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

Topic:- SPIRITUALLY MOTIVATED? – Saturday September 17th 2016

Memorise: Nay, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him that loved us. Romans 8:37

Read: Romans 8:33-39, (KJV)

33 Who shall lay any thing to the charge of God's elect? It is God that justifieth.

34 Who is he that condemneth? It is Christ that died, yea rather, that is risen again, who is even at the right hand of God, who also maketh intercession for us.

35 Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword?

36 As it is written, For thy sake we are killed all the day long; we are accounted as sheep for the slaughter.

37 Nay, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him that loved us.

38 For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come,

39 Nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.

MESSAGE

Motivation is the act of providing someone with a reason to act in a certain way. Christians can motivate or encourage one another to have greater confidence in God and to be very bold in living out their faith. Spiritual motivation drives away the spirit of fear and helps to develop the boldness required for the correct application of God’s Word to life situations. No leader can achieve anything without boldness. It takes courage to follow God. It takes courage to obey God. Anyone who lacks courage will be full of fear. If you are afraid, you cannot take any progressive stride.

A hireling fears and hides when the sheep is confronted by wolves because he thinks of his safety before anything else. A shepherd on the other hand is bold and resists any wolf even at the risk of his own life. In John 10:11, Jesus says,

_“I am the good shepherd: the good shepherd giveth his life for the sheep.”_

A true shepherd is not afraid of danger. Some pastors or leaders are not available when their members are in distress; but that is when you should be there to stand with them in faith and prayer, and guide them properly. You cannot allow a strange beast to take advantage of your flock. You must fight all intruders and send them packing. This takes boldness; your ability to be bold in the face of danger enhances your power base. Some leaders are very chickenhearted. Every little situation gets them into a panic. Meanwhile, 2nd Timothy 1:7 says,

_“For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.”_

Therefore, be spiritually motivated because the Spirit that God has deposited within you is of power and sound mind.

Do you know that even great leaders suffer from fear? One outstanding leader with a great congregation in Bible times who lacked boldness was Joshua. As near perfect as he was, Joshua was afraid. He was afraid to stand in Moses’ shoes. He was afraid when he realised that he was asked to finish the assignment that his predecessor – Moses, with all the anointing to open and shut Heaven could not finish. He got scared whenever he thought of the sudden promotion he got from being a servant to a national leader with millions of followers. He was afraid when he remembered that he was called to lead an unruly congregation who were capable of revolting and stoning their leaders to death. *Why are you afraid?* _Do not look at the nature of the assignment. Do not look at the size; do not look at the fierce looking faces. Do not focus on the situation of lack of resources_. Focus on the One who has called you, He will see you through. Ask for the Spirit of boldness to manifest in every area of your life from today. The battle is already won and you are more than conqueror.

Prayer Point

Father, please give me the boldness to face all my fears in Jesus’ name.

Bible In A Year:

Jeremiah 51:1-34; Psalms 61:1-8

Shocking Photos Of A Python That Swallowed A Pregnant Goat & A Male Goat In Lagos

A huge python was killed by some men and discover two goat inside the snake.

According to the eyewitness;

This happened in my friend’s street. I saw it with my eyes. A python came out from a canal near a woman’s house and entered her goat house, swallowed one pregnant and one male goat.

The woman came out in the morning to feed her goats, when she was about to enter the goat house she now saw a big python on the floor.

The python could not move again. The woman ran with her both legs shouting. All the people in the neighborhood came out. This happened in Bucknor Okoye street in Jakande Lagos.

I pity those that always buy land in swampy areas, all in the name of answering a landlord or landlady. To tell u the truth, if those goat were to be little kids sleeping, the python would have swallowed them as well.

See More Photos Below;

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

Topic:- THE SOURCE OF SATISFACTION – Friday September 16th 2016

Memorise: But godliness with contentment is great gain. 1st Timothy 6:6

Read: 1st Timothy 6:3-11, (KJV)

3 If any man teach otherwise, and consent not to wholesome words, even the words of our Lord Jesus Christ, and to the doctrine which is according to godliness;

4 He is proud, knowing nothing, but doting about questions and strifes of words, whereof cometh envy, strife, railings, evil surmisings,

5 Perverse disputings of men of corrupt minds, and destitute of the truth, supposing that gain is godliness: from such withdraw thyself.

