Category: Open Heavens Devotional

This is RCCG Open Heaven daily devotional for adults and teens. By Pastor Enoch Adejare Adeboye, the General Overseer of the Redeemed Christian Church of God.

  • Open Heavens 12 May 2026 Devotional & Commentary

    Open Heavens 12 May 2026 Devotional & Commentary

    The Open Heavens 12 May 2026 devotional for today is THE NAME OF JESUS.

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


    Open Heavens 12 May 2026 Devotional & Commentary

    OPEN HEAVENS 12 MAY 2026 TODAY DEVOTIONAL

    TOPIC: THE NAME OF JESUS

    MEMORISE

    Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved.
    Acts 4:12

    READ: Philippians 2:9-11

    9 Wherefore God also hath highly exalted him, and given him a name which is above every name:
    10 That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of things in heaven, and things in earth, and things under the earth;
    11 And that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.


    RCCG OPEN HEAVENS 12 MAY 2026 TODAY MESSAGE

    Many years ago, my driver and I were travelling from Ibadan to llorin, a city in the North-Central region of Nigeria. There was a narrow bridge along the way, and only one vehicle could drive on it at a time.

    Therefore, drivers had to wait for any vehicles that were coming from the opposite direction of the bridge to pass through before they could get on the bridge. When we reached the foot of the bridge, we observed that no vehicle was coming from the opposite direction; therefore, we got on the bridge and began to drive to the other side.

    When we were halfway across the bridge, we suddenly saw that a truck was coming from the opposite direction at top speed. We had only two choices: we could either collide with the oncoming truck or swerve and plunge into the river under the bridge. There was no time to pray, but there was enough time to shout the name of Jesus. We eventually met the truck in the middle of the bridge, and somehow, we passed beside it and drove safely to the other side.

    My driver was so shaken that he immediately parked the car when we crossed over. When he regained his composure, he turned to me and asked what had just happened, and I told him that God enlarged the bridge for us.

    The name of Jesus is powerful; it guarantees deliverance (Mark 16:17), freedom (John 836), promotion (John 12:32), rest (Matt 11:28-30), satisfaction (John 7:37-39), answers to prayer (John 14:14), and victory (1 Corinthians 15:57).

    Philippians 2:9 also tells us that His name is above every name. This means that everything that has a name is subject to the name of Jesus. If there is any ailment that has been plaguing you, as long as it has a name, it is inferior to the name of Jesus because at His name, every knee bows (Philippians 2:10).

    Beloved, Jesus has given you the authority to use His name (John 16:23-24). This means that you have the ability to control situations and align them to God’s will for your life. Never despair when you are faced with negative situations; instead, proclaim the name of Jesus boldly, and you will surely emerge victorious.

    I pray that the power in the name of Jesus will destroy every plan of the devil concerning you and your household.

    Henceforth, you will walk in victory at all times, in Jesus’ name.

    KEY POINT

    The name of Jesus is superior to every other name.

    BIBLE IN ONE YEAR

    2 Chronicles 17-20

    Open Heavens HYMN 1: ALL HAIL THE POWER OF JESUS’ NAME

    OPEN HEAVENS DEVOTIONAL 12 MAY 2026 COMMENTARY

    Here is the detailed commentary and interpretation for today’s devotional.

    MEMORISE: Acts 4:12

    “Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved.”

    This verse makes an exclusive claim that offends the modern world: there is only one name that saves. Not many names. Not any name. One name. The name of Jesus Christ is not just a powerful name among many—it is the only name that carries the authority to forgive sins, redeem souls, and reconcile humanity to God. Peter spoke these words after healing a lame man, and he was willing to die for this declaration.

    BIBLE READING: Philippians 2:9-11

    “Wherefore God also hath highly exalted him, and given him a name which is above every name: That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of things in heaven, and things in earth, and things under the earth; And that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.”

    This passage describes the exaltation of Jesus after His humiliation on the cross. Because He humbled Himself to death—even death on a cross—God the Father raised Him to the highest place and bestowed on Him the name above every name. The scope of this authority is total: heaven, earth, and under the earth (the realm of the dead). Every knee will bow—whether willingly now or forcibly later. This passage teaches that the name of Jesus carries absolute, universal, and eternal authority.


    The Name That Enlarged a Bridge

    In today’s devotional, Pastor E.A. Adeboye continues his series on longevity and finishing well. He has covered hiding, fighting, running, refueling, rest, avoiding the devil’s traps, and enduring persecution. Today he reveals another secret: the power in the name of Jesus. His personal testimony is a dramatic illustration of what happens when a believer uses that name in a moment of crisis.

    The Narrow Bridge and the Speeding Truck

    The devotional opens with a vivid testimony from Daddy Adeboye’s travels. He and his driver were traveling from Ibadan to Ilorin. Along the way, there was a narrow bridge—so narrow that only one vehicle could be on it at a time. Drivers had to wait for oncoming traffic to clear before crossing.

    When they reached the bridge, no vehicle was coming from the opposite direction, so they began to cross. Halfway across, a truck appeared from the opposite direction—speeding toward them at top speed.

    They had two choices: collide with the truck or swerve and plunge into the river below. There was no time to pray a long prayer. There was no time to call a prayer meeting. But there was enough time to shout the name of Jesus.

    They met the truck in the middle of the bridge. Somehow—impossibly—they passed beside it and drove safely to the other side.

    The driver was so shaken that he parked the car immediately. When he regained his composure, he turned to Daddy Adeboye and asked, “What just happened?”

    Daddy Adeboye’s answer: “God enlarged the bridge for us.”

    That is what the name of Jesus does. When there is no room, He makes room. When there is no way, He makes a way. When the enemy is speeding toward you with destruction, that name clears the path.

    What the Name of Jesus Guarantees

    The devotional lists several things that the name of Jesus guarantees for believers:

    1. Deliverance (Mark 16:17)
    Jesus said, “In my name shall they cast out devils.” Every demon, every unclean spirit, every force of darkness must submit to the name of Jesus. You do not need to fear them—you need to use His name against them.

    2. Freedom (John 8:36)
    “If the Son therefore shall make you free, ye shall be free indeed.” The name of Jesus breaks every chain—addiction, bondage, oppression, generational curses. What no therapy, medication, or effort could do, His name accomplishes instantly.

    3. Promotion (John 12:32)
    “And I, if I be lifted up from the earth, will draw all men unto me.” When you exalt the name of Jesus, He exalts you. Promotion comes from His name.

    4. Rest (Matthew 11:28-30)
    “Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.” The name of Jesus calms anxious hearts, quiets troubled minds, and brings peace that surpasses understanding.

    5. Satisfaction (John 7:37-39)
    “If any man thirst, let him come unto me, and drink.” The name of Jesus satisfies the deepest longings of the human soul—for purpose, for love, for meaning.

    6. Answers to Prayer (John 14:14)
    “If ye shall ask any thing in my name, I will do it.” Not some things—anything. The name of Jesus opens heaven’s storehouse.

    7. Victory (1 Corinthians 15:57)
    “Thanks be to God, which giveth us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.” Not just victory sometimes—victory at all times. His name guarantees the win.

    The Name Above Every Name

    Philippians 2:9 declares that God gave Jesus “a name which is above every name.”

    What does this mean? It means that everything that has a name is subject to the name of Jesus.

    • Every sickness has a name—malaria, cancer, diabetes, hypertension. That name must bow to the name of Jesus.
    • Every demon has a name—spirit of fear, spirit of infirmity, marine spirit. That name must bow to the name of Jesus.
    • Every problem has a name—poverty, barrenness, marital failure, business collapse. That name must bow to the name of Jesus.
    • Every person has a name—the one who opposes you, the one who persecutes you, the one who stands in your way. That name must bow to the name of Jesus.

    “At the name of Jesus, every knee should bow.” Not some knees. Not most knees. Every knee—in heaven, on earth, and under the earth. The devil himself will bow to that name.

    You Have Authority to Use His Name

    The devotional makes a crucial point: Jesus has given you the authority to use His name. John 16:23-24 records His words: “Verily, verily, I say unto you, Whatsoever ye shall ask the Father in my name, he will give it you.”

    When you speak in the name of Jesus, you are not just saying a magic word. You are exercising the authority that Jesus Himself has given you. It is like a police officer saying, “Stop in the name of the law.” The officer does not have personal power—but the law backs his words. Your personal power is insufficient, but the name of Jesus backs your words.

    Never despair when faced with negative situations. Instead, proclaim the name of Jesus boldly, and you will surely emerge victorious.

    How to Use the Name of Jesus

    1. Speak It Boldly
    The disciples in Acts 4 prayed for boldness to speak God’s word, and the place was shaken. Do not whisper the name of Jesus as if you are ashamed of it. Speak it boldly. The enemy knows that name, and he trembles at it.

    2. Speak It Immediately
    In the testimony, there was no time to pray a long prayer—but there was time to shout the name of Jesus. When crisis strikes, do not wait. Do not hesitate. Shout His name. It is the fastest prayer you can pray, and it carries infinite power.

    3. Speak It in Faith
    The name of Jesus is not a magic formula. It works when spoken in faith. If you doubt, you neutralize its power. But if you believe that Jesus is who He said He is and that He has given you authority to use His name, then your words carry heaven’s weight.

    4. Speak It Over Everything
    Do not limit the use of His name to church services or prayer meetings. Use it over your family, your finances, your health, your business, your children. Use it when you wake up and when you go to bed. Use it in traffic and in boardrooms. The name of Jesus belongs in every area of your life.

    The Name That Destroys the Devil’s Plans

    The devotional concludes with a prayer: “I pray that the power in the name of Jesus will destroy every plan of the devil concerning you and your household.”

    The devil makes plans. He strategizes. He schemes. He sets traps. But the name of Jesus destroys those plans. Not delays them—destroys them. Not weakens them—destroys them.

    When you speak that name, the enemy’s plans crumble. The bridge enlarges. The truck misses you. The way opens.

    Conclusion: The Name Is Your Weapon

    You do not need to face life’s battles in your own strength. You have been given a name that is above every name. Use it.

    • Sickness? In the name of Jesus, be healed.
    • Fear? In the name of Jesus, be gone.
    • Poverty? In the name of Jesus, be broken.
    • Marriage trouble? In the name of Jesus, be restored.
    • Enemy attack? In the name of Jesus, be scattered.

    The name of Jesus is your victory. Speak it. Believe it. Walk in it.

    Pray this:
    “Father, I thank You for the name of Jesus—the name above every name. I thank You that every knee must bow to that name, including every problem, every sickness, every demon, and every enemy. I receive the authority to use that name. I will not face my battles in my own strength. I will proclaim the name of Jesus boldly. Today, I speak that name over every negative situation in my life. In Jesus’ name, Amen.”

    Action Steps:

    • Practice speaking the name of Jesus aloud: Start today. Say it over your morning, your family, your work, your health. Make it a habit.
    • Identify a “narrow bridge” situation: What area of your life feels like there is no room, no way out? Begin to speak the name of Jesus over that situation daily.
    • Memorize Philippians 2:9-11: Write it down and keep it visible. Let it remind you that every knee will bow to that name.
    • Use His name immediately in crisis: Do not wait for a long prayer time. Shout His name. It is the fastest and most powerful prayer you can pray.
    • Destroy the devil’s plans through declaration: Each morning, declare: “I destroy every plan of the devil concerning me and my household in the name of Jesus.”

    Read RCCG Open Heavens Devotional for Tomorrow

    Download Open Heavens 12 May 2026 Devotional PDF

  • Open Heavens 11 May 2026 Today Devotional & Commentary

    Open Heavens 11 May 2026 Today Devotional & Commentary

    The Open Heavens 11 May 2026 devotional for today is BLESSED ARE THE PERSECUTED.

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

    Open Heavens 11 May 2026 Today Devotional & Commentary

    OPEN HEAVENS 11 MAY 2026 TODAY DEVOTIONAL

    TOPIC: BLESSED ARE THE PERSECUTED

    MEMORISE

    Yea, and all that will live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution.
    2 Timothy 3:12

    READ: Matthew 5:10-12

    10 Blessed are they which are persecuted for righteousness’ sake: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
    11 Blessed are ye, when men shall revile you, and persecute you, and shall say all manner of evil against you falsely, for my sake.
    12 Rejoice, and be exceeding glad: for great is your reward in heaven: for so persecuted they the prophets which were before you.


    RCCG OPEN HEAVENS 11 MAY 2026 TODAY MESSAGE

    All Christians will experience tribulations in the world (John 16:33), and being persecuted is one of the tribulations that every true believer must face.

    It is true that persecution is naturally unpleasant; however, it is a thing of joy to know that Jesus promised in Matthew 5:10 that those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake are blessed and will inherit the kingdom of heaven.

    Today’s memory verse says that every believer who chooses to live a godly life must experience some form of persecution, whether it is severe or mild. In whatever form it comes, persecution is naturally unpleasant. Therefore, to escape it, some believers compromise their faith and begin to conform to the world.

    As a believer, your witness for Christ will not be effective if you compromise your faith at every hint of persecution. Christians who compromise their faith in the face of persecution miss the opportunity to become more effective witnesses for Christ.

    Every time the apostles endured persecution, they were presented with a greater opportunity to witness Christ to others. In Acts 4:1-3, the religious leaders in Jerusalem ordered Peter and John to be thrown in jail until the next day and threatened them severely not to preach in the name of Jesus anymore.

    After that incident, the apostles experienced God’s power in a greater dimension and received more boldness to speak God’s word (Acts 4:3133). When they were scattered abroad after Stephen’s death, they witnessed Christ everywhere they went, and the gospel spread mightily as a result (Acts 8:4).

    Child of God, whether you are persecuted for not compromising your Christian values or outrightly punished for preaching the gospel, God’s grace is sufficient to keep you from turning away from Him.

    His strength will carry you through every difficult moment when you keep your focus on Him. If you are experiencing persecution for being a Christian, know that you are not alone. When Jesus appeared to Saul on the road to Damascus, He referred to Himself as Jesus, the One whom Paul was persecuting (Acts 9:4-5). This means that those who persecute you are also persecuting Jesus, and He is fully with you in your tribulations.

