open-heavens-devotional

LIMITATION OF MAN'S KNOWLEDGE

Sat, 02 Oct 2010 22:43:06 +0100

Bible in One Year

Saturday, October 2, 2010

(Ezek 4 - Ezek 7)

Memorise: "The meek will he guide in judgement: and the meek will he teach his way" (Psalm 25:9)

Read: Genesis 13:9-11

Choices are usually influenced by certain factors, some of which are positive while others are negative. One very important factor that can affect decision-making is knowledge. Knowledge is power. The more you know about a particular subject the more you are likely to making right decisions. Proverbs 1:29 says those who despise or detest knowledge do so to their peril. Do you know that if you know more about God and His Word, it will affect you in making error-proof choices and decisions? That is why Proverbs 1:23 says, "Turn you at my reproof: behold, I will pour out my spirit unto you, I will make known my words unto you". The elements you need in taking those crucial decisions are contained in the Bible, prophetic utterances of genuine men of God and what He would like to say directly to you. How much time have you given to studying at His feet? Some think it is a waste of time to undertake personal Bible study while others are sleeping at midnight. No. You are gaining time. At the end, you will realize you spent far less time and effort in reaching your goal than the one who never cared to give priority to God's Word.

"The meek will he guide in judgement: and the meek will he teach his way" (Psalm 25:9). Relying on what you know about a thing or situation before taking a decision can be inadequate because of human limitations. This is why you must move further from what you know to what He knows. To do this, you must be clothed in meekness. When asked to separate from Abraham, Lot was free to choose where to go to. To him, the land of Sodom was very suitable for agriculture and rearing animals so he chose it. His physical assessment of the land was perfect but limited because he did not know that God was planning to destroy it after a while. At the end, he lost all his labour of several years to the inferno that gutted Sodom! Lot never consulted with God before making that decision. Some people fail to consult God in their decision making and so God will also not force Himself on them. He will allow them to reap the harvest of foolish decisions. Are you taking a major decision this period without allowing God to guide you? Stop it! Do not hurt yourself. Consult Him today.

ACTION POINT:

Father, my knowledge is very limited. Please Thou that hast all knowledge, guide me in making right choices and decisions.

OBEYING FULLY?

Fri, 01 Oct 2010 10:57:32 +0100

Bible in One Year

Friday, October 1, 2010

(Ezek 1 - Ezek 3)

Memorise: "And having in a readiness to revenge all disobedience, when your obedience is fulfilled" (2 Cor 10:6)

Read: 1 Samuel 15:15-23

Every ordinary situation is subject to change if only the right parameters and actions are applied. For instance, at the marriage feast at Cana in Galilee, certain things preceded the turning of water into wine. If you want something supernatural to come out of your ordinary situation, you must learn to obey God without complaints or questions. Many divine instructions meant to bring about our desired changes have failed to do so because of complaints and unnecessary questions. Questioning divine commands is an act of unbelief capable of derailing your trip to boom. Isaiah 1:19 says that blessings ride on two tyres - willingness and obedience. How obedient are you to the Lord's instructions?

In addition to obedience, there is need for total or complete obedience. Many of us are victims of incomplete obedience. Whenever a detail is ignored in a divine assignment, that obedience is incomplete. Leaders have ways of manipulating records and figures to appear correct when they are not. An example of incomplete obedience is recorded of king Saul in 1 Samuel 15:15-23. He was asked to kill all the Amalekites - both humans and animals but he spared the king and choice cattle and that cost him his kingdom. In Colossians 3:5, we are commanded to put to death every work of the flesh capable of bringing God's judgement on us. Unfortunately, like king Saul, we decide to kill some and spare some to our detriment. Some people are justifying or rationalizing their weaknesses. Some argue that it is impossible for a man to be without any fault or weakness and that all they have is only anger, covetousness, greed, white lies, or occasional lust. That 'little' work of the flesh can rob you of your 'kingdom' like king Saul. Never spare any weakness you observe in your life. Immediately deal with it. Cry to God to help you or else, it will deal with you. However, according to 2 Corinthians 10:6, until your obedience is complete, God may not deal with certain crucial issues in your life. Is your obedience total? Supply whatever is lacking and let your obedience not be wanting.

ACTION POINT:

Of all God's creation, the only thing that finds it difficult to obey God is man. If you can fully obey God, you are made for life - on earth and in Heaven.

