Tuesday 30 April Open Heaven: HAVE FAMILY VALUES

Tuesday 30 April
HAVE FAMILY VALUES
Memory Verse: Let not mercy and truth forsake thee: bind them about thy neck; write them upon the table of thine heart: Proverbs 3:3
Read: Proverbs 3:1-4
Pro 3:1 My son, forget not my law; but let thine heart keep my commandments:

Pro 3:2 For length of days, and long life, and peace, shall they add to thee.

Pro 3:3 Let not mercy and truth forsake thee: bind them about thy neck; write them upon the table of thine heart:

Pro 3:4 So shalt thou find favour and good understanding in the sight of God and man.



Message
After Vashti was deposed, Ahasuerus needed a replacement queen. He did not look for just any young lady but specifically invited all the pretty virgins to his palace for a contest. Speaking of virgins, it is common knowledge that virgins are products of good homes. When you see a virgin, the first thing that comes to mind is that she must have come from a very good and disciplined home. Children are a reflection of their parents. Good children are products of good homes. On the other hand, good homes are products of great values. In a good home, the fear of God is taught to every member of that family.
“The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge; but fools despise wisdom and instruction.”
Proverbs 1:7
Every child must be taught about God who is the Creator of all things. They must also be taught that He has laid down laws by which we must live on earth, and that He rewards the obedient but punishes the disobedient. You should provide scriptural examples on how God rewards and punishes these classes of people.

Similarly, great values must be adopted from the Bible and made to be part of the principles that govern that home. An example is chastity - keeping your body from every form of sexual defilement. Another is hard work - putting in your all at work or school in order to excel. Also, respect for elders and obedience to authorities at home, community, school, work or government. A child must also be taught contentment - being satisfied with whatever is available and using only legitimate means to acquire wealth or to make progress. Children must be taught hygiene and to avoid dirty habits. They must learn to handle domestic chores themselves no matter how many servants that are employed in that home. Children must be taught to be their brother's keeper and learn to be neighbourly and relate well with fellow human beings. Merit and order must be a priority. Children must learn to follow a time table where everything is done at the right time and place to avoid time wastage. Every child must be taught their rights, privileges and obligations. They must know their limits. They must be brought up to tell the truth always and reject lies. They must learn etiquette and acceptable ways of behaviour in public places, table manners while eating and how to handle disputes and crises. They must be very respectful and know how to exchange pleasantries, must be polite and prayerful. What values are you bringing your children up with? Teach your child on choosing friends and the books to read, programmes to watch, places to go and places not to go.
Key Point
Values make children, homes, communities and nations. Every value you fail to teach your child could create a vacuum that would be suffered by the nation in time to come.

Monday 29 April Open Heaven: THERE FOR A REASON

Monday 29 April
THERE FOR A REASON
Memory Verse: ...and who knoweth whether thou art come to the Kingdom for such a time as this? Esther 4:14d
Read: Esther 4:10-14
Est 4:10 Again Esther spake unto Hatach, and gave him commandment unto Mordecai;

Est 4:11 All the king's servants, and the people of the king's provinces, do know, that whosoever, whether man or woman, shall come unto the king into the inner court, who is not called, there is one law of his to put him to death, except such to whom the king shall hold out the golden sceptre, that he may live: but I have not been called to come in unto the king these thirty days.

Est 4:12 And they told to Mordecai Esther's words.

Est 4:13 Then Mordecai commanded to answer Esther, Think not with thyself that thou shalt escape in the king's house, more than all the Jews.

Est 4:14 For if thou altogether holdest thy peace at this time, then shall there enlargement and deliverance arise to the Jews from another place; but thou and thy father's house shall be destroyed: and who knoweth whether thou art come to the kingdom for such a time as this?



Message
In Esther 2:1-4, so many young and beautiful virgins entered in for a beauty pageant and Esther emerged winner and became queen. Although initially she did not know why she was the winner, but much later, when the Jews had their very existence threatened, she worked hand in hand with Mordecai to bring about their deliverance. A non-Jewish virgin could have won the contest, but because God needed a vessel to facilitate the deliverance of His people right at the palace, He gave Esther uncommon favour before Hegai and the king, and the royal crown was set upon her head (Esther 2:8-17). This tells us that when God favours you above others to receive a particular thing, opportunity or blessing, He has a purpose. He needed a saviour for physical deliverance of the Jews so He chose Esther. God does not release His favours just for fun. If you are sensitive enough, you will sense that God has a purpose for making you the pastor in the midst of others. You would also want to know why you were so favoured so that you do not bungle the whole process. When God releases His grace upon an individual, it is to accomplish certain tasks. You may not believe this, but some people are using their God-given grace meant for something to accomplish something else.

You were chosen not for yourself but to satisfy He who chose you. You were appointed into that office to take care of His interests. Why are you pursuing your personal interests? God anointed some of His children to heal, save and deliver the oppressed but they are using the anointing to make merchandise of the people God sent them to deliver. You are in the parish, area, zone, province or region for a purpose. Have you cared to find out from God why He brought you to the place you are? If you ask, He will reveal it to you. And when this is done, that will become your goal in that organisation. You are in that house fellowship or department for a purpose. Queen Esther fulfilled her purpose for being made queen, have you fulfilled yours? You will not disappoint God. The Lord will open your eyes to see why He has put you where you are, and give you the grace to do His bidding.
Key Point
Father, the purpose for taking me to my present level, and for blessing me so much, let me fulfil it. Lord, may You never regret Your investments in my life.

Thursday 25 April Open Heaven: DIGGING BY MEDITATION

Thursday 25 April
DIGGING BY MEDITATION
Memory Verse: But Mary kept all these things, and pondered them in her heart. Luke 2:19
Read: Luke 2:15-19
Luk 2:15 And it came to pass, as the angels were gone away from them into heaven, the shepherds said one to another, Let us now go even unto Bethlehem, and see this thing which is come to pass, which the Lord hath made known unto us.

Luk 2:16 And they came with haste, and found Mary, and Joseph, and the babe lying in a manger.

Luk 2:17 And when they had seen it, they made known abroad the saying which was told them concerning this child.

Luk 2:18 And all they that heard it wondered at those things which were told them by the shepherds.

Luk 2:19 But Mary kept all these things, and pondered them in her heart.


Message
Hearing the Word of God is very crucial to receiving freedom. Aside hearing the Word in the church, you can effectively utilise your free periods to listen to audio Bible. When you do this often, not only will you easily memorise scriptures, but also there would be no space for evil thoughts to hibernate in your heart. If you do not have the Bible in audio format, you can read the Bible audibly to yourself regularly. Each Word that comes into your spirit man gives you life from above. How often do you hear the Word?