6 But godliness with contentment is great gain.

7 For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out.

8 And having food and raiment let us be therewith content.

9 But they that will be rich fall into temptation and a snare, and into many foolish and hurtful lusts, which drown men in destruction and perdition.

10 For the love of money is the root of all evil: which while some coveted after, they have erred from the faith, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows.

11 But thou, O man of God, flee these things; and follow after righteousness, godliness, faith, love, patience, meekness.

MESSAGE

Satisfaction is a state of contentment or fulfilment that only God can bring into reality. The scripture advocates that children of God should cultivate contentment. We are therefore expected to be contented spiritually, financially, materially and in our marriages. We should be contented with the things and people that God has put around us. Satisfaction is made possible as a result of God’s good provision made available through the atoning death of our Lord Jesus Christ. Ecclesiastes 3:13 says:

“And also that every man should eat and drink, and enjoy the good of all his labour, it is the gift of God.”

The above passage indicates that contentment or satisfaction is a gift from God; it does not develop from the desire of man. As a matter of fact Ecclesiastes 5:10 says,

“He that loveth silver shall not be satisfied with silver; nor he that loveth abundance with increase: this is also vanity.”

Covetousness and accumulation of wealth has its attendant problems. One of such problems is a lack of satisfaction. Those who love money will never be satisfied with what they have, no matter how much they have, they will continue to desire more. I once had a friend, who at the age of 70 had so much money in one of his several bank accounts; he could not exhaust it for another 200 years. Whenever you visit him, you will meet him planning to invest some more. The rich are ever striving with each other. They will say, “Mr. A has just built another house or bought another car, I must follow suit”. They are never satisfied. Satisfaction is a precious virtue that every believer must have. Are you caught in the rat race for earthly possession? Ask God to give you satisfaction or contentment without which that wealth will become a deadly trap.

Whenever wealth comes as a blessing within the context of holiness and the fear of God, such wealth is always accompanied by contentment or satisfaction. This is why Psalms 17:15 says:

“As for me, I will behold thy face in righteousness: I shall be satisfied, when I awake, with thy likeness.”

Because the source of the blessing is God, satisfaction is naturally inclusive in the package. 1st Timothy 6:6-8 goes on to say:

“But godliness with contentment is great gain. For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out. And having food and raiment let us be therewith content.”

This passage show that a child of God should be more concerned about the source of blessing and the attending satisfaction than accumulation of wealth.

Prayer Point

Father, you are my Source, please let my propensity come with contentment in Jesus’ name.

Bible In A Year:

Jeremiah 49:23-39; Jeremiah 50:1-46; Psalms 60:1-12

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

Topic:- YOU ARE NOT CONDEMNED – Thursday September 15th 2016

Memorise: For if our heart condemn us, God is greater than our heart, and knoweth all things. 1st John 3:20

Read: Genesis 3:6-10, (KJV)

6 And when the woman saw that the tree was good for food, and that it was pleasant to the eyes, and a tree to be desired to make one wise, she took of the fruit thereof, and did eat, and gave also unto her husband with her; and he did eat.

7 And the eyes of them both were opened, and they knew that they were naked; and they sewed fig leaves together, and made themselves aprons.

8 And they heard the voice of the Lord God walking in the garden in the cool of the day: and Adam and his wife hid themselves from the presence of the Lord God amongst the trees of the garden.

9 And the Lord God called unto Adam, and said unto him, Where art thou?

10 And he said, I heard thy voice in the garden, and I was afraid, because I was naked; and I hid myself.

MESSAGE

Self-condemnation is a natural phenomenon that feeds on the human awareness of guilt. In the book of Genesis 3:10, Adam and Eve disobeyed God and without anyone scolding them, they were condemned in their hearts:

“And he said, I heard thy voice in the garden, and I was afraid, because I was naked; and I hid myself.”

