Open Heavens Daily Devotional Written By Pastor E.A. Adeboye

Topic:- DIVINE BACKING – Sunday July 31st 2016

Memorise: There shall not any man be able to stand before thee all the days of thy life: as I was with Moses, so I will be with thee: I will not fail thee, nor forsake thee. Joshua 1:5

Read: Joshua 1:1-7, (KJV)

1 Now after the death of Moses the servant of the Lord it came to pass, that the Lord spake unto Joshua the son of Nun, Moses' minister, saying,

2 Moses my servant is dead; now therefore arise, go over this Jordan, thou, and all this people, unto the land which I do give to them, even to the children of Israel.

3 Every place that the sole of your foot shall tread upon, that have I given unto you, as I said unto Moses.

4 From the wilderness and this Lebanon even unto the great river, the river Euphrates, all the land of the Hittites, and unto the great sea toward the going down of the sun, shall be your coast.

5 There shall not any man be able to stand before thee all the days of thy life: as I was with Moses, so I will be with thee: I will not fail thee, nor forsake thee.

6 Be strong and of a good courage: for unto this people shalt thou divide for an inheritance the land, which I sware unto their fathers to give them.

7 Only be thou strong and very courageous, that thou mayest observe to do according to all the law, which Moses my servant commanded thee: turn not from it to the right hand or to the left, that thou mayest prosper withersoever thou goest.

MESSAGE

Divine backing is the support you receive supernaturally from the Almighty God. Without divine backing, hardly can any man succeed in life. This is because demonic activities in the world are out to frustrate mankind. The Bible says:

“Therefore rejoice, ye heavens, and ye that dwell in them. Woe to the inhibiters of the earth and of the sea! For the devil is come down unto you, having great wrath, because he knoweth that he hath but a short time.” Revelation 12:12

In the memory verse for today, God encouraged Joshua to take up the spiritual mandate of leading His people to the Promised Land. Joshua was assured of divine backing when the Lord said:

“There shall not any man be able to stand before thee all the days of thy life: as I was with Moses, so I will be with thee; I will not fail thee, nor forsake thee. Joshua 1:5

God repeatedly encouraged Joshua to be courageous. No wonder he did great exploits in the Name of the Lord. When David faced Goliath, it was divine backing that saw him through the fight against the experienced giant. In response to the giant’s curses, David said:

“This day will the Lord deliver thee into mine hand; and I will smite thee, and take thine head from thee; and I will give the carcases of the host of the Philistines this day unto the fowls of the air, and to the wild beasts of the earth; that all the earth may know that there is a God in Israel.” 1st Samuel 17:46

David, prior to this time had been enjoying divine backing. It was this divine backing that enabled him to kill a lion and a bear that wanted to steal his father’s livestock. Beloved, you too will enjoy divine backing if you surrender your life to Jesus Christ today. Even as a believer, for you to enjoy divine backing, particularly in the ministry, you need to be broken and live in obedience of the Word of God. Jesus said:

“Ye have not chosen me, but I have chosen you, and ordained you, that ye should go and bring forth fruit, and that your fruit should remain: that whatsoever ye shall ask of the Father in my name, he may give it you.” John 15:16

Jesus chose you to win souls to His Kingdom and He promised to back you up by providing everything you request for. May the Lord give you supernatural support and the backing you need to succeed in Jesus’ name.

Prayer Point

Father, please support me in all I do in Jesus’ name.

Bible In A Year:

Hebrews 1:1-14; Hebrews 2:1-18; Hebrews 3:1-19; Hebrews 4:1-16; Hebrews 5:1-9; Psalms 23:1-6

Jay Z’s ROC Nation Officially Welcomes Tiwa Savage To The Family (Photo)

 

Mavins' first lady Tiwa Savage has signed with Roc Nation, an American entertainment company founded by rapper Jay Z in 2008. The official Instagram page of the company shared the photo above as they officially welcomed her. 

Congratulations Tiwatope Savage

Open Heavens Daily Devotional Written By Pastor E.A. Adeboye

Topic:- JUST DO IT RIGHT – Friday July 29th 2016

Memorise: And having in a readiness to revenge all disobedience, when your obedience is fulfilled. 2nd Corinthians 10:6

Read: 1st Samuel 15:16-23, (KJV)

16 Then Samuel said unto Saul, Stay, and I will tell thee what the Lord hath said to me this night. And he said unto him, Say on.

17 And Samuel said, When thou wast little in thine own sight, wast thou not made the head of the tribes of Israel, and the Lord anointed thee king over Israel?

18 And the Lord sent thee on a journey, and said, Go and utterly destroy the sinners the Amalekites, and fight against them until they be consumed.

19 Wherefore then didst thou not obey the voice of the Lord, but didst fly upon the spoil, and didst evil in the sight of theLord?

20 And Saul said unto Samuel, Yea, I have obeyed the voice of the Lord, and have gone the way which the Lord sent me, and have brought Agag the king of Amalek, and have utterly destroyed the Amalekites.

21 But the people took of the spoil, sheep and oxen, the chief of the things which should have been utterly destroyed, to sacrifice unto the Lord thy God in Gilgal.