In addition to hearing, you must mediate on the Word you have heard until you understand it. When the Word comes, it comes with divine light, ready to give understanding to those who think upon it (Psalm 119:130). If all you do is hear or read the Word, you will just be scratching the surface of God's treasures. As mineral resources are usually below the surface of the earth, so also are the depth of the riches and treasures of the Kingdom inaccessible from mere hearing or reading the Word. Why do you think Psalm 1:1-3 says the one who meditates on the Word is blessed? It is because of the limitless treasures that the fellow will have access to. If you go through scriptures, you will find that not too many blessings are offered or pronounced on those who hear or merely read the Word. It is what you want to get from the Word of God that will determine whether you will just hear, read or mediate on it. If you want to be connected to an unending source of power, or you want to produce fruit in your season, if you do not want to experience dryness but desire whatever you lay your hand upon to turn to gold, then you need to meditate on God's Word (Psalm 1:1-3). If you want to have success at its best - excellence, then you cannot ignore meditating on God's Word both day and night (Joshua 1:8). When you meditate, you ponder on God's Word. One thing that Mary the mother of Jesus knew how to do was to ponder on God's Word and on things concerning Jesus (Luke 2:19,51). No wonder she got the revelation that there is power in the words of Jesus. With this revelation, she preempted Jesus and told the ushers at the marriage in Cana of Galilee to obey whatever Jesus tells them, no matter how stupid it sounds, hence water became wine (John 2:1-11). Do you make time to think on the word, God's actions and promises? If you can do this day and night, prepare for great things from God.
Action Point
Pray for war-ravaged nations that the peace of God will be experienced by them and that the Gospel will thrive there.

Wednesday 24 April Open Heaven: A DESERTER?

Wednesday 24 April
A DESERTER?
Memory Verse: And Jesus said unto him, No man, having put his hand to the plough, and looking back, is fit for the Kingdom of God. Luke 9:62
Read: Luke 9:57-62
Luk 9:57 And it came to pass, that, as they went in the way, a certain man said unto him, Lord, I will follow thee whithersoever thou goest.

Luk 9:58 And Jesus said unto him, Foxes have holes, and birds of the air havenests; but the Son of man hath not where to lay his head.

Luk 9:59 And he said unto another, Follow me. But he said, Lord, suffer me first to go and bury my father.

Luk 9:60 Jesus said unto him, Let the dead bury their dead: but go thou and preach the kingdom of God.
Luk 9:61 And another also said, Lord, I will follow thee; but let me first go bid them farewell, which are at home at my house.

Luk 9:62 And Jesus said unto him, No man, having put his hand to the plough, and looking back, is fit for the kingdom of God.


Message
Apart from parasites and loafers, the Commander-in-chief of the Heavenly army does not like deserters. Once you sign into God's army, there is no looking back. This is why in the armour available for soldiers listed in Ephesians 6:13-17, there is no armour for our backs. This means, the day you turn your back to the enemy, you are finished. It is against the rule of our warfare; for enemies are not supposed to see your back. This also implies there is no room to chicken out. Considering the size, military might and invincible weaponry available to you as a bona fide member of God's army, and God's track record of victories, you have no excuse to throw in the towel. Hence, Luke 9:62 says,
“And Jesus said unto him, No man, having put his hand to the plough, and looking back, is fit for the Kingdom of God.”
This means, if you have accepted Jesus Christ as your Lord, stay with Him and don't go back to the devil or your past self government. This also extends to your service. That is, whatever God has assigned you to do, never stop except He says so. Once in a while, God can move you from one assignment to another, or add to what you are presently doing. However, never move yourself away from an assignment God has given to you.

It is surprising to know how many people leave their primary assignment for a self-assigned task. These too are deserters. Increasingly, money is becoming a major factor in determining what is done, where it is done and how it is done. Although money is important for propagating the Gospel, it should however not take the place of the Holy Spirit. Some people when told to go and evangelise would reply: 'I don't have money'. What amount do you need to evangelise to your next door neighbour? There are some churches and ministries who being motivated by gain, decide to relocate or plant parishes only in high brow areas so as to attract the rich. Remember that Jesus Christ died for the poor also. If your ministry excludes ministering to the poor and needy, you are a deserter of some sort, and led by something else other than the Holy Spirit. Have you abandoned any assignment God earlier committed into your hands, repent and return today. God is prepared to back you in the task He has given to you, and not in the one you have taken upon yourself.
Key Point
If God has assigned you to a task, that is what He will reward you for. Do it faithfully whether it is easy or difficult.

Tuesday 23 April Open Heaven: VIRGINITY AND TIMING

Tuesday 23 April
VIRGINITY AND TIMING
Memory Verse: I will praise the LORD according to his righteousness: and will sing praise to the name of the LORD most high. Psalm 7:17
Read: Psalm 71:16-17
Psa 71:16 I will go in the strength of the Lord GOD: I will make mention of thy righteousness, even of thine only.

Psa 71:17 O God, thou hast taught me from my youth: and hitherto have I declared thy wondrous works.


Message
If you have accepted Christ as your Lord and personal Saviour, you are His virgin. A virgin is pure and undefiled. But being a virgin is not enough. In Esther 2:2, when virgins were to be brought to take part in the beauty contest at Shushan the palace, they were expected to be beautiful. The Holy Spirit must be allowed to beautify your life with His fruit (Galatians 5:22-23). Without this, you will be disqualified even as a virgin. Is your life beautiful? Does it reflect the love of God embedded in the fruit with nine parts?

Besides beauty, another quality that must be met has to do with age. The virgins must be young (Esther 2:2). This means every virgin beyond a certain age was disqualified. True, they are virgins. True they are pure and have not been defiled. Yet, if they failed to meet up with the age requirement, they will not be called to the contest. This teaches us that age has a lot to do with our calling. In a number of recruiting organizations today, besides stipulating the academic qualification, the age requirement is clearly spelt out. Usually, they require young graduates preferably less than 25 years. As a result, you have those who satisfy the academic requirement but are over the age bracket disqualified. This has made some to lie concerning their age. From this we learn that Kingdom assignments must be done at the time stipulated by God. You do not do God's work at your time but at His time. His task has a time requirement attached. So it is not enough to be doing a particular thing for God; the issue is: are you doing it at God's appointed time? Another lesson here is that there are certain Kingdom assignments that must be done in your youth: If you don't do them then, you would have missed out of God's purpose concerning such tasks. There are certain things that are best done for God in your youth. As a youth, you have lots of energy which reduces as you grow older. God wants you to utilise your youthful strength for His glory. Also as a youth, you are very adventurous. God wants you to go on an adventure in the things of the Spirit. Are you a Christian youth? How are you engaged in pleasing God with all that God has invested in you? God is looking for teens and youths through whom He will manifest His glory. Do you qualify? Make yourself relevant today by putting your time at His disposal.
Key Point
Ecclesiastes 12:1 says you should remember God now. But if you do so later, He can still use you but you would have cut off a chunk of opportunities that may never be regained.

Monday 22 April Open Heaven: SUDDEN RISE

Monday 22 April
SUDDEN RISE
Memory Verse: When the LORD turned again the captivity of Zion, we were like them that dream. Psalm 126:1
Read: Genesis 41:39-44
Gen 41:38 And Pharaoh said unto his servants, Can we find such a one as thisis, a man in whom the Spirit of God is?

