The Open Heavens 9 August 2026 devotional for today is THE ANOINTING IS NOT FOR SALE.
This is a daily devotion written by Pastor E. A. Adeboye, General Overseer of the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG).
OPEN HEAVENS 9 AUGUST 2026 TODAY DEVOTIONAL
TOPIC: THE ANOINTING IS NOT FOR SALE
MEMORISE
Heal the sick, cleanse the lepers, raise the dead, cast out devils: freely ye have received, treely give.
Matthew 10:8
READ: 1 Peter 5:2-4
2 Feed the flock of God which is among you, taking the oversight thereof, not by constraint, but willingly; not for filthy lucre, but of a ready mind;
3 Neither as being lords over God’s heritage, but being examples to the flock.
4 And when the chief Shepherd shall appear, ye shall receive a crown of glory that fadeth not away.
RCCG OPEN HEAVENS 9 AUGUST 2026 TODAY MESSAGE
When God anoints a person, He expects him or her to use the anointing to edify His people and spread the gospel. As we see in today’s Bible reading, God does not want the anointing to be used for personal gain.
I often tell the pastors under my supervision that when God uses them to perform a miracle, they must never demand or expect any reward from the person who received the miracle. In today’s memory verse, Jesus told his disciples that they had received the anointing freely and they should also give it out freely. The One who performs miracles is God, not the people He has anointed.
Therefore, you should never feel entitled to anything from anyone who gets a miracle from God through His anointing upon you. Some self-professing ministers of God even go as far as selling olive oil, water, handkerchiefs, and other similar items that they claim have been anointed to those who come to them for prayers.
Such conduct reveals that they are hirelings who are looking to exploit God’s sheep rather than being shepherds who should nurture and feed them.
Beloved, you are not to use the anointing that God bestowed on you to manipulate people. Some people demand that they should be called ‘Father in the Lord’ just because God has used them to heal headaches.
Being anointed does not qualify anyone to become a lord over others; rather, the anointing ought to be used to serve people. Peter knew that such temptations would arise, which was why he told some church leaders in today’s Bible reading to feed the flock of God willingly and with a ready mind. He also warned them not to use God’s anointing upon their lives for selfish gain.
Jesus Christ, our perfect example, exemplified how to use the anointing God bestows upon a person.
He went about doing good and healing those who were oppressed by the devil (Acts 10:38), and also served His followers (John 13:3-15).
Beloved, like Jesus, use the anointing you have received from God to bless those He has sent you to; do not use it to exploit or victimise others. Jesus is the Chief Shepherd, and you will give an account of all the things He has given to you one day.
Always remember that the anointing you have received from God is a tool to serve Him, edify His people, cater to their needs, and spread the gospel to the ends of the earth.
KEY POINT
The anointing is not meant to be used for personal gain but to serve the will and purpose of the One who gave it.
BIBLE IN ONE YEAR
Jeremiah 18-21
Open Heavens HYMN 59: I WANT TO BE LIKE JESUS
OPEN HEAVENS DEVOTIONAL 9 AUGUST 2026 COMMENTARY
MEMORISE: Matthew 10:8
“Heal the sick, cleanse the lepers, raise the dead, cast out devils: freely ye have received, freely give.”
The anointing you have received from God is not for sale. It is a gift to be given freely, just as you received it freely. To charge for what God has given is to turn grace into merchandise.
BIBLE READING: 1 Peter 5:2-4
Peter exhorts church leaders to shepherd the flock of God willingly, not for shameful gain, not as lords over God’s heritage, but as examples to the flock. When the Chief Shepherd appears, they will receive an unfading crown of glory. This passage warns against using spiritual authority for personal profit or control.
The Anointing Is Not for Personal Gain
“When God anoints a person, He expects him or her to use the anointing to edify His people and spread the gospel. As we see in today’s Bible reading, God does not want the anointing to be used for personal gain.”
| The Purpose of the Anointing | What It Is NOT For |
|---|---|
| Edifying God’s people | Personal enrichment |
| Spreading the gospel | Building a personal empire |
| Serving others | Exploiting others |
“I often tell the pastors under my supervision that when God uses them to perform a miracle, they must never demand or expect any reward from the person who received the miracle.”
| Receiving a Miracle Freely | Giving a Miracle Freely |
|---|---|
| You did not earn the power | You should not charge for the power |
| God worked through you | God deserves the glory, not you |
| The person received it by grace | You must give it by grace |
“In today’s memory verse, Jesus told His disciples that they had received the anointing freely and they should also give it out freely. The One who performs miracles is God, not the people He has anointed.”
