OPEN HEAVENS DAILY DEVOTIONAL
DATE: TUESDAY 24TH SEPTEMBER 2019
THEME: PRAY FOR YOUR LEADERS
MEMORISE:
Brethren, pray for us.
1 Thessalonians 5:25
READ: 2 Thessalonians 3:1-2
3:1 Finally, brethren, pray for us, that the word of the Lord may have free course, and be glorified, even as it is with you: 3:2 And that we may be delivered from unreasonable and wicked men: for all men have not faith.
MESSAGE
Prayer is such a potent weapon that can do and undo things in people's lives. It is so powerful that even the person praying cannot comprehend the extent of its reach. Those who walked with God in times past knew the importance of prayer, and this is what inspired Paul's request in today's memory verse. Even though he was a prayer warrior himself, he asked the brethren to continually pray for him and his team. Our Lord Jesus Christ also demonstrated the importance of prayer by often spending all night in prayer alone, encouraging His disciples also to be prayerful (Luke 18:1-8). In the Garden of Gethsemane, Jesus prayed for grace to accomplish the will of His Father and also asked His disciples to join Him in prayer, rebuking them when they did not do so. Matthew 26:38 & 40 says:
"Then saith he unto them, My soul is exceeding sorrowful, even unto death: tarry ye here, and watch with me... And he cometh unto the disciples, and findeth them asleep, and saith unto Peter, What, could ye not watch with me one hour?"
Paul also learnt from the Lord about the potency of corporate prayers, which is why he often craved prayers for himself and his team in his epistles. He believed that they could do nothing without God, and that God would do nothing without prayer, based on His principle in Matthew 7:7. On the surface, one would expect that pastors alone should pray for their flock, but in today's Bible reading, we see an apostle giving the Church at Thessalonica a prayer request that the Lord would have His way in the ministry He committed to them. He also asked the Church to pray for their deliverance from wicked men who did not believe in the gospel, trying their best to stop its spread. The Church is facing a lot of obstacles today because we are not praying enough like the early Church did. Peter would not have escaped King Herod's sword if the early Church was not fervent in prayers. The Lord answered their prayers by sending an angel to rescue him. Having witnessed the great impact of prayer, Apostle James wrote in James 5:16b, saying:
"The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much."
Beloved, we ought to continually pray for our leaders. The temptations and battles facing Christian leaders are beyond what members of the Church can imagine. We must therefore faithfully and consistently pray for our spiritual and secular leaders so that they may not make mistakes in governance, and so that we can live a peaceful and holy life in this world (1 Timothy 2:1-2). Spiritual leaders need our prayers to administer their responsibilities correctly, and in order not to disappoint God and betray the trust reposed in them by the Church. Furthermore, they need our prayers to finish well and strong. Are you praying for them?
ACTION POINT:
Make it an obligation to pray for the spiritual leaders God has set over you on a daily basis.
BIBLE IN ONE YEAR:
2 Kings 14-15, Daniel 7:1-12
AUTHOR: PASTOR E. A. ADEBOYE
HYMN 3: TRUST AND OBEY
1. When we walk with the Lord
In the light of His word
What a glory He sheds on our way!
While we do His good will,
He abides with us still,
And with all who will trust and obey
Chorus:
Trust and obey,
For there's no other way
To be happy in Jesus,
But to trust and obey.
2. Not a shadow can rise,
Not a cloud in the skies,
But His smile quickly drives it away;
Not a doubt nor a fear
Not a sigh nor a tear,
Can abide while we trust and obey.
3. Not a burden we bear,
Not a sorrow we share
But our toil He doth richly repay;
Not a grief nor a loss,
Not a frown nor a cross,
But is blest if we trust and obey.
4. But we never can prove
The delights of His love
Until all on the altar we lay;
For the favour He shows,
And the joy He bestows,
Are for them who will trust and obey.
5. Then in fellowship sweet
We will sit at His feet,
Or we'll walk by His side in the way;
What He says we will do
Where He sends we will go
Never fear, only trust and obey.contact
Tuesday, 24 September 2019
WISDOM IN THE KNOWLEDGE OF GOD
EVERYDAY IN THE WORD!
TUESDAY SEPTEMBER 24, 2019.
