DIARY OF A CHRISTIAN GIRL

Dear Diary,

so i read a post about a dude ranting about nowadays pastors and their posh lives. The statement: "Jesus did not live a luxurious life" got me pondering but i came to the simple conclusion: Jesus LIVED TO DIE so why would he want to live briefly in luxury? He was fully aware of his purpose which was TO DIE FOR THE SALVATION OF MANKIND. He was also very aware that he could easily become distracted from this purpose.

Jesus could have got married and have children. I am sure God wont have held that against Him. He could have lived in a big fancy house with loads of camels and whatever kind of transportation was in vogue at that time. He could have a room stashed with a lot of gold, silver or coins with Caesar's face on them.

But He didn't want them. Why? Its not because its sinful to have all these things. He didn't want them because He didn't need them to accomplish His purpose on Earth. If He had gotten married then he probably would have been distracted by his wife and kids. He wont have had the liberty to preach some sensitive messages.

Below is a scenario of a married man who had a purpose to die for mankind

MAN: 'I am going to the Father... you will see me no longer... I will send...."

WIFE: "Honey, where are you going? Which father do you mean? Is your father not Joseph that lives 5 blocks away? You want to run away and abandon me with these children? *sobs*

MAN: 'The son of man will die and after three days.....

WIFE: " AH..... i am finished. Honey, why are you talking like this? The devil is at work! oh ah...*sobs* you will not die but live to testify to the glory of God.. you hear me? i say you will not die oooo. you cant die. i will not be a widow and my children will not be fatherless. i reject it!

MAN: 'Get thee behind me, Satan!

WIFE: 'honey, me, satan? *loud wails* the devil has entered into my house....:


the next thing she would start carrying a long face and the Brethren would be why the face of the Pastor's wife is looking like the stones of galilee?

Brethren: "Madam, hope there is no problem:
Wife: "Brethren, thank God you asked. your master is talking about divorcing me. please call all the brethren lets pray and fast for 40 days. Our pastor needs prayers...."

Then his kids would bring their own wahala...

KID 1: "daddy why is mommy crying? are you truly leaving us? is the 'comforter' going to be our new daddy? Is your father not grandpa? daddy, why cant we go with you to meet this your father? daddy, we promise to be good children to you from now on. we will eat our vegetables, we will do our homework, we will go with you to the synagogue. daddy, please don't abandon us.. please daddy we love you. please don't dieeeeeeee...*wails*


You now see why these things could be distracting....

Or If He had so much gold and cattle and camels and other stuff... then when he talks about his death, people like Judas would be thinking of tricking him into signing power of attorney before sending the pharisees assassins to wipe out his entire family... or the disciples who were still young in Faith would start fighting with his family for properties... Then the congregation would see him as someone far from their reach who couldn't possibly understand their plight and so the message of salvation would not easily enter into their hearts.


Jesus was over aware of these things so much that He didnt even give room for His Mother and siblings to distract Him from His Divine purpose.(Matthew 12:46-50)
(His Father probably understood Jesus' better than the rest of the family because we didn't read about about him)


If i had a brother that could turn water to wine....

Me: " Bros, how long shall we tarry in the wilderness.. Let us go yonder to Jerusalem and open a wine factory. Maybe your purpose in Life is to be a wine produce"

...OR Cause fish to vomit money

"Bros, you mean you can make fish produce money and we are dulling here, please carry your nets, lets go to the river side."

And i could be very persuasive....

These things could easily lead any man astray....

Jesus knew all He needed was His Faith in God. He Knew His Father and believed that He would do that which He said He would do.


So Jesus went, all the way to Calvary, with nothing but His Faith in God and that was all He needed to save Mankind. And did He succeed?


He Did!!!!


On the matter of Men of God living Luxurious lives, who are we to judge them? We all have specific purposes in life. If they have 1 trillion dollars or 1000 jets, its probably because they need these things to accomplish their purpose on Earth. Its left to ensure that they are not distracted from their purposes.

What shall it profit a man to gain the whole world and lose his soul? Its not a sin to gain the whole world but when you lose your soul in the process that is what makes you a total loser.

Its important to know your purpose and know what actually you need to accomplish it. Leave what you do not need to the people who actually need them.

BE A WINNER LIKE Jesus!

SPIRITUAL TREK

dear diary,

sometimes in life, i am on fire for God. i could relate with Jeremiah when he was exhausted with all the insults and reproach he had to pass through for the sake of God's Word but yet he was vein deep with the things of God.
"but if i say i will not mention Him or speak any more in His name, His Word is in my heart like a fire shut up in my veins. I am weary of holding it in. Indeed, i cannot" (Jeremiah 20:9)
i can totally relate with Uncle Jer here. when this happens, it feels like some supernatural forces attend to me because the zeal is present effortlessly.
However other times, the zeal requires extra effort. that's when i find it very difficult to engage in spiritual exercises most especially praying. i literally lose my ability to pray. its feels like a physical gift: For instance, when you gives you a car and you just drive to your destinations, then the car is taken away from you so you have to trek to your destinations.

sometimes i dont even notice the trek until things do not turn out the way i expected then when its time to pray that i realise that i have started trekking. After several days of faux prayers then i would start my emotional blackmail :

'My God, am i the worst sinner in the world? What have i done that you cannot forgive me.....'


a few tears here and there and then things would start opening up gradually but not as they did in the past.

i thought i was God's Beloved and He couldnt stand my tears but this was a wrong assumption which led me astray for years.

God is loving but not sentimental. He responds only to obedience.

