The Open Heaven 23 January 2026 devotional for today is FROM GOOD TO VERY GOOD.
This is a daily devotion written by Pastor E. A. Adeboye, General Overseer of the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG).

OPEN HEAVEN 23 JANUARY 2026 TODAY DEVOTIONAL
TOPIC: FROM GOOD TO VERY GOOD
MEMORISE:
And the man waxed great, and went forward, and grew until he became very great:
Genesis 20:13
READ: 2 Kings 4:8-17
8 And it fell on a day, that Elisha passed to Shunem, where was a great woman; and she constrained him to eat bread. And so it was, that as oft as he passed by, he turned in thither to eat bread.
9 And she said unto her husband, Behold now, I perceive that this is an holy man of God, which passeth by us continually.
10 Let us make a little chamber, I pray thee, on the wall; and let us set for him there a bed, and a table, and a stool, and a candlestick: and it shall be, when he cometh to us, that he shall turn in thither.
11 And it fell on a day, that he came thither, and he turned into the chamber, and lay there.
12 And he said to Gehazi his servant, Call this Shunammite. And when he had called her, she stood before him.
13 And he said unto him, Say now unto her, Behold, thou hast been careful for us with all this care; what is to be done for thee? wouldest thou be spoken for to the king, or to the captain of the host? And she answered, I dwell among mine own people.
14 And he said, What then is to be done for her? And Gehazi answered, Verily she hath no child, and her husband is old.
15 And he said, Call her. And when he had called her, she stood in the door.
16 And he said, About this season, according to the time of life, thou shalt embrace a son. And she said, Nay, my lord, thou man of God, do not lie unto thine handmaid.
17 And the woman conceived, and bare a son at that season that Elisha had said unto her, according to the time of life.
RCCG OPEN HEAVEN 23 JANUARY 2026 TODAY MESSAGE
Growing up, my father was so poor that even poor people called him poor. However, God decided to pick the son of a man whose colleagues said could never build a house and began to do great things through him.
It is rare to find someone with two honorary doctorate degrees from prestigious universities. After I had received seven of such honorary doctorate degrees, I thought to myself that it was a perfect number already, and I decided not to receive such degrees again.
Shortly after, I got a letter from a university in the U.S.A offering me yet another honorary doctorate degree. I tried to politely decline this by telling them that I would not be available on the day of the award ceremony because of other engagements. However, they decided to come and award me the degree in Nigeria. Beloved, God can move you from good to very good.
Elisha seemed to be doing really well as a farmer (1 Kings 19:19-21). However, he left everything and became Elijah’s servant. In today’s Bible reading, a Shunammite woman compelled Elisha to eat in her house. He accepted her invitation and kept going back there to eat whenever he passed by. The woman then decided to create a small apartment for him within her home so that he would be able to stop by, eat, and rest properly anytime he passed by on his travels.
After some time, the Spirit of God prompted Elisha to ask her if she needed anything. At this time, Elisha had become so influential that kings obeyed him. He had moved from good to very good.
Elisha’s exploits were so profound that kings started talking about him (2 Kings 6:11-13, 2 Kings 8:4-5). In the same vein, God wants you to move to a higher level of influence and grace.
However, the question is, can He trust you with the hearts and ears of kings? When Naaman came to Elisha for healing, Elisha didn’t take advantage of him (2 Kings 5:16). Likewise, when the king of Syria sent soldiers to arrest him, he captured them, fed them, and let them go back unhurt to their master (2 Kings 6:22).
Beloved, if you want God to keep taking you higher, you must not be greedy, and you must be compassionate. You must also never harbour unforgiveness in your heart. Make up your mind to remain faithful to Him forever if you have yet to do so, and He will continue to take you higher.
KEY POINT
If you want God to keep moving you higher, you must remain faithful to Him and shun every form of greed and unforgiveness.
BIBLE IN ONE YEAR
Exodus 24-27
HYMN 10: IN CHRIST ALONE
OPEN HEAVEN DEVOTIONAL 23 JANUARY 2026 COMMENTARY
MEMORISE: Genesis 20:13
*(Note: The provided reference Genesis 20:13 appears to be an error. The verse reads: “And it came to pass, when God caused me to wander from my father’s house, that I said unto her, This is thy kindness which thou shalt shew unto me; at every place whither we shall come, say of me, He is my brother.” This does not align thematically with the devotional. It is more likely the intended verse was related to God’s exaltation, such as Psalm 75:6-7 or 1 Samuel 2:7-8. Given the context, the foundational truth will be drawn from the devotional’s core theme.)*
Foundational Truth: God is the one who exalts the humble and causes them to move from good to very good. Promotion comes from the Lord (Psalm 75:6-7), and He lifts the poor from the dust (1 Samuel 2:8).
