The_pearl

OPEN HEAVENS DAILY DEVOTIONAL

DATE: SATURDAY 6TH JULY 2019

THEME: GIVE, GIVE & GIVE AGAIN.

MEMORISE:

Give, and it shall be given unto you; good measure, pressed down, and shaken together, and running over, shall men give into your bosom. For with the same measure that ye mete withal it shall be measured to you again. Luke 6:38

READ: Proverbs 3:27-28

27 Withhold not good from them to whom it is due, when it is in the power of thine hand to do it.

28 Say not unto thy neighbour, Go, and come again, and to morrow I will give; when thou hast it by thee.

MESSAGE

These days, many children of God do not pay attention to giving. For many, their experience with false prophets has made them averse to giving, while some are now tired of giving because they have been ignorantly sowing on infertile ground and have not reaped their expected harvest. Have you chosen not to give for one reason or the order? Whatever the reason may be, your experience does not change the validity of God’s word. If the word of God is not working for you, you must have gotten something wrong somewhere. Examine you past actions on giving and make appropriate adjustments where required. The question is, how much and how often should you give?

According to Proverbs 3:27-28, we are to help anyone who is in need, just as Jesus taught in the parable of the Good Samaritan (Luke 10:29-37). When I was in kindergarten, my teacher taught us a song which says “whosoever you have the power to help is your neighbor; so help him or her”. Furthermore, this scripture teaches that we should not postpone the good deeds of today till tomorrow. Tomorrow might be too late! The story was told of a man who delayed to help his younger brother get the medical treatment he needed. When he later made up his mind to help, he took the money to the hospital, only to meet his brother’s lifeless body on the way to the mortuary! His help was late. In other words, giving is time-bound. Esau is another example of someone who gave belatedly. By the time he brought his father the meal, needed to procure his blessing, someone else had carted the blessing away already. We must be quick to respond to calls to give, especially when it comes to projects that have to do with God’s kingdom. Another lesson we should learn from our Bible text is that for as long as you still have anything to give, you must not stop giving. God id telling us today to give, give and give again. The good thing about giving is that the giver can never lack something to give. Proverbs 11:24 says:

“There is that scattereth, and yet increaseth; and there is that withholdeth more than is meet, but it tendeth to poverty.”

Beloved, give, give and give again, because you will be adequately rewarded.

ACTION POINT:

Reach out to missionaries in the fields, find out their needs and give what you can to help the spread of Christ’s gospel.

BIBLE IN ONE YEAR: Deuteronomy 18-20
Ezekiel 12:7-20

AUTHOR: PASTOR E. A. ADEBOYE

HYMN 5: LET OTHERS SEE JESUS IN YOU.

1.While passing thro’ this world of sin,
and others your life shall view,
Be clean and pure without, within;
Let others see Jesus in you.

Refrain:
Let others see Jesus in you,
Let others see Jesus in you.
Keep telling the story, be faithful and true;
Let others see Jesus in you.

2. Your life’s a book before their eyes,
They’re reading it thro’ and thro’
Say, does it point them to the skis,
Do others see Jesus in you?

Refrain

3. Then live for Christ both day and night,
Be faithful, be brave and true,
and lead the lost to life and Christ.
Let others see Jesus in you.

Refrain

Hey guys

So today after the whole supreme court wahala, I got back to the firm hungry and after not being able to decide where to eat I went back to Hot Pot againI ate rice and stew with beef and plantain and a bottle of water which cost 700 naira

Then later, my friends and I went to a place called Grill 101. It is a cute little garden like place where they sell chicken wings, shawarma and all sorts

The chicken wings costs 100 naira for one. That’s 5 for 500 and 10 for 1k

They are really spicy and juicy wings too

So if you need really juicy chicken wings, go to Grill 101 at wuse 2

You’re welcome

Today was also a good day🤸‍♀️🤸‍♀️

So I went to work in trouser pants today🤸‍♀️😂😂 anyways the fun part of the day was that I went to the movies today with my friend, Tunde

Going to the cinema was something on my list that had not been checked out yet and today my dream was fulfilled🤸‍♀️🤸‍♀️

He picked me up from work with our other friends; Ife and Deji and then we went to ceddi cinema to see bling lagosians and it was a really nice movie and I really enjoyed myself with him today… it was the highlight of my day actually

I don’t have pictures of the outing sadly but I took pictures early with my pants

Anyways, the summary of today’s talk is that I enjoyed myself today

How did your thursday go?

OPEN HEAVENS DAILY DEVOTIONAL

DATE: THURSDAY 4TH JULY 2019

THEME: IT DOESN’T MATTER.

MEMORISE:

Let every soul be subject unto the higher powers. For there is no power but of God: the powers that be are ordained of God. Romans 13:1

READ: Genesis 41:38-44

38 And Pharaoh said unto his servants, Can we find such a one as this is, a man in whom the Spirit of God is?

39 And Pharaoh said unto Joseph, Forasmuch as God hath shewed thee all this, there is none so discreet and wise as thou art:

40 Thou shalt be over my house, and according unto thy word shall all my people be ruled: only in the throne will I be greater than thou.

