RCCG Open Heaven Devotion 2012 – Pastor E. A. Adeboye (ISBN: 978-36079-4-4)
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(Previously available online @: http://www.rccgna.org/Resources/BibleStudy/Devotionals.aspx)

Bible in one year: Psalms 133-137

Memorise: Deliver the poor and needy: rid them out of the hand of the wicked. Psalms 82:4

Read: Psalms 82:2-4

It is important to assist the poor because when you do, you will receive what money cannot buy. Proverbs 14:21 says there is joy awaiting those who help the poor. That means, as you sow happiness into their lives, you will reap joy. The poor and needy are good grounds to sow. Money cannot buy joy. The best money can bring is temporary happiness. The devil exploits men’s need of joy by offering them alcohol so that when they drink, they will have a little euphoria of happiness. Why do you think people smoke Indian hemp and what kind of people engage in such behaviour? Those who are sad and frustrated engage in it to have a taste of happiness; so also are drug addicts. Why don’t Christians drink alcoholic beverage? It is because they have the joy of the Lord, which is original and is always present.

Sometime ago, while travelling to Kwara State (Middle Belt Nigeria), I saw a young boy weeping by the road side. So I asked the driver to stop so that I can ask what was amiss. He told me he had lost 50 kobo and his mother would “kill” him if she heard of it. I gave him the money he lost and immediately, you could see the joy on his face. He was so carried away that he bolted without even saying a “Thank you”. All the same, throughout that day, I was very happy with myself because I was a channel of blessing to a child. Do you know you can generate joy in your heart by putting smiles on the faces of the hungry? I know you can reach out to someone today and let his or her soul bless you. Visit those in prisons and preach Jesus to them. Visit those in the hospitals and show them some love. Give to the needy. Pray for your leaders. Encourage the distressed, hurting and discouraged. However, prosperity is not only in monetary terms. If you have money but lack good health, you are poor. If you have money but lack joy, you are poor. This is why those who are truly prosperous are those who have Jesus Christ because they have peace, joy and hope for tomorrow. They are secure because they know God will take care of them. Are you a child of God?

Look out for five people you can put joy into their lives and families.

Go ahead and do so.