Open Heaven For Today 2022 Tuesday Daily Devotional By Pastor E. A. Adeboye – Letters To The Ephesus Church II
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TOPIC: Letters To The Ephesus Church II
MEMORISE: “This people draweth nigh unto me with their mouth, and honoureth me with their lips; but their heart is far from me.” – Matthew 15:8 (KJV)
READ: Revelation 2:4-7 (KJV)
4 Nevertheless I have somewhat against thee, because thou hast left thy first love.
5 Remember therefore from whence thou art fallen, and repent, and do the first works; or else I will come unto thee quickly, and will remove thy candlestick out of his place, except thou repent.
6 But this thou hast, that thou hatest the deeds of the Nicolaitanes, which I also hate.
7 He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches; To him that overcometh will I give to eat of the tree of life, which is in the midst of the paradise of God.
BIBLE IN ONE YEAR: Isaiah 6-9
Open Heaven For Today 2022 MESSAGE:
You wonder how Jesus would say that the Ephesus Church had forgotten their first love after saying that He had seen their works, labour and patience (Revelation 2:4). This tells us clearly that all the labour that people were putting into the work of God was not from the heart. It had all become routine and there was no longer a deep fellowship between them and the Holy Spirit.
Many Christians today fall into this trap of the devil. When they are in a prayer meeting, they can pray for 2 hours, but they can hardly pray for 5 minutes in their closets. When the Church evangelism team is going out to evangelize, they are the first to arrive, but they have never opened their mouth to preach the gospel to their neighbor who is an unbeliever. Oh! Gone are those days when you would arrive in Church only to be told by the Pastor that you would be the one to preach that morning, days when every Christian was a soldier, ever ready for the use of his Master. These days, the Pastor has to pray hard and give enough notice before he can ask a member to lend the Church their car for an assignment. Sadly, the love of many has waxed cold. Is it your love for God that pushes you to do the things you do for Him or do you do them just as a normal duty you have in Church? Are you still bubbling with that first love you had when you gave your life to Christ or is your Christianity now a bunch of activities?
Remember therefore from whence thou art fallen, and repent, and do the first works; or else I will come unto thee quickly, and will remove thy candlestick out of his place, except thou repent. – Revelation 2:5
At the beginning of the letter, Jesus said He had seen their works. In verse 5 above, He says that they should return to their first works.
There is the work you do mechanically, without being driven by love for God and there is the work you do as a result of your love for Him. Jesus is telling you today to return to your first love, to do the first works that were driven by that love. It could be the same activity, but the works must now be backed by love.
REFLECTION:
Ask yourself, “What drives me to do the work of God?”
HYMN 3: Deeper, Deeper In The Love Of Jesus
1 Deeper, deeper in the love of Jesus
Daily let me go;
Higher, higher in the school of wisdom,
More of grace to know.
Refrain:
Oh, deeper yet, I pray,
And higher ev’ry day,
And wiser, blessed Lord,
In Thy precious, holy word.
2 Deeper, deeper! blessed Holy Spirit,
Take me deeper still,
Till my life is wholly lost in Jesus,
And His perfect will.
3 Deeper, deeper! tho’ it cost hard trials,
Deeper let me go!
Rooted in the holy love of Jesus,
Let me fruitful grow.
4 Deeper, higher, ev’ry day in Jesus,
Till all conflict past,
Finds me conqu’ror, and in His own image
Perfected at last.
Open Heavens 2022 Daily Devotional guide was written by Pastor E.A. Adeboye, the General Overseer of the Redeemed Christian Church of God, one of the largest evangelical church in the world and also the President of Christ the Redeemer’s Ministries. The Open Heavens devotional application is available across all mobile platforms and operating systems: iOS, Android, Blackberry, Nokia, Windows Mobile and PC. Open Heaven for Today 2022
Flatimes Notice Board: Until you are born again, God ever abiding presence will never be with you. You must be born again to enjoy continuous victory. Please say the displayed prayer below in faith:
Lord Jesus, come into my life. I accept You as my Lord and Personal Saviour. I believe in my heart You died and rose from the dead to save me. Thank You Lord for saving me, in Jesus’ name Amen.
