Divine Liberty: Open Heaven 9 January 2026 Focuses on Freedom of Worship
The spiritual journey for millions of believers continues with a profound message as the Open Heaven 9 January 2026 devotional explores the theme of “Freedom of Worship I.” Authored by Pastor E.A. Adeboye, the General Overseer of the Redeemed Christian Church of God, the message serves as a timely reminder of the intrinsic liberty granted to every human being by God to choose their object of devotion. Drawing from the memory verse in Galatians 5:1, the devotional warns against the subtle “yoke of bondage” that can ensnare a believer even after they have been set free by Christ. The central message emphasizes that while we have the legal and spiritual right to worship, we must be incredibly vigilant about what—or who—occupies the throne of our hearts.
A striking highlight of the teaching is the identification of “modern idols” that often go unnoticed in a digital and fast-paced age. Pastor Adeboye points to the smartphone as a primary example, noting that many people have unknowingly turned their devices into a god. He observes that when a person cannot function without their phone, takes it into every private space, and prioritizes it over communion with God, it has transitioned from a tool to an object of worship. This “phone worship,” the devotional warns, is a direct pathway to anxiety, depression, and significant health challenges, illustrating the spiritual law that we eventually become whatever we worship.
Beyond technology, the Open Heaven 9 January 2026 message identifies work and the pursuit of a “soft life” as pervasive altars in contemporary society. The General Overseer acknowledges the value of hard work but cautions that when professional success becomes the sole source of a person’s identity and security, it has effectively displaced God. Similarly, the modern obsession with comfort and convenience, often termed the “soft life”, is described as an idol that shrinks a believer’s capacity for sacrifice and service. The devotional argues that true freedom is not the absence of work or challenges, but the presence of undivided devotion to the Creator.
As a practical takeaway, the message concludes with an “Action Point” urging readers to conduct a sincere audit of their current priorities. By examining where our time, energy, and resources are most heavily invested, we can identify the subtle idols competing with God’s place in our lives. Pastor Adeboye encourages believers to “stand fast” in their liberty, maintaining a disciplined focus on God to receive His reward of grace and peace. This first part of the series sets the stage for a deeper exploration of spiritual independence, reminding the faithful that their worship is the most valuable gift they can offer to the Almighty.