Open Heavens Devotional by Pastor E.A. Adeboye
MEMORIZE: “Ye have lived in pleasure on the earth, and been
wanton; ye have nourished your hearts, as in a day of slaughter” (Jam. 5:5).
READ: James 5:1-6
When you seek man’s approval you will get it but may likely
lose Heaven’s approval. It is sad that many ministers of God, who are publicly
acknowledged and recognized on earth, have little or no mention in Heaven. This
is one way you can be dead while assuming one is still alive. If the Resurrection
and the Life says you are dead, then you are. Even if the whole world gives you
a rating that is contrary, it does not change God’s assessment. This is also
where the popular maxim: vox populi vox veritas (the voice of the people is the
voice of God), misses the point.
“But she that liveth in pleasure is dead while she liveth”
(1 Tim. 5:6). This scripture tells us that it is possible to be a living dead.
Another way to be dead and still think one is alive is by pursuing pleasure.
Christianity is not a bed of roses. Those who want to get only its benefits but
are not ready to carry its cross, will find that they are spiritually cut off
from the Vine. Pleasure-seeking Christians end up gratifying their flesh to the
detriment of their soul. Worldly pleasures must be treated with lots of caution
because what pleases or entertains the world grieves the Spirit. Some people,
including top government functionaries and business executives, attend certain
social functions where they are entertained by half naked women. Why would such
people not battle with lust thereafter?
What amuses you? What do you constantly entertained yourself
with? The one who is Heaven bound will always be fascinated by the Word of God
and Kingdom-related movies. It is very dangerous to continue to revel in
worldly amusements as they target your soul. According to today’s passage, the
rich are easy preys of pleasure. After being fed fat with worldly pleasures
like a ram for the slaughter slab, what follows next is God’s judgement. Those
that live in pleasure get their hearts sealed to the extent that they become unconscious
of the oppression of the poor, particularly fellow believers. Proverbs 21:17
says the love of pleasure brings poverty—both spiritual and financially. You must
sieve the type of pleasure you indulge yourself in. If you are a true minister
of God, you will delight in pleasing Him (Ps. 103:21). If evangelism, the
worship of God, study of the Word, or prayer do not excite you, your affection
is set on worldly things. Check your desires today! Ask God
PRAYER POINT
Father, Help me focus on things above, things of eternal
value.
Bible in One year: Job 8-10
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