LEADERSHIP IS COSTLY

Thu, 30 Sep 2010 18:29:05 +0100

Bible in One Year

Thursday, September 30, 2010

(Ps 49 - Ps 51)

LEADERSHIP IS COSTLY

Memorise: "Wherefore, if meat make my brother to offend, I will eat no flesh while the world standeth, lest I make my brother to offend" (1 Cor 8:13)

Read: Esther 4:15-16

"Riches and honour are with me; yea, durable riches and righteousness" (Prov 8:18).

What you choose determines what you get. Generally, when you ask for a particular thing, that is what you will get. But there are a few things you will ask for that could deliver several other things you never asked for. Anointing is one. Wisdom is another. As a leader, you cannot dispense with these great tools. The Lord will give you wisdom this season in Jesus' Name. Moreover, another useful leadership trait is the willingness to accept responsibility. A leader must be responsible. To do this, he must know his obligations and all that is expected of him and be ready to take responsibility for whatever goes wrong. Some pastors and superiors are quick to take the glory for the successes of their subordinates only to push the blame to them in times of failure. No! You must be responsible. You must attribute the failure of your team to yourself and give them credit for success. A responsible leader will not abdicate his responsibilities. Some superiors delegate responsibilities but do not follow up to see if their subordinates are performing the assignments or not. If you plan the way God does, even after delegating responsibilities, have an alternate plan through which you can salvage any likely disappointment that could come. How responsible are you? As a subordinate, how dependable are you?

In addition to these, a leader must not only identify the price of leadership but must also be prepared to pay it like Esther. A leader must learn to be first in a number of things. You must be first to get to church, last to leave. You must be first to attend any meeting you call your subordinates to attend. You must be prepared to make the highest contribution for joint projects. You must be seen to lead in every good area. These do not come easy! You must be ready to pay the price! You must be ready to take insults. A leader is expected to be broken. You will be dead to negative remarks from those you lead. You must love them even when they are unlovable. You will pray for them even when you think they do not deserve it or when you know some of them are deliberately working against you. The price of leadership is tough!

ACTION POINT:

Ask for grace to be a leader like the Lord Jesus Christ.

POSITIONED FOR FAVOUR

Wed, 29 Sep 2010 08:25:29 +0100

Bible in One Year

Wednesday, September 29, 2010

(Ps 46 - Ps 48)

Memorise: "A man's heart deviseth his way: but the LORD directeth his steps" (Prov 16:9)

Read: Genesis 18:1-3

When the time of God's favour is ripe, certain events take place. For the one with a discerning heart, it is easy to sense your time to move to the next level. May you not miss your time of favour in Jesus' Name. From Biblical accounts and personal experience, when your time of favour comes God could order the steps of your helpers to cross your path. He could cause you to meet a visitor of joy through whom your life will change. Looking at Abraham's encounter with divine visitors in Genesis 18:1-14, you would realize that that visit was purposeful and divinely arranged. The angels did not need to pass by Abraham's tent to get to Sodom. They could suddenly have appeared in Sodom and effected their mission without the knowledge of Abraham. Or, they could have taken other routes to Sodom, but because God wanted to put a final seal over His promise of 24 years to Abraham, He charted their trip via Abraham's tent. The Lord will purposely pass by your house this season!

God is still in the business of linking people with their helpers. That helper could be a divine, human, animate or inanimate object. A young jobless Nigerian was strolling on the streets of an American city one day when he ran into a newspaper advert which advertised a high flying job. He applied and got the job and his life changed suddenly. This unknown jobless man became a celebrity both at home and abroad! This season the Lord will cause your path to cross that of the helper through whom your desired change will come. The Lord will organize a meeting between you and your God -given spouse which will culminate in a glorious marriage. That business opportunity that will end lack and poverty in your life and generation will cross your path this season in Jesus' Name. When your time of favour comes, God will manipulate events, situations and circumstances and the people in them to prevent you from missing your helpers. While the angels were passing, Abraham could have been inside his tent sleeping or could have gone out to attend to friends or his cattle, but God compelled him to be at the place he would see his helpers. This year, the Lord will compel your feet to position you in the way of your helpers!

ACTION POINT:

Father, position me, and my family for favour this season in Jesus' Name.

