Category: Open Heavens Devotional

The Open Heavens 3 June 2026 devotional for today is A BRAND-NEW HEART III.

This is a daily devotion written by Pastor E. A. Adeboye, General Overseer of the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG).

• Read: RCCG Open Heavens 2 June 2026 Devotional

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OPEN HEAVENS 3 JUNE 2026 TODAY DEVOTIONAL

TOPIC: A BRAND-NEW HEART III

MEMORISE:

But grow in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. To him be glory both now and for ever. Amen.
2 Peter 3:18

READ: Matthew 13:5-6, Matthew 13:20-21

⁵ Some fell upon stony places, where they had not much earth: and forthwith they sprung up, because they had no deepness of earth:
⁶ And when the sun was up, they were scorched; and because they had no root, they withered away.

²⁰ But he that received the seed into stony places, the same is he that heareth the word, and anon with joy receiveth it;
²¹ Yet hath he not root in himself, but dureth for a while: for when tribulation or persecution ariseth because of the word, by and by he is offended.

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RCCG OPEN HEAVENS 3 JUNE 2026 TODAY MESSAGE

The second kind of soil Jesus described in His parable about the sower is ‘Stony places’. This soil type can be compared to people who receive the word of God with joy but turn their backs on it when they begin to encounter tough situations in their lives as a result of persecution.

Remember the word that I said unto you, The servant is not greater than his lord. If they have persecuted me, they will also persecute you…
John 15:20

In the Scripture above, Jesus said that His tollowers will be persecuted as He was also persecuted.

Furthermore, Paul told Timothy in 2 Timothy 3:12 that every true follower of Christ will experience persecution in one form or another. Being persecuted is a painful experience, and believers are not immune to it. In fact, going through the fires of persecution helps Christians to grow in faith (1 Peter 1:6-7, James 1:2-3).

Despite this, however, the devil manages to convince some believers that the pain they are experiencing as a result of persecution is proof that God is unfaithful and that He does not love them. The devil succeeds in doing this because such Christians have not grown in the knowledge of God through His word and are largely ignorant of His ways, character, and power.

Thus, their foundation in faith is very weak, and they are easily swayed by the devil.

It is good to hear the word of God and even be excited by it. Beyond that, however, every believer has the responsibility to build themselves up spiritually (1 Corinthians 3:9-10), and one of the ways to do this is by increasing their knowledge of God through His word.

There is a popular saying that ignorance is bliss, but this is not true for a believer. Being in a state of ignorance about the word of God and making no efforts to build yourself up spiritually is very dangerous because it can lead to destruction (Hosea 4:6).

Beloved, do not allow yourself to fall victim to the wiles of the devil and be destroyed by him. Don’t just listen to the word of God from various ministers and get excited by it, or be a believer who only opens the Bible on Sundays. Rather, be like the Bereans who took responsibility for knowing God by themselves (Acts 17:10-11).

I pray that as you sow the seeds of the word of God daily into your heart, you will reap bountiful fruits of His goodness and mercy, in Jesus’ name.

KEY POINT

Growing in the knowledge of God through his word is important for every believer.

BIBLE IN ONE YEAR

Job 31-34

Open Heavens HYMN 32: TO THE WORK! TO THE WORK! WE ARE SERVANTS OF GOD

OPEN HEAVENS DEVOTIONAL 3 JUNE 2026 COMMENTARY

MEMORISE: 2 Peter 3:18

“But grow in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. To him be glory both now and for ever. Amen.”

This verse is not a suggestion but a command. Daddy Adeboye anchors today’s devotional on this imperative because the stony heart problem is fundamentally a growth problem. A believer who does not grow in the knowledge of Christ remains spiritually shallow. Growth requires roots. Roots require time, depth, and resistance to surface-level excitement. Without growth, the same sun that strengthens the deep-rooted tree withers the shallow-rooted plant.

BIBLE READING: Matthew 13:5-6, Matthew 13:20-21

Matthew 13:5-6 – “Some fell upon stony places, where they had not much earth: and forthwith they sprung up, because they had no deepness of earth: And when the sun was up, they were scorched; and because they had no root, they withered away.”

Matthew 13:20-21 – “But he that received the seed into stony places, the same is he that heareth the word, and anon with joy receiveth it; Yet hath he not root in himself, but dureth for a while: for when tribulation or persecution ariseth because of the word, by and by he is offended.”

This second soil type is deceptively promising. Unlike the wayside where the seed never enters, the stony ground receives the word with joy. There is excitement, emotion, and apparent conversion. But beneath the surface lies a hidden layer of rock—unbroken pride, un-surrendered will, or unaddressed sin—that prevents the roots from going deep. When the sun of affliction rises, the plant withers because it has no root.

The Stony Ground Believer: Shallow Joy, Sudden Collapse

1. The Deceptive Profile of Stony Ground Christians

Daddy Adeboye draws a stark contrast between appearance and reality. Stony ground believers look successful initially but fail catastrophically under pressure.

Appearance (Initial)	Reality (Under Pressure)
Receives word with joy	No root in themselves
Emotional, enthusiastic response	Ditches faith when persecution comes
Quick to testify and celebrate	Quick to be offended and abandon
Attends crusades and conferences	Missing when the cost rises
Speaks in spiritual clichés	Cannot articulate why they believe

“They receive the word of God with joy but turn their backs on it when they begin to encounter tough situations… as a result of persecution.” – Pastor E.A. Adeboye (Daddy Adeboye)

The key phrase is “with joy.” This is not a miserable, reluctant hearer. This is someone who sings loudly, shouts “Amen,” weeps at the altar, and tells everyone about their new faith. But when the sun comes up—when friends mock them, family rejects them, or job opportunities vanish because of their faith—they disappear just as quickly as they appeared.

2. The Two Inevitable Realities Jesus and Paul Declared

Daddy Adeboye grounds his warning in unchangeable Scripture:

• John 15:20 – “The servant is not greater than his lord. If they have persecuted me, they will also persecute you.” Persecution is not a possibility; for the true follower of Christ, it is a certainty in some form.
• 2 Timothy 3:12 – “All that will live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution.” Not some. Not the especially bold. All who choose to live godly lives.

The stony ground believer has never been told this—or has heard it and refused to accept it. They signed up for blessings, breakthroughs, and joy. They did not sign up for mockery, marginalization, or suffering. When persecution comes, they feel betrayed by God.

3. The Devil’s Great Deception During Persecution

Daddy Adeboye exposes a cunning satanic strategy:

“The devil manages to convince some believers that the pain they are experiencing as a result of persecution is proof that God is unfaithful and that He does not love them.”

This lie works only on stony ground hearts because:

• They lack knowledge of God’s ways – They do not know that suffering produces character (Romans 5:3-5).
• They are ignorant of God’s character – They do not know that God disciplines those He loves (Hebrews 12:6).
• They are unaware of God’s power – They do not know that the same God who allowed persecution also supplies sustaining grace (2 Corinthians 12:9).

The devil does not need to make stony ground believers commit gross sin. He simply needs to convince them that God has abandoned them. Once they believe that, they walk away on their own.

Why Excitement Without Roots Is Fatal

1. The Sun Is Not the Enemy

Daddy Adeboye makes a profound observation: the same sun that scorched the stony ground plant is the same sun that helps the deep-rooted plant grow and bear fruit. The issue is not the intensity of persecution; the issue is the depth of the root.

Shallow Root (Stony Ground)	Deep Root (Good Ground)
Persecution causes offense	Persecution produces perseverance
Abandons faith under pressure	Strengthens faith under pressure (James 1:2-4)
Sees suffering as God’s unfaithfulness	Sees suffering as God’s refining fire (1 Peter 1:6-7)
Blames God for the storm	Trusts God in the storm

2. The Responsibility to Build Yourself Up

Daddy Adeboye cites 1 Corinthians 3:9-10 – “We are labourers together with God: ye are God’s husbandry, ye are God’s building… Let every man take heed how he buildeth thereupon.”

The stony ground believer waits for others (pastors, conferences, podcasts) to feed them. But Daddy Adeboye insists: “Every believer has the responsibility to build themselves up spiritually.”This means:

• Personal Bible study (not just listening to sermons)
• Personal prayer (not just group prayer meetings)
• Personal meditation (not just devotional reading)

A believer who only opens their Bible on Sunday is like a plant that only gets water once a week in a desert. It will not survive the sun.

3. Ignorance Is Not Bliss—It Is Destruction

Daddy Adeboye directly refutes the popular saying:

“There is a popular saying that ignorance is bliss, but this is not true for a believer. Being in a state of ignorance about the word of God… is very dangerous because it can lead to destruction (Hosea 4:6).”

Hosea 4:6 – “My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge.” Not the world. Not the unbelievers. God’s own people are destroyed because they refuse to know Him. The stony ground believer is not destroyed by persecution; they are destroyed by their own ignorance. Persecution merely reveals what was already missing: roots.

The Berean Alternative (Acts 17:10-11)

Daddy Adeboye points to the Bereans as the opposite of stony ground believers:

Stony Ground Believer	Berean Believer
Receives word with joy only	Receives word with readiness
Does not check Scripture	Searched the Scriptures daily
Falls away under persecution	Confirmed whether teachings were true
Depends entirely on preachers	Took personal responsibility for truth

The Bereans listened to Paul—one of the greatest apostles—but they still verified everything against Scripture. If they did not take Paul’s word without checking, no believer today should take any preacher’s word without personal Bible study.

How to Develop Deep Roots (Escape the Stony Ground)

Based on Daddy Adeboye’s teaching, here is how to transform stony ground into deep, fruitful soil:

1. Embrace Persecution as Normal: Stop being surprised when suffering comes. Remind yourself daily: “The servant is not greater than his master. If they persecuted Jesus, they will persecute me.”
2. Study to Show Yourself Approved (2 Timothy 2:15): Daddy Adeboye emphasizes that personal Bible study is non-negotiable. Set a daily time, even 15 minutes, to read Scripture for yourself, not just through devotionals.
3. Memorize Key Perseverance Verses: Arm yourself against the devil’s lie that persecution means God has abandoned you. Memorize Romans 8:35-39, James 1:2-4, and 1 Peter 1:6-7.
4. Build Spiritual Roots Before the Storm: You cannot grow roots in the middle of a drought. Build your prayer life, fasting, and study habits now, while the sun is mild, so that when the scorching heat comes, you will not wither.
5. Join a Discipleship Group: Stony ground believers isolate themselves. Deep-rooted believers grow in community where they can ask hard questions, confess doubts, and receive encouragement (Hebrews 10:24-25).

Warning: The Danger of Being “All Joy, No Root”

Daddy Adeboye sounds an urgent alarm: excitement is not evidence of conversion. Many people who weep at crusades, raise hands in worship, and speak in Christian slang will fall away when the cost of following Christ becomes real. The question is not how joyful were you when you received the word? but how rooted are you now that the sun is up?

If you cannot name the last time you opened your Bible outside of a church service or this devotional, you may be stony ground. If the thought of losing friends, family approval, or career advancement because of your faith terrifies you more than losing God’s presence, you may be stony ground.

Conclusion: Your Prayer for Deep Roots

Daddy Adeboye prays that as you sow the word daily, you will reap bountiful fruits. But sowing daily is the key. A shallow Christian sows on Sunday. A rooted Christian sows every day.

Pray this:

“Lord Jesus, I do not want to be stony ground. Forgive me for the times I have received Your word with excitement but refused to pay the price of deep roots. I repent of depending on pastors and conferences while neglecting my own Bible study. Help me to grow in the knowledge of You, not just in emotional experiences. When persecution comes—because it will come—let me not be offended or abandoned. Let me stand. Let me be like a tree planted by the rivers of water (Psalm 1:3), whose leaf does not wither. Root me deep in Your word, in Jesus’ name.”

Action Steps:

1. The Root Audit: Look back at the last three times you faced difficulty, criticism, or potential loss because of your faith. How did you respond? Did you draw closer to God or drift away? Your answer reveals your root depth.
2. 20 Minutes Daily Bible Study Commitment: For the next 30 days, commit to 20 minutes of personal Bible study before you read any other book, watch any video, or check your phone. Use a notebook. Write one observation and one application.
3. Memorize 2 Peter 3:18: Write it on an index card. Say it every morning: “I must grow in grace and in the knowledge of my Lord Jesus Christ.” Make growth your daily goal, not just excitement.

“But grow in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ.” (2 Peter 3:18)
Do not settle for shallow joy that withers in the sun. Grow deep roots that withstand any storm.

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Read RCCG Open Heavens Devotional for Tomorrow

Download Open Heaven 3 June 2026 Devotional PDF

The Open Heaven 2 June 2026 devotional for today is A BRAND-NEW HEART II.

This is a daily devotion written by Pastor E. A. Adeboye, General Overseer of the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG).

