Today’s Open Heaven devotional (29 March 2025) is DON’T LOOK AT THEIR FACES
The daily devotion guide is written by Pastor E. A. Adeboye, the General Overseer of the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG).

RCCG OPEN HEAVEN 29 MARCH 2025 DEVOTIONAL
TOPIC: DON’T LOOK AT THEIR FACES
MEMORISE
Be not afraid of their faces: for I am with thee to deliver thee, saith the Lord.
Jeremiah 1:8
READ: Jeremiah 1:4-10
4 Then the word of the Lord came unto me, saying,
5 Before I formed thee in the belly I knew thee; and before thou camest forth out of the womb I sanctified thee, and I ordained thee a prophet unto the nations.
6 Then said I, Ah, Lord God! behold, I cannot speak: for I am a child.
7 But the Lord said unto me, Say not, I am a child: for thou shalt go to all that I shall send thee, and whatsoever I command thee thou shalt speak.
8 Be not afraid of their faces: for I am with thee to deliver thee, saith the Lord.
9 Then the Lord put forth his hand, and touched my mouth. And the Lordsaid unto me, Behold, I have put my words in thy mouth.
10 See, I have this day set thee over the nations and over the kingdoms, to root out, and to pull down, and to destroy, and to throw down, to build, and to plant.
OPEN HEAVEN DEVOTIONAL 29 MARCH 2025 MESSAGE
Many believers fail to share the gospel because of fear. The key to overcoming this, however, is to ask God for boldness and wisdom for each unique occasion.
I recall a time I flew first class because someone gifted me the ticket. I sat next to a man who I could tell was very rich from his appearance. I really wanted to tell him about Jesus, but I was afraid he wouldn’t listen because he would think that he was above such things. Therefore, I decided to go about it with wisdom. I said, “Sir, l’d love to introduce you to my Daddy.” He asked, “Who is your Daddy?” “My Daddy is a great chief.
He’s into oil and gas, and He does some silver, gold, and diamonds. He also has a big farm with thousands of cattle,” I replied. Then he asked, “How come I don’t know him? What’s your father’s name?” I knew that if I said Jesus at that stage, I might lose Him, so I said,
“My Father’s name is Chief Emmanuel.” That got his attention, and I was able to share the gospel with him.
When God called young Jeremiah to preach to the rebellious children of Israel, He instructed him not to be afraid of their faces. The same God is with you when you go out to tell others about Jesus’ love. He has given you His Spirit to teach you what to say, just as He taught me on that flight.
No matter how tough-faced or uninterested people may look, don’t look at their faces; focus on the One who sent you and deliver His message to them.
An adage in Yorubaland says that you shouldn’t fear the one you are delivering a message to but the one who sent you to deliver the message.
Don’t allow the fear of men prevent you from preaching the gospel. Keep your eyes on God, do as He has commanded all believers (Matthew 28:18-19), and leave the conviction and conversion to Him.
Once God is with you, nothing else matters. He’ll teach you what to say and how to say it. Preaching the gospel is not about how excellently you can speak and quote the Scriptures but the demonstration of the Spirit and of power (1 Corinthians 2:4).
Beloved, surrender your life to Jesus today if you haven’t; He is the only way to salvation. If you have surrendered your life to Him, ensure you share the gospel with others; don’t be afraid of their faces.
ACTION POINT
Tell someone about the love of Jesus today
BIBLE IN ONE YEAR
1 Samuel 22-24
HYMN 20: STAND UP! STAND UP FOR JESUS
OPEN HEAVEN DEVOTIONAL 29 MARCH 2025 COMMENTARY
1. The Paralysis of Fear in Evangelism
Open Heaven devotional for today opens by addressing a common struggle among believers: fear of sharing the gospel. This fear often stems from:
- Intimidation by status (e.g., the rich man on the plane).
- Fear of rejection (John 15:18 – “The world hates you”).
- Self-doubt (“Am I eloquent enough?”).
God’s Response to Fear:
- To Jeremiah: “Do not be afraid of their faces” (v. 8).
- To us: “I am with you” (Matthew 28:20).
Key Insight:
- Fear shifts focus from God’s power to human reactions.
Application:
✔ Pray for boldness (Acts 4:29) and wisdom (Colossians 4:5-6) before witnessing.
2. Divine Strategies for Effective Witnessing
Pastor Adeboye’s testimony illustrates tactful evangelism:
- Hook Their Interest:
- He described God as a “Chief” with vast resources – language the rich man understood.
- Avoid Immediate Jargon:
- Delayed mentioning “Jesus” until trust was built.
- Rely on the Spirit’s Prompting:
- “He will teach you what to say” (Luke 12:12).
Biblical Parallel:
- Paul in Athens (Acts 17:22-23): Used the “Unknown God” altar to introduce Christ.
Action Step:
✔ Study your audience (e.g., their values, fears) to tailor your approach.
3. The Foundation: God’s Presence and Power
Jeremiah’s call reminds us:
- God equips those He sends (Jeremiah 1:7-9).
- Success depends on His Spirit, not our eloquence (1 Corinthians 2:4-5).
Modern Application:
- Social media evangelism: Let God guide your posts.
- Workplace witness: Live Christ first, then speak (1 Peter 3:15-16).
Warning:
- Avoid deception (like Adeboye’s “Chief Emmanuel” tactic). Balance wisdom with truth.
4. The Yoruba Proverb: Fear the Sender, Not the Receiver
The devotional cites a profound African wisdom:
- “Fear the message-sender (God) more than the hearer.”
- Biblical support: Matthew 10:28 – “Fear Him who can destroy soul and body in hell.”
Implication:
- Obedience > Outcomes. Our job is to share; results are God’s (1 Corinthians 3:6).
Prayer:
“Lord, help me fear displeasing You more than man’s rejection.”
5. The Call to Action: Share Without Delay
Today’s devotional urges:
- New Believers: “Surrender to Jesus today.”
- Mature Believers: “Don’t withhold the gospel.”
Motivation:
- Eternity is at stake (Romans 10:14).
- Angels rejoice over one conversion (Luke 15:10).
Practical Tips:
- Start with your testimony (Mark 5:19).
- Use tracts or apps for shy believers.
Final Thought: Your Words Carry Divine Authority
Like Jeremiah, you’re appointed (Jeremiah 1:5) and anointed (v. 9) to speak for God.
“The same Spirit who empowered Peter at Pentecost lives in you!”
Prayer of Commission:
“Father, clothe me with boldness today. Lead me to one soul needing Your love, and give me the words to win them, in Jesus’ name. Amen.”
“Souls are waiting for your courage. Speak and watch God work!”