4 May Open Heaven
Memorise: 2nd Chronicles 7:14
If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; them will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land.
Read: Matthew 3:5-12
Bible in one year: Psalm 1-2, 15, 22-24, 47, 68
Many years ago, during a retreat at the Redemption Camp of the RCCG, a preacher said: When God sends down spiritual revival, even the most pious of men would repent!
A person seeking repentance may not necessarily have left the faith; such a one may just have stopped doing the good things he/she used to, which according to the Bible is tantamount to sin. No wonder James 4:17 says:
“Therefore to him that knoweth to do good, and doeth it not, to him it is sin.”
So, why is this the time to change and what exactly are you supposed to change?
To start with, eternity can begin at any time for anyone of us. Hebrews 9:27 says it is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgment. Therefore, choosing to wait until tomorrow may be too dangerous. Also, God wants you to change from being cold or lukewarm. He wants you to become committed to doing His will.
Read yesterday’s Open Heaven here
The whole body of Christ needs a revival – whether you are a member, worker or even a pastor. We have to return to our first love, and doing the deeds of righteousness: fasting, praying, in depth study of God’s word, regular fellowship with the brethren, sacrificial giving, faithful tithing and others. Then, God will send His fire to our lives. Can you recall our memory verse?
If we will be refreshed, we must surrender ourselves to God and commit to working on our shortcomings in evangelism, missions and separation from the world. In today’s Bible reading, John confronted the religious leaders of his time with a message of change so they could enjoy the new testament’s spiritual blessings.
Beloved don’t get so familiar with God’s word that you stop doing the essentials of the faith. We must preach the gospel of Christ to everyone, so that as we have change, sinners, backsliders, and persecutors can do the same.
4 May Open Heaven – Action Point: Using the Bible as a mirror, check to see where you have fallen short of God’s expectations and begin to effect a change.