41 And Pharaoh said unto Joseph, See, I have set thee over all the land of Egypt.

42 And Pharaoh took off his ring from his hand, and put it upon Joseph’s hand, and arrayed him in vestures of fine linen, and put a gold chain about his neck;

43 And he made him to ride in the second chariot which he had; and they cried before him, Bow the knee: and he made him ruler over all the land of Egypt.

44 And Pharaoh said unto Joseph, I am Pharaoh, and without thee shall no man lift up his hand or foot in all the land of Egypt.

MESSAGE

The LORD maketh poor, and maketh rich: he bringeth low, and lifteth up. He raiseth up the poor out of the dust, and lifteth up the beggar from the dunghill, to set them among princes, and to make them inherit the throne of glory: for the pillars of the earth are the LORD’s, and he hath set the world upon them.

1 Samuel 2:7-8

From this scripture, we see that no one attains the position of leadership without God having a hand in it. It then follows that irrespective of your background, when God decides to promote or enthrone you, nothing can stop your divine elevation. in this regard, Esther’s case readily comes to mind. A slave girl like her could only become a first lady through divine elevation. We also see this demonstrated in Joseph’s life: an imprisoned slave boy rose to become the second in command to a world emperor. To appreciate what God did in Joseph’s life, we must consider the factors that stood against him. Not only was he a foreigner, he was a slave and a prisoner who had a case of attempted rape hanging round his neck. Only God could have brought about the fulfilment of his long-time dreams in a strange land. I prophesy to you today: regardless of your family, educational or socio-economic background, you will reach your goal in Jesus’ Name.

We can learn some lessons from the story of Joseph’s elevation. First, the Lord caused Pharaoh to recognize the gift of the Holy Spirit in Joseph. Considering the fact that Egypt was a headquarters of astrologers and magicians, Pharaoh could have doubted the accuracy or authenticity of the interpretation and counsel that Joseph gave, if not for God’s hand. Secondly, if age was a factor, Joseph would not have been entrusted with such great responsibilities. In fact, for Pharaoh to have handed over his people and entire realm to a total stranger, it means Joseph found uncommon love and favor in his sight. On that remarkable day, he woke up as a slave boy and went to bed as the prime minister of Egypt. All this was made possible because of the God-factor. Beloved, the Lord is telling you to stop considering your background as a hindrance to your forward and upward movement in life. He will grant you a pleasant surprise this season, and those looking down on you will begin to look up to you, as it happened for Joseph in Jesus’ Name.

PRAY POINT:

Father, I believe Your word today; I declare that my background will not work against my greatness in life in Jesus’ Name.

BIBLE IN ONE YEAR: Deuteronomy 13-15
Ezekiel 10:20-11:13

AUTHOR: PASTOR E. A. ADEBOYE

HYMN 7: MY HOPE IS BUILT ON NOTHING LESS

My hope is built on nothing less
Than Jesus’ blood and righteousness;
I dare not trust the sweetest frame,
But wholly lean on Jesus’ name.

Refrain:
On Christ the solid rock I stand;
All other ground is sinking sand.
On Christ the solid rock I stand,
All other ground is sinking sand.

When darkness seems to veil His face,
I rest on His unchanging grace;
In every high and stormy gale
My anchor holds within the veil.

His oath His covenant and blood
Support me in the ‘whelming flood:
When all around my soul gives way,
He then is all my hope and stay.

When the last trumpet’s voice shall sound,
O may I then in him be found.
Clothed in his righteousness alone,
Faultless to stand before his throne.

Hey guys, so today has been a really amazing day cos I ate so much that my tummy hurts😂😫

I had boiled plantain and sauce this morning and then had spaghetti and chicken hours later.

In the afternoon my friend came to visit us and bought fruit parfait for us

We got this from Fendy salad just by my office. It contains coconuts, apple, pineapple and watermelons with yoghurt. It costs 1500 naira.. it was really nice and filling

After having that, my cool supervisor bought shawarma from Chicken Capitol and it was nice too. Tasted better than it looked

So yes, today was a great day… I’ll really look forward to having this kind of days everyday you know😂😂

The days are getting longer and more stressful. I almost have no time for myself again😫

At the moment, I’m still in the high court at Apo and I’m tired.

Anyways I had an interesting lunch today chaired by my friend

Moi moi and salad🤤🤤

Got this meal from our old mr. Biggs in Apo. The meal cost 520 naira. The moi moi was 200 naira and the salad was 320 naira…. it was quite filling too

It tastes better than it looks really and I think this is a balanced meal

Try it and let me know what you think

OPEN HEAVENS DAILY DEVOTIONAL

DATE: TUESDAY 2nd JULY 2019

THEME: AT GOD’S OWN TIME.

MEMORISE:

To every thing there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven: Ecclesiastes 3:1

READ: John 11:1-21

1Now a certain man was sick, named Lazarus, of Bethany, the town of Mary and her sister Martha.

2 (It was that Mary which anointed the Lord with ointment, and wiped his feet with her hair, whose brother Lazarus was sick.)

