Open Heavens Devotional by Pastor E.A. Adeboye
MEMORIZE: “I know thy works, that thou art neither cold nor
hot: I would thou wert cold or hot.” (Rev 3:15).
READ: Revelation 3:15-16
After we are saved, for our service to be acceptable to God,
there is a need to find out exactly what He wants. Too many of us are serving
God on our own terms, not His. Such a service may go unrewarded. In 1963,
before I was converted, I kept some girl friends. Those days, I would like to
impress them. One of them came visiting one day and I wanted to impress her. So
I prepared hot pounded yam with chicken and fish stew. As we sat on the table,
I uncovered the plate and she saw stew and pounded yam already set. Instead of
appreciating the meal, she was disappointed. Unhappy, I asked what was wrong.
Then she asked: “Don’t you have garri (Cassava meal)?” It became obvious to me
that to make the desired impression on her, I should give her what she likes,
not what I hoped she would love. Do you know that if you are to make a lasting impression
on the King of kings, you need to find out what He wants and then take steps to
satisfy Him? People are still presenting their own idea of service to God. If
you fail to meet His expectations or standards, you are only wasting your time.
To be close to God, it is either you give all or nothing.
In Acts 5:1-11, a couple met their death the same day just
because they sold their land, but brought part of the money to the church. Can
you imagine one being killed by one’s own gift? Do you know that that couple would
have lived if they had decided not to sell their land? They, however, decided
to play games with God and paid for it with their lives! Revelation 3:15-16
says it is either you are hot or cold but not lukewarm. Some gifts can cost the
givers their lives. The Almighty God who wants you closer to Him is absolutely
perfect. He does not compromise with sin at all. If you have made up your mind
to give to Him, do not give below His expectations. Also, do not get into
playing smart with Him. For instance, some people play games with God when it
comes to tithes. They are joking with fire. Be straight in your dealings with
Him. Let your ultimate goal be to please Him who has called you to be a soldier
of the cross.
KEY POINT
Heaven has a shocker for those who want to serve and obey
God according to their own dictates. Seek and meet, His term only.
Bible in One year: Psa. 143-145
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