He responds to sinners only when they obediently go to Him.
Isaiah 1:18
"come now, and let us reason together, saith the Lord, though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they be red like crimson, they shall be wool"

He responds to the needy (any kind of need, be it physical, material, spiritual mental etc) when they obediently ask in faith.
Ask: Matthew 7:7
"Ask and it shall be given; seek and you shall find; knock and it shall be opened"

Faith: Philipians 4:19
"But my God shall supply all your needs according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus"

My assumption that i only needed to emotionally blackmail God and i would get what i need was indeed an act of faith and God patiently 9probably humorously) responded to that till i receive insight.

Now when i fall short and start 'trekking', i simply ask God for forgiveness.
" My Father, You are a good Father. i know i am a sinner. I am sorry for ...... Give me grace to sustain my salvation in Christ Jesus....'

then in obedience to Matthew 11:28
"come unto me all you that are heavy laden and i will give you rest"

How does one 'go' to Jesus? It is simple: acknowledge Him as the only one that can save you from the power of sin and lead you to the Almighty God. You cannot access God all by yourself. God is omnipotent but He is only accessible through Jesus. There is no other way. Believe in Jesus and you have access to rest.

Some may say "i believe in Jesus but i am still troubled"

Initially, John the Baptist and Apostle Paul both believed that Jesus was (still is) the son of God but the difference between John and Paul was that when John got locked up, he couldn't sustain his faith in Jesus. He needed extra assurance so he sent his disciples to go and ask Jesus if he was the Messiah (Matthew 11:2). This was the same John that God gave a sign to identify the Christ ( John 1:29-34)
On the other hand, despite the several trials, Apostle Paul was unwavering in his belief that Jesus is the Christ

When Faith fails, you start trekking spiritually. Trekking is no fun at all. Guard your faith!

LOOK FOR WAYS TO SERVE OTHERS

Look for Ways to Serve Others

'Share with others, for with such sacrifices God is pleased.' Hebrews 13:16 NIV

When Ronald Reagan was governor of California, he sometimes slipped out of his office early, telling his administrator Michael Deaver, ‘I’ve a few errands to run.’ Deaver became curious, so he leafed through the ‘to-read’ file on the governor’s desk. On top was a wrinkled letter from a man stationed in Vietnam. The soldier had written to Reagan telling him about his life in Southeast Asia, and how much he missed his wife. That particular day was their wedding anniversary and he wanted her to know how much he loved her and longed to be with her. Although he had already sent her a card, he asked the governor if he’d make a phone call to make sure she was ok and pass on his love in case she didn’t receive the card. The next day Deaver discovered Reagan had done much more than the soldier requested. He’d picked up a dozen red roses and delivered them to the man’s wife. Dale Rowlee, the governor’s driver, told Deaver that Reagan approached the woman with an extremely humble attitude, and offered the flowers on behalf of a loving husband stationed in a jungle hell on the other side of the world. Then he spent over an hour with her, drinking coffee and talking about her family. Reagan’s humility may, in fact, have been one of the secrets to his enduring popularity. Somebody said, ‘To be humble to superiors is duty; to equals, courtesy; to inferiors, nobility.’ It’s not big deeds, but small acts of kindness that make us great as God counts greatness. ‘With such sacrifices God is pleased.’ (Hebrews 13:16 NIV)

SoulFood: Isa 45-48, John 8:1-11, Ps 30, Pro 28:25-28

On the job Training

On-the-job Training

'Lord, please send someone else.' Exodus 4:13 NIV

When God called Moses to go into Pharaoh’s palace and announce, ‘Let my people go,’ he responded by saying, ‘Please, send someone else to do it.’ Is that how you feel today? If so, here’s what God told Moses: ‘Now go; I will help you speak and will teach you what to say.’ (Exodus 4:12 NIV) When God calls you He equips you. But He doesn’t necessarily do it in advance. Sometimes your training takes place in the process of doing what God said. And that can be scary. Maybe you’ve been saying to God, ‘I’m afraid to speak in front of people—what do You mean You want me to lead this meeting?’ Or, ‘Why would You want me to apply for this job when I’m not particularly qualified?’ You can’t rely on your own perspective. The only qualifications needed to do any job God asks of you are His strength and Hisability. The rest is on-the-job training. You simply have to trust God and act on His urging. That doesn’t mean you’ll never be afraid. You will! But that’s when you must exercise your faith to stretch and grow beyond what you can imagine, and start doing what needs to be done based on what you currently know. That can be humbling. You’ll find yourself more dependent on God than ever. It’s likely you’ll have to ask a lot of questions of those around you—and sometimes more than once. But don’t be afraid to ask, to make mistakes, to seek assistance, or do things differently from your predecessor. If God called you—you’re the right person for the job. Never lose sight of that!

SoulFood All Saints Day: Heb 11:4-12:3, 1 Chron 17:1-20, Ps 18:20-29, Pro 4:18

WHAT IT MEANS TO REALLY LOVE

What it Means to Really Love

'Love suffers long and is kind; love does not envy; love does not parade itself, is not puffed up.' 1 Corinthians 13:4 NKJV

Some of the greatest insights on what it means to love someone come from the pen of the apostle Paul: ‘Love suffers long and is kind; love does not envy; love does not parade itself, is not puffed up; does not behave rudely, does not seek its own, is not provoked, thinks no evil; does not rejoice in iniquity, but rejoices in the truth; bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things.’ (1 Corinthians 13:3–7 NKJV)

John had been married to Mary for fifty years. One night in bed she said, ‘When we were young, you used to hold my hand.’ A little irritated, he slowly reaches out his hand. ‘When we were young, you used to snuggle up to me,’ Mary said. Even more slowly, John’s body creaks and turns, nestling against hers. ‘When we were young, you used to nibble on my ear,’ she whispered. Abruptly he throws back the covers and jumps out of bed. Bewildered, Mary asks, ‘Where are you going?’ ‘To get my teeth!’ he grumbles.

