Open Heavens 20 May 2018 Sunday daily devotional by Pastor E. A. Adeboye – From Jacob To Israel

Topic: From Jacob To Israel [Open Heavens 20th May 2018, Sunday]

Memorise: Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new. – 2 Corinthians 5:17

Read: Genesis 35:9-15 (KJV)

9 And God appeared unto Jacob again, when he came out of Padanaram, and blessed him.

10 And God said unto him, Thy name is Jacob: thy name shall not be called any more Jacob, but Israel shall be thy name: and he called his name Israel.

11 And God said unto him, I am God Almighty: be fruitful and multiply; a nation and a company of nations shall be of thee, and kings shall come out of thy loins;

12 And the land which I gave Abraham and Isaac, to thee I will give it, and to thy seed after thee will I give the land.

13 And God went up from him in the place where he talked with him.

14 And Jacob set up a pillar in the place where he talked with him, even a pillar of stone: and he poured a drink offering thereon, and he poured oil thereon.

15 And Jacob called the name of the place where God spake with him, Bethel.

Bible in One Year: 2 Samuel 15-16, 2 Peter 3

MESSAGE:

Jacob was the second son of Isaac. His early life projected a lifestyle and a behavioural pattern that closely matched his name, which can be interpreted as supplanter, impersonator, deceiver or usurper. However, he received mercy from the Lord and had a divine encounter where God decided to change his name. In Genesis 32:28, God said to him:

“…Thy name shall be called no more Jacob, but Israel…”

The renaming of Jacob as Israel (which means “triumphant with God”) was a spiritual event that had far reaching effects on his physical life and his personality. Immediately after his identity was changed, Jacob stopped exhibiting the characteristics of his old name and began to behave in line with the meaning of his new name. The old things about Jacob passed away and all things became new for him as Israel. I pray for someone reading this devotional that every old symptom of sin, sickness, poverty, bondage and oppression shall pass away from your life today in Jesus’ Name.

It is important to note that what happened to Jacob in the Old Testament is closely related to the regeneration experience seen in the New Testament. Regeneration is a change brought about by the Spirit of God, which makes a person a new creature in Christ Jesus. The salvation that Jesus brought to us is not simply to energise the old creation with new ability and power; rather, it brings about a new creature that has divine nature of God (2 Peter 1:4). It also ignites a spiritual process wherein everything working against the regenerated person is thoroughly dealt with (Colossians 2:14). The practical result of this is spiritual regeneration evidenced by radical change in the nature, character, desires and motives of the transformed person. This new creature is so new and different from the old that it even requires a new diet to survive, which is the word of God. That is why Matthew 4:4b says:

“Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God.”

Concerning regeneration, the key element is change. God is calling all of mankind to change through the power of His word. However, there is a strong resistance to this change in every human being (Romans 8:7). This resistance comes from the mind and the body, and must be overcome before any real change can manifest. The transformation experience requires serious effort to overcome this resistance (Romans 12:2). Whenever anyone surrenders his or her life to Jesus, God takes hold of the old lifeless creature and fashions it into a new creature that is heaven-bound, full of life and suitable for His use. Have you experienced this transformation indeed?

Key Point: The inner transformation that Jesus gives must manifest as outward change for all to see.

If you missed yesterday devotional, please click HERE to read Open Heavens 19 May 2018 Saturday daily devotional by Pastor E. A. Adeboye – A Child Of Abraham?

Hymn 12: Take My Life, And Let It Be

1.Take my life and let it be
Consecrated, Lord, to Thee.
Take my moments and my days,
Let them flow in endless praise,
Let them flow in endless praise.

2.Take my hands and let them move
At the impulse of Thy love.
Take my feet and let them be
Swift and beautiful for Thee,
Swift and beautiful for Thee.

3.Take my voice and let me sing,
Always, only for my King.
Take my lips and let them be
Filled with messages from Thee,
Filled with messages from Thee.

4. Take my silver and my gold,
Not a mite would I withhold.
Take my intellect and use
Every pow’r as Thou shalt choose,
Every pow’r as Thou shalt choose.

5. Take my will and make it Thine,
It shall be no longer mine.
Take my heart, it is Thine own,
It shall be Thy royal throne,
It shall be Thy royal throne.

6. Take my love, my Lord, I pour
At Thy feet its treasure store.
Take myself and I will be
Ever, only, all for Thee,
Ever, only, all for Thee.

Open Heavens 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.

Flatimes Notice Board: Until you are born again, God ever abiding presence will never be with you. You must be born again to enjoy continuous victory. Please say the displayed prayer below in faith:

Lord Jesus, come into my life. I accept You as my Lord and Personal Saviour. I believe in my heart You died and rose from the dead to save me. Thank You Lord for saving me, in Jesus name Amen.

