OPEN HEAVENS DAILY DEVOTIONAL

DATE: THURSDAY JULY 24TH 2025

TOPIC: ANOINT AND PRAY OVER YOUR CHILDREN

MEMORISE:
"And it shall come to pass afterward, that I will pour out my spirit upon all flesh; and your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, your old men shall dream dreams, your young men shall see visions.” - (Joel 2:28)

READ: 1 SAMUEL 16:12-13 (KJV)

12 And he sent, and brought him in. Now he was ruddy, and withal of a beautiful countenance, and goodly to look to. And the LORD said, Arise, anoint him: for this is he.

13 Then Samuel took the horn of oil, and anointed him in the midst of his brethren: and the Spirit of the LORD came upon David from that day forward. So Samuel rose up, and went to Ramah.

MESSAGE:

Parents cannot raise their children all by themselves. This is because many other factors are involved in a child's destiny that parents cannot control. Some of these factors include the environment where their children are growing up, the people they interact with, their genetic makeup, and even spiritual forces that surround their entire family and the children in particular. This is why, beyond all the things that parents do physically to raise their children, they must also pray for them regularly and seek God's help to raise them correctly. Parents must also anoint and pray over their children regularly to protect them from evil forces.

In the short time that I have spent on the earth, I have seen the enemy work all manners of evil in the lives of children. Many times, some parents heap blames on their children for lacking focus, being unserious, or being lazy when they do not succeed, especially in their academics. They get frustrated that they are spending so much money on them without good results. They may not know that there might be forces of darkness that are hindering the child's progress. It is possible for a student to study very hard and just blank out in the examination hall. There was a case at the University of Lagos some years ago where, right in the examination hall, a young man just began to urinate non-stop. There was some pandemonium, and those around him began to call an ambulance. However, he told them that this was not the case for the doctor and that they should call his pastor instead. His pastor prayed for him, and he was healed.

The anointing sets a child apart for greatness. Although David was destined to be the king of Israel, that destiny did not find expression until he was anointed. After he was anointed, the Bible says that the Spirit of the Lord came upon him from that day forward (1 Samuel 16:13). In the very next chapter, he killed the Philistine giant, Goliath, and became a national figure (1 Samuel 17:48-51). If you are a parent, speak God's counsel over your children and anoint them regularly. Let them know that they belong to God and that anyone who touches them touches the apple of God's eye (Zechariah 2:8). I pray that God will protect every child from the attacks of the enemy, in Jesus' name.

KEY POINT:
Anointing and praying over children regularly protects them from the devil's plans and sets them apart for greatness.

BIBLE IN ONE YEAR: ISAIAH 35-37

AUTHOR PASTOR E A ADEBOYE

HYMNAL: 16 - 'TIS SO SWEET TO TRUST IN JESUS

1 ’Tis so sweet to trust in Jesus,
Just to take Him at His word;
Just to rest upon His promise;
Just to know, Thus saith the Lord.

Jesus, Jesus, how I trust Him,
How I’ve proved Him o’er and o’er,
Jesus, Jesus, Precious Jesus!
O for grace to trust Him more.

2 O how sweet to trust in Jesus,
Just to trust His cleansing blood;
Just in simple faith to plunge me,
’Neath the healing, cleansing flood.

3 Yes, ’tis sweet to trust in Jesus,
Just from sin and self to cease;
Just from Jesus simply taking
Life, and rest, and joy, and peace.

4 I’m so glad I learned to trust Thee,
Precious Jesus, Savior, Friend;
And I know that Thou art with me,
Wilt be with me to the end.

*OPEN HEAVENS DEVOTIONAL*

DATE: FRIDAY, JULY 25TH, 2025

*TOPIC: WATCH AND PRAY*

*MEMORISE*
Watch ye therefore, and pray always, that ye may be accounted worthy to escape all these things that shall come to pass, and to stand before the Son of man. *Luke 21:36*

*READ: Luke 21:8,34-36 (KJV)*
8. And He said: "Take heed that you not be deceived. For many will come in My name, saying, 'I am He,' and, 'The time has drawn near.' Therefore do not go after them.

34. "But take heed to yourselves, lest your hearts be weighed down with carousing, drunkenness, and cares of this life, and that Day come on you unexpectedly.

35. For it will come as a snare on all those who dwell on the face of the whole earth.

36. Watch therefore, and pray always that you may be counted worthy to escape all these things that will come to pass, and to stand before the Son of Man."

MESSAGE
*To watch and pray in Christendom means that a believer needs to be awake and on guard so that sin will not creep into his or her life. It further implies that a believer must have a constant connection with God.*

As God's child, you must be watchful and prayerful because satan roams about as a roaring lion looking for whom to devour (1 Peter 5:8); he is always on the lookout, seeking opportunities to strike God's children.

His whole desire is to turn you away from following and obeying God; therefore, you must not let down your guard.

The devil executes his plans mainly by distracting you. For instance, if you have many friends who do not understand spiritual matters, they will question your reasons for fasting, praying, paying your tithe, et cetera.

Gradually, their influence might become a stronghold in your heart, and you might start questioning biblical doctrines also. Eventually, you might let your guard down and join them.

*My dear child, I encourage you to check if God's word backs everything you do and the doctrines you follow. You must also flee all appearances of evil, and be sensitive in the spirit. Fix your gaze on Jesus (Hebrews 12:2), and I am certain that you will overcome in the end.*

*KEY POINT*
Be watchful to avoid distractions around you.

*BIBLE IN ONE YEAR*
2 Chronicles 14:1-16:14, Romans 9:1-24.

*AUTHOR: PASTOR E. A. ADEBOYE AND PASTOR (MRS) FOLU ADEBOYE*

*HYMN 10 - CHRISTIAN, SEEK NOT YET REPOSE*
1. Christian! seek not yet repose;
Hear thy guardian angel say,
"Thou art in the midst of foes:
Watch and pray!"

2. Principalities and powers,
Mustering their unseen array,
Wait for thy unguarded hours:
"Watch and pray."

3. Gird thy heavenly armour on;
Wear it every night and day
Ambush'd lies the evil one:
"Watch and pray."

4. Hear the victors who o'ercame;
Still they mark each warrior's way;
All with one sweet voice exclaim,
"Watch and pray!"

5. Hear, above all, hear they Lord,
Him thou lovest to obey;
Hide within my heart His word
"Watch and pray!"

6. Watch, as if on that alone
Hung the issue of the day;
Pray, that help may be sent down:
Watch and pray.

Good evening family I'm so happy God surprised me today with plenty blessings and favor thank God for me in your prayers.

Even in hard times we are still smiling we thank God for life