    Beloved, don’t ever give up on your faith in the face of persecution; instead, draw strength from the One who promised that He will never leave you nor forsake you (Hebrews 13:5). He is the ever-present help in times of trouble (Psalm 46:1), and He will be with you always, even to the end of the world (Matthew 28:20).

    KEY POINT

    Blessed are those who endure persecution for righteousness’ sake; they shall inherit the kingdom of God.

    BIBLE IN ONE YEAR

    2 Chronicles 12-16

    Open Heavens HYMN 10: IN CHRIST ALONE

    OPEN HEAVENS DEVOTIONAL 11 MAY 2026 COMMENTARY

    MEMORISE: 2 Timothy 3:12

    “Yea, and all that will live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution.”

    This verse is one of the most direct promises in Scripture about the cost of following Jesus. It does not say that some believers might suffer persecution. It does not say that persecution is possible only in certain countries or certain eras. It says all who choose to live godly lives in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution. Persecution is not a sign that something has gone wrong—it is a sign that you are living right.

    BIBLE READING: Matthew 5:10-12

    “Blessed are they which are persecuted for righteousness’ sake: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are ye, when men shall revile you, and persecute you, and shall say all manner of evil against you falsely, for my sake. Rejoice, and be exceeding glad: for great is your reward in heaven: for so persecuted they the prophets which were before you.”

    This passage is part of Jesus’ Sermon on the Mount, often called the Beatitudes. Unlike the world’s definition of blessing—wealth, comfort, popularity—Jesus pronounces blessing on those who suffer for righteousness. He does not say “endure persecution” but “rejoice and be exceeding glad.” Why? Because persecution connects you to the prophets and secures your reward in heaven. This passage teaches that persecution is not a detour from the Christian life; it is part of the road.


    The Unpleasant Reality of Persecution

    In today’s devotional, Pastor E.A. Adeboye (Daddy Adeboye) continues his series on longevity and finishing well. He has covered hiding, fighting, running, refueling, rest, and avoiding the devil’s traps. Today he addresses an unavoidable reality: persecution. Every believer who chooses to live a godly life will face it. And how you respond to it determines whether you finish your race or fall by the wayside.

    The Temptation to Compromise

    The devotional acknowledges that persecution is naturally unpleasant. Whether it is severe—imprisonment, beatings, death—or mild—ridicule, exclusion, slander—persecution hurts. No one enjoys being mocked, rejected, or attacked for their faith.

    This is why some believers compromise. To escape the discomfort, they water down their message, hide their convictions, or conform to the world. They stop speaking up. They stop standing out. They blend in to avoid the heat.

    But the devotional warns: “Your witness for Christ will not be effective if you compromise your faith at every hint of persecution.”

    A compromised Christian is a silent Christian. And a silent Christian is an ineffective witness. When you shrink back from persecution, you also shrink back from the opportunity to show the world what faith looks like under fire.

    The Apostles: Persecution That Led to Power

    The devotional points to the apostles as examples of what happens when believers do not compromise. In Acts 4, Peter and John were arrested, thrown in jail, and threatened severely not to preach in the name of Jesus anymore.

    What was the result? Not silence, but boldness. Not retreat, but advance.

    • They experienced God’s power in a greater dimension.
    • They received more boldness to speak God’s word.
    • The place where they prayed was shaken.
    • Many who heard the word believed.

    Persecution did not stop them—it propelled them.

    Later, when Stephen was martyred, the church was scattered. The enemy intended this scattering to destroy the church. But Acts 8:4 says, “They that were scattered abroad went every where preaching the word.” What the devil meant for evil, God used for good. The persecution that was supposed to silence the church actually spread the gospel.

    You Are Not Alone in Persecution

    One of the most comforting truths in the devotional is this: when you are persecuted for your faith, you are not alone.

    When Jesus appeared to Saul on the road to Damascus, He did not say, “Why are you persecuting My followers?” He said, “Why persecutest thou me?” (Acts 9:4).

    This means: When someone persecutes you for being a Christian, they are persecuting Jesus Himself. He identifies with His people so completely that your suffering is His suffering. He is not watching from a distance—He is in the fire with you.

    • Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego were thrown into the furnace, and a fourth Person walked with them.
    • Daniel was thrown into the lion’s den, and God shut the lions’ mouths.
    • Paul and Silas were thrown into prison, and God sent an earthquake.

    Jesus is fully with you in your tribulations.

    The Blessing Hidden in Persecution

    The memory verse from Matthew 5 says something counterintuitive: “Blessed are they which are persecuted for righteousness’ sake.”

    How can persecution be a blessing?

    1. It Confirms You Are Living Right
    If the world loves you, it means you are like the world. Jesus said, “If ye were of the world, the world would love his own: but because ye are not of the world, but I have chosen you out of the world, therefore the world hateth you” (John 15:19). Persecution is not a sign that something is wrong—it is a sign that something is right.

    2. It Connects You to the Prophets
    Jesus said, “For so persecuted they the prophets which were before you.” When you are persecuted, you join a long line of faithful witnesses—Isaiah, Jeremiah, Daniel, John the Baptist, Stephen, Paul. You are in good company.

    3. It Secures Your Reward in Heaven
    “Great is your reward in heaven.” The suffering is temporary. The reward is eternal. The heaviness lasts for a night, but joy comes in the morning.

    4. It Produces Character and Hope
    Romans 5:3-5 says that tribulation produces patience, patience produces experience, and experience produces hope. Persecution is not wasted—it is refining.

    How to Respond to Persecution

    If you are facing persecution for your faith, here is how to respond:

    1. Do Not Compromise
    The most important response is to refuse to compromise. Do not water down your message. Do not hide your convictions. Do not blend in to avoid the heat. Your witness is most powerful when it costs you something.

    2. Rejoice
    Jesus commanded: “Rejoice, and be exceeding glad.” This is not natural. It is supernatural. You rejoice not because persecution feels good, but because you know what it produces. You rejoice because your reward is in heaven. You rejoice because you are counted worthy to suffer for His name.

    3. Draw Strength from God’s Promises
    Hebrews 13:5: “I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee.”
    Psalm 46:1: “God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.”
    Matthew 28:20: “Lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world.”

    Hold these promises close. They are your anchor in the storm.

    4. Keep Your Focus on Jesus
    When you focus on the persecution, you sink. When you focus on Jesus, you walk on water. Keep your eyes on Him. He endured the cross, despised the shame, and is seated at the right hand of God. Follow His example.

    5. See Persecution as an Opportunity
    Every time the apostles were persecuted, they were presented with a greater opportunity to witness. Your persecution may open doors you could not open otherwise. Ask God to show you the opportunity hidden inside the opposition.

    The Grace That Carries You

    The devotional promises: “God’s grace is sufficient to keep you from turning away from Him. His strength will carry you through every difficult moment when you keep your focus on Him.”

    You do not need to be strong enough for persecution. You need to be connected enough to the One who is strong enough. His grace is sufficient. His strength is made perfect in your weakness.

    Conclusion: Do Not Give Up

    Persecution is not pleasant. But it is part of the path for every believer who chooses to live godly lives. Do not give up. Do not compromise. Do not shrink back.

    • Your witness is most powerful when it costs you something.
    • Your faithfulness under fire inspires others.
    • Your reward in heaven is great.
    • Your Savior is with you in the fire.

    He will never leave you. He will never forsake you. He is your ever-present help in trouble. And He will be with you always, even to the end of the world.

    Pray this:
    “Father, I thank You that persecution is not a surprise to You. You promised that all who live godly lives will suffer persecution. Give me the grace not to compromise when the heat comes. Let my witness be bold, not silent. Let my faith shine brightest under pressure. I rejoice that my reward is in heaven. I draw strength from Your promise that You are with me always. In Jesus’ name, Amen.”

    Action Steps:

    • Identify any area where you have compromised: Have you softened your message, hidden your convictions, or blended in to avoid persecution? Confess it and recommit to boldness.
    • Encourage a persecuted believer: Find someone who is suffering for their faith—whether in another country or across the street—and send them a message of encouragement.
    • Memorize Matthew 5:10-12: Write it down and keep it with you. Let it remind you that persecution is not a curse—it is a blessing.
    • Pray for boldness: This week, ask God specifically for boldness to speak His word despite opposition.
    • Rejoice in advance: Thank God for the opportunity to suffer for His name—before it comes. Your attitude of gratitude will disarm the enemy.

    Read RCCG Open Heavens Devotional for Tomorrow

    Download Open Heavens 11 May 2026 Devotional PDF

  • Open Heavens 10 May 2026 Devotional & Commentary

    Open Heavens 10 May 2026 Devotional & Commentary

    The Open Heavens 10 May 2026 devotional for today is BLESSINGS WITHOUT SORROW.

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

    Open Heavens 10 May 2026 Devotional & Commentary

    OPEN HEAVENS 10 MAY 2026 TODAY DEVOTIONAL

    TOPIC: BLESSINGS WITHOUT SORROW

    MEMORISE

    The blessing of the LORD, it maketh rich, and he addeth no sorrow with it.
    Proverbs 10:22

    READ: 1 Peter 5:8-9, John 10:10

    8 Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour:
    9 Whom resist stedfast in the faith, knowing that the same afflictions are accomplished in your brethren that are in the world.

    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.


    RCCG OPEN HEAVENS 10 MAY 2026 TODAY MESSAGE

    Many people want to get rich at all costs, and as such, the devil lures them into all sorts of sinful acts. Some of them eventually get the riches they want, but such riches always come with many sorrows. Only the blessing of God comes without sorrow, as we see in today’s memory verse.

    The devil never desires anything good for anybody. He may pretend as if he wants the best for a fellow, but he is a great deceiver and is incapable of giving anyone anything good. Instead, he is interested in stealing whatever God has given His children.

    John 10:10 reveals his true intentions when dealing with anyone: to steal, kill, and destroy. If you yield to the devil’s temptation to engage in sin, you are giving him permission to steal from you, kill you, and destroy you.

    Years ago, a female student of mine while I was a lecturer said to me, “Daddy, I have found a young man who wants to marry me.” I congratulated her but she said, “No! That is where the problem is.” She then proceeded to tell me that her father had informed her that he had offered her to a marine spirit, and if she ever got married, she would die.

    Her father also told her that if she didn’t die, whoever she got married to would die on the wedding day. She then told me, “Now, this young man has approached me for marriage, and I have a feeling that it is the will of God that I get married to him. However, I don’t want to say ‘yes’ to him because I don’t want the marine spirit to kill him.

    What should I do?” | laughed and told her, “I know the Father of all spirits.” I then prayed a simple prayer in the name of Jesus and told her to go ahead and accept the young man’s proposal.

    Two years later, I was in a church in Yaba, Lagos, when this young lady walked up to me. She was carrying a baby in her hand, and she said, “Sir, do you remember me?” I replied, “Of course!” I asked her about her husband, and she pointed to a handsome young man. If that lady had not run to Jesus, she would have lived under the bondage of losing every man who showed interest in her.

    Beloved, satan’s “blessings’ always come with truckloads of sorrow. However, when God blesses you, He gives you a sorrow-free package.

    KEY POINT

    Only the blessings of God comes in sorrow-free packages.

    BIBLE IN ONE YEAR

    2 Chronicles 8-11

    Open Heavens HYMN 30: WHEN WE WALK WITH THE LORD

    OPEN HEAVENS DEVOTIONAL 10 MAY 2026 COMMENTARY

    Here is the detailed commentary and interpretation for today’s devotional.

    MEMORISE: Proverbs 10:22

    “The blessing of the LORD, it maketh rich, and he addeth no sorrow with it.”

    This verse draws a sharp contrast between two kinds of wealth. There is wealth that comes from the world, from the devil, or from sinful schemes—and that wealth always carries hidden sorrow. But the blessing of the LORD is different. It makes rich, yes, but it comes with no sorrow attached. No regret, no bondage, no hidden price tag. God’s blessing is pure, clean, and sorrow-free.

    BIBLE READING: 1 Peter 5:8-9, John 10:10

    “Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour: whom resist stedfast in the faith.” (1 Peter 5:8-9)

    “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)

    These two passages together reveal the devil’s true nature and Jesus’ contrasting mission. The devil has three stated goals: to steal, to kill, and to destroy. He does not come to bless, to help, or to give. He comes to take. Jesus, by contrast, comes to give life—abundant life. Every “gift” from the devil is a trap; every blessing from God is life-giving.


    The Sorrow That Comes with Satan’s Blessings

    In today’s devotional, Pastor E.A. Adeboye (Daddy Adeboye) continues his series on longevity and finishing well. He has covered hiding, fighting, running, spiritual refueling, physical refueling through eating, and physical refueling through rest. Today he addresses a different kind of trap: the lure of getting rich at all costs. The devil offers wealth, but his “blessings” always come with sorrow. Only God’s blessing is sorrow-free.

    The Devil’s True Intentions

    The devotional begins with a stark reminder of who the devil is. He is not a harmless trickster or a mischievous tempter. John 10:10 reveals his threefold agenda:

    • To steal — take what rightfully belongs to you
    • To kill — end your life, your destiny, your purpose
    • To destroy — ruin everything God is building in you

    The devil never desires anything good for anyone. He may pretend to want the best for you. He may offer you riches, power, or success. But his gifts are poisoned. His blessings come with hidden terms and conditions that will ultimately destroy you.

    “If you yield to the devil’s temptation to engage in sin, you are giving him permission to steal from you, kill you, and destroy you.”

    The Daughter Offered to a Marine Spirit

    The devotional shares a powerful testimony that illustrates this truth. Years ago, a female student of Daddy Adeboye came to him with a terrible dilemma. She had found a young man who wanted to marry her—and she believed it was God’s will. But her father had revealed a dark secret.

    Her father had offered her to a marine spirit (a water spirit, a demonic entity). He told her that if she ever got married, she would die. And if she didn’t die, whoever she married would die on the wedding day.

    This young woman was trapped. She wanted to obey God and marry this man, but she did not want to be responsible for his death. She came to Daddy Adeboye asking, “What should I do?”

