TIME TO SHOUT!- Open heavens devotional by Pastor E. A Adeboye

BIBLE IN A YEAR: 2 Sam 22-24
TIME TO SHOUT! Saturday, May 22, 2010
MEMORIZE: “Confess your faults one to another, and pray one for another, that ye may be healed” (James 5:16)    READ: 2 Kings 4:1-8 God is a God of principles. However, He is not interested in magic.  He prefers to follow His laid down rules, regulations and principles in dealing with men. Anyone who abides by divine financial principles can experience miracles. God does not mind suspending His laid down laws just to pleasantly embarrass the fellow. It does not matter how heavily indebted you are. It also does not matter how long you have lived in abject poverty.  What matters is your resolve to adopt and stick with divine principles: that is the only way out of the doldrums. This season, I see things turning around in your favor in Jesus’ Name. There are great possibilities for sticklers of Kingdom financial principles. For instance, the poorest can become the richest, the outcast can become a celebrity. Your days of begging are over.  The wind of lack has forgotten your address.  A wind of change is blowing towards your direction. You are on your way into stardom.  You shall be celebrated. Like the widow in today’s reading, you shall gain prominence. Let us learn from how she got a turn around. First, she cried out desperately before her turn around came. Until a new born baby cries, it is not yet certain if it will survive. Until you are ready to add passion, desperation and vigor to your desire, you are not sure of a change. Blind Bartimeaus remained blind until he cried. Whatever is shutting your tongue is what is limiting you. Whatever is shutting your mouth is the reason you cannot be heard from Heaven. Until you get your breakthrough, don’t keep quiet.  It is time to shout. Anyone who is being lured into secret sin and keeps quiet will soon become a sinner again. If you see your prayer life dying, don’t keep quiet; shout for help! If the devourer is at work in your situation and has stolen something, shout! If you don’t shout, he will not stop until you lose everything. Shouting is a necessary platform for recovery.  Shout by praying vigorously against that negative event. Shout by seeking counseling on what next to do. Shout by adopting a joint action plan to stop the enemy on his tracks. Remember, you may not get help until you shout. ACTION POINT: The way to ‘shout’ in order to overcome a stubborn sin may be to expose it to someone close to you.

THE ROOT- Open heavens devotional by Pastor E. A Adeboye

BIBLE IN A YEAR: 2 Sam 19-21
THE ROOT Friday, May 21, 2010
MEMORIZE: “He will not suffer thy foot to be moved: he that keepeth thee will not slumber” (Psalm 121:3) READ: Psalm 15: 1-5 “I Jesus have sent mine angel to testify unto you these things in the churches. I am the root and the offspring of David, and the bright and morning star” (Rev. 22:16). One of the titles of Jesus in the above scripture is Root of David. The first thing this title does is remind us of Jesus’ link to plants and trees. John 15:1 says Jesus is the vine while believers are the branches. He is the One we are connected to. But beyond this, He is the root. The root of a tree is the hidden but most essential part of any tree. A tree is a tree because of its roots. Jesus is the unseen or hidden part of the believers. Whenever you feel lonely or helpless, do remember that you are not alone: you have roots. When a seed is developing from seed into a tree, it produces roots. As the root grows, so does the tree. The bigger, deeper and widespread the root grows, the better it is for the tree. A tree with feeble roots would not stand the wind. Jesus is our root so that we can be guaranteed of stability. Hence, Proverbs 12:3 says, “A man shall not be established by wickedness: but the root of the righteous shall not be moved”. As long as Jesus is your root, you shall not be moved. Some people embark on fraudulent means to fortify their business empire but this works only in the short term. It is bound to fail in the long run. God Owns My Business According to today’s reading, the Lord will not allow you to be moved as long as you remain in righteousness. This means anyone who departs from righteousness erodes the stability he or she receives from the Lord. Whatever it will cost you to remain in Christ is a price you must pay. Another condition for Jesus to remain your root is that you must always focus on Him (Psalm 16:8). As long as the Lord is your focus and you continue to seek Him, you will remain connected to the Root. Your prosperity, security, progress, provision and godly desires are only guaranteed as long as Jesus remains your root. Examine yourself today: Is He still your root? ACTION POINT: As long as your roots are widespread, strong and intact, your tomorrow is sure. What are you doing to increase Jesus in your life?

