CIVILIAN SOLDIERS- Open heavens devotional by Pastor E. A Adeboye

BIBLE IN A YEAR: Isa 37-39
CIVILIAN SOLDIERS Friday, August 13, 2010
MEMORIZE: “Thou therefore endure hardness, as a good soldier of Jesus Christ” (2 Tim. 2:3) READ: 2 Timothy 2:3-5 Apart from experiencing the circumcision without hands, the chosen is also expected to be a soldier. 2 Timothy 2:4 says, “No man that warreth entangleth himself with the affairs of this life; that he may please him who hath chosen him to be a soldier”. In recruiting earthly soldiers, some are chosen while others who are unfit are dropped. That you are born again shows you have scaled through the first selection hurdle. What is next is to prove that you are a good soldier of Jesus Christ. Why? There are bad soldiers of the Cross. There are many supposed soldiers in God’s army who are no better than earthly civilians. In 1 Timothy 6:12, Paul enjoins fellow Heavenly soldiers to fight the good fight of faith. We have been called into a fight. It is a fight that is based on your faith in Christ. If you cannot fight to resist and terminate Satan’s operation in your life, family or church, you are a civilian not a soldier. If you cannot fight for God’s promises to be fulfilled in your life and circumstance, you are a civilian not a soldier. Can you imagine a soldier who is armed and at the battle front downing his weapons only to plead with fellow soldiers to assist him in shooting at his enemies? That is a civilian soldier! In the Christian faith, there are many civilian soldiers. If you keep relying on others to pray for you, you are a civilian soldier. If you give money to prayer contractors so that they can go to prayer mountains to be praying for you while you are sleeping at home like David in the midst of battle, you are a civilian soldier. Civilian soldiers make God to vomit. If you are a soldier of the Cross, you must endure hardness. If because of little trials - delayed conception, no money, or some persecution you decided to call it quits with your faith in Christ, you are a civilian, not a soldier. Soldiers are tough. They go through tough and difficult terrains. What would stop the civilians cannot stop soldiers. They are armed. They are disciplined and operate according to the orders of their superiors. They are paid to kill their enemies. They fight putting their lives on line. Are you a soldier or a civilian? ACTION POINT: Ask God to replace every spiritual civil trait in you with those of God’s ideal army.

Dining with Princes or Pigs? - Open heavens devotional by Pastor E. A Adeboye

BIBLE IN A YEAR: Isa 34-36
DINING WITH PRINCES OR PIGS?
MEMORIZE: “The man that wandereth out of the way of understanding shall remain in the congregation of the dead” (Prov. 21:16) Read: Luke 15:15-16 “For God doth know that in the day ye eat thereof, then your eyes shall be opened, and ye shall be as gods, knowing good and evil” (Gen. 3:5).When the serpent came to Eve in the garden of Eden, he painted a picture of limitation-restricted freedom. He told her she only had limited vision and knowledge and could only become as wise as God if she ate of the forbidden fruit. In other words, he was saying, set yourself free. When the world asks you to set yourself free, think twice. They could just be hurling you into the greatest pit of bondage! Eve’s attempt to set herself free got her and the entire human race into trouble. If you are a virgin, the world will tell you the way to set yourself free is by losing your virginity.  It is a lie! They will tell you to free yourself by indulging in hard drugs and mind-blowing substances. That will turn you into a slave. There is no freedom outside of Christ. There is no freedom outside God’s will.  Anytime you are in God’s will, you can be assured of true freedom. In Luke 15:15-16, the prodigal son who wanted to be free got into trouble. He who once wined and dined with the high and mighty was reduced to the level of dinning with pigs. When you forsake the freedom that God offers, the alternative will sit you among pigs. When people begin to ask you to leave your church to start yours so that you can be free, remember they could just be setting you up with pigs. Man needs fellowship. He was not created to be alone. According to Isaiah 6:1-3, God is surrounded by angels who are constantly worshipping Him. There is much noise in Heaven. Anyone who seeks false freedom will still be in need of companionship, but this time, the fellow would attract a wrong crowd to himself (Prov. 21:16).  It is either you are in the company of the living or the congregation of the dead. Every vacuum must be filled. You are either dinning with princes or with pigs.  Your choice of freedom will determine which one you will have. If you want to stay out of control, you will end up with pigs. Which congregation are you attracting? ACTION POINT: Ask God to deliver you from any wrong step that will relocate you among pigs.