If you just prayed the prayer of salvation online please send your testimonies and prayer request to info@rccg.org, +234-1-8447340, +234-0-7098213112.
Open Heaven For Today 2022 Monday Daily Devotional By Pastor E. A. Adeboye – Letters To The Ephesus Church I
Click HERE for Previous Open Heaven Devotional
TOPIC: Letters To The Ephesus Church I
MEMORISE: “Be ye not unequally yoked together with unbelievers: for what fellowship hath righteousness with unrighteousness? and what communion hath light with darkness?” – 2 Corinthians 6:14 (KJV)
READ: Revelation 2:1-3 (KJV)
1 Unto the angel of the church of Ephesus write; These things saith he that holdeth the seven stars in his right hand, who walketh in the midst of the seven golden candlesticks;
2 I know thy works, and thy labour, and thy patience, and how thou canst not bear them which are evil: and thou hast tried them which say they are apostles, and are not, and hast found them liars:
3 And hast borne, and hast patience, and for my name’s sake hast laboured, and hast not fainted.
BIBLE IN ONE YEAR: Isaiah 1-5
Open heaven For Today 2022 MESSAGE:
The first thing Jesus said to the Ephesus Church after introducing Himself to them is;
“I know thy works, and thy labour, and thy patience, and how thou canst not bear them which are evil; and thou hast tried them which say they are apostles, and are not, and hast found them liars;” – Revelation 2:2
God is watching us closely. He can see it all! He said that members of the Ephesus Church did not tolerate sinners. They were separate (2 Corinthians 6:17). Are you comfortable amongst sinners? The Bible asks “What had light got to do with darkness?” If you choose a business partner who is not born again, he could be brandishing a charm under the table where no one can see him. You would then be wondering why God is not answering your prayers, without knowing that evil spirits have been invited into the business.
Jesus also commended this Church for trying the people who came to them claiming to be apostles, and finding the fake ones to be liars. When Paul was about to leave the Ephesians, he said;
“For I know this, that after my departing shall grievous wolves enter in among you, not sparing the flock. Also of your own selves shall men arise, speaking perverse things, to draw away disciples after them”. – Acts 20:29-30
Paul warned them of false prophets and they immediately started trying whoever claimed to be sent by God to them. This tells us that the members of this Church were not just hearers of the word but doers also. If these people had not acted on Paul’s admonition to them, only God knows the kinds of doctrines that would have entered the Church. It is because of this admonition that Jesus said they hated the Nicolaitans. The Nicolaitans are those who preach that once you are saved, you are forever saved – the false grace preachers. The Ephesus Church never believed their lies because they tested spirits before even listening to any preacher. You will only fall for false doctrines if you don’t test all spirits.
PRAYER POINT:
Father, give me the gift of the discerning of spirits so that I don’t fall prey to wrong doctrines.
HYMN 3: Deeper, Deeper In The Love Of Jesus
1 Deeper, deeper in the love of Jesus
Daily let me go;
Higher, higher in the school of wisdom,
More of grace to know.
Refrain:
Oh, deeper yet, I pray,
And higher ev’ry day,
And wiser, blessed Lord,
In Thy precious, holy word.
2 Deeper, deeper! blessed Holy Spirit,
Take me deeper still,
Till my life is wholly lost in Jesus,
And His perfect will.
3 Deeper, deeper! tho’ it cost hard trials,
Deeper let me go!
Rooted in the holy love of Jesus,
Let me fruitful grow.
4 Deeper, higher, ev’ry day in Jesus,
Till all conflict past,
Finds me conqu’ror, and in His own image
Perfected at last.
Open Heavens 2022 Daily Devotional guide was written by Pastor E.A. Adeboye, the General Overseer of the Redeemed Christian Church of God, one of the largest evangelical church in the world and also the President of Christ the Redeemer’s Ministries. The Open Heavens devotional application is available across all mobile platforms and operating systems: iOS, Android, Blackberry, Nokia, Windows Mobile and PC. Open Heaven for Today 2022
Flatimes Notice Board: Until you are born again, God ever abiding presence will never be with you. You must be born again to enjoy continuous victory. Please say the displayed prayer below in faith:
Lord Jesus, come into my life. I accept You as my Lord and Personal Saviour. I believe in my heart You died and rose from the dead to save me. Thank You Lord for saving me, in Jesus’ name Amen.