To nibble on an ear when you’re full of romance and bubbling hormones is one thing. To nibble on that same ear years later when it holds a hearing aid, when the scent in the air is Vicks VapoRub, and when you have to get up to get your teeth—that’s love!

SoulFood: Zech 5-8, Mark 14:66-72, Ps 34, Prov 24:29-31

BE JOYFUL

Be Joyful!

'You shall go out with joy.' Isaiah 55:12 NKJV

Every morning say, ‘Today, I will go out with joy.’ That’ll set your attitude straight! Generally speaking, there are three kinds of people:

(1) Those who feel bad about feeling good. They believe we’re not supposed to be happy, just ‘responsible.’

(2) Those who rain on your parade because your joy bothers them. Often these people have been hurt by life and anger simmers just beneath the surface.

(3) Those who lift your spirit and breathe life into you.

You say, ‘But doesn’t the Bible tell us believers are supposed to be different from nonbelievers?’ Yes, but not negatively different—positively different! And unless you commit yourself to walking in the joy of the Lord, you’ll find negative ways of distinguishing yourself from nonbelievers. Paul writes, ‘Rejoice in the Lord always.’ (Philippians 4:4 NIV) If you’re thinking, ‘That’s easy for Paul to say; he doesn’t have my problems,’ think again! When Paul wrote those words he was in prison with no chance of getting out. For him joy was a decision, not a reaction to circumstances. You ask, ‘How could Paul be joyful in prison?’ Because he understood that true joy comes from devoting yourself to something bigger than your own interests. The Bible says, ‘The joy of the Lord is your strength.’ (Nehemiah 8:10 KJV)

True joy calls for three things:

(a) Making a conscious choice to focus on God’s goodness every single day.

(b) Reaching out to bless others every chance you get.

(c) Understanding that joy produces strength, which explains why your joy is the devil’s primary target.

When you lose your joy you lose your strength, and he wins—so be joyful!

 

SoulFood: Zech 1-4, Mark 14:53-65, Ps 39, Prov 24:26-28

DIVINE GUIDANCE 3

Divine Guidance (3)

'We have placed our confidence in Him, and He will continue to rescue us.' 2 Corinthians 1:10 NLT

Paul writes: ‘We think you ought to know, dear brothers and sisters, about the trouble we went through in…Asia. We were crushed and overwhelmed…we thought we would never live through it. In fact, we expected to die. But as a result, we stopped relying on ourselves and learned to rely only on God, who raises the dead. And He did rescue us from mortal danger, and He will rescue us again.’ (2 Corinthians 1:8–10 NLT) For Paul, what looked like the end of the road was just the beginning of a fresh infusion of God’s power and favour into his life. As a result he went on to say that through it all he learned not to trust in himself, but in God ‘who raises the dead.’

It’s when your plans look dead that God’s resurrection power begins to operate in your life in greater measure. As long as you have a loving heavenly Father to call on, a word from the Lord to stand on and faith to activate it, you have every reason to rejoice.

So come on—start calling on God today! And do it in faith—not doubt. Expect Him to release His power on your behalf; then watch as He turns your situation around. Why? Because now you’re starting to trust the One who can really do something about it! Always remember that no matter how strong or successful you are, there’ll never be a time in your life when you don’t need God’s grace and guidance. And the sooner you learn that, the better off you’ll be

 SoulFood: 1 Kings 3:4-28, James 1:2-8

DIVINE GUIDANCE 2

Divine Guidance (2)

'God is working in you, giving you the desire and the power to do what pleases Him.' Philippians 2:13 NLT

Underline these words: ‘God is working in you.’ He does this as you engage your mind, open your mouth, move your feet and use your hands to do what He’s already put into your heart. The moment you say yes to His will, He gives you the ability to perform it. 

Notice, He doesn’t reveal His will to you, then call you. He calls you and, as you step out in faith and obey Him, He reveals His will to you step by step, empowering and equipping you as you go.

If you’re thinking you’d like a little more detail before you make a commitment, take note.

First: God may make you uncomfortable where you are. ‘Like an eagle that stirs up its nest… the Lord…led him.’ (Deuteronomy 32:11–12 NIV) To teach her children to fly, a mother eagle literally pushes them out of the nest. Talk about being out of your element! Can you imagine what they are thinking? ‘It’s my mother doing this to me.’ But until a baby eagle is forced out of its comfort zone, it doesn’t realise it was born to fly, spread its wings, release its power and take its place in the skies. Is God stirring up your comfort zone today?

Second: God’s direction is impossible to follow without His help.He plans it that way. Jesus said, ‘Without Me you can do nothing.’ (John 15:5 NKJV)

Third: There’s persistence in His leading. Human ideas go away, but God’s direction stays. That means time is on your side—so stay in step with God and don’t get ahead of Him.

SoulFood: 2 Tim 1-4, Mark 14:43-52, Ps 3, Prov 24:23-25

DIVINE GUIDANCE 1

Divine Guidance (1)

'He shows the proper path to those who go astray.' Psalm 25:8 NLT

Throughout Scripture God talked to ordinary people, and He’ll talk to you too! He told Abraham when to leave home (see Genesis 12:1), and Jacob when to go back home (see Genesis 31:3). He told Elijah where to find food in the middle of a famine (see 1 Kings 17:1–5). On two different occasions He stopped Paul from walking through what appeared to be a door of opportunity because He had something better in mind for him. The Bible says: ‘The Lord is good and does what is right; He shows the proper path to those who go astray. He leads the humble in doing right, teaching them His way. The Lord leads with unfailing love and faithfulness all who keep His covenant and obey His demands.’ (Psalm 25:8–10 NLT)

Nothing is more important in life than being led by God. Other people’s input should confirm and clarify what God’s already telling you. But until you’ve heard from Him, you’ll be tempted to think other people’s ideas are God’s leading—and that can hurt you.

