crucial. If you want Him to fulfil His promises and beautiful prophecies to you and your family, you must be prepared to honour Him. God will only honour those who honour him. I have often told those brethren who attend our monthly Divine Encounter programme that when God asks you to give Him your first fruits, it is not because He is in need. It is simply a way of you honouring him. Proverbs 3:9-10 says,

"Honour the LORD with thy substance, and with the firstfruits of all thine increase: So shall thy barns be filled with plenty, and thy presses shall burst with new wine."

Have you been faithful in paying your first fruits? If you pay it faithfully, He will definitely keep His word by bringing His promises to fulfilment in your life. If however you cannot meet His conditions, do not waste your time claiming the promises. God is a responsible God and He is the Father of responsible children. If you ignore the commands of your earthly father, it doesn't show you are responsible. It works the same way with God.

Action Point:

Pray that your blessing will never become a curse.

hymn 10

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

[Chorus]
Showers of blessing,
Showers of blessing we need:
Mercy drops round us are falling,
But for the showers we plead.

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

[Chorus]

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

[Chorus]

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

[Chorus]

Open Heavens 2 November 2017: Thursday daily devotional by Pastor E. A. Adeboye –Expect Tests

Posted: 31 Oct 2017 02:22 PM PDT

EXPECT TESTS – Thursday November 2^nd 2017

Memorise: And Elijah said unto Elisha, Tarry here, I pray thee; for the LORD hath sent me to Bethel. And Elisha said unto him, As the LORD liveth, and as thy soul liveth, I will not leave thee. So they went down to Bethel. 2^nd Kings 2:2

Read: 1^st Peter 4:12-13 (KJV)

^4:12Beloved, think it not strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened unto you:

^4:13But rejoice, inasmuch as ye are partakers of Christ's sufferings; that, when his glory shall be revealed, ye may be glad also with exceeding joy.

2^nd Kings 2:1-15 (KJV)

2:1 And it came to pass, when the Lord would take up Elijah into heaven by a whirlwind, that Elijah went with Elisha from Gilgal.

^{2: 2}And Elijah said unto Elisha, Tarry here, I pray thee; for the Lord hath sent me to Bethel. And Elisha said unto him, As the Lord liveth, and as thy soul liveth, I will not leave thee. So they went down to Bethel.

^2:3And the sons of the prophets that were at Bethel came forth to Elisha, and said unto him, Knowest thou that the Lord will take away thy master from thy head to day? And he said, Yea, I know it; hold ye your peace.

^2:4And Elijah said unto him, Elisha, tarry here, I pray thee; for the Lord hath sent me to Jericho. And he said, As the Lord liveth, and as thy soul liveth, I will not leave thee. So they came to Jericho.

^2:5And the sons of the prophets that were at Jericho came to Elisha, and said unto him, Knowest thou that the Lord will take away thy master from thy head to day? And he answered, Yea, I know it; hold ye your peace.

^2:6And Elijah said unto him, Tarry, I pray thee, here; for the Lord hath sent me to Jordan. And he said, As the Lord liveth, and as thy soul liveth, I will not leave thee. And they two went on.

^2:7And fifty men of the sons of the prophets went, and stood to view afar off: and they two stood by Jordan.

^2:8And Elijah took his mantle, and wrapped it together, and smote the waters, and they were divided hither and thither, so that they two went over on dry ground.

^2:9And it came to pass, when they were gone over, that Elijah said unto Elisha, Ask what I shall do for thee, before I be taken away from thee. And Elisha said, I pray thee, let a double portion of thy spirit be upon me.

^2:10And he said, Thou hast asked a hard thing: nevertheless, if thou see me when I am taken from thee, it shall be so unto thee; but if not, it shall not be so.

^2:11And it came to pass, as they still went on, and talked, that, behold, there appeared a chariot of fire, and horses of fire, and parted them both asunder; and Elijah went up by a whirlwind into heaven.

^2:12And Elisha saw it, and he cried, My father, my father, the chariot of Israel, and the horsemen thereof. And he saw him no more: and he took hold of his own clothes, and rent them in two pieces.