• Read: RCCG Open Heaven 1 June 2026 Devotional

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OPEN HEAVEN 2 JUNE 2026 TODAY DEVOTIONAL

TOPIC: A BRAND-NEW HEART II

MEMORISE:

As the hart panteth after the water brooks, so panteth my soul after thee, God.
Psalm 42:1

READ: Matthew 13:3-4, Matthew 13:19

³ And he spake many things unto them in parables, saying, Behold, a sower went forth to sow;
⁴ And when he sowed, some seeds fell by the way side, and the fowls came and devoured them up:
¹⁹ When any one heareth the word of the kingdom, and understandeth it not, then cometh the wicked one, and catcheth away that which was sown in his heart. This is he which received seed by the way side.

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RCCG OPEN HEAVEN 2 JUNE 2026 TODAY MESSAGE

The first type of soil that Jesus mentioned in the Parable of the Sower is ‘The way side, as we see in today’s Bible reading. This soil type refers to people who hear God’s word but do not understand it or act upon it.

This category of people do not study their Bibles, and even when they do, they don’t ask their pastors or Bible Study teachers any questions. They never seek to understand God’s word; they only hear His word and move on with their lives.

Many of the people in this category are ceremonial churchgoers; they are often raised in Christian homes, so it is normal for them to attend church on Sundays. I was once this type of Christian. I thought that my father, being a church volunteer, and my name being Enoch, was proof that I was a child of God. I heard God’s word several times, but I never studied it. I thank God that He gave me a new heart when I surrendered my life to Jesus Christ.

Beloved, are you the same way I was? Are you only reading this devotional because it is the norm in your church, family, or office to do so? Do you ever dig deeper to understand what is discussed? When you study your Bible, do you get bored after reading the second or third verse? If you answered “Yes” to these questions, you need to ask God for a new heart; a heart that yearns to know Him more.

Ask God to give you a heart that finds His word interesting and loves to spend time in His presence.

Most importantly, ensure that you take some time every day to study your Bible. You can start by reading a bit further on the topics discussed in this devotional each day, or using the Bible-in-one-year passages.

You may not understand much when you begin doing these things, but as you remain consistent and ask God to help you, the Holy Spirit will start explaining the Scriptures to you, and soon, your heart will begin to soak in God’s word and yield great fruit.

The best thing you can do for yourself is to seek to understand God’s word more each day. When you make this your priority, you will begin to experience His peace and favour in ways you have never done before. I pray that your life will indeed be a bountiful harvest of God’s goodness, in Jesus’ name.

PRAYER POINT:

Father, please give me a heart that yearns for your word more than anything else.

BIBLE IN ONE YEAR

Job 25-30

Open Heavens HYMN 3: ANCIENT WORDS

OPEN HEAVEN DEVOTIONAL 2 JUNE 2026 COMMENTARY

MEMORISE: Psalm 42:1

“As the hart panteth after the water brooks, so panteth my soul after thee, O God.”

This verse captures the intense, desperate longing of a deer being pursued by hunters. When a hart (deer) is chased, it runs until its tongue hangs out, lungs burn, and every fiber of its being cries out for one thing: water. Daddy Adeboye uses this imagery to contrast the casual, ceremonial Christian with the truly transformed believer. The question is not whether you attend church—it is whether your soul pants for God Himself, or merely tolerates religious routines. A heart that pants after God cannot simply hear the word and walk away; it must drink deeply.

BIBLE READING: Matthew 13:3-4, Matthew 13:19

Matthew 13:3-4 – “Behold, a sower went forth to sow; And when he sowed, some seeds fell by the way side, and the fowls came and devoured them up.”

Matthew 13:19 – “When any one heareth the word of the kingdom, and understandeth it not, then cometh the wicked one, and catcheth away that which was sown in his heart. This is he which received seed by the way side.”

These verses introduce the first and most tragic soil type: the wayside heart. Unlike the stony or thorny ground where seeds at least begin to grow temporarily, the wayside ground never lets the seed penetrate at all. The path is so hard, compacted by years of religious routine and spiritual indifference, that the word lies on the surface—exposed, vulnerable, and instantly stolen.

The Wayside Heart: Hearing Without Understanding

1. Who Are the Wayside Hearers?

Daddy Adeboye gives a personal and penetrating description. The wayside heart belongs to people who:

Characteristic	Biblical Description	Modern Example
Hear but do not understand	Matthew 13:19 – no comprehension or application	Listens to sermons but cannot summarize what was said
Never study their Bibles	Acts 17:11 (opposite of Bereans)	Owns multiple Bibles but only opens them at church
Ask no questions	Proverbs 2:3-5 (crying for knowledge)	Sits through Bible study in silence, afraid or unwilling to inquire
Ceremonial churchgoers	Isaiah 29:13 – honor with lips, heart far away	Attends because “that’s what our family does”
Spiritual inheritance assumers	Matthew 3:9 – “We have Abraham as our father”	Trusts in a parent’s salvation or a Christian name

“I thought that my father, being a church volunteer, and my name being Enoch, was proof that I was a child of God.” – Pastor E.A. Adeboye (Daddy Adeboye)

This confession from Daddy Adeboye is remarkably humble and instructive. If the General Overseer of the Redeemed Christian Church of God once had a wayside heart, then no one is exempt from this danger. Ceremonial Christianity—attending church because it is normal, reading this devotional because it is expected—is not the same as genuine, panting-after-God Christianity.

2. The Tragic Fate of the Wayside Seed

Daddy Adeboye highlights three elements in Matthew 13:4 and 19:

• The Seed Falls but Does Not Enter: The word is heard audibly but never penetrates the understanding or the conscience. It hits the ear and bounces off.
• The Fowls (Satan) Come Immediately: Unlike other soils where the enemy attacks later, here the theft happens instantly. The sermon ends, and the person cannot remember a single point.
• The Heart Remains Unchanged: Because the word never took root, no transformation occurs. The person leaves the same way they entered—unmoved, unconvicted, unchanged.

3. The Mask of Religious Normalcy

Daddy Adeboye warns that wayside Christians are often indistinguishable from genuine believers on the outside. They:

• Sit in church pews every Sunday
• Own and open a devotional (like Open Heaven)
• Can quote verses and sing hymns
• Were raised in Christian homes and know Christian language

But inside, the ground is hard. The soul does not pant. There is no hunger, no curiosity, no delight in God’s word. As Daddy Adeboye asks pointedly:

“Are you only reading this devotional because it is the norm in your church, family, or office to do so?”

Why Understanding Is Non-Negotiable

1. Understanding Precedes Fruitfulness

Using the Parable of the Sower, Daddy Adeboye shows that the seed produces nothing unless it is understood (Matthew 13:23 – “understands it” precedes bearing fruit). Understanding is not intellectual brilliance; it is spiritual comprehension that moves from the head to the heart to the hands. It is the difference between knowing about God and knowing God.

2. The Role of the Holy Spirit as Teacher

Daddy Adeboye encourages new readers of Scripture:

“You may not understand much when you begin… as you remain consistent and ask God to help you, the Holy Spirit will start explaining the Scriptures to you.”

This aligns with John 16:13 – “When He, the Spirit of truth, is come, He will guide you into all truth.”The wayside heart never reaches this stage because it never seeks. It hears, shrugs, and walks away.

3. The Heart That Pants (Psalm 42:1)

The antidote to the wayside heart is not more information but a new inclination. Daddy Adeboye prays for readers to receive “a heart that yearns to know Him more.” A panting heart:

• Reads the Bible not out of duty but out of delight
• Asks questions of pastors, teachers, and the Holy Spirit
• Gets frustrated by shallow understanding, not bored by deep study
• Stays in God’s presence not because the clock says so, but because nothing else satisfies

Practical Steps to Leave the Wayside

Based on Daddy Adeboye’s counsel, here is how to break up the hard path of a ceremonial heart:

1. Confess the Wayside Condition: Admit that you have been hearing without understanding, attending without panting. Say, “Lord, I have been a wayside hearer. Forgive me.”
2. Ask for a New Heart: Daddy Adeboye explicitly instructs, “Ask God to give you a heart that finds His word interesting and loves to spend time in His presence.” This is not self-improvement; it is a cry for divine replacement.
3. Start Small but Start Consistent: “Read a bit further on the topics discussed in this devotional each day, or use the Bible-in-one-year passages.” Do not wait for motivation; create a habit.
4. Become a Question-Asker: When you read Scripture or hear a sermon, write down one question you do not understand. Then ask your pastor, a mature believer, or pray and ask the Holy Spirit.
5. Fight the Birds: Recognize that Satan’s first tactic is not to make you sin but to make you forget. Immediately after hearing the word, review it. Write down one key point. Discuss it with someone. Do not let the enemy steal what was sown.

Warning: The Danger of Spiritual Assumption

Daddy Adeboye’s personal testimony is the most sobering warning in this devotional. He had:

• A Christian father (a church volunteer)
• A biblical name (Enoch, who walked with God)
• Regular exposure to God’s word

And yet, he was still a wayside Christian until he surrendered his life to Jesus Christ. The lesson is clear: Heritage is not salvation. Routine is not relationship. A name is not a new heart.

Do not assume that because you are reading this devotional, you are automatically a fertile soil. The question is not if you are reading, but why you are reading. Is it out of panting hunger or out of ceremonial habit?

Conclusion: Your Prayer for a Panting Heart

Daddy Adeboye closes with a blessing and a prayer. Do not miss this moment. The wayside heart can become good ground, but only through repentance and request.

Pray this:

“Lord Jesus, I confess that for too long I have been a wayside hearer. I have heard Your word but have not understood it. I have attended church but have not panted for You. Forgive me for mistaking routine for relationship. Give me a new heart—a heart that finds Your word interesting, a heart that loves to spend time in Your presence, a heart that pants after You like a deer pants for water. Holy Spirit, become my Teacher. Help me to understand, to retain, and to bear fruit. I refuse to let the enemy steal Your word from me again. In Jesus’ mighty name, Amen.”

Action Steps:

1. The 7-Day Understanding Challenge: For the next seven days, after reading your Open Heavendevotional, take one verse from the Bible reading. Write it down. Then write in your own words what it means. If you cannot explain it, ask someone or pray until you understand.
2. One Question Per Day: Commit that before you close your Bible each day, you will write down one question you have about what you read. Then pursue the answer through prayer, study, or asking a spiritual leader.
3. Audit Your Motivation: At the end of this week, ask yourself honestly: Am I reading this devotional because I am panting after God, or because it is the norm? If it is the norm, stop and pray Daddy Adeboye’s prayer before you read another page.

“As the hart panteth after the water brooks, so panteth my soul after thee, O God.” (Psalm 42:1)
Do not settle for the wayside. Let your soul pant until it finds its rest in Him.

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Read RCCG Open Heaven Devotional for Tomorrow

Download Open Heaven 2 June 2026 Devotional PDF

The Open Heavens 1 June 2026 devotional for today is A BRAND-NEW HEART I.

This is a daily devotion written by Pastor E. A. Adeboye, General Overseer of the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG).

• Read: RCCG Open Heavens 31 May 2026 Devotional

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OPEN HEAVENS 1 JUNE 2026 TODAY DEVOTIONAL

TOPIC: A BRAND-NEW HEART I

MEMORISE:

Sow to yourselves in righteousness, reap in mercy; break up your fallow ground: for it is time to seek the LORD, till he come and rain righteousness upon you.
Hosea 10:12

READ: Ezekiel 36:25-30

²⁵ Then will I sprinkle clean water upon you, and ye shall be clean: from all your filthiness, and from all your idols, will I cleanse you.
²⁶ A new heart also will I give you, and a new spirit will I put within you: and I will take away the stony heart out of your flesh, and I will give you an heart of flesh.
²⁷ And I will put my spirit within you, and cause you to walk in my statutes, and ye shall keep my judgments, and do them.

²⁸ And ye shall dwell in the land that I gave to your fathers; and ye shall be my people, and I will be your God.
²⁹ I will also save you from all your uncleannesses: and I will call for the corn, and will increase it, and lay no famine upon you.
³⁰ And I will multiply the fruit of the tree, and the increase of the field, that ye shall receive no more reproach of famine among the heathen.

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RCCG OPEN HEAVENS 1 JUNE 2026 TODAY MESSAGE

According to 2 Corinthians 5:17, when a fellow becomes born again, he or she immediately becomes a new creature. In Ezekiel 36:26, God said that He will take away our stony heart and replace it with a heart of flesh.

When people give their lives to Jesus Christ, they exchange their stony hearts for hearts of flesh. However, despite this, the world is plagued with many people who claim to be believers, but whose hearts appear not to be different from those of unbelievers.

Sadly, some people who serve as ministers of God also still appear to have hearts like unbelievers. Some of them go as far as not forgiving fellow ministers who have offended them. This is wrong, and it was not so at the inception of the Church.

The Bible says that the Church was in one accord (Acts 1:14), and believers were called Christians because they were Christ-like (Acts 11:26).

Unfortunately, however, you might find some self-professing Christians today accepting bribes or dancing in nightclubs because they still have stony hearts.

