OPEN HEAVENS DEVOTIONAL - WEDNESDAY 03/07/2013 - LITTLE BY LITTLE BY PASTOR E.A. ADEBOYE

LITTLE BY LITTLE

MEMORY VERSE

As thou knowest not what is the way of the spirit, nor how the bones do grow in the womb of her that is with child: even so thou knowest not the works of God who maketh all.

Ecclesiastes 11:5

Read

1 Corinthians 10:11-13

1 Co 10:11 Now all these things happened unto them for ensamples: and they are written for our admonition, upon whom the ends of the world are come.

1 Co 10:12 Wherefore let him that thinketh he standeth take heed lest he fall.

1 Co 10:13 There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it.

MESSAGE

It is good to know the weapons with which to engage the enemy, but this is not enough. It is important to also know the techniques of the enemy so that you will be guided on how to apply the weapons you have. The more I study the devil, the more I am convinced that he is a good boxer. In boxing, there are three major types of blow: the jab, the hook and the uppercut. The average boxer aims at hitting the head of his opponent but he may not start there. He starts with the jabs at the head, while the opponent is dodging these jabs, his stomach is exposed and the boxer capitalises on this to give the hook on the stomach. If he succeeds in hitting the solar plexus in the stomach, the opponent tilts forward and the boxer gives the uppercut because the head is closer and most likely not protected.

This tells us something about Satan's modus operandi, particularly in bringing down committed, Heaven–bound Christians. Although his goal is to completely severe the believer from his helper, so that members of the kingdom of darkness can do whatever they like with the fellow, he carries out this plan on a piecemeal basis. To succeed in this plan, the enemy can be very patient. The devil is satisfied with separating you from the Vine little by little. As is commonly said, 'Little drops of water make the mighty ocean'. This is why you must be concerned about your decrease in spiritual matters as little failings lead to a great fall. If you are gradually accepting Satan's excuse - It doesn't matter, know that something is wrong somewhere. If you have moved from no lie to little lies once in a while, you are already heading for a fall. If your Bible study has decreased, you are backsliding. If a little anger is now permitted by you, know that great anger is on its way. Never allow the little sins! Never give room for secret sins. No matter the size, sin is ultimately going to separate you from God your Ally. Take steps to know God more, obey Him and have more of Him. Little by little keep making efforts to grow in faith no matter how little the effort is each time. Don't stay at the same spot!

ACTION POINT

People fall little by little and rise little by little. If you don't want a negative surprise, watch little developments that are taking place in your life.

BIBLE IN ONE YEAR

Psalm 31 - 33