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Open Heaven Devotion

  • 19 Mar 2023

THE WORD GUIDES II

MEMORIZE: I have refrained my feet from every evil way, that I might keep thy word. Psalm 119:101

BIBLE READING MATTHEW 10:17-20

17 But beware of men: for they will deliver you up to the councils, and they will scourge you in their synagogues;

18 And ye shall be brought before governors and kings for my sake, for a testimony against them and the Gentiles.

19 But when they deliver you up, take no thought how or what ye shall speak: for it shall be given you in that same hour what ye shall speak.

20 For it is not ye that speak, but the Spirit of your Father which speaketh in you.

MESSAGE

Yesterday, we discussed how God’s word guides you to fulfill His purpose for your life. Today, We will discuss how His word guides you out of trouble.

But when they deliver you up, take no thought how or what ye shall speak: for it shall be given you in that same hour what ye shall speak. – (Matthew 10:19)

When I became General Overseer, I had a lot of problems because I became the leader of many people who had been in the Church since its inception in 1952 and I just joined in 1973. Some of these people were members of the Supreme Council in those days, so every meeting was hellish for me. They criticized everything.

One day, God said, “At the meeting today, you will say nothing until you hear from me”. This particular meeting was the toughest of them all. I kept quiet as instructed and then all of a sudden, God spoke. “Tell them, it is written, every idle word that a man shall speak, he will give an account of it” (Matthew 12:36). That was the last time I had a problem with them.

The truth according to John 17:17 is the word of God. With the guidance of the word, you will no longer be confused because the Spirit of truth knows even the hidden truths about all things.

When I left a very promising career in academics to become the General Overseer of a small Church that couldn’t afford to pay the salaries of its staff, it did not make any sense at the time but the Spirit of truth told me that my tomorrow would be all right if I took that path. Today I am glad I did.

When the Redeemed Christian Church of God established its camp in the middle of a forest filled with snakes and highway robbers, it did not make sense, but that is where the Spirit of truth led us. Today, that same place has become a highly sought-after city to live and work in.

Let the word of God guide you in every decision you take. You can’t know better than the Spirit of truth; consult Him before you make any move and you will never regret it.

PRAYER POINT: Spirit of truth, please coordinate and direct every aspect of my life in Jesus’ name.

BIBLE READING IN ONE YEAR: JUDGES 17-19

HYMN: TAKE MY LIFE AND LET IT BE

1. Take my life and let it

Consecrated Lord to Thee

Take my moment and my days

Let them flow ceaseless praise.

2. Take my hands and let them move

At the impulse of Thy love

Take my feet and let them be

Swift and beautiful for thee

3. Take my voice and let me sing

Always only for my king;

Take my lips and let them be

Filled with messages from Thee.

4. Take my sliver and my gold

Not a mite would I withhold

Take my intellect, and use

Every power as thou shalt choose.

5. Take my will and make it Thine,

It shall no longer mine:

Take my heart, it is Thine own;

It shall be Thy royal throne,

6. Take my love, my Lord, I pour

At Thy feet its treasure store;

Take myself, and I will be

Ever, only, all for thee.