From the Parable of the Sower in Matthew 13:1-23, it is very clear that there was nothing wrong with the seeds that were sown. The seeds, which Jesus revealed to be the word of God, were potent, as God’s word is always potent. However, despite the potency of the seeds, only a fraction of them yielded a harvest. The reason some of the seeds did not bear fruit was the ground on which they fell, and as Jesus explained, the heart of a fellow in which the word of God is sown is the major determinant of whether the word will bear fruit in his or her life or not.

Beloved, if you are living in sin, or if you allow the circumstances around you to determine how you receive the word of God and how it will operate in you, then you have a stony heart, and God’s word will not bear fruit in you. For His word to bear fruit in you, you must repent of any sin that might exist in your life and cry out to Him to wash you clean, transform you, and give you a heart of flesh.

God will answer you and make your heart a fertile ground for His word to grow. I pray that you will continually experience the blessings in God’s word as you surrender your life completely to Him, in Jesus’ name.

OPEN HEAVEN 1 JUNE 2026 PRAYER POINT

Father, please give me a heart of flesh and let your word bear fruit in me.

BIBLE IN ONE YEAR

Job 21-24

Open Heavens HYMN 39: I AM THINE, O LORD

OPEN HEAVENS DEVOTIONAL 1 JUNE 2026 COMMENTARY

MEMORISE: Hosea 10:12

“Sow to yourselves in righteousness, reap in mercy; break up your fallow ground: for it is time to seek the LORD, till he come and rain righteousness upon you.”

This verse is a prophetic call to spiritual agriculture. “Fallow ground” refers to uncultivated, hardened soil—ground that has never been broken or has become compacted over time. Just as a farmer must break up hard soil before planting, the believer must allow the Holy Spirit to plow through the hard, resistant areas of their heart (stubbornness, unforgiveness, secret sin) so that the seed of God’s word can take root and produce a harvest of righteousness and mercy.

BIBLE READING: Ezekiel 36:25-30

This passage is the Old Testament blueprint for the New Birth. Daddy Adeboye draws directly from this text to explain that salvation is not just a legal transaction but a surgical transformation:

• v.25 (Sprinkling): Cleansing from all filthiness and idolatry.
• v.26 (The Exchange): Removal of the “stony heart” (unfeeling, rebellious, resistant to God) and implantation of a “heart of flesh” (responsive, tender, sensitive to the Spirit).
• v.27 (Empowerment): The indwelling of the Holy Spirit to cause obedience.
• v.28-30 (Restoration): The covenant of belonging to God, freedom from famine, and fruitful harvests.

The Stony Heart vs. The Heart of Flesh

1. The Immediate Transformation of the New Birth

According to 2 Corinthians 5:17, the moment a sinner says “yes” to Jesus, an atomic-level change occurs. As Daddy Adeboye explains, quoting Ezekiel 36:26, God performs a divine heart transplant. The problem is not that the transplant fails; it is that many believers, like those in the parable of the sower, never allow the new heart to function as designed. They remain spiritually “stony” in character even while claiming a new status.

2. Symptoms of a Stony Heart in Believers

Daddy Adeboye delivers a piercing diagnosis: a stony heart is not just for atheists. It manifests in the church when:

Symptom	Biblical Example	Modern Reality
Ministerial Unforgiveness	Ministers holding grudges against colleagues	Refusing to speak to a brother who disagreed with you
Compromised Ethics	Accepting bribes (Proverbs 17:23)	Overcharging clients or inflating church accounts
Worldly Affections	Dancing in nightclubs (1 John 2:15)	Loving the world’s entertainment over secret prayer
Carnal Reactions	Offense at correction	Leaving a church because the pastor preached against your pet sin

“Some of them go as far as not forgiving fellow ministers who have offended them. This is wrong, and it was not so at the inception of the Church.” – Pastor E.A. Adeboye

3. The Parable of the Sower Revisited (Matthew 13:1-23)

Daddy Adeboye makes a critical point: The seed (God’s word) is never the problem. It is always potent, always alive, always sharp. The variable is always the soil (the human heart).

• The Wayside Heart (Hardened): Hears but doesn’t understand; Satan snatches the word immediately.
• The Stony Ground Heart (Shallow): Receives with joy but has no root; falls away when tribulation comes.
• The Thorny Heart (Divided): Hears but the cares of the world and deceitfulness of riches choke the word.
• The Good Heart (Flesh): Hears, understands, and bears fruit—thirty, sixty, or a hundredfold.

A stony heart by any other name (religious activity, ministerial title, emotional worship) is still unproductive ground. If the word of God does not produce a change in your conduct, your heart is still stony.

Why the Early Church Thrived (And Why Many Don’t Today)

Daddy Adeboye contrasts the modern church with the apostolic church:

• Acts 1:14 – One Accord: This is impossible with a stony heart. Stony hearts produce factions, competition, and envy.
• Acts 11:26 – Christians (Christ-like): The world gave them that name because their behavior mirrored Jesus perfectly. If you are called “Christian” but act like the world, your heart needs breaking.

The reason the early Church turned the world upside down (Acts 17:6) is that their hearts were soft, responsive, and deeply plowed by the Spirit.

How to Break Your Fallow Ground (Practical Steps)

Based on Hosea 10:12 and the devotional’s message, here is how to exchange a stony heart for a heart of flesh:

1. Honest Diagnosis: Stop defending your bitterness. Ask the Holy Spirit, “Where is my heart still hard?” (Psalm 139:23-24).
2. Cry Out for Cleansing: Daddy Adeboye says, “Cry out to Him to wash you clean.” Use the prayer of David in Psalm 51:10 – “Create in me a clean heart, O God.”
3. Actively Repent: Repentance is not sorrow; it is a U-turn. If you have accepted bribes, restore the money. If you are dancing in nightclubs, renounce that lifestyle publicly.
4. Meditate on Ezekiel 36:27: Claim the promise that God will put His Spirit within you and causeyou to walk in His statutes. This is supernatural enablement, not willpower.
5. Forgive Immediately: Nothing softens a stony heart like releasing a debtor (Matthew 18:35). Make a list of everyone you have not forgiven, and forgive them today.

Warning: Don’t Mistake Religion for Transformation

Daddy Adeboye warns that it is possible to be a minister, a lifelong church member, or a “professional Christian” and still carry a stony heart. The evidence is not your title but your reaction to God’s word. Does the word make you tremble (Isaiah 66:2) or make you defensive? Does it produce fruit or just facts in your brain?

A stony heart resizes to the shape of the world. A heart of flesh reshapes itself to the image of Christ.

Conclusion: Your Prayer for a Heart Transplant

Daddy Adeboye ends with a promise: “God will answer you and make your heart a fertile ground.”Do not just read this devotional—wrestle with God over your heart.

Pray this:

“Lord Jesus, I surrender my stony heart to You today. Forgive me for the hardness that has hidden under religious words and busy service. Break up the fallow ground of my life. Sprinkle me clean with Your blood, remove this stone, and give me a tender, responsive heart of flesh. Cause me to walk in Your ways, not out of duty, but out of delight. I refuse to be a shallow or thorny ground. Make me fruitful for Your glory, in Jesus’ name.”

Action Steps:

1. The 24-Hour Challenge: For one day, every time you feel irritation, offense, or a desire to compromise, stop and ask: “Is this my old stony heart or my new heart of flesh?”
2. Plow Your Ground: Write down one area where God’s word has not produced fruit in your life (e.g., anger, lust, gossip, unforgiveness). Confess it to a trusted mature believer (James 5:16).
3. Memorize Hosea 10:12: Recite it every morning for one week. Let “break up your fallow ground” become your daily anthem.

“Sow to yourselves in righteousness, reap in mercy; break up your fallow ground: for it is time to seek the LORD.” (Hosea 10:12)
Do not wait. Seek Him now until the rain of righteousness falls on you.

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The Open Heavens 31 May 2026 devotional for today is DEPEND ONLY ON THE GOOD SHEPHERD.

This is a daily devotion written by Pastor E. A. Adeboye, General Overseer of the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG).

• Read: RCCG Open Heavens 30 May 2026 Devotional

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OPEN HEAVENS 31 MAY 2026 TODAY DEVOTIONAL

TOPIC: DEPEND ONLY ON THE GOOD SHEPHERD

MEMORISE

The thief cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy: I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly.
John 10:10

READ: Psalm 37:3-7

3 Trust in the Lord, and do good; so shalt thou dwell in the land, and verily thou shalt be fed.
4 Delight thyself also in the Lord: and he shall give thee the desires of thine heart.
5 Commit thy way unto the Lord; trust also in him; and he shall bring it to pass.
6 And he shall bring forth thy righteousness as the light, and thy judgment as the noonday.
7 Rest in the Lord, and wait patiently for him: fret not thyself because of him who prospereth in his way, because of the man who bringeth wicked devices to pass.

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RCCG OPEN HEAVENS 31 MAY 2026 TODAY MESSAGE

A man once swallowed a charm that was supposed to make him wealthy, but he remained poor. On top of that, he was told that he would die after seven years because of the charm he had swallowed. When he had just about two weeks left to live and was already staring death in its face, he ran to the RCCG. When he told us his ordeal, we told him that our God is the Great Deliverer. He gave his life to Christ, and when we said a simple prayer for him, he vomited what he had swallowed.

He remained consistent in church for two weeks, rejoicing because of what the Lord had done for him. Then, suddenly, he stopped coming. When we went to check on him, he said, “The herbalist who made the charm for me told me that I swallowed it wrongly.” He swallowed another one, and this time, he became very wealthy. The herbalist told him he would live only for seven years to enjoy the wealth, and when the time was about to elapse, he suddenly had a ‘brilliant’ idea. He decided to relocate to London as he felt that demons could only operate in Africa. Sadly, however, he died on the plane.

My Father in the Lord, Pa Josiah Akindayomi, used to say, “Your father will take care of you with whatever he has. If he has evil, he will use it to take care of you, and if he has good, that is what you will get from him.” The devil doesn’t have anything good in him; if you go to him for anything, be sure that whatever he gives you will be evil. Jesus, however, is the Good Shepherd; whatever comes from Him is always good.

According to today’s Bible reading, trusting and depending on God is your access to His goodness.

Those who trust in Jesus will receive the power to become sons of God (John 1:12). They will have authority over all the power of the enemy and nothing shall by any means harm them (Luke 10:19). No weapon that is fashioned by the devil against them will prosper (Isaiah 54:17), and they will eat the good of the land (Isaiah 1:19).

Beloved, do you depend only on the Good Shepherd? Those who depend on Him are like Mount Zion; regardless of the situation around them, they cannot be shaken (Psalm 125:1). Delight yourself in the Lord and He will give you the desires of your heart (Psalm 37:4)

REFLECTION

Do you depend on the Good Shepherd for your needs, or do you seek ungodly alternatives?

BIBLE IN ONE YEAR

Job 17-20

Open Heavens HYMN 19: ROCK OF AGES CLEFT FOR ME

OPEN HEAVENS DEVOTIONAL 31 MAY 2026 COMMENTARY

MEMORISE: John 10:10

“The thief cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy: I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly.”

This verse draws a clear line between two masters: the thief (the devil) and the Good Shepherd (Jesus). The devil has three goals—steal, kill, destroy. Every single thing he gives comes with one of these three purposes. Jesus, by contrast, gives life—not just existence, but abundant life. Full, rich, overflowing life. When you understand the difference between the thief and the Shepherd, you will never again be tempted by the devil’s counterfeits.

BIBLE READING: Psalm 37:3-7

“Trust in the LORD, and do good; so shalt thou dwell in the land, and verily thou shalt be fed. Delight thyself also in the LORD; and he shall give thee the desires of thine heart. Commit thy way unto the LORD; trust also in him; and he shall bring it to pass. And he shall bring forth thy righteousness as the light, and thy judgment as the noonday. Rest in the LORD, and wait patiently for him: fret not thyself because of him who prospereth in his way, because of the man who bringeth wicked devices to pass.”

This passage outlines the pathway to God’s goodness: trust, delight, commit, rest, wait. The promise is not that you will never face evil men or wicked devices, but that God will bring your righteousness to light and give you the desires of your heart. The alternative—fretting over those who prosper through wickedness—leads only to frustration. The psalmist calls you to trust, not to envy.

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The Devil’s Gifts Always Kill

In today’s devotional, Pastor E.A. Adeboye returns to a theme he has touched on before: the devil’s blessings always come with hidden death. The enemy may give you wealth, success, or power—but his gifts are poisoned. They steal your peace, kill your destiny, and destroy your soul. Only the Good Shepherd gives life that is truly good.

The Man Who Swallowed a Charm

The devotional opens with a tragic testimony that illustrates this truth. A man swallowed a charm that was supposed to make him wealthy. Instead, he remained poor. Worse, he was told he would die after seven years because of the charm he had swallowed.

When he had just two weeks left to live, he ran to RCCG. He gave his life to Christ, and after a simple prayer, he vomited the charm. He was free. He came to church consistently for two weeks, rejoicing.