GOD'S LOOK ALIKE? - Open heavens devotional by Pastor E. A Adeboye

BIBLE IN A YEAR: Isa 31-33
GOD’S LOOK ALIKE? Wednesday, August 11, 2010
MEMORIZE: “And lo a voice from heaven, Saying, This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased” (Matt. 3:17) READ: Genesis 6:1-7 The Godhead is the pioneer of look alikes as they are like a set of identical triplets. A minister of God was transported to Heaven some years ago. While discussing with the Lord Jesus, suddenly, the Father began to speak through Jesus-talking about why He sent His Son. Later, at the throne room, with an innumerable company of saved souls and angels, He saw Jesus standing at the podium preaching powerfully. From time to time, Jesus turned to exchange glances with the Father who sat on the throne covered in immense unapproachable light. At some point, Jesus walked into that massive light and was completely submerged in it. He also testified of the love in the Trinity to the point that it is like each should never let the other go even for a second. Some people think God the Holy Spirit is only a wind, sound or even a dove. Oh how wrong! God the Holy Spirit like the Father and the Son has a head, hair, hands, legs and body. Like humans, He exercises the basic senses of smell, touch, taste, feel, sight etc. only in a dimension beyond our understanding. God is spirit, has a soul and body parts. He manifests emotions like us. He can be pleased and displeased. He can be grieved when His creatures offend Him. He laughs, commands, and rebukes. He weeps too. Jesus wept on earth but even in Heaven, believers on earth still do things that make Him weep. God can be angry. You must do everything you can to prevent Him from being angry with you. This minister of God who visited the Heavenly planet confirms that God is so massive that if He stands or moves, a universe could be destroyed. No wonder the nations or the world are like drops of water in a bucket! God made us in His image. That means God created us to be gods like Him. Adam before the fall exemplified what we were created to be. Jesus Christ - the second Adam intervened after sin had ravaged mankind unlike the perfect state Adam met it.Today, if you can let Jesus come into you and live through you, the Godhead will make you their house and evil will be far from you. And you will begin to resemble God. Do you look like God? ACTION POINT: Ask for grace to look like God every passing day.

FEED, NOT STARVE - Open heavens devotional by Pastor E. A Adeboye

BIBLE IN A YEAR: Isa 28-30
FEED, NOT STARVE Tuesday, August 10, 2010
MEMORIZE: “Feed the flock of God which is among you, taking the oversight thereof, not by constraint, but willingly; not for filthy lucre, but of a ready mind;” (1 Peter 5:2) READ: 1 Peter 5:2-4 One of the duties of a shepherd is to make his sheep to lie down (Psalm 23:2). For violating the law of rest, many people fall sick and die before their time. God has appointed your body to house your spirit and soul to enable you complete His divine appointment on earth. If you abuse your body by not resting enough after hardwork, it may not survive the number of years it was designed for. Are you taking rest as and when due? Another duty of a shepherd is to feed the flock. 1 Peter 5:2 says, “Feed the flock of God which is among you, taking the oversight thereof, not by constraint, but willingly; not for filthy lucre, but of a ready mind”. Every sheep needs food - good food. When addressing the rich or comfortable people, part of the diet you must serve them is that they must not fall into the error of trusting in their wealth because they can suddenly grow wings and fly away (1 Tim. 6:17). On the other hand, you must comfort the poor and hungry. Some of them are so distressed that you would have to comfort them before they can sleep. You have to tell them that no matter how trying the times they are facing, their tomorrow will be alright because it is under God’s control. In Psalm 23:2, David talks of ‘green pastures’. This refers to God’s Word. The greenness of the pasture suggests freshness. The implication of this for the shepherd is not to continue repeating the same sermon. Sheep love to eat from fresh grass and not yesterday’s stale provision. If you feel you have exhausted your messages, take time to listen to the tapes of others, read other people’s books, attend conferences and leaders meetings to borrow a leaf from them in wisdom. Nobody is a custodian of knowledge. If you do not hear others, you will soon go dry and become boring to your sheep. Some people write books, wax a record or sell their messages but are surprised that they do not get enough patronage. It is a sowing and reaping affair. If you want others to patronize you, start by patronizing others. Do you invest time and money in building yourself up to be able to meet the hunger needs of your flock? Feed them. Are there signs of spiritual starvation in your family, fellowship or church? ACTION POINT: Ability to identify the dietary needs of your family or church and satisfy them makes you like the Good Shepherd - Jesus Christ.

