OPEN HEAVENS DAILY DEVOTIONAL

SUNDAY, 27TH SEPTEMBER, 2020.

THEME: CHALLENGED, NOT DEFEATED.

MEMORY VERSE:

For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, worketh for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory.

2nd Corinthians 4:17

BIBLE READING: 2nd Corinthians 4:8-12 (KJV)

8. We are troubled on every side, yet not distressed; we are perplexed, but not in despair;

9 Persecuted, but not forsaken; cast down, but not destroyed;

10 Always bearing about in the body the dying of the Lord Jesus, that the life also of Jesus might be made manifest in our body.

11 For we which live are always delivered unto death for Jesus' sake, that the life also of Jesus might be made manifest in our mortal flesh.

12 So then death worketh in us, but life in you.

MESSAGE:

“If the world hate you, ye know that it hated me before it hated you.”

John 15:18

You must be aware that the moment you say yes to Jesus, you have signed up for persecution. 

By mentioning His name alone, you could developed enemies. Yet, He doesn’t want you to worry because He has overcome the world (John 16:33). If as a Christian, you don’t go through any persecution, you may need to check you salvation. Jesus said:

“Woe unto you, when all men shall speak well of you! for so did their fathers to the false prophets.”

Luke 6:26

Every true Christian will face persecution: at the office, in the family amongst or with strangers. What matters is how you handle it.

Some go back to the world because they cannot stand while some others get stronger after going through it. Which category are you in?

Be deliberate about increasing your spiritual strength. Study your Bible more, pray more, be regular at fellowship with the brethren. This is because surely, your spiritual strength will be tested someday (Proverbs 24:10). 

On such a day, it is how much of God you have in you that will determine your actions.

Those who pray in tongues regularly are supernaturally empowered to withstand any form of persecution.

This is why Paul did not relent in preaching the gospel despite all the persecution he went through; he remained steadfast. Peter denied Jesus before He was baptized in the Holy Ghost, but as soon as the Holy Ghost came upon him, he endured persecution and described it as a good thing (Acts 5:41).

No matter how much the devil challenges you, do not yield. No matter how much you have been threatened to accept a bribe or manipulate figures, stand strong. As long as you stand with Christ, you would never be defeated. He has already overcome the world.

PRAYER POINT:

Father, give me strength to withstand any persecution that the devil brings my way in the mighty name of Jesus. 

AUTHOR: Pastor E.A. Adeboye, the General Overseer of the Redeemed Christian Church of God.

BIBLE IN ONE YEAR: Nehemiah 8-10,

HYMN 24: PASS ME NOT, O GENTLE SAVIOUR.

1. Pass me not, O gentle Savior,

Hear my humble cry;

While on others Thou art calling,

Do not pass me by.

Savior, Savior,

Hear my humble cry;

While on others Thou art calling,

Do not pass me by.

2. Let me at Thy throne of mercy

Find a sweet relief;

Kneeling there in deep contrition,

Help my unbelief.

3. Trusting only in Thy merit,

Would I seek Thy face;

Heal my wounded, broken spirit,

Save me by Thy grace.

4. Thou the spring of all my comfort,

More than life to me;

Whom have I on earth beside Thee?

Whom in heaven but Thee?