OPEN HEAVENS DEVOTIONAL - TUESDAY - 11/11/2014 - BEWARE OF PRIDE II - BY PASTOR E.A. ADEBOYE

BEWARE OF PRIDE II

Memorise

And, ye masters, do the same things unto them, forbearing threatening: knowing that your Master also is in heaven; neither is there respect of persons with him.

Ephesians 6:9

Read

Romans 12:3-10

12:3 For I say, through the grace given unto me, to every man that is among you, not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think; but to think soberly, according as God hath dealt to every man the measure of faith.

12:4 For as we have many members in one body, and all members have not the same office:

12:5 So we, being many, are one body in Christ, and every one members one of another.

12:6 Having then gifts differing according to the grace that is given to us, whether prophecy, let us prophesy according to the proportion of faith;

12:7 Or ministry, let us wait on our ministering: or he that teacheth, on teaching;

12:8 Or he that exhorteth, on exhortation: he that giveth, let him do it with simplicity; he that ruleth, with diligence; he that sheweth mercy, with cheerfulness.

12:9 Let love be without dissimulation. Abhor that which is evil; cleave to that which is good.

12:10 Be kindly affectioned one to another with brotherly love; in honour preferring one another;

MESSAGE

Do you know that there are many people who have lost precious opportunities that God meant for their breakthrough or turn-around, all because they think highly of themselves beyond what they really are? Quite a good number of God’s people are suffering unnecessarily just because they despised lofty opportunities in the form of persons, situations, gifts and relationships packaged in simple, unattractive and lowly boxes.

Some of our sisters would not want to get married to anyone that is not at least at the same level as they are, due to their high educational qualifications, fast promotion to the position of executive in blue chip companies or because of their famous and wealthy backgrounds. As a result of this, they are not prepared for the will of God. God does not see the way we see; He has a purpose for us His people. It doesn’t matter if you are already an MD of a multinational corporation at age 25, God may say a first degree holder management trainee is your husband. Would you be humble enough to accept? Many have allowed their earthly privileged position or possession to make them miss out of God’s will for their lives; thus, a fulfilled and blissful marriage experience has eluded them. Young lady listen! If you were brought up with a silver spoon in your mouth or you are a high flyer and you are unmarried, be wise, you are now a child of God, your heavenly Father knows all about you, He determines who becomes this or that. Trust in Him with all your heart, He has your best interest at heart. That man God is saying is your husband, though he does not seem to measure up to your standard as you may claim, God is taking him somewhere. He is not at the bus stop of his life yet. All you need to do is to confirm if he is God’s will for you. If this is ascertained, you would be wise to accede to his proposal to you. But go into the relationship following the laid down guidelines of your church. If you do, you will not get your fingers burnt.

Some of us also allow our position and wealth to interfere with the way we relate with people that are not as privileged as we are at this particular time. I write at this particular time because such people may be going somewhere with God like Joseph in Egypt. One thing we should bear in mind as children of God is that, God has a purpose for those He brings around us, including the driver, the house help, the gardener and others; they deserve to be treated with dignity.

Action Point

Review the way you relate to those who are less privileged around you and prayerfully correct any issues you observed.

BIBLE IN ONE YEAR

2 Kings 19:8-21:18

Proverbs 24:21-34