22 And Samuel said, Hath the Lord as great delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices, as in obeying the voice of the Lord? Behold, to obey is better than sacrifice, and to hearken than the fat of rams.

23 For rebellion is as the sin of witchcraft, and stubbornness is as iniquity and idolatry. Because thou hast rejected the word of the Lord, he hath also rejected thee from being king.

MESSAGE

A good number of people confuse service of God’s approval or acceptance. It will be profitable for people, particularly children of God, to understand that it is one thing to engage in the service of God and it is another thing for God to accept your service. The simple message for today is – “just do it right, and God will accept you and your service”. The Bible says:

“I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service.”

Romans 12:1

In our Bible reading today, we read of the first king in Israel who put sacrifice over and above being obedient to God and His Word. God told king Saul to go and utterly destroy the Amalekites and everything they possessed; from the king to the least of the beasts. However, Saul went, fought and won the battle, but failed to carry out God’s instruction to the letter. When he was cross-examined by Prophet Samuel, he had the effrontery to tell Samuel that he had done what God asked him to do, except the soil of sheep and oxen which he took to use as sacrifice to the Lord. This unfortunately cost him his throne. Samuel said:

“….. Hath the Lord as great delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices, as in obeying the voice of the Lord? Behold, to obey is better than sacrifice, and to hearken than the fat of rams.” 1st Samuel 15:22

There is a great lesson we should learn from the story of king Saul and the assignment he was given to fight the Amalekites. Some people seem to be more spiritual than the Holy Spirit when you consider the way they claim to know everything about the ways of God. It is not unlikely that king Saul felt it would be a waste of resources by totally destroying the material resources in Amalek. It is also not unlikely that he felt it will be an act of wickedness on the part of God to have asked him to kill the king, Agag. Beloved, there are many types of Amalekites and king Agags that God will want us to get rid of in our life. The Bible lists some things that we must do away with in Galatians 5:19-21

“Now the works of the flesh are manifest, which are these; adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lasciviousness, idolatry, witchcraft, hatred, variance, emulations, wrath, strife, seditions, heresies, Envyings, murders, drunkenness, revellings, and such like..”

Some so-called workers in the Church are still harbouring these things that we are to get rid of, yet they are ‘zealously’ working for God. It is unfortunate that their labour attracts no reward. Jesus said that on that day, they will come and say:

“We have eaten and drunk in thy presence, and thou hast taught in our streets. But he shall say, I tell you, I know you not whence ye are, depart from me, all ye workers of iniquity.” Luke 13:26-27

May this not be your portion in Jesus’ name.

Prayer Point

Father, please help me to be obedient, and begin to do the right thing in your sight from now onward.

Bible In A Year:

2nd Timothy 1:1-18; 2nd Timothy 2:1-26; 2nd Timothy 3:1-17; 2nd Timothy 4:1-22; Psalms 22:1-21

I Am The Most Popular Female Artiste In Africa – Tiwa Savage

Tiwa Savage has finally made her debut feature on Apple Music’s Beats 1 Radio, hosted by Hot 97’s radio presenter, Ebro.

In the interview which will go live later today in New York, the Mavin queen proudly noted that she is Africa’s most popular female artiste.

Recall that earlier on today, Davido’s interview with Ebro went live and he talked about his music and why he calls his genre ‘Afrofusion’, and not the popular Afrobeats. You can read up the interesting expository chat here .

Now, Tiwa Savage takes American listeners into her world of African music, but first, she corrects Ebro when he described her as the ‘most popular artiste on the continent of Africa .’

“Popular female ,” she set the records straight and then laughed. “ This sounds like I’m cocky. ”

However, Ebro noted that she works hard, hence is deserving of that massive crown. “Definitely. I work hard ,” Ms Savage agreed.

Ebro said Beats 1 Radio is bringing her to the world and would be promoting her records. “That’s what we are trying to do here,” Ebro said, adding, “We are trying to bring artistes to the world .”

“I feel like a superstar, ” the excited Mavin artiste revealed.

Its A Miracle!! Deeper Life Pastor Kumuyi Reportedly Heals Mentally Unstable Woman In Bauchi (Pics)

A woman who was mentally unstable, last Sunday 24/7/2016, reportedly received total healing after Deeper Life pastor W. F Kumuyi prayed for her during his one day visit to Bauchi.

According to Dedan Dedanson Denmark who shared the news on Facebook, the woman was said to be from Bogoro local govt area and used to work as a cook in a secondary school (PERFECT MEMORIAL SECONDARY SCHOOL MUARI) in Muari villag. She had been in this condition for 7 years.

Dedan wrote;

Open Heavens Daily Devotional Written By Pastor E.A. Adeboye

Topic:- THOU SHALT NOT COVET - Thursday July 28th 2016

Memorise: But fornications, and all uncleanness, or covetousness, let it not be once named among you, as becometh saints; Ephesians 5:3

Read: Ephesians 5:3-7, (KJV)

3 But fornication, and all uncleanness, or covetousness, let it not be once named among you, as becometh saints;

4 Neither filthiness, nor foolish talking, nor jesting, which are not convenient: but rather giving of thanks.

5 For this ye know, that no whoremonger, nor unclean person, nor covetous man, who is an idolater, hath any inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and of God.