DO YOUR BIT- Open heavens devotional by Pastor E. A Adeboye

BIBLE IN A YEAR: Isa 25-27
DO YOUR BIT Monday, August 9, 2010
MEMORIZE: “For we are laborers together with God: ye are God’s husbandry, ye are God’s building” (1 Cor. 3:9) READ: John 6:5-7 Today’s reading is an interesting one.  People gathered to listen to the Lord and at a particular point, He asked Philip where they could get enough food for the crowd. God is not only interested in your spiritual well-being, but also in your physical wellbeing. Yet, you would note that the spiritual food preceded the physical food.  This is the divine order as the spiritual controls the physical. Anytime you focus on the things of the Spirit, Heaven focuses on your physical needs. Hence, Matthew 6:33 says your desires must be prioritized with God at the top of your list. God never asked you to worry about the earthly things. Just focus on issues of the Kingdom and you would compel God to supply your earthly needs. Similarly, when the Lord asked Philip where they could get sufficient food to feed the crowd, his mind first went to money.  Even today, when you ask people to do something for God, they will first think about money.  This should not be the case. First think of the All-Sufficient One.  There are things money can buy and others money cannot buy.  God can fix any of them. In addition, the Lord sought counsel from Philip. The Counselor asked counsel. Anytime God asks you to give Him something, it is only a test. He already knows how to fix that problem in your life because He is the All-Sufficient One.  It is only a privilege to be called of God for any ministerial assignment. In Exodus 14, the Lord gave the impression that Moses was the one doing something great. How? He asked the children of Israel to move forward while Moses stretched his hands over the Red sea to part it. He made Moses feel he was the one parting the sea but because Moses knew better, he gave all the glory to God in Exodus 15. God wants to work with you. While He does the impossible, He wants you to do the possible. There are just little things you can do that will make God to do the mighty things you cannot do. But if you fail to do your bit, He will not do His. Just learn to praise, worship and thank Him. Give Him credit for everything and watch Him do the impossible in your life and situation. ACTION POINT: Your little will provoke God’s much.  Don’t fail to do it!

Fulfilling Covenant Promises - Open heavens devotional by Pastor E. A Adeboye

BIBLE IN A YEAR: Isa 22-24
FULFILLING COVENANT PROMISES Sunday, August 8, 2010
MEMORIZE: “And God heard their groaning, and God remembered his covenant with Abraham, with Isaac, and with Jacob” (Exodus 2:24) READ: Exodus 2:24-25 Genesis 30:22 says, “And God remembered Rachel...”. This gives the impression that it is possible for the All-knowing God to forget something or someone. This is not possible. However, until the appointed day of your favor, it may appear as if God did not notice you or hear your prayers. From Rachel’s experience, when your time of favor comes, long standing problems suddenly disappear. No problem can resist the power of God’s favor. This has not changed. God’s favor is known to deal with reproaches in a man’s life or family. Rachel’s reproach was barrenness. Naaman’s reproach was leprosy. The prophet’s widow however was reproached with heavy indebtedness. Yet, divine favor took away all their reproaches. What is that reproach in your life today? It will be taken care of by God’s favor. “And God heard their groaning, and God remembered his covenant with Abraham, with Isaac, and with Jacob. And God looked upon the children of Israel, and God had respect unto them” (Exo. 2:24-25). For over 400 years, God’s people remained in slavery in a foreign land. Generations of the Israeli race were in slavery, poverty and bondage. Meanwhile, it appeared God had forgotten that He had a covenant with Abraham His friend. But when the time of their favor was at hand, God remembered His covenant with their ancestors and delivered them through Moses (Exo. 7:16). A time of God’s favor is therefore a time that God remembers and implements His covenant with His beloved. A time of God’s favor is also a time of God’s visitation. In 1 Samuel 2:21, God visited Hannah and her years of barrenness were overtaken by years of fruitfulness. When God visited Hannah, it was at home, not in Shiloh. Sometimes, after God has taken your request during a special meeting, He may have to send His angels to personally deliver your package to you at home. Distance is not a barrier. This season, the Lord will visit you even at your location and turn your reproach around. ACTION POINT: Father, by Your favor establish every good Word You have spoken concerning me, my family, and our local church this season.