Self-condemnation is not the same as sorrow for sin. Sorrow for sin leads to repentance but self-condemnation leads to fear, inferiority complex and low self-esteem. The Bible teaches that God has offered us forgiveness of sin through the death of Jesus Christ. Self-condemnation produces feelings of shame, disgrace, fear, terror, and depression, according to Ezra 9:6, that says:

“…O my God, I am ashamed and blush to lift up my face to thee, my God: for our iniquities are increased over our head, and our trespass is grown up unto the heavens”

And Isaiah 6:5:

“Then said I, Woe is me! For I am undone; because I am a man of unclean lips, and I dwell in the midst of a people of unclean lips: for mine eyes have seen the King, the Lord of hosts.”

Self-condemnation could sometimes be very dangerous in cases where it develops into depression, because it has succeeded in sending some people to their early graves. In Matthew 27:5, Judas Iscariot suffered from serious guilt and self-condemnation,

“And he cast down the pieces of silver in the temple, and departed, and went and hanged himself.”

May the Lord deliver a user of this devotional suffering from guilt and self-condemnation today in Jesus’ name. Furthermore, 2nd Corinthians 7:10 says:

“For godly sorrow worketh repentance to salvation not to be repented of: but the sorrow of the world worketh death.”

The sorrow of the world is synonymous with guilt and self-condemnation, the Bible says it brings death. Guilt defiles human life, produces feelings of anguish, despair, shame and disgrace. Guilt also produces feelings of unworthiness as in the case of the prodigal son in Luke 15:21. In the Name that is above all other names, the power of self-condemnation is broken in your life today.

Prayer Point

Father, please let your perfect love drive away every iota of self-condemnation in my life in the name of Jesus.

Bible In A Year:

Jeremiah 47:1-7; Jeremiah 48:1-47; Jeremiah 49:1-22; Psalms 59:1-17

Humility - Super Eagles Coach Rejects Three Bedroom Flat Given To Him - Says Its Too Big

 

Super Eagles coach Gernot Rohr has rejected a three-bedroom provided for him in Abuja by the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), saying it is “too big” .

The 63-year-old Rohr, who is married to an African, has inspected the three-bedroom property in Jabi, but has now told officials he could do with a much smaller apartment.

An official accommodation is part of the benefits captured in the two-year contract the Franco-German has signed to qualify Nigeria to the 2018 World Cup.

Already, the NFF have moved fast to also provide an official car for the former Gabon and Burkina Faso coach.

The official car first purchased to be used by Sunday Oliseh is now being fixed after it was used by Olympic team handler Samson Siasia beyond his time in temporary charge of the Eagles for the AFCON 2017 qualifiers against Egypt in March.

Rohr is on a staggering $47,000 a month and this salary is being bankrolled by a mystery sponsor.

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

Topic:- CHILD BY GRACE – Tuesday September 13th 2016

Memorise: But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name: John 1:12

Read: 1st John 3:1-3, (KJV)

1 Behold, what manner of love the Father hath bestowed upon us, that we should be called the sons of God: therefore the world knoweth us not, because it knew him not.

2 Beloved, now are we the sons of God, and it doth not yet appear what we shall be: but we know that, when he shall appear, we shall be like him; for we shall see him as he is.

3 And every man that hath this hope in him purifieth himself, even as he is pure.

MESSAGE

The reference to Christians as children of God by the New Testament describes their status and privileges as the adopted children of God. By this, believers are no longer slaves but children of God by grace. In this respest, Galatians 4:7-9 says:

“Wherefore thou art no more a servant, but a son; and if a son, then an heir of God through Christ”

And Romans 8:15 says:

“For ye have not received the spirit of bondage again to fear; but ye have received the Spirit of adoption, whereby we cry, Abba, Father.”

These Bible passages confirm that Christians are children of God by grace and not by merit. I pray that the grace of Abba Father will always be available to work in your favour in Jesus’ name.