6 Let no man deceive you with vain words: for because of these things cometh the wrath of God upon the children of disobedience.

7 Be not ye therefore partakers with them.

MESSAGE

Today, we will examine one of the Ten Commandments; covetousness. The sin of covetousness is a cluster of many sins that sets man against his Maker. Upon the sin of covetousness hangs many other sins like stealing, sexual immorality and murder, hence the law:

“Thou shalt not covet thy neighbour’s house, thou shalt not covet thy neighbour’s wife, nor his manservant, nor his maidservant, nor his ox, nor his ass, nor any thing that is thy neigbour’s.” Exodus 20:17

David, a God-fearing soldier, king and prophet fell because of covetousness. He coveted Bathsheba, his soldier’s wife; and went from one form of sin to another. Covetousness led him to adultery and adultery led him to a murderous act. When someone is caught in the sin of covetousness in the area of alcohol, he gets drunk and what next? Foolish talking and jesting that are not convenient become inevitable. The Bible says:

“Look not thou upon the wine when it is red, when it giveth his colour in the cup, when it moveth itself aright. At the last it biteth like a serpent, and stingeth like an adder. Thine eyes shall behold strange women, and thine heart shall utter perverse things.” Proverbs 23:31-33

Coveting your neighbour’s possession can lead to murder. The reason for this is that when someone covets his neighbour’s estate, and is unable to get it, he may resolve to kill the rightful owner to have it. This was the case in Ahab and Naboth’s story (1st Kings 21:1-16). Ahab organised a feast where Naboth should be framed up and killed by the scheme of his wife, Jezebel. Immediately the plan was hatched, the Lord sent His prophet to go and deliver His judgement upon Ahab. It was a judgement of vengeance.

“… Thus saith the LORD, Hast thou killed, and also taken possession? And thou shalt speak unto him, saying, Thus saith the LORD, In the place where dogs licked the blood of Naboth shall dogs lick thy blood, even thine.” 1st Kings 21:19

Beloved, let us beware of the sin of covetousness as Jesus warned in Luke 12:15-20. The man in that story was boasting about what he possessed but that same night God required his soul from him. Our Lord then asked who those things he had acquired shall be for. Think about it and you will discover that covetousness is not worth it after all.

Action Point

Think of those things that entice you to acts of covetousness, pray and avoid being possessed by them.

Bible In A Year:

1st Timothy 1:1-20; 1st Timothy 2:1-15; 1st Timothy 3:1-16; 1st Timothy 4:1-16; 1st Timothy 5:1-25; 1st Timothy 6:1-21; Psalms 21:1-13

Three Reportedly Killed During Hausa-Yoruba Clash In Lagos

 

Three persons were reportedly killed in a clash between the Hausa and Yoruba community at Ijora Badia area of Lagos state yesterday July 26th.

According to Vanguard, trouble started when a man named Ojo was allegedly attacked and stabbed to death by some Hausa boys in the area.

The Yoruba youths in the area staged a protest that became violent.

“For long, these Hausa boys have been attacking people here. They waylay people, dispose them of cash and belongings. Even rulers of both ethnic groups are aware of the issue.

”Tajudeen Shamsudeen, a resident in the community said The demolition of shanties in the community yesterday increased the tension in the area.

While the Hausa community claim the demolition is one-sided as its only their houses that were demolished, the Yoruba community deny the claim saying it was on the order of the state government.

In the course of the demolition, some Customs officers, who residents of the area claim were invited by the Seriki Hausa, the leader of the Hausa community, stormed the community in three patrol vehicles at about 2.30p.m.

They were alleged to have shot into the air to scare off hoodlums in the area.

The hoodlums were said to have resisted the Customs officers who allegedly attempted to stop the demolition, an action that led to a shootout, during which three persons sustained gunshot wounds.

One of the bullets from the hoodlums hit a Customs officer who was later rushed to the hospital.

One of those hit by a stray bullet was identified to be Azeez Tajudeen. Eyewitnesses said he was first taken to the police station for a police report, before being rushed to an undisclosed hospital.

Confirming the incident, the spokesperson of the Lagos state Police command, Dolapo Badmus, said contrary to eyewitnesses, only one person died during the attack

“The community and the police were on a joint operation of raiding black spots within the community and arresting suspected criminals yesterday.

In the process, some officers of the Nigerian Customs Service officers, who were with officials of the National Emergency Management Agency, NEMA, had an encounter with some of the hoodlums.

They fired some shots and three people were hit. As a result, one death was recorded, while two others are receiving treatment in the hospital. Policemen are not involved.”she said

Open Heavens Daily Devotional Written By Pastor E.A. Adeboye

Topic:- ASSURANCE OF BREAKTHROUGH – Wednesday July 27th 2016

Memorise: Thou shalt also decree a thing, and it shall be established unto thee: and the light shall shine upon thy ways. Job 22:28

Read: 1st Samuel 30:6-8, (KJV)

6 And David was greatly distressed; for the people spake of stoning him, because the soul of all the people was grieved, every man for his sons and for his daughters: but David encouraged himself in the Lord his God.

