Today’s Open Heaven devotional from Pastor E.A. Adeboye delivers a timely word for every believer who carries a gift, a calling, or a measure of God’s grace, reminding us that divine empowerment is never a commodity to be traded. Whether you lead a congregation, pray for the sick, or simply serve in your corner of the harvest field, this message calls you back to the heart of a true shepherd. Sit with today’s reading, let it search you honestly, and allow the Holy Spirit to align your motives with His generous, self-giving nature.
Open Heaven for August 9, 2026
Topic: the Anointing Is Not For Sale
Devotional: Open Heaven (RCCG)
Date: 2026-08-09
Bible reading: 1 Peter 5:2-4 (KJV)
Memory verse: Heal the sick, cleanse the lepers, raise the dead, cast out devils: freely ye have received, freely give. – Matthew 10:8 (KJV)
When God anoints a person, He expects him or her to use the anointing to edify His people and spread the gospel. As we see in today’s Bible reading, God does not want the anointing to be used for personal gain.
I often tell the pastors under my supervision that when God uses them to perform a miracle, they must never demand or expect any reward from the person who received the miracle. In today’s memory verse, Jesus told his disciples that they had received the anointing freely and they should also give it out freely. The One who performs miracles is God, not the people He has anointed. Therefore, you should never feel entitled to anything from anyone who gets a miracle from God through His anointing upon you. Some self-professing ministers of God even go as far as selling olive oil, water, handkerchiefs, and other similar items that they claim have been anointed to those who come to them for prayers. Such conduct reveals that they are hirelings who are looking to exploit God’s sheep rather than being shepherds who should nurture and feed them.
Beloved, you are not to use the anointing that God bestowed on you to manipulate people. Some people demand that they should be called ‘Father in the Lord’ just because God has used them to heal headaches. Being anointed does not qualify anyone to become a lord over others; rather, the anointing ought to be used to serve people. Peter knew that such temptations would arise, which was why he told some church leaders in today’s Bible reading to feed the flock of God willingly and with a ready mind. He also warned them not to use God’s anointing upon their lives for selfish gain.
Jesus Christ, our perfect example, exemplified how to use the anointing God bestows upon a person. He went about doing good and healing those who were oppressed by the devil (Acts 10:38), and also served His followers (John 13:3-15). Beloved, like Jesus, use the anointing you have received from God to bless those He has sent you to; do not use it to exploit or victimise others. Jesus is the Chief Shepherd, and you will give an account of all the things He has given to you one day. Always remember that the anointing you have received from God is a tool to serve Him, edify His people, cater to their needs, and spread the gospel to the ends of the earth.
Source: Open Heaven (RCCG), official devotional
Open Heaven Prayer Points for Today
These Open Heaven prayer points for today are original PrayerPrompt content, declarations and a reflection to turn today’s message into prayer.
Prayer Points
- Lord, purify my heart so that every gift and ability You have placed in me is exercised from a place of genuine love rather than personal ambition.
- Father, guard me against the subtle temptation to attach a price tag, financial, emotional, or social, to the grace You have freely poured into my life.
- Holy Spirit, expose every hireling spirit operating in the body of Christ today and raise up true shepherds who feed Your flock without hidden agendas.
- God, teach me to see those I serve not as sources of reward but as precious souls entrusted to my care by the Chief Shepherd, Jesus Christ.
- Lord, deliver Your church from every minister who exploits the vulnerable through the misuse of anointing, and bring genuine repentance and restoration.
- Father, grant me a willing and ready mind to serve, even when it is inconvenient, unprofitable, or unrecognised by those around me.
- Jesus, help me model my service after Your example: going about doing good, washing feet, and pouring out without demanding anything in return.
- Lord, remind me daily that I will give an account of every stewardship opportunity You have placed in my hands, so that I may be found faithful on that day.
Declarations
- I am a steward, not an owner, of every gift and anointing God has placed upon my life, and I will handle it with humility and integrity.
- I refuse to exploit, manipulate, or place a price on what God has freely deposited in me; I give as I have received, freely and generously.
- The grace on my life exists to lift others up, not to elevate my own name or status, and I choose servanthood over lordship every single day.
- I am accountable to Jesus, the Chief Shepherd, and I will steward His anointing in a way that honours Him and blesses every person He sends across my path.
- I walk in the spirit of a true shepherd, willing, humble, and motivated by love, because that is the standard my Saviour set and the standard I embrace.
Reflection
Take a quiet moment today to honestly audit the gifts, influence, and spiritual authority God has entrusted to you. Ask yourself whether the people in your life feel served or indebted after an encounter with you. True anointing leaves people closer to God and lighter in spirit, not obligated, manipulated, or financially pressured. Commit to one specific act of selfless service this week that no one can repay you for, and notice how God’s presence increases when your motives are clean.
Pray With PrayerPrompt Today
Test Your Understanding
Answer these 5 questions on today's devotional, then see how you did.