Then he stopped coming.

When the church checked on him, he said, “The herbalist who made the charm for me told me that I swallowed it wrongly.” So he swallowed another charm. This time, it worked. He became very wealthy. But the herbalist told him he would live only seven years to enjoy the wealth.

As the seven years were about to elapse, he had a ‘brilliant’ idea. He decided to relocate to London, thinking that demons could only operate in Africa.

He died on the plane.

This is the devil’s pattern: He gives you what you want, but he makes sure you cannot enjoy it. He gives you wealth, but he takes your life. He gives you success, but he steals your peace. He gives you a temporary blessing, but the permanent curse kills you.

The Devil Has Nothing Good in Him

The devotional quotes Daddy Adeboye’s mentor, Pa Josiah Akindayomi: “Your father will take care of you with whatever he has. If he has evil, he will use it to take care of you, and if he has good, that is what you will get from him.”

The devil has no good in him. He cannot give good gifts because he has no good to give. Every gift from the devil is evil disguised as blessing.

• He gives wealth, but it comes with sorrow.
• He gives success, but it comes with bondage.
• He gives pleasure, but it comes with destruction.
• He gives power, but it comes with a shortened life.

The man on the plane learned this too late. He thought he had outsmarted the devil by moving to London. But the devil’s curse followed him—because the devil’s gifts are not location-specific. They are destiny-specific.

Jesus: The Good Shepherd Who Gives Good Gifts

By contrast, Jesus is the Good Shepherd. Whatever comes from Him is always good.

• He gives wealth without sorrow (Proverbs 10:22).
• He gives success without bondage.
• He gives pleasure without guilt.
• He gives power without destruction.

The memory verse says Jesus came to give life—and not just any life, but abundant life. Abundant means overflowing, excessive, more than enough. The devil’s gifts look abundant but are actually empty. Jesus’ gifts look simple but are actually infinite.

The Benefits of Trusting the Good Shepherd

The devotional lists what happens when you trust in Jesus:

1. You Receive Power to Become a Son of God (John 1:12)
Not a slave, not a beggar, not a servant—a son. Sons have access. Sons have inheritance. Sons have authority.

2. You Have Authority Over All the Power of the Enemy (Luke 10:19)
Not some power—all power. Not just over small demons—over every demon. Nothing shall by any means harm you.

3. No Weapon Fashioned Against You Shall Prosper (Isaiah 54:17)
The enemy may fashion weapons—plans, attacks, schemes—but they will not succeed. Not because you are strong, but because the Good Shepherd protects His sheep.

4. You Shall Eat the Good of the Land (Isaiah 1:19)
Not just survive—thrive. Not just get by—eat the good of the land. God’s provision is not barely enough; it is abundantly enough.

How to Access the Good Shepherd’s Goodness

The Bible reading in Psalm 37 gives the pathway:

1. Trust in the LORD
Trust is not hoping for the best; it is resting in the character of God. He is good. He is faithful. He cannot lie. Trust means you stop looking at the devil’s counterfeits and start looking at the Shepherd’s provision.

2. Delight Yourself in the LORD
Delight means joy, pleasure, satisfaction. When you find your joy in God, you stop needing the devil’s cheap pleasures. And when you delight in Him, He gives you the desires of your heart—not because you earned them, but because your desires have been shaped by His presence.

3. Commit Your Way to Him
Commit means roll your burden onto Him. Stop carrying the weight of your own success, your own provision, your own protection. Give it to Him. He knows what to do.

4. Rest in the LORD
Rest means stop striving. Stop envying the wicked who prosper. Stop trying to compete with the devil’s counterfeits. Rest means you trust that God’s timing is better and God’s gifts are safer.

5. Wait Patiently
Waiting is not passive; it is active trust. It is saying, “I will not run ahead of God. I will not grab the devil’s counterfeit because I am impatient. I will wait for the Good Shepherd to give me what is truly good.”

The Tragedy of the Man on the Plane

The man who died on the plane is a warning to every believer who is tempted by the devil’s shortcuts.

• He had been delivered. He had vomited the charm. He was free.
• But he went back because he wanted wealth more than he wanted life.
• He thought he was being clever by moving to London.
• But the devil’s curse followed him because the devil’s gifts are not location-specific.

The tragedy is not that he died—everyone dies. The tragedy is that he died after tasting freedom and rejecting it. He chose the devil’s poison over the Shepherd’s provision.

Conclusion: Do You Depend Only on the Good Shepherd?

The devotional asks a searching question: “Do you depend only on the Good Shepherd?”

• Not on the Good Shepherd and your own cleverness.
• Not on the Good Shepherd and the devil’s shortcuts.
• Not on the Good Shepherd and worldly wisdom.
• Only on the Good Shepherd.

Those who depend on Him are like Mount Zion—unshakable. The storms may come, the earth may shake, but they stand firm. Not because they are strong, but because they are standing on the Rock.

Do not envy the man who prospers through wickedness. His prosperity is temporary. His wealth is poisoned. His success is a death sentence.

Instead, trust, delight, commit, rest, and wait. The Good Shepherd has good gifts for you—gifts that will not kill you, gifts that will not curse you, gifts that will not steal your soul.

Pray this:
“Father, I thank You that You are the Good Shepherd and every gift from You is good. Forgive me for the times I have been tempted by the devil’s counterfeits—his promises of wealth, success, or pleasure without considering the hidden cost. I renounce every shortcut. I renounce every deal with the enemy. I depend only on You. I trust You for provision, for protection, for prosperity. I will not envy the wicked. I will wait patiently for Your good gifts. In Jesus’ name, Amen.”

Action Steps:

• Examine your desires: What are you tempted to get through shortcuts—wealth, success, a relationship, a breakthrough? Write it down.
• Renounce every deal: If you have made any agreement—even a small one—with the enemy’s system, renounce it today. Pray, “I break every covenant with the devil’s prosperity.”
• Test your source: When a blessing comes, ask: Did this come through righteous means? Does it bring peace or anxiety? Is there any hidden curse?
• Practice delighting in God: This week, set aside time not to ask for anything—just to delight in God. Worship Him for who He is, not for what He gives.
• Wait patiently: Identify one area where you have been tempted to grab the devil’s counterfeit because you are impatient. Commit to waiting on God’s timing, no matter how long it takes.

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The Open Heavens 30 May 2026 devotional for today is THE AGELESS GOD.

This is a daily devotion written by Pastor E. A. Adeboye, General Overseer of the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG).

• Read: RCCG Open Heaven 29 May 2026 Devotional

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OPEN HEAVENS 30 MAY 2026 TODAY DEVOTIONAL

TOPIC: THE AGELESS GOD

MEMORISE:

But they that wait upon the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint.
Isaiah 40:31

READ: Luke 1:6-7, Luke 1:57-58

6 And they were both righteous before God, walking in all the commandments and ordinances of the Lord blameless.
7 And they had no child, because that Elisabeth was barren, and they both were now well stricken in years.

57 Now Elisabeth’s full time came that she should be delivered; and she brought forth a son.
58 And her neighbours and her cousins heard how the Lord had shewed great mercy upon her; and they rejoiced with her.

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RCCG OPEN HEAVENS 30 MAY 2026 TODAY MESSAGE

God is unlimited by time, and as such, He doesn’t grow old. In Daniel 7:9-10, He is referred to as the Ancient of Days. He existed before the beginning of time and created time in itself. As He doesn’t age, it means that His strength never diminishes.

Isaiah 40:28-31 tells us that God is never tired. A young man can wake up in the morning feeling refreshed and strong, but he will be tired by the end of the day and will need to sleep. God, however, can never become tired. In fact, He never sleeps nor slumbers (Psalm 121:4).

As the Ageless God, He is eternally new, and His mercies are new every morning (Lamentations 3:23). By His mercies, He can strengthen the weary, bring seemingly dead situations back to life, and restore lost opportunities.

In today’s Bible reading, we see the Ageless God at work in the lives of Zachariah and Elisabeth. The couple were well stricken in years and had no hope that they could ever have a child again. When the Ageless One stepped into their case, however, He made their old bodies become new. Elisabeth received vitality and strength in her womb, and she became pregnant.

No matter how old a thing is, when the Ageless One steps into it, He can make it as good as new. He did it for Sarah when He caused her womb, which was as good as dead (Romans 4:19), to bring forth a child.

If you feel like you cannot be successful because you missed an opportunity in the past, or that you are too old to be fruitful, I pray in the name of Jesus that the Ageless One will visit you today. He will give you a new lease of life and cause you to be fruitful.

Caleb also experienced the ageless power of the Ageless God. At 80 years old, his strength remained as it had been when he was 40 and was sent to spy on the land of Canaan. An 80-year-old man asked for a mountain because his strength had been preserved (Joshua 14:612). Those who wait on the Lord will renew their strength, regardless of how aged they may be.

Beloved, if there is any area in your life where you feel like your strength has been depleted or you cannot bear fruit again, I pray that the Ageless God will renew your vitality and cause you to do the impossible, in Jesus’ name.

KEY POINT

The ageless God can renew the age and strength o those who wait on him.

BIBLE IN ONE YEAR

Job 13-16

Open Heavens HYMN 17: PRAISE MY SOUL THE KING OF HEAVEN

OPEN HEAVENS DEVOTIONAL 30 MAY 2026 COMMENTARY

MEMORISE: Isaiah 40:31

“But they that wait upon the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint.”

This verse is a promise of supernatural renewal. The word “renew” means to exchange—to trade your old, depleted strength for God’s fresh, limitless supply. Waiting on the LORD is not passive; it is active dependence. The result is not just survival but soaring: mounting up with eagles’ wings, running without weariness, walking without fainting. This promise is for every believer who feels drained, old, or exhausted.

BIBLE READING: Luke 1:6-7, 57-58

This passage introduces Zachariah and Elisabeth, a righteous couple who walked blamelessly in God’s commandments. Yet they had one sorrow: Elisabeth was barren, and both were “well stricken in years”—advanced in age, past the natural window for childbearing. Humanly speaking, their case was hopeless. But God sent an angel to announce that Elisabeth would bear a son, John the Baptist. When the time came, she gave birth, and her neighbors and relatives rejoiced with her. This passage demonstrates that the Ageless God can make old bodies new, dead wombs fruitful, and hopeless cases into testimonies.

The Ageless God and Your Depleted Strength

In today’s devotional, Pastor E.A. Adeboye brings a message of hope to everyone who feels drained, too old, or too late. He introduces God as the Ageless One—the One who never grows tired, never grows old, and never runs out of strength. And because He is ageless, He can renew your strength, restore your vitality, and make you fruitful again.

The God Who Never Tires

The devotional establishes who God is:

• He is the Ancient of Days (Daniel 7:9-10) —He existed before time began.
• He never grows old —He is unaffected by the passage of years.
• He never grows tired (Isaiah 40:28) —Unlike young men who wake up strong but are weary by night, God never needs sleep (Psalm 121:4).
• His mercies are new every morning (Lamentations 3:23) —Every day, He has fresh supplies for your depleted soul.

Because He is ageless, His strength never diminishes. What He had a thousand years ago, He has today. What He gave to Abraham, He can give to you.

Zachariah and Elisabeth: Old Bodies Made New

The Bible reading gives a powerful example of the Ageless God at work. Zachariah and Elisabeth were righteous, faithful, and devoted to God. But they were also old—”well stricken in years.” Elisabeth was barren, and now her body had shut down the possibility of childbearing.

Humanly speaking, their case was hopeless. The clock had run out. The window had closed. The doctors—if there were any—would have said, “It is impossible.”

But the Ageless One stepped in. He did not look at their biological clocks. He did not consult their medical charts. He spoke, and Elisabeth’s old womb received new vitality. She conceived and gave birth to John the Baptist—the forerunner of the Messiah.

The lesson: No matter how old a thing is, when the Ageless One steps into it, He can make it as good as new.

Sarah: The Womb That Was as Good as Dead

The devotional reminds us of Sarah, who was 90 years old when God promised her a son. Romans 4:19 says she had a womb “as good as dead”—completely non-functional. But God did not need a functioning womb; He needed a believing heart. Sarah conceived Isaac, and the impossible became the father of nations.

What God did for Sarah, He can do for you.

• Dead womb? He can bring life.
• Dead business? He can bring profit.
• Dead ministry? He can bring revival.
• Dead dream? He can bring fulfillment.

Caleb: Strength Preserved at 80

The devotional gives another example: Caleb. At 80 years old, he said, “I am as strong this day as I was in the day that Moses sent me: as my strength was then, even so is my strength now, for war, both to go out and to come in” (Joshua 14:11).

Eighty years old, asking for a mountain. Not a valley, not a retirement home—a mountain. Because his strength had been preserved by the Ageless God.

What kept Caleb strong? He waited on the Lord. He did not trust in his own youth or his own strength. He trusted in the One who never grows old.