7 And David said to Abiathar the priest, Ahimelech's son, I pray thee, bring me hither the ephod. And Abiathar brought thither the ephod to David.

8 And David enquired at the Lord, saying, Shall I pursue after this troop? shall I overtake them? And he answered him, Pursue: for thou shalt surely overtake them, and without fail recover all.

MESSAGE

Breakthroughs are of the Lord. The earlier the children of God understand this fact, the better for them. People look around for breakthroughs as if their power will bring it to pass. It is pardonable for unbelievers but it is not acceptable to professed children of God who know what the scripture says about breakthroughs.

“Then he answered and spake unto me, saying, this is the word of the Lord unto Zerubbabel, saying, Not by might, nor by power, but by my spirit, saith the Lord of hosts.” Zechariah 4:7

This is one of the reasons why we know that our tomorrow shall be alright. I discovered this a long time ago and the words “my tomorrow shall be alright” became our anthem in the Redeemed Christian Church of God. Not because I know how to go about things, but because I discovered that the breakthrough of a man has already been established before his creation. For example, it was not man that forced light to come, neither was it man that created the animal kingdom over which he was made king. Why should I worry about how God will bring about my breakthrough? My breakthrough is settled in Christ.

Divine guidance is the secret of breaking through obstacles and challenges of life. In our Bible reading for today, we read about the secret of the victory David had at the raid of Ziglag. After David has wept for his loss, he gathered himself together and asked God if pursuing the troops that invaded him would be a profitable one. To receive unfailing breakthrough, asking God for divine guidance is inevitable.

Moreover, a prayer of decree can guarantee assurance of breakthrough according to today’s Memory verse:

“Thou shalt also decree a thing, and it shall be established unto thee: and the light shall shine upon thy ways.”

Our Lord Jesus Christ assured us of breakthroughs against all obstacles that the enemies may try to bring our way:

“…. Verily I say unto you, if ye have faith, and doubt not, ye shall not only do this which is done to the fig tree, but also if ye shall say unto this mountain, Be thou removed, and be thou cast into the sea; it shall be done.” Matthew 21:21

Beloved, the Almighty God is the Source of all human breakthroughs. Therefore, bring yourself to the favour of your Maker today and you will experience the breakthrough of your dreams.

Prayer Point:

Father, please remove all obstacles in my way to breakthrough and cause me to excel in Jesus’ name.

Bible In A Year:

1st Thessalonians 5:1-28; 2nd Thessalonians 1:1-12; 2nd Thessalonians 2:1-17; 2nd Thessalonians 3:1-18; Psalms 20:1-9

Romantic! Toyin Aimakhu Caught Kissing Top Nigerian Comedian In Public (Photo)

Toyin Aimakhu about to kiss Seyi Law

 

At the just concluded comedy show, Seyi Law Fast and Funny show the Kings and Queens edition, popular Nollywood actress Toyin Aimakhu was spotted kissing comedian Seyi Law during one of his comedy skits.

Comedian Seyi Law can be reported has someone who is never afraid of kissing Nollywood stars. Seyi Law while trying to crack jokes to everyone who attended his show, decided to pick on Toyin Aimakhu as he summoned her immediately to the stage in order to give her a kiss as Kate Henshaw was absent.

 

The event which took place at the Eko Hotel and Suites, Victoria Island, Lagos on Sunday, July 24, had in attendance top Nigerian celebrities such as, Fathia Williams, Kemi Afolabi, Grace Amah, Ronke Oshodi-Oke, Toyin Aimakhu, Adunni Ade, Adedimeji Lateef, Adeniyi Johnson, Sikiratu Sindodo, AY, Yaw, Bovi, Funnybone, Emmanuella, Senator, Acapella among others.

Our correspondent who was at the event gathered that after Toyin Aimakhu’s reluctance to kiss the comedian, she finally summoned courage and gave Seyi Law a kiss as everyone laughed uncontrollably at the sight. Seyi after the kiss decided to throw jabs at Toyin saying, her kiss was not even romantic.

In recent times Seyi Law’s kissing partner at comedy shows has always been top Nollywood actress, Kate Henshaw. The duo first staged their romantic kiss at the 2016 edition of AY show and a follow up at Akpororo vs Akpororo’c comedy show, which took place at Eko Hotel and Suites.

Suspects In Bola Ige’s Murder Confesses: We Were Paid Huge Money In Abuja

Two suspects undergoing investigation in connection with the murder of former Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Bola Ige, have reportedly opened up on their involvement.

This is coming after the Inspector General of Police, IGP, Ibrahim Idris, set up Special Investigative Team, SIT, to probe the murder of late Ige who was shot dead on December 23, 2001, by unknown gunmen in his Ibadan, Oyo State home after his security guards took permission to go and eat.

While the SIT is said to be working on unravelling some mystery financiers who provided large sums of cash for the operation to kill the ex-chief law officer, Vanguard is reporting that four days before Ige was murdered, the prime suspects in the murder had allegedly travelled to Abuja to collect huge sums of money with which the operation was paid for.