SUBJECT : WISDOM IN THE KNOWLEDGE OF GOD!
Memory verse: "That God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give to you the Spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of Him." (Ephesians 1 vs 17.)
READ: Proverbs 2 vs 1 - 11:
2:1: My son, if you receive my words, and treasure my commands within you,
2:2: So that you incline your ear to wisdom, and apply your heart to understanding;
2:3: Yes if you cry out for discernment, and lift up your voice for understanding,
2:4: If you seek her as silver, and search for her as for hidden treasures;
2:5: Then you will understand the fear of the LORD, and find the knowledge of God.
2:6: For the LORD gives wisdom; From His mouth come knowledge and understanding
2:7: He stores up sound wisdom for the upright; He is a shield to those who walk uprightly.
2:8: He guards the paths of justice, and preserves the way of His saints.
2:9: Then you will understand righteousness and justice, equity and every good path.
2:10: When wisdom enters your heart, and knowledge is pleasant to your soul
2:11: Discretion will preserve you, understanding will keep you.
INTIMATION:
Wisdom in the knowledge of God. The apostle Paul was a man who enjoyed this benefit from knowing God. Paul always prayed that his followers would learn more about the advantages of a deeper walk with the Lord. In our memory verse, he prayed such prayer for the believers in Ephesus. In that verse, the word 'spirit' is not a direct reference to the Holy Spirit, but rather a reference to a mental disposition of genuine spiritual understanding which can only come from the Holy Spirit. These Christians already had the indwelling Holy Spirit. Now Paul wanted them to grasp the spiritual realities available to them and appropriate these truths in their lives.
Some people feel inadequate in spiritual understanding. They read the Word of God, but they have great difficulty understanding it or totally miss the appropriate application in their lives. This is because the lack the spirit of wisdom. Where is this spirit of wisdom found? Paul said in the knowledge of Him (God). The people who experience God’s close relationship will have a deepening spiritual understanding despite their lack of theological training. The time they spend with Him will provide more insight and purpose of life than education could ever provide.
The apostles Peter and John were like that. They taught about Jesus and salvation in the temple courtyard one day and made the religious leaders very angry. The two were taken into custody and interrogated by the religious leaders, who demanded to know where they received their powers to do miracles. Peter spoke first and delivered a powerful testimony of the person of Jesus Christ and demonstrated his familiarity with the Old Testament Scriptures (Acts 4 vs 8 - 12). All of this from an uneducated fisherman because He had been with the LORD (Acts 4 vs 13),
The Jewish leaders could see that Peter's relationship with the Lord was not a shallow one. It was a ever-growing, ever-deepening walk with Christ. The religious leaders with all their theological training were no match for Peter because people who know God closely have His wisdom and mind; they shall be strong and do exploits.
In the passage we read today, we understand that wisdom is both a God-given gift and fruit of energetic search. Wisdom's starting point is God and His revealed Word; the source of knowledge and understanding. Here we learn that wisdom is God's gift to us, but He gives it only to those who earnestly seek it. The pathway to wisdom is strenuous. When we are on it, we discover that true wisdom is God's and that we cannot create it by our own efforts. But because God's wisdom is hidden from the rebellious and foolish, it takes effort to find it and use it. God gives wisdom and victory to the godly but not to those drifting through life or acting irresponsibly with gifts and resources.
We gain wisdom through a constant process of growing. First, we must trust and honor God. Second, we must realize that the Bible reveals God's wisdom to us. Third, we must make a lifelong series of right choices. Fourth, when we make sinful or mistaken choices, we must learn from our errors and recover. People don't develop all aspect of wisdom at once.
Prayer: Abba Father, You are the source of wisdom, which is the principal thing. Endue me with the spirit of wisdom, and understanding, that I may live a victorious life in You, in Jesus' Name I have prayed. Amen.
PRAISE THE LORD!
TUESDAY SEPTEMBER 24, 2019.
SUBJECT : WISDOM IN THE KNOWLEDGE OF GOD!
Memory verse: "That God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give to you the Spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of Him." (Ephesians 1 vs 17.)
