Open Heavens Daily Devotional Messages, By Pastor E.A Adeboye. |
| APOSTATE OR REFORMER? – Monday February 22nd 2016 Posted: 15 Feb 2016 12:54 PM PST APOSTATE OR REFORMER? Memorise: Behold, the hire of the labourers who have reaped down your fields, which is of you kept back by fraud, crieth: and the cries of them which have reaped are entered into the ears of the Lord of sabaoth. James 5:4Read: 1stKings 18:41-46, 41 And Elijah said unto Ahab, Get thee up, eat and drink; for there is a sound of abundance of rain. 42 So Ahab went up to eat and to drink. And Elijah went up to the top of Carmel; and he cast himself down upon the earth, and put his face between his knees, 43 And said to his servant, Go up now, look toward the sea. And he went up, and looked, and said, There is nothing. And he said, Go again seven times. 44 And it came to pass at the seventh time, that he said, Behold, there ariseth a little cloud out of the sea, like a man's hand. And he said, Go up, say unto Ahab, Prepare thy chariot, and get thee down that the rain stop thee not. 45 And it came to pass in the mean while, that the heaven was black with clouds and wind, and there was a great rain. And Ahab rode, and went to Jezreel. 46 And the hand of the Lord was on Elijah; and he girded up his loins, and ran before Ahab to the entrance of Jezreel.  Bible in one year: Luke 14:25-17:10, Job 27:1-12 Apostasy in Christendom refers to religious rebellion. It is the withdrawal of loyalty or a breaking away from the leadership or authority of God. An apostate is a practicing Christian that once pledge allegiance to God and the Bible doctrines, then afterwards turned back to live contrary to his avowed belief and declaration of faith. On the other hand, a reformer refers to a person that is making efforts to bring back those that strayed from godly commitments, to the proper form of Christian life. A reformer would do everything possible to instruct apostates, Christians and unbelievers, in the complete renewal of biblical instructions of Christianity. Apostasy occurred in several places in the Bible, and each occurrence reveals God's displeasure and terrible anger against apostates and anyone that incites the people to rebel against Him. I have frequently shared stories of several individuals who came to accept Jesus at the peak of their troubles when their situations were hopeless, and later decided to abandon God after they had received divine solutions to their problems through Jesus. Some years ago, when we tried to follow-up on one of such people, he said that a hospitalised fellow is usually allowed to go home after a successful medical treatment. He viewed the Church as a hospital and though he didn't have any business with God whatsoever after being healed. The end of such ungrateful and rebellious people is always worse than their beginning. I pray that you will not be overcome by the spirit of apostasy in Jesus' name. Hebrew 6:4-6 says: "For it is possible for those who were once enlightened, and have tasted of the heavenly gift, and were made partakers of the Holy Ghost, And have tasted the good word of God, and the powers of the world to come, if they shall fall away, to renew them again unto repentance; seeing they crucify to themselves the Son of God afresh, and put him to an open shame." It is important to note that apostasy is not a casual sin but a voluntary rejection of God's will. It is a conscious departure from the Fatherhood of God, and a deliberate walk away from Jesus Christ and everything He stands for. This is the reason why the above Bible passage presents apostasy as a terrible error that is virtually impossible to remediate. May the Lord deliver anyone that is in any form of backsliding today in Jesus' name. On the other hand, the main assignment of a former is to call the Church of God and His people into genuine repentance and a careful reconciliation between contemporary Christian practice and Bible doctrines. The body of Christ must be delivered from end-time lukewarmness, modernism, and the doctrine of relativity that is presently holding it in captivity. May we yield ourselves to be used as the Lord raises reformers that will re-ignite the fire of revival in the body of Christ today in Jesus' name. Key Point Father, please set me on fire and use me as an instrument of reformation in Your Church in Jesus' Name. |
| BLESSINGS OF KNOWING THE TRUE GOD - Sunday February 21st 2016 Posted: 15 Feb 2016 12:53 PM PST BLESSINGS OF KNOWING THE TRUE GOD - Sunday February 21st2016 Memorise: And such as do wickedly against the covenant shall he corrupt by flatteries: but the people that do know their God shall be strong, and do exploits. Daniel 11:32Read: 1stKings 18:21-24, 21 And Elijah came unto all the people, and said, How long halt ye between two opinions? if the Lord be God, follow him: but if Baal, then follow him. And the people answered him not a word. 22 Then said Elijah unto the people, I, even I only, remain a prophet of the Lord; but Baal's prophets are four hundred and fifty men. 23 Let them therefore give us two bullocks; and let them choose one bullock for themselves, and cut it in pieces, and lay it on wood, and put no fire under: and I will dress the other bullock, and lay it on wood, and put no fire under: 24 And call ye on the name of your gods, and I will call on the name of the Lord: and the God that answereth by fire, let him be God. And all the people answered and said, It is well spoken.  