Ephesians 2:8-9 says our salvation is entirely by grace, not works. This is why God chooses the most unlikely people for Heavenly assignments, Just like He chose a persecutor like Saul as a divine vessel (Acts 9:10-18). If it wasn’t for grace, many of us would never have been called to salvation, much more become servants of the Most-High God. In Jeremiah 1:4-5, God told his great prophet that he was chosen even before he developed as a foetus in his mother’s womb. Before His birth, he had been ordained. God has blessed many with beautiful talents and abilities, and when they engage such talents, you would be amazed at the results they will birth. As the Potter, He is free to do what He likes with His clay (Romans 9:20-21). He many decide to give someone a beautiful voice, while He gives hands that can play the guitar or piano to somebody else. What is most important is yielding totally to the Lord and allowing Him to have His way in your life. Has the Lord endowed you with some talents or unique abilities? Are you effectively and effectually employing them in serving Him? Always remember that you were chosen not because you are special, but by grace. You are a product of divine choice, so learn to glorify God in everything you do. 1st John 3:1-2 says:

“Behold, what manner of love the Father hath bestowed upon us, that we should be called the sons of God: therefore the world knoweth us not, because it knew him not. Beloved, now are we the sons of God, and it doth not yet appear what we shall be: but we know that, when he shall appear, we shall be like him; for we shall see him as he is.”

Being called children of God is a privilege that changed our status from darkness to light; we are now led by the spirit of God to do His will. We have also become heirs of God (Romans 8:17). We are fellow citizens with the saints and household of God.

Prayer point

Father, please let me enjoy the grace of sonship forever in Jesus’ name.

Bible In A Year:

Jeremiah 41:1-18; Jeremiah 42:1-22; Jeremiah 43:1-13; Psalms 57:1-11

Suspected Female Fraudster Caught And Beaten Up in Benue(Viewer's Discretion)

A suspected female fraudster was caught and beaten up in Benue state recently.

A woman who is said to be a 419 (fraudster) was caught trying to carry out her stock in trade at a popular market in Benue state recently. According to an eyewitness, she had tried to dupe her unsuspecting victim, but was caught when her usual mode of operation failed her.

Here’s what facebook user, Abaa Ngusha who shared the story, had to say:

“A Woman whose name is yet to be known was caught at the closing hours of Tomayiin Market in Katsina-Ala Local Government Area of Benue State. According to a close source, the woman is into 419 to a level that, for her seeing you for the first time she will greet you by your name and relate as if she knew you before but if she eventually touches you the whole money you have on you will vanish, but finally she mistakenly touched the wrong person and she was caught and given the beating of her life. As at the time of my posting, the Woman was finally handed over to the Police for further investigations.”

Born Again UNILORIN Student Withdraws Himself From School - His Reason Will Leave You Dumfounded

A Student of sociology department in the better by far university whose names is Abolarin Akin Jephthah with the matric number 13/77jd010.

He Sent a withdrawal letter to the school management tell them he wanted to terminate his studentship with the school,because of the reason written in the Letter below.

His reasons was Ridiculous to me personally though.

See The Letter;

Your thoughts in the comment box about this bold step this guy took. Can you as a good Christian do this or do something close to this?

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

Topic:- THE ALMIGHTY GOD – Monday September 12th 2016

Memorise: For the scripture saith unto Pharaoh, Even for this same purpose have I raised thee up, that I might shew my power in thee, and that my name might be declared throughout all earth. Romans 9:17

Read: Exodus 5:1-4, (KJV)

1 And afterward Moses and Aaron went in, and told Pharaoh, Thus saith the Lord God of Israel, Let my people go, that they may hold a feast unto me in the wilderness.

2 And Pharaoh said, Who is the Lord, that I should obey his voice to let Israel go? I know not the Lord, neither will I let Israel go.

3 And they said, The God of the Hebrews hath met with us: let us go, we pray thee, three days' journey into the desert, and sacrifice unto the Lord our God; lest he fall upon us with pestilence, or with the sword.