The Hireling Mentality: Exploiting the Sheep
“Some self-professing ministers of God even go as far as selling olive oil, water, handkerchiefs, and other similar items that they claim have been anointed to those who come to them for prayers. Such conduct reveals that they are hirelings who are looking to exploit God’s sheep rather than being shepherds who should nurture and feed them.”
| The Shepherd’s Heart | The Hireling’s Heart |
|---|---|
| Feeds and nurtures the flock | Exploits the flock for gain |
| Gives freely | Charges for prayer, oil, handkerchiefs |
| Serves willingly | Serves for profit |
| Cares for the sheep | Cares for what the sheep can provide |
John 10:12-13 – “The hireling fleeth, because he is an hireling, and careth not for the sheep.”
| The Hireling’s Motivation | The Shepherd’s Motivation |
|---|---|
| What can I get? | How can I serve? |
| Profit and recognition | The flock’s well-being |
| Exploitation | Nurturing and protection |
The Anointing Is Not a License to Be a Lord
“Beloved, you are not to use the anointing that God bestowed on you to manipulate people. Some people demand that they should be called ‘Father in the Lord’ just because God has used them to heal headaches.”
| Manipulating Through Anointing | Serving Through Anointing |
|---|---|
| Using titles to control | Using the anointing to bless |
| Demanding recognition | Giving glory to God |
| Acting as a lord over others | Serving as a servant to all |
“Being anointed does not qualify anyone to become a lord over others; rather, the anointing ought to be used to serve people.”
Mark 10:42-45 – “Whosoever will be great among you, shall be your minister… For even the Son of man came not to be ministered unto, but to minister, and to give his life a ransom for many.”
| The World’s Model | The Kingdom Model |
|---|---|
| Lordship over others | Servanthood to others |
| Being served | Serving |
| Using authority to control | Using authority to bless |
Peter’s Warning to Church Leaders
“Peter knew that such temptations would arise, which was why he told some church leaders in today’s Bible reading to feed the flock of God willingly and with a ready mind. He also warned them not to use God’s anointing upon their lives for selfish gain.”
1 Peter 5:2-3 – “Feed the flock of God which is among you, taking the oversight thereof, not by constraint, but willingly; not for filthy lucre, but of a ready mind; Neither as being lords over God’s heritage, but being ensamples to the flock.”
| How to Shepherd | How Not to Shepherd |
|---|---|
| Willingly | By compulsion |
| Not for shameful gain | For filthy lucre |
| With a ready mind | Reluctantly |
| As examples | As lords |
Jesus: The Perfect Example
“Jesus Christ, our perfect example, exemplified how to use the anointing God bestows upon a person. He went about doing good and healing those who were oppressed by the devil (Acts 10:38), and also served His followers (John 13:3-15).”
Acts 10:38 – “God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Ghost and with power: who went about doing good, and healing all that were oppressed of the devil.”
| Jesus’ Example | Your Application |
|---|---|
| He went about doing good | Use your anointing to do good |
| He healed the oppressed | Set captives free—freely |
| He served His disciples | Wash feet, not demand titles |
John 13:14-15 – “If I then, your Lord and Master, have washed your feet; ye also ought to wash one another’s feet. For I have given you an example, that ye should do as I have done to you.”
| What Jesus Did | What You Should Do |
|---|---|
| The Lord washed feet | The anointed should serve |
| He did not demand to be served | You should not demand recognition |
| He gave freely | You should give freely |
How to Use the Anointing Rightly (Practical Steps)
Based on Daddy Adeboye’s teaching and Scripture, here is how to use God’s anointing with integrity:
1. Remember You Received Freely
You did not earn the anointing. You did not pay for it. God gave it to you by grace. Therefore, give it freely to others.
2. Never Charge for Ministry
Do not sell prayer, oil, handkerchiefs, or any spiritual item for personal gain. The gospel is free. The anointing is free. Do not make merchandise of grace.
3. Refuse Titles That Elevate You Above Others
Do not demand to be called “Father,” “Lord,” or any title that implies lordship over others. Be a servant. Let your life speak louder than your title.
4. Serve Willingly, Not for Gain
Do not serve because you want recognition. Do not serve because you expect something in return. Serve with a ready mind, willingly, because you love God and His people.
5. Remember the Chief Shepherd Is Watching
One day, you will give an account. Use the anointing wisely. Use it to bless, not to exploit. The Chief Shepherd is coming, and He will reward faithful servants.
Warning: The Anointing Is Not a Business
Daddy Adeboye’s devotional carries an urgent warning: using the anointing for personal gain is a form of exploitation. It turns the sheep into customers and the shepherd into a salesman.
| Using the Anointing Wrongly | The Consequence |
|---|---|
| Exploiting God’s people | God will hold you accountable |
| Selling what is free | You lose the very anointing you sell |
| Acting as a lord | You will not hear “Well done” |
Conclusion: Your Prayer for a Servant’s Heart
Daddy Adeboye closes with a call to use the anointing for serving, not exploiting. Receive it freely. Give it freely. Serve like Jesus.
Pray this:
“Lord Jesus, I thank You for the anointing You have given me. I confess that I have been tempted to use it for my own gain, to demand recognition, and to think of myself as more than a servant. Forgive me. I receive Your anointing freely, and I will give it freely. I will not sell what You have given freely. I will not manipulate Your people. I will serve them, nurture them, and feed them—willingly, with a ready mind. When I stand before You, the Chief Shepherd, may I hear, ‘Well done, good and faithful servant.’ In Jesus’ mighty name.”
Action Steps:
- The Anointing Audit: Ask yourself: Have I ever used God’s anointing for personal gain? If yes, repent and make restitution if necessary.
- The Servant Check: Do you serve willingly or for recognition? Do you serve with a ready mind or grudgingly? Ask God to give you a servant’s heart.
- The Free Give Principle: This week, find an opportunity to give freely to someone in need—without expecting anything in return. Let your service mirror Jesus’ example.
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