    Daddy Adeboye’s response was bold: “I know the Father of all spirits.”

    He prayed a simple prayer in the name of Jesus and told her to accept the young man’s proposal. Two years later, he saw her in a church in Yaba, Lagos. She was carrying a baby. Her handsome husband stood beside her. The marine spirit’s claim had been broken by the power of the Almighty.

    If that lady had not run to Jesus, she would have lived under the bondage of losing every man who showed interest in her. Her father’s bargain with the devil would have stolen her future, killed her husband, and destroyed her destiny.

    How the Devil Lures People

    The devotional explains that many people want to get rich at all costs. This desperation makes them vulnerable to the devil’s lures. He offers them:

    • Fast money through fraud or corruption
    • Success through ritual sacrifices
    • Wealth through agreements with dark spirits

    Some of them get the riches they want. They buy cars, build houses, and live lavishly. But such riches always come with many sorrows.

    • The money is there, but peace is gone.
    • The house is there, but the marriage is broken.
    • The car is there, but the children are lost.
    • The business is there, but the health is destroyed.

    This is the devil’s pattern. He gives you what you want, but he makes sure you cannot enjoy it. His blessings are always poisoned.

    The Sorrow-Free Blessing of God

    The memory verse promises something different: “The blessing of the LORD, it maketh rich, and he addeth no sorrow with it.”

    What does sorrow-free blessing look like?

    • You prosper, but your family remains intact.
    • You rise, but your health stays strong.
    • You gain influence, but your character remains pure.
    • You receive wealth, but your peace is undisturbed.

    God does not need to cheat you. He does not need to hide a curse inside a blessing. When He gives, He gives fully, freely, and cleanly. No hidden fees. No fine print. No demonic attachments.

    Why People Choose the Devil’s Blessings

    If the devil’s blessings are so destructive, why do people choose them?

    1. Impatience
    God’s blessing often requires waiting. The devil offers instant results. People who cannot wait fall for the shortcut.

    2. Desperation
    When you are desperate, you stop being discerning. The devil knows this and offers his “help” just when you are most vulnerable.

    3. Ignorance
    Some people do not know that the devil’s gifts come with sorrow. They see the wealth and do not see the hidden chains.

    4. Family Tradition
    Like the young woman’s father, some families have made covenants with dark spirits for generations. Children inherit these covenants and assume there is no way out.

    How to Receive God’s Sorrow-Free Blessing

    1. Refuse the Devil’s Shortcuts
    Do not take money that comes with strings attached. Do not accept success that requires compromise. If an opportunity requires you to sin, it is not from God—no matter how good it looks.

    2. Break Every Dark Covenant
    If you suspect that you or your family has made agreements with dark spirits, renounce them in Jesus’ name. The young woman needed deliverance from her father’s vow. You may need the same. Pray: “I break every covenant made on my behalf with any dark spirit. I renounce it in Jesus’ name.”

    3. Run to Jesus
    The young woman ran to Daddy Adeboye, who pointed her to Jesus. You must run to the same Savior. He is the Father of all spirits—including the ones that claim ownership over you. His authority is higher than any marine spirit, any family curse, any demonic agreement.

    4. Trust God’s Timing
    God’s blessing may take longer, but it comes without sorrow. Wait for His timing. Do not grab at the devil’s counterfeits.

    5. Test Every Blessing
    Before you receive any significant gain, ask: Did this come through righteous means? Is my conscience clear? Can I thank God for this without shame? If the answer is no, reject it.

    The Testimony of Deliverance

    The young woman in the testimony is a living proof that God’s power breaks the devil’s hold. Her father had sold her to a marine spirit. That spirit claimed the right to kill any husband who married her.

    But Jesus is the Father of all spirits. When He spoke, the marine spirit had to obey. The marriage happened. The husband lived. The baby was born. The sorrow that should have come was cancelled.

    This same deliverance is available to you.

    Conclusion: Choose the Sorrow-Free Blessing

    The devil is a deceiver. His “blessings” are traps. His riches come with sorrow, bondage, and ultimately destruction.

    But God’s blessing is different. It makes rich without sorrow. It prospers without poison. It lifts without chains.

    Do not be desperate enough to accept the devil’s counterfeits. Do not be impatient enough to grab at his shortcuts. Wait on the Lord. Trust His timing. Receive His sorrow-free blessing.

    Pray this:
    “Father, I renounce every temptation to get rich at all costs. I reject the devil’s counterfeits. I break every covenant made on my behalf with any dark spirit—marine spirits, family spirits, any demonic power. I run to Jesus, the Father of all spirits. Set me free from every inherited bondage. Give me Your sorrow-free blessing. Let my wealth come without chains and my success come without shame. In Jesus’ name, Amen.”

    Action Steps:

    • Examine your wealth: Has any of your income or success come through questionable means? If so, renounce it and make restitution where possible.
    • Break family covenants: If you suspect your family has made agreements with dark spirits, pray specifically to break them. You may want to seek deliverance ministry.
    • Reject shortcuts: This week, if an opportunity arises that requires compromise, refuse it—even if it costs you money or advancement.
    • Wait on God’s timing: Identify one area where you have been impatient for blessing. Commit to waiting on God’s timing rather than grabbing the devil’s counterfeit.
    • Thank God for sorrow-free blessings: Make a list of the ways God has blessed you without hidden sorrow. Give Him thanks for each one.

    Read RCCG Open Heavens Devotional for Tomorrow

    Download Open Heavens 10 May 2026 Devotional PDF

  • Open Heavens 9 May 2026 Devotional & Commentary

    Open Heavens 9 May 2026 Devotional & Commentary

    The Open Heavens 9 May 2026 devotional for today is SECRETS TO LONGEVITY VI.

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

    Open Heaven 9 May 2026 Devotional & Commentary

    OPEN HEAVENS 9 MAY 2026 TODAY DEVOTIONAL

    TOPIC: SECRETS TO LONGEVITY VI

    MEMORISE

    So the people rested on the seventh day.
    Exodus 16:30

    READ: Genesis 2:1-3

    Thus the heavens and the earth were finished, and all the host of them.
    2 And on the seventh day God ended his work which he had made; and he rested on the seventh day from all his work which he had made.
    3 And God blessed the seventh day, and sanctified it: because that in it he had rested from all his work which God created and made.


    RCCG OPEN HEAVENS 9 MAY 2026 TODAY MESSAGE

    When I became the General Overseer of RCCG, I was so concerned about the church’s growth that I was always fasting, praying, and preaching to the extent that I gave myself no rest or holidays.

    I did that for years, until suddenly, I discovered that while preaching, I would lose my voice completely after about 15 minutes. Even though I followed all kinds of recommendations to combat the issue, one of which was drinking tea with honey, it persisted.

    One day, an elderly woman who had noticed what was going on approached me and said, “Sir, you are suffering from Teacher’s disease.” I told her that I had never heard of that, and she replied, “You keep teaching, and you aren’t resting your voice. Now, it is in rebellion.” I asked her how to cure it, and she responded, “Rest your voice for 15 days.” “How will I do that?” I asked, and she said, “You can still teach without losing your voice for 15 minutes; when you can’t last 5 minutes, you will do what l’ve said.”

    Therefore, for the first time after becoming General Overseer, I went on holiday. I travelled to Germany and stayed in a house that had a sauna. My host told me that it warms the body from the inside out, and when I enter, I must exit after 15 minutes at most because I would have been sweating profusely. I went into the sauna, and 5 minutes later, there was no sweat. After 10 minutes, there was still no sweat. It wasn’t until after 15 minutes that I noticed a little sweat. I was in that sauna for 45 minutes before any real sweat came out.

    I had stressed my body so much that it wasn’t functioning as it should anymore. Since then, I discovered that if I am to last long in the assignment that God has given to me, I must rest every now and then.

    Beloved, if you want to last long, you must always take time to rest. Today’s Bible reading tells us that God rested after He finished the work of creation, and that is a pattern that every Christian must emulate. It is very dangerous to keep working hard and not take time to rest because exhaustion can kill.

    Don’t sabotage yourself when it comes to fulfilling your God-given purpose on the earth. Take regular scheduled rests, and you will keep yourself in optimal physical condition, so you will be able to keep running your race.

    KEY POINT

    Knowing when to rest and relax your body is key to longevity.

    BIBLE IN ONE YEAR

    2 Chronicles 5-7

    Open Heavens HYMN 33: GUIDE ME, O THOU GREAT JEHOVAH!

    OPEN HEAVENS DEVOTIONAL 9 MAY 2026 COMMENTARY

    Here is the detailed commentary and interpretation for today’s devotional.

    MEMORISE: Exodus 16:30

    “So the people rested on the seventh day.”

    This verse records Israel’s first formal observance of the Sabbath rest. After centuries of slavery in Egypt where they had no control over their work schedule, God taught His freed people a new rhythm: six days of work, one day of rest. The rest was not optional—it was commanded. And it was not laziness—it was trust. By resting, Israel declared that God was their provider, not their own endless labor.

    BIBLE READING: Genesis 2:1-3

    “Thus the heavens and the earth were finished, and all the host of them. And on the seventh day God ended his work which he had made; and he rested on the seventh day from all his work which he had made. And God blessed the seventh day, and sanctified it: because that in it he had rested from all his work which God created and made.”

    This passage records the very first Sabbath. God—the Almighty, the One who never grows weary—chose to rest. He did not need rest for Himself. He rested as a pattern for humanity. He then blessed and sanctified (set apart) the seventh day. Rest is not a suggestion; it is built into the fabric of creation. To ignore rest is to ignore the Creator’s design.


    The Secret of Taking Regular Rest

    In today’s devotional, Pastor E.A. Adeboye (Daddy Adeboye) continues his series on longevity and finishing well. He has covered hiding, fighting, running, spiritual refueling, and physical refueling through eating. Today he addresses a specific form of physical refueling: taking regular rest. His personal testimony is a powerful warning to every believer who thinks that non-stop work is a sign of faithfulness.

    Daddy Adeboye’s Personal Wake-Up Call

    The devotional opens with a candid confession. When Daddy Adeboye became General Overseer of RCCG, he was consumed with concern for the church’s growth. He fasted constantly, prayed incessantly, and preached tirelessly. He gave himself no rest and took no holidays.

    He did this for years. Then something alarming happened.

    While preaching, he would lose his voice completely after about 15 minutes. He tried every remedy—tea with honey, various recommendations—but the problem persisted.

    Then an elderly woman approached him with a diagnosis: “Sir, you are suffering from Teacher’s disease.”

    She explained: “You keep teaching, and you aren’t resting your voice. Now, it is in rebellion.”

    Her prescription was simple but difficult: rest his voice for 15 days. Daddy Adeboye protested. How could he stop teaching? She warned him that if he ignored the problem, he would soon lose his voice after 5 minutes, and then he would have no choice.

    For the first time since becoming General Overseer, he went on holiday—to Germany.

    The Sauna That Revealed the Damage

    While in Germany, his host took him to a sauna. The host explained that the sauna warms the body from the inside out and that he should exit after 15 minutes because he would be sweating profusely.

    But after 5 minutes, no sweat. After 10 minutes, still no sweat. After 15 minutes, only a little sweat.

    It took 45 minutes in the sauna before real sweat came out.

    Daddy Adeboye’s realization was devastating: “I had stressed my body so much that it wasn’t functioning as it should anymore.”

    His body had been pushed beyond its limits for so long that it had stopped responding normally. The natural mechanisms God built into the body—sweating to cool down, rest to recover—had been suppressed by chronic overwork.

    This was a wake-up call. He discovered that if he was going to last long in the assignment God had given him, he must rest every now and then.

    The Divine Pattern of Rest

    The Bible reading takes us back to the very beginning. After six days of creation, God rested on the seventh day. The Almighty God—who cannot tire, who needs no sleep, who holds the universe in His hands—stopped working and rested.

    Why? Not because He was tired. But to establish a pattern for humanity.

    • God worked, then rested.
    • God blessed the rest day.
    • God sanctified (set apart) the rest day.

    This means: Rest is not a suggestion. It is not optional. It is part of the created order, like gravity or the seasons. When you ignore rest, you are not being more spiritual—you are being more foolish. You are violating the rhythm God built into your body.

    The Danger of Exhaustion

    The devotional warns plainly: “It is very dangerous to keep working hard and not take time to rest because exhaustion can kill.”

    Exhaustion does not just make you tired—it makes you vulnerable:

    • Your judgment fails: Exhausted people make decisions they would never make when rested.
    • Your immunity drops: Chronic fatigue leads to sickness.
    • Your emotions become unstable: Small problems feel like catastrophes.
    • Your relationships suffer: Exhausted people are irritable, short-tempered, and withdrawn.
    • Your spiritual sensitivity dulls: You cannot hear God clearly when your body is screaming for rest.

    Exhaustion can kill. It can kill your ministry, your marriage, your health, and eventually you.

    Why Rest Is Hard for Committed Believers

    Many committed Christians struggle with rest because they believe:

    • “God’s work is urgent.” Yes, but God is not desperate. He created rest. He commands rest. He honors rest.
    • “If I don’t do it, no one will.” That is pride disguised as responsibility. If God’s work truly depends on you alone, then God is not God.
    • “I’ll rest when the work is done.” The work is never done. There will always be another sermon, another meeting, another need.
    • “Rest is laziness.” No, rest is obedience. Laziness is avoiding work. Rest is stopping work to honor God’s design.

    How to Practice Regular Rest

    1. Schedule Rest Like You Schedule Work
    Daddy Adeboye had to learn to take holidays. You may need to schedule them into your calendar. Not “I’ll rest when I have time”—because you never will. Put rest on your calendar and protect it.

    2. Observe a Weekly Sabbath
    God blessed and sanctified the seventh day. Find one day each week to stop your normal work. Not to catch up on chores, not to answer emails, but to rest, worship, and be refreshed.

    3. Rest Before You Are Exhausted
    Daddy Adeboye waited until his voice was rebelling before he rested. Do not wait for your body to break down. Rest while you still have strength. Prevention is better than cure.