You’re unique, and God has a unique plan and purpose for you. When you’re not sure which way to go, stand on His promise: ‘I will lead My blind people by roads they have never travelled. I will turn their darkness into light and make rough country smooth before them. These are My promises, and I will keep them without fail.’ (Isaiah 42:16 GNT) It doesn’t get any better than that!

SoulFood: Mic 5-7, Mark 14:27-42, Ps 19, Prov 24:19-22

DIARY OF A CHRISTIAN GIRL

"What did you do and how did you do it?

That was my friend who was amazed at how suddenly my life turned around for best.

At first I was puzzled. I mean "what didn't I do?

One time, I didn't have money to contribute to the building of the church so I skipped work and went to the site to join the masons as a volunteer. After the day's work, my respect for construction workers grew immensely. I experienced brutal assault from the coalition of my body and mind.

My mind: "so it's because you needed a new job that's why you subjected us to such hard work. You best pray nobody recognises us. It's a good thing we are covered in cement ...and dust...and the spittle of the head Mason...

My Body: "are you trying to stretch your legs? Don't even think about it!

My mind: "...Normal people put out their C.Vs and applications for new jobs but we are above that, right? 

My body: "BTW, our legs are swollen and heavy so don't go crazy with the movements"

Anyway, I finished that and went home and I got an interview alert from a top bank.  

My mind: "Coincidence, perhaps?

My body: " I just want to know how you intend to get there because I plan on lying in bed till next month"

I did the interview and I didn't hear from them again till this moment. (RMBE)

Then I engaged in evangelism and met several characters. 

After that, I engaged in fasting and prayers and started experiencing unusual encounters. Sometimes in visions and dreams. Other times I hear a small voice speaking bible verses to me.

One time, I was sleeping and I heard a voice that prompted me out of the sweet sleep.

"Luke 1:37"

I quickly got up and opened my bible. And there it was;

"FOR WITH GOD, NOTHING SHALL BE IMPOSSIBLE"

My mind: "okay, that is no coincidence. We didn't know those words were in that verse"

So when my mind started believing, I started doing more things, following the instructions of Jesus Christ.

Then with the boldest step, I joined the choir!

The following can summarise the reactions I had during rehearsals:

WHAT THE HEAVEN? WTH

OH MY VOICE! 

BUT WHY?

WHAT IS WRONG WITH YOU?....

Then the act that touches Everyone's heart especially God's; giving! Anybody that says tithing and offerings are done by gullible people is indirectly saying there is no God and Psalms 14:1

The fool hath said in his heart, There is no God. They are corrupt, they have done abominable works, there is none that doeth good.

However, looking at all the activities I engaged in and after outlining it for my friend and seeing her sceptical look...

 I could almost hear her mind saying;

"You and who wants to do all those things. You think I have time"(LOL)

...the truth is that I did all those things just because of one thing; Faith!

So anybody that asks me how I accomplished (still accomplishing) so much in a short time, I would tell them just one thing:

I HAVE FAITH!!!

BE FAITHFUL

OPEN HEAVENS DAILY DEVOTIONAL...

DATE : SUNDAY 21 AUGUST 2016

THEME : BE FAITHFUL 

Memorise: 

Moreover it is required in stewards, that a man be found faithful. 1st Corinthians 4:2

Read: Luke 12:37-44, (KJV)

37 Blessed are those servants, whom the lord when he cometh shall find watching: verily I say unto you, that he shall gird himself, and make them to sit down to meat, and will come forth and serve them.

38 And if he shall come in the second watch, or come in the third watch, and find them so, blessed are those servants.

39 And this know, that if the goodman of the house had known what hour the thief would come, he would have watched, and not have suffered his house to be broken through.

40 Be ye therefore ready also: for the Son of man cometh at an hour when ye think not.

41 Then Peter said unto him, Lord, speakest thou this parable unto us, or even to all?

42 And the Lord said, Who then is that faithful and wise steward, whom his lord shall make ruler over his household, to give them their portion of meat in due season?

43 Blessed is that servant, whom his lord when he cometh shall find so doing.

44 Of a truth I say unto you, that he will make him ruler over all that he hath.

MESSAGE

One of the reasons why God saved us is that He wants to partner with us in His kingdom. God is in search of faithful men, He is looking for people who will produce fruits of righteousness within and without. Faithfulness in the discharge of whatever assignment God has given us is a proof that we are partners with Him. Our assignments must be done in a manner that will bring glory and honour to Him. As teachers of the Word, we are not permitted to teach what is convenient; we have to teach the absolute Word of God. As pastors in our churches, it is required of us to be found faithful and have a good oversight over the flock of Jesus. As co-labourers in the vineyard, we must not do anything without the Master’s instruction. We must do it according to His prescription. There are many people today who are in ministry but are running it as convenient. This will not meet the requirement of the Owner of the work when He comes with His reward. Ministers of the gospel must make effort to have a good conscience and to earn trustworthiness on the part of those they are presiding over.  

As children of God, we must be in the business of building His Kingdom in expectation of His return. We are stewards of the Most-High God and much trust has been committed into our hands. The work of God must not be handled anyhow. It should not be seen as something that should be done with indulgence. The expectation is much and one must be faithful and wise so as to be rewarded. No matter the difficulties one meets on the way, one must forge ahead as a Christian soldiers and fulfil the ministry which has been committed into his hand.

“He that is unjust, let him be unjust still: and he which is filthy, let him be filthy still: and he that is righteous, let him be righteous still: and he that is holy, let him be holy still.”