If you just prayed the prayer of salvation online please send your testimonies and prayer request to info@rccg.org, +234-1-8447340, +234-0-7098213112.
Open Heaven For Today 2022 Sunday Daily Devotional By Pastor E. A. Adeboye – Letters To The Churches
Click HERE for Previous Open Heaven Devotional
TOPIC: Letters To The Churches (Open Heaven 7 August 2022)
MEMORISE: “The mystery of the seven stars which thou sawest in my right hand, and the seven golden candlesticks. The seven stars are the angels of the seven churches: and the seven candlesticks which thou sawest are the seven churches.” – Revelation 1:20 (KJV)
READ: Revelation 1:10-20 (KJV)
10 I was in the Spirit on the Lord’s day, and heard behind me a great voice, as of a trumpet,
11 Saying, I am Alpha and Omega, the first and the last: and, What thou seest, write in a book, and send it unto the seven churches which are in Asia; unto Ephesus, and unto Smyrna, and unto Pergamos, and unto Thyatira, and unto Sardis, and unto Philadelphia, and unto Laodicea.
12 And I turned to see the voice that spake with me. And being turned, I saw seven golden candlesticks;
13 And in the midst of the seven candlesticks one like unto the Son of man, clothed with a garment down to the foot, and girt about the paps with a golden girdle.
14 His head and his hairs were white like wool, as white as snow; and his eyes were as a flame of fire;
15 And his feet like unto fine brass, as if they burned in a furnace; and his voice as the sound of many waters.
16 And he had in his right hand seven stars: and out of his mouth went a sharp twoedged sword: and his countenance was as the sun shineth in his strength.
17 And when I saw him, I fell at his feet as dead. And he laid his right hand upon me, saying unto me, Fear not; I am the first and the last:
18 I am he that liveth, and was dead; and, behold, I am alive for evermore, Amen; and have the keys of hell and of death.
19 Write the things which thou hast seen, and the things which are, and the things which shall be hereafter;
20 The mystery of the seven stars which thou sawest in my right hand, and the seven golden candlesticks. The seven stars are the angels of the seven churches: and the seven candlesticks which thou sawest are the seven churches.
BIBLE IN ONE YEAR: Song 3-8
Open Heaven For Today 2022 MESSAGE:
We see in our Bible reading today that Jesus Christ was about to dictate letters for John to write and deliver to the seven Churches. The Almighty God chose these seven Churches because they represent all the strengths and weaknesses of Christians all through the ages. In the next few days, we will be looking at each of these letters and drawing lessons from them because they are meant for the body of Christ in general and also for the individuals that make up the Church. Thus, you should regard them as letters from your husband to you – Christ is the husband of the Church and we are His bride.
The statement, “He that hath an ear let him hear” (Revelation 2:7,11,17,29, 3:6,13,22) makes it clear that He is talking to individuals. On judgment day, you will get the reward for your works here on earth, regardless of which Church you were attending.
When John turned to see the voice that spoke to him, there were seven candlesticks representing the Churches and in their midst, he saw Jesus (Revelation 1:12-13). This tells us that Jesus is in the midst of the Churches. Jesus is in our midst in The Redeemed Christian Church of God and every other Church of God out there. Hallelujah!
As soothing as this information is, it should also bring fear to those who are not doing His will. He is right there in your midst and He can see all the atrocities that you are committing in the Church. On the other hand, He can see all the faithful ones and He has a reward for everyone according to their works. What reward does Jesus have in store for you?
John also saw seven stars in the hands of Jesus and these seven stars are the angels of the Churches. Since it is the angels of these Churches that the letters were addressed to (Revelation 2:1), it means these were the leaders of the Churches – the Pastors. The Pastors are in His hands. This is why He says that you should touch not His anointed and do His prophets no harm (Psalm 105:15).
If you are a Pastor, ensure you do not bring abomination to His vineyard so that you do not get crushed by His everlasting hands.
REFLECTION:
Based on your works so far, what kind of reward do you think Jesus has prepared for you?