Bible in one year: Luke 12:35-14:24, Job 26 It is common amongst Christians to tell stories of our lifestyle before we became acquainted with the true God. Many confess being in bondage to various gods who ruled over them with an iron fist, through the observance of ridiculously expensive practices in terms of time and money. These gods include expensive lifestyles, unnecessarily plentiful entertainment, un-godly fashion, wasteful pastimes, membership of exclusive clubs and fraternities, etc. Furthermore, some were overcome by addiction and therefore were ruled by alcohol, drugs, sex, gambling, smoking, nightlife and other dangerous habits. Worse still, many were enslaved to ideologies, taboos, cultism, idols, and demonic spirits. These gods exert their influence on people in different ways, as a result of which many fall into diverse sins, disappointments, stagnancy, sickness, demonic possession, fruitlessness, indebtedness, bankruptcy, failure, and death. Job 5:7 says, "man is born unto trouble" and Job 14:1 says: "Man that is born of a woman is of few days, and full of trouble." I prophecy to anyone that is facing one trouble or the other in this world, God will show mercy and deliver you today in the name of Jesus. The Almighty God is fully aware of human helplessness in circumstances of life, therefore, out of love, He offered Jesus as a remedy to anyone that will accept Him as Lord and Saviour. This is the essence of the declaration of Jesus in Matthew 11:28&30 that says: "Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden and I will give you rest… For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light." This passage is an open invitation to anyone that is labouring under the heavy yoke of the devil, anyone that is oppressed or in servitude, anyone experiencing stagnancy or fruitlessness, and anyone that needs physical, mental, or spiritual healing. Jesus says, "come unto me and I will give you rest from all your troubles." Come to Jesus today for deliverance from the strong hold of sin, addition and all forms of immorality. Come to Jesus and He will put an end to your mysteries, disappointments and failures. Come to Jesus and He will turn your sorrows to joy. Knowing the true God therefore translates to salvation from sin and deliverance from evil. It is not burdensome at all because the relationship is based on the love of God. Everything depends on a sincerity to accept the reality of your situation and ask God for help. First, you must accept Jesus as your personal Lord and Saviour, after which you must vow to walk away from your sinful lifestyles and embrace a life of holiness. From this moment, the abundant blessings of the Lord will begin to pour into your life without measure in Jesus' name. Prayer Point Father, please let me begin to enjoy the blessings of knowing you in Jesus' name. |
| BEWARE OF DECEIVERS II – Saturday February 20th 2016 Posted: 15 Feb 2016 12:50 PM PST BEWARE OF DECEIVERS II Memorise; But watch thou in all things, endure affitions, do the work of an evangelist, make full proof of thy ministry. 2ndTimothy 4:5Read: Romans 16:17-20, 17 Now I beseech you, brethren, mark them which cause divisions and offences contrary to the doctrine which ye have learned; and avoid them. 18 For they that are such serve not our Lord Jesus Christ, but their own belly; and by good words and fair speeches deceive the hearts of the simple. 19 For your obedience is come abroad unto all men. I am glad therefore on your behalf: but yet I would have you wise unto that which is good, and simple concerning evil. 20 And the God of peace shall bruise Satan under your feet shortly. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you. Amen. Bible in one year: Luke 11:1-12:34, Job 24:21-25:6 The Bible repeatedly warns children of God to beware of deceivers in the form of false teachers and prophets, because their operations are usually so smooth that their activities could be very difficult to pin down as errors. They present their messages as divine revelations received after much perseverance in prayers and rigorous Bible study. Deceivers present their deadly errors as newly discovered secret information that was specially revealed by God, as the preferred way of relating with Him in this generation. 2nd Timothy 4:5 says: "But watch thou in all things, endure afflictions, do the work of an evangelist, make full proof of thy ministry." It is an established fact that keeping the faith protected from the corruption of deceivers, requires the presence of the Holy Spirit, a knowledge of the Scripture, holiness, perseverance, Christian fellowship and spiritual maturity. This attributes must be present in a person's life before the instruction in 2ndTimothy 4:5 can be effectively carried out. The first essential step is to watch in all things. To watch, in this sense, it to pay close attention to the beliefs and practices of the Church, to ensure that they are ever in strict compliance with the Word of God. By so doing, even the slightest variation would be quickly noticed and corrected. Also, young believers will be protected from error. The second essential step is to do the work of an evangelist by demonstrating the full evidence of the ministry. If indeed the present generation of Christians would preach the gospel of Jesus Christ with power, such that miracle, signs, and wonders, are evident