Revelations 22:11

It is the motive with which you desire to do things that will be judge. By the time the hour of reward comes, there will be different levels of reward for different people based on how they have fared in the business of God. By the time Jesus returns, He will not return empty-handed. This is why those who are lazy need to challenge themselves to do something profitable before it is too late. Hard work is expected and those living a life of holiness must continue to strive for a life that glorifies God. You cannot deceive God, you cannot cheat God. I can assure you that whatever you do for God, He will reward you in due season. Nobody trades with God and loses. Nobody partners with God without having something great to show for it. God is always faithful to His word and promises. I always pity those who expect their reward to come from their spiritual head. It is very possible for the General Overseer to forget you and your labour of love. He may not even know you are somewhere working. He sees only what is within his range of vision, but there is a God who sees beyond the reach of any General Overseer or Senior Pastor. 

“Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap”

Galatians 6:7

If you are praying, remain faithful in your prayer ministry. If you know how to praise God keep on praising Him. If you know how to give quality offerings, keep it up. Keep on paying your tithe. I can guarantee you that your reward is coming. 

Prayer Point;

Father, please help me not to be found wanting in faithfulness in Jesus’ name.

Bible in one year: Isaiah 43:1-45:13 and Psalms 38

AUTHOR : Pst E. A ADEBOYE 

HYMN 2: O JESUS, I HAVE PROMISED. 

O Jesus, I have promised, 

To serve Thee to the end;

Be Thou forever near me,

My Master and my Friend;

I shall not fear the battle

If Thou art by my side,

Nor wander from the pathway

If Thou wilt be my Guide.

Oh, let me feel Thee near me;

The world is ever near;

I see the sights that dazzle,

The tempting sounds I hear;

My foes are ever near me,

Around me and within;

But, Jesus, draw Thou nearer,

And shield my soul from sin.

Oh, let me hear Thee speaking,

In accents clear and still,

Above the storms of passion,

The murmurs of self-will;

Oh, speak to reassure me,

To hasten, or control;

Oh, speak, and make me listen,

Thou Guardian of my soul.

O Jesus, Thou hast promised

To all who follow Thee

That where Thou art in glory

There shall Thy servant be;

And Jesus, I have promised

To serve Thee to the end;

Oh, give me grace to follow,

My Master and my Friend.

Oh, let me see Thy footmarks,

And in them plant mine own;

My hope to follow duly

Is in Thy strength alone.

Oh, guide me, call me, draw me,

Uphold me to the end;

And then to rest receive me,

My Savior and my Friend.

DIARY OF A CHRISTIAN GIRL

Prior to 5:30am this morning, i had a view that stickers were for physical show of identification and for intimidation. But I didn't understand why some cars or home doors would have as many as 4-5 stickers. I thought the occupants/vehicle owners were crazy.

Some religious stickers were left on even apparently outdated and this baffled me a lot. I always wondered if these people had problems with making their cars/doors look better. Or maybe they used the many stickers as sun shield.

You'd see Stickers and Bands like:

"Manifestations of the sons of men 2012"

"Heaven on Earth 2013"...etc

The funny sites are wrist bands; where you see a person walking around with 3-4 bands.(why?)

But this morning after praying, I laid back on my bed to rest a bit then I started planning my activities for today when I heard a very clear instruction from God. ( Yea, I am at the level where God talks to me audibly. Sometimes it's a small voice that jerks me up to look around if there's someone else in the room. Other times, a scripture would drop in my mind and I would quickly check it and see that it is a scripture relating to a particular situation I am handling. God is amazing!)

So I reviewed the instruction and as usual my mind raised objections (this mind has refused to become righteous.)

My Mind: "We can't do that frequently because it will attract attention to us"

My Heart: "We can do it. People do it"

My mind: "Name one person you know who does it"

My Heart: "errmmmm...."

In my struggle to give a case-closing answer, the question "Why do people use stickers? was dropped in my righteous baby-heart. My mind as usual provided our customary answer.

My mind: "for publicity, identification or intimidation" 

Suddenly I got an understanding of the purpose of stickers and hand bands. 

What happens on the inside of you when you see a flier. You see it with your eyes, even if your mouth doesn't open, your mind reads and understands it and then give a feedback of processed information which is stored in your heart."

An Illustration, when you see a band or a sticker which states:

"Toddler in the car" 

Your eyes spots the sticker and you instantly start searching for a baby in the car. Where there is no baby, You begin to wonder where the baby could be. Then you would begin to make up possible locations of the baby. 

"Maybe the baby is at the school and the driver is on the way to pick the baby"... Etc but one thing is that the sticker stresses your mind to trail a bit and your senses are part of this process one way or another.

Another example is if you see a sticker

"Nigerian Army"

You would first of all look at the occupant(s) of the car. First, your mind will compel you to search for a person wearing a uniform. If he/she isn't, then your mind starts running with possible reasons why the person isn't wearing a uniform

"Maybe she/he is not on duty. Maybe he/she is connected to the Nigerian army"

And this makes you somewhat careful. If you are driving, you would make sure you don't drive careless around that vehicle to avoid some kinda harrassment.

This is also the case with stickers and hand bands.(spiritually and physically)

Physically:

When you move into a house and your neighbour has up a MFM sticker on the door, you expect that you would have many sleepless nights because you expect him/her/them to pray loudly at nights. So it's either you make up your mind to get back your rent money and move out or you join them at nights from your corner whispering "Amen". (No prayer is a waste of time)

Or maybe you become friends with some wearing a LFC band, you'd expect to be bombarded with fliers, tracts and eventually start attending the church one or another. (You cannot escape. Lol!)

Or you become friends with someone with a RCCG band on the wrist and sticker on the car, you'd expect that your phone would be bombarded with Open Heavens devotional every morning which you eventually would be compelled to read. (Lovely read by the way!)