Reports say two of the yet-to-be named suspects in the murder case at the weekend confessed in their statements that the ‘Ogas’ told them to give them some time to enable them travel to Abuja to get money to sort out the cost of the operation.

A source told Vanguard that, “In fact, about four days to the date of Bola Ige’s murder, one of the prime suspects traveled to Abuja for funds. Even during the first encounter, the visit to the palace of the Ooni of Ife, where the cap of Bola Ige was removed and thrown away, the prime suspects had returned from Abuja with cash.”

According to the report, information about the money was revealed by one of the suspects because the sharing formula did not favour him.

Open Heavens Daily Devotional Written By Pastor E.A. Adeboye

Topic:- CLEANLINESS IS PRACTICAL GODLINESS – Tuesday July 26th 2016

Memorise: Depart ye, depart ye, go ye out from thence, touch no unclean thing; go ye out of the midst of her; be ye clean, that bear the vessel of the Lord. Isaiah 52:11

Read: Numbers 8:5-7, (KJV)

5 And the Lord spake unto Moses, saying,

6 Take the Levites from among the children of Israel, and cleanse them.

7 And thus shalt thou do unto them, to cleanse them: Sprinkle water of purifying upon them, and let them shave all their flesh, and let them wash their clothes, and so make themselves clean.

MESSAGE

One truth a child of God must embrace is that cleanliness is godliness in practical terms. God pays attention to personal hygiene as much as He pays attention to the spiritual purity of His people. In the book of Leviticus 14:43-45, we read:

“And if the plague come again, and break out in the house, after that he hath taken away the stones, and after he hath scraped the house, and after it is plastered; Then the priest shall come and look, and behold, if the plague be spread in the house, it is a fretting leprosy in the house; it is unclean. And he shall break down the house, the stones of it, and the timber thereof, and all the mortar of the house; and he shall carry them forth out of the city into an unclean place.

In our Bible reading for today, we read about how God instructed Moses to take the Levites from among the congregation and cleanse them. There are many lessons we must learn from this passage. Why were the Levites singled out of cleansing? It is because they were special to God; they were to be Yahweh’s representatives among God’s people.

“But thou shalt appoint the Levites over the tabernacle of testimony, and over all the vessel thereof, and over all things that belong to it: they shall bear the tabernacle, and all the vessels thereof; and they shall minister unto it, and shall encamp round about the tabernacle.” Numbers 1:50

The Levites, being vessels of honour, were required to be cleansed to function as priests unto God. As such, children of God must be clean in and out because it required of us to be physically and spiritually clean.

“And thou shalt thou do unto them, to cleanse them: Sprinkle water of purifying upon them, and let them shave all their flesh, and let them wash their clothes, and so make themselves clean.” Numbers 8:7

It is unfortunate to see that some children of God are not taking seriously the basic hygiene that can enhance their divine health. Some actually believe in divine healing, but do not live in clean environments, nor eat good food. Good food does not cost much. As a matter of fact, it is dangerous delicacies that are costly. So, in order to enjoy divine health, we must live clean lives. May the Almighty God grant us the ability to live clean lives in Jesus’ name.

Action Point

Take care of your personal hygiene and observe basic health instructions in your home.

Bible In A Year:

1st Thessalonians 1:1-10; 1st Thessalonians 2:1-20; 1st Thessalonians 3:1-13; 1st Thessalonians 4:1-18; Psalms 19:7-14

Open Heavens Daily Devotional Written By Pastor E.A. Adeboye

Topic:- RIGHTEOUSNESS IS NOT OPTIONAL – Monday July 25th 2016

Memorise: As righteousness tendeth to life: so he that pursueth evil pursueth it to his own death. Proverbs 11:19

Read: Hosea 10:12, (KJV)

12 Sow to yourselves in righteousness, reap in mercy; break up your fallow ground: for it is time to seek the Lord, till he come and rain righteousness upon you.

MESSAGE

It is interesting to note that the righteousness that mankind has detested from generation to generation, right from the fall, is not optional! Many scholars have endeavoured to explain away what righteousness entails and play down its importance to the point that sermons that encourage righteous living are now scarce. Sweet and pet talks have replaced sermons that demand righteous living. This is why St. Paul admonished his spiritual son, Timothy thus:

“Preach the word; be instant in season, out of season; reprove, exhort with all longsuffering and doctrine. For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears.” 2nd Timothy 4:2-3

There are some lessons to be learnt from the above scripture; firstly, sermons that will produce righteous living must contain reproof, rebuke, exhortation and doctrine. Secondly, there is a time in the life of a Christian pilgrim when he will have to make himself intentionally available to reproof and rebuke. This is because, after a long stay in the Church environment, which might have earned him titles, he might no longer be teachable. Thirdly, righteous living required indoctrination; doctrines that are sound. In other words, there are doctrines that are not sound. So, believers must beware of doctrines of the devil.