HYMN 14: Nearer My God To Thee
1 Nearer, my God, to thee, nearer to thee!
E’en though it be a cross that raiseth me,
still all my song shall be,
nearer, my God, to thee; (2ce)
nearer, my God, to thee, nearer to thee!
2 Though like the wanderer, the sun gone down,
darkness be over me, my rest a stone;
yet in my dreams I’d be
nearer, my God, to thee; (2ce)
nearer, my God, to thee, nearer to thee!
3 There let the way appear, steps unto heaven;
all that thou sendest me, in mercy given;
angels to beckon me
nearer, my God, to thee; (2ce)
nearer, my God, to thee, nearer to thee!
4 Then, with my waking thoughts bright with thy praise,
out of my stony griefs Bethel I’ll raise;
so by my woes to be
nearer, my God, to thee; (2ce)
nearer, my God, to thee, nearer to thee!
5 Or if, on joyful wing cleaving the sky,
sun, moon, and stars forgot, upward I fly,
still all my song shall be,
nearer, my God, to thee; (2ce)
nearer, my God, to thee, nearer to thee!
Also Read: RCCG Sunday School Teacher Manual 7 August 2022: The Days Of Tribulation
Open Heavens 2022 Daily Devotional guide was written by Pastor E.A. Adeboye, the General Overseer of the Redeemed Christian Church of God, one of the largest evangelical church in the world and also the President of Christ the Redeemer’s Ministries. The Open Heavens devotional application is available across all mobile platforms and operating systems: iOS, Android, Blackberry, Nokia, Windows Mobile and PC. Open Heaven for Today 2022
Flatimes Notice Board: Until you are born again, God ever abiding presence will never be with you. You must be born again to enjoy continuous victory. Please say the displayed prayer below in faith:
Lord Jesus, come into my life. I accept You as my Lord and Personal Saviour. I believe in my heart You died and rose from the dead to save me. Thank You Lord for saving me, in Jesus’ name Amen.
If you just prayed the prayer of salvation online please send your testimonies and prayer request to info@rccg.org, +234-1-8447340, +234-0-7098213112.
Open Heaven For Today 2022 Saturday Daily Devotional By Pastor E. A. Adeboye – Set In Your Ways?
Click HERE for Previous Open Heaven Devotional
TOPIC: Set In Your Ways?
MEMORISE: “For as I passed by, and beheld your devotions, I found an altar with this inscription, To The Unknown God. Whom therefore ye ignorantly worship, him declare I unto you.” – Acts 17:23 (KJV)
READ: Acts 10:9-20 (KJV)
9 On the morrow, as they went on their journey, and drew nigh unto the city, Peter went up upon the housetop to pray about the sixth hour:
10 And he became very hungry, and would have eaten: but while they made ready, he fell into a trance,
11 And saw heaven opened, and a certain vessel descending upon him, as it had been a great sheet knit at the four corners, and let down to the earth:
12 Wherein were all manner of fourfooted beasts of the earth, and wild beasts, and creeping things, and fowls of the air.
13 And there came a voice to him, Rise, Peter; kill, and eat.
14 But Peter said, Not so, Lord; for I have never eaten any thing that is common or unclean.
15 And the voice spake unto him again the second time, What God hath cleansed, that call not thou common.
16 This was done thrice: and the vessel was received up again into heaven.
17 Now while Peter doubted in himself what this vision which he had seen should mean, behold, the men which were sent from Cornelius had made enquiry for Simon’s house, and stood before the gate,
18 And called, and asked whether Simon, which was surnamed Peter, were lodged there.
19 While Peter thought on the vision, the Spirit said unto him, Behold, three men seek thee.
20 Arise therefore, and get thee down, and go with them, doubting nothing: for I have sent them.
BIBLE IN ONE YEAR: Ecclesiastes 9 – Song 2
Open Heaven For Today 2022 MESSAGE:
God can move in different ways so we cannot put Him in a box. He can also change His mind once in a while when certain conditions are met. In Matthew 15:22-28, a gentile woman came to meet Him asking for healing for her daughter and He ignored her because she was not a Jew. This woman persisted and met the condition of faith. Jesus then changed His mind and healed her daughter, by virtue of her faith.