    4. Rest Your Voice, Your Mind, and Your Body
    Different types of rest are needed:

    • Physical rest: Sleep, sitting, lying down
    • Mental rest: Stop planning, calculating, and worrying
    • Emotional rest: Step away from draining relationships and situations
    • Spiritual rest: Cease striving and trust God to work

    5. Take Short Breaks During the Day
    Not all rest requires a holiday. Take 10-15 minutes several times a day to step away, breathe, and reset. Even a short pause can prevent burnout.

    What Happens When You Rest

    When you honor God’s design for rest:

    • Your body recovers: Muscles repair, hormones balance, energy returns.
    • Your mind clears: Creativity flows, problems find solutions, perspective returns.
    • Your emotions stabilize: Patience increases, irritability decreases.
    • Your spirit reconnects: You hear God more clearly, worship more deeply, love more freely.
    • You last longer: Your race is a marathon, not a sprint. Rest ensures you finish.

    The Example of Jesus

    Jesus, the Son of God, with a three-year ministry and the weight of the world’s salvation on His shoulders, still rested. He slept in the boat during a storm. He withdrew to lonely places to pray. He took time away from the crowds.

    If Jesus needed rest, you need rest.

    Conclusion: Rest Is Not Optional

    Daddy Adeboye learned the hard way. His voice rebelled. His body stopped sweating normally. He had stressed himself to the point of dysfunction.

    Do not wait for your body to scream before you listen.

    God rested on the seventh day. He blessed that day and set it apart. That pattern is for you. It is not weakness. It is wisdom. It is not laziness. It is obedience.

    Take regular scheduled rests. Keep yourself in optimal physical condition. And you will be able to keep running your race—all the way to the finish line.

    Pray this:
    “Father, forgive me for treating rest as optional. I have pushed past my limits, ignored the patterns You built into creation, and acted as if Your work depended entirely on me. Teach me to rest. Help me to schedule rest like I schedule work. Give me the humility to stop when I need to stop and to trust that You will keep working even when I am resting. In Jesus’ name, Amen.”

    Action Steps:

    • Schedule a holiday: If you have not taken time off in months, put it on the calendar now.
    • Observe a weekly rest day: Choose one day this week to stop normal work. No emails, no errands, no catching up. Just rest and worship.
    • Take daily pauses: Set a timer for every 90 minutes to take a 5-10 minute break. Step away from your desk, your phone, your screen.
    • Listen to your body: Are you experiencing chronic fatigue, voice loss, headaches, or irritability? These may be signs your body is rebelling. Listen before it gets worse.
    • Trust God with the work: Rest is an act of faith. It says, “God, You are in control even when I am not working.” Practice that faith this week.

    Read RCCG Open Heavens Devotional for Tomorrow

    Download Open Heavens 9 May 2026 Devotional PDF

  • Open Heavens 8 May 2026 Devotional & Commentary

    Open Heavens 8 May 2026 Devotional & Commentary

    The Open Heavens 8 May 2026 devotional for today is SECRETS TO LONGEVITY V.

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

    Open Heaven 8 May 2026 Devotional & Commentary

    OPEN HEAVENS 8 MAY 2026 TODAY DEVOTIONAL

    TOPIC: SECRETS TO LONGEVITY V

    MEMORISE

    To whom he said, This is the rest wherewith ye may cause the weary to rest; and this is the refreshing: yet they would not hear.
    Isaiah 28:12

    READ: 1 Kings 19:4-8

    4 But he himself went a day’s journey into the wilderness, and came and sat down under a juniper tree: and he requested for himself that he might die; and said, It is enough; now, O Lord, take away my life; for I am not better than my fathers.
    5 And as he lay and slept under a juniper tree, behold, then an angel touched him, and said unto him, Arise and eat.
    6 And he looked, and, behold, there was a cake baken on the coals, and a cruse of water at his head. And he did eat and drink, and laid him down again.
    7 And the angel of the Lord came again the second time, and touched him, and said, Arise and eat; because the journey is too great for thee.
    8 And he arose, and did eat and drink, and went in the strength of that meat forty days and forty nights unto Horeb the mount of God.


    RCCG OPEN HEAVENS 8 MAY 2026 TODAY MESSAGE

    Today, as I continue to discuss the secrets to longevity, I will highlight the importance of recharging your physical batteries.

    Your physical batteries must not be neglected, as you need them to succeed in your spiritual assignments. For example, Moses had a spiritual assignment to lead the Israelites out of captivity and take them into the Promised Land. While this assignment was primarily spiritual, it also had a lot of physical demands on him, and he would have failed woefully if he hadn’t heeded Jethro’s counsel, which saved him from wearing himself out before his time. He was overworking himself and ignoring the need to refuel his physical batteries by taking rests when required (Exodus 18:13-26).

    Tomorrow, I will discuss more about taking rests.

    Another way to refuel your physical batteries so you can endure and succeed in the path that God has set before you is by eating right and at the right time.

    In 1 Kings 18-19, Elijah had used his spiritual batteries to call down fire from heaven, call down rain, and outrun the king’s chariot. All those exploits must have depleted both his physical and spiritual batteries because when he heard that Jezebel was after his life, he took to his heels. He ran for three days and nights, then asked God to take his life. He fell asleep right where he made the request, and thankfully, God sent an angel to wake him and feed him twice, so he could refuel and successfully complete the long journey he had ahead of him.

    I wonder what would have happened if the angel hadn’t woken Elijah, and Jezebel had caught up with him while he was exhausted and asleep.

    Many people with glorious destinies have found themselves sleeping until Jezebel caught up with them and killed them because they had neglected their bodies, and it failed them at a critical time.

    By Jezebel in this context, I am referring to sin. For instance, if a married man fasts so much that he neglects his sexual needs and does not get intimate with his wife for a long time, his body could revolt due to suppressed sexual desires when he is alone on a trip. This could lead him to commit a sexual sin that can put an abrupt end to his spiritual journey.

    Beloved, you must learn to relax your body and cater to its needs according to God’s will at different times, so you can enjoy longevity and run your race successfully.

    KEY POINT

    You must not neglect your body if you want to remain on course and fulfil God’s will for your life.

    BIBLE IN ONE YEAR

    2 Chronicles 1-4

    Open Heavens HYMN 33: GUIDE ME, O THOU GREAT JEHOVAH!

    OPEN HEAVENS DEVOTIONAL 8 MAY 2026 COMMENTARY

    Here is the detailed commentary and interpretation for today’s devotional.

    MEMORISE: Isaiah 28:12

    “To whom he said, This is the rest wherewith ye may cause the weary to rest; and this is the refreshing: yet they would not hear.”

    This verse reveals God’s heart for human limitation. He offers rest for the weary and refreshing for the exhausted. But the tragedy is that His people refused to listen. They pushed past their limits, ignored their need for rest, and paid the price. God does not see rest as weakness—He prescribes it as medicine. The refusal to rest is not strength; it is disobedience.

    BIBLE READING: 1 Kings 19:4-8

    This passage records one of the most vulnerable moments in Elijah’s life. After the triumph on Mount Carmel—fire from heaven, the defeat of the prophets of Baal, the end of the drought, and outrunning Ahab’s chariot—Elijah received a death threat from Jezebel. The mighty prophet ran for his life. After a day’s journey into the wilderness, he sat under a juniper tree and asked God to take his life. Exhausted and depressed, he fell asleep. An angel touched him twice, providing freshly baked bread and water. Elijah ate, slept again, ate again, and was strengthened for a forty-day journey to Mount Horeb. This passage demonstrates that spiritual giants also have physical limits, and God honors those limits by providing rest and nourishment.


    The Secret of Recharging Your Physical Batteries

    In today’s devotional, Pastor E.A. Adeboye (Daddy Adeboye) continues his series on longevity and finishing well. He has covered hiding, fighting, running, and spiritual refueling. Today he addresses an often-neglected area: recharging your physical batteries. You cannot complete your spiritual assignment if your body fails you. Many with glorious destinies have crashed because they neglected their physical needs.

    Moses: Overworking Himself to the Point of Collapse

    The devotional points to Moses as a cautionary example. Moses had a massive spiritual assignment—leading Israel out of Egypt and through the wilderness. But the assignment also carried massive physical demands. He was judging the people from morning until evening, with lines forming around him all day long.

    He was overworking himself and ignoring the need to refuel.

    His father-in-law Jethro observed this and gave a crucial warning: “The thing that thou doest is not good. Thou wilt surely wear away, both thou, and this people that is with thee: for this thing is too heavy for thee; thou art not able to perform it thyself alone” (Exodus 18:17-18).

    Jethro’s counsel was not spiritual—it was practical. He told Moses to delegate and to rest. Moses listened, and he was saved from wearing himself out before his time.

    The devotional’s point is clear: You can have a divine assignment and still destroy yourself through neglect of your physical limits. God did not design you to work 24/7. Night follows day for a reason.

    Elijah: Exhausted and Ready to Die

    The Bible reading gives us an even more dramatic example. Elijah had just experienced the highest spiritual high of his life. Fire fell from heaven. The people cried, “The LORD, He is God!” He outran a chariot. He was at the peak of prophetic power.

    Then Jezebel sent a death threat, and Elijah ran. He ran for a day into the wilderness, sat under a juniper tree, and prayed to die.

    How did the mighty prophet get here? The devotional explains: “All those exploits must have depleted both his physical and spiritual batteries.”

    Elijah had used everything he had. His body was empty. His spirit was drained. He was not a coward—he was exhausted. And exhaustion distorts your perception. When you are physically depleted, every problem looks like the end of the world.

    God did not rebuke Elijah. He did not call him a failure. He sent an angel with freshly baked bread and water. He let Elijah sleep. Then He fed him again. Only after refueling did Elijah have the strength for the forty-day journey to Mount Horeb.

    The angel’s intervention teaches us: God cares about your physical needs. He will provide rest and nourishment when you are empty. But you must receive it.

    The Danger of Neglecting Your Body

    The devotional issues a sobering warning: “Many people with glorious destinies have found themselves sleeping until Jezebel caught up with them and killed them because they had neglected their bodies, and it failed them at a critical time.”

    By “Jezebel,” Daddy Adeboye means sin—specifically the sins that come when your body revolts against neglect.

    He gives a specific example: A married man fasts so much that he neglects his sexual needs. He does not get intimate with his wife for a long time. His body, created by God with natural desires, becomes suppressed. Then he travels alone, and those suppressed desires erupt at the wrong time with the wrong person. A moment of sin ends a lifetime of ministry.

    This is not an excuse for sin. But it is a recognition of reality. God created you as a physical being with physical needs. When you ignore those needs, you create dangerous pressure in your life.

    • You need sleep. Without it, your judgment fails.
    • You need food. Without it, your strength fails.
    • You need rest. Without it, your endurance fails.
    • You need intimacy within marriage. Without it, temptation finds an opening.

    How to Refuel Your Physical Batteries

    1. Take Rest When Required
    Exodus 18 is the model. Moses was judging from morning to evening, and Jethro said, “You will wear away.” Delegation is a form of rest. So is stopping work at a reasonable hour. So is taking a day off. God built a Sabbath into creation. He did not need rest, but you do.

    2. Eat Right and at the Right Time
    The angel did not give Elijah a spiritual vision—he gave him bread and water. Physical nourishment came before spiritual revelation. You cannot pray effectively when your blood sugar is crashing. You cannot minister effectively when your body is starving.

    3. Do Not Let Fasting Become Self-Destruction
    Fasting is a spiritual discipline, but it is not meant to destroy your body. Jesus fasted 40 days, but He was led by the Spirit. He did not fast 40 days every week. Use wisdom. Prolonged fasting without proper hydration or medical oversight can damage your health and shorten your race.

    4. Cater to Your Body’s Legitimate Needs According to God’s Will
    The devotional is careful to say “according to God’s will.” This means:

    • Sleep is legitimate. Laziness is not.
    • Food is legitimate. Gluttony is not.
    • Marital intimacy is legitimate. Adultery is not.
    • Recreation is legitimate. Worldliness is not.

    God gave you a body. He expects you to care for it. When you do, your body serves your assignment. When you don’t, your body becomes a liability.

    The Balance Between Spiritual and Physical

    Some believers think that spiritual zeal requires neglecting the body. They believe that sleeping less, eating less, and working more is a sign of holiness.

    This is not from God. Jesus slept in the boat during a storm. He ate with sinners and tax collectors. He attended a wedding feast. He knew that the physical is not evil—it is created by God.

    The same God who gave you a spirit gave you a body. He expects you to steward both.

    What Happens When You Refuel

    When you properly recharge your physical batteries:

    • Your judgment remains clear because exhaustion is not clouding your mind.
    • Your resistance to temptation is stronger because you are not running on empty.
    • Your endurance increases because you have reserves to draw from.
    • You finish your race because your body lasts as long as your assignment.

    Conclusion: Don’t Let Your Body Fail You

    Moses needed Jethro’s counsel. Elijah needed an angel’s meal. You need to learn the same lesson.

    You may have a glorious destiny. You may have a powerful assignment. But if your body fails you at a critical moment, you may not reach your finish line.

    Rest is not weakness. Eating is not worldliness. Caring for your body is not selfishness. It is wisdom. It is stewardship. It is obedience to the God who made you physical.

    Do not let Jezebel catch you sleeping because you refused to refuel.

    Pray this:
    “Father, forgive me for neglecting the body You gave me. I have pushed past my limits, ignored my need for rest, and treated my physical needs as unimportant. Help me to find the balance between spiritual zeal and physical wisdom. Teach me to rest when I am weary, to eat when I am hungry, and to care for the temple of Your Spirit. Let my body serve my assignment, not sabotage it. In Jesus’ name, Amen.”

    Action Steps:

    • Assess your rest: Are you getting enough sleep? If not, adjust your schedule. Sleep is not optional.
    • Assess your eating: Are you skipping meals, eating poorly, or fasting without wisdom? Make changes.
    • Assess your workload: Are you delegating like Moses learned to do? Or are you trying to do everything yourself?
    • Check your marriage (if married): Are you neglecting intimacy with your spouse? Address it before it becomes a vulnerability.
    • Listen to your body: Physical exhaustion, chronic fatigue, or constant illness may be signs that you are not refueling properly. Take them seriously.

