Open Heavens Devotional by Pastor E.A. Adeboye
MEMORIZE: “For whom the Lord loveth he chasteneth, and
scourgeth every son whom he receiveth.” (Heb. 12:6).
READ: Hebrews 12:5-6
Some years ago, I taught the students of School of Disciples
that they ought to learn the art of effective praying, or else, in time to
come, they may be casting out Demons for 36 hours. The earlier you get used to
what is acceptable in God’s Kingdom, the better. The greatest challenge a
believer will face is not from the devil but from God. It is a high thing to be
loved by God who is absolutely perfect. Why? It is normal for every father to
desire that his son is like him, if not better. Matthew 5:48 says we should be
as perfect as our heavenly Father. God is strict but only with those He
receives as His own. “For whom the Lord loveth he chasteneth, and scourgeth
every son whom he receiveth” (Heb. 12:6). Any reasonable father will be tougher
on his children than on other people’s children.
If we are casual friends, however little your effort would
be, I would praise you. But I am usually stricter with my very close
friends. For instance, if any of my casual friends comes to give me a gift, no
matter how small, I would say ‘God bless you. The next time it will be more’.
But if a close friend brings me a gift, I would say: ‘I hope it is more than
last one; if not, take your money and leave after all, I am not begging for
money’. One of my close friends gave me a million naira during a Christmas. I
asked and found out that it was the same amount he brought the previous year,
so I returned it to him. He left and returned with a cheque of one million and
one naira, since I wanted more than the previous year’s. I turned it down. Then
he brought another cheque of one million, one hundred naira saying that he was
just trying to pull my legs. Yet, if somebody else gave me N10, I would show
appreciation and bless the fellow. The same is true of God if you desire to be
close to Him. In Deuteronomy 23:17, God says no harlot or homosexual will be
allowed in Israel. In other words, they can be in other nations but not among
His people. If God loves you, you cannot do what others are.
ACTION POINT:
If God is strict with you, it means He regards you as His
own. God knows your capabilities. Pray that you will never be an
underperformer.
Bible in One year: Job 1-4
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