4 And the king of Egypt said unto them, Wherefore do ye, Moses and Aaron, let the people from their works? get you unto your burdens.

MESSAGE

God is the creator of Heaven and earth. He is the Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the ending, the first and last, the one who knows all things and can do all things. All power in Heaven and on earth belongs to Him, which is why He is called the Almighty God. Though it is not possible for man to fully comprehend God, but a better understanding of His creative power, wisdom and authority can be made visible by considering the works of His hands according to Psalms 8:3-4

“When I consider thy heavens, the work of thy fingers, the moon and the stars, which thou hast ordained; what is man, that thou art mindful of him? And the son of man, that thou visitest him?”

Consequent to the almightiness of God, whenever He says yes, one cannot help but wonder why anyone would try to oppose Him. But from time immemorial, human beings have been found in opposition to the Almighty God, all to their own detriment. Striving against God is the fruitless opposition of the ungodly to God’s will and purpose and to the struggle of the righteous as they seek to obey God’s commandments.

Many so-called Christians today are equally striving against God by holding a worldview that is contrary to the Word of God and by their sinful words and immoral actions. Incidentally, some are ignorantly striving against God like Apostle Paul in Acts 26:14

“And when we were all fallen to the earth, I heard a voice speaking unto me, and saying in the Hebrew tongue, Saul, Saul, why persecutest thou me? It is hard for thee to kick against the pricks.”

It does not matter who anybody may do, if God says yes, no one can say no. God says in Isaiah 46:10

“…. My counsel shall stand, and I will do all my pleasure.”

Also Proverbs 19:21 says:   

“There are many devices in a man’s heart; nevertheless the counsel of the Lord, that shall stand.”

Do not resist the Holy Spirit, or be found arguing with God. Don’t ever try to attack God’s people or practice unbelief, lest you be found guilty of striving against God.

Prayer Point

Father, please don’t let me ever be found in opposition to your Word in Jesus’ name.

Bible In A Year:

Jeremiah 38:7-28; Jeremiah 39:1-18; Jeremiah 40:1-16; Psalms 56:1-13

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

Topic:- SPIRITUAL SPECIALISATION – Sunday September 11th 2016

Memorise: For I say, through the grace given unto me, to every man that is among you, not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think; but to think soberly, according as God hath dealt to every man the measure of faith. Romans 12:3

Read: 1st Corinthians 12:4-12, (KJV)

4 Now there are diversities of gifts, but the same Spirit.

5 And there are differences of administrations, but the same Lord.

6 And there are diversities of operations, but it is the same God which worketh all in all.

7 But the manifestation of the Spirit is given to every man to profit withal.

8 For to one is given by the Spirit the word of wisdom; to another the word of knowledge by the same Spirit;

9 To another faith by the same Spirit; to another the gifts of healing by the same Spirit;

10 To another the working of miracles; to another prophecy; to another discerning of spirits; to another divers kinds of tongues; to another the interpretation of tongues:

11 But all these worketh that one and the selfsame Spirit, dividing to every man severally as he will.

12 For as the body is one, and hath many members, and all the members of that one body, being many, are one body: so also is Christ.

MESSAGE

God in His infinite wisdom specifically created the universe and everything in it with diversity in His mind. Consequently, the difference between people, their special gifts, needs and characters is obvious all through creation. Individualism stresses the differences between people and recognises the special gifts of individuals. Now the Bible teaches that the diverse gifts in the lives of individuals in the body of Christ are specifically designed to be used for the benefit of all. To this end, 1st Corinthian 12:4-6 say: 

“Now there are diversities of gifts, but the same Spirit. And there are differences of administrations, but the same Lord. And there are diversities of operations, but it is the same God which worketh all in all.”