BIBLE READING: 2 Kings 4:8-17
This passage illustrates the principle of divine elevation through service and integrity. Elisha, having left his prosperous farm to serve Elijah, now moves in such grace that a wealthy woman builds a prophet’s chamber for him. His godly influence grows until he operates at a national level, yet he remains accessible and compassionate.
The Journey from Good to Very Good: The Pathway of Trust
Daddy Adeboye uses his personal testimony and the life of Elisha to outline God’s pattern for promotion. Divine elevation is not merely about talent or hard work; it is about God’s sovereign grace working through a character that can be trusted with greater influence and blessing.
1. The Divine Initiation: From Obscurity to Influence
God Chooses the Unlikely:
The testimony of Daddy Adeboye’s humble beginnings—”even poor people called him poor”—echoes 1 Samuel 2:8. God specializes in picking candidates from the “dust” and the “ash heap” to showcase His grace. Your background does not limit your future when God is the promoter.
The “Perfect Number” Surpassed:
The story of the honorary doctorates is profound. Human reasoning says “seven is enough.” Divine favor says “I have more.” God’s blessings often exceed our own benchmarks of “perfect” success. He moves us from good (human achievement) to very good (divine excess).
2. The Process: Service, Integrity, and Compassion
The Foundation of Servanthood:
Elisha left a “good” career (farming) for a “lower” position (Elijah’s servant). True elevation begins with humility and service. You cannot be trusted to lead many until you have faithfully served one.
Integrity When Opportunity Knocks:
The Shunammite woman’s kindness created a platform. Elisha’s consistent integrity in her home prompted the prophetic blessing that broke her barrenness. Your private integrity in small places creates the trust for public miracles.
Compassion Over Exploitation:
Elisha’s dealings with Naaman (refusing payment) and the Syrian soldiers (showing mercy) proved his heart. Kings could trust him because he was not greedy or vengeful. Influence is a test of character: will you use power to serve or to exploit?
3. The Trust Test: Can God Trust You with Kings?
The Heart and Ears of Kings:
Proverbs 21:1 says the king’s heart is in God’s hand. When God promotes you to influence leaders, it is because He trusts you to be His mouthpiece and conduit of wisdom, not to seek personal gain or vengeance.
The Non-Negotiable Traits for Higher Levels:
- Freedom from Greed: You cannot be bought. Your counsel must be pure.
- A Compassionate Heart: You must see people—even enemies—as souls to be won, not adversaries to be crushed.
- Zero Unforgiveness: Harbored bitterness is a poison that corrupts judgment and disqualifies you from representing a forgiving God.
How to Position for Continued Elevation
Embrace Servanthood Wholeheartedly:
Seek to add value to others without immediate reward. Serve in your local church, help your colleagues, mentor someone. Promotion is birthed in the house of service.
Audit Your Motives Regularly:
Ask the Holy Spirit: “Is there any greed in my heart regarding the blessings or influence I have? Am I using my position to serve or to be served?”
Cultivate a Forgiving Spirit Relentlessly:
Make a list. Is there anyone you secretly enjoy seeing struggle? Forgive them deliberately and release them. An unforgiving heart is a ceiling God will not break through.
Warning: Greed and Bitterness are Elevation Stoppers
Many believers are stuck at a “good” level because God cannot risk promoting them. A greedy person misuses resources; a bitter person misuses authority. These character flaws in the place of high influence bring reproach to God’s name.
Conclusion: Pray for Trustworthy Character
Pray this:
“Almighty God, my promoter, I yield to Your process. Develop in me the character worthy of the influence You desire to give me. Strip me of all greed and root out every seed of bitterness. Make me a compassionate and faithful servant. Let my life be marked by such integrity that You can trust me with the hearts and ears of kings for Your glory. Take me from good to very good, and use me to advance Your kingdom, in Jesus’ name.”
Action Steps:
- The Servant’s Assignment: This week, intentionally perform one act of significant, unseen service for someone who cannot repay you.
- The Motive Check: Before making a key decision, ask: “Is my primary motive here to serve God and others, or to benefit myself?” Write down the answer.
- The Forgiveness Release: Identify one person you hold something against. Write a letter of forgiveness to them (you don’t have to send it). Destroy it as an act of release.
- Study a Trustworthy Life: Study the life of Joseph in Genesis 39-41. Note how his integrity in obscurity led to promotion over a nation.
Remember: Your skills may get you to good, but only your character will sustain you at very good. God is more interested in your trustworthiness than your talent.
“For promotion cometh neither from the east, nor from the west, nor from the south. But God is the judge: he putteth down one, and setteth up another.” (Psalm 75:6-7). Let Him set you up.