    Read RCCG Open Heavens Devotional for Tomorrow

    Download Open Heavens 8 May 2026 Devotional PDF

  • Open Heavens 7 May 2026 Devotional & Commentary

    Open Heavens 7 May 2026 Devotional & Commentary

    The Open Heavens 7 May 2026 devotional for today is SECRETS TO LONGEVITY IV.

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

    Open Heaven 7 May 2026 Devotional & Commentary

    OPEN HEAVENS 7 MAY 2025 TODAY DEVOTIONAL

    TOPIC: SECRETS TO LONGEVITY IV

    MEMORISE

    Blessed are ye that hunger now: for ye shall be filled. Blessed are ye that weep now: for ye shall laugh.
    Luke 6:21

    READ: Psalm 107:8-9

    8 Oh that men would praise the Lord for his goodness, and for his wonderful works to the children of men!
    9 For he satisfieth the longing soul, and filleth the hungry soul with goodness.


    RCCG OPEN HEAVENS 7 MAY 2026 TODAY MESSAGE

    As I continue teaching about the secrets to longevity, I want to discuss the importance of refuelling while walking on the path that God has set before you. To enjoy longevity, especially in the kingdom of God, you must refuel and recharge your spiritual batteries regularly.

    God designed man in such a way that he would constantly need refuelling. This is why He made sure that every day would be followed by a night so that after working very hard during the day, you can sleep at night and refuel your energy. Likewise, after breakfast in the morning, it is normal to feel hungry after a few hours, especially if you have expended lots of energy. God designed you to eat at varying intervals so you can refuel your energy.

    For guns to remain effective, they must be reloaded after they have been fired. Likewise, if a believer wants to remain on the path that God has ordained for him or her, the believer must always recharge his or her spiritual batteries.

    For example, a Christian cannot function effectively based on the Scriptures he or she studied last year or the fasting and prayers embarked upon three years ago. Such a Christian will be weak and become easy prey for the devil; hence, there must be constant refuelling to remain spiritually fit.

    Blessed are they which do hunger and thirst after righteousness: for they shall be filled.
    Matthew 5:6

    God created hunger to remind us that we are running low on fuel, so we can eat to restore our energy. Just as He created physical hunger as a signal to eat and replenish energy, He also created spiritual hunger and thirst as a sign that you must recharge. When you feel hungry for God’s word, excited when it is time for Bible Study, or are always looking forward to praying, you are spiritually healthy.

    However, if you don’t attend to that hunger, you may not feel it anymore after a while. If a believer does not feel hungry for spiritual things anymore, it means that he or she is already empty and is on the verge of dying spiritually.

    Beloved, nobody lasts long in God’s kingdom without consistent spiritual hunger and refuelling. If you ever get to a point where you don’t feel hungry for God’s word, cry to God to renew your spiritual hunger. May you always hunger and thirst after righteousness so you will be empowered to fulfil God’s purpose for your life, in Jesus’ name.

    PRAYER POINT

    Father, please renew my spiritual hunger and help me to seek you at all times with all my heart.

    BIBLE IN ONE YEAR

    1 Chronicles 27-29

    Open Heavens HYMN 8: I Need Thee Every Hour

    OPEN HEAVENS DEVOTIONAL 7 MAY 2026 COMMENTARY

    MEMORISE: Luke 6:21

    “Blessed are ye that hunger now: for ye shall be filled.”

    This verse is Jesus’ declaration that spiritual hunger is not a curse—it is a blessing. When you feel a deep craving for God, His word, and His presence, that craving is not a sign of weakness. It is a sign of health. And the promise is certain: you shall be filled. Not maybe, not sometimes—shall be. The hunger itself is the guarantee of the coming satisfaction.

    BIBLE READING: Psalm 107:8-9

    “Oh that men would praise the LORD for his goodness, and for his wonderful works to the children of men! For he satisfieth the longing soul, and filleth the hungry soul with goodness.”

    This passage is part of a psalm that celebrates God’s deliverance of His people from various troubles. Verse 9 makes a universal promise: God satisfies the longing soul and fills the hungry soul with goodness. Notice the two conditions: longing and hunger. Not the satisfied and complacent—the longing and hungry. God’s filling is reserved for those who feel their emptiness and crave His fullness.


    The Secret of Spiritual Refueling

    In today’s devotional, Pastor E.A. Adeboye (Daddy Adeboye) continues his series on longevity and finishing well. He has taught about knowing when to hide, when to fight, and when to run. Today he reveals a fourth secret: the importance of refueling. You cannot last on the path God has set before you if you do not regularly recharge your spiritual batteries. Past experiences, past prayers, past Bible study—these are not enough for today’s battles.

    God Designed You to Need Refueling

    The devotional begins with a simple but profound observation: God built the need for refueling into the very fabric of human existence.

    • Day and night: After working hard during the day, you need sleep at night to recharge.
    • Meals: After breakfast, hunger returns after a few hours, reminding you to eat again.
    • Weapons: A gun must be reloaded after it has been fired to remain effective.

    If this is true for your physical body, how much more true for your spirit?

    “A Christian cannot function effectively based on the Scriptures he or she studied last year or the fasting and prayers embarked upon three years ago.”

    The devotional states this plainly. Last year’s manna will not sustain you through this year’s wilderness. Three years ago’s prayer session will not win today’s battle. The devil does not attack you based on what you used to know or used to do. He attacks you in the present. And you need present-tense refueling.

    Physical Hunger as a Spiritual Lesson

    The devotional draws a powerful parallel between physical hunger and spiritual hunger.

    Physical hunger:

    • Is a signal that your body is running low on fuel
    • Reminds you to eat
    • If ignored for too long, it eventually fades—but that fading is not a sign of health; it is a sign of starvation

    Spiritual hunger:

    • Is a signal that your spirit needs refueling
    • Reminds you to pray, study, worship, and seek God
    • If ignored for too long, it eventually fades—and that fading is a sign of spiritual starvation, not spiritual maturity

    “When you feel hungry for God’s word, excited when it is time for Bible Study, or are always looking forward to praying, you are spiritually healthy.”

    But if you suppress that hunger, if you neglect your Bible, if you skip prayer, if you find excuses to miss church—eventually, the hunger will stop. And that silence is dangerous.

    “If a believer does not feel hungry for spiritual things anymore, it means that he or she is already empty and is on the verge of dying spiritually.”

    What Happens When You Don’t Refuel

    The devotional warns of the consequences of neglecting spiritual refueling:

    1. You Become Weak
    A believer who does not regularly feed on God’s word has no spiritual strength. When temptation comes, there is no resistance. When the enemy attacks, there is no defense. The weak believer becomes easy prey.

    2. You Become Vulnerable
    The devil does not fear an empty, unfed Christian. He knows that a believer without fresh manna has no power. He can push, intimidate, and deceive such a person without resistance.

    3. You Drift Off the Path
    Longevity requires staying on the path. But when your spiritual fuel runs low, you lose direction. You make decisions based on flesh, not spirit. You wander into territory you never intended to enter.

    4. You Eventually Die Spiritually
    The devotional does not mince words: ignoring spiritual hunger leads to spiritual death. Not physical death, but a state where your spirit is no longer sensitive to God. You become religious but dead inside.

    How to Refuel Regularly

    If you want to finish your race and not collapse before the finish line, here is how to practice refueling:

    1. Recognize Hunger as a Gift
    When you feel hungry for God’s word, do not suppress it. Do not ignore it. Recognize that hunger as the Holy Spirit’s invitation to come and be filled. Blessed are those who hunger—not because hunger is pleasant, but because it leads to filling.

    2. Feed Daily
    You do not eat once a week physically and expect to survive. Why do you think you can feed on God’s word once a week and thrive spiritually? Daily bread means daily. Set aside time each day for Scripture, prayer, and worship. This is not legalism—it is survival.

    3. Cry Out When Hunger Fades
    If you have reached a point where you no longer feel hungry for God, do not panic—but do not ignore it. Cry out to God to renew your spiritual hunger. Ask Him to give you back the craving you have lost. He is faithful to restore what the enemy has stolen.

    4. Stay in the Company of Hungry Believers
    Hunger is contagious. When you surround yourself with believers who are passionate about God’s word, hungry for prayer, and excited about worship, their hunger will awaken yours. Do not isolate yourself from the fire carriers.

    5. Refuel Before You Run Empty
    Do not wait until you are spiritually starving to seek God. The best time to refuel is when you still have some reserves. Make prayer and Bible study a non-negotiable part of your routine, not just an emergency measure.

    The Signs of Spiritual Health

    How can you tell if you are spiritually healthy? The devotional gives clear indicators:

    • You feel hungry for God’s word
    • You get excited when it is time for Bible Study
    • You look forward to praying
    • You are eager for church services
    • You crave worship and fellowship

    If these are true of you, rejoice—you are spiritually healthy. If they are not true, do not condemn yourself. Cry out to God for restoration. He is the one who satisfies the longing soul and fills the hungry soul with goodness.

    The Promise for the Hungry

    The memory verse and the Bible reading both give the same promise: the hungry will be filled.

    • Luke 6:21: “Blessed are ye that hunger now: for ye shall be filled.”
    • Psalm 107:9: “He satisfieth the longing soul, and filleth the hungry soul with goodness.”

    God does not mock your hunger. He does not leave you empty. When you crave Him, He comes. When you seek Him, He is found. When you knock, He opens.

    The problem is not that God refuses to fill. The problem is that many believers have lost their hunger. They have become satisfied with yesterday’s manna. They are running on fumes and wondering why they feel weak.

    Conclusion: Refuel and Finish Strong

    Daddy Adeboye has lasted 84 years on this earth and 53 years as a born-again Christian because he understands the secret of refueling. He does not rely on past experiences. He does not coast on yesterday’s anointing. He continually comes to the Source for fresh supply.

    You must do the same. Do not let your spiritual hunger fade. Do not ignore the prompting of the Holy Spirit. When you feel the craving for God’s word, feed it. When you sense the need to pray, pray. When you long for worship, worship.

    The race is long, but the finish line is near. Refuel now, and finish strong.

    Pray this:
    “Father, I thank You that hunger is not a curse but a blessing. Forgive me for the times I have ignored my spiritual hunger or tried to satisfy it with things that are not You. Renew my craving for Your word, Your presence, and Your will. Let me never be satisfied with yesterday’s manna. Fill me fresh today. Satisfy my longing soul. I want to finish my race strong. In Jesus’ name, Amen.”

    Action Steps:

    • Assess your hunger: Do you genuinely crave God’s word, prayer, and worship? Or have you been going through the motions?
    • If hunger is weak, cry out: This week, spend time asking God to restore your spiritual appetite. Do not try to manufacture hunger—ask Him to give it.
    • Establish daily feeding: Commit to a daily Bible reading and prayer schedule. Start small if needed, but be consistent.
    • Surround yourself with hungry believers: Join a Bible study, prayer group, or fellowship where people are passionate about God. Let their hunger awaken yours.
    • Do not coast on the past: Whatever God did for you last year, last month, or last week is wonderful. But seek Him for today. Fresh bread for a fresh day.

    Read RCCG Open Heavens Devotional for Tomorrow

    Download Open Heavens 7 May 2025 Devotional PDF

  • Open Heavens 6 May 2026 Devotional & Commentary

    Open Heavens 6 May 2026 Devotional & Commentary

    The Open Heavens 6 May 2026 devotional for today is SECRETS TO LONGEVITY III.

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

    Open Heaven 6 May 2026 Devotional & Commentary

    OPEN HEAVENS 6 MAY 2026 TODAY DEVOTIONAL

    TOPIC: SECRETS TO LONGEVITY III

    MEMORISE

    Flee also youthful lusts: but follow righteousness, faith, charity, peace, with them that call on the Lord out of a pure heart.
    2 Timothy 2:22

    READ: Genesis 39:10-13

    10 And it came to pass, as she spake to Joseph day by day, that he hearkened not unto her, to lie by her, or to be with her.
    11 And it came to pass about this time, that Joseph went into the house to do his business; and there was none of the men of the house there within.
    12 And she caught him by his garment, saying, Lie with me: and he left his garment in her hand, and fled, and got him out.
    13 And it came to pass, when she saw that he had left his garment in her hand, and was fled forth,


    RCCG OPEN HEAVENS 6 MAY 2026 TODAY MESSAGE

    Over the past two days, I have discussed the importance of knowing when to hide and when to fight as key secrets to longevity. Today, I will be discussing another secret to longevity: knowing the times to run.

    When you go through the Scriptures carefully, you will understand that part of the identity of God’s children is that they are wise and strong. For example, 1 John 4:4 says that greater is He that is in us (God) than he that is in the world (the devil), which shows exactly how powerful we are as believers.

    However, when it comes to dealing with sin, especially lust, today’s memory verse says that we are not just to run away, but we are to flee! The anointing doesn’t work on lust, which means that, no matter how strong or anointed you are, the only thing that works is to flee!

    You might be asking yourself, with all the anointing on Daddy G.O. and the great amount of time he has spent with God, does he still flee from lust? The answer is, Yes. In fact, I even flee more now than I used to when I was a younger Christian. This is because I understand that whoever is in a race needs to run faster towards the end so as to win the prize.

    Lust, however, is not the only sin we are to flee from; we must also flee from all kinds of sins. 1 Thessalonians 5:22 says that you should abstain from every appearance of evil.

    This means that the moment something seems evil, you should stay away from it. For instance, if a group of people around you seem to be interested in evil, you should stay away from them.

    Psalm 1:1 says that you are not to walk in the counsel of the ungodly, stand in the way of sinners, or sit in the seat of the scornful. You can greet them and preach to them, but do not befriend them.

    2 Corinthians 6:14-15 says, “Be ye not unequally yoked together with unbelievers: for what fellowship hath righteousness with unrighteousness? and what communion hath light with darkness? And what concord hath Christ with Belial? or what part hath he that believeth with an infidel?”

    Beloved, if you want to succeed in the race God has set before you, you must flee from all sins and have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness.

