The Open Heaven 3 May 2025 devotional for today is EXCELLENCE BY THE SPIRIT.
This is a daily devotion written by Pastor E. A. Adeboye, General Overseer of the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG).
OPEN HEAVEN 3 MAY 2025 TODAY DEVOTIONAL
TOPIC: EXCELLENCE BY THE SPIRIT
MEMORISE
Then this Daniel was preferred above the presidents and princes, because an excellent spirit was in him; and the king thought to set him over the whole realm
Daniel 6:5
BIBLE TEXT: Acts 6:1-8
And in those days, when the number of the disciples was multiplied, there arose a murmuring of the Grecians against the Hebrews, because their widows were neglected in the daily ministration.
2 Then the twelve called the multitude of the disciples unto them, and said, It is not reason that we should leave the word of God, and serve tables.
3 Wherefore, brethren, look ye out among you seven men of honest report, full of the Holy Ghost and wisdom, whom we may appoint over this business.
4 But we will give ourselves continually to prayer, and to the ministry of the word.
5 And the saying pleased the whole multitude: and they chose Stephen, a man full of faith and of the Holy Ghost, and Philip, and Prochorus, and Nicanor, and Timon, and Parmenas, and Nicolas a proselyte of Antioch:
6 Whom they set before the apostles: and when they had prayed, they laid their hands on them.
7 And the word of God increased; and the number of the disciples multiplied in Jerusalem greatly; and a great company of the priests were obedient to the faith.
8 And Stephen, full of faith and power, did great wonders and miracles among the people.
RCCG OPEN HEAVEN 3 MAY 2025 TODAY MESSAGE
When people say, “You can do better than your best,” they mean that a person can still improve on his or her greatest achievement.
However, when we talk about excellence, it means that something is so good that it cannot be improved upon.
In Luke 1:31-32, the angel told Mary that the baby she was about to conceive would be great. In Philippians 2:9-11, the Bible says that God gave Him a name that is above all names.
John 3:34 also says that God gave Jesus the Holy Spirit without measure. What determines how great a believer will become is how full of the Holy Spirit he or she is. Jesus was excellent because He did not carry the Holy Spirit in a measure; He was totally full of the Holy Spirit.
One of my children once came to me and asked, “Daddy, do you know the Bible very well? Who is Prochorus?” | asked, “Is that name in the Bible?” He then said, “I thought you said you know the Bible.” He asked again, “Who is Nicanor?” | told him I didn’t know. “Who is Timon?” I said, “You mean Simon?” He said, “No, Timon.” I replied that I didn’t know Timon.
Then, he told me that all the names he mentioned were part of the first seven deacons. This shows that in a group of selected people with the same qualifications and experience, some of them will still stand out as being excellent. They all had the same qualifications; however, when asked to list the names of the first deacons in the Bible, most people will only mention Stephen and Phillip.
In today’s Bible reading, we see that Stephen was excellent and did great wonders and miracles among the people because he was full of faith, power, and the Holy Spirit. Being full of the Holy Spirit is in different levels, and your level of thirst will determine the level of fullness you will operate in. Beloved, to achieve excellence, prioritise being filled with the Holy Spirit at all times. Spend quality time in God’s presence, praising and worshipping Him. As you do this, you will become full of the Holy Spirit, and you will be empowered to excel even above those who are considered to be the best.
OPEN HEAVEN 3 MAY 2025 PRAYER POINT
Holy Spirit, please fill me until I overflow, in Jesus’ name.
BIBLE IN ONE YEAR
1 Chronicles 13-16
RCCG HYMN 59: I WANT TO BE LIKE JESUS
OPEN HEAVEN DEVOTIONAL 3 MAY 2025 COMMENTARY
Memorise: Daniel 6:5 (KJV)
“Then said these men, We shall not find any occasion against this Daniel, except we find it against him concerning the law of his God.”
This verse highlights Daniel’s excellence—so impeccable that his enemies could only attack him through his devotion to God. True excellence is rooted in spiritual integrity and divine empowerment.
Bible Reading: Acts 6:1-8 (KJV)
This passage introduces the selection of the first seven deacons, focusing particularly on Stephen, who was:
- “Full of faith and of the Holy Spirit” (v. 5)
- “Full of grace and power, [doing] great wonders and signs” (v. 8)
Stephen stood out not because of natural ability but because of his spiritual fullness.
Key Lessons from the Devotional:
1. Excellence vs. “Better Than Your Best”
- Human Excellence (Limited): People say, “You can do better than your best,” meaning there’s always room for improvement.
- Divine Excellence (Unmatched): Biblical excellence is God’s standard—so perfect that it cannot be improved (e.g., Jesus’ sinless life, Hebrews 4:15).
2. Jesus: The Model of Excellence
- Greatness Foretold (Luke 1:31-32): Jesus was destined for divine greatness.
- Exalted Above All (Philippians 2:9-11): God gave Him “the name which is above every name.”
- Fullness of the Spirit (John 3:34): Jesus operated in unlimited anointing because He had the Holy Spirit “without measure.”
Key Principle: The measure of a believer’s greatness is determined by their fullness of the Holy Spirit.
3. The Seven Deacons: Why Did Stephen Stand Out?
- Same Qualifications, Different Impact:
- All seven were “of good reputation, full of the Spirit and wisdom” (Acts 6:3).
- Yet, only Stephen and Philip are widely remembered (Acts 6-8).
- Reason for Stephen’s Excellence:
- “Full of faith and the Holy Spirit” (Acts 6:5).
- “Full of grace and power” (Acts 6:8).
- He did miracles (v. 8) and preached with divine wisdom (Acts 7).
Lesson: Even among equally qualified people, those fully surrendered to the Holy Spirit will rise above the rest.
4. How to Walk in Excellence
- Be Filled with the Holy Spirit (Ephesians 5:18):
- This is not a one-time event but a continuous infilling.
- “Your level of thirst determines your level of fullness” (Matthew 5:6).
- Prioritize God’s Presence (Psalm 16:11):
- Spend time in prayer, worship, and the Word.
- Stephen’s power came from deep communion with God.
- Operate in Faith (Hebrews 11:6):
- Stephen’s miracles were fueled by faith in God’s power.
5. The Cost of Excellence
- Opposition: Like Daniel and Stephen, excellence attracts envy and persecution (Acts 6:9-15).
- Reward: God exalts the excellent (1 Peter 5:6). Stephen’s martyrdom led to Saul’s conversion (Paul the Apostle!)—showing that true excellence leaves a legacy.
Conclusion: How to Pursue Divine Excellence
- Seek the Holy Spirit’s Fullness Daily (Luke 11:13).
- Cultivate a Life of Prayer & Worship (Acts 6:4).
- Serve with Faith & Diligence (Colossians 3:23-24).
- Embrace God’s Process—Excellence requires growth and testing (James 1:2-4).
- Stand Out for God’s Glory—Don’t blend in; let your light shine (Matthew 5:16).
Prayer Point:
“Lord, fill me afresh with Your Holy Spirit. Let Your power and grace operate in me so mightily that I walk in divine excellence, leaving a lasting impact for Your kingdom. Amen.”
Final Encouragement:
“Excellence is not being the best; it is being full of the Best—the Holy Spirit.“
Will you pursue His fullness today?
Read RCCG Open Heaven Devotional for Tomorrow
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