Open Heaven 5 August 2019 Monday Daily Devotional By Pastor E. A. Adeboye

Topic: Understanding Times & Seasons

Memorise: “While the earth remaineth, seedtime and harvest, and cold and heat, and summer and winter, and day and night shall not cease.” – Genesis 8:22

Read: 1 Chronicles 12:32-33 (KJV)

32 And of the children of Issachar, which were men that had understanding of the times, to know what Israel ought to do; the heads of them were two hundred; and all their brethren were at their commandment.

33 Of Zebulun, such as went forth to battle, expert in war, with all instruments of war, fifty thousand, which could keep rank: they were not of double heart.

Bible in One Year: Ruth 1-2, Ezekiel 28:25-29:9

MESSAGE:

As children of the Most High, we need a good understanding of the times and seasons we live in as an important part of enjoying our relationship with God, and to make us successful in our endeavours in this world. We must not ignore the Holy Spirit’s teaching in Ecclesiastes 3:1 which says:

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

It is clear from the verse that our God is a God of plan and purpose who in His infinite wisdom has predetermined the times and season to activate His plan and fulfil His purpose. Today’s memory verse is very insightful in this regard. It is amazing that the words God spoke to Noah so many years ago are still relevant to us in this generation. We understand from the verse that even though we should be heaven-minded, as this world is not our home, we must also be active and productive as long as we remain in this world. As profitable stewards of the resources of God’s kingdom, we must prepare for every season and put in our very best to make the most of every opportunity God gives to us. We must not occupy the back seat in the affairs of this world or accept servitude and poverty as our lot. We must refuse unfavourable circumstances and reject mediocrity disguised as spirituality. I pray that the Almighty God will give you perfect understanding of the times and seasons He makes available to you in Jesus’ Name.

Children of God need to know that the same God who commanded us to be sober, vigilant and to watch carefully for the second coming of our Lord Jesus Christ also instructed us to occupy till He returns (Luke 19:13). Therefore, as we continue to say “Come, Lord Jesus” and intensify our efforts to take His gospel to every corner of the earth, we must also continue to prosper and multiply in all aspects of life. We must also continue to prosper and multiply in all aspects of life. We must continue in our efforts to dominate our world and subdue it for the Almighty God. Isaiah 49:8 says:

“Thus saith the LORD, In an acceptable time have I heard thee, and in a day of salvation have I helped thee: and I will preserve thee, and give thee for a covenant of the people, to establish the earth, to cause to inherit the desolate heritages;”

I pray that your understanding will become open to realize that this is the acceptable time and season that our God in His wisdom has set to favour His children. Therefore, to as many as are determined to do exploits for God, I say the Lord will preserve you, and all your efforts to win souls for Christ will be richly rewarded. God will empower you to be established and cause you to inherit the desolate heritages of the earth, in the Name of Jesus.

Prayer Point: Father, please awaken me to the opportunities You have set before me in this generation in Jesus name.

Hymn 1: There Shall Be Showers of Blessing

1 There shall be showers of blessing:

This is the promise of love;

There shall be seasons refreshing,

Sent from the Saviour above.

Chorus:

Showers of blessing,

Showers of blessing we need;

Mercy-drops round us are falling,

But for the showers we plead.

2 There shall be showers of blessing—

Precious reviving again;

Over the hills and the valleys,

Sound of abundance of rain.

3 There shall be showers of blessing;

Send them upon us, O Lord!

Grant to us now a refreshing;

Come, and now honor Thy Word.

4 There shall be showers of blessing;

O that today they might fall,

Now as to God we’re confessing,

Now as on Jesus we call!

5 There shall be showers of blessing,

If we but trust and obey;

There shall be seasons refreshing,

If we let God have His way.