^2:13He took up also the mantle of Elijah that fell from him, and went back, and stood by the bank of Jordan;

^2:14And he took the mantle of Elijah that fell from him, and smote the waters, and said, Where is the Lord God of Elijah? and when he also had smitten the waters, they parted hither and thither: and Elisha went over.

^2:15And when the sons of the prophets which were to view at Jericho saw him, they said, The spirit of Elijah doth rest on Elisha. And they came to meet him, and bowed themselves to the ground before him.

Bible in one year: 1^st Peter 2-5, Hosea 10, Hymn: Sing hymn 7

MESSAGE:

There are some vital lessons we can benefit from the story of Elijah and Elisha found in our Bible reading today. The first thing we see in that story is that God always has something better, more precious and more glorious in store for His children. No matter where you are and where you plan to be, God always has a better plan for you. This is why 2^nd Timothy 1:9 says,

"Who hath saved us, and called us with an holy calling, not according to our works, but according to his own purpose and grace, which was given us in Christ Jesus before the world began"

God has a unique purpose for your life. When you become born again, you were called by God to fulfil that purpose, and He also called you to holiness (1^st Thessalonians 4:7). This call of God on you is referred to as a 'high calling' (Philippians 3:14). Therefore, no matter how good you are in strategic planning, there is still a need for you to subordinate your plans under God's will and allow Him to have His way in your life. No wonder Psalm 37:5 says that you shall not fail to commit your ways unto God and trust Him to help you in actualising your plans. This is also why Proverbs 3:5-7 says that you should always tell God of your plans, so that He will provide divine guidance. Do you trust God enough to let Him direct your steps? Elisha was a successful businessman before the mantle of God's call fell on him, and he left his business to fellow God's plan for his life (1^st Kings 19:19). Eventually, he became a father to the whole nation of Israel and kings called him 'father'

Moreover, another lesson is that although God has a higher glory ahead for you, He can use people, situations and circumstances to test your resolve along the way. Sometimes when test come, we don't recognise them as tests, and because of this, many of us fail the test. You have to pray that in the tests of life, you will not be a failure. When Prophet Elijah was to be taken away, he told his servant Elisha that he had been sent by God on some errands and that Elisha should not bother to follow him. Thank God Elisha was dogged and sensitive enough to realise that it was a test, and he passed the test brilliantly. Some tests of life are so crucial that failing them may rubbish all the past good efforts one has put into achieving greatness. May you not fail in the tests of life!

Prayer Point:

Father, Whatever tests I would have to go through, please see me through. In the tests of life, let me not be a failure.

hymn 7

1. O Jesus, I have promised,

To serve Thee to the end;

Be Thou forever near me,

My Master and my Friend;

I shall not fear the battle

If Thou art by my side,

Nor wander from the pathway

If Thou wilt be my Guide.

2. Oh, let me hear Thee speaking,

In accents clear and still,

I dare not trust my judgment:

Thy way shall be my will;

Oh, speak to reassure me,

To hasten or control;

Oh, speak, and make me listen,

Thou Guardian of my soul.

3. O Jesus, Thou hast promised

To all who follow Thee

That where Thou art in glory

There shall Thy servant be;

And Jesus, I have promised

To serve Thee to the end;

Oh, give me grace to follow,

My Master and my Friend.

4. Oh, let me see Thy footmarks,

And in them plant mine own;

My hope to follow duly

Is in Thy strength alone.

Oh, guide me, call me, draw me,

Uphold me to the end;

And then in Heav'n receive me,

My Savior and my Friend

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Open Heavens Daily Devotional Messages, By Pastor E.A Adeboye.

Open Heavens Daily Devotional Messages, By Pastor E.A Adeboye.

Open Heavens Daily Devotional Messages, By Pastor E.A Adeboye.

Open Heavens Daily Devotional Messages, By Pastor E.A Adeboye.

Open Heavens Daily Devotional Messages, By Pastor E.A Adeboye.

Open Heavens Daily Devotional Messages, By Pastor E.A Adeboye.

Open Heavens Daily Devotional Messages, By Pastor E.A Adeboye.

Open Heavens Daily Devotional Messages, By Pastor E.A Adeboye.

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