READ: Proverbs 2 vs 1 - 11:
2:1: My son, if you receive my words, and treasure my commands within you,
2:2: So that you incline your ear to wisdom, and apply your heart to understanding;
2:3: Yes if you cry out for discernment, and lift up your voice for understanding,
2:4: If you seek her as silver, and search for her as for hidden treasures;
2:5: Then you will understand the fear of the LORD, and find the knowledge of God.
2:6: For the LORD gives wisdom; From His mouth come knowledge and understanding
2:7: He stores up sound wisdom for the upright; He is a shield to those who walk uprightly.
2:8: He guards the paths of justice, and preserves the way of His saints.
2:9: Then you will understand righteousness and justice, equity and every good path.
2:10: When wisdom enters your heart, and knowledge is pleasant to your soul
2:11: Discretion will preserve you, understanding will keep you.
INTIMATION:
Wisdom in the knowledge of God. The apostle Paul was a man who enjoyed this benefit from knowing God. Paul always prayed that his followers would learn more about the advantages of a deeper walk with the Lord. In our memory verse, he prayed such prayer for the believers in Ephesus. In that verse, the word 'spirit' is not a direct reference to the Holy Spirit, but rather a reference to a mental disposition of genuine spiritual understanding which can only come from the Holy Spirit. These Christians already had the indwelling Holy Spirit. Now Paul wanted them to grasp the spiritual realities available to them and appropriate these truths in their lives.
Some people feel inadequate in spiritual understanding. They read the Word of God, but they have great difficulty understanding it or totally miss the appropriate application in their lives. This is because the lack the spirit of wisdom. Where is this spirit of wisdom found? Paul said in the knowledge of Him (God). The people who experience God’s close relationship will have a deepening spiritual understanding despite their lack of theological training. The time they spend with Him will provide more insight and purpose of life than education could ever provide.
The apostles Peter and John were like that. They taught about Jesus and salvation in the temple courtyard one day and made the religious leaders very angry. The two were taken into custody and interrogated by the religious leaders, who demanded to know where they received their powers to do miracles. Peter spoke first and delivered a powerful testimony of the person of Jesus Christ and demonstrated his familiarity with the Old Testament Scriptures (Acts 4 vs 8 - 12). All of this from an uneducated fisherman because He had been with the LORD (Acts 4 vs 13),
The Jewish leaders could see that Peter's relationship with the Lord was not a shallow one. It was a ever-growing, ever-deepening walk with Christ. The religious leaders with all their theological training were no match for Peter because people who know God closely have His wisdom and mind; they shall be strong and do exploits.
In the passage we read today, we understand that wisdom is both a God-given gift and fruit of energetic search. Wisdom's starting point is God and His revealed Word; the source of knowledge and understanding. Here we learn that wisdom is God's gift to us, but He gives it only to those who earnestly seek it. The pathway to wisdom is strenuous. When we are on it, we discover that true wisdom is God's and that we cannot create it by our own efforts. But because God's wisdom is hidden from the rebellious and foolish, it takes effort to find it and use it. God gives wisdom and victory to the godly but not to those drifting through life or acting irresponsibly with gifts and resources.
We gain wisdom through a constant process of growing. First, we must trust and honor God. Second, we must realize that the Bible reveals God's wisdom to us. Third, we must make a lifelong series of right choices. Fourth, when we make sinful or mistaken choices, we must learn from our errors and recover. People don't develop all aspect of wisdom at once.
Prayer: Abba Father, You are the source of wisdom, which is the principal thing. Endue me with the spirit of wisdom, and understanding, that I may live a victorious life in You, in Jesus' Name I have prayed. Amen.
PRAISE THE LORD!
Monday, 23 September 2019
DON'T TAKE GOD FOR GRANTED
Don't Take God For Granted.
Bible Text: Isaiah 65:2-3.
God is God, He should be feared, respected, glorified and honoured. He should not be treated anyhow.
He is not happy when taken for granted, and many today, are doing this to Him, which is so painful and annoying.
Is is bad for God to be fair?
There are some, after dining with God at His table, they will go back and dine with the devil.
Some even when sharing their testimony, they take Him for granted by their attitudes.
They also take the selfless and sacrificial service of His servants for granted.
Ish. 65:1 -
He made Himself available to them that don't deserve Him, even when they don't call on Him. Yet they take Him for granted.