If you just prayed the prayer of salvation online please send your testimonies and prayer request to [email protected], 07026385437 OR 08141320204.

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Prince Harry & Meghan Markle Wed in Windsor as Millions Watch

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle gazed into each other’s eyes and pledged their lifelong love Saturday as they married in front of hundreds of royals, celebrities and friends at St. George’s Chapel and millions of TV viewers around the world.

The pretty English town of Windsor sparkled on a warm spring day as tens of thousands of people jammed its quaint roads and parks to capture their own part of the spectacular yet elegant royal wedding extravaganza.

To kick off the festivities, Queen Elizabeth II honored her red-headed, 33-year-old grandson with a new title: the Duke of Sussex, making Markle the Duchess of Sussex.

The wedding was a global event, thanks to Harry’s status as a senior British royal and Markle’s celebrity after starring on the U.S. television series “Suits” for seven years. Its pomp and ceremony embraced the couple’s trans-Atlantic union, mixing Anglican prayers and tradition, classical music and a gospel choir with a stately horse-drawn carriage ride through Windsor in a spectacle beamed live to tens of millions.

The American actress embraced her new British role in a sleek white silk boat-necked dress designed by British designer Clare Waight Keller. Her sheer veil — down to her waist in front and billowing for what seemed like miles behind her — carried floral references to all 53 countries in the Commonwealth, the group of countries that roughly corresponds to the former British Empire and is headed by Markle’s new grandmother-in-law, the queen.

The palace said, in addition to the Commonwealth flowers, Markle also selected two other plants on…

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American Episcopalian Bishop Rocks Royal Wedding With Powerful Sermon on the Power of Love

African-American bishop Michael Curry electrified the wedding of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle with a barnstorming sermon on the power of love that won smiles in the ancient British chapel and praise across the internet.

Curry, the first black head of the Episcopal Church in the United States, started by quoting civil rights hero Dr Martin Luther King and powered on citing spirituals, medieval poetry and the experiences of slaves in the American south.

“There’s power in love. Don’t underestimate it. Don’t even over-sentimentalise it … If you don’t believe me, think about a time when you first fell in love,” he said at the start of an address that jolted the congregation after a long period of serene choral music and ceremony.

By the end, he was referring to Harry and Meghan as “my brother, my sister,” and telling them “God love you, God bless you” before the opening notes of the soul standard “Stand By Me” started up.

Meghan smiled throughout as Harry looked on intently.

“It was a moment for African-Americans. It was like we were at church. It was the word that love conquers all,” said Karen Long from Houston, Texas, who came to Windsor with her sister and friend, all dressed as bridesmaids.

“It was a perfect blend between her culture and the royal culture. As an African-American woman, it was made in heaven,” she said.

The reaction online was overwhelmingly positive.

“Quoting Dr. Martin Luther King from the altar of a British royal wedding. This sermon by Rev Michael Bruce Curry is very American, very boisterous, very passionate. Love it,”…

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Royal Ceremony Brings Cultures Together

With a gospel choir, black cellist and bishop, Oprah, Serena and Idris Elba in the audience and an African-American mother-of-the-bride, Saturday’s wedding of Prince Harry to American actress Meghan Markle was a blend of the solemn and the soulful.

Guess who’s coming to Windsor?

The ceremony married the pomp and circumstance of Britain’s most sacred institution with elements of black culture, drawing viewers not normally drawn to the spectacle of the monarchy.

“This was black history,” said Joy Widgeon, who attended a house party in Burlington, New Jersey, with her 6- and 8-year-old daughters in tow. “African-Americans were front and center at the royal wedding. This was the first time, and hopefully it won’t be the last. I am here for it.”

Race has loomed over the couple’s relationship from the beginning. After the pair went public in 2016, Harry lashed out in a public statement at what he described as “racial undertones” in media coverage and overt racism toward his then-girlfriend, who has lamented such views. At the announcement of their engagement last fall, many black women around the world cheered the news as a fairytale that doesn’t always include them.

Markle, 36, became the first black member of the British royal family in modern history. Her mother, Doria Ragland, is black.

A diverse group of about 20 — mostly black women — gathered before dawn on the rainy Saturday at a house party in Burlington, New Jersey. They were among the scores of African-Americans and British Americans participating in the global event in person, at home and…

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Harry and Meghan Wed at St George’s Chapel in Windsor in an Extraordinary Star-studded, Multi-Cultural Ceremony, the Likes of Which the Kings and Queens Have Never Seen

Meghan Markle has launched her own mini-revolution as she married Prince Harry today in a multi-cultural and US-influenced wedding the likes of which Britain’s royals and the millions watching have never seen before.