in our fellowships meetings, then the door shall be permanently shut against false prophets. Furthermore, 2nd Timothy 3:16 says: "All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness:" This passage boldly declares that everything documented in the Bible is given by God as a revelation of Himself, His commandments and teachings. This confirms the Bible as the only divine manual containing everything we need to know about the Almighty God and His created universe. The passage also emphasizes the art of teaching, reproof, and correction as means of keeping the Church clear of false teachers and their messages. Teaching is the primary task of Christians as indicated in Mathew 28:19. We are called to teach the whole counsel of God, shedding the light of the gospel over every aspect of life, for the purpose of remodelling our lives to be in compliance with the word of God. In addition to teaching, we must reprove by speaking against false teachers and their heretic messages. At the same time, we must make serious effort to bring false teachers and those influenced by their messages back to the knowledge of the truth. Finally, there must be training in righteousness to learn how to do what is right, what is just and in accordance with godliness. Once again, beware of deceivers! Prayer Point Father, please let anything You have not planted in Your Church be uprooted today om the Name of Jesus. |
| BEWARE OF DECEIVERS I – Friday February 19th 2016 Posted: 15 Feb 2016 12:45 PM PST BEWARE OF DECEIVERS I Memorise: All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness. 2nd Timothy 3:16Read: 2nd Timothy 3:1-8, 3 This know also, that in the last days perilous times shall come. 2 For men shall be lovers of their own selves, covetous, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy, 3 Without natural affection, trucebreakers, false accusers, incontinent, fierce, despisers of those that are good, 4 Traitors, heady, highminded, lovers of pleasures more than lovers of God; 5 Having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof: from such turn away. 6 For of this sort are they which creep into houses, and lead captive silly women laden with sins, led away with divers lusts, 7 Ever learning, and never able to come to the knowledge of the truth. 8 Now as Jannes and Jambres withstood Moses, so do these also resist the truth: men of corrupt minds, reprobate concerning the faith. Bible in one year: Luke 9:21-10:42, Job 24:9-20 A deceiver is someone who practices deceit as means of seducing, misleading, or giving false impressions to people. A deceiver would try to impose a false idea that causes bewilderment, helplessness, or confusion in people's mind. Every act of deception is a direct attack against the truth for the purpose of distorting the original creative order and position of things by the Almighty God. Deception is therefore the devil's invention which has been carefully designed to create doubts and questions about the credibility of God in the hearts of men. This is the reason why deceit is condemned by God as an attempt to deny His sovereignty and the revelation of Himself. After the devil's successful attack on Adam and Eve in Genesis 3:1-7, God repeatedly warned humanity about the subtlety of Satan and his false prophets. Matthew 24:11 says; "And many false prophets shall rise, and shall deceive many." The whole of the Bible from Genesis to Revelation is full of similar warnings about the deliberate plot of devil to send his evil agents of deception in form of false prophets and heretic teachers into the world, in order to deceive and mislead many. These deadly agents of deception have perfected the means of attacking unsuspecting individuals from two seemingly harmless fronts. One of their tactics is to preach the gospel of the alternative. They claim to be serving the same God through another saviour, and therefore present their religion as a better alternative to Christianity that only has the appearance of the Christian religion on the surface, but is full of heresy, ungodliness, and immorality in actual practice. To this end 1st Timothy 4:1-2 "Now the Spirit speaketh expressly, that in the latter time some shall depart from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits, and doctrines of devils; Speaking lies in hypocrisy; having their conscience seared with a hot iron;" In the above passage, the Word of God is making it very clear to us that the activities of these agents of darkness will become very concentrated and effective in the latter days, such that it will cause some believers to depart from the faith. This will happen because those affected would commit the error of giving heed to seducing spirits. They would be seduced through the preaching of other gospels, the gospel of relativism, modernism and post-modernism, and through attractive motivational messages. To counter the evil, we must turn to 2ndTimothy 3:16. God has given us all scripture by His inspiration, to be profitable for doctrine, reproof, correction, and instruction in righteousness, dangerous heretic teachings are in the air, but anyone that abides in the Word of God, can never be deceived. Be warned. Prayer Point Father, please don't let me ever give heed to seducing spirits in Jesus' name. |