Many also, after going through deliverance and have been set free from challenges, they give testimony as if it was their effort and not God who did it for them.
Ish. 65:2 - He spread out His hands to a rebellious people, yet they take Him for granted.
God is no respecter of persons, He deserves His glory from you.
There are also some workers in His vineyard, who commits terrible sins and indulge in unrighteous, unholy life style and living in ingratitude to Him. All these depicts - taking God for granted.
You have know the truth, why don't you stay with the truth?
Check your ways.
Why go for short cut and sinning against Him?
What God did not give you, know that you don't deserve it. And there is nothing He cannot do for give.
Again God is not happy when taken for granted.
Three Things To Consider About God's Nature:
Psalm 116:5- He is gracious.
He is righteous.
He is merciful.
Psalm 117:2- "For His merciful kindness is great towards us: and His truth endureth for ever.
Why Do People Take God For Granted?
Psalm 103:8 - Because He is merciful, gracious, slow to anger and plenteous mercy.
Don't take His goodness and mercy for granted. You need to be transparent before Him.
The Other Side Of God:
Deut. 4:24 - He is a consuming fire and a jealous God.
Hebrews 12:29- For our God is a consuming fire
The Remedy:
Jeremiah 3:12 - "Go and proclaim these words towards the north (His people, His church) and say,
Return, thou backsliding church and brethren, and I will not cause Mine anger to fall upon you: for I Am merciful, saith the Lord, and I will not keep anger for ever.
Let's not take God for granted.
Prophetic Prayers.
Lord, please purify Your altar and remove the stains from your church in Jesus Name.
Prophetess Victoria Okpe.
Bible Text: Isaiah 65:2-3.
God is God, He should be feared, respected, glorified and honoured. He should not be treated anyhow.
He is not happy when taken for granted, and many today, are doing this to Him, which is so painful and annoying.
Is is bad for God to be fair?
There are some, after dining with God at His table, they will go back and dine with the devil.
Some even when sharing their testimony, they take Him for granted by their attitudes.
They also take the selfless and sacrificial service of His servants for granted.
Ish. 65:1 -
He made Himself available to them that don't deserve Him, even when they don't call on Him. Yet they take Him for granted.
Many also, after going through deliverance and have been set free from challenges, they give testimony as if it was their effort and not God who did it for them.
Ish. 65:2 - He spread out His hands to a rebellious people, yet they take Him for granted.
God is no respecter of persons, He deserves His glory from you.
There are also some workers in His vineyard, who commits terrible sins and indulge in unrighteous, unholy life style and living in ingratitude to Him. All these depicts - taking God for granted.
You have know the truth, why don't you stay with the truth?
Check your ways.
Why go for short cut and sinning against Him?
What God did not give you, know that you don't deserve it. And there is nothing He cannot do for give.
Again God is not happy when taken for granted.
Three Things To Consider About God's Nature:
Psalm 116:5- He is gracious.
He is righteous.
He is merciful.
Psalm 117:2- "For His merciful kindness is great towards us: and His truth endureth for ever.
Why Do People Take God For Granted?
Psalm 103:8 - Because He is merciful, gracious, slow to anger and plenteous mercy.
Don't take His goodness and mercy for granted. You need to be transparent before Him.
The Other Side Of God:
Deut. 4:24 - He is a consuming fire and a jealous God.
Hebrews 12:29- For our God is a consuming fire
The Remedy:
Jeremiah 3:12 - "Go and proclaim these words towards the north (His people, His church) and say,
Return, thou backsliding church and brethren, and I will not cause Mine anger to fall upon you: for I Am merciful, saith the Lord, and I will not keep anger for ever.
Let's not take God for granted.
Prophetic Prayers.
Lord, please purify Your altar and remove the stains from your church in Jesus Name.
Prophetess Victoria Okpe.
WALKING OUT OF PAST INTO BRIGHTIER FUTURE
Do you know that in each waking day, you will find scores of blessings and opportunities for positive change? Do you also know that you cannot reach out to what is in front of you until you let go of what is behind you? Listen, do not let your today be stolen by your unchangeable past or your indefinite future. Today is a new day. It is a new dawn. Plan for big for today. Focus more on what you want to achieve this week and go for it. Aim high. Partner with God. Success is yours in Jesus name. Very good morning and have a glorious week ahead.