We are encouraged not to personalise God’s gifts in our lives, but rather to recognise that we are incomplete in ourselves and we need cooperation and fellowship with others in the body of Christ to function as a complete whole. God wants His children to live by this biblical injunction so that no one will be proud, and to enhance mutual respect in the Church of God, which will promote peace and unity in the body of Christ. Physical and spiritual development will go on unhindered. Passages of the Bible like Romans 12:6-8, would then become realistic and practicable:

“Having then gifts differing according to the grace that is given to us whether prophecy, let us prophesy according to the proportion of faith; Or ministry, let us wait on our ministering: for he that teacheth, on teaching; Or he that exhorteth, on exhortation: he that giveth, let him do it with simplicity; he that ruleth, with diligence; he that sheweth mercy, with cheerfulness.” Romans 12:6-8,

One person operates in the word of wisdom, another in the word of knowledge; one is the gifts of healing, and yet another in the working of miracles and prophecy. They should cooperate with each other with the understanding that one and the selfsame Spirit is at work in each individual to accomplish the ultimate purpose of God.

Prayer Point

Father, please give me the unction to function with total humility and submission in Jesus’ name.

Bible In A Year:

Jeremiah 36:1-32; Jeremiah 37:1-21; Jeremiah 38:1-6;  Psalms 55:16-23

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

Topic:- YOU NEED ENCOURAGEMENT – Saturday September 10th 2016

Memorise: These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world. John 16:33

Read: 1st Kings 19:1-6, (KJV)

1 And Ahab told Jezebel all that Elijah had done, and withal how he had slain all the prophets with the sword.

2 Then Jezebel sent a messenger unto Elijah, saying, So let the gods do to me, and more also, if I make not thy life as the life of one of them by tomorrow about this time.

3 And when he saw that, he arose, and went for his life, and came to Beersheba, which belongeth to Judah, and left his servant there.

4 But he himself went a day's journey into the wilderness, and came and sat down under a juniper tree: and he requested for himself that he might die; and said, It is enough; now, O Lord, take away my life; for I am not better than my fathers.

5 And as he lay and slept under a juniper tree, behold, then an angel touched him, and said unto him, Arise and eat.

6 And he looked, and, behold, there was a cake baken on the coals, and a cruse of water at his head. And he did eat and drink, and laid him down again.

MESSAGE

Based on human experience, life is generally believed to be hard, laborious, burdensome, and full of sorrow. A combination of several factors may be responsible for the dilemma faced by human beings. First among these factors is recorded in Revelation 12:12:

“…Woe to the inhabiters of the earth and of the sea! for the devil is come down unto you, having great wrath….”

And 1st Peter 5:8 followed up by saying

“….your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour.”

 Furthermore, Genesis 3:17 says,

“… Cursed is the ground for thy sake; in sorrow shalt thou eat of it all the days of thy life;”

The implication of these passages on unregenerate human beings is so great that Job 14:1 had to say,

“….Man that is born of a woman is of few days, and full of trouble.”

When a higher responsibility such as marriage, parenthood, civil or spiritual leadership is added to the ordinary troubles of life, the result is better imagined than experienced. For the above reasons, every human being needs divine encouragement and support daily. In the Name that is above all other names, beginning from today, you will receive divine support and encouragement to carry on in life in Jesus’ name.

Indeed, God promises continual support for his people, particularly when they become weary, depressed or disillusioned. Several passages of the Bible affirmed God’s encouragement for His children. Moses, Joshua, Abraham, David, kings and prophets of Israel, our fathers and mothers of faith were not abandoned at critical moments in their lives. God was always there to give the required support and encouragement when it mattered most. This could be seen clearly in God’s pronouncement in Isaiah 41:10 that says,

“Fear thou not; for I am with thee: Be not dismayed; for I am thy God: I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee; Yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness.”

However, Bible records show that we have a responsibility to carry out in order to merit God’s encouragement. You must first be born again and make meditation on the Word of God a habit (Joshua 1:8-9). Then you must invite the Holy Spirit who is the counsellor, into your life. Thereafter, you will begin to experience God’s encouragement. Isaiah 40:30-31, says that God’s encouragement brings renewed strength and an ability to do exploit. This is the secret of my success as the General overseer of the RCCG. I enjoy tremendous support and encouragement from the Almighty God always. It is only by His support and encouragement that any man can succeed.