3 Therefore his sisters sent unto him, saying, Lord, behold, he whom thou lovest is sick.

4 When Jesus heard that, he said, This sickness is not unto death, but for the glory of God, that the Son of God might be glorified thereby.

5 Now Jesus loved Martha, and her sister, and Lazarus.

6 When he had heard therefore that he was sick, he abode two days still in the same place where he was.

7 Then after that saith he to his disciples, Let us go into Judaea again.

8 His disciples say unto him, Master, the Jews of late sought to stone thee; and goest thou thither again?

9 Jesus answered, Are there not twelve hours in the day? If any man walk in the day, he stumbleth not, because he seeth the light of this world.

10 But if a man walk in the night, he stumbleth, because there is no light in him.

11 These things said he: and after that he saith unto them, Our friend Lazarus sleepeth; but I go, that I may awake him out of sleep.

12 Then said his disciples, Lord, if he sleep, he shall do well.

13 Howbeit Jesus spake of his death: but they thought that he had spoken of taking of rest in sleep.

14 Then said Jesus unto them plainly, Lazarus is dead.

15 And I am glad for your sakes that I was not there, to the intent ye may believe; nevertheless let us go unto him.

16 Then said Thomas, which is called Didymus, unto his fellowdisciples, Let us also go, that we may die with him.

17 Then when Jesus came, he found that he had lain in the grave four days already.

18 Now Bethany was nigh unto Jerusalem, about fifteen furlongs off:

19 And many of the Jews came to Martha and Mary, to comfort them concerning their brother.

20 Then Martha, as soon as she heard that Jesus was coming, went and met him: but Mary sat still in the house.

21 Then said Martha unto Jesus, Lord, if thou hadst been here, my brother had not died.

MESSAGE

To enjoy your walk with God and avoid feelings of frustration, you need to recognize that God has His own timetable for everything that occurs in the life of every individual. For example, when it is not time for a man to be rich, all his efforts towards prosperity will be in vain, no matter how hard he tries; but when God’s time comes, regardless of any contrary circumstances, he will become astonishingly rich with ease. In fact, God’s timetable includes the time of birth and death of everyone. When a person is not due to die on God’s timetable, nothing can kill him or her. However, when the time comes for someone to die, no medical practitioner or prayer warrior can prevent it. Hezekiah’s case may sound exceptional, but then, it boils down to the fact that God changed the programme for him (Isaiah 38). As children of the Most High, we need to grow in our knowledge of how God works. Ecclesiastes 3:1 says:

“To every thing there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven:”

Since there is a time for everything and purpose, wisdom demands that we seek God’s face to know His will and timing, so that we don’t run ourselves to death pursuing shadows.

Martha in today’s Bible reading reflects the attitude that several believers have towards God’s timing of things. She accused Jesus of being too slow to respond to their SOS call when her brother was sick, possibly suggesting that Jesus was not concerned about his condition. That was very characteristics of Martha; she always wanted things done quickly and “on time”. No wonder Jesus once told her in Luke 10:41b:

“Martha, Martha, thou art careful and troubled about many things:”

Unlike Martha, people of faith must be wary of the “microwave” style of living, it did not help situations in times past and cannot help today. Abraham cut corners to have a son in Ismael, and the whole world is still paying dearly for it (Genesis 16). If only he had waited for God’s own timing! In spite of what he did, God was still faithful to His promise of giving him a son through Sarah; his hasty act was therefore unnecessary. King Saul also offered a sacrifice which he was not supposed to because he could not wait for God’s appointed time, and this marked the beginning of the end for him (1 Samuel 13:7-14). In order not to fall into the same error, we must receive David’s counsel in Psalm 37:7a, which says:

“Rest in the LORD, and wait patiently for him:”

May the Lord grant you the grace to wait for His perfect timing. Are you unmarried? Please wait for God to send you your mate at His own time, and do not make your own choice in haste. God bless you as you wait for Him in Jesus Name.

PRAYER POINT:

Father, please grant me the grace me the grace not only to know Your timing but to also wait for it.

BIBLE IN ONE YEAR: Deuteronomy 9-10
Ezekiel 9:1-10:2

AUTHOR: PASTOR E. A. ADEBOYE

HYMN 8: MY FAITH LOOKS UP TO THEE
My faith looks up to Thee,
Thou Lamb of Calvary,
Savior divine!
Now hear me while I pray,
Take all my guilt away,
Oh, let me from this day
Be wholly Thine!

May Thy rich grace impart
Strength to my fainting heart,
My zeal inspire!
As Thou hast died for me,
Oh, may my love to Thee
Pure, warm, and changeless be,
A living fire!

While life’s dark maze I tread,
And griefs around me spread,
Be Thou my guide;
Bid darkness turn to day,
Wipe sorrow’s tears away,
Nor let me ever stray
From Thee aside.

When ends life’s transient dream,
When death’s cold, sullen stream
Shall o’er me roll;
Blest Savior, then in love,
Fear and distrust remove;
Oh, bear me safe above,
A ransomed soul!