DON'T CONFORM

Tue, 28 Sep 2010 14:03:50 +0100

Bible in One Year

Tuesday, September 28, 2010

(Ps 43 - Ps 45)

Memorise: "And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God" (Romans 12:2)

Read: Romans 12:1-2

Believers must not toy with anything evil. You must cultivate the habit of refusing or rejecting anything that can lead you to sin. If you refuse to connive with the fraudulent in your office to cheat on your organization, you will be called a fool. It is better to be a fool for Jesus than to be called a smart person by the world and end up in destruction. Proverbs 14:16 says, "A wise man feareth, and departeth from evil: but the fool rageth, and is confident". When the world calls you a fool, God calls you a wise son or daughter. What God says of you should be more important to you. Proverbs 1:10 talks of the possibility of being enticed. Whether you like it or not, you will be enticed into sin. But the same passage also encourages you not to yield to any sinful enticement.

Some practical ways of overcoming temptations are: Avoid the meeting places of sinners. Avoid their joints. Such places include cinema houses, clubs, ball rooms and disco parties. Keep away from any riotous party or gathering. As a student, do not join in violent protests. You could be hurt for nothing. There are better ways of expressing views on your grievances other than violence.

Similarly, severe the relationship with anyone capable of luring you into sin - no matter how friendly the fellow appears. If you feel more at home making friends with the opposite sex than those of the same sex, something is wrong somewhere. If you are comfortable in the company of unbelievers, rather than fellow Christians, then you are treading the wrong path. The reality is that, you tend to behave like those you follow or mingle with. Even among fellow believers, be selective of those you associate with - those who can stir you up to godliness, excellence and hard work. Turn down every sinful suggestion and take your stand. Make no friend with anyone of doubtful character - such as an angry man (Prov 22:24-25) or greedy fellow. Watch out for those who have a powerful influence over you and if it is an evil influence, break away. Study the Word and practice it daily. Be very prayerful and ask for the help of the Holy Spirit always.

ACTION POINT:

Thank God for missionaries in different mission fields. Ask the Lord to give them greater grace to be relevant to their communities.

POSITIVE PROGRESSIVE DESCENT

Mon, 27 Sep 2010 11:05:49 +0100

Bible in One Year

Monday, September 27, 2010

(Ps 40 - Ps 42)

Memorise: "Unto me, who am less than the least of all saints, is this grace given, that I should preach among the Gentiles the unsearchable riches of Christ" (Eph 3:8)

Read: Eph 3:5-8

A ladder is an instrument for climbing. In Genesis 28:10-13, Jacob dreamt of a ladder that touched both Heaven and earth. The presence of a ladder suggests that ascent is possible. On the other hand, it also suggests that descent is possible. Matthew 23:12 says that anyone who is ascending on a ladder but suddenly puts on the garb of pride, would make a u-turn and see himself or herself descending. Are you already climbing high on that ladder? Do not become self conceited and arrogant or else, that could begin your fall. 1 Samuel 2:7 says it is God's job to promote or demote. It is possible for you to fall below where you are currently placed. Whether you will sustain your climb, maintain status quo or decline has a lot to do with your attitude to God, others and yourself. This is one area the fruit of the Spirit is preferred to the gifts of the Spirit. While the latter sets you climbing, it cannot sustain the climb. You will require the former to sustain your climb and prevent a decline. Gifts of the Spirit without the fruit will definitely lead to a decline. If God is using you in the miraculous and you lack humility, you would soon begin to rub shoulders with God and think you are on the same level. A very zealous minister of God used to say that at certain times, he was operating on the same level with God in anointing. Gifts without the fruit can turn you into God's enemy - e.g. through pride.

Here is where Paul was different. Initially, he boasted that he was the chief of the apostles. Even when this was a statement of fact, he did not need to boast about it. God taught him tough lessons on humility and allowed a torn in his flesh just to silence his pride. Thereafter, he said he was not worthy to be called an apostle. Later, he said he was less than the least of the saints. And just before he died, he said he was the chief of sinners. Not because he had backslidden, but because he could now clearly see through God's eyes. Over a period of years, Paul went progressively down in humility because he had discovered the secret of upliftment. This is one time descent could be positive. That was what our Lord and Saviour also experienced. (Phil 2:5-11). He went down in humility at least seven painful levels. No wonder He was exalted far beyond reach! How humble are you?