In John 4:7-30, the Lord Jesus met a Samaritan woman and decided to talk to her about Salvation. In those days, the Jews considered Samaritans unclean and had no dealings with them, but here was Jesus Christ Himself preaching to a Samaritan woman. The Samaritan woman became an evangelist, bringing people to meet with Jesus Christ.
God could change the way He does things while leaving the end goal constant. It is, however, surprising that many Christians are set in their ways. When you are set in your ways, you limit how much God can use you.
The Redeemed Christian Church of God is where it is today because we refused to be set in our ways. When I decided to introduce musical instruments in the early days of the Church, some of the elders were opposed to it, but I showed them Psalm 150:3-5, where musical instruments were used to praise God in the Scriptures, and they yielded. Later on, we decided to start model parishes where people who want more comfortable Church environments can worship. In every country of the world that we get to, we don’t insist on doing things the same way we do in Nigeria. For example, the Holy Ghost Service is called the Festival of Life in many other countries because they are afraid of the word ‘Ghost’. Thus, we have been able to reach millions more people for Christ.
Once the goal is carefully spelt out, don’t be rigid in the way it is achieved as long as you are not going against the will of God. Paul saw the people worshipping an unknown God; he did not say “Throw this god away and I will introduce you to another”; rather, he said “I want to help you to know this unknown God”. It was the same goal of winning souls, but different methods.
KEY POINT:
When you are set in your ways, you limit how much God can use you.
HYMN 8: I’m Pressing On The Upward Way
1 I’m pressing on the upward way,
New heights I’m gaining ev’ry day;
Still praying as I’m onward bound,
“Lord, plant my feet on higher ground.”
Refrain:
Lord, lift me up, and let me stand
By faith, on heaven’s tableland;
Where love, and joy, and light abound,
Lord, plant my feet on higher ground.
2 My heart has no desire to stay
Where doubts arise and fears dismay;
Though some may dwell where these abound,
My prayer, my aim, is higher ground.
3 Beyond the mist I fain would rise,
To rest beneath unclouded skies,
Above earth’s turmoil peace is found,
By those who dwell on higher ground.
4 I long to scale the utmost height,
Though rough the way, and hard the flight,
My song, while climbing, shall resound,
Lord, lead me on to higher ground
5 Lord, lead me up the mountain side,
I dare not climb without my Guide;
And, heaven gained, I’ll gaze around,
With grateful heart from higher ground.
Open Heavens 2022 Daily Devotional guide was written by Pastor E.A. Adeboye, the General Overseer of the Redeemed Christian Church of God, one of the largest evangelical church in the world and also the President of Christ the Redeemer’s Ministries. The Open Heavens devotional application is available across all mobile platforms and operating systems: iOS, Android, Blackberry, Nokia, Windows Mobile and PC. Open Heaven for Today 2022
Flatimes Notice Board: Until you are born again, God ever abiding presence will never be with you. You must be born again to enjoy continuous victory. Please say the displayed prayer below in faith:
Lord Jesus, come into my life. I accept You as my Lord and Personal Saviour. I believe in my heart You died and rose from the dead to save me. Thank You Lord for saving me, in Jesus’ name Amen.
If you just prayed the prayer of salvation online please send your testimonies and prayer request to info@rccg.org, +234-1-8447340, +234-0-7098213112.
Open Heaven For Today 2022 Friday Daily Devotional By Pastor E. A. Adeboye – Study
Click HERE for Previous Open Heaven Devotional
TOPIC: Study (Open Heaven 5 August 2022)
MEMORISE: “Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.” – 2 Timothy 2:15 (KJV)
READ: Daniel 9:1-7 (KJV)
1 In the first year of Darius the son of Ahasuerus, of the seed of the Medes, which was made king over the realm of the Chaldeans;
2 In the first year of his reign I Daniel understood by books the number of the years, whereof the word of the Lord came to Jeremiah the prophet, that he would accomplish seventy years in the desolations of Jerusalem.
