Open Heaven 16 December 2021 Daily Devotional By Pastor E. A. Adeboye –Topic: CHALLENGES AS STEPPING STONES
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Open Heavens 2021
Date: 2021-12-16
Topic: CHALLENGES AS STEPPING STONES
Memory Verse: Romans 8:28 – And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.
Bible Reading: Philippians 1:12-21
Message: Whereas man does not have a way of getting solutions to his problems, God has uncountable ways of solving all of them. We have the assurance that God is able to bring good out of every problem of our life. Our memory verse today clearly tells us that all things have been designed to work together for the good of those who love God and are aligned with His purpose.
It takes the eye of faith to come to terms with the Scripture above. In chains, Apostle Paul was being moved from one place to another as a criminal under trial. Despite this, he sought every opportunity to preach the gospel everywhere he went. In Acts 24 & 25, he addressed three different important personalities, namely Felix, Festus and King Agrippa. It was King Agrippa who said to Paul “…Almost thou persuadest me to be a Christian” (Acts 26:28). Paul then said:
…I would to God, that not only thou, but also all that hear me this day, were both almost, and altogether such as I am, except these bonds. Acts 26:29
Also Read: Open Heaven 15 December 2021 –Topic: BEWARE OF PROFITEERING
This is a level all children of God must reach if we would enjoy our walk with God. This same truth helped Joseph to stay true to his God even in the midst of his trials in Potiphar’s house and wrongful imprisonment (Genesis 39). Even when he had the opportunity to take his revenge upon his brothers after his father’s passing, he told them:
…Fear not: for am I in the place of God? But as for you, ye thought evil against me; but God meant it unto good, to bring to pass, as it is this day, to save much people alive.
Genesis 50:19-20
In all these, we must learn that challenges cannot be a hindrance if God is with us; rather, they would be stepping stones to the glorious and expected end God has prepared for us.
I pray that all hindrances on your way to success will become stepping stones to your breakthrough, in Jesus’ name. You are more than a conqueror!
Hymn: I’m Pressing On The Upward Way
Points: Father, I command all hindering mountains in my life to give way today as I move into my destiny, in Jesus ‘name.
Bible in one year: Jeremiah 1, Jeremiah 2, Jeremiah 3, Jeremiah 4, Jeremiah 5, Jeremiah 6
Title: I’m Pressing on the Upward Way.
Chorus: Lord, lift me up and let me stand,
By faith, on Heaven’s table-land;
Where love, and joy, and light abound,
Lord, plant my feet on higher ground..
1. I'm pressing on the upward way,
New heights I’m gaining everyday;
Still praying as I onward bound
“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 constant 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 fight,
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 2021 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.