| THE GREAT HELPER – Thursday February 18th 2016 Posted: 15 Feb 2016 12:44 PM PST THE GREAT HELPER Memorise: My help cometh from the Lord, which made heaven and earth. Psalms 121:2Read: Psalms 121:1-8, 121 I will lift up mine eyes unto the hills, from whence cometh my help. 2 My help cometh from the Lord, which made heaven and earth. 3 He will not suffer thy foot to be moved: he that keepeth thee will not slumber. 4 Behold, he that keepeth Israel shall neither slumber nor sleep. 5 The Lord is thy keeper: the Lord is thy shade upon thy right hand. 6 The sun shall not smite thee by day, nor the moon by night. 7 The Lord shall preserve thee from all evil: he shall preserve thy soul. 8 The Lord shall preserve thy going out and thy coming in from this time forth, and even for evermore. Bible in one year: Luke 8:1-9:20, Job 23:14-24:8 It has been said that one of the common features of Christianity is the diverse conflict that is targeted at a child of God from the moment of conversion; it presents itself as a permanent companion in the journey of life, and appears to become more intense as you progress in the Christian race. These conflicts may come in the form of physical, emotional, and spiritual attacks. They could sometimes be manifested as temptations, financial trouble, physical or health challenges, vocational problems, obstacles and obstructions, sickness or death of a loved one, stagnancy, discouragement, failure, depression, and family problems, many of these may appear normal, but some are direct attacks on children of God, to hate, despise, persecute, oppress, blackmail, and even kill them. Yet, in the face of such malicious attacks, many Christians have persevered and stood firm in their convictions, with great grace and in defiant faith. Such people were able to stand in the face of evil holding on to God's promises for help. One of such could be found in Hebrews 13:5-6 that says, "Let your conversation be without covetousness; and be content with such things as ye have: for he hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee. So that we may boldly say, The Lord is my helper, and I will not fear what man shall do unto me." I pray that as you look up to God for help and assistance today, He will send help to you and you will never be disappointed in Jesus' name. Like the saints of old, we are expected to build our confidence on the sure promises of God. King David in his affliction said, "My help comes from the Lord, the maker of heaven and earth." (Psalm 121:2) thereby revealing the source of his confidence. In the above passage, the word of God says, "I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee". Because of this sure promise of God which can never fail, we may say with confidence that the Lord is our helper, a sure and dependable help in times of trouble. I decree into your life today, God will always be there for you as a reliable ally against all evil attacks in the name of Jesus. A simple analysis of the statement "I will not fear what man shall do unto me" implies the inevitability of determined evil actions of men, but the Bible is saying that even in the face of such evil threats, we should not become fearful but remain confident, knowing that God will never fail us. However, there are conditions that a true Christian must meet to guarantee His assistance. We must be free from covetousness, and be satisfied with whatever we have. People with uncontrollable desires for delicacies, designer wears, social status, high offices or positions, and other worldly attractions, are usually a little desperate and unstable. Such people will do anything, including lowering their Christian standards, in order to retain positions that support their livelihood at all cost. You will not be driven by fear to sell-out your birth right or backslide into error in Jesus' Name. The promises of God are perfectly reliable because "God is not a man, that he should lie", if God be for us, who can be against us? Who is he that will harm you, if ye be followers of that which is good? Our confidence rests absolutely upon the promise of God. Hallelujah. Prayer Point Father, my confidence rests upon Your Holy Word, please be there for me always in Jesus' name. |
| TIME TO FIGHT II – Wednesday February 17th 2016 Posted: 15 Feb 2016 12:43 PM PST TIME TO FIGHT II Memorise: Mortify therefore your members which are upon the earth; fornication, uncleanness, inordinate effection, evil concupiscence, and conetousness, which is idolatry. Colossians 3:5Read: 1stTimothy 6:6-12, 6 But godliness with contentment is great gain. 7 For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out. 8 And having food and raiment let us be therewith content. 9 But they that will be rich fall into temptation and a snare, and into many foolish and hurtful lusts, which drown men in destruction and perdition. 10 For the love of money is the root of all evil: which while some coveted after, they have erred from the faith, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows. 11 But thou, O man of God, flee these things; and follow after righteousness, godliness, faith, love, patience, meekness. 