“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;” 1st Timothy 4:1

Today, some children of God make righteousness an optional virtue to their own danger because the scripture cannot be broken. It says:

“Follow peace with all men, and holiness, without which no man shall see the Lord” Hebrews 12:14

Beloved, it is true we shall be ultimately saved by grace. This is why we must pray for that grace to live righteously without struggle, because there is no grace in struggle. This is what makes the Christians faith unique. Our God is able to help us live for Him if we are willing and obedient. If we will not rationalise sin but admit it as it is and cry to God for help. The Bible says:

“For the grace of God that bringeth salvation hath appeared to all men, Teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly, in this present world.” Titus 2:11-12

I pray that as you desire righteousness today, the grace of God will bring it upon your life in Jesus’ name.

Prayer Point

Father, let your grace abound in my heart so that I may begin to live life pleasing to you as from now in Jesus’ name.

Bible In A Year:

Colossians 1:1-29; Colossians 2:1-23; Colossians 3:1-25; Colossians 4:1-18; Psalms 19:1-6

Open Heavens Daily Devotional Written By Pastor E.A. Adeboye

Topic:- THE OVERCOMERS – Sunday July 24th 2016

Memorise: For whatsoever is born of God overcometh the world, and this is the victory that overcometh the world, even our faith. 1st John 5:4

Read: 1st John 5:1-6, (KJV)

1 Whosoever believeth that Jesus is the Christ is born of God: and every one that loveth him that begat loveth him also that is begotten of him.

2 By this we know that we love the children of God, when we love God, and keep his commandments.

3 For this is the love of God, that we keep his commandments: and his commandments are not grievous.

4 For whatsoever is born of God overcometh the world: and this is the victory that overcometh the world, even our faith.

5 Who is he that overcometh the world, but he that believeth that Jesus is the Son of God?

6 This is he that came by water and blood, even Jesus Christ; not by water only, but by water and blood. And it is the Spirit that beareth witness, because the Spirit is truth.

MESSAGE

Many people do not know how to overcome. This is the reason why they run from pillar to post, looking for protection against the attack of the agents of destruction. The Bible says:

“Forasmuch then as the children are partakers of flesh and blood, he also himself likewise took part of the same; that through death he might destroy him that had the power of death, that is, the devil; And deliver them who through fear of death were all their lifetime subject to bondage.” Hebrews 2:14-15

It is needless to run helter-skelter in search of protection. As a matter of fact, there is no other source of protection than Jesus Christ. Our memory verse for today affirms that whoever is born-again overcomes the world through faith in the Son of God, Jesus Christ. The questions now are: what does it mean to be born-again and how can you be born-again? To be born again, according to John 3:3-5, is to be transformed supernaturally by the Spirit of God when we admit to our sins, confess them, forsake them and accept Jesus Christ as our Lord and Saviour. When we experience this transformation, we become children of God. In other words, we become His favourites and He will begin to watch over us. Then, the promise of Jesus concerning protection will be fulfilled in our lives. He said:

“And these signs shall follow them that believe; In my name shall they cast out devils; they shall speak with new tongues; They shall take up serpents; and if they drink any deadly thing, it shall not hurt them; they shall lay hands on the sick, and they shall recover.” Mark 16:17-18

However, to be born of God demands some things from us. The Bible says in our text for today that the only way to know we are born of God is when we keep his commandments. Jesus said:

“…. If a man love me, he will keep my words: and my Father will love him, and we will come unto him, and make our abode with him” John 14:23

To be born of God is to keep His commandments. This is contrary to some counterfeit Christians of the present age. You cannot continue committing sin and claim that you are born again. Another obligation of someone that claims to be a child of God is that he or she must keep himself or herself pure (1st John 3:3). The Bible says

“Wherefore he is able to save them to the uttermost that come unto God by him, seeing he ever liveth to make intercession for them” Hebrews 7:25

Beloved, there is abundant safety in Christ, come to Him with a strong determination to go with Him all the way; you will not be disappointed. 

Prayer Point

Father, please make me an overcomer today and forever.

Bible In A Year:

Philippians 1:1-30; Philippians 2:1-30; Philippians 3:1-21; Philippians 4:1-23; Psalms 18:43-50

Serial Rapist Beaten And Burnt To Ashes By Mob In Ikorodu(Graphic Pictures)

It was end of the road for a notorious rapist popularly known as Badoo as he was today lynched by an angry mob after he was caught after raping a little girl at Ota, Owode Ibeshe Ikorodu.

He was stripped half na ked and beaten to death before his body was burnt to the excitement of the baying crowd.

According to reports making the rounds online, the once dreaded criminal had been a menace to the people of Ikorodu before his death.

Open Heavens Daily Devotional Written By Pastor E.A. Adeboye

 

Topic:- IT IS FINISHED – Saturday July 23rd 2016

Memorise: For ye know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that, though he was rich, yet for your sakes he became poor; that ye through his poverty might be rich. 2nd Corinthians 8:9

Read: John 19:28-30, (KJV)

28 After this, Jesus knowing that all things were now accomplished, that the scripture might be fulfilled, saith, I thirst.

29 Now there was set a vessel full of vinegar: and they filled a spunge with vinegar, and put it upon hyssop, and put it to his mouth.

