Open Heavens Sunday 6 November 2016:- Forsaking the way?
Memorise: For Demas hath forsake me, having loved this present world, and is departed unto Thessalonica; Crescens to Galatia Titus unto Dalmatia. 2nd Timothy 4:10
Read: Luke 9:57-62 (KJV)
57 And it came to pass, that, as they went in the way, a certain man said unto him, Lord, I will follow thee whithersoever thou goest.
58 And Jesus said unto him, Foxes have holes, and birds of the air have nests; but the Son of man hath not where to lay his head.
59 And he said unto another, Follow me. But he said, Lord, suffer me first to go and bury my father.
60 Jesus said unto him, Let the dead bury their dead: but go thou and preach the kingdom of God.
61 And another also said, Lord, I will follow thee; but let me first go bid them farewell, which are at home at my house.
62 And Jesus said unto him, No man, having put his hand to the plough, and looking back, is fit for the kingdom of God.
Bible in one year: Revelation 19:11-22:21, Psalms 96
MESSAGE
In the Bible reading of today, some of those who were invited by Jesus could not come because they had excuses. On that day, when we shall all stand before the Almighty God, there will no longer be any excuses. Anyone who desires to please God and withstand the storms of life must not allow anything to hinder him from making it to the Kingdom. There are many people who started well but didn’t end well because of the distractions of life. There are many things people do, which unknown to them, enslaves them to the devil. Demas forsook the faith because of his love for the world. Are you also forsaking God for riches? If others are deceived, you must not allow yourself to be a victim. This is why I always emphasise the fact that who or what you allow determines what follows you.
It is very obvious that Demas, who started well, missed it down the line because he did not set his priorities right. He totally abandoned the missionary support of Apostle Paul and became engrossed with the business of this world. This business consumed the thinking of Demas to the point that he was no longer relevant in the business of the Kingdom. While others continued with Paul on evangelistic responsibilities, Demas went back to the world. This will not be your lot in Jesus’ name. In the world today, innumerable people are allowing the love of money to capture their hearts; they have wandered away from the Presence of God. Money is temporal and not eternal, money cannot buy joy; it cannot buy the peace of God. It is only the blessing of the Almighty God that makes one rich without any sorrow added to it. The desire to satisfy the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes and the pride of life is what is deceiving many. Some people are always concerned about what they don’t have and what God has not done. There is no better life outside Jesus Christ. What is that thing that you value over and above your salvation? It is the plan and purpose of God that you focus on Him for all your needs. No matter how much energy you put into the pursuance of the mundane things of this world, they are not enough to make you blessed. It is the blessing and joy of the Lord that makes one to be at peace.
Beloved, you have to call yourself to order, you have to make a commitment to focus on Jesus Christ, the author and finisher of our faith. Anyone who seeks to be a genuine follower of Jesus Christ must be willing to deny himself and live above the ephemerals of this present world. If you will pursue God, money and all that money cannot buy would pursue you. If you don’t forsake Him, His goodness and mercy will follow you daily.
Prayer Point
Father, help me never to forsake you for anything in this world.
Open Heavens Daily Devotional, written by Pastor E. A. Adeboye
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