12 Fight the good fight of faith, lay hold on eternal life, whereunto thou art also called, and hast professed a good profession before many witnesses. Bible in one year: Luke 6:17-7:50, Job 23:1-13 Anyone that has been in the in the Christian race for some years would have discovered the militant nature of the average Christian. Every true Christian is fully aware of the on-going conflicts around us, physical, mental, and spiritual. We are confronted with contrary doctrines in our daily lives, we face diverse kinds of temptations, we are bombarded with many ungodly ideas and propositions; sometimes it could be vicious attacks from unknown people or aggression from neighbours. In addition to all these, we are constantly faced with attractive and seemingly profitable offers from the pit of hell to lure us into all kinds of sins. The devil is prowling around the world looking for Christians to destroy according to 1st Peter 5:8 "Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour." The survival of a child of God therefore depends on his or her preparedness for battle and the ability to fight. We must be ever-ready so that nothing will catch us unawares. We cannot afford to slumber or sleep, we are meant to be spiritual watchmen and scouts, constantly looking out for bands of approaching enemies that may try to take us by surprise. This is why the above passage counsels us to be serious minded and vigilant, carefully monitoring every move of the enemy around us, and to be fully prepared to counter and completely neutralise his evil attacks. However, one of the most dangerous places to be in a conflict situation is at the back. Whenever you see somebody dropping back in a war situation, be sure that the fellow will soon be hit very hard. King David learnt this lesson in a hard way. I pray that you will never backslide into error and be caught in the snare of the devil in Jesus' name. In Matthew 16:18, the Lord Jesus declared that the gates of hell shall not prevail against the Church. These gates are the access points that the enemy may use to penetrate our lives. To permanently keep these gates shut, Colossians 3:5 counsels us to subdue the flesh and its worldly desires through discipline, and put it under control. If we fail to discipline ourselves, then it becomes easy for pride, sexual immorality, inordinate ambition, covetousness, and other forms of indiscipline to creep into our lives and give opportunity to the devil to butcher us. May the Lord deliver you from every evil plan against your life in Jesus' name. Finally, 1st John 3:8b says; "…For this purpose the Son of God was manifested, that he might destroy the works of devil." This instruction to fight becomes easy to carry out when we realise that Jesus Christ the Son of God came to this world for the sole purpose of destroying the works of the devil. I decree that every work of the devil in your life be destroyed now in Jesus' name. Prayer Point Father, please help me to stand. Don't let me ever fall for the devil in Jesus' name. |
| TIME TO FIGHT I – Tuesday February 16th 2016 Posted: 15 Feb 2016 12:41 PM PST TIME TO FIGHT I Memorise: To everything there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven. Ecclesiastes 3:1Read: 1st Timothy 4:1-6, 4 Now the Spirit speaketh expressly, that in the latter times some shall depart from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits, and doctrines of devils; 2 Speaking lies in hypocrisy; having their conscience seared with a hot iron; 3 Forbidding to marry, and commanding to abstain from meats, which God hath created to be received with thanksgiving of them which believe and know the truth. 4 For every creature of God is good, and nothing to be refused, if it be received with thanksgiving: 5 For it is sanctified by the word of God and prayer. 6 If thou put the brethren in remembrance of these things, thou shalt be a good minister of Jesus Christ, nourished up in the words of faith and of good doctrine, whereunto thou hast attained. Bible in one year: Luke 4:16-6:16, Job 22:12-30 Fighting means to engage in a struggle against a perceived enemy or enemies either defensively or offensively. Most human beings, irrespective of who they are, what they know, where they have been, and their level of spiritual maturity, have something they would fight for. We fight for our fundamental human rights, we fight for possessions, we fight for our family, and we fight for our job. We are sensitive to criticism and insults, and sometimes we even fight for things we don't really own. The question is, should a true Christian fight for anything? And if you were to write a list of things worth fighting for, what would that list include? In this respect, Ecclesiastes 3:1&8, says: "To every thing there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven…. A time to love, and a time to hate; a time of war, and a time of peace." Conflicts come in different categories. Though we have the right of self defence, Christians are not called to take up arms against their offensive or aggressive neighbours because our weapon is not physical. However, God is under attack in today's world because His creative order, His principles and commandments are being maliciously attacked by heretics. Surprisingly, some of these enemies of the gospel of Jesus Christ have managed to rise to enviable positions of authority both in the Church and civil government. This has emboldened them and their supporters to intensify their evil attacks on the Christian faith. Do we fight for our Lord? Do we stand aloof or fight whenever these attacks occur around us? 1st Timothy 6:12, says: "Fight the good fight of faith, lay hold on eternal life, whereunto thou art also called, and hast professed a good profession before many witnesses." Christians do not have any choice in this matter; we do not have the luxury of