December 12, 2018 Open Heaven Daily Devotional : Topic - Qualified for Divine Commendation?
Topic - Qualified for Divine Commendation?
Memorise: “Behold, I come quickly: hold that fast which thou hast, that no man take thy crown.” Revelation 3:11
Read: 1 Corinthians 9:24-27 (KJV)
24 Know ye not that they which run in a race run all, but one receiveth the prize? So run, that ye may obtain.
25 And every man that striveth for the mastery is temperate in all
things. Now they do it to obtain a corruptible crown; but we an
incorruptible.
26 I therefore so run, not as uncertainly; so fight I, not as one that beateth the air:
27 But I keep under my body, and bring it into subjection: lest that
by any means, when I have preached to others, I myself should be a
castaway.
Bible in One Year: Daniel 9-10, John 10:22-42
MESSAGE:
Imagine that a family goes on vacation for a couple of month, locking
up their entire house. They eventually return home, only to meet
workers and artisans going in and out of their house- some cleaning
windows, some fixing electrical appliances and others painting the
walls. The family will be shocked because they did not instruct anyone
to work in their house. What would you do if this happens to you? I
assume you would immediately call the police to assist in getting these
intruders out of your house. The same thing needs to happen in the
Church of God, as many workers there are intruders. This is the reason
why the Lord said in Matthew 7:22-23:
“22 Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord,
have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out
devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works? 23 And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity.”
In today’s Bible reading, the Holy Spirit reveals to us the character of those who will receive divine commendation, saying:
“25 And every man that striveth for the mastery
is temperate in all things. Now they do it to obtain a corruptible
crown; but we an incorruptible. 26 I therefore so run, not as uncertainly; so fight I, not as one that beateth the air:” – 1 Corinthians 9:25-26
To receive heaven’s commendation on the day of reckoning, you must be
temperate in all things and run your course with certainty of purpose.
Being temperate means being moderate and self-controlled, while to be
certain is to be sure-minded and serious. In contrast to this, the
attitude of “beating the air” is common place in our churches today. We
have people who teach on missions but who don’t go on missions. Some
teach on evangelism but do not go out to evangelize. Others are orators
who can get money from the stingiest of persons, but they themselves are
not givers. We need to be mindful of our ways so that we don’t end up
being disappointed on the day of reckoning. Learn from Apostle Paul and
apply the secret he reveals in 1 Corinthians 9:27 to your life:
“But I keep under my body, and bring it into subjection: lest
that by any means, when I have preached to others, I myself should be a
castaway.”
May you not miss your divine commendation at the end of your life in Jesus’ Name.
Prayer Point:
Father, please open my eyes to areas of my life where I am not temperate or sure-minded in Jesus’ Name.
Hymn 5: I Have Decided To Follow Jesus
- I have decided to follow Jesus;
I have decided to follow Jesus;
I have decided to follow Jesus;
No turning back, no turning back. - The world behind me, the cross before me;
The world behind me, the cross before me;
The world behind me, the cross before me;
No turning back, no turning back. - Though none go with me, still I will follow;
Though- none go with me, still I will follow;
Though none go with me, still I will follow;
No turning back, no turning back. - My cross I’ll carry, till I see Jesus;
My cross I’ll carry, till I see Jesus;
My cross I’ll carry, till I see Jesus;
No turning back, no turning back. - Will you decide now to follow Jesus?
Will you decide now to follow Jesus?
Will you decide now to follow Jesus?
No turning back, no turning back.
December 12, 2018 Open Heaven Daily Devotional : Topic - Qualified for Divine Commendation?
Reviewed by Muyiwa Abodunrin (Muyilight)
on
December 12, 2018
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