30 When Jesus therefore had received the vinegar, he said, It is finished: and he bowed his head, and gave up the ghost.

MESSAGE

When our Lord Jesus Christ cried, “It is finished”, He really did mean that it is finished. However, some children of God do not know the important of that statement. Some believe that the wages of sin have been fully paid and so we are on our way to Heaven. Correct. Some people believe that all the misfortunes that came upon human race as a result of the fall have been paid for. This is equally true. The problem we must however fix in our devotional reading for today is irregularity in the doctrine of the atonement of Jesus Christ. We must get it right and perfect.

Some believe that when Jesus Christ said “it is finished” He meant that He had paid the debt of sin in full and do not believe that they are missing a gem in the work of redemption. This category of disciples focus on the spiritual aspect of redemption, without paying close attention to the physical. It is needful here to say that the atonement of Jesus Christ is all-encompassing – spiritual, physical, material, emotional, psychological and what have you. For example, when Adam sinned, it was not only the spiritual aspect of his life that was affected; his career as a gardener was affected because he had to labour more for less. Even his wife had to undergo the rigours of labour at childbirth. In the same vain, when the cure for sin came, it came in full. So, if you have been redeemed by His death at Calvary, I say congratulations because your ailing business, marriage, health condition etc are now redeemed! The Bible says:

“For ye know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that, though he was rich, yet, for your sakes he became poor; that ye through his poverty might be rich.” 2nd Corinthians 8:9

The Irregularity on the other hand, has to do with the belief in some quarters that because Christ has paid our debt in full, we can indulge in sin. This is not correct. Jesus Christ paid it in full to cater for actual and habitual sins. This is why the Bible says:

“Whosoever is born of God doth not commit sin; for his seed remaineth in him: and he cannot sin, because he is born of God. In this the children of God are manifest,” 1st John 3:9-10a

On her encounter with Jesus Christ, the woman whose sin of adultery was forgiven her was told to “Go and sin no more.” (John 8:11). So also was the impotent man that was healed by Jesus (John 5:4). Beloved, Jesus paid it in full for your deliverance for spiritual and physical calamities; sin, sickness, poverty and all, but He did not pay for you to continue in sin.

Prayer Point

Father, I thank you for sending your Son, Jesus to pay the debt He did not owe on my behalf. Please let this atoning work deliver me from all woes of sin in Jesus’ name.

Bible In A Year:

Ephesians 4:17-32; Ephesians 5:1-33; Ephesians 6:1-24; Psalms 18:29-42

Open Heavens Daily Devotional Written By Pastor E.A. Adeboye

Topic:- NOT A VIRTUE! – Friday July 22nd 2016

Memorise: As a dog returneth to his vomit, so a fool returneth to his folly. Proverbs 26:11

Read: Proverbs 15:20-21, (KJV) 

20 A wise son maketh a glad father: but a foolish man despiseth his mother.

21 Folly is joy to him that is destitute of wisdom: but a man of understanding walketh uprightly.

MESSAGE

Foolishness is not a virtue; rather it is a vice that costs its victim eternity in hell fire. The Bible says that the fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom (Proverbs 9:10). In other words, lack of the fear of God is the beginning of foolishness. So, when someone decides to live without the fear of God, he does whatever he pleases without consideration for the Word of God, he feels he is free to do whatever he likes with his life, he behaves as if he owns his life, but in actual sense, his life is borrowed and the Owner may ask for it anytime. Our Lord Jesus told a parable of a prosperous farmer who did not reckon with God in all his dealings. Considering the wealth he had possessed he said:

“And I will say to my soul, Soul, thou hast much goods laid up for many years; take thine ease, eat, drink, and be merry. But God said unto him, Thou fool, this night thy soul shall be required of thee: then whose shall those things be, which thou hast provided?” Luke 12:19-20

Some people who claim to be children of God behave foolishly sometimes. Our memory verse for today says: “As a dog returneth to his vomit, so a fool returneth to his folly.” Some brethren who had been modest and holy are now regretting their past pure Christian life! Those vanities they forsook in the past are now back in full force. This scripture is now fulfilled in their lives. Jesus said when a demon is cast out of a man, he goes away but after sometime he comes back to check whether that life is still empty. If he finds the life empty he goes back to take seven more powerful demons to take possession of the life (Luke 11:24-26). It is foolishness to go back to your old lifestyle after you have been cleansed from your former sins and impurities. The Bible says:

“For if after they have escaped the pollutions of the world through the knowledge of the Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ, they are again entangled therein, and overcome, the latter end is worse with them than the beginning.” 2nd Peter 2:20

In the past, you could identify a child of God from afar off (with the few exceptions of those who were pretenders). Many things that are now being celebrated were abominations in those days. It is unfortunate that a wholesale return to those vanities is now in vogue. Some Christian scholars were brought to me in my office by their leaders many years ago and I saw assorted wild paintings – red, green, silver, brown, pink etc on their faces and lips. I could not help but tell them that was the first time I would see Bible scholars in such a wild exhibition of vanities. Their leader then promised that he would do something about it and that when Lazarus came out from the dead he was gradually striped of the grave clothes he had on. Theologians know how to explain things away. Beloved, going back from your first love is not a virtue; it is rather a vice. Repent today, tomorrow may be too late.

Action Point

Check your life and see if there is any foolish act of sin, unrighteousness or backsliding. Repent.