a personal decision on this one. In reality, the battle of the heretics and false prophets is raging right now and our Commander in Chief, the Lord of hosts, has commanded us to fight, and we must fight. The above passage started out by qualifying the kind of fight that Christians could engage in as the good fight of faith. It is a good fight because it prevents the rapid spread of heretic teachings, and delivers people from ignorance and false doctrine. It is good because we are on the winning side, we can never lose because we are more than conquerors. It is good because we will be handsomely rewarded for our efforts here on earth and when we get to heaven. It is a good fight because we are well fitted with the most potent weapon in the universe – the Word of God. Above all, though we are saved by grace, our performance in this battle will ultimately determine our rank among the host of heaven and the manner of our reward. Apostle Paul seems to have discovered this truth as reflected in his final declaration in 2ndTimothy 4:7: "I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith" Only a general in the army of God who had fought valiantly for the truth could say this. Prayer Point Father, please let me finish well and be able to say that I have fought a good fight. |
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Open Heavens Daily Devotional Messages, By Pastor E.A Adeboye. |
| COMMANDED TO REJOICE – Monday February 15th 2016 Posted: 11 Feb 2016 12:27 PM PST COMMANDED TO REJOICE Memorise: For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the Lord, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected. Jeremiah 29:11Read: Philippians 4:1-7, 4 Therefore, my brethren dearly beloved and longed for, my joy and crown, so stand fast in the Lord, my dearly beloved. 2 I beseech Euodias, and beseech Syntyche, that they be of the same mind in the Lord. 3 And I intreat thee also, true yokefellow, help those women which laboured with me in the gospel, with Clement also, and with other my fellowlabourers, whose names are in the book of life. 4 Rejoice in the Lord always: and again I say, Rejoice. 5 Let your moderation be known unto all men. The Lord is at hand. 6 Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. 7 And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus. Bible in one year: Luke 2:22-4:15, Job 22: 1-11 The commandment to rejoice seems to be a repeated theme in the book of Philippians. First, Philippians 2:18, then 3:1, and 4:4. Why did Paul pay so much attention to the word rejoice? On a closer look at all, rather, Paul's emphasis is on the term "rejoice in the Lord". He was trying to draw a line between the common rejoicing that happens to all human beings and the art of rejoicing in the Lord. God wants us to know that joy is a matter of realm, because there are diverse types of joy and it is the realm of joy that makes the difference. There is a rejoicing that is common to all men, it is a feeling of joy that depends on situations and circumstances around us and it is temporal and short-lived: this joy is unsubstantial and evanescent. However, there is a delight that comes with God's presence, it is divine and powerful; the joy of the Lord. This joy is also called the 'joy of salvation', it is real, it is a great kind of joy, it is endless, and an everlasting joy that brings down the presence of God into the hearts of men. Apostle Peter had this to say about this kind of rejoicing in 1stPeter 1:8: "Whom having not seen, ye love; in whom, though now ye see him not, yet believing, ye rejoice with joy unspeakable and full of glory:" What makes rejoicing in the Lord so important that God had to repeatedly command us to rejoice? It is the very first miracle that happens to a person when he becomes born again. The joy of the Lord is immediately shed in the heart of the fellow. The unspeakable expression of the joy of salvation is therefore the most vital and undeniable proof that a person is genuinely born of God. The wisdom of God commanded it repeatedly in the Bible, and emphasised it in Philippians at least for two major reasons. First, being born again is a spiritual walk with God, the joy of the Lord is the token of our connectedness to God, losing the joy therefore, is another token of disconnection from God. You will never be disconnected from God in Jesus' name. Secondly, God knows that a genuine conversion to Christianity would cause a forceful separation and disconnection from the worldly system of thought and action, which naturally leads to rejection, persecution, and diverse temptations. Therefore, the joy of the Lord is provided as an offensive weapon of consolation, encouragement, and strength in the face of persecution. That is why Philippians 4:4 says; "Rejoice in the Lord always: and again I say, Rejoice." God commanded His people to rejoice, He was not giving a suggestion or permission, neither did He make it a matter of choice. We are compelled to rejoice in the Lord as a necessary ingredient to the Christian faith. Rejoicing is founded on and derived through the Word of God, it is needful in affliction, it brings comfort and strength to press forward in times of trouble. Prayer Point Father, please fill my heart with your heavenly joy, that is all I need from You today. |