What the Ageless God Can Do for You

1. He Can Renew Your Depleted Strength
You may feel drained—physically, emotionally, spiritually. You have given out, poured out, and run dry. The promise of Isaiah 40:31 is for you: “They that wait upon the LORD shall renew their strength.” Not “might renew”—shall renew.

2. He Can Make Old Things New

• Old dreams? He can resurrect them.
• Old relationships? He can restore them.
• Old bodies? He can strengthen them.
• Old ministries? He can revive them.

3. He Can Give You a New Lease of Life
The devotional prays: “The Ageless One will visit you today. He will give you a new lease of life and cause you to be fruitful.”

A new lease is a fresh start. It is not more of the same—it is a new beginning. God does not just patch up your old life; He gives you new life.

4. He Can Cause You to Bear Fruit Again
Elisabeth bore fruit in her old age. Sarah bore fruit in her old age. Caleb bore fruit—he conquered a mountain—in his old age.

Your best years may be ahead of you, not behind you.

How to Access the Ageless God’s Power

1. Wait on the LORD
Waiting is not sitting around. Waiting is active dependence. It is saying, “Lord, I cannot do this without You. I will not move until You move. I will not act until You speak.”

2. Stop Relying on Your Own Strength
The reason you are tired is that you have been running on your own fuel. Young men faint and are weary—no matter how strong they are. Your natural strength has limits. Stop relying on it.

3. Exchange Your Weakness for His Strength
The word “renew” in Isaiah 40:31 literally means “to exchange.” You trade your weakness for His strength. Your depletion for His supply. Your exhaustion for His energy.

4. Believe That Nothing Is Too Old for God
Do not write off any situation as “too late.” Do not look at your age, your past failures, or your missed opportunities. The Ageless God is not limited by time. What took 90 years for Sarah took only a moment for God.

5. Ask for a New Lease of Life
The devotional prays specifically: “The Ageless One will give you a new lease of life.” Ask Him for it. Pray, “Lord, give me fresh strength. Give me new vitality. Make me fruitful again.”

The Areas That Need Renewal

The devotional applies to every area of depletion:

• Physical strength: Are you tired, sick, or weak? The Ageless God can renew your body.
• Emotional strength: Are you burned out, discouraged, or hopeless? He can renew your joy.
• Spiritual strength: Is your prayer life dry, your Bible reading cold? He can renew your fire.
• Relational strength: Is your marriage struggling, your family strained? He can renew your love.
• Ministry strength: Are you laboring without fruit, serving without results? He can renew your impact.

Conclusion: Your Strength Shall Be Renewed

Zachariah and Elisabeth thought their time had passed. Sarah laughed at the idea of a child. Caleb was 80 and asking for a mountain.

The Ageless God proved them all wrong.

• Elisabeth conceived.
• Sarah gave birth.
• Caleb conquered.

The same God is your Father. He has not changed. He does not grow old. His strength never diminishes.

• If you feel too old, He can make you new.
• If you feel too tired, He can renew your strength.
• If you feel too late, He can restore lost opportunities.
• If you feel too weak, He can make you soar like an eagle.

Wait on Him. Exchange your weakness for His strength. And watch the Ageless God do what only He can do.

Pray this:
“Father, I come to You as the Ancient of Days, the Ageless One who never grows tired and never grows old. I admit that my strength is depleted. I am tired, drained, and running on empty. Forgive me for relying on my own youth, my own energy, my own resources. Today, I wait on You. Exchange my weakness for Your strength. Renew my vitality. Give me a new lease of life. Make me fruitful again—in my body, my family, my ministry, my dreams. In Jesus’ name, Amen.”

Action Steps:

• Identify the area where you feel “too old” or “too late”: Write it down. Is it a dream, a relationship, a ministry, a health issue?
• Stop running on your own fuel: Take a day this week to rest physically and spiritually. No striving. Just waiting.
• Practice the exchange: When you feel weak, say aloud, “Lord, I exchange my weakness for Your strength right now.”
• Look for Caleb’s mountain: What challenge have you been avoiding because you feel too old or too tired? Ask God for strength to face it.
• Thank God for new mercies: Every morning, thank Him that His mercies are new—not recycled, not leftovers, but fresh. Your renewal starts with gratitude.

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The Open Heavens 29 May 2026 devotional for today is DON’T REMAIN IN BONDAGE.

This is a daily devotion written by Pastor E. A. Adeboye, General Overseer of the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG).

• Read: RCCG Open Heavens 28 May 2026 Devotional

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OPEN HEAVENS 29 MAY 2026 TODAY DEVOTIONAL

TOPIC: DON’T REMAIN IN BONDAGE

MEMORISE

Stand fast therefore in the liberty wherewith Christ hath made us free, and be not entangled again with the yoke of bondage.
Galatians 5:1

READ: Matthew 11:28-30

28 Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.
29 Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls.
30 For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.

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RCCG OPEN HEAVENS 29 MAY 2026 TODAY MESSAGE

Years ago, a young man heard me preach on the importance of surrendering all to God, then came to me saying, “Daddy, I have surrendered all to God now.” I smiled and responded, “Praise God!

This means that we would be able to borrow your car because we want to go somewhere tomorrow for an assignment, and we had been wondering how we would transport ourselves.” He replied, “Ha! Tomorrow is Monday and I must go to work.” I said, “I know. We just want to borrow your car for one day.” He then said, “Ha!” I smiled and said, “My son, we don’t need your car. I just wanted you to know that you have not surrendered everything to God as you claimed.”

Sometimes, what keeps people in bondage is their attachment to material things. If Jesus sets a fellow free from satan and the bondage of sin, and the fellow still clings to the things of the world, he or she will remain in bondage even though Jesus has ‘unlocked his or her cell.

Galatians 5:1 urges you to stand fast in the freedom Jesus has given you so that you will not become entangled again with the yoke of bondage. To receive freedom, all you have to do is come to Jesus, but remaining free is a huge responsibility that requires you to stand fast in your liberty.

In today’s Bible reading, Jesus encouraged everyone who is experiencing bondage to bring their burdens to Him so He can give them rest. It is important to understand that God doesn’t force liberty on people. This means that you must be willing to receive His freedom and stay in it.

Anyone who loves the things of this world has chosen to remain in the devil’s captivity because the love of the Father will not be in the fellow. Such a person cannot walk in liberty and cannot abide with God forever (1 John 2:15-17).

Beloved, there is no benefit at all from associating with the devil. The riches that the devil promises those who serve him keeps them in bondage and actually robs them of their soul, which is far more valuable than all the wealth in the world (Mark 8:36-37). You must be willing to let go of anything that keeps you in chains and cry out to God for deliverance.

If you are currently experiencing bondage in any part of your life, I pray that the Lord will deliver you by His mighty power, in Jesus’ name.

KEY POINT

Those who love the things of the world cannot walk in God’s liberty.

BIBLE IN ONE YEAR

Job 9-12

RCCG HYMN 18: PRAISE TO THE LORD THE ALMIGHTY

OPEN HEAVENS DEVOTIONAL 29 MAY 2026 COMMENTARY

MEMORISE: Galatians 5:1

“Stand fast therefore in the liberty wherewith Christ hath made us free, and be not entangled again with the yoke of bondage.”

This verse contains both a declaration and a command. The declaration is that Christ has already made us free—liberty is not something you earn or beg for; it is a finished gift. The command is to “stand fast” in that freedom and refuse to be entangled again. Freedom is not automatic; it requires vigilance. The enemy will try to put you back in chains, but you must resist. You have been set free—now stay free.

BIBLE READING: Matthew 11:28-30

“Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.”

This is Jesus’ invitation to the burdened. He offers rest to those who are tired of carrying heavy loads. But notice the paradox: He offers His own yoke. A yoke is not freedom from work—it is freedom from the wrong kind of work. The devil’s yoke is heavy, painful, and destructive. Jesus’ yoke is easy, light, and restful. Coming to Him does not mean doing nothing; it means trading your heavy burden for His light one.

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The Illusion of Surrender

In today’s devotional, Pastor E.A. Adeboye addresses a critical issue: partial surrender. Many people claim to have given their lives to Christ, but they are still attached to the things of the world. They want the freedom Jesus offers, but they are not willing to let go of the chains they have grown comfortable with. The result is a strange bondage: the cell door is open, but they refuse to walk out.

The Young Man and His Car

The devotional opens with a revealing testimony. A young man heard Daddy Adeboye preach on surrendering all to God. After the message, he approached the General Overseer with enthusiasm: “Daddy, I have surrendered all to God now.”

Daddy Adeboye smiled and tested his surrender: “Praise God! This means we would be able to borrow your car tomorrow for an assignment. We had been wondering how we would transport ourselves.”

The young man’s response was immediate: “Ha! Tomorrow is Monday and I must go to work.”

Daddy Adeboye reassured him: “We just want to borrow your car for one day.”

The young man hesitated again: “Ha!”

Daddy Adeboye then revealed the purpose of the test: “My son, we don’t need your car. I just wanted you to know that you have not surrendered everything to God as you claimed.”

The young man thought he had surrendered all, but when his car was involved, his surrender stopped. His attachment to material things kept him from true freedom.

The Open Cell Door

The devotional makes a powerful analogy: “If Jesus sets a fellow free from satan and the bondage of sin, and the fellow still clings to the things of the world, he or she will remain in bondage even though Jesus has ‘unlocked his or her cell.”

Imagine a prisoner whose cell door is wide open. The lock is broken. The guard is gone. There is nothing keeping him inside except his own refusal to leave. He has grown accustomed to the cell. The chains feel familiar. The outside world is unknown and frightening.

This is the state of many believers. Jesus has already broken their chains. The enemy has no legal right to hold them. But they cling to the things of the world—money, possessions, relationships, status—and those attachments become invisible chains.

The cell is open, but they will not walk out.

The Two Kinds of Yokes

The Bible reading presents two kinds of yokes:

The devil’s yoke:

• Heavy and painful
• Brings labor without rest
• Leads to destruction
• Is forced upon you

Jesus’ yoke:

• Easy and light
• Brings rest to your soul
• Leads to life
• Is offered, not forced

Jesus says, “Take My yoke upon you.” This is an invitation, not a command. He does not force His liberty on anyone. You must be willing to receive His freedom and stay in it.

What Keeps People in Bondage

The devotional identifies the primary chain that keeps believers in bondage: attachment to the things of the world.

1 John 2:15-17 warns: “Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world. If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him.”

• The world offers riches, but those riches keep you in bondage.
• The world offers status, but that status demands your soul.
• The world offers pleasure, but that pleasure is temporary and costly.

“Anyone who loves the things of this world has chosen to remain in the devil’s captivity.” Not because the devil is stronger, but because they prefer his chains to God’s freedom.

The Cost of Remaining in Bondage

The devotional quotes Mark 8:36-37: “What shall it profit a man, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul? Or what shall a man give in exchange for his soul?”

• The devil’s riches come with a hidden price tag: your soul.
• His promotions come with hidden chains: your freedom.
• His pleasures come with hidden consequences: your destiny.

There is no benefit at all from associating with the devil. Whatever he gives you is not worth what he takes from you.

How to Walk in True Freedom

1. Come to Jesus
The first step is coming to Him. He said, “Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden.” You cannot set yourself free. You cannot break your own chains. You must come to the One who has the keys.

2. Be Willing to Receive His Freedom
God does not force liberty on anyone. You must be willing. You must want to be free more than you want to keep your chains. The young man wanted to keep his car more than he wanted to demonstrate his surrender.

3. Let Go of Worldly Attachments
Identify the things you are clinging to—money, possessions, relationships, reputation. Are you willing to release them if God asks? Surrender is not surrender until it costs you something.

4. Stand Fast in Your Liberty
Galatians 5:1 commands you to stand fast. Freedom requires vigilance. The enemy will try to entangle you again. He will offer you the same chains in a different package. You must refuse.

5. Test Your Surrender
Ask yourself: If God asked for my car, my house, my job, my reputation, my relationship—would I give it? Your answer reveals the depth of your surrender.

The Prayer for Deliverance

The devotional ends with a prayer: “If you are currently experiencing bondage in any part of your life, I pray that the Lord will deliver you by His mighty power.”

This prayer is for:

• Those bound by addiction
• Those bound by fear
• Those bound by unforgiveness
• Those bound by lust
• Those bound by greed
• Those bound by attachment to the world

Jesus has already unlocked your cell. Will you walk out?

Conclusion: Trade Your Heavy Yoke for His Light One

The young man thought he had surrendered all, but his car revealed the truth. What would reveal your true level of surrender?

• Is it your bank account?
• Is it your career?
• Is it your relationship?
• Is it your reputation?
• Is it your comfort?

Jesus is not asking you to give up good things—He is asking you to give up chains. The things you are clinging to are not blessings—they are bonds. They are not protecting you—they are imprisoning you.

Come to Him. Receive His freedom. Let go of your attachments. Take His easy yoke and light burden. And walk out of the open cell.

