OPEN HEAVENS DAILY DEVOTIONAL
DATE: THURSDAY 25TH NOVEMBER 2021.
THEME: STAND UP AGAINST EVIL.
MEMORISE:
He that justifieth the wicked, and he that condemneth the just, even they both are abomination to the LORD.
Proverbs 17:15
READ: Proverbs 17:13-15
13 Whoso rewardeth evil for good, evil shall not depart from his house.
14 The beginning of strife is as when one letteth out water: therefore leave off contention, before it be meddled with.
15 He that justifieth the wicked, and he that condemneth the just, even they both are abomination to the LORD.
MESSAGE:
The ability to stand against evil is one of the many virtues that are gradually disappearing from the Church today. The axiom “If you can’t beat them, join them” has become widely acceptable. May God help His Church in the mighty name of Jesus.
Our memory verse today states clearly that god abhors those who support wickedness as well as those who unbraid the just. When we refuse to condemn evil and wickedness we will definitely reject and vote against the just. Jesus Christ, after commending their charitable service, faith and patience, warned the Church in Thyatira against tolerating sexual immorality, typified in the woman Jezebel who called herself a prophetess- seducing innocent souls in the Church. Apostle Paul cautioned us not to be unequally yoked with unbelievers (2 Corinthians 6:14).
The call of God to us today is to stand up against evil, first within the Church, before taking the battle to the gates of hell. Unfortunately, many Christians applaud or ignore ungodly acts- even in the Church. They shy away from condemning ungodly acts for the fear of being condemned by the world. This is why, in some countries, you cannot preach against homosexuality; if you do, you may be jailed and it is your fellow Christian brethren or pastor who will condemn you as being foolish for not being discrete enough! Likewise, in some societies, violence against women, especially rape, is rampant, yet nothing meaningful is being done to stop the practice.
One of my children was once on a panel where some pastors were being interviewed for promotion. One particular candidate had been most passionate about his convictions with respect to ungodly standards as contained in the word of God, opposing worldly views with confidence. However, when this godly candidate left, another member of the panel said “If this is what that pastor is holding on to, he will not have ten people in his congregation!”
The truth has been mortgaged in some quarters of Christendom. Beloved, arise and let us, as one, stand against evil.
Father, please revive Your Church. Let the body of Christ be light unto the world as we stand against every form of evil in our society in Jesus’ name.
Click here for TODAY'S OPEN HEAVENS PRAYER POINTS.
BIBLE IN ONE YEAR: JUDE.
AUTHOR: PASTOR E. A. ADEBOYE
HYMN 22: STAND UP, STAND UP FOR JESUS.
1. Stand up, stand up for Jesus! ye soldiers of the cross;
Lift high His royal banner, it must not suffer loss:
From vict’ry unto vict’ry, His army shall He lead,
Till every foe is vanquished, and Christ is Lord indeed.
2. Stand up, stand up for Jesus! The trumpet call obey:
Forth to the mighty conflict, in this His glorious day;
Ye that are men now serve Him against unnumbered foes;
Let courage rise with danger, and strength to strength oppose.
3. Stand up, stand up for Jesus! Stand in His strength alone,
The arm of flesh will fail you, ye dare not trust your own;
Put on the gospel armor, and watching unto prayer,
Where calls the voice of duty, be never wanting there.
4. Stand up, stand up for Jesus! the strife will not be long;
This day the noise of battle, the next the victor’s song;
To him that overcometh a crown of life shall be;
He with the King of glory shall reign eternally.
Amen and Amen
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