| FULFILLING GOD’S PURPOSE V – Sunday February 14th 2016 Posted: 11 Feb 2016 12:23 PM PST FULFILLING GOD'S PURPOSE V Memorise: A wise son maketh a glad father: but a foolish man despiseth his mother. Proverb 15:20Read: Psalms 127:3-5, 3 Lo, children are an heritage of the Lord: and the fruit of the womb is his reward. 4 As arrows are in the hand of a mighty man; so are children of the youth. 5 Happy is the man that hath his quiver full of them: they shall not be ashamed, but they shall speak with the enemies in the gate.  Bible in one year: Luke 1:1-2:21, Job 21:17-34 MESSAGE!!! Let me start by clarifying something about being alone. Being alone could be in two ways, by solitude and by loneliness. Solitude is by being alone on purpose; an international separation from people from a period, such a person can be alone by the river side or watching television without being lonely. There is a biblical basis for solitude (Exodus 33:7, 11; Luke 5:16; Mark 1:35; Luke 6:12-13; Luke 22:41), therefore, solitude could be a good thing. However, loneliness is usually never desired. Prolonged loneliness may sometimes is usually never desired. Prolonged loneliness may sometimes lead to desperation. Being alone is the very first aspect of creating that met with God's disapproval and His harsh judgment of not being good, and 1stCorinthians 1:25 says, "Because the foolishness of God is wiser than men; and the weakness of God is stronger than men." Therefore, God's assessment of "being alone" should be taken seriously. God in His infinite wisdom decide to solve the problem of being alone by providing a "help meet for the man". A perfect companion that is suitable for him, one that will cancel out the negative effects of 'being alone'. Now, fulfilling the purpose of God in life in general and marriage in particular depends largely on our understanding and total submission to the manufacturer's instructions. A simple, direct, Holy Ghost inspired and time tested meaning of this passage is clear to all. Help refers broadly to aid or assistance, the word 'helper' may connote subordinate, but does not necessarily imply inferiority. Hosea 13:9 refers to God as Israel's helper, also, Genesis 2:18-25, describes how God provided the suitable helper for the man. The declaration of Adam, that Eve is the bone of his bone and flesh of his flesh is a pointer to the fact that marriage creates the closest of all human relationships and should be cherished as such. We are to note also that only one Eve was created and not several Eves or another Adam. This is a confirmation that God established heterosexual monogamy as the divine pattern for marriage at creation. However, the language of Ephesians 5:22-25 is probably clearer on the God given roles of husbands and wives. "Wives, submit yourselves unto your own husbands, as unto the Lord. For the husband is the head of the wife, even as Christ is the head of the church: and he is the saviour of the body. Therefore as the church is subject unto Christ, so let the wives be to their own husbands in everything. Husbands, love your wives, even as Christ also loved the church, and gave himself for it;" Every child of God that is determined to fulfil God's purpose must live according to the order of marriage ordained by the Almighty God. Marriage is the foundation of life according to the Bible. Consequently, marital failure may as well translate to failure in life and ministry. Prayer Point Father, Please help me to be obedient in all things and help me to fulfil your purpose for my life in Jesus' name. |
| FULFILLING GOD’S PURPOSE IV – Saturday February 13th 2016 Posted: 11 Feb 2016 12:22 PM PST FULFILLING GOD'S PURPOSE IV Memorise: And, ye fathers, provoke not your children to wrath: but bring them up in the nurture and admonition of the Lord. Ephesians 6:4Read: Genesis 18:17-19, 17 And the Lord said, Shall I hide from Abraham that thing which I do; 18 Seeing that Abraham shall surely become a great and mighty nation, and all the nations of the earth shall be blessed in him? 19 For I know him, that he will command his children and his household after him, and they shall keep the way of the Lord, to do justice and judgment; that the Lord may bring upon Abraham that which he hath spoken of him. Bible in one year: Mark 14:43-16:8, Job 21:1-16 MESSAGE!!! The Bible declared the father as the head of the home – head of the mother and the children. As such, fathers have complete authority within the household to direct the affairs of the family, and to administer discipline when necessary. However, Apostle Paul admonishes that fathers should handle authority over their children with care; they are to be careful not to provoke their children to wrath. Some fathers are guilty of using their authority unreasonably in ways that cause their children to harbour resentment. However, fathers have the responsibility to bring their children up in the way of the Lord. In many cultures today, parents have submitted and completely relinquished their God given responsibility to raise godly children to school teachers, Sunday schools teachers, pastors, or governmental institutions. Every Christian parent should know that God will hold them responsible for the success or failure of their wards. Children are God's heritage, we have an awesome responsibility and authority over them, we are responsible for them before God, and we will surely render our account to God over them. Are there any particular reason(s) why parents, particularly fathers, are called by God to play such a crucial, God