ACTION POINT:

Father, from today let it be the higher I ascend, the more humble I become.

BREAK YOUR FALLOW GROUNDS

Sun, 26 Sep 2010 06:27:01 +0100

Bible in One Year

Sunday, September 26, 2010

(Ps 37 - Ps 39)

Memorise: "Not as though I had already attained, either were already perfect: but I follow after, if that I may apprehend that for which also I am apprehended of Christ Jesus" (Phil 3:12)

Read: Philippians 3:12-14

Your deeds, words, conduct and attitude can either attract positive or negative change. In the parable of the talents documented in Matthew 25:14-30, the man who had a change for increase got there by dint of hard work. He was given five talents and he processed them through labour to obtain five more. If you want God to give you increase, you must be prepared to labour. It is unfortunate that many people who claim to be believers in Christ are fast losing touch with hard work. They desire to increase by doing nothing or through wishful thinking. Come off it! Every gift, talent, skill, ability or resource that was either acquired or innate is given to you to process through labour. Without doing so, there can be no increase. Similarly, the servant with one talent who refused to process it with labour, paid dearly for it. He lost it to somebody else. He also lost his freedom. He became an enemy of his master and was bound and thrown into hell. It is a terrible thing to have a decreasing change! Some people think that the Lord will not do anything about the talent they refuse to develop and invest into God's Kingdom. Oh, what a deception! The Lord will do something about it. And this is a frightening issue. If you fail to discover some of your talents or you bury them like this man, on the day of accountability, the Lord will do something about it.

A minister of the Gospel whose work was being celebrated around the world and was feeling contented, got a shocker one day. The Lord told him he was far from reaching his optimal level and that he had many talents he was yet to develop. The Lord sounded quite disappointed that he was getting carried away by the applause of men and had to show him his score-card. How disappointed he was! Never let the praises of men pull wool over your eyes in any area. At best, they will get you blinded to your fallow ground. What talents are you not developing? What resource are you not processing into a change in increase? Immediately rise up and do something about it. Always adopt the attitude of Paul, who, in spite of his outstanding accomplishments never saw himself to have apprehended. You have not reached your peak. Except for self deception, there is still space for you at higher levels. Move up and fast today!

ACTION POINT:

Prayerfully identify your fallow grounds and ask God for the wisdom and grace to develop them.

EXPENDING YOUR RESOURCES

Sat, 25 Sep 2010 06:10:31 +0100

Bible in One Year

Saturday, September 25, 2010

(Ps 34 - Ps 36)

Memorise: "I know that, whatsoever God doeth, it shall be for ever: nothing can be put to it, nor any thing taken from it: and God doeth it, that men should fear before him" (Eccl 3:14)

Read: Eccl 3:1-8

Besides choosing whom to serve, your spiritual partner, your spouse and where you will spend eternity, you will also need to make decisions on other issues that may not be as fundamental as the previous but are also very important. God has given everyone of us certain resources - time, talent, money, etc. And God is interested in knowing how you will utilize each of these resources He has made available to you. How do you spend your time? Everyday, God gives you 24 hours which could be utilized to accomplish certain things. How do you spend your day? God, Satan, and secular affairs compete for your time on daily basis. What percentage do you give to God? Increasingly, legitimate work is taking more and more of our time. Some people either close very late or end up sleeping in their offices. But at the end, what do they get from such sacrifices? Some lose their health, some their homes, others lose their relationship with God, while some lose their joy. How much of your time do you give back to God? It is so difficult for some people to stay in God's presence for a three or four hours service. Yet, they spend close to 12 hours for work or business. Do you think God is not seeing you? Do you think God does not have expectations on what He wants you to do for His glory on daily basis?

Ecclesiastes 3:1 says there is time for everything under Heaven. How much time do you devote to things that would not matter after you die? How much time do you give to things that are expedient? How much time do you spend on television programmes and home videos daily? What time do you apportion to prayer, Bible study, fasting, and seeking God's face? God wants to know. Also, God wants to know how you use the talents and abilities He has given you. Some people are using their music or dancing skills to entertain the world and glorify Satan and they still claim to be children of God. Any talent that cannot be used to regularly glorify God is useless to God. How are you using yours? Lastly, God wants to know how you spend the money He puts into your hands. What percentage of it goes back to Him? Do you give any part of that money to the devil - for instance, to your unbelieving parents to sponsor fetish festivals in your village? Do you owe Him? How do you score yourself on these? Ask for God's help.

