OPEN HEAVENS DEVOTIONAL BY PASTOR ENOCH .A. ADEBOYE DATE: TUESDAY, 17TH OCTOBER, 2017 THEME: ENJOYING THE SERVICES OF ANGELS

MEMORISE:
Who maketh his angels spirits; his ministers a flaming fire: Psalm 104:4

READ: Psalm 91:9-13
[9] For all our days are passed away in thy wrath: we spend our years as a tale that is told .

[10] The days of our years are threescore years and ten; and if by reason of strength they be fourscore years, yet is their strength labour and sorrow; for it is soon cut off, and we fly away.

[11] Who knoweth the power of thine anger? even according to thy fear, so is thy wrath.

[12] So teach us to number our days, that we may apply our hearts unto wisdom.

[13] Return, O Lord , how long? and let it repent thee concerning thy servants.

BIBLE IN ONE YEAR: Galatians 4-6, Ephesians 1, Daniel 8:15-9:2

MESSAGE:
There are several misconceptions about the existence of angels. Some people don’t believe that angels exist. Some other people who believe in the existence of angels don’t know their purpose. It is important for us to know the truth of what God’s word says about angels, so that we don’t miss out on the ministry of angels in our lives. Today’s memory verse confirms that angels exist, and gives a hint on why they were created. From this scripture, we understand that angels are ministering spirits. We have two categories of angels: holy angels of God and fallen angels. The term “fallen angels” refers to Satan and the group of angels that rebelled along with him against God. These angels, now called the devil and demons, were cast out of heaven and are awaiting the day of God’s final judgment against them, when they will be sent into the place of eternal punishment (Isaiah 14:12-16, Ezekiel 28:12-19, Revelation 12:9, Matthew 8:29, Revelation 20:10).

On the other hand, the holy angels of God are those angels that have remained loyal to God as their sovereign Lord. Concerning these angels, Psalm 103:20 says,

“Bless the Lord, ye his angels, that excel in strength, that do his commandments, hearkening unto the voice of his word.”

As a child of God, the angels of God are meant to minister to you and for you in the hour of great need, especially in situations beyond human control and power. Hebrews 1:14 says,

“Are they not all ministering spirits, sent forth to minister for them who shall be heirs of salvation?”

For example, angels ministered to Jesus after His temptation and before He went to the cross (Matthew 4:11, Luke 22:43). Psalm 91:11-12 mentions some specific assignments of the angels of God saying,

“For he shall give his angels charge over thee, to keep thee in all thy ways.They shall bear thee up in their hands, lest thou dash thy foot against a stone.”

Years ago, when some of the brethren came to me suggesting that I begin to carry bodyguards around, because they would not want to lose me to hoodlums or hired assassins, I declined because, based on the above scripture, the One who called me has more than enough angelic bodyguards to take care of my security, and they are more effective than a billion human bodyguards could ever be. Note however that the angels of God should never be worshipped or prayed to. Often times, because of their awesome nature, those who encountered them attempted to do this, but every time, these angels themselves forbade them from doing so (Revelation 22:8-9).

Are you enjoying the ministry of angels?

ACTION POINT:
Thank God for His ministering spirits that have been assigned to take care of you.

HYMN 8: GREAT IS THY FAITHFULNESS

1. Great is Thy faithfulness, O God my Father
   There is no shadow of turning with Thee
   Thou changest not, Thy compassions, they fail not
   As Thou hast been, Thou forever will be.

Refrain:
Great is Thy faithfulness
Great is Thy faithfulness
Morning by morning new mercies I see
All I have needed Thy hand hath provided
Great is Thy faithfulness, Lord, unto me

1. Summer and winter and springtime and harvest
   Sun, moon and stars in their courses above
   Join with all nature in manifold witness
   To Thy great faithfulness, mercy and love.

Refrain:

1. Pardon for sin and a peace that endureth
   Thine own dear presence to cheer and to guide
   Strength for today and bright hope for tomorrow
   Blessings all mine, with ten thousand beside.

Refrain: