OPEN HEAVENS DEVOTIONAL - FRIDAY - 06/06/2014 - CONTROVERSIAL BLESSING BY PASTOR E.A. ADEBOYE

CONTROVERSIAL BLESSING

MEMORISE

When the LORD turned again the captivity of Zion, we were like them that dream.

Psalm 126:1

READ

John 9:8-16

8 The neighbours therefore, and they which before had seen him that he was blind, said, Is not this he that sat and begged?

9 Some said, This is he: others said, He is like him: but he said, I am he.

10 Therefore said they unto him, How were thine eyes opened?

11 He answered and said, A man that is called Jesus made clay, and anointed mine eyes, and said unto me, Go to the pool of Siloam, and wash: and I went and washed, and I received sight.

12 Then said they unto him, Where is he? He said, I know not.

13 They brought to the Pharisees him that aforetime was blind.

14 And it was the sabbath day when Jesus made the clay, and opened his eyes.

15 Then again the Pharisees also asked him how he had received his sight. He said unto them, He put clay upon mine eyes, and I washed, and do see.

16 Therefore said some of the Pharisees, This man is not of God, because he keepeth not the sabbath day. Others said, How can a man that is a sinner do such miracles? And there was a division among them.

MESSAGE

The Lord Jesus is the centre of new beginnings; therefore, every new beginning takes its origin in Christ. When God found fault with the Old Testament, He introduced the New Testament on the platform of Christ’s sacrifice. It does not matter your background, education, race, sex or colour; Christ has provided a level playing field of opportunities for everyone to be blessed beyond measure. The choice to be blessed in such a way that your case becomes the talk of the town now rests with you. Some people are resistant to new things; they like suffering, hardship, poverty, sickness and stagnation. Their present poor state is so acceptable to them that they don’t see any need to embrace change. I once had an experience of this sometime ago when I prayed for someone and said: “When next you are coming to the annual convention, you will come in your own car”. I expected him to say Amen, but he did not, so I asked him: “Did you hear what I said?” He replied: “Yes”. “Why then didn’t you answer?” I asked. Then he explained: “When one gets a car, you will begin to talk about getting a mechanic, insurance and fuel shortage problems”. He continued rolling out reasons why he was not expecting a car. That was the lie of the devil to keep him away from his blessing. The devil did not want him to see the good side of having a car.

In John 9:1-7, we see a man who was born blind receive his sight. He had been in that situation for at least forty years before he met Christ. On meeting the Lord, the blindness of forty years disappeared and his sight was restored. His story stands as a case of blessings that generates controversies. A problem of forty years came to an end in just one day. You should know that your problem has an expiry date. Today is your day for a new beginning. There are many lessons to draw from the story of this man. New blessings will usually generate controversies. Controversy brings about debate, arguments, disagreements, deliberation, wonder or questions. There will be questions when a man known for poverty suddenly begins to ride in one of the most expensive cars in the world. People will talk and argue when a woman whom the doctor said her womb is too small to nurture a child gives birth to four children at once. Meeting Jesus on a personal basis is an experience you should seek. The good news is that He is seeking to meet you too. There is a blessing Christ will give you that will positively affect all other areas of your life. I decree over your life that every secret work the Lord began in your life shall be completed publicly in Jesus’ Name. Every deficiency or inadequacy in your life shall expire in Jesus’ Name.

PRAYER POINT

Lord, let your blessings for me this year generate discussions.

BIBLE IN ONE YEAR

Exodus 30:22-33:6;

Psalm 119:49-64