OPEN HEAVENS DAILY DEVOTIONAL

DATE: MONDAY MAY 4TH 2026

TOPIC: SECRETS TO LONGEVITY 1

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

BIBLE READING: ECCLESIASTES 3:1-8 (KJV)

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.

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.

AUTHOR PASTOR E A ADEBOYE

BIBLE IN ONE YEAR: 1 CHRONICLES 17-19

HYMNAL: 19 ROCK OF AGES, CLEFT FOR ME

1 Rock of Ages, cleft for me,
let me hide myself in thee;
let the water and the blood,
from thy wounded side which flowed,
be of sin the double cure;
save from wrath and make me pure.

2 Not the labors of my hands
can fulfill thy law's demands;
could my zeal no respite know,
could my tears forever flow,
all for sin could not atone;
thou must save, and thou alone.

3 Nothing in my hand I bring,
simply to the cross I cling;
naked, come to thee for dress;
helpless, look to thee for grace;
foul, I to the fountain fly;
wash me, Savior, or I die.

4 While I draw this fleeting breath,
when mine eyes shall close in death,
when I soar to worlds unknown,
see thee on thy judgment throne,
Rock of Ages, cleft for me,
let me hide myself in thee.

Hi! Check out today's Open Heavens Devotional - https://eopenheavens.com

Mark chapter 7 tells the story of a Gentile woman who came to Jesus seeking help for her daughter who was possessed by an unclean spirit. This woman was not part of the Jewish community, yet she approached Jesus with humility and determination because she believed He had the power to heal her child.
At first Jesus responded with a statement that reflected the order of His ministry, which was primarily directed to the people of Israel. But the woman responded with remarkable humility and faith. She acknowledged His words and still expressed confidence that even a small portion of His mercy would be enough to help her daughter.
Her response revealed a heart that truly believed in the authority and compassion of Christ. Jesus recognized the sincerity of her faith and told her to go home because her daughter had been healed.
This moment demonstrates that genuine faith is not limited by background, culture, or status. What mattered most was her trust in the power and mercy of Jesus. Her persistence and humility opened the door for a miracle.
For believers today this passage reminds us that God honors faith that approaches Him with humility and trust. Even when circumstances feel difficult or uncertain, faith continues to seek Christ and rely on His grace. God’s mercy reaches beyond barriers and responds to those who come to Him believing.
Reflection Questions
1. Do I approach God with the same humility and persistence as this woman?
2. How can faith help me continue trusting God during difficult situations?
3. What need should I bring before God with confidence today?
Prayer
Lord Jesus, thank You for Your compassion and mercy. Help me to approach You with humility and faith in every circumstance. Strengthen my trust in Your power and remind me that Your grace is greater than any challenge I face. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Practical Application
Bring your needs to God in prayer with humility and confidence
Continue trusting God even when answers do not come immediately
Encourage others to place their faith in Christ
Takeaway Thought
Persistent faith trusts that even the smallest touch of God’s grace is enough to change everything.
*DAILY DEVOTION*

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Morning Prayer
Holy Father,
You created us for Your glory and redeemed us through Jesus Christ so that our lives may reflect Your goodness.

Help us live today with that purpose in mind.

Guard our hearts from pride and selfish ambition. Teach us to serve others with humility.

Bless the Lordsbook Members Feed today so that it encourages believers to glorify Christ in every aspect of life.

Holy Spirit, guide our thoughts and actions so that everything we do honors God.

We pray in the Mighty name of Jesus Christ. Amen!

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Hi! Check out today's Open Heavens Devotional - https://eopenheavens.com

"But He answered and said to them, You give them something to eat. And they said to Him, Shall we go and buy two hundred denarii worth of bread and give them something to eat?"
Mark 6:37 ( NKJV)

*DAILY VERSE*

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