Open Heaven 25 November
MEMORISE: He that justifieth the wicked, and he that condemneth the just, even they both are abomination to the LORD. Proverbs 17:15
BIBLE READING: PROVERBS 17:13-15
Whoever rewards evil for good,
Evil will not depart from his house.
14 The beginning of strife is like releasing water;
Therefore stop contention before a quarrel starts.
15 He who justifies the wicked, and he who condemns the just,
Both of them alike are an abomination to the Lord.
Read yesterday’s Open Heaven Devotional here
The ability to stand firm against evil is one of the many virtues that are gradually disappearing from the Church today. The axiom If you can’t beat them, join them has become widely acceptable. May God help His Church in the mighty name of Jesus.
Our memory verse today states clearly that God abhors those who support wickedness as well as those who upbraid the just. When we refuse to condemn evil and wickedness we will definitely reject and vote against the just.
Jesus Christ, after commending their charitable service, faith and patience, warned the Church at Thyatira against tolerating sexual immorality, typified in the woman Jezebel who called herself a prophetess seducing innocent souls in the Church (Revelation 2:20).
Such people are those who, through their comportment, excessive adornment and fashion have moved the world into the Church. Apostle Paul cautioned us not to be unequally yoked with unbelievers (2 Corinthians 6:14 ).
The call of God to us today is to stand up against evil, first within the Church, before taking the battle to the gates of hell.
Unfortunately, many Christians applaud or ignore ungodly acts even in the Church. They shy away from condemning ungodly acts for fear of being condemned by the world.
This is why, in some countries, you cannot preach against homosexuality; if you do, you may be jailed and it is your fellow Christian brethren or pastor who will condemn you as being foolish for not being discreet enough! Likewise, in some societies, violence against women, especially rape, is rampant, yet nothing meaningful is being done to stop the practice.
One of my children was once on a panel where some pastors were being interviewed for promotion. One particular candidate had been most passionate about his convictions with respect to godly standards as contained in the word of God, opposing worldly views with confidence.
However, when this godly candidate left, another member of the panel said If this is what that pastor is holding on to, he will not have ten people in his congregation! The truth has been mortgaged in some quarters of Christendom. Beloved, please arise and let us, as one, stand against evil.
PRAYER POINT: Father, please revive Your Church. Let the body of Christ be light unto the world as we stand against every form of evil in our societies in Jesus name.
BIBLE IN ONE YEAR: JUDE 1:1-25
Thank you for studying today’s Open Heaven – Stand Up Against Evil – written by Pastor Enoch A.
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Open Heaven 25 November 2021