Pray this:
“Father, I come to You as one who is heavy laden. I admit that I have been clinging to things that keep me in bondage—my possessions, my reputation, my comfort, my plans. I thought I had surrendered all, but my actions have revealed otherwise. Today, I let go. I release every worldly attachment. I receive the freedom that Jesus purchased for me. I will stand fast in that liberty and refuse to be entangled again. In Jesus’ name, Amen.”

Action Steps:

• Identify your “car”: What is the one thing you would struggle to give up if God asked for it? Be honest. Write it down.
• Test your surrender: This week, take a practical step of surrender in that area. If it is your time, give extra time to God. If it is your money, give a sacrificial offering. If it is your reputation, do something that serves someone else at the cost of your pride.
• Walk out of the cell: Stop making excuses for why you cannot be free. The door is open. Take one step today toward freedom in an area where you have been bound.
• Refuse re-entanglement: When the enemy offers you the same chains in a new form, say no. Stand fast in your liberty.
• Thank God for open doors: Every morning, thank God that your cell door is open. You are not trapped. You are free. Live like it.

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The Open Heavens 28 May 2026 devotional for today is HE WILL BRING CALM.

This is a daily devotion written by Pastor E. A. Adeboye, General Overseer of the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG).

• Read: RCCG Open Heaven 27 May 2026 Devotional

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OPEN HEAVENS 28 MAY 2026 TODAY DEVOTIONAL

TOPIC: HE WILL BRING CALM

MEMORISE

Fear thou not; for I am with thee: be not dismayed; for 1 am thy God: I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee; yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness.
Isaiah 41:10

READ: 1 Kings 17:8-16

8 And the word of the Lord came unto him, saying,
9 Arise, get thee to Zarephath, which belongeth to Zidon, and dwell there: behold, I have commanded a widow woman there to sustain thee.
10 So he arose and went to Zarephath. And when he came to the gate of the city, behold, the widow woman was there gathering of sticks: and he called to her, and said, Fetch me, I pray thee, a little water in a vessel, that I may drink.
11 And as she was going to fetch it, he called to her, and said, Bring me, I pray thee, a morsel of bread in thine hand.

12 And she said, As the Lord thy God liveth, I have not a cake, but an handful of meal in a barrel, and a little oil in a cruse: and, behold, I am gathering two sticks, that I may go in and dress it for me and my son, that we may eat it, and die.
13 And Elijah said unto her, Fear not; go and do as thou hast said: but make me thereof a little cake first, and bring it unto me, and after make for thee and for thy son.
14 For thus saith the Lord God of Israel, The barrel of meal shall not waste, neither shall the cruse of oil fail, until the day that the Lord sendeth rain upon the earth.
15 And she went and did according to the saying of Elijah: and she, and he, and her house, did eat many days.
16 And the barrel of meal wasted not, neither did the cruse of oil fail, according to the word of the Lord, which he spake by Elijah.

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RCCG OPEN HEAVENS 28 MAY 2026 TODAY MESSAGE

In 2022, I travelled to the UK at a time when the temperature there was over 40 degrees Celsius.

When I arrived there, I told my Daddy, “I have travelled to countries in winter, and you brought summer there because I asked You to. This time, it is summer, and the heat is excessive. Can you please cool the temperature down for me?” After I prayed, the temperature where I was dropped from 40 to 28 degrees before the next morning, and throughout my stay there, Daddy kept things cool. If you are experiencing unbearable heat in any area of your life, I pray that my Daddy will make things cool for you, in Jesus’ name.

In 2 Kings 6:24-33, things were very heated in Samaria because an enemy king had besieged the land. Food and commodities were really expensive, and the inhabitants of the land could not leave to seek help because the enemy had surrounded them. The economy got so bad that mothers began to eat their children.

When the situation got really unbearable, God released His word through Elisha to turn things around. He said that by the next day, Samaria’s heated economic situation would become cool and food would become cheap. By the next day, food items that were scarce and expensive became cheap and readily available, and the inhabitants of the nation had more than enough (2 Kings 7:16-17).

The widow of Zarephath was another person who found herself in a heated situation. First of all, her husband died, and then there was a famine in the land, which made life unbearable for her and her son. Things got so bad that she had only one meal left, which she planned to eat with her son and await death.

However, my Daddy, who hears the cry of the helpless and knows how to calm heated situations, sent Elijah to her. At the word of the prophet, her last meal became the first of many miraculous meals throughout the famine, as we see in today’s Bible reading.

Beloved, do not be anxious or worried if you find yourself in any difficult situation. The same God who makes a way in the wilderness and rivers in the desert (Isaiah 43:19) will bring you out of heated situations and establish calm in your life.

I pray that God will turn things around for your good in any area of your life where you might have found yourself in a tight corner, in Jesus’ name.

BIBLE IN ONE YEAR

Job 5-8

Open Heavens HYMN 29: WHEN PEACE LIKE A RIVER ATTENDETH MY WAY

OPEN HEAVENS DEVOTIONAL 28 MAY 2026 COMMENTARY

MEMORISE: Isaiah 41:10

“Fear thou not; for I am with thee: be not dismayed; for I am thy God: I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee; yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness.”

This verse is one of the most comprehensive promises of God’s presence and power in Scripture. It addresses fear directly: “Fear not.” It gives the reason: “I am with thee.” It commands composure: “Be not dismayed.” It declares relationship: “I am thy God.” Then it lists four actions God will take: strengthen, help, uphold—and the “right hand of my righteousness” means God’s own personal, powerful intervention on your behalf. This verse is a weapon against every heated situation.

BIBLE READING: 1 Kings 17:8-16

This passage records the miracle of the widow of Zarephath. During a severe famine, God sent Elijah to a widow in Sidon—a pagan region, not Israel. She was gathering sticks to prepare her last meal: a handful of flour in a barrel and a little oil in a jug. She planned to make one final cake for herself and her son, and then die. Elijah asked her to make him a cake first, promising that God would not let the flour or oil run out until the famine ended. She obeyed. The barrel of flour did not waste, and the jug of oil did not fail. This passage demonstrates that God can turn your last meal into an endless supply when you put His kingdom first.

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The God Who Calms Heated Situations

In today’s devotional, Pastor E.A. Adeboye addresses every believer who is facing an unbearable situation—economic pressure, family crisis, health emergency, or spiritual attack. He calls these “heated situations” —times when the temperature is too high, the pressure is too intense, and you feel like you cannot survive. But the same God who cooled the UK summer, ended the famine in Samaria, and multiplied the widow’s last meal is your God. He will calm your heated situation.

The UK Summer: A Personal Testimony

The devotional opens with a personal testimony from Daddy Adeboye. In 2022, he traveled to the UK when the temperature was over 40 degrees Celsius—dangerously hot. He prayed a simple prayer: “Daddy, I have traveled to countries in winter, and You brought summer there because I asked You to. This time, it is summer, and the heat is excessive. Can You please cool the temperature down for me?”

The next morning, the temperature dropped from 40 to 28 degrees. Throughout his stay, God kept things cool.

This is the God we serve. He controls the weather. He controls the economy. He controls the enemy’s plans. Nothing is too hot for Him to cool, nothing is too hard for Him to fix.

The Heated Situation in Samaria

The devotional describes a desperate situation in 2 Kings 6. The king of Syria had besieged Samaria. No food could enter. No one could leave.

The economic heat was unbearable:

• A donkey’s head (normally worthless) sold for 80 pieces of silver.
• Dove’s dung (refuse) sold for 5 pieces of silver.
• The famine was so severe that mothers began to eat their children (2 Kings 6:28-29).

Humanly speaking, there was no solution. The enemy surrounded them. The economy had collapsed. Morality had broken down. The situation was beyond repair.

But God released His word through Elisha: “Tomorrow about this time, a measure of fine flour shall be sold for a shekel” (2 Kings 7:1).

The next day, the Syrian army fled in panic, leaving behind all their food and supplies. The heated economic situation became cool. Food that was scarce became abundant. What was expensive became cheap.

The lesson: No matter how hot your situation, God can cool it overnight. One word from Him changes everything.

The Widow of Zarephath: The Last Meal That Became First

The Bible reading gives us another example of a heated situation. The widow of Zarephath had already lost her husband. Now a famine was killing her and her son. She had one last meal—a handful of flour, a little oil. She was gathering sticks to bake it and then die.

Her situation was not just hot—it was hopeless. She was not looking for a miracle; she was preparing to die.

Then God sent Elijah. The prophet gave her a strange instruction: “Make me a cake first, then make for yourself and your son. The barrel of flour shall not waste, neither shall the jug of oil fail, until the day the LORD sends rain.”

She had a choice: Use her last meal for herself and die, or give it to God’s servant and trust His promise.

She obeyed. She put God’s kingdom first. And her last meal became the first of many. The flour did not waste. The oil did not fail. She, her son, and Elijah ate for many days.

The lesson: When you give your last to God, He turns it into endless supply.

What to Do When You Are in a Heated Situation

1. Do Not Be Anxious or Worried
The memory verse commands: “Fear thou not; be not dismayed.” Anxiety does not solve the problem—it drains your strength. Worry does not change the situation—it changes you, and not for the better.

2. Remember Who Your God Is
He is the God who controls the weather. He is the God who routes armies. He is the God who multiplies meals. He is the God who turns hopelessness into testimony. He has not changed.

3. Pray Specifically
Daddy Adeboye did not pray a vague prayer about the weather. He said, “It is summer, and the heat is excessive. Can You please cool the temperature down for me?” Be specific. Tell God exactly what you need.

4. Put God’s Kingdom First
The widow made Elijah’s cake first. Before she provided for herself, she provided for God’s servant. When you put God’s interests above your own, He takes responsibility for your provision.

5. Obey Even When It Doesn’t Make Sense
Elijah’s instruction made no human sense. The widow was supposed to use her last flour for her own survival. But she obeyed. Sometimes God’s solution to your heated situation will seem illogical. Obey anyway.

6. Trust That God Can Cool Things Overnight
In Samaria, the turnaround happened by the next day. In the UK, the temperature dropped by the next morning. God does not need weeks, months, or years. He can change your situation in a day.

The Promise for Your Heated Situation

The devotional declares: “The same God who makes a way in the wilderness and rivers in the desert will bring you out of heated situations and establish calm in your life.”

• If the economy is against you, God can reverse it overnight.
• If the enemy has surrounded you, God can make him flee.
• If your resources have run out, God can multiply your last meal.
• If the pressure is unbearable, God can lower the temperature.

Your heated situation is not too hot for God. He walked through the fiery furnace with Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego—and they did not even smell of smoke. He will walk through your fire with you.

How to Position Yourself for Cooling

1. Don’t Panic
Panic leads to foolish decisions. When you are in a heated situation, your first reaction should be prayer, not panic.

2. Don’t Compromise
The enemy would love for you to sin your way out of your situation. Don’t do it. God’s solution may take longer, but it will not leave you with regret.

3. Keep Serving God
The widow was serving Elijah even in her desperation. Do not stop serving God just because you are in a heated situation. Your service is not wasted.

4. Keep Giving
The widow gave her last meal. You cannot out-give God. When you give in the midst of lack, you position yourself for multiplication.

5. Expect a Turnaround
The devotional prays: “I pray that God will turn things around for your good in any area of your life where you might have found yourself in a tight corner.”

Expectation is the soil where miracles grow. Do not just hope for a turnaround—expect it.

Conclusion: Your Cooling Is Coming

The widow expected to die. Instead, she lived through the famine. Samaria expected starvation. Instead, they had more than enough. The UK summer was unbearably hot. Instead, the temperature dropped overnight.

Your heated situation is not permanent. Your cooling is coming.

• That financial pressure? God can cool it.
• That marriage crisis? God can cool it.
• That health emergency? God can cool it.
• That family conflict? God can cool it.

Do not be anxious. Do not be dismayed. God is with you. He will strengthen you. He will help you. He will uphold you.

Pray this:
“Father, I bring my heated situation before You. You are the God who cooled the UK summer, who ended the famine in Samaria, who multiplied the widow’s last meal. I ask You to cool the temperature in my life—financially, physically, emotionally, spiritually. Turn things around for my good. I will not panic. I will not compromise. I will keep serving You and giving to You. I expect my cooling to come. In Jesus’ name, Amen.”

Action Steps:

• Identify your “heat”: What area of your life feels unbearable right now? Write it down specifically.
• Pray specifically over it: Do not pray vague prayers. Tell God exactly what you need Him to cool.
• Put God’s kingdom first: This week, prioritize God’s work above your own needs. Give, serve, and obey—even if it feels illogical.
• Refuse to panic: When the heat rises, resist the urge to make rash decisions. Breathe. Pray. Wait.
• Expect overnight change: Do not settle for “maybe someday.” Expect God to move by tomorrow. Your cooling is coming.

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The Open Heavens 27 May 2026 devotional for today is PRAYERS FOR CHILDREN.

This is a daily devotion written by Pastor E. A. Adeboye, General Overseer of the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG).