Gen 41:39 And Pharaoh said unto Joseph, Forasmuch as God hath shewed thee all this, there is none so discreet and wise as thou art:

Gen 41:40 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.

Gen 41:41 And Pharaoh said unto Joseph, See, I have set thee over all the land of Egypt.
Gen 41:42 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;

Gen 41:43 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.

Gen 41:44 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
Another lesson from the story of Esther is how suddenly God can transform an individual. Not long ago, Esther was a young girl but a nobody, then suddenly she won the beauty pageant and emerged queen. After Esther's promotion, the one who was used to receiving instruction became the one issuing out instructions (Esther 4:15-17). God is the true source of promotion and He can promote you slowly, quickly or even dramatically. If you receive Jesus into your heart and accept Him as your Lord and Saviour, He will suddenly promote you to sit with Him in the heavenly places, and you will begin to rule over the powers of darkness that once dominated you (Ephesians 1:17-23). This promotion is sudden! Also, a little shepherd boy who was very unimportant in his own family, was promoted overnight to become king: this was how David became one of the most famous kings of Israel (1 Samuel 16:11-13). God can move you from a point of being unknown in your small family to a height of national importance. Are you unknown in your family, church, or community? Then you are the one God is seeking to promote. He will promote you suddenly beyond your expectations this season.

In Genesis 41:39-44, we also see how Joseph who was lied against, thrown into prison and forgotten by men, was remembered by God and overnight he was made next in command to Pharaoh. He became the most useful and influential figure in Egypt and beyond. His change came suddenly. Have you been persecuted and forgotten by men? Have people caged you within the prison of their minds? Are you asking when your turn to break through shall come? This season, the Lord will remember you. He will open the prison doors keeping you caged and bring you out. The Lord will lift you up suddenly. Your rise shall be sudden and nothing will stop it in Jesus name. There is a user of this Devotional who has done a lot for God's Kingdom and made sacrifices for the Lord, yet it appears you have been forgotten for long. Rejoice, your time of divine remembrance has come. The Lord will promote you suddenly and give you the harvests of seeds sown over the years. You are a candidate for sudden promotion this season. Worship, praise and thank God for His power to lift you up suddenly.
Prayer Point
Father, You changed the levels of Esther, David and Joseph suddenly; Lord, make this season my season of sudden promotion.

Friday 19 April Open Heaven: TAKING GRACE FOR GRANTED?

Friday 19 April
TAKING GRACE FOR GRANTED?
Memory Verse: God forbid, How shall we, that are dead to sin, live any longer therein? Romans 6:2
Read: Romans 6:1-5
Rom 6:1 What shall we say then? Shall we continue in sin, that grace may abound?

Rom 6:2 God forbid. How shall we, that are dead to sin, live any longer therein?

Rom 6:3 Know ye not, that so many of us as were baptized into Jesus Christ were baptized into his death?

Rom 6:4 Therefore we are buried with him by baptism into death: that like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life.

Rom 6:5 For if we have been planted together in the likeness of his death, we shall be also in the likeness of his resurrection:



Message
Just as certain things are peculiar to champions, ex-champions also have what is common to them. You will not be an ex-champion, but if you are one, the Lord will restore you to a place of relevance in Jesus name. When we look at the prayer of Samson, an ex-champion, we can learn something from it. The first thing he said was, Remember me Oh Lord! Why was he asking to be remembered? It is because people don't easily remember ex-champions. It is the champion's crown that is revered by many not the one wearing the crown. So if the crown goes, so goes everything the crown attracted. Samson also said, strengthen me. Strength is an invisible force. If you ask any boxer, he will tell you not to judge a man by his size. Why? Until you are left alone with your opponent, you may never realise how strong he is. There are people who are big but without strength, just as there are slim but powerful people. Isaiah 40:28-30 says God gives power to the faint. Philippians 4:13 says you are enabled to do all things by the strength that Jesus supplies. In 1 Kings 18:46, God laid His hand on Elijah and he outran a chariot. This season, the Lord will lay His hand on you and enable you to do the impossible.

Another thing Samson said was, Strengthen me just this once. We believers ought to learn something from this. He did not ask for restoration several times but just once. Have you been falling and rising? Do note that when Samson fell, he asked for restoration just once. Also, the prodigal son that is so often used to build a mould for backsliders, left home just once according to Luke 15:11-24. On his way back, his father ran to receive him, but he never left home again. Some of us teach that God will always receive the backsliders: but that excludes when you are now taking His grace and love for granted. If you have been a divine champion and you fell, the devil will not want you to rise again. On the other hand, God wants you to reconcile with Him after the fall, but He does not expect you to go on a regular dive into sin expecting Him to forgive. Hence, Romans 6:1 says,
“What shall we say then? Shall we continue in sin, that grace may abound?”
And the answer followed: God forbid! The mould that some modern believers are following is the one forbidden by God. If you fell and asked for forgiveness, stay on in Christ. Stop taking grace for granted!
Action Point
Prayerfully follow up 5 backsliders and lead them back to Christ. Pray that they will not take God's grace for granted.

Pastor Keji Hamilton's Testimony

Source:http://www.elifeonline.net/

* Keji (extreme left) with Fela on stage

THE story of Pastor Keji Hamilton, the pastor of The Tabernacle of Prayer Global Network, in several ways, Can be likened to the story of Saul in the Bible. Like the biblical Saul, Keji was at different times a cocaine addict, an armed robber and a rapist. He even attacked a man of God who dared to preach the gospel to him.

* Keji, now on pulpit.

The son of a Chief Imam, Keji had the future in his palm when he gamed admission to study Pharmacy at the University of Ibadan in 1981. But after' one session, he was fed up with education. According to him, all that mattered to him was to make money and travel. "As a young man, my dream had always been to make money, travel out of the country and make a name for myself. Music was on my mind." With education out of the way, Keji soon found solace in the

famous Kalakuta Republic. Fela took me in and gave me one room upstairs with one Dele Shotimu. In keeping to my promise I did not see my father until after my salvation ten years later.

Once inside the Kalakuta Republic , Keji soon began a romance with a life that would see him travel through 43 cities in the US and almost all the countries in Europe .

However, he equally picked up a lifestyle that saw him at the brink of death. "I was introduced to hemp smoking by a lady. When I took it the first time, I lost control for almost 24 hours."

Keji soon mastered the art of hemp smoking. He, however, graduated into a higher level with cocaine and heroine. With each sniff, he soon became a junk who could not do without the drug, a lifestyle he later found too expensive to maintain.

"Initially, I got the drugs free. But I later start­ed buying with my own money. I spent an average of N25, 000 a day. To have a steady supply Keji soon resorted to armed robbery. "You know that the salary we era was not much. So, for me to have a steady sup­ply of the drug, I became a criminal. I had my own set of boys who worked for me at the time."

With a physique and a handsome face that were hard to ignore, Keji had a steady flow of girls both inside and outside the Kalakuta. He exc1anged girls with his friends and boss. Sometimes, he gave orders to his boys to hijack any girl that caught his fancy. Such girls, he said were raped and let go. "Sometimes, I told the boys to bring to the house any girl. Of course, I raped such girls.