PRAYER
May God Almighty fulfill the beautiful plans He has for your life, may He be with you as a Mighty Warrior, He will empower you with the spirit of boldness to overcome every fearful situation.
The Lord will visit your foundation and destroy the source of every fear, He will strengthen you in every area where you are weary, and He will grant divine strength and courage, you are blessed, your children are blessed, the works of your hands are blessed, in Jesus precious name.
Have a wonderful week ahead God bless from evangelist OLATUNBOSUN BOSEDE ISACC
The Lord will visit your foundation and destroy the source of every fear, He will strengthen you in every area where you are weary, and He will grant divine strength and courage, you are blessed, your children are blessed, the works of your hands are blessed, in Jesus precious name.
Have a wonderful week ahead God bless from evangelist OLATUNBOSUN BOSEDE ISACC
WORD OF GOD
EVERYDAY IN THE WORD!
MONDAY SEPTEMBER 23, 2019.
SUBJECT : THE WORD OF GOD!
Memory verse: "For the word of God is living and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the division of soul and spirit, and of joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart." (Hebrews 4 vs 12.)
READ: Isaiah 55 vs 8 - 11:
55:8: "For My thoughts are not your thoughts, nor are your ways My ways," says the LORD.
55:9: For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are My ways higher than your ways, and My thoughts than your thoughts.
55:10: "For as the rain comes down, and the snow from heaven, and do not return there, but water the earth, and make it bring forth and bud, that it may give seed to the sower and bread to the eater,
55:11: So shall My word be that goes forth from My mouth; It shall not return to Me void, but it shall accomplish what I please, and it shall prosper in the thing for which I sent it.
INTIMATION:
The Word is the revealed Will and power of God. The Word of God is in two parts; written Word called Logos, and the spoken Word called Rhema. The written Word—Logos—is the message from the Lord, delivered with His authority and made effective by His power. Logos is reasoned speech, and sometimes is used as the sum of God’s utterances. While the spoken Word—Rhema—denotes that which is spoken; the articulated expression of a thought. It is God’s Word put into work with His power available to perform it.
The significance of Rhema (spoken Word), as distinct from Logos (written Word) is exemplified in the injunction to take "the sword of the Spirit, which the Word of God” (Ephesians 6 vs 17); here the reference is not to the whole Bible as such, but to the individual scripture which the Spirit brings to our remembrance for use in time of need, a prerequisite being the regular storing of the mind with Scripture.
The word of God (Logos or Rhema) is an essential for a godly life. It is living, life-changing, and dynamic as it works in us. It reveals who we are and what we are not, in relation to what God demands of us. It penetrates the core of our moral and spiritual life, and discerns what is within us, both good and evil. The demands of God's Word require decisions. We must not only listen to the Word, we must also let it shape our lives.
For this reason, the apostle Paul in Acts 20 vs 32, says, "And now I commend you to God, and to the Word of His grace, which is able to build you up, and to give you the inheritance among all them that are sanctified." We are commended to God and the Word of His grace. This Word builds the Christ nature and the love nature of the Father into the individual. In other words, God is building Himself into us, making Himself a part of us as the Word dominates, rules and satisfies our spirit nature. Just as the Nature of God—immortal and all powerful—so is His Word that abides forever.
We bring the power of God to bear in any circumstances or challenge of life when we apply the Word to that circumstance or situation. Consequently, we become over-comers by the Word, as it is written, "And they overcame him by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony..." (Revelation 12 vs 11). When the Word is built up in you, the exploiting power of God is readily available to you, and you are an overcomer in any life's circumstances you face. This is because whatever you ask for the Lord is done for you: "If you abide in Me, and My words abide in you, you will ask what you desire, and it shall be done for you." (John 15 vs 7.)
The apostle Paul, in continuing his commendation of the Word of God to believers, says in Colossians 3 vs 16, says, "Let the Word of Christ dwell in you richly, in all wisdom...." This counsel of the apostle Paul to believers in Colosse is one of the most striking sentences in his epistle. It means giving the Word—the message of Christ—plenty of room in your life. It is not only committing the Word to memory, which is valuable, but letting that Word become an integral part of our beings, that is letting the Word live in and rule you that you may live a life of exceeding exploits. The Word dwelling in you is equivalent to Christ personally being in you. The glory of God becomes your inheritance when Christ dwells in you. (Colossians 1 vs 28.)