    KEY POINT

    Flee anything that has an appearance of evil.

    BIBLE IN ONE YEAR

    1 Chronicles 24-26

    Open Heavens HYMN 34: YIELD NOT TO TEMPTATION

    OPEN HEAVENS DEVOTIONAL 6 MAY 2026 COMMENTARY

    Here is the detailed commentary and interpretation for today’s devotional.

    MEMORISE: 2 Timothy 2:22

    “Flee also youthful lusts: but follow righteousness, faith, charity, peace, with them that call on the Lord out of a pure heart.”

    This verse gives two clear commands: what to run from and what to run toward. The first is “flee youthful lusts”—not walk away, not resist, not negotiate, but flee. The second is “follow righteousness, faith, charity, peace”—actively pursue these virtues. The verse also specifies the company to keep: “them that call on the Lord out of a pure heart.” Running from sin is not enough; you must run toward godly people and godly character.

    BIBLE READING: Genesis 39:10-13

    This passage records the climax of Joseph’s temptation in Potiphar’s house. Potiphar’s wife had repeatedly tried to seduce him, day after day. Joseph refused her advances, explaining that it would be a great wickedness against his master and a sin against God. But she persisted. On one particular day, when Joseph went into the house to do his work, she caught him by his garment and said, “Lie with me.” Joseph left his garment in her hand and fled. He did not stay to argue. He did not try to reason with her. He did not trust his anointing to protect him from temptation. He ran. This passage demonstrates that fleeing is not cowardice—it is wisdom, especially when facing sexual temptation.


    The Secret of Knowing When to Run

    In today’s devotional, Pastor E.A. Adeboye continues his series on longevity and finishing well. He has covered two secrets: knowing when to hide and knowing when to fight. Today he reveals the third secret: knowing when to run. While you fight the devil, you must run from sin—especially sexual sin. The anointing does not work on lust. No amount of spiritual power makes you immune. The only strategy that works is flight.

    The Anointing Doesn’t Work on Lust

    The devotional makes a striking statement: “The anointing doesn’t work on lust.”

    This means that no matter how powerful your spiritual gifts, no matter how long you have walked with God, no matter how many miracles you have performed—when lust comes, your anointing will not protect you if you stay in its presence.

    • David was a man after God’s own heart, but he did not flee from Bathsheba, and he fell.
    • Solomon was the wisest man who ever lived, but he did not flee from foreign women, and his heart turned from God.
    • Samson was supernaturally strong, but he did not flee from Delilah, and he lost his eyes, his strength, and eventually his life.

    These were anointed men. But their anointing did not stop the destruction when they lingered instead of fleeing.

    Daddy Adeboye confesses: “You might be asking yourself, with all the anointing on Daddy G.O. and the great amount of time he has spent with God, does he still flee from lust? The answer is, Yes. In fact, I even flee more now than I used to when I was a younger Christian.”

    Why? Because he understands that whoever is in a race needs to run faster toward the end to win the prize. The closer you get to the finish line, the more careful you must be. The enemy saves his best traps for the final stretch.

    Joseph: The Model of Fleeing

    The Bible reading gives us the perfect example of what it means to flee. Joseph was in Potiphar’s house, a place of authority and provision. He was young, handsome, and far from his family. Potiphar’s wife pursued him relentlessly, day after day.

    Joseph did not:

    • Stay to argue with her
    • Try to reason with her about why it was wrong
    • Trust his anointing to protect him
    • Think he was strong enough to resist

    Instead, he ran. He left his garment in her hand and fled. He understood that the only winning move against lust is to remove yourself from its presence.

    His garment was left behind—a small price to pay for his purity. Better to lose a coat than to lose your destiny.

    What Else We Must Flee From

    While the devotional focuses heavily on lust, it also expands the principle to other areas:

    1. Every Appearance of Evil (1 Thessalonians 5:22)
    The moment something seems evil, stay away. Do not test the waters. Do not see how close you can get without sinning. If it looks evil, smells evil, or sounds evil—flee.

    2. Evil Companions (Psalm 1:1)
    The psalmist gives a progression: walk in the counsel of the ungodly, stand in the way of sinners, sit in the seat of the scornful. Each step is deeper into compromise. The wise person avoids the first step entirely.

    Daddy Adeboye advises: “You can greet them and preach to them, but do not befriend them.” You can have contact for the purpose of evangelism, but you cannot have covenant fellowship with those who love evil.

    3. Unequal Yokes (2 Corinthians 6:14-15)
    Do not be bound together with unbelievers. This applies to marriage, business partnerships, and close associations. Light and darkness have no fellowship. Christ and Belial (the devil) have no agreement.

    Why Fleeing Is Not Cowardice

    Some believers think that fleeing is a sign of weakness. They believe that if they are truly spiritual, they should be able to stand in the fire and not burn.

    This is a dangerous deception.

    • When Lot was in Sodom, the angels had to drag him out. They did not tell him to stand and fight.
    • When Jesus taught about temptation, He said, “If your eye offends you, pluck it out.” He was not speaking literally, but He was emphasizing radical amputation from sin.
    • When the Holy Spirit speaks in 2 Timothy 2:22, He does not say “resist lust” or “stand against lust.” He says “flee.”

    Fleeing is not cowardice. It is wisdom. It is obedience. It is the path to longevity.

    How to Flee Effectively

    If you want to finish your race and not fall before the finish line, here is how to practice fleeing:

    1. Recognize Your Weakness
    Stop pretending you are stronger than you are. The most anointed men in Scripture fell when they lingered. You are not more anointed than David, Solomon, or Samson. Admit your vulnerability and flee before the temptation becomes overwhelming.

    2. Cut Off Access
    If certain situations lead you into sin, stop going there. If certain people tempt you, limit your contact. If certain media stirs lust, delete it. Fleeing means removing the opportunity for sin to find you.

    3. Run Toward Something Better
    2 Timothy 2:22 does not only tell you what to flee from—it tells you what to run toward: righteousness, faith, love, peace. And it tells you who to run with: “them that call on the Lord out of a pure heart.”

    You cannot run from sin into a vacuum. You must run into the presence of God and into the company of godly people.

    4. Flee Faster at the End
    Daddy Adeboye’s personal testimony is instructive. He flees more now than when he was younger. As you get closer to the finish line, the enemy works harder to trip you. Run faster. Be more vigilant. Do not let down your guard.

    The Cost of Not Fleeing

    The devotional implies the consequences of staying when you should run:

    • David stayed on his rooftop instead of going to battle, and he fell into adultery and murder.
    • Samson stayed with Delilah, and he lost his strength, his eyes, and his life.
    • Solomon stayed attached to foreign women, and his kingdom was torn apart.

    When you do not flee, you will eventually fall. It is not a matter of if, but when. Temptation resisted repeatedly still wears down resistance. The only guarantee of safety is to run.

    Conclusion: Run for Your Life

    The secret to longevity is knowing when to run. You fight the devil, but you flee from sin. You stand against the enemy, but you run from lust.

    This is not weakness. This is wisdom. This is how you finish your race.

    Joseph ran and became prime minister of Egypt. He lost his coat but gained a destiny. If he had stayed, he would have lost both.

    What will you lose if you stay when you should run? Your marriage? Your ministry? Your testimony? Your life?

    Run. Flee. Get out. And run toward righteousness, faith, love, peace, and the company of pure-hearted believers.

    Pray this:
    “Father, give me the wisdom to know when to run. Forgive me for the times I have lingered in temptation, thinking I was strong enough to resist. I renounce pride and self-confidence. I choose to flee from lust, from evil companions, from every appearance of evil. Help me to run faster as I approach the finish line. Lead me to those who call on You with a pure heart. In Jesus’ name, Amen.”

    Action Steps:

    • Identify your temptation zones: What situations, people, or media consistently lead you toward sin? Write them down.
    • Cut them off: This week, take practical steps to remove or limit access to these temptation zones. Do not negotiate with them.
    • Find pure-hearted companions: Identify believers who genuinely pursue righteousness and spend more time with them.
    • Practice fleeing: The next time you feel the pull of temptation, physically remove yourself from the situation. Do not wait. Do not argue. Run.
    • Run faster as you age: If you have walked with God for many years, do not become complacent. Increase your vigilance. The enemy targets the seasoned saints near the finish line.

    Read RCCG Open Heavens Devotional for Tomorrow

    Download Open Heavens 6 May 2025 Devotional PDF

  • Open Heavens 5 May 2026 Devotional & Commentary

    Open Heavens 5 May 2026 Devotional & Commentary

    The Open Heavens 5 May 2026 devotional for today is SECRETS TO LONGEVITY II.

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

    Open Heaven 5 May 2026 Today Devotional & Commentary

    OPEN HEAVENS 5 MAY 2026 TODAY DEVOTIONAL

    TOPIC: SECRETS TO LONGEVITY II

    MEMORISE

    Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.
    James 4:7

    READ: Ephesians 6:10-17

    10 Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might.
    11 Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil.
    12 For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.
    13 Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.

    14 Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness;
    15 And your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace;
    16 Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked.
    17 And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God:


    RCCG OPEN HEAVENS 5 MAY 2026 TODAY MESSAGE

    Yesterday, I started sharing some secrets to longevity and how believers can stay the course on the path that God has set before them. Today, I will share another secret to longevity: knowing when to fight.

    When you are confronted by the devil, you shouldn’t run or hide; rather, you must stand and fight. The devil is not a gentle spirit; he tries to cheat his victims out of their rights, steal from them, kill them, and destroy them (John 10:10).

    Therefore, every time he raises his ugly head, you must resist him immediately and put him in his place with the sword of the Spirit (the word of God).

    Many people think that they can cohabit with the devil and enter into agreements with him. For instance, they might have a family tradition of making certain sacrifices to deities for protection, and they think that by keeping the traditions alive, the devil will leave them alone.

    However, this never works because the devil is a great deceiver; he is a big liar, and he is the father of lies (John 8:44). He is not someone to make deals with, which is why today’s memory verse says that you should resist him so that he will flee from you. You should not partner with him or shake hands with him.

    Today’s Bible reading says that believers wrestle against principalities, powers, the rulers of darkness of this world, and against spiritual wickedness in high places. It also says that believers must put on the whole armour of God, but you will notice that there is no piece of armour to protect our backs. This means that the moment a believer turns his or her back on the devil, he will attack the believer. Therefore, you should never turn your back to run away from him.

    For instance, if you perceive that the devil is trying to attack your marriage, simply calling a family meeting will not suffice because the Bible says in 2 Corinthians 10:3-4 that the weapons we have been given for warfare are not physical. Rather, you must send the devil packing out of your home by going against him with the sword of the Spirit (the word of God).

    Likewise, if you observe that some strange things are happening in the ministry that God has placed in your hands or that the devil is trying to attack your job or business, get up and fight! Never turn your back on the devil; he does not play fair.

    KEY POINT

    Your response to the devil should never be to run and hide; rather, you must stand and fight.

    BIBLE IN ONE YEAR

    1 Chronicles 20-23

    Open Heavens HYMN 12: ONWARD CHRISTIAN SOLDIERS

    OPEN HEAVENS DEVOTIONAL 5 MAY 2026 COMMENTARY

    Here is the detailed commentary and interpretation for today’s devotional.

    MEMORISE: James 4:7

    “Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.”

    This verse presents a two-part strategy for spiritual victory. The first part—submitting to God—is the foundation. Without submission to God, resistance to the devil is futile. But with submission to God, resistance becomes effective. The promise is not that the devil might flee or could flee—he will flee. Your resistance backed by divine authority guarantees his retreat.

    BIBLE READING: Ephesians 6:10-17

    This passage is Paul’s famous description of the armor of God. He commands believers to be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might, not in their own strength. The enemy is not flesh and blood but principalities, powers, rulers of darkness, and spiritual wickedness in high places. The armor includes the belt of truth, breastplate of righteousness, shoes of the gospel of peace, shield of faith, helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit (the word of God). Notably, there is no piece of armor to protect the back. This detail is significant: God’s design for spiritual warfare assumes you are facing the enemy, not running from him. When you turn your back, you are vulnerable.


    When to Fight: Facing the Devil Without Fear

    In today’s devotional, Pastor E.A. Adeboye (Daddy Adeboye) continues his series on longevity and finishing well. Yesterday he taught about knowing when to hide. Today he gives the second secret: knowing when to fight. While hiding is appropriate when facing pressure to speak prematurely or conflicts with brethren, fighting is required when confronting the devil. You cannot hide from him. You cannot negotiate with him. You must stand and fight.

    The Devil Is Not a Gentle Spirit

    The devotional begins with a sobering reminder of who the devil is. Jesus described him clearly in John 10:10: “The thief cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy.”

    • He steals your peace, your joy, your blessings, your destiny.
    • He kills your dreams, your relationships, your influence.
    • He destroys your testimony, your family, your future.

    This is not a spirit you can coexist with. This is not an adversary you can negotiate with. He does not play fair. He does not keep agreements. He is a deceiver, a liar, and the father of lies (John 8:44).

    Therefore, when he raises his ugly head, you must resist him immediately.

    The Futility of Making Deals with the Devil

    The devotional addresses a dangerous misconception. Some people think they can cohabit with the devil by maintaining family traditions of sacrifices or keeping certain rituals alive. They believe that if they appease him, he will leave them alone.

    This never works.

    The devil is not a business partner. He is not a landlord you pay rent to for protection. He is a predator. Every “deal” you make with him only gives him more ground in your life. He will take everything you have and still destroy you in the end.

    James 4:7 is the only valid strategy: submit to God, resist the devil, and he will flee. Not negotiate. Not appease. Not cohabit. Resist.

    The Armor That Has No Back

    The devotional draws a powerful observation from Ephesians 6. The armor of God covers every part of the believer—except the back.

    • The helmet protects the head.
    • The breastplate protects the chest.
    • The belt secures the waist.
    • The shoes protect the feet.
    • The shield covers the front.
    • The sword is in your hand.

    But there is no piece of armor for your back.

    Why? Because God never designed you to turn your back on the enemy. When you face him, you are protected. When you run from him, you are exposed. The moment you turn to flee, you give him a target.