Many times, he was arrested and detained at the Zone II for breaking into people's home. His name, Innocent Warrior, soon topped the list of criminals at the station, a feat that earned him a nomination for elimination by the cops.

AT THE BEGINNING 

"I was born into the family of Imam Shuaibu. My mother's name is Muriamu Shuaibu . My father owned the only mosque in my community in Edo-State. I gained admission into the University of Ibadan to study Pharmacy but had to drop out in my first year in 1981.

As a young man, my dream had always been to make money, travel out of the country and make a name for myself musically. When I left the University of Ibadan and went back home, I told my father about my decision to go into music. He said: 'Can't you see what music has done to that man called Fela?' But my mind was already made up with or without his consent. I took my things and left the house and headed for the Kalakuta Republic ."

INFLUENCE 

"A book by Dr. Kwame Nkrumah had a great influence on me. The book was given to me by a co-student at the University of Ibadan and the content was 'white man's education is not for the blacks'. After reading the book, my mind was made up. I was already under some form of influence, so I had to leave the house in other to actualise my dream because my father was not willing to let me go.

My brother was another great influence on me. He was so fanatical about Fela and his music.

What he did every Sunday morning was to dress up in pants like Fela and listen to his music from around 5am to about 1pm. I see him do this all the time so I was influenced."

MEETING FELA

"The first time I met with Fela one on one was through a friend who took me to the shrine for the Sunday jump. I was very innocent then, I did not drink or smoke. We only went there with

Chocolate, soft drinks and meat pie. While we were sitting, I began to ask myself what were all the people doing here. What were they waiting for and I was told that they were waiting to see Fela. I asked who this Fela was. I was told to wait that my question would soon be answered.

Eventually, I heard a loud noise and there was Fela and to my surprise, the people cheered him for every movement he made. I was amazed and told myself I could also be like this man.

The first person I met at the shrine was Femi, Fela's son. He was washing the images that Fela worshiped the day we first met. When I approached him, we got talking, and in the process we became friend.

He asked me what was doing. I told him that I was supposed to be in school. But he told me that there was no reason to go to school. Unknown to me, I didn't know that he was a drop out. Femi asked me again what I would like to do and I told him that I would love to go to music school to learn how to play music. He also said there was no need and that if I loved music, I should come to his father's house that was all.

He took me to meet Fela and introduced me as his friend. Fela took me in and gave me one room upstairs with one Dele Shotimu and in keeping to my promise, I never saw my father until after my salvation ten years later.'

Romance with Fela. 

For you to live in the Kalakuta, you had to change your name to an African name. I picked the name Keji Hamilton to reflect this. My original name was Sulaimon. I took the name Morounkeji because I wanted to be like Fela. You know, the second Fela. After that, I started living in the Kalakuta. A lady introduced me to smoking hemp. She now lives in Baltimore , Maryland , USA ".

Adventure with hemp smoking

The first time I smoked hemp, I lost control for more than 24 hours. I did not know where I was or what I was doing. I went into a deep sleep and later woke up with a heavy hunger.

At the time, Kalakuta was situated at Atinuke Street . While Fela lived on one side, he allowed boys to sell hemp on the other side. I started with a whiff, later increased to a wrap and then a parcel.

"I met my wife in the church. She knew the entire story concerning me. She was not just any woman, she was sent to me by God and she knew the responsibility on her shoulders. I told her not to be surprised if later in life somebody comes up with a story about my past."

Fela's library 

"Fela had a library that was fully stocked with different kinds of books. It was there that I read a book on how to become a wizard. I also read about astral traveling. That was one of the reasons why Fela loved me. He knew I read a lot. As a matter of fact, I learnt how to play music dur­ing one of such spiritual astral travelling."

Egypt 80 Band 

"It was after my seventh month inside the Kalakuta that I went to Fela. I told him that I could play the guitar. He tested me and found out that I was good. He just called the man in charge of the finances and told him to include my name on the list. He later procured an international passport for me so that I could travel with the band to the US that year."

My first trip 

"It was in 1984. Unfortunately, Fela was arrested at the airport by the Buhari-Idiagbon regime. After his arrest, Femi quit smoking because he was scared. But because he did not travel with us, our first show in the US was a big flop because everybody wanted to see Fela. So few people turned up to watch us."

Drug Addiction 

One day, while we were performing inside the shrine, a certain man approached me. He said he loved the way I handled the guitar during our tour of the US . He said I needed something to turn me into a star. He said people like me abroad have something they use to make them real star. After I asked him what it was, he replied that it was cocaine. At the beginning, I refused his offer, but he kept on asking me to take it.

He started giving them to me free. But with time, I became a junk and I needed a steady supply. I spent about N125, 000 daily on drugs."

Life of crime 

All this was around the time Babangida was in power. Fela was out of prison, so, we were being paid salary. However, the money was not enough and I had to go into crime to sustain my drug life.

I was into robbery. I had my own group of boys. We robbed and raped. The Area F Police Station now became my second home. I was giving the police in Ikeja a tough time until information got to me that an order had been given to elim­inate me. This was because my name had appeared on their case file too many times. I had 'to relocate to Surulere.

Encounter with Bash Ali 

I was at the shrine one day when Bash Ali came into the shrine. He sprayed some dollars on Fela. At the time, we had this guy who picked such things. I accosted him and collected the money from him and ran back to Surulere. Fela then put a death order on me. He gave orders that 1 should killed. "

Me and Beko 

"Left for Beko, he would have sacked me a long time. He said I was a bad boy. But Fela would not have it. He loved me like his son. I was the only one who could share a woman with Fela. I don't mean his wives. But I could have sex with his girlfriends. I could take hemp from him to have a puff."

Living with three girls

"I was at the time living with three girls in one room. Though only one was my girlfriend (the girls were prostitutes), I was sleeping with all of them."

Turning point 

"It happened one Sunday. I just returned from the comprehensive show early Sunday morning. Just as I was about relaxing, I heard a knock on the door. It was a guy standing there. He said he had come to invite me to the church. I slapped him and drove him away. He would sometime come around and drop some tracts for me. I collected them and dumped them. After sometime, he stopped coming and I started having this strange feeling to see him.

One night, I went to Ojuelegba to buy cocaine. I came home with the stuff and prepared to take. I started to vomit and cough out blood after I took the cocaine. I first thought I had been poisoned. But I also took the heroine to step down, but the same thing happened. 

Then I just asked God to save me. 

For the first time, I went to sleep without any difficulty. I heard a voice telling me that he would help me if I quit my drug habit. For the first time in a long while, I lived without drugs for days."

My wife

"I met my wife in the church. She knew the entire story concerning me. She was not just any woman, she was sent to me by God and she knew the responsibility on her shoulders. I told her not to be surprised if later in life somebody comes up with a story about my past."