Prayer: Abba Father, give me the grace to study and meditate continually in Your Word, that Your Word may dwell in me richly, empowering to lead a life of exploits, in Jesus' Name I have prayed. Amen.
PRAISE THE LORD!
MONDAY SEPTEMBER 23, 2019.
SUBJECT : THE WORD OF GOD!
Memory verse: "For the word of God is living and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the division of soul and spirit, and of joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart." (Hebrews 4 vs 12.)
READ: Isaiah 55 vs 8 - 11:
55:8: "For My thoughts are not your thoughts, nor are your ways My ways," says the LORD.
55:9: For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are My ways higher than your ways, and My thoughts than your thoughts.
55:10: "For as the rain comes down, and the snow from heaven, and do not return there, but water the earth, and make it bring forth and bud, that it may give seed to the sower and bread to the eater,
55:11: So shall My word be that goes forth from My mouth; It shall not return to Me void, but it shall accomplish what I please, and it shall prosper in the thing for which I sent it.
INTIMATION:
The Word is the revealed Will and power of God. The Word of God is in two parts; written Word called Logos, and the spoken Word called Rhema. The written Word—Logos—is the message from the Lord, delivered with His authority and made effective by His power. Logos is reasoned speech, and sometimes is used as the sum of God’s utterances. While the spoken Word—Rhema—denotes that which is spoken; the articulated expression of a thought. It is God’s Word put into work with His power available to perform it.
The significance of Rhema (spoken Word), as distinct from Logos (written Word) is exemplified in the injunction to take "the sword of the Spirit, which the Word of God” (Ephesians 6 vs 17); here the reference is not to the whole Bible as such, but to the individual scripture which the Spirit brings to our remembrance for use in time of need, a prerequisite being the regular storing of the mind with Scripture.
The word of God (Logos or Rhema) is an essential for a godly life. It is living, life-changing, and dynamic as it works in us. It reveals who we are and what we are not, in relation to what God demands of us. It penetrates the core of our moral and spiritual life, and discerns what is within us, both good and evil. The demands of God's Word require decisions. We must not only listen to the Word, we must also let it shape our lives.
For this reason, the apostle Paul in Acts 20 vs 32, says, "And now I commend you to God, and to the Word of His grace, which is able to build you up, and to give you the inheritance among all them that are sanctified." We are commended to God and the Word of His grace. This Word builds the Christ nature and the love nature of the Father into the individual. In other words, God is building Himself into us, making Himself a part of us as the Word dominates, rules and satisfies our spirit nature. Just as the Nature of God—immortal and all powerful—so is His Word that abides forever.
We bring the power of God to bear in any circumstances or challenge of life when we apply the Word to that circumstance or situation. Consequently, we become over-comers by the Word, as it is written, "And they overcame him by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony..." (Revelation 12 vs 11). When the Word is built up in you, the exploiting power of God is readily available to you, and you are an overcomer in any life's circumstances you face. This is because whatever you ask for the Lord is done for you: "If you abide in Me, and My words abide in you, you will ask what you desire, and it shall be done for you." (John 15 vs 7.)
The apostle Paul, in continuing his commendation of the Word of God to believers, says in Colossians 3 vs 16, says, "Let the Word of Christ dwell in you richly, in all wisdom...." This counsel of the apostle Paul to believers in Colosse is one of the most striking sentences in his epistle. It means giving the Word—the message of Christ—plenty of room in your life. It is not only committing the Word to memory, which is valuable, but letting that Word become an integral part of our beings, that is letting the Word live in and rule you that you may live a life of exceeding exploits. The Word dwelling in you is equivalent to Christ personally being in you. The glory of God becomes your inheritance when Christ dwells in you. (Colossians 1 vs 28.)
Prayer: Abba Father, give me the grace to study and meditate continually in Your Word, that Your Word may dwell in me richly, empowering to lead a life of exploits, in Jesus' Name I have prayed. Amen.
PRAISE THE LORD!