Evidence of Divine Government?- Open heavens devotional by Pastor E. A Adeboye

BIBLE IN A YEAR: 2 Sam 16-18
EVIDENCE OF DIVINE GOVERNMENT? Thursday, May 20, 2010
MEMORIZE: “For the kingdom of God is not meat and drink; but righteousness, and peace, and joy in the Holy Ghost” (Rom. 14:17) READ: Isaiah 9:6-7 Psalm 110:3 talks of people submitting in the day of God’s power.  The day of God’s power refers to when the Lord is in control of the life of an individual and this starts on the day Jesus Christ is accepted as Lord and Savior.  There are three basic kingdoms: God’s, self and Satan’s.  When God is ruling your life, it will be characterized by peace. If you lack this peace, it could mean that you are yet to have the Prince of Peace as your head. Self-government is another kingdom which refers to a time you are in charge of your life.  You are free to do anything, go anywhere, spend your money as you like it. You can eat or drink what you like, have as many boy friends or girl friends as you desire because God is out of the equation. In Judges 17:6, when there was no king in Israel, everyone became lawless. This is very dangerous. Living to please only yourself is the greatest bondage you can be in. Like king Solomon, such an individual will become enslaved to his fleshly desires; Whatever he sees ensnares him. He wants to grab and grab just anything that meets his fancy. That is the greatest slavery a man can be involved in. Are you enslaved to your lusts, passions and desires? The Lord is not on the throne of your heart. One evidence to show Jesus is in your heart is that He will put several checks in place. You may have several desires He will not permit you to satisfy.  Is Jesus the Lord of your life? If you find it difficult to forgive your neighbor, it is because you are in charge.  If you take crucial decisions about your life but only advise God about it, He is not involved in your life. A godless life is characterized by blunders, errors and regret.  If you find it difficult to obey God completely, it is because the Lord is yet a stranger in your house. Until you make Him Lord, He will allow you to continue running your life yourself. It is almost impossible to arrive at Heaven’s destination when you follow your personal route. If you are still troubled, anxious or afraid, Jesus has not been allowed to govern your life. Look at yourself and your activities. Can you point out the evidences of His rulership? ACTION POINT: The works of the flesh are evidences of self-government while the fruit of the Spirit reveal divine government. Which of these operate in you?

BENEFITING FROM THE UNCTION- Open heavens devotional by Pastor E. A Adeboye

IBLE IN A YEAR: 2 Sam 13-15
BENEFITING FROM THE UNCTION Wednesday, May 19, 2010
MEMORIZE: “But ye have an unction from the Holy One, and ye know all things” (1 John 2:20) READ: 1 John 2:20,27 The new anointing is most powerful. It can do what ordinarily cannot be done. It breaks boundaries, opens new doors and moves the anointed to new levels. The new anointing is dynamic, forceful and intoxicating. Ephesians 5:18 says, “And be not drunk with wine, wherein is excess; but be filled with the Spirit”. Here, the one who is full of the Holy Spirit is compared with a liquor drunk. Judges 13:24-25 says the Spirit of God moved Samson at certain times. Some doubting Thomases would find it easier to believe the prophecies the Lord gives me if I can shout or engage in dramatics before I prophecy. Inspite of not shaking, the Holy Spirit prompts me because the anointing is forceful and pushy. I pray that very soon you will be drunk in the Spirit. The word “New’ means something that has not been in use before such as new clothes, cars and houses. New anointing can usher in surprises. When Peter grabbed the lame man at the Beautiful Gate and commanded him to rise up and walk, he least expected he could suddenly go beyond walking to jumping and leaping. Because of the new anointing the Lord is releasing upon you this season, your life will be full of pleasant surprises. You will move from crawling to running, from walking to flying. In 1981, after being made the General Overseer of RCCG, we had quite a few churches, so I could spend a week with an area. In the morning, people would bring those in need of prayers. One day, a woman brought her 8 to 10 year old child she said had never spoken. I prayed for her even though I never expected the surprise response. As soon as I laid hands on her, prayed and rounded up with “In Jesus’ Name,” the child said “Amen”. I nearly jumped out of the window because I least expected her to speak so soon. Her mother was on the floor rolling for joy while the child was asking her what was the matter. If the anointing is in you but dormant, that fellow is most limited. Today’s reading says the presence of the anointing gives you access to knowledge. There are things no man will teach you but which you can only receive from the Spirit. If you fail to have the anointing, you will be separated from that knowledge. Do you have the anointing? Is the unction speaking in your life and ministry as it should? Or is it dormant? Is sin hindering you from getting the best from the anointing? Make your ways right and provoke the Spirit into action. ACTION POINT: List out the benefits of the anointing in your life and ministry. Ask God for greater benefits as you walk closer with the Holy Spirit.

