OPEN HEAVENS DEVOTIONAL - THURSDAY 20/06/2013 - A SMOOTH STONE BY PASTOR E.A. ADEBOYE

A SMOOTH STONE

MEMORY VERSE

Therefore thus saith the Lord GOD, Behold, I lay in Zion for a foundation a stone, a tried stone, a precious corner stone, a sure foundation: he that believeth shall not make haste. 

Isaiah 28:16

READ

1 Peter 2:4-8

1 Pe 2:4 To whom coming, as unto a living stone, disallowed indeed of men, but chosen of God, and precious,

1 Pe 2:5 Ye also, as lively stones, are built up a spiritual house, an holy priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices, acceptable to God by Jesus Christ.

1 Pe 2:6 Wherefore also it is contained in the scripture, Behold, I lay in Sion a chief corner stone, elect, precious: and he that believeth on him shall not be confounded.

1 Pe 2:7 Unto you therefore which believe he is precious: but unto them which be disobedient, the stone which the builders disallowed, the same is made the head of the corner,

1 Pe 2:8 And a stone of stumbling, and a rock of offence, even to them which stumble at the word, being disobedient: whereunto also they were appointed.

MESSAGE

God is interested in every aspect of your life including your dressing because it could either make or mar His plan for you. How polished are you to fit into His eternal plan for your life? Many years ago, one of my sons in the Lord who is highly educated became born-again yet continued smoking cigarette. When I was told, I asked him and he affirmed that he was born-again and that what is inside of one is what really matters. However he said he is prepared to obey the Bible and then asked: 'Where is it written, Thou shall not smoke?' I replied that it is not stated in the Bible. One day, he visited me in company of his wife while I was at a retreat so we decided to do a little Bible study on 1 Samuel 17:38-40. Verse 40 says David selected five smooth stones from the brook and not just any stone even when a stone is a stone because of its hardness. What is the difference between a smooth stone and one that is not smooth? I told them that there are different kinds of stones – stones that can kill a dog and stones that can kill other types of creatures, but that the stones that could kill a giant must be smooth stones. With this new insight, he stopped smoking that same day, saying that he desired not just to be a stone but a smooth stone in God's hands. Are you born-again but still drinking alcoholic wine or smoking or are you still involved in a questionable habit? You cannot be a smooth stone until you do away with anything questionable in your life. Yes, you can just be a stone – an ordinary one, but if you want to be a smooth stone that God can use to do great things in His Kingdom, then you must allow God to polish you, and make you a tried stone like Jesus Christ. Anybody who claims to be a Christian may wear what he or she likes but not to the altar of God. Also, if God considers you a favourite, you will mind what you do, say, where you go and how you dress. Ask God to make you a smooth stone in His hands.

ACTION POINT

If you get more of judgements than mercy, it is most likely because you are indebted in mercy. Sow mercy to all who have hurt you.

BIBLE IN ONE YEAR

Exodus 35 - 37