Prayer Point

Father, please encourage and support me so that I may fulfil my destiny in Jesus’ name.

Bible In A Year:

Jeremiah 33:14-26; Jeremiah 34:1-22; Jeremiah 35:1-19; Psalms 55:1-15

ASUU To Commence Strike By October 2nd

The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) has said that the union will commence a warning strike action starting on the 2nd of October, 2016, if the government fails to honour its agreements.

Reports stated that the ASUU Chairman, University of Abuja Chapter, Dr Ben Ugheoke disclosed this while speaking with journalists.

He reportedly said, “We have tried to dialogue with the Federal Government but they have been playing games with us, we will start with a warning strike to show them we are not jokers.”

Dr. Ugheoku noted that all efforts by the union proved abortive while stressing that the strike will last for one week, ”and if they do not give us listening ears we will start the indefinite strike come November 2016.”

It will be recalled that ASUU in a recent conference stated that the Federal Government owes lecturers N124bn as earned academic allowances from 2013 to 2016, aside another N495bn that had also accumulated as arrears.

They also urged the Federal and State Governments to honour the agreements they entered into with them in order to prevent a major crisis from scuttling the “peace in the nation’s public universities at this critical period.”

Beef Alert? Funke Akindele And Eniola Badmus Ignored Each Other’s Birthdays

Eniola Badmus and Funke Akindele-Bello became buddies in the movie Jenifa, but it seems their friendship has cooled off as the former associates have being ignoring each other on important dates.

Funke celebrated her birthday on August 24 and amid a torrent of well-wishes from colleagues and fans, Eniola notably ignored her former frequent collaborator on her favourite social media accounts.

It became evident that she indeed, deliberately ignored Funke when she came online on the same day to wish a one Prince Jeleel Adekoya a happy birthday on both Instagram and Twitter to apparently remove doubts that she wasn't online.

Yesterday, September 7 was Eniola’s birthday and just as she refrained from wishing her newly-married colleague a happy birthday publicly, Funke also failed to wish Eniola a happy birthday.

The pair were last seen publicly together in 2014 and we can’t but wonder why the relationship between the two erstwhile friends have turned frosty and why Eniola is not in Funke's series movie "Jennifa's Diary".

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

Topic:- GODLINESS AND CONTENTMENT – Friday September 9th 2016

Memorise: But godliness with contentment is great gain. 1st Timothy 6:6

Read: 1st Timothy 6:6-10, (KJV)

6 But godliness with contentment is great gain.

7 For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out.

8 And having food and raiment let us be therewith content.

9 But they that will be rich fall into temptation and a snare, and into many foolish and hurtful lusts, which drown men in destruction and perdition.

10 For the love of money is the root of all evil: which while some coveted after, they have erred from the faith, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows.

MESSAGE

Godliness implies a kind of reverence for or devotion to God which produces a practical awareness of God in every aspect of life. True godliness is a way of life that permeates every aspect of life, from appearances to actions. A godly person cannot help but transmit and radiate godliness in a way that anybody who comes in contact with him or her will immediately feel the presence of God. Consequently, deceptive godliness in speech or action is not compatible with the Word of God. According to 2nd Timothy 3:5, apparent godliness may not be genuine; the passage calls it “Having a form of godliness”. Meanwhile Titus 2:11-12 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;”

From the above passage, it is clear that godliness can be interpreted as a measure of the level of sanctification of a child of God. The Bible in a few cases used the term “walking with God” to indicate the level of godliness of some fathers of faith. Examples of godliness in the Bible include Enoch in Genesis 5:24

“And Enoch walked with God: and he was not; for God took him”

And Noah in Genesis 6:9:

“…. Noah was a just man and perfect in his generations, and Noah walked with God.”

God demanded godliness from Abraham in Genesis 17:1

“… I am the Almighty God; walk before me, and be thou perfect.”