Thursday 18 April Open Heaven: DEAL WITH THE NOISE

Thursday 18 April
DEAL WITH THE NOISE
Memory Verse: My son, attend to my words; incline thine ear unto my sayings. Proverbs 4:20
Read: Proverbs 4:20-22
Pro 4:20 My son, attend to my words; incline thine ear unto my sayings.

Pro 4:21 Let them not depart from thine eyes; keep them in the midst of thine heart.

Pro 4:22 For they are life unto those that find them, and health to all their flesh.


Message
To receive your needed miracles, you must hear the Word. Why? Because God's word goes ahead of God's acts. When God was to deliver, heal and restore those who sinned and were afflicted in Psalm 107:17-20, He sent His word. You must check up with the messenger of the word to ascertain whether he or she is sent by God or not. You must also ensure that the word delivered is the same as that which was sent. In the communication process, you have the Encoder which sends a message through a channel and a Decoder which receives the encoded message and deciphers it to get its meaning. It is when a message has gone through this process without any distortion or noise that the expected feedback can be obtained and the communication process deemed to be complete. However, at every stage of the communication chain, noise can be introduced.

When for instance a prophetic word or word of knowledge is released through a genuine servant of God, if the public address system is faulty, noise is introduced and as a result, the message will not be received by the one the divine communication was meant for. If the sound system is distorted or accompanied with unwanted sound, no meaning will be received from the message passed. This is one reason why in all our churches; there is the need to provide quality speakers, microphones and audio machines. Besides this, there are situations where the audio system is perfect and the word goes forth but the targeted recipient is discussing with someone else, or is even sleeping; how will the fellow benefit from the blessing? It is amazing to know that many children of God do not reverence God's word. If you truly regard God as your Father, you will not be talking while He is speaking through His servant. When the word of God is being preached in church, there should be absolute silence, except where you are expected to respond to it. Also, you should give it maximum attention. Your body may want you to sleep but this you must resist so that the word of your deliverance will not elude you. Those who miss the word of their deliverance may remain longer in their bondage. Why prolong your day of freedom by yielding to your flesh? If you are feeling sleepy while he word is being delivered, stand up. Pinch yourself. Go and wash your face with water. You can also stroll around until your eyes are cleared. Deal with every noise to your breakthrough!
Action Point
Satan tries to introduce noise at every stage in the spiritual communications process. It is however left for you not to be distracted by it.

Wednesday 17 April Open Heaven: NO PARASITES OR LOAFERS

Wednesday 17 April
NO PARASITES OR LOAFERS
Memory Verse: And now also the axe is laid unto the root of the trees: every tree therefore which bringeth not forth good fruit is hewn down, and cast into the fire. Luke 3:9
Read: John 15:1-2
Joh 15:1 I am the true vine, and my Father is the husbandman.

Joh 15:2 Every branch in me that beareth not fruit he taketh away: and everybranch that beareth fruit, he purgeth it, that it may bring forth more fruit.


Message
Anyone who wants to be a soldier must be prepared to go through the worst of terrains, and must be prepared to endure all kinds of difficulties that may come his way such as hunger, exposure to extreme weather, hostilities, separation from comforts, family and loved ones, and even be prepared to die on the battle field. Usually, while courting potential recruits, the difficult parts will be withheld and the fellow will be fed with the good sides - cheap or free food, clothing, travel at government expense and respect if not fear from civilians. By the time the recruit signs on, and gets to the barracks, he would be taken through rigorous training. Some may not be able to endure the training so they will leave the army. Similarly, in the army of God, you must be ready to go through serious difficulties and self denials and to face the enemies on a head-on collision course.
“Thou therefore endure hardness, as a good soldier of Jesus Christ.”
2 Timothy 2:3

God's army is an extremely disciplined one with defined order, structure and government, every recruit must be aware of this. The first thing to note here is that the Commander-in-chief of the heavenly army is highly intolerant of parasites. Parasites are those who want to enjoy the benefits of the Kingdom without contributing their quota. They like the rights and privileges but fail to be committed to the obligations. According to John 15:1-2, such parasites will be forcefully taken out. Similarly, there is no place for loafers - those who claim to be part of the army but are not ready to make commitment to the Commander- in-chief. Are you a child of God but you are doing nothing for the advancement of the kingdom? You are a loafer. A loafer gives more of his or her time to move about and engage in activities that are unimportant and unprofitable. According to Luke 3:9, loafers shall be cut down and end up in hell. That shall not be your portion in Jesus name. Are you a parasite or loafer? If you go from one Gospel church to another in the name of receiving prayers, but when it comes to being committed for the church building project or meeting a need in church, you move to another church, you are a parasite! God does not tolerate parasites in His army.
Action Point
Pray that God will change every loafer or parasite in your local assembly into dedicated soldiers of Christ.

Tuesday 16 April Open Heaven: A FAIR VIRGIN?

Tuesday 16 April
A FAIR VIRGIN?
Memory Verse: But let it be the hidden man of the heart, in that which is not corruptible, even the ornament of a meek and quiet spirit, which is in the sight of God of great price. 1 Peter 3:4
Read: 1 Peter 3:1-4
1Pe 3:1 Likewise, ye wives, be in subjection to your own husbands; that, if any obey not the word, they also may without the word be won by the conversation of the wives;

1Pe 3:2 While they behold your chaste conversation coupled with fear.

1Pe 3:3 Whose adorning let it not be that outward adorning of plaiting the hair, and of wearing of gold, or of putting on of apparel;

1Pe 3:4 But let it be the hidden man of the heart, in that which is not corruptible, even the ornament of a meek and quiet spirit, which is in the sight of God of great price.


Message
Those called to take part in the beauty contest at Shushan the palace during the reign of Ahasuerus were more than just virgins. They were also fair and young.
“Then said the king's servants that ministered unto him, Let there be fair young virgins sought for the king.”
Esther 2:2
In other words, virgins who were not beautiful were naturally exempted from the pageant. This is about what makes them outstanding among virgins, what makes them attractive. It is common for employers in need of fresh university graduates to request graduates with a second class upper grade, yet they will do everything it takes to grab the very few first class graduates. Those with a second class lower grade will be less appealing to them, while those with third class may hardly be considered. This means, by their grades they are sought or ignored. Their grades either make them attractive or repulsive. What is in your life that is making you attractive? It is not enough to be a virgin. You must be a beautiful virgin. Many sisters spend a lot to be physically attractive but barely do anything about making themselves beautiful inwardly. In the Christian faith, the inner beauty is more important.
“But let it be the hidden man of the heart, in that which is not corruptible, even the ornament of a meek and quiet spirit, which is in the sight of God of great price.”
1 Peter 3:4

Naturally, people are attracted to someone who is beautiful or pretty. There is a natural pull from the beautiful fellow to the beholder. It is not only women that need this inner beauty but every virgin in Christ. When your spirit man is decorated with priceless treasures as meekness and quietness, your life will suddenly begin to pull people towards you, even when you lack physical beauty. If a lady is physically beautiful but internally ugly, she will repel good men who are coming towards her by her internal state. Even when physical beauty attracts the right men, it takes the internal beauty to sustain that relationship. It is the fruit of the Spirit that beautifies virgins. This is why you must give every attention to prayerfully and practically cultivate the fruit of the Spirit without which, you will be disqualified from heaven's contests.
Prayer Point
Father, thank You for saving me. Lord, let Your beauty radiate in and through me that it may attract everyone I should attract into Your Kingdom.

