Open Heaven 30 August
MEMORISE: Not that we are sufficient of ourselves to think any thing as of ourselves; but our sufficiency is of God; 2 Corinthians 3:5
BIBLE READING: Philippians 3:4-9 (KJV)
4 though I also might have confidence in the flesh. If anyone else thinks he may have confidence in the flesh, I more so: 5 circumcised the eighth day, of the stock of Israel, of the tribe of Benjamin, a Hebrew of the Hebrews; concerning the law, a Pharisee; 6 concerning zeal, persecuting the church; concerning the righteousness which is in the law, blameless.
7 But what things were gain to me, these I have counted loss for Christ. 8 Yet indeed I also count all things loss for the excellence of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord, for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and count them as rubbish, that I may gain Christ 9 and be found in Him, not having my own righteousness, which is from the law, but that which is through faith in Christ, the righteousness which is from God by faith;
Read yesterday’s Open Heaven Devotional here
Any genuine child of God wants to be used by Him for great things. However, whether God would use someone or how far He would go with an individual is a function of many factors.First and foremost, we need to realise that only God is All-Sufficient.
Many passages of Scripture attest to this. He is the One who owns power in its entirely (Psalms 62:11 ) and power, according to scientists, is the ability to do work. God is the source and giver of wisdom (James 1:5-8 , Colossians 2:2-3 ). You want to talk about strength? Isaiah 40:29-31 says that He gives strength and might. No man should think of himself as adequate or self-sufficient. Whether in terms of knowledge, strength, power, wisdom or human connection, none of these is able to make a man adequate before God. It amounts to pride to wholly rely on your natural abilities. Beloved, God cannot use you until you empty yourself before Him. Only empty vessels can be filled (2 Kings 4:1-7 ).
Many of Gods people are however, still full of themselves. Beloved, if you go through the Bible you would discover that the people God used are those who were nothing or who reduced themselves to nothing. If at any time He picks people who seem to have attained already, such people would have to empty themselves. Saul of Tarsus is a classic example (Philippians 3:5-9 ).
When God chooses you no matter your status, all you need is His assurance that His presence will go with you. In the Bible reading of today, Paul clarifies what we must know and do to qualify for divine appointment. The number one fact is that being an offspring of a pastor does not automatically qualify one to become a pastor.
Pastoral calling is not hereditary. Two, Paul was a Pharisee and a doctor of the religious law of Israel but he had to empty himself before God could use him.
“Though I might also have confidence in the flesh. If any other man thinketh that he hath whereof he might trust in the flesh, I more:.. But what things were gain to me, those I counted loss for Christ.”
“Philippians 3:4,7”
The Lord qualifies us when we disqualify and humble ourselves. May the Lord qualify you for His service, in Jesus name.
ACTION POINT: Father, I empty myself of all sense of self-sufficiency and pride. Please fill me up and use me for Your glory, in the mighty name of Jesus.
BIBLE IN ONE YEAR: Proverbs 1:1-33
Thank you for studying today’s Open Heaven – He Qualifies His Vessels – written by Pastor Enoch A.
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Open Heaven 30 August 2021