• Read: RCCG Open Heavens 26 May 2026 Devotional

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OPEN HEAVENS 27 MAY 2026 TODAY DEVOTIONAL

TOPIC: PRAYERS FOR CHILDREN

MEMORISE

And the child Samuel grew on, and was in favour both with the LORD, and also with men.
1 Samuel 2:26

READ: Psalm 127:3-5

3 Lo, children are an heritage of the Lord: and the fruit of the womb is his reward.
4 As arrows are in the hand of a mighty man; so are children of the youth.
5 Happy is the man that hath his quiver full of them: they shall not be ashamed, but they shall speak with the enemies in the gate.

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RCCG OPEN HEAVENS 27 MAY 2026 TODAY PRAYERS

1. Father, I thank You for the gift of children in my family, local assembly, community, and indeed all over the world.

2. Father, as we celebrate Children’s Day today, let all the children have an unforgettable divine encounter that will transform their lives for good, in Jesus’ name.

3. Father, please help all the children around the world to grow in godly wisdom and stature. May they know You, love Your ways, and stay on the path of righteousness all their lives, in Jesus’ name.

4. Father, please create a longing for You in the hearts of all the children around the world. Pour out Your Spirit upon them afresh and let them love You with all their hearts, in Jesus’ name.

5. Father, please let Your favour rest on all the children around the world. Open doors of blessings and opportunities to their parents and guardians so that they will be able to provide for their needs.

6. Father, please protect all the children around me from satan’s evil plans and surround them with Your angels and a wall of fire.

7. Father, please protect all the children in the world from ungodly addictions. They will not be slaves to lustful desires, sin, or satan, in Jesus’ name.

8. Father, please let all the children around me keep godly companies in their schools, churches, and wherever they find themselves. They will not be companions of fools but will be surrounded by wise friends, teachers, and mentors, in Jesus’ name.

9. Father, please keep sicknesses and diseases far from all the children around me. May they grow old in good health and strength, in Jesus’ name.

10. Father, please position all the children around me in Your purpose at this early stage of their lives. Don’t let them wander outside Your will for them, in Jesus’ name.

11. Father, please give all the children around me hearts of obedience. May their lives be pleasing to You because they will know Your laws and obey them, in Jesus’ name.

12. Your personal prayer points for children all over the world.

BIBLE IN ONE YEAR

Job 1-4

Open Heavens HYMN 22: SWEET HOUR OF PRAYER

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The Open Heavens 26 May 2026 devotional for today is STRENGTH IS NOT ENOUGH II.

This is a daily devotion written by Pastor E. A. Adeboye, General Overseer of the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG).

• Read: RCCG Open Heavens 25 May 2026 Devotional

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OPEN HEAVENS 26 MAY 2026 TODAY DEVOTIONAL

TOPIC: STRENGTH IS NOT ENOUGH II

MEMORISE:

Blessed are they that dwell in thy house: they will be still praising thee. Selah.
Psalm 84:4

READ: Isaiah 40:28-31

28 Hast thou not known? hast thou not heard, that the everlasting God, the Lord, the Creator of the ends of the earth, fainteth not, neither is weary? there is no searching of his understanding.
29 He giveth power to the faint; and to them that have no might he increaseth strength.
30 Even the youths shall faint and be weary, and the young men shall utterly fall:
31 But they that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint.

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RCCG OPEN HEAVENS 26 MAY 2026 TODAY MESSAGE

Yesterday, we saw how Peter fell into temptation because he couldn’t keep watch in prayer (Matthew 26:40-43). Prayerlessness is one of the signs that a believer is relying on his or her own strength. Unlike Peter, however, David kept watch day and night in the place of prayer (Psalm 55:17).

He often stayed awake at night, spending time with God and meditating on His word (Psalm 63:6, Psalm 119:148). He was so aware of the limitations of his strength that on many occasions in the Bible, he enquired of the Lord to know what He wanted him to do (1 Samuel 23:1-5, 1 Samuel 30:8-9).

However, in 2 Samuel 11, where he obviously didn’t enquire of the Lord but rather gave in to lust, he got into a predicament that negatively impacted his lineage (2 Samuel 12:9-12).

Daniel also knew the importance of prayer. He knew how much he needed God in the strange land of Babylon, and the Bible tells us that he prayed thrice daily (Daniel 6:10). Even when a decree was made that nobody should pray to anyone except the king, he was too aware of the limitations of his strength that his first reaction was to open his windows and pray as usual. His response to everything was prayer.

Prayer is so important that the Bible urges us to pray without ceasing (1 Thessalonians 5:17). The moment you don’t feel like praying or see the need to pray is actually the time to pray more intently because prayerlessness can leave a believer in a weak state and cause such a believer to lose his or her spiritual vitality. Once the devil douses a believer’s spiritual fire, he can ruin him or her.

Praying puts us in a posture of humility before God, where we acknowledge that we cannot do anything without Him. It keeps our hearts tender and reminds us of the limitations of our physical strength. When we cultivate a lifestyle of waiting on God in prayer, we renew our strength daily (Isaiah 40:31) and are able to overcome the devil’s temptations (Matthew 26:41).

Beloved, how do you respond to life’s challenges? Do you always try to solve them with your wisdom and strength first? Do you only run to God when everything you’ve tried fails? Do not make God a spare wheel in your life; rather, He should always be your first resort.

Cultivate the habit of praying without ceasing, and you will live victoriously all the days of your life, in Jesus’ name.

KEY POINT

When you cultivate a lifestyle of prayer, you will tap into the Lord’s strength daily.

BIBLE IN ONE YEAR

Esther 6-10

Open Heavens HYMN 22: SWEET HOUR OF PRAYER

OPEN HEAVENS DEVOTIONAL 26 MAY 2026 COMMENTARY

MEMORISE: Psalm 84:4

“Blessed are they that dwell in thy house: they will be still praising thee.”

This verse describes the unique blessing of those who live in God’s presence. “Dwelling” is not a temporary visit—it is a permanent residence. It is not coming to church on Sunday and leaving—it is abiding in prayer, worship, and communion with God continuously. The result is not occasional praise but a lifestyle of praise. Those who dwell in God’s house are never far from His help because they are never far from His presence.

BIBLE READING: Isaiah 40:28-31

“Hast thou not known? hast thou not heard, that the everlasting God, the LORD, the Creator of the ends of the earth, fainteth not, neither is weary? there is no searching of his understanding. He giveth power to the faint; and to them that have no might he increaseth strength. Even the youths shall faint and be weary, and the young men shall utterly fall: But they that wait upon the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint.”

This passage contrasts human limitation with divine power. Even the strongest humans—youths and young men—eventually faint and fall. But those who wait on the LORD have their strength renewed. The promise is not that they will never get tired, but that when they do, God gives fresh strength. They rise like eagles, run without weariness, and walk without fainting. This passage teaches that waiting on God in prayer is not passivity—it is the source of supernatural endurance.

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The Danger of Prayerlessness

In today’s devotional, Pastor E.A. Adeboye continues from yesterday’s message about self-confidence. He identifies prayerlessness as one of the clearest signs that a believer is relying on his or her own strength. When you stop praying, you are not just busy—you are declaring that you don’t need God. And the moment you stop needing Him, you become vulnerable to the enemy.

David: The Man Who Enquired of the Lord

The devotional contrasts Peter’s failure with David’s practice. David was not naturally stronger than Peter—but he had a different habit. He kept watch day and night in the place of prayer.

David’s prayer life:

• He prayed morning, noon, and evening (Psalm 55:17).
• He stayed awake at night to spend time with God (Psalm 63:6).
• He meditated on God’s word during the night watches (Psalm 119:148).
• He enquired of the Lord before every major decision (1 Samuel 23:1-5, 30:8-9).

The result of David’s prayerfulness: He succeeded where others failed. He defeated Goliath, escaped Saul, built a kingdom, and was called a man after God’s own heart.

The one time David did not pray: In 2 Samuel 11, he saw Bathsheba, gave in to lust, committed adultery, and arranged murder. He did not enquire of the Lord. He relied on his own strength and judgment. The result was a predicament that negatively impacted his lineage for generations (2 Samuel 12:9-12).

The lesson: David’s worst failure happened when he stopped praying. The same David who had slain giants fell to temptation when he neglected prayer.

Daniel: The Man Who Prayed Regardless

The devotional gives another example: Daniel. He was in a strange land—Babylon—surrounded by enemies, serving under a pagan king. He knew how much he needed God. So he prayed three times daily (Daniel 6:10).

When a decree was issued that no one should pray to anyone except the king, Daniel’s response was not to hide, not to calculate, not to compromise. His first reaction was to open his windows and pray as usual.

• He did not wait to see if the decree would be enforced.
• He did not try to find a loophole.
• He did not pray in secret to avoid detection.
• He opened his windows—publicly, visibly, defiantly—and prayed.

Why? Because Daniel was too aware of the limitations of his own strength. He knew that without prayer, he could not survive. His response to everything was prayer.

The Connection Between Prayerlessness and Self-Confidence

The devotional makes a crucial link: Prayerlessness is a sign that a believer is relying on his or her own strength.

• When you stop praying before a decision, you are saying, “I’ve got this.”
• When you stop praying before a conversation, you are saying, “I know what to say.”
• When you stop praying before a temptation, you are saying, “I can handle this.”
• When you stop praying before a battle, you are saying, “I am strong enough.”

This is exactly where Peter went wrong. He slept when Jesus told him to watch and pray. He was confident in his own loyalty, his own courage, his own strength. And he fell.

What Happens When You Stop Praying

The devotional warns: “The moment you don’t feel like praying or see the need to pray is actually the time to pray more intently.”

When you stop praying:

• You become weak. Prayer is your connection to God’s power. Cut the connection, and the power stops flowing.
• You lose spiritual vitality. Your fire dims. Your passion cools. Your sensitivity dulls.
• The devil gains access. Once he douses your spiritual fire, he can ruin you. What you resisted for years becomes easy to fall into.

Prayerlessness does not lead to strength—it leads to vulnerability.

The Posture of Humility

The devotional explains what prayer does in your life:

“Praying puts us in a posture of humility before God, where we acknowledge that we cannot do anything without Him.”

• Prayer is not informing God of your needs—He already knows.
• Prayer is not persuading God to act—He is already willing.
• Prayer is positioning yourself to receive—acknowledging your dependency.

When you pray, you are saying:

• “I am weak, but You are strong.”
• “I am blind, but You see.”
• “I am limited, but You are infinite.”
• “I cannot, but You can.”

This humility keeps your heart tender. It reminds you of the limitations of your physical strength. It keeps you from the curse of self-confidence.

The Promise of Renewed Strength

The Bible reading gives one of the greatest promises in Scripture: “They that wait upon the LORD shall renew their strength.”

Waiting is not passive. It is not sitting around doing nothing. Waiting on the Lord is prayerful dependence. It is saying, “I will not move until You speak. I will not act until You direct. I will not fight until You command.”

What waiting produces:

• Renewed strength—not your original strength, but fresh supply.
• Eagle’s wings—soaring above problems that trap others.
• Running without weariness—sustained pace for the long race.
• Walking without fainting—steady endurance for the daily grind.

Those who do not wait on the Lord—even youths and young men—eventually faint and fall. Their natural strength runs out. But those who wait have an endless supply.

How to Cultivate a Lifestyle of Prayer

1. Pray Without Ceasing (1 Thessalonians 5:17)
This does not mean you never stop speaking. It means you maintain an attitude of prayer throughout the day—quick prayers, constant awareness of God’s presence, continual dependence.

2. Make God Your First Resort
The devotional challenges: “Do not make God a spare wheel in your life; He should always be your first resort.”

• Before you try your wisdom, pray.
• Before you make a call, pray.
• Before you send an email, pray.
• Before you respond to a provocation, pray.

3. Establish Set Prayer Times
David prayed morning, noon, and evening. Daniel prayed three times daily. Set specific times for prayer—not because God is only available then, but because your flesh needs a schedule.

4. Pray When You Don’t Feel Like It
The moment you don’t feel like praying is the moment you need to pray most. Your feelings are not your guide. Your need for God does not change based on your emotions.

5. Use Night Watches
David stayed awake at night to pray and meditate. There is a special clarity in the night hours when distractions are minimal. Consider waking earlier or staying up later to seek God.

6. Enquire Before Every Decision
Before you say yes, before you sign, before you move, before you commit—enquire of the Lord. Ask, “Lord, what do You want me to do?” Make this a non-negotiable habit.

Conclusion: Pray or Fall

Peter fell because he did not pray. David fell the one time he did not enquire. Daniel survived because he prayed.

The pattern is clear:

• Prayerlessness leads to vulnerability.
• Vulnerability leads to temptation.
• Temptation leads to fall.

Prayer leads to:

• Humility.
• Dependence.
• Renewed strength.
• Victory.

Do not wait until you are in crisis to pray. Pray now. Pray always. Pray without ceasing. Make God your first resort, not your last hope.