Monday 15 April Open Heaven: GOD IS EXTREMELY GENEROUS

Monday 15 April
GOD IS EXTREMELY GENEROUS
Memory Verse: I have not spoken in secret, in a dark place of the earth: I said not unto the seed of Jacob, Seek ye me in vain: I the LORD speak righteousness, I declare things that are right. Isaiah 45:19
Read: Isaiah 45:17-19
Isa 45:17 But Israel shall be saved in the LORD with an everlasting salvation: ye shall not be ashamed nor confounded world without end.

Isa 45:18 For thus saith the LORD that created the heavens; God himself that formed the earth and made it; he hath established it, he created it not in vain, he formed it to be inhabited: I am the LORD; and there is none else.

Isa 45:19 I have not spoken in secret, in a dark place of the earth: I said not unto the seed of Jacob, Seek ye me in vain: I the LORD speak righteousness, I declare things that are right.


Message
God is so generous that He does not mind sharing His kingdom with His favourites. May you be part of those that will co-reign with Jesus eternally. Concerning God's magnanimity, if you check through the Bible, you will see how generous God is. Abraham served God and he was blessed. He was a wealthy man (Genesis 24:34-35). When it was the turn of his son Isaac, God so blessed him that he became the envy of a nation (Genesis 26:12-14). Jacob also was tremendously blessed by God to the extent of having extreme wealth (Genesis 30:43). Three successive generations kept increasing in blessings as they continued to serve God. Do you know that if you obey the scriptures to raise your children in God's ways and they do the same with their own children, God's blessings in your generations will be on an increasing level?

Apart from the family of Abraham, another Bible character that benefited from God's generosity was David. Besides blessing David spiritually and making him a king, God blessed him with great wealth according to 1 Chronicles 22:7,14-16. When it was time to build for God, even when God said David will not build for him, his personal donation for building God's house was estimated at $4 billion. A fellow who can give such an amount cannot be a poor man by any standard. But after him came Solomon his son. Boy was he blessed! 2 Chronicles 1:14-15 says his wealth was so much that gold and silver were like ordinary stones during his reign. In other words, the choicest things were common place with him (Ecclesiastes 2:3-10). A time came that he got virtually everything his eyes wanted (Ecclesiastes 2:10). Not too many people among the world's richest can say that about themselves. According to Isaiah 45:19, God has not called you to seek Him in vain. If you are God's chosen and you preserve yourself in holiness, obedience, sacrificial giving and service to God, know that you will share from God's generosity. And if you can raise generations to follow God and even beat your record of service, God's blessings will be on an increasing proportion upon your generations. Are you serving God? Continue and refuse to stop. Soon in your very life, it shall be evident that God is extremely generous. This season, God will make you a candidate of His extreme generosity.
Prayer Point
Father, I believe You are extremely generous. Please let people begin to see the evidence of Your extreme generosity in my life and family.

Saturday 13 April Open Heaven: CONNECTING HEAVENLY BROADCASTS

Saturday 13 April
CONNECTING HEAVENLY BROADCASTS
Memory Verse: And Elijah said unto Ahab, Get thee up, eat and drink: for there is a sound of abundance of rain. 1 Kings 18:41
Read: 1 Kings 18:41-46
1Ki 18:41 And Elijah said unto Ahab, Get thee up, eat and drink; for there is a sound of abundance of rain.

1Ki 18:42 So Ahab went up to eat and to drink. And Elijah went up to the top of Carmel; and he cast himself down upon the earth, and put his face between his knees,

1Ki 18:43 And said to his servant, Go up now, look toward the sea. And he went up, and looked, and said, There is nothing. And he said, Go again seven times.

1Ki 18:44 And it came to pass at the seventh time, that he said, Behold, there ariseth a little cloud out of the sea, like a man's hand. And he said, Go up, say unto Ahab, Prepare thy chariot, and get thee down, that the rain stop thee not.

1Ki 18:45 And it came to pass in the mean while, that the heaven was black with clouds and wind, and there was a great rain. And Ahab rode, and went to Jezreel.

1Ki 18:46 And the hand of the LORD was on Elijah; and he girded up his loins, and ran before Ahab to the entrance of Jezreel.


Message
The gift of prophesy entails being told or shown future events by God. What are the implications of such revelation gifts? It is to enable you see the invisible and to hear the inaudible. Believe it or not, when we gather in God's presence, there are big, angelic beings in our midst and around us. One reason God may not want to show them to us is so that we do not become frightened or distracted. Because angels are usually of great size, if your eyes are open to see them, the first thing they will say to you is, Fear not. This season, the Lord will open your eyes to see angels and they will minister effectively to you.

All around us, we are surrounded and bombarded with messages in the air waves from local, national and international radio and television stations as well as the internet. If you look at the sky, you will see nothing because these broadcasts are invisible, but if you have the appropriate equipment, and begin to tune to the different stations, you will be amazed at the number of information that is passing through the airwaves that the fellow who lacks such equipment may be completely oblivious of. In the same way, there is so much information being transmitted from the heavenly 'radio and television stations'. God is constantly speaking: He can be saying so much yet you may be unable to hear a single word because you lack the right equipment. It takes possessing one or more of the revelational gifts to enable you hear the inaudible and see the invisible. In 1 Kings 18:41, Elijah told Ahab to go and eat and stop worrying because he has heard the sound of the abundance of rain. Nobody else could hear that sound because they did not have the gift. The truth is, when a major earth-shaking event is about to take place, the heavens will be pregnant with this information. If you can key into the spirit, you can spiritually sense what is coming. Do you know you can sense your turnaround? You can sense your breakthrough with the help of these gifts. Ask God for the revelational gifts today.
Prayer Point
Father, make me sensitive to heaven's communications. Henceforth, let events no longer take me by surprise.

Friday 12 April Open Heaven: PRIDE DRAINS THE PROUD

Friday 12 April
PRIDE DRAINS THE PROUD
Memory Verse: How then shalt they call on him in whom they have not believed? and how shall they believe in him of whom they have not heard? And how shall they hear without a preacher? Romans 10:14
Read: Proverbs 11:1-3
Pro 11:1 A false balance is abomination to the LORD: but a just weight is his delight.

Pro 11:2 When pride cometh, then cometh shame: but with the lowly iswisdom.

Pro 11:3 The integrity of the upright shall guide them: but the perverseness of transgressors shall destroy them.


