ENDING THE YEAR UNDER AN OPEN HEAVEN
By Rev. Samuel Arimoro
Main Text: Malachi 3:10-12
Key Verse: “Bring all the tithes into the storehouse, that there may be meat in mine house, and prove me now herewith, saith the LORD of hosts, if I will not open you the windows of heaven, and pour you out a blessing, that there shall not be room enough to receive it.” (Malachi 3:10)
Supporting Texts: Luke 6:38; Psalm 24:1; Isaiah 60:1-3; James 1:17; Ephesians 3:20
INTRODUCTION:
Ending the year under an open heaven means walking into the new season with God’s favour fully operative. The open heavens signify the overflow of blessings, protection, guidance, and supernatural provision. Many believers attempt to end the year on their own strength, but God desires a spiritual alignment that releases His abundant favour.
Obedience, faith, and gratitude are the keys that unlock heaven’s storehouse. The open heavens are not automatic; they are activated by a life that honours God. Scripture reminds us that God pours out blessings that cannot be contained when we honour Him and align our lives to His principles.
This teaching calls you to position yourself to end the year with heavenly favour and abundance, demonstrating faith, obedience, and thanksgiving.
1. OBEDIENCE OPENS THE HEAVENS
Living in accordance with God’s word activates supernatural blessings.
a) Faithful tithing and giving (Malachi 3:10)
God promises open heavens to those who honour Him with resources.
b) Obedience in daily living (1 Samuel 15:22)
True obedience, not sacrifice, secures God’s favour.
c) Integrity attracts divine attention (Proverbs 10:9)
Walking in honesty positions you for blessing.
d) Aligning actions with God’s will (John 14:23)
God’s presence manifests when hearts and deeds honour Him.
Biblical Example: Abraham’s obedience in offering Isaac unlocked God’s covenant blessings (Genesis 22:1-18).
2. FAITH MAINTAINS HEAVENLY FAVOR
Faith acts as a conduit for God’s power and provision.
a) Trust in God’s promises (Hebrews 11:6)
Faith ensures that prayers and actions trigger divine response.
b) Confident declaration of God’s word (Mark 11:23-24)
Bold faith releases the power of God over circumstances.
c) Standing in prayer for divine intervention (Ephesians 6:18)
Persistent prayer maintains access to open heavens.
d) Expecting the supernatural (2 Kings 4:6)
Faith prepares the heart to receive miraculous provision.
Biblical Example: Elijah’s prayer for rain demonstrated that faith can open the heavens for a breakthrough (1 Kings 18:41-45).
3. THANKSGIVING KEEPS HEAVEN OPEN
A grateful heart sustains divine blessing.
a) Express gratitude daily (Psalm 100:4)
Thanksgiving invites God’s presence and provision.
b) Acknowledge God’s faithfulness (Psalm 107:1)
Gratitude aligns the heart with God’s covenant promises.
c) Praise ensures continuity of favour (Psalm 22:3)
Worship keeps heaven’s windows open.
d) Recognise answered prayers (1 Thessalonians 5:18)
Honouring God for past blessings positions for future ones.
Biblical Example: Hannah’s thankfulness led to the birth of Samuel, showing how gratitude invites divine favour (1 Samuel 1:10-20).
4. REMOVING BARRIERS TO HEAVENLY FLOW
Spiritual and moral purity maximises access to God’s blessings.
a) Confess and repent from sin (1 John 1:9)
Unconfessed sin obstructs the flow of blessing.
b) Forgive those who wronged you (Matthew 6:14-15)
Forgiveness removes spiritual hindrances.
c) Abandon pride and self-reliance (James 4:6)
Humility attracts God’s favour.
d) Reject disobedience and compromise (Isaiah 1:19+20)
God honours those who fully submit.
Biblical Example: The Israelites’ obedience in bringing the firstfruits ensured open heaven and abundance (Exodus 23:19; Malachi 3:10).
5. POSITIONING FOR AN OPEN HEAVEN
Strategic spiritual alignment ensures continuity of God’s blessings.
a) Dedicate the end of the year to prayer (Psalm 91:1-2)
Seeking God ensures heavenly protection and favour.
b) Honour God with your resources (Proverbs 3:9-10)
Giving in faith activates supernatural provision.
c) Stay committed to God’s Word (Joshua 1:8)
Meditating and obeying the Word ensures divine guidance.
d) Walk in love and humility (1 Corinthians 13:4-7)
Spiritual character attracts God’s presence and blessings.
Biblical Example: King Hezekiah’s reforms and obedience brought deliverance and extended favour from God (2 Kings 18-20).
CONCLUSION:
Ending the year under an open heaven is a matter of positioning, obedience, faith, and gratitude. Those who honour God, walk in integrity, and maintain a thankful heart will experience divine overflow and supernatural favour.
As you close this year, ensure your life is aligned with God’s will. The heavens are open over you, and every blessing God has prepared for you will manifest abundantly.
PRAYER POINTS:
1. Father, position me to end this year under Your open heavens.
2. Lord, help me honour You with obedience and faith.
3. Father, cleanse my heart of every sin and hindrance.
4. Lord, grant me a thankful heart to sustain Your favour.
5. Father, release supernatural blessings over my life.
6. Lord, protect me from every attack that seeks to block Your blessings.
7. Father, empower me to maintain spiritual integrity.
8. Lord, let every open door from heaven manifest in my life.
9. Father, increase my faith to walk boldly in Your favour.
10. Lord, let me close this year in victory, abundance, and joy.