AVOID THESE SEVEN ABOMINATIONS
OPEN HEAVENS DAILY DEVOTIONAL
DATE: MONDAY 23RD SEPTEMBER 2019
THEME: AVOID THESE SEVEN ABOMINATIONS
MEMORISE:
The getting of treasures by a lying tongue is a vanity tossed to and fro of them that seek death.
Proverbs 21:6
READ: Proverbs 6:16-19
6:16 These six things doth the LORD hate: yea, seven are an abomination unto him: 6:17 A proud look, a lying tongue, and hands that shed innocent blood, 6:18 An heart that deviseth wicked imaginations, feet that be swift in running to mischief, 6:19 A false witness that speaketh lies, and he that soweth discord among brethren.
MESSAGE
There are many things that people do that hinder their progress in life or even permanently destroy their destiny. We shall be discussing seven of these today. From today's Bible text, these seven include a proud look, a lying tongue, hands that shed innocent blood, a heart that devises wicked imaginations, feet that are swift in running to mischief, a false witness that speaks lies and a person who sows discord among brethren. These all are abominable in the sight of God because of the great negative impact they have on the lives of others. For example, a proud look demeans a fellow human being, which can bring about low self-esteem, which in turn has led several people to commit suicide. In other words, a person can cause the death of another through pride. In addition, a liar is not better than a murderer. The story of Joseph proves this. But for the mercy of God, the lie Potiphar's wife told against Joseph could have cost him his life, because it is a grievous thing indeed for a slave to attempt to rape his mater's wife. Those who lie against their fellow human beings will not go unpunished by God unless they repent. Proverbs 26:28 says:
"A lying tongue hateth those that are afflicted by it; and a flattering mouth worketh ruin."
Another abomination is nursing wicked and evil thoughts. Such thoughts, more often than not, lead to acts which the perpetrator might live to regret, like crimes of passion for example. For this reason, Jesus said in Matthew 5:21-22a:
"Ye have heard that it was said by them of old time, Thou shalt not kill; and whosoever shall kill shall be in danger of the judgment: But I say unto you, That whosoever is angry with his brother without a cause shall be in danger of the judgment:"
Mischief-makers are in danger of God's judgement, and those who profit from the misfortune of others will not go unpunished. This also applies to those who bear false witness for any reason whatsoever (Exodus 20:16). The seventh abomination is the one that is common in the household of faith: sowing seeds of discord among brethren. This abomination is so deadly that it can set a whole church ablaze and give room for the devil to freely operate among the brethren because they are no longer walking in agreement. In Mark 3:25, the Lord said a house that is divided against itself cannot stand. No wonder Paul said we should look out for and avoid the so-called "brethren" who cause division in the Church (Romans 16:17). Beloved, God is warning us against these seven deadly abominations today. Repent if are involved in any of them.
ACTION POINT:
Examine yourself to see if you exhibit any of these seven abominations in your character and repent of it.
BIBLE IN ONE YEAR:
2 Kings 12-13, Daniel 6:14-28
AUTHOR: PASTOR E. A. ADEBOYE
HYMN 2: OH JESUS, I HAVE PROMISED
1 O Jesus, I have promised
To serve Thee to the end;
Be Thou forever near me,
My Master and my Friend;
I shall not fear the battle
If Thou art by my side,
Nor wander from the pathway
If Thou wilt be my guide.
2 O let me feel Thee near me,
The world is ever near;
I see the sights that dazzle,
The tempting sounds I hear;
My foes are ever near me,
Around me and within;
But, Jesus, draw Thou nearer,
And shield my soul from sin.
3 Oh let me hear Thee speaking
In accents clear and still,
Above the storms of passion,
The murmurs of self-will;
Oh speak to reassure me,
To hasten or control;
O speak, and make me listen,
Thou Guardian of my soul.
4 O Jesus, Thou hast promised
To all who follow Thee,
That where Thou art in glory,
There shall Thy servant be;
And, Jesus, I have promised
To serve Thee to the end;
O give me grace to follow,
My Master and my Friend.
5 Oh, let me see Thy footmarks,
And in them plant mine own;
My hope to follow duly
Is in Thy strength alone.
Oh, guide me, call me, draw me,
Uphold me to the end;
And then to rest receive me,
My Saviour and my Friend.