ACCESS DENIED - Open heavens devotional by Pastor E. A Adeboye

BIBLE IN A YEAR: Isa 19-21
ACCESS DENIED Saturday, August 7, 2010
MEMORIZE:   “For whosoever shall keep the whole law, and yet offend in one point, he is guilty of all” (James  2:10) READ: James 2:10-13 Anyone who is expecting the second coming of the Lord will be prepared. The fellow will set his or her house in order.  Also, that person will settle every pending quarrel or grudge he has with others. Hebrews 12:14 says if you must see God, you must follow peace. Making peace with those who offended you can be a humiliating experience. You might have vowed never to cross the path of your offender yet, you are made to eat the humble pie. If you do not want to go to Heaven, you can continue with bitterness, grudges and unforgiving spirit: but if Heaven is your goal, you must descend from your high place and settle with even those who offended you.  You would recall the testimony of the founder of the RCCG, Pa Akindayomi.  He died and on reaching the gates of Heaven, God showed him his glorious mansion and crowns but he was not allowed in. He was told that there was somebody who offended him that he had not settled with. That was enough to disqualify him from entering that blessed land but out of mercy, God sent him back to earth to settle with the person before he returned and was allowed in. Not everybody is given the opportunity to right their wrongs after death. For most people, after death is judgment. Imagine after working for God for several years and at death be shown what you would have enjoyed but not be allowed into Heaven? That will not be your portion. Some people, even so-called workers and ministers are not running the Christian race. They are not going to where you think they are going. Some are heading for hell and looking for as many people as they can take along with them. All they do is provoke you to anger.  They will step hard on your toes and deliberately do what will make you permanent enemies. If you love your life, let them go and continue the race. If not, they will terminate your journey to Heaven. If you are rejected at the gate of Heaven, the only alternative is hell. Many souls are lamenting in hell because they refused to forgive just one person.  They were okay in other issues. But today’s reading says if you keep all the law and break one, you are guilty of all. Never let any one rob you of your eternal glorious home. ACTION POINT: Any price to escape eternal hell and enter into Heaven is worth paying.

Circumcision without hands - Open heavens devotional by Pastor E. A Adeboye

BIBLE IN A YEAR: Isa 16-18
CIRCUMCISION WITHOUT HANDS Friday, August 6, 2010
MEMORIZE: “But God forbid that I should glory, save in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, by whom the world is crucified unto me, and I unto the world” (Gal. 6:14) READ: Galatians 6:11-15 Another obligation of the one God has chosen is circumcision. In Genesis 17:9-11, God instructed Abraham to circumcise every male child in his family as part of the covenant between them. After Paul was chosen on his way to Damascus in Acts 22:13-15, he said he too had to undergo circumcision (Phil. 3:1-12). There is physical and spiritual circumcision. Today, physical circumcision is of great value to man biologically. But spiritual circumcision is of greater benefit to the believer. “In whom also ye are circumcised with the circumcision made without hands, in putting off the body of the sins of the flesh by the circumcision of Christ” (Col. 2:11) The spiritual circumcision is called circumcision of Christ. And this is done not by physical hands but by divine hands. It entails trimming down and it is a very painful experience. For everyone who has been washed in the blood of Jesus to be counted part of the spiritual family of Abraham, that fellow must undergo spiritual circumcision. Heaven attaches more value to this type of circumcision than to the physical type. Spiritual circumcision entails a separation between you and the sinful things you loved doing while still in sin. According to today’s passage, while physical circumcision makes you to boast in the flesh, spiritual circumcision denies the flesh anything to be proud of. When you boast of your academic certificates, position, fame, power, and other achievements, it is because you have not been circumcised. When you are circumcised, all these would mean nothing to you. And like Paul, you will be able to give them up for the knowledge of the One who died for you. If you are ashamed to be identified with the Christian faith, you have not experienced spiritual circumcision. Circumcision is getting to a point in your walk with God that you readily suffer persecution for Him and take it joyfully. Circumcision brings pain to the circumcised. Unlike physical circumcision which pain can be for a few days, spiritual circumcision can give the circumcised prolonged pain. How much pain you can take for God’s Kingdom determines the extent of your circumcision. If you cannot sacrifice or give sacrificial offerings to move God’s Kingdom forward, it is doubtful if you have experienced spiritual circumcision. Go to God today for this experience. ACTION POINT: A professing believer who cannot take insults or abuses from superiors or subordinates is not yet circumcised.

