Open Heavens Devotional by Pastor E.A. Adeboye
Memorise: And they that be wise shall shine as the
brightness of the firmament; and they that turn many to righteousness as the
stars for ever and ever. Daniel 12:3
Read: Romans 12:6-11
Part of the characteristics of a living thing is
reproduction and growth. A Christian reproduces by winning souls and ought to
grow in fellowship with and service to the Lord. This is what it means to bear
fruit. The Lord is not happy with any part of His body that bears no fruit; He
says such will eventually be cut off (John 15:2). But the Lord does not desire
for any part of His to be cut off hence he sends this warning:
Be watchful, and
strengthen the things which remain, that are ready to die. For I have not found
thy works perfect before God. Revelation 3:2
One way you can strengthen the good things that are fast
dying in your life or ministry is by evangelism. About the period I was born
again, every church had an evangelistic team. I started a fellowship at
University of Lagos where I was lecturing, geared towards evangelisation. Many
complain today that miracles are not happening in their ministry. How will they
when you do not go out? If you do not go, they will not follow. Your potentials
in the miraculous can never be fully realised until Heaven is satisfied that
you have obeyed the Master’s last command – Go!
Another way you can
strengthen the things that are about to die is by giving. You may say you
cannot play an active part in giving because of financial handicap; but you can
give other things – time, intellect, voice, hands, legs, energy, your whole
self, etc. Whenever we wanted to build a church in those days, the Pastor and
members of the congregation jointly moulded the blocks. Some will go and cut
wood from the bush, while I struggled for money to purchase the iron. There was
this strong bond binding us together to achieve our common purpose. In those
days, many people turned down the invitation to head a parish because they
might have to pay the rent of the church from their personal purse. Yet it was
fun for those who did so with their heart. We have learnt how to be a living
sacrifice. When God called me into full time ministry I was not happy because
while still working, after being paid my salary, I took money for fuel, gave my
wife money for food, the rest went for God’s work. So I asked God, if I
resigned and go into full time ministry, where would I get the money? But He
said I should leave that to Him. At the time we were to buy a parcel of land at
Ebute Metta (Lagos, South West Nigeria), we could not afford a land in the choice
part of the area. We opted for the cheaper water logged are. Thank God the Lord
has changed our story today. The Lord will positively change the story of your
life. However, lay a solid foundation of service and giving. You will surely
reap. What is that good thing that is about to die? Fire it with zeal, more
commitment and dedication today.
ACTION POINT:
Ask God for grace to serve Him acceptably. Have you met your
evangelism target for this quarter? Ensure this before the quarter ends.
Bible in one year: Matthew 5-7
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