Message
Another pain of ex-champions is loneliness. While maintaining their lead position, wherever they go, virtually everyone would like to touch them, shake their hands, take photographs with them and get their autographs. But when they become ex-champions, people would see them and face the opposite direction. One of my daughters was occupying a hot seat in an organization. She was the toast of the high and mighty and that of her colleagues. She got their attention and received gifts from many because they depended on her for certain favours. You can imagine what happened when she was moved from that seat; all the attention, care, pleasantness and gifts immediately shifted to the next person occupying that position. She could not believe the speed with which those courting her favours took their flight. It was then she realised that people did not really regard her but the seat she occupied, and they did not really care about her, but about what they were to derive from her. She realised how vain people were.

Have you ever wondered why rulers particularly in Africa never want to leave office? Many African presidents and governors never want to leave their offices because when you are a champion, people can stop vehicles from plying a particular road just to honour you. Loneliness can kill. When Samson lost his seat, he was alone in prison, grinding corn. What of poverty? While a champion, people will readily use your name or picture to sell any commodity, but the moment you are no more a champion, nobody will buy such items with your name on it. There was this brother named Sam. He was a divine champion. He could not speak English but one day, he was invited to preach in a teacher training college. As he opened his mouth, he began speaking fluent English for an hour and thereafter, many answered the altar call. He was full of the Holy Spirit and raised three dead people to life. His mother was in a cult and she reported him because he burnt her charms. On one fateful night, she did not sleep in the house while her cult members sent a dog to kill him. It entered while he was praying with the doors locked, and he shouted the name of Jesus and lightning struck it dead. By the following morning, when his mother returned to the house expecting to meet her dead son, she found him roasting the dog. Yet, after all his exploits, pride entered him and he later ended up in an asylum. Pride can erode all your strength and gains and turn you into an ex-champion like the devil. Never let it come into you! In Christ, you can remain ever relevant.
Prayer Point
Father, every element of pride that will reduce me to an ex-champion, please take it away from me today.

Wednesday 10 April : Open Heaven DRESS UP!

Wednesday 10 April
DRESS UP!
Memory Verse: For we can do nothing against the truth, but for the truth. 2 Corinthians 13:8
Read: Ephesians 6:13-18
Eph 6:13 Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.
Eph 6:14 Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness;
Eph 6:15 And your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace;
Eph 6:16 Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked.
Eph 6:17 And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God:
Eph 6:18 Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints;


Message
Resisting the devil is a battle order to carry out a dangerous assignment because of the kind of enemy we are facing, but we thank our God who has won us the victory and equipped us with the right battle gear to carry out this assignment. Ephesians 6:12 says,
“For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.”
Your fight is not a carnal, visible fight but a spiritual one. You are not fighting fellow human beings, but you are at war with the negative powers using these human beings against you. By the time you obey the Lord's command by going out, and casting out demons, you should expect the devil to fight back. Some people are afraid of such attacks so they mind their business expecting the devil to leave them alone. Unfortunately, whether you plunder the kingdom of darkness - by leading souls to Christ, healing the sick, and delivering the oppressed or not, they will still attack you. If you know this, is it not better to be on the attacking side?

To remain victorious in the battle against the kingdom of darkness, you must never joke with your battle gear. They are listed in Ephesians 6:13-18. First of all, you must be saved before you can be enlisted into this army, thereafter, you must ensure your helmet of salvation is always worn to protect your head. Satan will do everything in his power to make you lose your helmet. Another part of your dressing is the belt of truth. Belts help to hold your dress together and to look smart. Belts are worn on a very sensitive position of the body bordering on the navel, which is linked with the foundation or root of a man's life. Truth is very crucial to the soldier of the Cross. Truth helps to hold everything else in your body-family, ministry and work together. If truth is missing, everything else will be in shambles. Whatever happens, stick with the truth. Nothing can be done against the truth but for the truth (2 Corinthians 13:8). In addition, you must live a righteous life. That is the breastplate which secures your heart. Any soldier of Jesus who lives in sin must expect to be defeated. Besides these, you must wear the Gospel boots by evangelizing regularly. This protects your feet, helps you to tread on your enemies and to go through bad terrains. Are you wearing the right gear?
Action Point
According to Psalm 33:4, everything God does is in truth. Ask that from today, whatever you do will be in truth.

Tuesday 9 April Open Heaven: THE SPIRIT SIMPLIFIES PRAYER

Tuesday 9 April
THE SPIRIT SIMPLIFIES PRAYER
Memory Verse: Likewise the Spirit also helpeth our infirmities: for we know not what we should pray for as we ought: but the Spirit itself maketh intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered. Romans 8:26
Read: Romans 8:26-27
Luk 8:26 And they arrived at the country of the Gadarenes, which is over against Galilee.

Luk 8:27 And when he went forth to land, there met him out of the city a certain man, which had devils long time, and ware no clothes, neither abode inany house, but in the tombs.


Message
One of the reasons why you must draw very close to the Holy Spirit is that after you are born-again, He is the one who gives you feedback from Heaven that your name has been written in the Lamb's Book of life as enunciated in Romans 8:16:
“The Spirit itself beareth witness with our spirit, that we are the children of God.”
And when the devil brings doubts concerning your spiritual status, it is the Holy Spirit that reassures you that you are still saved. If not for Him, most of us would have lost our salvation and gone back to the world. What of your sanctification? Romans 15:16 and 2 Thessalonians 2:13 say we are sanctified through the Holy Spirit. Also 1 Peter 1:5 says,
“Who are kept by the power of God through faith unto salvation ready to be revealed in the last time.”
After you are saved, it is the Holy Spirit who keeps you saved. You cannot overcome sin except by the power of the Holy Spirit. At the period you were saved, many others were equally saved, but today, they are no more in the faith. Who kept you in the faith of Jesus Christ? It is the Holy Spirit.

Furthermore, He is the One who helps you deal with the flesh. Romans 8:13 says,
“For if ye live after the flesh, ye shall die: but if ye through the Spirit do mortify the deeds of the body, ye shall live.”
If you are struggling with your flesh, move closer to the Holy Spirit, confess your weakness to Him and ask for His help. In addition to these, one veritable weapon of the believer which must be constantly engaged is prayer. Several scriptures command us to pray always but many of us find prayer a boring activity. Many of us sleep through prayers. The eyes would be wide awake while watching movies or home videos, but immediately you stop to pray, you will start dozing. By the time prayer is over, your eyes will be wide awake, ready to continue watching the television for another one or two hours. This is why you need the help of the Spirit. When you are baptised in the Holy Spirit, He gives you a language through which you can pray. Prayer becomes easy when you pray in the Spirit. Romans 8:26-27 says the Spirit helps us to intercede. In 1981, my friend and I once prayed for 36 hours and we thought we had arrived until I ran into a book where I read of somebody who prayed for 30 days and nights nonstop, then I realised I have not even started. How we need the Spirit today!
Prayer Point
Holy Spirit, thank You for helping me to pray in times past. More than ever before, please help me to pray in line with God's will for every situation from today.

Monday 8 April Open Heaven JESUS SHARES HIS THRONE

Monday 8 April
JESUS SHARES HIS THRONE
Memory Verse: And I appoint unto you a kingdom, as my Father hath appointed unto me; Luke 22:29
Read: Luke 22:28-29
Luk 22:28 Ye are they which have continued with me in my temptations.