Or you start dating a person with a DIGC hand band, you'd expect that during praise and worship session, your partner is singing beautiful and melodious songs but you don't know anyone of them because they were all composed by the Pastor. So you just listen to the words and God help you if your partner has a terrible voice. (BTW, The songs are totally awesome!)

I believe this also applies to the spiritual realm. Your identification also raises spiritual expectations. 

Let's say you have a sticker.

"I am a child of God. Devil beware"

Do you think the devil won't search for the cause of such boldness; why he should be wary of your identity.

For example,; when you spot a man wearing an army uniform but with a pierced ear and braided hair. First thing that comes to mind is the expected features of an ideal military personnel then you measure that standard with what is before you then you conclude that there's no way this freak could be a military man so your mind resets to default before you can treat the man anyhow you please.

This also happens in the spiritual realm. You affiliate with power which you apparently do not have. 

"Beware devil, I am untouchable"

And the devil is a publicity freak who thrives in the world's expectations. You are powerlessly threatening the devil in the eyes of the entire public, he would physically deal with you! 

You would just find yourself getting into unnecessarily fights with people.

For instance,

You enter a bus and the conductor for no reason starts yelling at you and before you know it, some altercation occurs. You hear phrases like

 "you don't have respect" 

"You talk anyhow"

"I will teach you a lesson"

You get home and more altercation and this time maybe a few blows come your way. Same phrases are repeated.

"No respect"

"You don't know your mate"

"You have not seen anything yet"

You go to work and you feel like the world is against you. You try to explain your predicament to people and they say you are paranoid. Trust me, you are not paranoid. The world is really against you. (Satan is the king of the world and you have powerlessly threatened him and you think he would sit still with folded hands and simply look at you)

Don't just wear bands and put up stickers but put on the whole armour of God.

Ephesians 6:10-13

Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Put on the full armour of God so that you can take your stand against the devil's schemes. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realm. 

Therefore put on the full armour of God so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground..."

Verses 14-18 displays the full armour:

1. Truth

2. Righteousness

3. Peace

4. Faith

5. Salvation

6. Word of God

7. Prayer.

These are the spiritual bands and stickers we need as our identification and also for intimidation in the spiritual realm. They are the features  by which we are evaluated in the supernatural realm. 

When you put these on, then you can boldly say: 

"Beware devil, I am touchable!

DIARY OF A CHRISTIAN GIRL

I have been AWOL and I would explain the reason in a testimony form.

I am not a testimony extrovert (someone who shares the testimony in public). The only time I did that was in a small house fellowship and I breezed through the entire story that by the  time I was done I saw the puzzled look on the fellows' faces like "did anybody get that? So I vowed never again.

Over the years I have heard some testimonies that left me with different impressions... Some with good effect, others with 'eye-rolling' effect then many with "did anybody get that? effect. (LOL)

Example of testimonies with good effect:

Testified: Praise the Lord

Response: Halleluyah

Testifier: I want to thank God for so and so. 

Response: wow. Halleluyah. *claps*

Example of 'eye-rolling' testimony:

Testifier: "praise the Lord"

Response: "Halleluyah"

Testifier: I am grateful for my life. I finished loosening my attachment in the night and I put it on the floor. When I woke up in the night to ease myself , I saw something curled up in the corner like a snake. I screamed and jumped up but I said out loud that I am fearless and I will tread upon snakes and scorpion and then I turned on the light switch and saw that it wasn't a snake. IT WAS MY ATTACHMENT! (True story!)

Response: WTH?

Example of 'did anybody get that' testimony:

Testifier: "praise the Lord"

Response: "Halleluyah"

Testifier: I don't usually come to give testimony because I am a shy person and I have to appreciate our pastor. God bless you sir. Please clap for our pastor. This man right here is truly a great man. Very humble, very accessible. I use to call him around 1am and he would pick up the phone. Thank you sir. This man ..... (At this point, someone would have collected the mic from his him)

Response: Did anybody actually get the guy's testimony?

But recently I got a higher understanding of the purpose of testimonies. No matter how small the testimony seem, its sole purpose is to ELIMINATE DOUBT(S).

Revelations 12:8

And they overcame him (the devil) by the blood of the Lamb, and by the word of their testimony....

In other words, everytime a testimony is shared, the devil is being defeated. Therefore I am going to share a few of my testimonies to defeat the devil back to back. (Hehehe)

First testimony:

My CGPA after my second semester result was 3.34

I had already resigned my fate that I was going to graduate with a 2:2 but one day after listening to a message on Faith, I pleaded with God for a graduation gift of 2:1.

For the first time in my life, I got over 4.5 during my 400 level first and second semesters.  GOD IS AWESOME!

Second testimony; Service year.

I had a great service year and I was given a post of a supervisor in a transport company and earned a fat salary and other bonuses which made my fellow Corper very envious of me.  I was retained after service year and the whole experience was awesome till I got bored of the job and decided it was time to move on. GOD IS SO AWESOME.

Third testimony; the reason why I have been AWOL!

In my quest to move on, I started putting out my C.V. I saw an advert for a 15 years experience for a managerial position. I laughed my heart out while applying. I mean how old am I that I would have 15years experience. I didn't expect that I would be picked but fortunately I got called for an interview which I attended. At the end of the three-day interview I got the job, with an official apartment.

 The experience has been incredible. GOD IS TOTALLY AMAZING!!!

Nowadays I listen keenly to all kinds of testimonies. I don't care how ridiculous it may sound. I focus on its purpose; Glory to God, defeat to the devil.

JUST DO IT RIGHT

OPEN HEAVENS DAILY DEVOTIONAL..