    This means: You cannot run from the devil and expect to be safe. You cannot hide from him and hope he goes away. You must stand your ground, face him, and fight.

    How to Fight Spiritual Battles

    The devotional gives practical examples of what this looks like:

    In Your Marriage:
    If you perceive the devil attacking your marriage, calling a family meeting or trying to reason with your spouse in the flesh will not suffice. The battle is spiritual. You must use spiritual weapons. Get on your knees. Pick up the sword of the Spirit. Speak God’s word over your home. Command the enemy to leave. Send him packing in Jesus’ name.

    In Your Ministry:
    If strange things are happening in the work God has given you, don’t just reorganize or consult experts. Fight. Resist the devil. Use the word of God to tear down strongholds. Bind the spirits that are opposing you.

    In Your Job or Business:
    If the enemy is attacking your livelihood—causing unexplained losses, conflicts with colleagues, or closed doors—don’t just complain or change jobs. Fight. Stand on God’s promises for provision and favor. Resist the devil’s schemes.

    The Weapons Are Not Physical

    The devotional quotes 2 Corinthians 10:3-4: “For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war after the flesh: for the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strongholds.”

    This means:

    • Yelling at your spouse is not spiritual warfare.
    • Quitting your job is not spiritual warfare.
    • Fighting with your colleagues is not spiritual warfare.
    • Changing churches is not spiritual warfare.

    Spiritual warfare happens in the realm of prayer, the word of God, and faith. Your weapons are:

    • The sword of the Spirit—the spoken word of God
    • The shield of faith—trusting God’s promises against the enemy’s lies
    • Prayer—direct communication with the Commander of heaven’s armies

    When to Hide vs. When to Fight

    The devotional makes a critical distinction that many believers miss:

    SituationResponse
    Pressure to speak without God’s directionHide
    Conflict with brethrenHide (don’t engage)
    Attack from the devilFight
    Enemy trying to steal, kill, destroyFight

    You do not fight your brother or sister in Christ. You love them, forgive them, and if necessary, hide from them to preserve peace. But you do not hide from the devil. You do not run from him. You face him and resist him.

    What Happens When You Fight

    When you resist the devil in submission to God, several things happen:

    1. He Flees
    James 4:7 promises that he will flee. Not walk away slowly. Not negotiate terms. Flee—in terror, in panic, in retreat. Your resistance backed by God’s authority sends him running.

    2. You Regain What Was Stolen
    When you fight, you don’t just defend—you recover. The devil is a thief, and resistance backed by God’s word forces him to release what he has taken.

    3. Your Faith Strengthens
    Every battle you win builds your confidence for the next one. You learn that the same God who delivered you yesterday will deliver you today.

    4. You Finish Your Race
    The secret to longevity is not avoiding all conflict—it is fighting the right battles. When you resist the devil consistently, you stay on course and finish well.

    The Example of Jesus

    Jesus faced the devil directly in the wilderness (Matthew 4:1-11). He did not negotiate. He did not hide. He did not run. He responded to every temptation with the word of God: “It is written.”

    The devil fled. Angels came and ministered to Him.

    This is your model. When the enemy comes with temptation, accusation, or intimidation, do not argue with him. Do not reason with him. Do not fear him. Simply take up the sword of the Spirit and say, “It is written.”

    Conclusion: Stand and Fight

    Daddy Adeboye’s message is clear: you cannot finish your race if you run from every battle. The devil will pursue you relentlessly. He will attack your marriage, your children, your finances, your ministry, your health. If you turn your back, he will strike.

    But if you face him—armed with the word of God, clothed in the armor of God, submitted to the authority of God—he will flee. Not because you are strong, but because the One in you is stronger than the one in the world (1 John 4:4).

    Do not turn your back. Do not run. Do not negotiate. Stand. Fight. Resist. And watch the enemy flee.

    Pray this:
    “Father, I submit myself completely to You. I take my stand against the devil. I resist him in the name of Jesus. I put on the whole armor of God—truth, righteousness, the gospel of peace, faith, salvation, and the sword of the Spirit. I will not turn my back on the enemy. I will not negotiate with him. I will fight every battle according to Your word. Thank You that he must flee when I resist him. In Jesus’ name, Amen.”

    Action Steps:

    • Identify the attack: What area of your life is the devil currently attacking—your marriage, health, finances, ministry, or mind? Name it specifically.
    • Stop negotiating: Have you been trying to make deals with the enemy through compromise, fear, or tradition? Renounce it today.
    • Put on the armor daily: Every morning, pray through the armor of God from Ephesians 6. Consciously clothe yourself for battle.
    • Use your sword: Find a scripture that directly addresses your current battle. Memorize it. Speak it aloud every time the enemy attacks.
    • Fight, don’t flee: This week, when the enemy brings fear or temptation, refuse to run. Stand your ground. Resist him with the word of God. Watch what happens.

    Read RCCG Open Heavens Devotional for Tomorrow

    Download Open Heavens 5 May 2026 Devotional PDF

  • Open Heavens 4 May 2026 Devotional & Commentary

    Open Heavens 4 May 2026 Devotional & Commentary

    The Open Heavens 4 May 2026 devotional for today is SECRETS TO LONGEVITY I.

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

    Open Heaven 4 May 2026 Devotional & Commentary

    OPEN HEAVENS 4 MAY 2026 TODAY DEVOTIONAL

    TOPIC: SECRETS TO LONGEVITY I

    MEMORISE

    A time to rend, and a time to sew; a time to keep silence, and a time to speak;
    Ecclesiastes 3:7

    BIBLE TEXT: Ecclesiastes 3:1-8

    1 To every thing there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven:
    2 A time to be born, and a time to die; a time to plant, and a time to pluck up that which is planted;
    3 A time to kill, and a time to heal; a time to break down, and a time to build up;
    4 A time to weep, and a time to laugh; a time to mourn, and a time to dance;
    5 A time to cast away stones, and a time to gather stones together; a time to embrace, and a time to refrain from embracing;

    6 A time to get, and a time to lose; a time to keep, and a time to cast away;
    7 A time to rend, and a time to sew; a time to keep silence, and a time to speak;
    8 A time to love, and a time to hate; a time of war, and a time of peace.


    RCCG OPEN HEAVENS 4 MAY 2026 TODAY MESSAGE

    I am 84 years old, I have been born again for 53 years, and by God’s grace, I have been the General Overseer of RCCG for 45 years. To the glory of God, I am still working tirelessly for my Daddy even at my age. I have remained a strong Christian, and the church has continued to grow by God’s grace.

    Over the next few days, I will share some secrets about longevity with you and tell you how to remain on God’s path for your life without going astray.

    The first secret to longevity is knowing when to hide, when to fight, and when to run. Many Christians think that because they are in Christ, they never have to hide; after all, the One with all power is backing them up. This is why many believers have not stayed on the path that God has set before them and have ended their race prematurely. In 1 Kings 17:1, after Elijah told the king that there would be no rain until he commands it, it was God Himself who told him to go and hide.

    There will always be a time to hide if you are going to last long. Elijah had proclaimed himself as the only one who could bring the rain back, so naturally, I believe that there would have been a lot of pressure on him to command the rain to return. Therefore, rather than facing that pressure, he had to go into hiding.

    Whenever you notice that there will be pressure on you to say certain things or take some actions prematurely or without specific instruction from God, you should go into hiding. For instance, no matter how pressured I feel to speak before elections in Nigeria or when something significant happens, I always keep silent if God has not yet spoken. This is why people still want to hear what I have to say after all these years, because they know that it will be from God.

    Another time to hide is when brethren try to fight you. God never supports Christians fighting each other; rather, we are to love one another, which is what differentiates us from unbelievers (John 13:34-35). Therefore, to ensure that you do not get into fights with brethren who are trying to pick fights with you, don’t respond to them; rather, go into hiding. May God give you the wisdom to hide yourself when required so that you can stay the course and fulfil His perfect will for your life.

    PRAYER POINT

    Father, please give me the wisdom to know when to hide.

    BIBLE IN ONE YEAR

    1 Chronicles 17-19

    Open Heavens HYMN 19: ROCK OF AGES CLEFT FOR ME

    OPEN HEAVENS DEVOTIONAL 4 MAY 2026 COMMENTARY

    MEMORISE: Ecclesiastes 3:7

    “A time to rend, and a time to sew; a time to keep silence, and a time to speak.”

    This verse is part of one of the most famous passages in Scripture, listing the seasons of human life. The specific phrase “a time to keep silence, and a time to speak” reveals that wisdom is not just about knowing what to say—it is about knowing when to say it and, equally important, when to say nothing. Silence is not always weakness; sometimes it is strategic. Speaking is not always courage; sometimes it is foolishness. The wise person discerns the season and acts accordingly.

    BIBLE READING: Ecclesiastes 3:1-8

    This passage is a poetic masterpiece that declares there is an appointed time for every activity under heaven. It lists fourteen pairs of opposites: birth and death, planting and uprooting, killing and healing, breaking down and building up, weeping and laughing, mourning and dancing, casting away stones and gathering stones, embracing and refraining from embracing, seeking and losing, keeping and casting away, rending and sewing, keeping silence and speaking, loving and hating, war and peace. This passage teaches that life is not a straight line but a series of seasons, and success depends on discerning which season you are in and responding appropriately.


    The Wisdom of Knowing When to Hide

    In today’s devotional, Pastor E.A. Adeboye begins a new series on longevity—how to stay on God’s path for your life and finish well. At 84 years old, with 53 years as a born-again Christian and 45 years as General Overseer of RCCG, he speaks from experience. The first secret he shares is counterintuitive to many believers: knowing when to hide, when to fight, and when to run.

    The Misunderstanding of Many Christians

    The devotional identifies a common error among believers. Many think that because they are in Christ and have the Almighty backing them, they never need to hide. They believe that facing every battle head-on is a sign of faith. They think that retreat is always cowardice.

    This mindset has caused many to end their race prematurely.

    Daddy Adeboye points to Elijah as an example. After Elijah boldly declared to King Ahab that there would be no rain except at his word, God Himself told him to go and hide (1 Kings 17:1-3). God did not say, “Stand your ground and fight.” He said, “Hide yourself.”

    If anyone had a right to stand and fight, it was Elijah. He had just delivered a powerful prophetic word. He had the authority of heaven behind him. But God knew something Elijah might not have understood: there was a time to speak, and now there was a time to hide.

    When to Hide

    The devotional gives two specific situations where hiding is the wise response:

    1. When There Is Pressure to Speak Prematurely
    After Elijah declared the drought, there would have been tremendous pressure on him to command the rain to return. People would have demanded action. His own reputation would have tempted him to act. But God told him to hide.

    Daddy Adeboye applies this to his own life: “No matter how pressured I feel to speak before elections in Nigeria or when something significant happens, I always keep silent if God has not yet spoken.”

    This is why people still want to hear what he has to say after all these years—because they know it will be from God, not from pressure or emotion. He has preserved his voice by knowing when to keep silent.

    If you speak every time you are pressured, you will eventually say something you regret or something that is not from God. Your words will lose their weight. People will stop listening because they will realize your speech comes from pressure, not from divine direction.

    2. When Brethren Try to Fight You
    The second reason to hide is when fellow believers try to pick a fight with you. The devotional states plainly: God never supports Christians fighting each other. Jesus said the mark of His disciples is love for one another (John 13:34-35). When believers fight, they look like the world.

    The wisdom response to a brother or sister who wants to fight is not to engage—it is to hide. Don’t respond. Don’t retaliate. Don’t defend yourself aggressively. Step back. Go into hiding. Let the storm pass.

    This does not mean cowardice. It means wisdom. A fight takes two people. If you refuse to participate, there is no fight. Your “hiding” preserves your energy for the battles God actually wants you to fight.

    When to Fight and When to Run

    The devotional mentions three actions: hide, fight, and run. While today focuses on hiding, the implication is that there are times for the other responses as well.

    • Hide when there is pressure to speak without God’s direction or when brethren try to engage you in conflict.
    • Fight when God specifically commands you to stand and when the battle is for His glory, not your ego.
    • Run when the enemy has overwhelming advantage and God permits retreat. (Jesus told His disciples, “When they persecute you in this city, flee to another”—Matthew 10:23.)

    The key is discernment. Knowing which response is required in which season.

    The Danger of Always Fighting

    Many Christians live in a constant state of battle mode. They fight every criticism. They fight every disagreement. They fight every offense. They are exhausted, wounded, and often alone.

    This is not God’s will. Ecclesiastes 3 says there is a time for war and a time for peace. If you fight when you should hide, you will waste your strength on battles that do not matter. You will alienate people God wants you to love. You may even disqualify yourself from finishing your race.

    The Example of Jesus

    Jesus Himself demonstrated this principle. At times, He confronted His enemies boldly. He overturned tables in the temple. He called the Pharisees whitewashed tombs. He did not hide from every conflict.

    But at other times, He withdrew. When crowds wanted to make Him king by force, He departed to a mountain alone (John 6:15). When His time had not yet come, He walked away from those who tried to seize Him (John 7:30). Even on the night of His arrest, He told Peter to put away his sword because this was not the time to fight (Matthew 26:52).

    Jesus knew when to speak and when to keep silent. He knew when to confront and when to withdraw. That wisdom kept Him on the path to the cross.

    How to Know When to Hide

    Discerning the right time requires spiritual sensitivity. Here are some guidelines:

    1. Check Your Motives
    Are you feeling pressure to speak because of pride, fear of man, or impatience? If so, hide. Wait for God’s timing.

    2. Check the Source of the Conflict
    Is the person fighting you a brother or sister in Christ? If so, hide. Don’t engage. Love covers a multitude of sins.

    3. Seek God’s Specific Direction
    Elijah did not decide to hide on his own. God told him. Before you decide whether to fight, flee, or hide, ask God. He will show you the season you are in.

    4. Consider Your Longevity
    Will this battle matter in ten years? Will this argument be remembered in twenty? If not, hide. Preserve your strength for what truly matters.