CRUCIFYING CHRIST?- Open heavens devotional by Pastor E. A Adeboye

BIBLE IN A YEAR: 2 Sam 9-12
CRUCIFYING CHRIST? Tuesday, May 18, 2010
MEMORIZE: “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” (Hebrew 6:6) READ: Hebrews 6:4-6 Although the first stage of the second advent of Christ will be sudden and unannounced, the second stage however will come with fanfare, noise and much publicity.  The whole world will be aware of Christ’s physical return.  Revelation 1:7 says all eyes shall see Him. One lesson here is that secret preparation always provokes public proclamation. There is always a place for secret preparation and charge-taking. If you fail to do the right thing in the secret, the expected public result will not follow.  Many people want Heaven to publicly proclaim them like it happened to the Lord Jesus twice in His life time, yet, they fail to make the necessary preparation. God will not proclaim the one He does not know.  The one who has not made a mark in Heaven through effective and concerted prayer life, wholesome, consistent life of thanksgiving, unrestricted Spirit-led praise and worship, Heaven-touching giving, or consistent soul-winning cannot be proclaimed by God. You have to touch God’s heart before His mouth would open. If you are yet to be publicly proclaimed by God (not men, and definitely not by advertising yourself), it is because you have a price to pay.  Unlike earth where just anything goes, Heaven is a place of order hence, it will respond only to your steps. Have you paid the price? “For as the lightning cometh out of the east, and shineth even unto the west; so shall also the coming of the Son of man be” (Matthew 24:27). The second phase of the Lord’s coming will be revealed to all.  All eyes shall see Him and the cloud of witnesses accompanying Him from Heaven. Such spectators will include the descendants of those who crucified Him at His first advent. It will also include born again Christians who refused to tap into and effectively utilize God’s grace to live holy and so were left behind. According to today’s reading, such Christians have crucified the Lord the second time. All crucifers will witness Christ’s return with shame, sorrow, and great wailing.  They will weep because they rejected Him. They will weep because the One they thought did not matter is now to determine the fate of the whole earth including theirs. They will weep because they disappointed the One who loved them so much. On that day, would you be among the Heavenly cloud that will be jubilating or would weeping be your portion? Your decision today could determine your placement on that day. ACTION POINT: Both those who crucified Jesus in time of ignorance and those who are crucifying Him now during a time of knowledge are classed as common enemies.