Aftermath of Self-Government - Open heavens devotional by Pastor E. A Adeboye

BIBLE IN A YEAR: Isa 13-15
AFTERMATH OF SELF-GOVERNMENT Thursday, August 5, 2010
MEMORIZE: “And even as they did not like to retain God in their knowledge, God gave them over to a reprobate mind, to do those things which are not convenient;” (Rom. 1:28) READ: Proverbs 24:30-34 Series of negative events trail a decision to go into self-government. First, is a sense of ‘freedom’, closely followed by sinful pleasure. Then comes loss and destruction. May you never venture into self-government! Proverbs 3:35 says, “The wise shall inherit glory: but shame shall be the promotion of fools”. When a branch is severed from the tree, its leaf will still remain green, at least for a while. But when the food deposit is exhausted, it will dry up. Anyone who decides to govern his or her life will eventually suffer shame. And when this begins, at some point, those who lured the fellow to break away will eventually forsake him. Then comes famine. When deserted by friends there will be none to help. Proverbs 24:30-34 assures those in self-government of sudden famine. After famine comes a need for a change in government. After seeing the futility of self-government, you may opt for another type of government. However, to return to your former place will become an uphill task. When a branch is cut off from a tree, that tree will ‘weep’ for a period of time, after which, something else will grow in that location as the tree continues as if nothing ever happened. Talking of trees, you have big and small ones. In the same manner, you have small and large branches. It is preferable to be a large branch on a big tree than to be a tiny tree scared of ferocious winds. Since it may not be easy to return to where you left after a trip into self-government, that individual may consider Satan’s government. For instance, when the miracles are ebbing and the crowd is reducing, the fellow may begin to search for satanic alternatives. Is someone asking you to break away from the Christian fold? Are you being invited into another religious sect offering you freedom to do whatever you like? Watch it! You are about to lose your freedom! It is the one that Jesus Christ has set free that is truly free. All other forms of freedom are bondages in disguise. Do not yield to any pressure to forsake the true and righteous path you are treading. Submit totally to God today. ACTION POINT: Ask God to expose, uproot and disgrace so-called men of God who are using witchcraft, voodoo and other satanic means to manipulate church members worldwide.

DIVINE 'TRIPLETS' - Open heavens devotional by Pastor E. A Adeboye

BIBLE IN A YEAR: Isa 10-12
DIVINE ‘TRIPLETS’ Wednesday, August 4, 2010
MEMORIZE: “I and my Father are one” (John 10:30) READ: Daniel 7:9, 13-14 “ I beheld till the thrones were cast down, and the Ancient of days did sit, whose garment was white as snow, and the hair of his head like the pure wool: his throne was like the fiery flame, and his wheels as burning fire” (Daniel 7:9). The Bible is such a wonderful book. For the searching and discerning disciple, several mysteries are unveiled in it. Do you want to know what God looks like? In fact, do you know that the picture of the Godhead is presented in the Bible? In today’s reading, we see a picture of God the Father - the Ancient of days.  He was given a brief description. Although Jesus Christ was also present at this meeting, He was not given so much description in terms of looks, form, dressing. He came to meet His Father to take dominion over all nations of the earth. Do you want to dominate your situations and circumstances? The One to go to is Jesus Christ. In Matthew 28:18, He says all power has been given to Him. If you go elsewhere, you can only get inferior power. However, in Revelation 1:12-16, an apt description of Jesus Christ in His glorified form is presented. If you can meditatively visualize the picture painted by John the Beloved, you could be able to see God’s picture through the eyes of your spirit. Also, in Ezekiel 8:1-4, another picture is given of the Holy Spirit covered in glory. If you compare that of the Father and the Son, you will see similarities. One lesson you can draw from these pictures of the Godhead is that God the Father, God the Son and God the Holy Spirit are like a set of divine triplets. They look alike so much and are in each other even though they are three separate divine beings. When Philip asked Jesus to show them the Father in John 14:8-9, He said he who has seen Him has seen the Father. This is also why Jesus says He and His Father are one. They are one not in number but in looks, character, deeds, desires, goals and plans. In number, they are three (1 John 5:7).  If you see the Father, you will take Him for Jesus and so also the Holy Spirit. To what extent do you look like God? ACTION POINT: Meditate on Daniel 7:9,13-14; Rev. 1:12-16 and Ezekiel 8:1-4 and ask God to show you His picture like no painting could.