Pray this:
“Father, forgive me for the times I have made prayer an afterthought. Forgive me for relying on my own strength and only running to You when my efforts fail. I acknowledge that without You, I can do nothing. I cultivate a lifestyle of prayer—not occasional, not emergency, but constant. I will pray when I feel like it and when I don’t. I will enquire before every decision. I will wait on You for renewed strength. In Jesus’ name, Amen.”

Action Steps:

• Examine your prayer life: Do you pray more when you are in trouble and less when things are going well? If so, you are treating prayer as an emergency tool, not a dependency lifeline. Change that this week.
• Set prayer times: Choose specific times each day—morning, noon, evening—and guard them. Do not let anything interrupt your appointment with God.
• Pray before everything: Before you check your phone, before you read email, before you make a call, before you leave the house—pray. Even if it is a 10-second prayer, make it a habit.
• Use the “first resort” test: When a problem arises, notice your first instinct. Do you call someone, Google a solution, or try to figure it out yourself? Train yourself to pray first.
• Wait before you act: This week, before any significant decision, pause and wait on God for at least 10 minutes. Do not move until you have His peace.

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Download Open Heavens 26 May 2026 Devotional PDF

The Open Heavens 25 May 2026 devotional for today is STRENGTH IS NOT ENOUGH I.

This is a daily devotion written by Pastor E. A. Adeboye, General Overseer of the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG).

• Read: RCCG Open Heavens 24 May 2026 Devotional

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OPEN HEAVENS 25 MAY 2026 TODAY DEVOTIONAL

TOPIC: STRENGTH IS NOT ENOUGH I

MEMORISE

Thus saith the LORD; Cursed be the man that trusteth in man, and maketh flesh his arm, and whose heart departeth from the LORD.
Jeremiah 17:5

READ: Matthew 26:31-35, 74-75

31 Then saith Jesus unto them, All ye shall be offended because of me this night: for it is written, I will smite the shepherd, and the sheep of the flock shall be scattered abroad.
32 But after I am risen again, I will go before you into Galilee.
33 Peter answered and said unto him, Though all men shall be offended because of thee, yet will I never be offended.
34 Jesus said unto him, Verily I say unto thee, That this night, before the cock crow, thou shalt deny me thrice.
35 Peter said unto him, Though I should die with thee, yet will I not deny thee. Likewise also said all the disciples.

74 Then began he to curse and to swear, saying, I know not the man. And immediately the cock crew.
75 And Peter remembered the word of Jesus, which said unto him, Before the cock crow, thou shalt deny me thrice. And he went out, and wept bitterly.

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RCCG OPEN HEAVENS 25 MAY 2026 TODAY MESSAGE

In Luke 5:1-10, Peter did not fail because he wasn’t diligent, hardworking, or skilful. He had those characteristics, yet he failed. However, when help came from God, he succeeded. Your strength, skills, connections, and diligence are good, but if the Lord is not supporting you, they cannot make you successful.

Psalm 127:1 says:
Except the LORD build the house, they labour in vain that build it: except the LORD keep the city, the watchman waketh but in vain.

Except the Lord guides and directs a fellow in his or her decisions, his or her labour will be in vain. Without God’s support, a person will look like a fool who doesn’t know how to get to the city (Ecclesiastes 10:15).

Some young people try to do many things because they think they have the strength to do them. However, the Bible makes us understand that although the glory of the youth is their strength (Proverbs 20:29), they will faint and be weary and utterly fall (Isaiah 40:30). This means that while the strength of the youths can help them achieve some things, it is not enough. It can fail them at some point, but if they wait on the Almighty God, they will be able to soar like eagles.

In today’s Bible reading, Peter felt he was strong enough to withstand temptations, yet he failed. His physical strength was not sufficient to sustain him in the day of adversity. His overconfidence in himself showed when he was sleeping instead of praying (Matthew 26:40-43). Believers who rely on their strength in the face of temptation will fail.

Many have fallen because they felt they were too prayerful to fall into sin. They believed they were too wise and strong to fall into temptation, but eventually, they let their guard down.

1 Corinthians 10:12 warns us never to think that we can stand without God’s help. People who think in such a manner eventually fall. 

Today’s memory verse tells us that a person who puts his confidence in flesh is cursed. Samson didn’t fall the day Delilah called a man to cut off his hair; rather, he started falling the moment he began to trust in his strength. The day a person stops trusting in God is the day his or her downfall begins.

I pray that you will never come to a point where you feel you are strong enough to do without God, in Jesus’ name.

KEY POINT

Put all your trust in God alone.

BIBLE IN ONE YEAR

Esther 1-5

Open Heavens HYMN 8: I Need Thee Every Hour

OPEN HEAVENS DEVOTIONAL 25 MAY 2026 COMMENTARY

MEMORISE: Jeremiah 17:5

“Thus saith the LORD; Cursed be the man that trusteth in man, and maketh flesh his arm, and whose heart departeth from the LORD.”

This verse is a strong warning against self-reliance and human confidence. The word “cursed” is not a casual term—it describes a state of being cut off from God’s blessing. To “make flesh your arm” means to rely on your own strength, your own resources, your own wisdom, as if they were sufficient. The tragedy is not that you use your strength, but that you trust in it instead of God. When your heart departs from the LORD, you are vulnerable, no matter how capable you seem.

BIBLE READING: Matthew 26:31-35, 74-75

This passage records Peter’s boast and his subsequent fall. Jesus told His disciples that they would all be offended because of Him that night. Peter declared, “Though all men shall be offended because of thee, yet will I never be offended.” Jesus warned him, “Before the cock crow, thou shalt deny me thrice.” Peter insisted, “Though I should die with thee, yet will I not deny thee.” Hours later, when a servant girl accused him of being with Jesus, Peter denied it with oaths and curses. The cock crowed, and Peter remembered Jesus’ words. This passage demonstrates that self-confidence is not strength—it is a setup for failure. No matter how sincere your intentions, your flesh is not enough to withstand the enemy.

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The Curse of Self-Confidence

In today’s devotional, Pastor E.A. Adeboye addresses a subtle but deadly danger: trusting in your own strength. Your skills, your connections, your diligence, your experience—these are good gifts from God. But when you begin to rely on them instead of Him, you are walking under a curse. The moment you stop trusting in God is the moment your downfall begins.

Peter: The Overconfident Disciple

The Bible reading gives us the classic example of self-confidence leading to failure. Peter was not lazy, unskilled, or cowardly by nature. He was a hardworking fisherman, a natural leader, and the most outspoken of the disciples. He genuinely loved Jesus.

But he trusted in his own strength.

When Jesus warned that all the disciples would fall away, Peter protested: “Though all men shall be offended because of thee, yet will I never be offended.” He compared himself to others and found himself superior. “They may fall, but not me.”

Jesus gave a specific warning: “Before the cock crow, thou shalt deny me thrice.” Peter did not back down. “Though I should die with thee, yet will I not deny thee.”

Hours later, Peter denied Jesus three times—with oaths and curses.

What happened? Peter’s strength failed him. His courage evaporated. His resolve crumbled. He who had drawn a sword in the garden now cowered before a servant girl.

Peter did not fall because he was weak. He fell because he thought he was strong.

The Folly of Fleshly Confidence

The devotional makes several observations about trusting in human strength:

1. Your strength is not enough
Isaiah 40:30 says, “Even the youths shall faint and be weary, and the young men shall utterly fall.” Youth is the time of greatest physical strength. But even that strength has limits. It can fail you at the critical moment.

2. Your skills cannot replace God’s support
Peter was a skilled fisherman. He knew the sea, the fish, and the nets. But he fished all night and caught nothing. His skill was not enough. When Jesus got into his boat, the nets broke.

3. Your diligence cannot guarantee success
Psalm 127:1 says, “Except the LORD build the house, they labour in vain that build it.” You can work hard, plan carefully, and execute flawlessly—but if the Lord is not building, your labor is in vain.

4. Your wisdom can make you look foolish
Ecclesiastes 10:15 says, “The labour of the foolish wearieth every one of them, because he knoweth not how to go to the city.” Without God’s guidance, you can exhaust yourself trying to reach a destination you cannot find.

The Curse of Trusting in Flesh

The memory verse is severe: “Cursed be the man that trusteth in man, and maketh flesh his arm.”

This does not mean you cannot use your strength. It means you cannot trust your strength. The problem is not the arm—it is where you place your confidence.

Samson is the classic example. Samson did not fall the day Delilah called a man to cut his hair. He started falling the moment he began to trust in his strength. He played with sin because he thought, “I am strong enough. I can handle this. I will shake myself free as before.”

But he did not know that the LORD had departed from him.

This is the curse: You can be functioning, active, and confident—while God has left you. You are like a car running on fumes, unaware that the tank is empty.

How Self-Confidence Leads to Downfall

The devotional traces the progression:

1. Overconfidence leads to carelessness
Peter felt so strong that he slept instead of praying in Gethsemane (Matthew 26:40-43). Jesus had told him, “Watch and pray, that ye enter not into temptation.” But Peter was confident. He didn’t need to pray. He was ready.

2. Carelessness leads to vulnerability
While Peter slept, the enemy was preparing. By the time the servant girl spoke, Peter was caught off guard. His confidence had made him careless, and his carelessness made him vulnerable.

3. Vulnerability leads to failure
When the test came, Peter failed. Not because he was weak, but because he thought he was strong. The one who boasts “I will never fall” is the one most likely to fall.

The Warning for Believers

The devotional quotes 1 Corinthians 10:12: “Let him that thinketh he standeth take heed lest he fall.”

• The ones who think they are too prayerful to fall—fall.
• The ones who think they are too wise to fall—fall.
• The ones who think they are too strong to fall—fall.

Why? Because thinking you stand is not the same as standing. Confidence in yourself is not the same as confidence in God. And the moment you shift your trust from Him to yourself, your downfall has already begun.

How to Avoid the Curse of Self-Confidence

1. Acknowledge Your Weakness
Paul said, “When I am weak, then am I strong” (2 Corinthians 12:10). Not when I pretend to be strong. Not when I act strong. When I admit my weakness, God’s strength can flow.

2. Pray Like You Depend on God—Because You Do
Peter slept while Jesus prayed. The result? Peter fell. Jesus stood. The difference was not courage—it was prayer. The one who prays is the one who stands.

3. Never Compare Yourself to Others
Peter said, “Though all men fall away, I will not.” Comparison breeds overconfidence. Others may fall, but that does not mean you will stand. Your standard is not others—it is God.

4. Trust in the Lord with All Your Heart (Proverbs 3:5-6)
The opposite of trusting in flesh is trusting in the Lord. Not part of your heart—all your heart. Not leaning on your own understanding—acknowledging Him in every way.

5. Wait on the Lord
Isaiah 40:31 promises that those who wait on the Lord will renew their strength. They will mount up with wings as eagles. They will run and not be weary. They will walk and not faint.

Waiting is not passivity—it is dependency. It is saying, “I will not move until You move. I will not act until You speak.”

The Blessing of Trusting in God

The opposite of the curse in Jeremiah 17 is the blessing in Jeremiah 17:7-8: “Blessed is the man that trusteth in the LORD, and whose hope the LORD is. For he shall be as a tree planted by the waters.”

• His roots go deep.
• He does not fear when heat comes.
• His leaf is green.
• He is not anxious in drought.
• He never ceases to bear fruit.

This is what God wants for you. Not self-confidence that crumbles, but God-confidence that endures.

Conclusion: The Day You Stop Trusting God

The devotional concludes: “The day a person stops trusting in God is the day his or her downfall begins.”

Not the day they sin publicly. Not the day they fall openly. The day they stop trusting. The fall may come later, but the process starts when confidence shifts from God to self.

• Do not let your gifts become your god.
• Do not let your strength become your trust.
• Do not let your past victories make you careless.

Pray like you depend on God—because you do. Watch like you are vulnerable—because you are. Trust like your life depends on it—because it does.

Pray this:
“Father, forgive me for the times I have trusted in my own strength, my own wisdom, my own experience. I renounce the spirit of self-confidence that makes me sleep when I should pray. I acknowledge that without You, I can do nothing. My skills are not enough. My strength is not enough. My diligence is not enough. I wait on You. I trust in You. Be my arm, my strength, my support. In Jesus’ name, Amen.”

Action Steps:

• Identify areas where you have been self-confident: Where have you stopped praying because you think you have it handled? Write them down.
• Practice dependency prayers: Instead of “I need to do this,” pray “Lord, I cannot do this without You.” Build the habit of acknowledging your weakness.
• Examine your prayer life: Do you pray more when you are in trouble and less when things are going well? If so, you are treating prayer as an emergency tool, not a dependency lifeline.
• Remember Peter: When you feel like saying, “I will never fall,” stop and say instead, “Lord, keep me from falling.”
• Wait before you act: Before making any decision this week, pause and wait on God. Even if it feels unnecessary, build the rhythm of dependency. Your waiting is not wasted—it is worship.

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