And Abraham in turn confirmed compliance in Genesis 24:40 with the statement

"And he said unto me, The Lord , before whom I walk, will send his angel with thee, and prosper thy way; and thou shalt take a wife for my son of my kindred, and of my father's house":

Other examples of godliness include Simeon in Luke 2:25, Anna in Luke 2:37, and Cornelius in Acts 10:2. Therefore, godliness is mandatory as an evidence of knowing God and being known by Him.

According to 1st Timothy 6:6, godliness should be accompanied by contentment. The Bible teaches that sorrow for sin is a sign of godliness and godly living demands self-discipline. The benefits of godliness cannot be over emphasised, 1st Timothy 4:8 tells us that godliness is profitable unto all things, both in this life and in eternity. Today’s memory verse emphasises that godliness with contentment brings great gain. It is also a sure defence against covetousness and all manners of trials and temptations which is the main source of backsliding and apostasy in the Church of God today. May the Lord have mercy!

Prayer Point

Father, please give me the grace to live above covetousness and greed in Jesus’ name.

Bible In A Year:

Jeremiah 32:1-44; Jeremiah 33:1-13; Psalms 53:1-6; Psalms 54:1-7

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

Topic:- DO YOU NEED DELIVERANCE? – Thursday September 8th 2016

Memorise: And these signs shall follow them that believe; in my name shall they cast out devils; they shall speak with new tongues; Mark 16:17

Read: James 5:13-15, (KJV)

13 Is any among you afflicted? let him pray. Is any merry? let him sing psalms.

14 Is any sick among you? let him call for the elders of the church; and let them pray over him, anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord:

15 And the prayer of faith shall save the sick, and the Lord shall raise him up; and if he have committed sins, they shall be forgiven him.

MESSAGE

Deliverance implies the rescue or liberation of a person from danger, suffering, bondage and sin. It also indicates freedom from people, forces or circumstances that are overwhelming. Sometimes, deliverance involves the expulsion of an evil spirit or spirits from a person. Deliverance focuses on captives, prisoners of war, slaves, debtors, suspected criminals, deportees, exiles, condemned sinners, and the oppressed. These people are often treated with great cruelty and indignity. Another focus of deliverance includes individuals dominated by the influence of a demon. Deliverance should be taken seriously; many are presently suffering due to ignorance of the influence of the devil in their lives.

Being a victim is especially pathetic because it is quite difficult and practically impossible for anyone in this situation to make any progress in life or be delivered by self-help. Consequently, experiences of stagnancy, failure, fruitlessness, sickness, misfortune, etc., are possible indications that deliverance is required. I prophecy into the life of a user of this devotional that is experiencing any of these evil conditions, you shall be delivered today in Jesus’ name. Incidentally, hope for deliverance is certain because there is a powerful Saviour and Deliverer, His name is Jesus. All power in Heaven and on earth belongs to Him. Every person and circumstance of life is subject to His authority, and demons are powerless before Him. Matthew 17:18 says;

“And Jesus rebuked the devil; and he departed out of him: and the child was cured from that very hour.”

At the Word of Jesus or at the mention of His name by a disciple, demons flew out and people were delivered. Once again, I decree in the name of Jesus, receive deliverance from every form of bondage now. Matthew 10:1 says;

“And when he had called unto him his twelve disciples, he gave them power against unclean spirits, to cast them out, and to heal all manner of sickness and all manner of disease.”

Do you need deliverance of any kind? Accept Jesus as your Lord and Saviour, make every effort to avoid self-destructive behaviours of immorality and sin. Then seek a true disciple of Jesus with delegated power and authority over demons, who will call upon the name of Jesus for your deliverance. Intensive prayers with a word of command will dislodge the stronghold of the enemy in your life today in the name of Jesus.

Prayer Point

Father, please set me free from every bondage of the devil today in Jesus’ name.

Bible In A Year:

Jeremiah 29:24-32; Jeremiah 30:1-24; Jeremiah 31:1-40;  Psalms 52:1-9