ACTION POINT:

If you liaise with God on what He has made available to you, He will tell you how to use them.

HE CREATES WINE

Fri, 24 Sep 2010 07:21:07 +0100

Bible in One Year

Friday, September 24, 2010

(Ps 31 - Ps 33)

Memorise: "All things were made by him; and without him was not any thing made that was made" (John 1:3)

Read: John 1:1-3

Just as you have the old wine, so also do you have the new wine. Until the chairman of the marriage at Cana in Galilee tasted the new wine, he did not appreciate the remarkable difference (John 2:1-11). Hence, Psalm 34:8 says, "O taste and see that the LORD is good: blessed is the man that trusteth in him". Until you taste Jesus Christ, you cannot appreciate how sweet He is. Until you taste the Spirit of God, you will not appreciate His superiority over other spirits you had frolicked with. What is the new wine to us today? It is a product of divine sovereignty. That means, because the decisions about producing the new wine and appropriate timing are entirely in God's hands, God takes all the decisions and nobody can question Him. The Lord will produce and serve you with new wine this season and nobody will be able to question Him.

Another thing to note about the new wine is that it is a product of divine creativity totally void of the input of men. According to the accounts in John 2:1-11, the water pots were filled with water. No chemical was added. No physical contact was established between the Lord and the water pot. All He did was to ask the servants to begin to serve the water and it turned into the best of wine. The change came by the power of His Word just as He did in the beginning (John 1:1-3). Every fruit juice started as water but became sweet juice inside the fruit. God will turn your water into wine this season! Are you crying that all you have is your limited provision? The Lord of Heaven and earth will intervene in your situation and bring out sweetness from your ugliness. Also, the new wine is God's response to man's need. God knows your needs and wants to respond to them at the right time. He knows the best way to meet that need. He will still your storms! He will heal your wounds! He will deal with your enemies. This season, the Lord who holds the divine technology of turning water into wine will sweeten your life. When you need Him, He will be there for you. He will not fail you. Psalm 33:8-9 says as soon as He speaks, the matter is settled. Your blessings are settled this season.

ACTION POINT:

If you serve bitterness to others, your wine may turn sour.

LEADERSHIP QUALITIES - 2

Thu, 23 Sep 2010 07:38:02 +0100

Bible in One Year

Thursday, September 23, 2010

(Ps 28 - Ps 30)

Memorise: "If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him" (James 1:5)

Read: 2 Chronicles 1:7-10

One leadership trait you must have is a servant-heart. Also, a leader must be humble. It takes humility to have a servant-heart. In John 13:13-16, our Lord Jesus Christ said that one trait that would stand believers out is humility - their ability to stoop low to wash the dirty feet of those under them. He demonstrated it for us to follow. To what extent are you doing this? As a leader, you can go to the house of your subordinate and help him do the dishes, feed his little baby, clean up the living room, wash his car, give him or his children a hair cut or help him prepare breakfast. You may protest that that is too demanding. How could you do such to your subordinate? But that is true service! Was it not demanding when the King of kings began to wash the dirty feet of His disciples? Do you know that if you touch their lives with such acts of humility, apart from making indelible impressions on them, you will truly be resembling the Lord Jesus Christ your forerunner in humility? You could have Servant-leaders' Week once in a while where leaders take on humble assignments for those under them. If anything, such acts will serve to remind you of the need to be a true leader.

Another leadership trait you require to succeed as a leader is wisdom. It takes wisdom to be humble. There are certain battles you cannot win except through humility. That is wisdom! After an impressive offering, God asked Solomon to ask anything. That was an open cheque: He could have anything he asked for in that moment. If a similar opportunity was given to you, what would you ask? Do you know you need wisdom to ask aright? Solomon's little wisdom helped him to prioritize his needs to the point of making an impressive request by asking for wisdom. What was the result? His simple request brought several other things he never asked for! Unusual requests produce unusual results. Many of us limit God and ourselves by our requests. The most difficult resource to control is human beings. If you want to successfully reign over men, you must ask God for wisdom. Any leader who lacks wisdom has failed already, hence, you should go to God for this most essential quality.

ACTION POINT:

Wisdom never stands alone: It attracts all other good things. If you have wisdom, king's treasures will be in your coffers.