DATE: FRIDAY 29TH JULY 2016

THEME: JUST DO IT RIGHT

Memorise: 

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

Read: 1 Samuel 15:16-23 

15:16 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.

15:17 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?

15:18 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.

15:19 Wherefore then didst thou not obey the voice of the LORD, but didst fly upon the spoil, and didst evil in the sight of the LORD?

15:20 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.

15:21 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.

15:22 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.

15:23 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 for 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." Romas 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 spoil 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." 1 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 harboring 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 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 ONE YEAR: 

2 Timothy 1-4 and Psalms 22:1-21

AUTHOR : PASTOR E. A. ADEBOYE

HYMN 2: O JESUS, I HAVE PROMISED. 

O Jesus, I have promised, 

To serve Thee to the end;

Be Thou forever near me,

My Master and my Friend;

I shall not fear the battle

If Thou art by my side,

Nor wander from the pathway

If Thou wilt be my Guide.

Oh, let me feel Thee near me;

The world is ever near;

I see the sights that dazzle,

The tempting sounds I hear;

My foes are ever near me,

Around me and within;

But, Jesus, draw Thou nearer,

And shield my soul from sin.

Oh, let me hear Thee speaking,

In accents clear and still,

Above the storms of passion,

The murmurs of self-will;

Oh, speak to reassure me,

To hasten, or control;

Oh, speak, and make me listen,

Thou Guardian of my soul.

O Jesus, Thou hast promised

To all who follow Thee

That where Thou art in glory

There shall Thy servant be;

And Jesus, I have promised

To serve Thee to the end;

Oh, give me grace to follow,

My Master and my Friend.

Oh, let me see Thy footmarks,

And in them plant mine own;

My hope to follow duly

Is in Thy strength alone.

Oh, guide me, call me, draw me,

Uphold me to the end;

And then to rest receive me,

My Savior and my Friend.

THOU SHALL NOT COVET

OPEN HEAVENS DAILY DEVOTIONAL..

DATE: THURSDAY 28TH JULY 2016

THEME: THOU SHALL NOT COVET

Memorise:

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

Ephesians 5:3

Read: Ephesians 5:3-7

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

5:4 Neither filthiness, nor foolish talking, nor jesting, which are not convenient: but rather giving of thanks.

5:5 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.

5:6 Let no man deceive you with vain words: for because of these things cometh the wrath of God upon the children of disobedience.

5:7 Be not ye therefore partakers with them. Ephesians

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 neighbour'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 jetting 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 (1 Kings 21:1-16). Ahab organized 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 judgment upon Ahab. It was a judgment 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." 1 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 ONE YEAR: 

1 Timothy 1-6 and Psalms 21

AUTHOR: PASTOR E. A ADEBOYE

HYMN 4: TAKE MY LIFE AND LET IT BE

Take my life, and let it be

Consecrated, Lord, to Thee;

Take my moments and my days,

Let them flow in ceaseless praise,

Let them flow in ceaseless praise. 

Take my hands, and let them move

At the impulse of Thy love;

Take my feet and let them be

Swift and beautiful for Thee,

Swift and beautiful for Thee. 

Take my voice, and let me sing

Always, only, for my King;

Take my lips, and let them be

Filled with messages from Thee,

Filled with messages from Thee. 

Take my silver and my gold;

Not a mite would I withhold;

Take my intellect, and use

Every power as Thou shalt choose,

Every power as Thou shalt choose. 

Take my will, and make it Thine;

It shall be no longer mine.

Take my heart; it is Thine own;

It shall be Thy royal throne,

It shall be Thy royal throne. 

Take my love; my Lord, I pour

At Thy feet its treasure-store.

Take myself, and I will be

Ever, only, all for Thee,

Ever, only, all for Thee.

ASSURANCE OF BREAKTHROUGH

OPEN HEAVENS DAILY DEVOTIONAL

DATE: WEDNESDAY 27 JULY 2016

THEME: ASSURANCE OF BREAKTHROUGH

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)

30:6 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.

30:7 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.

30:8 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 had 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 on my way to breakthrough and cause me to excel in Jesus’ name.

BIBLE IN ONE YEAR: 1st Thessalonians 5, 2ndThessalonians 3, Psalms 20

AUTHOR : PASTOR E. A. ADEBOYE

HYMN 6: WHAT A FRIEND WE HAVE IN JESUS.

What a friend we have in Jesus,

all our sins and griefs to bear!

What a privilege to carry

everything to God in prayer!

O what peace we often forfeit,

O what needless pain we bear,

all because we do not carry

everything to God in prayer.

Have we trials and temptations?

Is there trouble anywhere?

We should never be discouraged;

take it to the Lord in prayer.

Can we find a friend so faithful

who will all our sorrows share?

Jesus knows our every weakness;

take it to the Lord in prayer.

Are we weak and heavy laden,

cumbered with a load of care?

Precious Savior, still our refuge;

take it to the Lord in prayer.

Do thy friends despise, forsake thee?

Take it to the Lord in prayer!

In his arms he'll take and shield thee

thou wilt find a solace there.

RIGHTEOUSNESS IS NOT OPTIONAL

OPEN HEAVENS DAILY DEVOTIONAL..

DATE: MONDAY 25TH JULY 2016

THEME: RIGHTEOUSNESS IS NOT OPTIONAL

Memorise: 

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

Read: Hosea 10:12

10:12 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. That is why St. Paul admonished his spiritual son, Timothy thus:

"Preach the word; be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all long suffering 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." 2 Timothy 4:2-3

There are some lessons to be learnt from the above scriptures; 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 requires 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;" 1 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 Christian 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 on in Jesus' name. 