    The Blessing of Hiding

    When you hide at the right time, several things happen:

    • You preserve your reputation: People who speak too much eventually say something foolish. Those who know when to be silent are respected.
    • You conserve your energy: Fighting every battle is exhausting. Hiding allows you to rest and recover.
    • You allow God to fight for you: When you hide from brethren who attack you, you give God room to defend you. He is much better at it than you are.
    • You stay on the path: Many have derailed because they responded to pressure or provocation instead of hiding. Wisdom keeps you on course.

    Conclusion: Hide to Finish Well

    Daddy Adeboye has lasted 45 years as General Overseer and 53 years as a Christian because he learned this secret. He knows when to keep silent. He knows when to withdraw. He knows that not every pressure requires a response and not every attack requires a counterattack.

    If you want to finish your race, you must learn the same lesson. There is a time to speak and a time to keep silence. There is a time to fight and a time to hide. Ask God for the wisdom to know which season you are in.

    Pray this:
    “Father, give me the wisdom to know when to hide, when to fight, and when to run. Forgive me for the times I have spoken when I should have kept silent and fought when I should have withdrawn. Help me to discern the seasons of my life. Preserve me from ending my race prematurely. Let me finish well, like Elijah, like Jesus, like Your faithful servants throughout the ages. In Jesus’ name, Amen.”

    Action Steps:

    • Identify current pressures: What situations are pressuring you to speak or act right now? Before you respond, ask God: Is this a time to speak or a time to hide?
    • Evaluate your conflicts: Are you currently in a conflict with another believer? If so, consider whether hiding (stepping back, not responding) might be the wiser path.
    • Practice strategic silence: This week, deliberately choose to remain silent in one situation where you would normally speak. Watch what God does.
    • Learn from Elijah: Read 1 Kings 17-19 and observe how Elijah knew when to hide, when to confront, and when to run. Let his example guide you.

    Read RCCG Open Heavens Devotional for Tomorrow

    Download Open Heavens 4 May 2026 Devotional PDF

  • Open Heavens 3 May 2026 Devotional & Commentary

    Open Heavens 3 May 2026 Devotional & Commentary

    The Open Heavens 3 May 2026 devotional for today is WHAT DO YOU WANT FROM GOD TODAY?

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

    Open Heaven 3 May 2026 Devotional & Commentary

    OPEN HEAVENS 3 MAY 2026 TODAY DEVOTIONAL

    TOPIC: WHAT DO YOU WANT FROM GOD TODAY?

    MEMORISE

    I call heaven and earth to record this day against you, that I have set before you life and death, blessing and cursing: therefore choose life, that both thou and thy seed may live:
    Deuteronomy 30:19

    BIBLE TEXT: John 5:1-14

    1 After this there was a feast of the Jews; and Jesus went up to Jerusalem.
    2 Now there is at Jerusalem by the sheep market a pool, which is called in the Hebrew tongue Bethesda, having five porches.
    3 In these lay a great multitude of impotent folk, of blind, halt, withered, waiting for the moving of the water.
    4 For an angel went down at a certain season into the pool, and troubled the water: whosoever then first after the troubling of the water stepped in was made whole of whatsoever disease he had.
    5 And a certain man was there, which had an infirmity thirty and eight years.

    6 When Jesus saw him lie, and knew that he had been now a long time in that case, he saith unto him, Wilt thou be made whole?
    7 The impotent man answered him, Sir, I have no man, when the water is troubled, to put me into the pool: but while I am coming, another steppeth down before me.
    8 Jesus saith unto him, Rise, take up thy bed, and walk.
    9 And immediately the man was made whole, and took up his bed, and walked: and on the same day was the sabbath.
    10 The Jews therefore said unto him that was cured, It is the sabbath day: it is not lawful for thee to carry thy bed.
    11 He answered them, He that made me whole, the same said unto me, Take up thy bed, and walk.
    12 Then asked they him, What man is that which said unto thee, Take up thy bed, and walk?
    13 And he that was healed wist not who it was: for Jesus had conveyed himself away, a multitude being in that place.
    14 Afterward Jesus findeth him in the temple, and said unto him, Behold, thou art made whole: sin no more, lest a worse thing come unto thee.


    RCCG OPEN HEAVENS 3 MAY 2026 TODAY MESSAGE

    Some people are so comfortable with their problems that they reject every form of help that comes their way. For example, one would have thought that Jesus would have immediately commanded the man who had been sick for 38 years in today’s Bible reading to rise from his sickbed. However, the first thing Jesus asked him was, “Do you want to be made whole?” Jesus didn’t assume that the man wanted to be healed; He first asked him if he wanted to be healed before healing him.

    And Jesus stood, and commanded him to be brought unto him: and when he was come near, he asked him, Saying, What wilt thou that I shall do unto thee? And he said, Lord, that I may receive my sight.
    Luke 18:40-41

    In the Scripture above, Jesus heard a blind man crying out to Him for help. When He asked that the man be brought before Him, He didn’t assume that he needed healing, even though he was obviously blind. He proceeded to ask him, “What do you want me to do for you?”

    There was once a woman who was sick, and we prayed earnestly for her to get well. When she didn’t get any better, we were surprised because we know that our God is the Great Physician.

    Therefore, we turned to Him and asked, “Father, what’s wrong? Is there anything we should be doing that we are not?” Then, He replied, “You are praying for healing for this woman, but have you asked her if she wants to be healed?” I thought to myself, “Of course, every sick fellow wants to be well,” but the Lord insisted that I ask her if she truly wanted to be healed.

    I did, and she responded, “No!” Surprised, I asked her why, and she replied, “When I was well, my husband always returned late from work. He would go from his workplace to a club. Since I became sick, he comes straight home to me as soon as he leaves his workplace. So, I don’t want to be well!”

    Beloved, God has set before you life and death, blessing and curses, prosperity and poverty, freedom and bondage; however, He will not force His gift of healing, life, or salvation on anyone. If you are dealing with sickness, poverty, or any other negative situation in your life, cry out to God today if you indeed want a miracle from Him. He will heed your cry and meet you at the point of your needs.

    ACTION POINT

    Call on God today in the name of Jesus, and be specific about what you want him to do for

    BIBLE IN ONE YEAR

    1 Chronicles 13-16

    Open Heavens HYMN 25: THE GREAT PHYSICIAN NOW IS NEAR

    OPEN HEAVENS DEVOTIONAL 3 MAY 2026 COMMENTARY

    MEMORISE: Deuteronomy 30:19

    “I call heaven and earth to record this day against you, that I have set before you life and death, blessing and cursing: therefore choose life, that both thou and thy seed may live.”

    This verse reveals the divine principle of choice. God presents options—life or death, blessing or curse—but He will not force either outcome on you. The decision belongs to you. Heaven and earth serve as witnesses, not judges. God’s part is to offer; your part is to choose. The promise is that when you choose life, you and your descendants will experience its benefits.

    BIBLE READING: John 5:1-14

    This passage records the healing of the man at the Pool of Bethesda, a site surrounded by five porches where a multitude of sick people lay—blind, lame, paralyzed. They waited for the stirring of the water, believing the first to enter after the angel’s visit would be healed. Jesus saw a man who had been sick for thirty-eight years. Instead of immediately commanding healing, Jesus asked a surprising question: “Wilt thou be made whole?” The man answered with an excuse about having no one to help him into the pool. Jesus then commanded him to rise, take up his bed, and walk. The man was healed instantly. Later, Jesus found him in the temple and warned him to sin no more lest a worse thing come upon him. This passage demonstrates that God does not assume your desire for change—He asks for your choice and your willingness.


    The Shocking Truth: Not Everyone Wants to Be Healed

    In today’s devotional, Pastor E.A. Adeboye reveals a surprising spiritual principle: God will not force His help on anyone, no matter how desperate their situation appears. Before He moves, He often asks for your consent. The reason is simple: some people have grown comfortable with their problems, and healing would disrupt the strange comfort they have built around their pain.

    Jesus Asked Before He Healed

    The devotional points out a pattern in the ministry of Jesus that is easy to overlook. At the Pool of Bethesda, Jesus did not assume the sick man wanted healing. Even though the man had been suffering for thirty-eight years, even though he lay among other desperate people, even though his condition was obvious—Jesus asked: “Wilt thou be made whole?”

    Similarly, when the blind man cried out for mercy, Jesus had him brought near and asked: “What wilt thou that I shall do unto thee?” The answer was obvious—the man was blind. But Jesus still asked. He respects human will. He does not bulldoze over your choice.

    Why does God ask? Because healing, deliverance, salvation, and blessing are gifts, not impositions. A gift must be received. If you reject it, even God will not force it into your hands.

    The Woman Who Preferred Sickness

    The devotional shares a startling testimony that illustrates this truth in the most unexpected way. A woman was sick, and the church prayed earnestly for her healing. When she did not improve, they turned to God and asked, “Father, what’s wrong? Is there anything we should be doing that we are not?”

    God’s answer shocked them: “You are praying for healing for this woman, but have you asked her if she wants to be healed?”

    At first, Daddy Adeboye thought this was unnecessary. Surely every sick person wants to be well. But God insisted. When he asked the woman directly, her answer was clear: “No!”

    He asked why. Her explanation revealed the hidden motive: “When I was well, my husband always returned late from work. He would go from his workplace to a club. Since I became sick, he comes straight home to me as soon as he leaves his workplace. So, I don’t want to be well!”

    Think about this carefully. This woman had discovered that her sickness gave her something her health could not: her husband’s attention. The illness had become a tool for controlling her marriage. Healing would mean losing that control. So she chose sickness over health, bondage over freedom.

    This is the uncomfortable truth the devotional presents. Not everyone wants to be free. Some people have learned to benefit from their problems. Some use sickness to manipulate others. Some use poverty to avoid responsibility. Some use brokenness to gain sympathy. And God, who respects your will, will not force deliverance on someone who has chosen their chains.

    The Choice Is Yours

    The memory verse from Deuteronomy is the foundation of this message. God says plainly: “I have set before you life and death, blessing and cursing: therefore choose life.”

    Notice the structure:

    • God sets the options before you.
    • God does not choose for you.
    • God urges you to choose correctly.
    • But the choice remains yours.

    This applies to every area of your spiritual life:

    • Salvation: God offers eternal life, but you must choose to receive Christ.
    • Healing: God offers physical wholeness, but you must choose to accept it.
    • Deliverance: God offers freedom from bondage, but you must choose to let go of your chains.
    • Blessing: God offers prosperity and peace, but you must choose to walk in His ways.

    Why People Reject Help

    The devotional identifies several reasons why people might reject the very help they claim to want:

    1. Secondary Gain
    Like the woman who gained her husband’s attention through sickness, some problems provide hidden benefits. The sickness gives sympathy. The poverty gives charity. The brokenness gives control. Until you are willing to give up the “benefits” of your problem, you will not fully embrace your deliverance.

    2. Comfort with Familiar Pain
    Thirty-eight years is a long time. The man at Bethesda had grown accustomed to his condition. He knew how to survive as a beggar. Healing would mean learning to walk, to work, to take responsibility. Sometimes the unknown freedom is more frightening than the familiar bondage.

    3. Fear of What Comes Next
    If God heals you, what will you do? If God promotes you, can you handle the pressure? If God gives you the spouse, the business, the ministry—are you ready? Some people reject God’s help because they are afraid of the responsibility that comes with it.

    4. Hidden Sin
    The devotional does not dwell on this, but Jesus warned the healed man: “Sin no more, lest a worse thing come unto thee.” Some sickness is connected to unrepentant sin. The healing requires repentance. If you are not willing to turn from the sin, you may not be willing to receive the healing.

    How to Position Yourself for God’s Help

    If you genuinely want God’s help, here is what you must do:

    1. Be Honest About Your Desire
    Stop pretending. Ask yourself: Do I really want to be free? Or do I benefit from my problem? If there is hidden gain, confess it to God. Renounce it. Choose freedom over the false comfort of your chains.

    2. Cry Out Specifically
    The blind man knew what he wanted: “Lord, that I may receive my sight.” He didn’t say, “Bless me.” He didn’t say, “Have mercy.” He named his need. When God asks what you want, tell Him. Be specific.

    3. Let Go of Your Excuses
    The man at Bethesda had an excuse: “I have no one to put me into the pool.” He had been using that excuse for thirty-eight years. Jesus ignored it. Your excuses may be valid, but they will not bring your miracle. Stop explaining why you can’t be healed and start receiving the command to rise.

    4. Choose Life Every Day
    Deuteronomy 30:19 is not a one-time decision. Every morning, you wake up and choose life or death, blessing or cursing. Choose to obey God. Choose to reject bitterness. Choose to forgive. Choose to step out in faith. Your daily choices accumulate into your destiny.

    Conclusion: God Is Waiting for Your Answer

    Jesus stood before the sick man and asked, “Do you want to be made whole?” He stands before you today with the same question. He will not force healing on you. He will not drag you into freedom. He respects your will enough to let you choose your chains.

    But if you say yes—if you truly want to be made whole—He has the power to make it happen. The same voice that commanded the sick man to rise can command your situation to change. The same hand that restored the blind man’s sight can restore your broken life.

    The question is not whether God can help you. The question is: Do you want Him to?

    Pray this:
    “Father, I come before You honestly. Search my heart. Show me any hidden reason why I have not wanted to be free. I renounce every secret benefit I have gained from my sickness, my poverty, my brokenness. Today, I choose life. I choose healing. I choose freedom. I cry out to You specifically for my need. Do not pass me by. Heal me, deliver me, restore me. In Jesus’ name, Amen.”

    Action Steps:

    • Ask yourself the hard question: In what area of your life might you actually prefer your problem to the solution? Be brutally honest.
    • Identify hidden gains: Write down any benefits you receive from your negative situation—attention, control, sympathy, avoidance of responsibility.
    • Renounce them in prayer: Confess to God that you have been clinging to these false benefits. Choose to release them.
    • Cry out specifically: Stop praying vague prayers. Name your exact need before God and ask Him to meet it.
    • Stop making excuses: Identify the “no one to put me in the pool” excuse you have been using. Decide today to stop repeating it.

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