3 And I set my face unto the Lord God, to seek by prayer and supplications, with fasting, and sackcloth, and ashes:
4 And I prayed unto the Lord my God, and made my confession, and said, O Lord, the great and dreadful God, keeping the covenant and mercy to them that love him, and to them that keep his commandments;
5 We have sinned, and have committed iniquity, and have done wickedly, and have rebelled, even by departing from thy precepts and from thy judgments:
6 Neither have we hearkened unto thy servants the prophets, which spake in thy name to our kings, our princes, and our fathers, and to all the people of the land.
7 O Lord, righteousness belongeth unto thee, but unto us confusion of faces, as at this day; to the men of Judah, and to the inhabitants of Jerusalem, and unto all Israel, that are near, and that are far off, through all the countries whither thou hast driven them, because of their trespass that they have trespassed against thee.
BIBLE IN ONE YEAR: Ecclesiastes 4-8
Open Heaven For Today 2022 MESSAGE:
Many people these days hardly study. Most youths would rather spend their time on Social Media than read books or conduct meaningful research. Every great person became so because they studied and learnt the right things to get to where they are today, so if you want to be great, learn to study. Some years back, you would have to visit a library in person to get the materials that you want to study, but now, you can find most of what you need on the internet.
I wonder then why many people still don’t study. There are certain circles of influence that you cannot reach if you don’t study. The Bible says you need to study to show yourself approved (2 Timothy 2:15). There are certain heights you cannot reach for God if you are not studious. Peter was a great man of God whose shadow was healing the sick (Acts 5:15). In fact, Peter became the leader of the Apostles, but Paul was the one who did a whole lot more amongst the apostles and that is because he was an educated man. Most of the New Testament was written by Paul because he was educated and wrote many letters. We have many anointed Christians, but not many influential ones because not many are willing to study.
In the first year of his reign I Daniel understood by books the number of the years, whereof the word of the LORD came to Jeremiah the prophet, that he would accomplish seventy years in the desolations of Jerusalem. And I set my face unto the Lord God, to seek by prayer and supplications, with fasting, and sackcloth, and ashes; – Daniel 9:2-3
Daniel knew there was a need to pray; he knew the correct prayers to offer because he studied the right books. Some people keep suffering in certain situations because they don’t know the truth about what they are facing. Some don’t even study the Bible to see what the word of God says about their problems.
Daniel 12:4 says that in the last days, knowledge will increase. This is coming to pass. The world is increasing in knowledge. Don’t leave the knowledge that will influence this world to the devil; go and get that knowledge too and use it for the Kingdom of God.
KEY POINT:
Make studying your lifestyle.
HYMN 3: Deeper, Deeper In The Love Of Jesus
1 Deeper, deeper in the love of Jesus
Daily let me go;
Higher, higher in the school of wisdom,
More of grace to know.
Chorus:
O deeper yet I pray,
And higher ev’ry day,
And wiser, blessed, Lord,
In Thy precious, holy word.
2 Deeper, deeper! blessed Holy Spirit,
Take me deeper still,
Till my life is wholly lost in Jesus
And His perfect will.
3 Deeper, deeper! tho’ it cost hard trials,
Deeper let me go!
Rooted in the holy love of Jesus,
Let me fruitful grow.
4 Deeper, higher ev’ry day in Jesus,
Till all conflict past,
Finds me conqu’ror, and in His own image
Perfected at last.
Open Heavens 2022 Daily Devotional guide was written by Pastor E.A. Adeboye, the General Overseer of the Redeemed Christian Church of God, one of the largest evangelical church in the world and also the President of Christ the Redeemer’s Ministries. The Open Heavens devotional application is available across all mobile platforms and operating systems: iOS, Android, Blackberry, Nokia, Windows Mobile and PC. Open Heaven for Today 2022
Flatimes Notice Board: Until you are born again, God ever abiding presence will never be with you. You must be born again to enjoy continuous victory. Please say the displayed prayer below in faith:
Lord Jesus, come into my life. I accept You as my Lord and Personal Saviour. I believe in my heart You died and rose from the dead to save me. Thank You Lord for saving me, in Jesus’ name Amen.
If you just prayed the prayer of salvation online please send your testimonies and prayer request to info@rccg.org, +234-1-8447340, +234-0-7098213112.