ordained role in the unbringing or discipleship of their children? Ephesians 6:1-4 given us a clue. "Children, obey your parents in the Lord: for this is right. Honour thy father and mother; which is the first commandment with promise; that it may be well with thee, and thou mayest live long on the earth. And, ye fathers provoke not your children to wrath: but bring them up in the nurture and admonition of the Lord". God knows that from childhood, little children gradually learn to love and trust their parents because of the relationship they have. Children normally grow up to receive love and care from their parents in the form of feeding, clothing, washing, and protection from cold and other harmful circumstances. Therefore children naturally gravitate towards their parents. For the same reasons, children are more likely to learn the ways and manners of their parents by default. Most children would choose to learn from their parents because parents are the first heroes' children. God in His wisdom is fully aware of these factors; He therefore designed the family to take advantage of the opportunity provided by nature. The Bible provides a very good balance here; children are to obey their parents, while parents are to treat their children with respect so that they will obey them without coercion. God expects children to obey their parents for Christ's sake, even if their parents are not believers. Also, children should not commit any sinful act just because their parents command them to. When faced with a choice between the two, children must obey God rather then man. Prayer Point Father, please make me a successful parent; don't let me fail You over my children. |
| FULFILLING GOD’S PURPOSE III – Friday February 12th 2016 Posted: 11 Feb 2016 12:20 PM PST FULFILLING GOD'S PURPOSE III Memorise: And the Lord God said, it is not good that the man should be alone; I will make him an help meet for him. Genesis 2:18Read: 1stSamuel 19:9-12, 17 And the Lord said, Shall I hide from Abraham that thing which I do; 18 Seeing that Abraham shall surely become a great and mighty nation, and all the nations of the earth shall be blessed in him? 19 For I know him, that he will command his children and his household after him, and they shall keep the way of the Lord, to do justice and judgment; that the Lord may bring upon Abraham that which he hath spoken of him. Mark 12:41-14:42, Job 20:20-29 MESSAGE!!! Let me start by clarifying something about being alone. Being alone could be in two ways, by solitude and by loneliness. Solitude is by being alone on purpose; an intentional separation from people for a period, such a person can be alone by the river side or watching television without being lonely. There is a biblical basis for solitude (Exodus 33:7, 11; Luke 5:16; Mark 1:35; Luke 6:12-13; Luke 22:41), therefore, solitude could be a good thing. However, loneliness is usually never desired. Prolonged loneliness may sometimes lead to depression. Being alone is the very first aspect of creation that met with God's disapproval and His harsh judgment of not being good, and 1stCorinthians 1:25 says, "Because the foolishness of God is wiser than men; and the weakness of God is stronger than men." Therefore, God's assessment of "being alone" should be taken seriously. God in His infinite wisdom decided to solve the problem of being alone by providing a "help meet for the man". A perfect companion that is suitable for him, one that will cancel out the negative effects of 'being alone'. Now, fulfilling the purpose of God in life in general and marriage in particular depands largely on our understanding and total subsmission to the manufacturer's instructions. A simple, direct, Holy Ghost inspired and time tested meaning of this passage is clear to all. Help refers broadly to aid or assistance, the word 'helper' may connote subordinate, but does not necessarily imply inferiority. Hosea 13:9 refers to God as Israel's helper, also, Genesis 2:18-25, describes how God provided the suitable helper for the man. The declaration of Adam, that Eve is then bone of his bone and flesh of his flesh is a pointer to the fact that marriage creates the closest of all human relationships and should be cherished as such. We are to note also that only one Eve was created and not several Eves or another Adam. This is a confirmation that God established heterosexual monogamy as the divine pattern of marriage at creation. However, the language of Ephesians 5:22-25 is probably clearer on the God given roles of husbands and wives. "Wives, submit yourselves unto your own husbands, as unto the Lord. For the husband is the head of the wife, even as Christ is the head of the church: and he is the saviour of the body. Therefore as the church is subject unto Christ, so let the wives be to their own husbands in everything. Husbands, love your wives, even as Christ also loved the church, and gave himself for it;" Every child of God that is determined to fulfil God's purpose must live according to the order of marriage ordained by the Almighty God. Marriage is the foundation of life according to the Bible. Consequently, marital failure may as well translate to failure in life and ministry. Prayer Point Father, I believe in the institution of marriage according to the Bible, please help me to build a strong happy and joyful name in the mighty Name of Jesus. |
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