DATE: MONDAY 23RD SEPTEMBER 2019
THEME: AVOID THESE SEVEN ABOMINATIONS
MEMORISE:
The getting of treasures by a lying tongue is a vanity tossed to and fro of them that seek death.
Proverbs 21:6
READ: Proverbs 6:16-19
6:16 These six things doth the LORD hate: yea, seven are an abomination unto him: 6:17 A proud look, a lying tongue, and hands that shed innocent blood, 6:18 An heart that deviseth wicked imaginations, feet that be swift in running to mischief, 6:19 A false witness that speaketh lies, and he that soweth discord among brethren.
MESSAGE
There are many things that people do that hinder their progress in life or even permanently destroy their destiny. We shall be discussing seven of these today. From today's Bible text, these seven include a proud look, a lying tongue, hands that shed innocent blood, a heart that devises wicked imaginations, feet that are swift in running to mischief, a false witness that speaks lies and a person who sows discord among brethren. These all are abominable in the sight of God because of the great negative impact they have on the lives of others. For example, a proud look demeans a fellow human being, which can bring about low self-esteem, which in turn has led several people to commit suicide. In other words, a person can cause the death of another through pride. In addition, a liar is not better than a murderer. The story of Joseph proves this. But for the mercy of God, the lie Potiphar's wife told against Joseph could have cost him his life, because it is a grievous thing indeed for a slave to attempt to rape his mater's wife. Those who lie against their fellow human beings will not go unpunished by God unless they repent. Proverbs 26:28 says:
"A lying tongue hateth those that are afflicted by it; and a flattering mouth worketh ruin."
Another abomination is nursing wicked and evil thoughts. Such thoughts, more often than not, lead to acts which the perpetrator might live to regret, like crimes of passion for example. For this reason, Jesus said in Matthew 5:21-22a:
"Ye have heard that it was said by them of old time, Thou shalt not kill; and whosoever shall kill shall be in danger of the judgment: But I say unto you, That whosoever is angry with his brother without a cause shall be in danger of the judgment:"
Mischief-makers are in danger of God's judgement, and those who profit from the misfortune of others will not go unpunished. This also applies to those who bear false witness for any reason whatsoever (Exodus 20:16). The seventh abomination is the one that is common in the household of faith: sowing seeds of discord among brethren. This abomination is so deadly that it can set a whole church ablaze and give room for the devil to freely operate among the brethren because they are no longer walking in agreement. In Mark 3:25, the Lord said a house that is divided against itself cannot stand. No wonder Paul said we should look out for and avoid the so-called "brethren" who cause division in the Church (Romans 16:17). Beloved, God is warning us against these seven deadly abominations today. Repent if are involved in any of them.
ACTION POINT:
Examine yourself to see if you exhibit any of these seven abominations in your character and repent of it.
BIBLE IN ONE YEAR:
2 Kings 12-13, Daniel 6:14-28
AUTHOR: PASTOR E. A. ADEBOYE
HYMN 2: OH JESUS, I HAVE PROMISED
1 O Jesus, I have promised
To serve Thee to the end;
Be Thou forever near me,
My Master and my Friend;
I shall not fear the battle
If Thou art by my side,
Nor wander from the pathway
If Thou wilt be my guide.
2 O let me feel Thee near me,
The world is ever near;
I see the sights that dazzle,
The tempting sounds I hear;
My foes are ever near me,
Around me and within;
But, Jesus, draw Thou nearer,
And shield my soul from sin.
3 Oh let me hear Thee speaking
In accents clear and still,
Above the storms of passion,
The murmurs of self-will;
Oh speak to reassure me,
To hasten or control;
O speak, and make me listen,
Thou Guardian of my soul.
4 O Jesus, Thou hast promised
To all who follow Thee,
That where Thou art in glory,
There shall Thy servant be;
And, Jesus, I have promised
To serve Thee to the end;
O give me grace to follow,
My Master and my Friend.
5 Oh, let me see Thy footmarks,
And in them plant mine own;
My hope to follow duly
Is in Thy strength alone.
Oh, guide me, call me, draw me,
Uphold me to the end;
And then to rest receive me,
My Saviour and my Friend.
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