WHAT SHEPHERDS DO - Open heavens devotional by Pastor E. A Adeboye

BIBLE IN A YEAR: Isa 7-9
WHAT SHEPHERDS DO Tuesday, August 3, 2010
MEMORIZE: “He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters” (Psalm 23:2) READ: Psalm 23:1-6 A good shepherd must be conversant with the characteristics of his sheep and relate with them according to what he knows about them. Without this, there will always be serious issues bordering on sheep-shepherd relationships. The shepherd is the defender of the sheep. The sheep you fail to protect will definitely end up in the teeth of lions. While in the midst of enemies, the sheep is reassured of safety as long as the shepherd is around. Unfortunately, the presence of some under shepherds does not insure the sheep against danger. If the lions of this world poverty, false doctrine, spiritual hunger, backsliding, etc. take a hold on your members in your presence, you are not a shepherd but an hireling. A sheep is so dependent that it does not know when to sleep or wake up. It is therefore the duty of the shepherd to ensure the sheep sleeps and wakes at the right time. To do all these, the shepherd must have genuine love for the sheep. How much do you love your members? “He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters” (Psalm 23:2). According to the above scripture, it is the duty of the shepherd to ensure his sheep take adequate rest. After a hard day’s work, rest becomes mandatory. God designed our bodies in such a way that after work and rest, there is a rejuvenation, a renewal of the entire system that prepares the fellow for more work. Working without adequate rest is body abuse. You may appear to get away with it for a while but at some point when the body crashes, compulsory rest will be inevitable. But at this time, it will be at some cost. If you do not work hard, you are already resting and do not need any other form of rest. To ensure your people rest, do not occupy every day of the week with programs. Let them have time to rest. Let them also have time for their family. The way some church leaders design programs, they are responsible for breakage of homes of members. Also, when you observe members are falling spiritually asleep, you would prop them up with fiery messages. You must be alert to know what to serve your flock. Are you a true shepherd? ACTION POINT: If over-occupation of members is leading to breakage of homes, you are not a shepherd but an hireling.

HE PREFERS YOUR PRAISE - Open heavens devotional by Pastor E. A Adeboye

BIBLE IN A YEAR: Isa 4-6
HE PREFERS YOUR PRAISE Monday, August 2, 2010
MEMORIZE: “Give unto the LORD the glory due unto his name; worship the LORD in the beauty of holiness” (Psalm 29:2) READ: Psalm 29:1-2 God created you to fellowship with Him. After man’s fall, God began to seek for someone among the fallen ones with whom He can re-establish fellowship (John 4:23-24). The best way to fellowship with God is by praising and worshipping Him. According to John 3:3-8, if you have been born again, you have been born of the Spirit and you are spirit too. You then qualify to fellowship with God. Fellowship is also appreciating God and telling Him how good He is. One major challenge of leaders is getting someone who truly appreciates or encourages them. Most people are burdened with their needs and think of only what they can get from their leader. Appreciation from immediate subordinates is of greater value to a leader than the one that comes from outsiders. God values your fellowship so much that inspite of the billions of angels shouting “Holy, Holy, Holy, Lord God Almighty”, He still inhabits the praises of His people. God prefers hearing praises from you and I whom He made in His own image than praises from angelic beings. Are you praising Him daily? Praise gives you a special standing before God. A standing not even the angels can boast of. After creating the earth, because there was nobody to praise Him, God praised Himself (Genesis 1). He looked at each work He had done and said, “It is very good”. God loves to be praised. He deserves to be praised. He had worked for it and so it will be sheer robbery to deny Him His due. Hence, Psalm 29:2 says, “Give unto the LORD the glory due unto his name; worship the LORD in the beauty of His holiness”. When you praise or worship God, you are only stating the obvious. Your praise cannot add to or diminish from Him. How much of your time do you devote to His praise? Moreover, God wants to send you to preach. He wants to anoint you to a point where the miraculous would be common place in your life. However, He wants you to be with Him more than anything else. He demands your praise, worship and appreciation. Create time for this on daily basis and you would be amazed how your life can be turned around for the best. If you spend quality time in His presence, you will get to know Him more. The less time you spend with Him, the less you know of Him. ACTION POINT: God awarded credits to Himself over His works at creation. Awarding credits to God particularly the best marks for what He has done in your life and family is acceptable praise.