The newlyweds shared tears, laughter and a passionate kiss in front of their hundreds of VIP guests dominated by Holywood stars including the Clooneys, the Beckhams, Idris Elba, Oprah Winfrey, Tom Hardy and James Corden.

Elton John, who sang at Princess Diana’s funeral in 1997, performed at the lunchtime reception in a nod to Harry’s tragic past.

All the senior British royals were also there to support them including the Queen, Prince Philip, Harry’s best man Prince William and his wife Kate, who brought George and Charlotte but left baby Louis with the nanny.

Today Meghan became the first mixed-race member of the royal family in an extraordinary journey for a girl born in LA to a white father and African-American mother who before she met her prince fought her way through the tough world of showbusiness to land a plum role in the TV series Suits.

Harry and Meghan’s big day couldn’t have been more different than royal weddings of the past, especially because the prince was visibly emotional throughout – and guests suggested it was the most diverse major event in the Queen’s 66-year reign.

The prince had looked tearful when he saw his bride for the first time, grabbing her hand telling her: ‘You look amazing – I missed you’ before tenderly lifting her veil.

The new Duke of Sussex also said ‘thank you, pa’ after his father Prince…

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Doria Ragland Joins the Royal Family

Meghan Markle’s mother Doria Ragland proudly stood with senior members of the Royal Family on the steps of St George’s Chapel today after watching her daughter marry Prince Harry.

Miss Ragland, who flew over from Los Angeles for the wedding in Windsor, stood with Prince Charles and his wife Camilla, the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge and their children, Prince George and Princess Charlotte.

Earlier, the Queen was flanked by her husband Prince Philip, just six weeks after his hip operation, as she waved to the crowds at Windsor Castle upon her arrival for her grandson Harry’s wedding to Meghan.

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Source: Daily Mail

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Shooter Kills Two in Hail of Bullets at Starbucks in German City of Saarbruecken

Two people have been killed in a shooting at a Starbucks cafe near the German city of Saarbruecken.

The Saarbruecker Zeitung newspaper reported Saturday that police have a suspect in custody.

The newspaper reports the shooting was in the Fechingen area, southeast of the city.

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Source: Daily Mail

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A Pompeii Street Uncovered: Archaeologists Reveal Unique ‘Alley of Balconies’ So Well Preserved They Still Contain Vases Residents Used to Store Their Wine

A team of archaeologists at Pompeii has uncovered an alleyway of grand houses, with balconies left mostly intact and still in their original hues.

Archaeologists excavating an unexplored part of Italy’s volcanic ash-covered city of Pompeii have discovered a street of houses with intact balconies that were buried when Mount Vesuvius erupted in 79 AD.

Some of the balconies even had amphorae – the conical-shaped terra cotta vases that were used to hold wine and oil in ancient Roman times.

The discovery has been hailed as a ‘complete novelty’ – and the Italian Culture Ministry hopes they can be restored and opened to the public.

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Source: Daily Mail

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Dramatic Moment Passers-by Rescued Two Children From a Sinking Car After Their Father Forgot to Put the Handbrake on

This is the dramatic moment passers-by rescued two children from a sinking car – after the driver forgot to put the handbrake on.

The kids’ father Raymon Cosio had parked the SUV next to the harbour in Cebu, Philippines, on Wednesday afternoon, and was about to board a ferry.

He then allegedly walked outside with another passenger, Reymund Gascon, leaving the two youngsters in the back seats.

Moments later the car rolled back from the concrete docking area and plunged into the choppy sea.

Onlookers dived into the water and pulled the two youngsters from the silver vehicle before it sank to the sea bed.

Officers said the children were ‘traumatised’ but were not seriously injured after the accident in the town of Cordova.

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Source: Daily Mail

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Black Episcopal Bishop Takes the British Kingdom to the Old Black Church

A US bishop stole the show with his fiery address at Prince Harry and Meghan Markle‘s wedding.

The Most Reverend Michael Curry has been praised for his passionate speech which touched upon slavery, the Old Testament and even quoted Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

Many of social media were delighted to see the American reverend ‘shake up’ the traditional royal proceedings.

The preacher also provoked a few chuckles in the chapel – and even Harry and Meghan couldn’t help but giggle at one point.

Meanwhile Prince William seemed to be desperately trying to hold back a fit of laughter as Rev. Curry talked about how ‘fire made it possible to text and tweet’.

Camilla and Kate shared a look of bemusement as the reverend continued his sermon.

‘We must discover the power of love, the redemptive power of love, and when we do that, we will make of this old world, a new world,’ he quoted Dr. King.

‘Don’t under estimate it,’ he announced.

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Source: Daily Mail

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