OPEN HEAVENS DAILY DEVOTIONAL
DATE: SATURDAY NOVEMBER 23RD 2024
THEME: THE ANCIENT LANDMARKS
MEMORISE:
Remove not the ancient landmark, which thy fathers have set. Proverbs 22:28
READ: JEREMIAH 6:16-17
16 Thus saith the LORD, Stand ye in the ways, and see, and ask for the old paths, where is the good way, and walk therein, and ye shall find rest for your souls. But they said, We will not walk therein.
17 Also I set watchmen over you, saying, Hearken to the sound of the trumpet. But they said, We will not hearken.
MESSAGE:
These days, many people attempt to modernize Christianity. However, the Bible says in Hebrews 13:8 that Jesus Christ is the same yesterday today and forever. God is never going to change; therefore, such people are only compromising on their faith.
It is okay to introduce technology into the work of God. It is also okay to use new approaches to share the gospel. However, the ancient landmarks must remain intact. The moment a fellow begins to explain away some of the basic principles of Christianity in the Bible, that fellow is already on the wrong path. For example, 2 Corinthians 6:14 says clearly that believers should not be unequally yoked with unbelievers. Some youths, in a bid to be modern, say that it is not bad to marry someone who is not a Christian. They claim that they are practicing a less rigid Christianity than that of their parents. This can be potentially dangerous because someone who is an unbeliever will not understand the things of the Spirit (1 Corinthians 2:14) and will most likely oppose them or persecute the believer because of them.
Some people say that I am old school, and I agree, after all, I serve the Ancient of Days. However, I have been standing in the faith for over 40 years, while many 'modern Christians' are nowhere to be found. Without the 'old school' landmarks, you cannot remain strong in the faith. Some youths say that their parents are too rigid with the way they serve God. You may think some of the things that they do are not necessary, but believe me, they would not have achieved the results that they have today if they had not served God with such commitment. Denying one's self for the sake of the gospel shows a believer's level of commitment, and God rewards commitment (Hebrews 11:6).
If you are keeping the ancient landmarks, I want to encourage you to continue. Some people may laugh at you or call you a religious fanatic, but you must stand firm in your commitment to God and not compromise on God's principles. In the past, I was also laughed at, but see how far God has brought me now
Beloved, give yourself completely to God, and do not compromise on His standards; the whole world will soon come to the brightness of your rising in Christ.
KEY POINT:
It is better to keep the ancient landmarks and be laughed at than to conform to worldly trends and fall.
BIBLE IN ONE YEAR: ROMANS 1-3
AUTHOR: PASTOR E. A. ADEBOYE
HYMN 3: ANCIENT WORD
1 Holy words long preserved for our walk in this world,
They resound with God's own heart,
Oh, let the Ancient words impart.
Ancient words ever true,
Changing me, and changing you,
We have come with open hearts,
Oh, let the ancient words impart.
2 Words of Life, words of Hope,
Give us strength, help us cope,
In this world, where e'er we roam,
Ancient words will guide us Home.Refrain!
3 Holy words of our Faith,
Handed down to this age,
Came to us through sacrifice,
Oh, heed the faithful words of Christ Refrain!
4 Holy words long preserved,
For our walk in this world,
They resound with God's own heart,
Oh, let the ancient words impart.
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