BIBLE IN ONE YEAR: 

Colossians 1-4 and Psalms 19:1-6

AUTHOR: PASTOR E. A ADEBOYE

HYMN 4: TAKE MY LIFE AND LET IT BE

Take my life, and let it be

Consecrated, Lord, to Thee;

Take my moments and my days,

Let them flow in ceaseless praise,

Let them flow in ceaseless praise. 

Take my hands, and let them move

At the impulse of Thy love;

Take my feet and let them be

Swift and beautiful for Thee,

Swift and beautiful for Thee. 

Take my voice, and let me sing

Always, only, for my King;

Take my lips, and let them be

Filled with messages from Thee,

Filled with messages from Thee. 

Take my silver and my gold;

Not a mite would I withhold;

Take my intellect, and use

Every power as Thou shalt choose,

Every power as Thou shalt choose. 

Take my will, and make it Thine;

It shall be no longer mine.

Take my heart; it is Thine own;

It shall be Thy royal throne,

It shall be Thy royal throne. 

Take my love; my Lord, I pour

At Thy feet its treasure-store.

Take myself, and I will be

Ever, only, all for Thee,

Ever, only, all for Thee.

THE OVERCOMERS

OPEN HEAVENS DAILY DEVOTIONAL...

DATE: SUNDAY 24th JULY 2016

THEME: THE OVERCOMERS 

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)

5:1 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.

5:2 By this we know that we love the children of God, when we love God, and keep his commandments.

5:3 For this is the love of God, that we keep his commandments: and his commandments are not grievous.

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

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

5:6 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 ONE YEAR: Philippians 1-4 and Psalms 18:43-50

AUTHOR : Pst E. A ADEBOYE 

HYMN 9: MY FAITH HAS FOUND A  PLACE

My faith has found a resting place,

Not in device or creed;

I trust the ever living One,

His wounds for me shall plead.

Chorus:

I need no other argument,

I need no other plea,

It is enough that Jesus died,

And that He died for me.

Enough for me that Jesus saves,

This ends my fear and doubt;

A sinful soul I come to Him,

He'll never cast me out.

Chorus:

My heart is leaning on the Word,

The living Word of God,

Salvation by my Savior's Name,

Salvation through His blood.

Chorus:

My great Physician heals the sick,

The lost He came to save;

For me His precious blood He shed,

For me His life He gave.

Chorus.

DIARY OF A CHRISTIAN GIRL

I traveled to one of the south-west states for a small project which later suffered some delay. consequently, i exhausted the money i had budgeted for the trip and the Red threshold (you know the feeling when you have exhausted  your budget on an unprofitable thing, even though you still have cash somewhere, as long as that thing is concerned, you simply consider yourself broke? yea that one!) it hit me hard and i started reviewing my expenses.

"Do i really need to buy airtime to make calls today? Let anybody that wants to talk to me spend their money. Let my phone(i can deceive myself. we all know i mean 'pocket') rest today.
"Must i eat thrice today. Its not mandatory. Besides, i should cut down on those carbs (LOL!)

When Hunger came, it wasnt funny o! But my mind pushed back. Then i decided to test the Bible. Matthew 4:4
"Jesus answered, "It is written, Man shall not, live on bread alone but on every word that comes from God's mouth"

Thats how i carried my Bible, ready to be filled metaphorically but i was really hoping that it would make the hunger disappear. So i read the Bible and the message on importance of giving to the needy kept recurring. First, Jesus emphasized it then the Apostles especially Apostle Paul also resounded it all through their letters.

My Mind: "Giving is good. We will give prayers to the poor" (LOL. my mind is just something else)
As there was nothing to do, i decided to drag myself to church.

Right there in church, my heart reviewed everything i read in the Bible. I was so restless until i made a decision that i would give something to someone that evening.
After the service, i was walking back home (yes, i still maintain a house in that state for an absurd reason which i would discuss in some post someday). At the major round-about, i saw a weird-looking old woman standing on a spot and begging passers-by. I remembered that i had seen her before because her face was hard to forget and it was on that same area that i had seen her before now. She had a face that makes some people (not me, oh. rme) think that she is something ( a word that begins with W and rhymes with Ditch) but who was i to judge?

I was surprised to see her because the last time i saw her was about a year ago and nothing had changed for her. So i watched her for some minutes and i witnessed an encounter between her and a passer-by whom she asked for help and the guy gave her N10. She looked at the N10 with utmost disgust and then lifted her face up to the sky as if she was looking directly at God. Then i heard a voice say:

"Give that woman X naira" (huh? I have been starving myself and you want me to part with that money. If i hear...)

mehn i paced up but as soon as i passed her, i literally lost my peace. i felt like i was under severe torment (i really cannot explain on here) but it gave me a glimpse of hell.
Thats how i retraced my steps back to the woman and she wasnt even looking at me.

She was busying scanning the environment looking for someone to recite her plea to. Her palms were already facing up, shaped in a begging posture and it was in it i laid the exact amount that i was instructed to. Then she looked at me, then looked at her palms and she jumped, turned around 360 ( i am stilled puzzled by that. If i didnt know better...) and shouted three times in yoruba
"It will be well with you"
Then she smiled and she didnt look scary anymore. I smiled back and carried on with my empty stomach. but i felt some kind of satisfaction.

The next evening, i got a surprise call and got a breathtaking cash gift. I quickly rushed to the spot where i met her the day before so i could take her to a joint and declare:
"Amala for everybody" (LOL!)
and then give her percentage of the money
But she was not there. I did a thorough search for her but i didnt find her. I blamed the rain for her absence...i guess

Some people may call it coincidence. Well...whatever works for you. But I believe that the act of giving attracts amazing physical and spiritual blessings. It works like Magic. I can never be Red again!
Although, i tested the theory in Matt 4:4 to overcome my physical hunger, the Word of God filled actually filled me with the Revelation of Giving.