OPEN HEAVENS DAILY DEVOTIONAL
DATE: MONDAY 23RD DECEMBER 2019
THEME: THE HERITAGE OF GOD.
MEMORISE:
Behold, what manner of love the Father hath bestowed upon us, that we should be called the sons of God: therefore the world knoweth us not, because it knew him not. 1 John 3:1
READ: Romans 8:14-17
14 For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons of God.
15 For ye have not received the spirit of bondage again to fear; but ye have received the Spirit of adoption, whereby we cry, Abba, Father.
16 The Spirit itself beareth witness with our spirit, that we are the children of God:
17 And if children, then heirs; heirs of God, and joint-heirs with Christ; if so be that we suffer with him, that we may be also glorified together.
MESSAGE
The word “Heritage” refers to a cherished property or inheritance, having special architectural, historical or natural qualities and values. It reveals the sense of history, personality, importance, authority and worth of a people or Nation. It is therefore not surprising that God commanded the Israelites to document historical events, Covenants, laws and Commandments that formed their heritage in order to preserve them forever (Exodus 17:14, Exodus 34:27, Deuteronomy 11:20). God and His kingdom also have heritage. The people of God in all generation are the heritage of God (Psalm 94:5). The Bible therefore refers to the Israelites, the Church of Christ, and little children as God’s heritage (Joel 3:2, 1 Peter 5:3, Psalm 127:3). Since a heritage refers to assets of monumental value, the Lord’s heritage is therefore something very precious to be protected and watched over with all diligence. This should give you an idea of your worth to God as a Christian.
In the beginning God created us in his own image and for His pleasure, but man later fell from grace and became a slave to sin. In His mercy, God to approached the slave market and repurchased us by offering the precious blood of Son, Jesus, as ransom for us. By this heavy investment, God has secured a double claim of ownership over us: as the beautiful work of His hands, and as His adopted children, bought with the precious Blood of Jesus. Little wonder the Holy Spirit in 1 Peter 2:9 describes those in Christ in these terms:
“But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should shew forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvellous light;”
All of mankind have the opportunity of becoming God’s children through faith in Jesus Christ, who came into this world to redeem us from sin and Satan over two thousand years ago. As you celebrate His birth this season, remember what He came to do and do not let it go to waste in your life. Jesus came to manifest the nature of God and demonstrate His character to us, so that through His example we can imitate the ways of our heavenly Father in our daily lives. Those who live their lives in this manner, under the saving grace and lordship of Jesus Christ, are those considered to be God’s Heritage. Just as human beings spare no expense to preserve their heritage, God can go to any length to preserve those that are His heritage. Are you part of God's heritage?
KEY POINT:
Abiding in an environment of accountability prevents character erosion.
BIBLE IN ONE YEAR: Proverbs 20-22
Zechariah 11:1-14
AUTHOR: PASTOR E. A. ADEBOYE
HYMN 9: IN CHRIST ALONE.
1. In Christ alone my hope is found,
He is my light, my strength, my song;
This Cornerstone, this solid Ground,
Firm through the fiercest drought and storm.
What heights of love, what depths of peace,
When fears are stilled, when strivings cease!
My Comforter, my All in All,
Here in the love of Christ I stand.
2. In Christ alone! – who took on flesh,
Fullness of God in helpless babe.
This gift of love and righteousness,
Scorned by the ones He came to save:
Till on that cross as Jesus died,
The wrath of God was satisfied –
For every sin on Him was laid;
Here in the death of Christ I live.
3. There in the ground His body lay,
Light of the world by darkness slain:
Then bursting forth in glorious day
Up from the grave He rose again!
And as He stands in victory
Sin’s curse has lost its grip on me,
For I am His and He is mine –
Bought with the precious blood of Christ.
4. No guilt in life, no fear in death,
This is the power of Christ in me;
From life’s first cry to final breath,
Jesus commands my destiny.
No power of hell, no scheme of man,
Can ever pluck me from His hand:
Till He returns or calls me home,
Here in the power of Christ I’ll stand.
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