BENEFITS OF SONS- Open heavens devotional by Pastor E. A Adeboye

BIBLE IN A YEAR: 2 Sam 5 -8
BENEFITS OF SONS Monday, May 17, 2010
MEMORIZE: “Those that be planted in the house of the LORD shall flourish in the courts of our God” (Ps. 92:13) READ: Psalm 92:12-14 You can be anything you want before the Almighty God.  You can be just a creature, like a dog or cow.  You can go beyond being a mere creature to becoming a servant. Being a servant gives you more personal access to God. But you could go another step - to become a son of God. Sons have tremendous opportunities that servants do not have. As a son of God, you become a co-heir with Christ. That means all God has jointly belongs to Jesus and you. Besides, John 8:35 says sons abide in the house forever.  No wonder David in Psalm 23:6 says, “Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the LORD for ever”. He could say so because he had a sonship relationship with the Lord. For such sons, even after leaving planet earth, Jesus promises to prepare His Father’s house for them to stay throughout eternity (John 14:1-3). Sons have eternal right to God’s house. Are you a son of God? If you abide in God’s house, you would automatically flourish.  Psalm 92:13 says, “Those that be planted in the house of the LORD shall flourish in the courts of our God”. Beyond being rich or wealthy, you can flourish.  Age will not erode your opportunities or harvests. In fact, the older you are, the more flourishing you become. This is not for those who visit God’s house.  It is not for servants but for sons. Some people endure going into God’s house or presence.  If they were asked to come for a big contract at 9 am, they would be there by 7 am. But if invited to meet with the King of kings for 8 am, they will stroll into church by 10 am. This attitude hinders people from attaining the heights they were meant to achieve. If you find it difficult to stay in God’s presence, you can be sure you cannot have access into His Heavenly home. Those who would enter Heaven must desire to enter that city not made with hands (Heb. 11:10,16). It far excels the best of planet earth to the extent that it is simply incomparable. Do you qualify for Heaven? To what extent do you long for Heaven? How much do you crave to be in God’s presence?  How much do you enjoy worshipping the Lord? May you make it to this glorious planet in Jesus’ Name. ACTION POINT: If your relationship with God is below that of a son, you can ask for an upgrade.

VIRGIN ENOUGH?- Open heavens devotional by Pastor E. A Adeboye

BIBLE IN A YEAR: 2 Sam 1 -4
VIRGIN ENOUGH? Sunday, May 16, 2010
MEMORIZE: “My son, if sinners entice thee, consent thou not” (Prov. 1:10 ) READ: 1 Peter 5:8-9 The virgin is not only pure, undefiled and of the highest moral standards, but also highly disciplined. To be disciplined means you must have a trainer, a training manual and the grace to hear and comply with instructions. Similarly, you must have the humility to take correction and punishment when you err.  Without these, you cannot go far as a virgin.  You must be hard on your flesh. When Job’s eyes were getting him into trouble too frequently, he took a decisive and informed decision never to lust after a maid (Job 31:1). That takes discipline! It means he could no more afford to stare for long at any lady especially the ravishing ones. For some believers, anything goes. Like their mentor Solomon, anything their eyes see they must have (Ecc. 2:10). There is no slavery like being a slave to your desires. If you cannot dictate to your eyes what it should or shouldn’t see, you are not yet ready for the Heavenly Kingdom. If you do not know when to turn off your television set or move to another channel when unedifying programmes are featured, you may be miles away from being a virgin. If you do not know that there are ungodly hours during which you must not visit the opposite sex including the fellow you intend to marry, you are far from being a virgin. In line with this, a virgin is most cautious and careful. The fellow identifies danger zones and keeps off. Why are you always visiting that sister at night if there is no ulterior motive? If you are a virgin, your body is not for any man to freely touch and explore. You will keep a healthy distance from your female secretary and will not turn your house maid into your second wife. As a minister, you will be careful of the ministers you associate with. You will cut off from those who can lure you into greed, fornication and unhealthy ministerial practices. A virgin is very meticulous.  You will look before you leap. You will not jump at every offer.  You will not just accept any suitor because you are getting older.  You will not want to be dragged into shame or folly hence you will take all the care. Are you as careful? A virgin is led by the Spirit of God, not by his or her head. Are you a virgin? ACTION POINT: Pray that God would raise and protect more godly virgins from our children and teenagers and destroy every plan to defile them.