Open Heaven 4 August 2026: He Who Thinks He Stands 2
MEMORISE: Search me, O God, and know my heart: try me, and know my thoughts: And see if there be any wicked way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting.
Psalm 139:23-24
READ: Matthew 7:21-23
21 Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven.
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.
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It is one thing to stand for Jesus, and it is another to keep standing for Him until the end. To stand in Christ until the end requires God’s help (Jude 1:24), and you must consistently enquire from Him to know how you are standing.
2 Corinthians 10:18 says:
For not he that commendeth himself is approved, but whom the lord commendeth.
Many people commend themselves based on their own standards, when, in truth, they have already fallen. God knows those who are still standing in Him; His foundation is sure and He will not allow anyone build falsehood upon it (2 Timothy 2:19).
Today’s Bible reading tells us that on the last day, many people will approach God with confidence, thinking that they ought to be in heaven, but He will send them back and call them workers of iniquity.
They will try to defend themselves using their own standards of judgment, which may include the wonderful works they did in God’s name, but they will still be rejected.
Prophet Isaiah thought he was standing for God until he visited God’s throne room and realised that he was a man of unclean lips (Isaiah 6:5).
Beloved, never assume that you are standing in Christ; consistently examine yourself by His standards to ensure that you are still in the faith. You can do this by constantly weighing your actions and attitudes against God’s word.
For example, how do you react when you are addressed in a manner you consider disrespectful? When people praise you, do you enjoy their praises and bask in pride, or are you quick to redirect them to God, the giver of the gifts you are being praised for? When there is an opportunity to serve, do you avoid it and demand to be served because of your position and achievements, or do you quickly humble yourself, as Jesus did, to serve others? Would you rather have things your way all the time or allow the Holy Spirit to have His way? God’s word is the mirror with which you can always check whether you are standing in Him or not.
James 1:23-25 urges us not to be hearers of God’s word alone, but also doers. Don’t be like a man who sees his blemishes in the mirror and fails to correct them. Ask the Holy Spirit to show you the areas you are not walking as uprightly as He desires, so that you can make necessary adjustments immediately.
PRAYER POINT
Father, please help me to stand in You until the very end.