Luk 22:29 And I appoint unto you a kingdom, as my Father hath appointed unto me;



Message
When we look at the offer of Ahasuerus of up to half of his kingdom to his queen, we marvel at his generosity (Esther 5:1-3). He was so pleased with her that he was prepared to share his kingdom with her. That is very magnanimous! Do you know that Jesus Christ has also offered to share His Kingdom with His favourites - His bride? Romans 8:17 says,
“And if children, then heirs; heirs of God, and joint -heirs with Christ; if so be that we suffer with him, that we may be also glorified together.”
The fact that you have become a child of God makes you a joint-heir with Christ and therefore a co-owner of all that He has. Beloved, no matter how impoverished it seems you are, always remember that you are a co-owner of everything that Jesus has. You surely are extremely rich!

In Matthew 19:28, when Peter asked Jesus what will be their gain for leaving everything to follow Him, the Lord replied that they will sit on 12 thrones and have a share in His Kingdom. In Revelation 3:21, the Lord says,
“To him that overcometh will I grant to sit with me in my throne, even as I also overcame, and am set down with my Father in his throne.”
The import of this promise is simply breathtaking! Jesus Christ overcame and so God the Father made Him to sit with Him and co-rule from His throne. And now He says for all who will overcome like He did, they will share His throne with Him! Praise God! If you can deny yourself, make Jesus happy and exercise your victory over sin, Satan and the world, one day, you shall see yourself sitting on the same throne with the Lord Jesus, reigning with Him. Beloved, you must do everything in your power and beyond your power not to miss this opportunity. Unlike the offer of Ahasuerus and King Herod, which if effected will be in effect as long as they lived; the promise of Christ to His followers is for eternity! Today, some people have opportunities to serve under earthly kings but they turn down such offers because they do not want to soil their hands or tarnish their image. The kingdom that everyone who is politically inclined should aspire to be a part of is Christ's eternal Kingdom. If you can be so favoured to co-reign with Christ, you will be eternally relevant. Don't miss this opportunity for anything!
Key Point
The poorest believer in Christ is richer than the richest man on earth.

Sunday 7 April Open Heaven: YOU CAN LENGTHEN YOUR DAYS

Memory Verse: Many there be which say of my soul, There is no help for him in God. Psalm 3:2
Read: Psalm 3:1-2
Psa 3:1 A Psalm of David, when he fled from Absalom his son. LORD, how are they increased that trouble me! many are they that rise up against me.

Psa 3:2 Many there be which say of my soul, There is no help for him in God. Selah.



Message
Gain is good but unjust gain is evil. Proverbs 1:19 says what the greedy fellow calls gain is exactly what will take his life. Never take what belongs to another! Greed has wrecked many ministries, leaders and families. That benefit you think you are deriving from your evil act of denying others what is rightfully theirs will snuff life out of you. Have you unjustly cut down the benefits of your subordinates because you believe they are at the receiving end? Return it today or face the unpleasant consequences. If you want to live long and have peace in the home, steer clear of greed!

Moreover to prolong your days, besides avoiding cheating other people; you must love God with the totality of your being. Luke 10:27 says,
“And he answering said, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind; and thy neighbour as thyself.”
Your love for God must be total. When your love for God is total, you will find it almost impossible to do anything contrary to what He likes. Do you love God? What is the degree of love you have for Him? This love will also make you obey His voice. When you obey the One who is your life (Colossians 3:4), you can be rest assured that He will lengthen your days. In addition, Deuteronomy 30:20 connotes you must cleave to Him like a leech. If you see someone who is attached to God, you will know. His God-consciousness will thrill you. He knows God is always with Him so he is very selective of the places he goes, what he does and what he refuses to do. God's work and Word are given top priority in his life.

According to 1 Kings 3:14, for God to lengthen your days, you must walk in His ways by copying the righteous character and deeds of our Lord Jesus Christ. You must also keep His commandments - complying with all His dos and avoiding all His don'ts. Is there anything God asked you to do which is yet undone? You must never forget any of His laws but keep them in your heart according to Proverbs 3:1-2. Surround yourself with the scriptures. Besides these, as indicated in Psalm 21:4, don't forget to ask for length of days to enable you serve Him and His people longer. Don't be like Hezekiah who used his extension period to create trouble for his family. Above all, ask for wisdom so that you can achieve God's plan for your life.
Action Point
Check through the Bible and list out 10 things you can do to enjoy the long life God has promised you. Simply obey them.

Open heaven April 6, 2013

Saturday 6 April
PROPHECY
Memory Verse: Surely, the Lord GOD will do nothing, but he revealeth his secret unto his servants the prophets. Amos 3:7
Read: 1 Corinthians 12:10-12
1Co 12:10 To another the working of miracles; to another prophecy; to another discerning of spirits; to another divers kinds of tongues; to another the interpretation of tongues:

1Co 12:11 But all these worketh that one and the selfsame Spirit, dividing to every man severally as he will.

1Co 12:12 For as the body is one, and hath many members, and all the members of that one body, being many, are one body: so also is Christ.


Message
Another part of the revelational gifts is the gift of prophecy. Without any doubt, God knows everything about everyone He has created, and He knows the end of a thing right from the beginning. Acts 15:18 says,
“Known unto God are all his works from the beginning of the world.”
You are one of the works of God's hands and He knows exactly how you will end ever before He created you. May you end well in Jesus name. Revelation 1:8 says God is the Alpha and Omega, the Beginning and the Ending. The gift of prophecy is therefore said to be in operation when God tells His servant things that will happen ahead of time. This involves having a pre-knowledge of events - which is just a bit of God's inexhaustible sea of knowledge. God likes to give away such information, only that He has too few friends He can give them to. Amos 3:7 says,
“Surely, the Lord GOD will do nothing, but he revealeth his secret unto his servants the prophets.”

It is sometimes good to know ahead of time about events, the plans of God concerning them and that of the enemies. This will help you respond to them appropriately - either to prepare for their arrival if they are good, or to counter them and possibly prevent their occurrence if they are negative. On the other hand, knowing everything before hand may elicit negative responses such as sadness, depression, etc., especially if it is a negative event that cannot be reversed. But generally, if you know of crucial, destiny-evoking events before hand, it will give you the opportunity to change them if they are unpleasant. For instance, on the 31st of December of a recent year, I told the church some things that God said would happen. He said there would be civil unrest and civil war. Within one week of the release of that information, we began to see its fulfilment in places like Tunisia, Egypt, Yemen, etc. If not for the prayers of the saints in and outside Nigeria for Nigeria, going by Satan's plan for Nigeria, we will not be able to gather together as we did that same year. Every negative prophecy against your life shall not stand in Jesus name. Ask God for grace to be trusted by God to the point of sharing His secrets with you before they manifest. On your part, if you can obey God, love Him, worship Him and be discreet with divine information, He will begin to tell you things before their time.
Action Point
There are people God must inform of future events before they happen. Ask God to make you one of them promising to pay the price.