Open Heavens Devotional by Pastor E.A. Adeboye
MEMORIZE: “Watch therefore: for ye know not what hour your Lord doth come.” (Matt. 24:42).
READ: Matthew 24:42-44
“Look to yourselves, that we lose not those things which we have wrought, but that we receive a full reward” (2 John 8). One area believers must carefully watch over is the kind of service they render to God. God is not just interested in mere service as some people assume. He wants quality service. The kind of service that will elicit His commendation is at a great price. If you are not prepared to pay that price, intent on just serving Him out of convenience, then don’t expect a full reward. God is prepared to ‘overpay’ you for every service you do for His Name, as long as it is praise-worthy and devoid of earthly colourations. Hence, Paul says: “For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, worketh for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory;” (2 Cor. 4:17). Do you know that many believers will miss Heaven for failing to watch over their works? Some will receive partial reward while there will be no reward for some. In Heaven, there are mansions, crowns, stars and other glorious rewards whose original owner are missing from Heaven. You will not miss your heavenly inheritance in Jesus name.
Moreover, another area you must watch out for is the return of the Lord. He promised to return like a thief in the night. In other words, those who do not watch out for His return may never be raptured. “Watch therefore: for ye know not what hour your Lord doth come” (Matt.24:42). The Lord is coming for those who look out for His coming. When the Lord in Revelation 22:20 said He was coming quickly, John’s response was: “Even so, come, Lord Jesus”. Are you as expectant as the early believers about the Lord’s return? If you are watching out for His coming, you will have a relationship with Him. You will allow Him into your heart and do everything possible to keep Him there. You will not toy with sin. You will be close to His Word and fellowship regularly with the brethren. You will obey him always and daily live as if He is coming back that very day. You will forgive your offenders and settle all pending restitutions. You will ensure that you owe nobody, and importantly, you do not owe God. Are you watching out for His return?
ACTION POINT:
Examine yourself for an hour and list out evidences of your lack of preparation for the Lord’s return. Take immediate corrective steps.
Bible in One year: Ruth 1-4
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