OPEN HEAVEN DAILY DEVOTIONAL
DATE: SATURDAY OCTOBER 3RD 2026
THEME: DON'T HARDEN YOUR HEART
MEMORIZE
Happy is the man that feareth alway: but he that hardeneth his heart shall fall into mischief.
Proverbs 28:14 (KJV)
Psalm 95:8-11 (KJV)
8 Harden not your heart, as in the provocation, and as in the day of temptation in the wilderness:
9 When your fathers tempted me, proved me, and saw my work.
10 Forty years long was I grieved with this generation, and said, It is a people that do err in their heart, and they have not known my ways:
11 Unto whom I sware in my wrath that they should not enter into my rest.
MESSAGE
There is great danger in hardening one's heart to the word of God. In Revelation 2:7, the Bible says, "He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches…" In today's world, many people are unwilling to listen to God's word, especially when it condemns their wrongdoings. They mock and neglect genuine men of God and despise God's ordinances. They are usually found in churches where sin is not condemned and where ungodly doctrines are taught. The Bible tells us that such people are at risk of eternal damnation if they refuse to heed His word (2 Thessalonians 2:10-12).
Many professing Christians pick only what favours them from God's word. However, what they do not know is that they cannot experience the fullness of God when they choose only what they want to hear from Him. In fact, many times, the things that position us for God's blessings are the things we do not want to hear or experience. It was the shame and the cross that positioned Jesus for glory (Hebrews 12:2). Also, in Joseph's case, it was the pit and the prison that positioned him for the palace.
Hebrews 4:12 tells us that the word of God is "quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow…" God's word convicts; it does not condemn. Whenever a fellow hears God's word and it pierces through his or her heart, such a person should not get offended. Instead, he or she should see it as an opportunity to be corrected and transformed.
Now when they heard this, they were pricked in their heart, and said unto Peter and to the rest of the apostles, Men and brethren, what shall we do? Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost. — Acts 2:37-38
In the Scripture above, Peter preached the gospel of Jesus Christ to some people in Jerusalem, and they were convicted in their hearts. Following their conviction, they became saved and were baptised (Acts 2:41). Beloved, when you hear God's word, do not harden your heart. Let His word convict, correct, and instruct you so that you will be thoroughly furnished unto all good works (2 Timothy 3:16-17).
PRAYER POINT:
Father, please give me a teachable heart that is quick to receive and obey Your word, in Jesus' name.
BIBLE IN ONE YEAR: Matthew 5-6
AUTHOR: PASTOR E. A ADEBOYE
HYMN: Ancient Words
1. Holy words long preserved For our walk in this world, They resound with God's own heart, O let the ancient words impart.
Chorus:
Ancient words, ever true, Changing me, changing you; We have come with open hearts, O 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.
3. Ancient words shall stand the test, Time and change have proved them best; Through the ages they endure, Ancient words are strong and sure.
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