Bible In A Year:

Ephesians 1:1-23; Ephesians 2:1-22; Ephesians 3:1-21; Ephesians 4:1-16; Psalms 18:20-28

No More War - I Have Forgiven Dino Melaye - Sen. Oluremi Tinubu

While speaking on Wednesday when a delegation of the Lagos State House of Assembly members and APC caucus in the Senate and some party leaders paid her a solidarity visit at the National Assembly Complex, Abuja, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, has said as a Christian, she has forgiven her Kogi-West counterpart, Senator Dino Melaye.

According to Punch Newspaper, the Lagos-Central caucus was led by Senator Muniru Muse, while the National Assembly caucus was led by Senator Gbenga Ashafa.

Recall that senator from Lagos-Central, Tinubu had accused her colleague, Melaye of assaulting her verbally during an executive session of the Senate last week Tuesday, and Melaye on his part denied the allegation as well as counter-claims that the female lawmaker also assaulted him verbally.

The wife of APC National leader, Tinubu said when she started to think about all that transpired in the Senate for some days on Wednesday, she shed tears for the first time on her encounter with Melaye, adding that she would not be intimidated by anybody.

She said,

“When the Senate President invited me yesterday (Tuesday) and I gave my word. You can see the channel I have taken in the aftermath of the event. I reported to the IGP; I wrote to him also, after I waited for one week. When it happened, it was him I went to. I waited for one week and nothing was done. I also wrote to the party (the APC) chairman.

“I met with the Senate leadership yesterday (Tuesday) after one week; I met with him (Senate President Bukola Saraki) yesterday. And as a Christian, I said I had already forgiven him (Melaye) for the way I was treated. But the point is that what people don’t realise is that I am a very reserved person.

 

“After I gave my word to him (Saraki) yesterday, I told myself that at 55 I am not a wimp of anybody.

“I witnessed the Sani Abacha regime and I know what I saw and why I am committed to this cause. But now, my hands are tied to say I forgive people. I am a Christian; when I give my word, I must abide by it. But I am not scared to follow this through.

“I am not championing a cause for women. I am only standing in my space and if my space is encroached upon, I have to fight back. Rosa Parks wasn’t an activist; she just decided to sit in her space and not give up her space to anybody in a bus. And that sent a message.

“I want to use this opportunity to thank all Nigerian women who rose up; the women rights groups who are calling, conducting press conferences and doing a lot of things.”

The senator also denied sponsoring women groups to protest on her behalf against Melaye. She stated that she had given her best to her constituency in the past five years and that inspired the protests that had trailed the verbal assault on her.

“I didn’t give anybody anything; I don’t even have N80m in my personal salary account in the Senate. And I don’t think if I have any other savings I want to use it to mobilise women to protest. What about the investments we have put into politics? How much has that done for this country?” Tinubu said.

“I Have Every Right to Have Sex With My Own Daughter” – Rapist Father Says In Ogun State

A 48-year-old Ghanaian man identified as Agyeman, who was caught red-handed r*ping his 14-year-old daughter, has justified his wicked act by saying that since he was the one who gave birth to the girl and has been taking care of her since her mother left him, he had every right to have s*x with her before other men would start enjoying her.

The Ghanaian man whon lives in the Agbado-Oke-Aro area of Ogun State, was caught in the act on Monday, July 18, 2016, after neighbours heard the screams of the girl in their one room apartment, and when the neighbours went to find out why the Junior Secondary School (JSS 2), girl who was supposed to be in school, they met her father on top of her.

According to an eye witness who is a resident in the compound which the victim and his father lives;

“Baba Adjoa has been living in the yard for over 12 years but we do not know if he is possessed because at times, he behaved like a mad man.

He is an all purpose labourer but most times, you will find him at ‘ogogoro’ (illicit gin) palours drinking to stupor.

“His wife left him in 2008 and since then, he has been living with his children all alone. On that day, I was sleeping in my room because I came back from work in the morning, when I heard a fellow tenant, Iya Calabar, knocking on my door to come and help her find out why Adjoa was screaming in their room.

“I went out immediately and met two other neighbours who were banging on Agyeman’s door asking him to open but he refused. We actually thought he was beating his daughter because he is used to beating them mercilessly.

“But when we heard the girl screaming that her daddy wanted to kill her, we had to break the door and what we found shocked all of us.

“Agyeman was n*ked and having s*x with his daughter. We had to force him off the small girl. Of course, we gave him some beating but what he said was a surprise to us all.

“He was saying that he had every right to have s*x with his daughter, after all he was the one who gave birth to her and had been taking care of her. On interrogation, the girl said her father has been raping her since last year and had vowed to kill her if she ever told anyone.

“Some youths in the area wanted to lynch him but they were prevailed upon by elders who saved him and took him away. We have reported the case to the police,” the eye witness said.

“You Are Growing Boobs” – Fans Tells Jim Iyke (See The Photo That Got Them Talking)

Popular Nollywood actor and businessman, Jim Iyke looked dapper in a photo he shared on social media early today.

He rocked an ash combo outfit on a sweet looking Nike Air Marks. While many of his fans complimented the classy style, some called his attention to his weight and growing man-boobs.

See what they are saying below:-