OPEN HEAVEN 12 APRIL 2024 FRIDAY: THE GAINS OF TOTAL SURRENDER
OPEN HEAVEN 12 APRIL 2024 MEMORIZE: Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God. Hebrews 12:2
OPEN HEAVEN 12 APRIL 2024 BIBLE READING Philippians 2:5-11
5 Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus:
6 Who, being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God:
7 But made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men:
8 And being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross.
9 Wherefore God also hath highly exalted him, and given him a name which is above every name:
10 That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of things in heaven, and things in earth, and things under the earth;
11 And that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.
OPEN HEAVEN 12 APRIL 2024 MESSAGE
In my studies on this topic, I noticed that apostle Paul who said in Philippians 4:7 “but what things were gain to me, those I counted loss for Christ,” was promoted so highly that in 2 Corinthians 12:11, he said, “I’m not behind the greatest apostles.”
When we talk about promotion, many of us think about titles. Titles are beautiful, but I will rather be a deacon that can raise the dead than be a National Pastor that cannot heal a fly.
I preached a message on total surrender one day in church. In those days, only a few members had cars.
After the service, a young man came to me and said, “Daddy, from now on, I surrender all to Jesus.” I said, “Really?” He said, “Yes”.
I then said, “Good. So, we will now be able to borrow your car tomorrow for a church assignment.” He replied, “But I have to go to work tomorrow”.
I laughed and said, “I just wanted to show you that you haven’t surrendered all.” I only asked about the church borrowing his car, and that was difficult for him to agree to. What if I had asked for something bigger?
What could make an individual surrender totally to God and even serve Him without pay?
I found the reason in Philippians 2:5-11 which is our Bible reading for today.
It started by saying, “Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus:” It further told us how great Jesus was and how He humbled Himself unto the point of death, even the death on the cross.
Then verse 9 says, “Wherefore God also hath highly exalted him..” At that point, I knew that the gain always outweighs the pain.
Hebrews 12:2 says:
Looking
unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy that
was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set
down at the right hand of the throne of God.
When you seek the things of God first, the other desires of your heart will also be granted unto you according to His will.
When you lay your life down for God, He will surely honour you in return.
There is great joy awaiting anyone who surrenders totally to God. If you surrender all that you have to Him, He will give you more in return.
Beloved, surrender all to God and He will bless you far beyond your imagination.
Lord, help me to surrender all to You today, in Jesus’ name.
OPEN HEAVEN 12 APRIL 2024 HYMN
RCCG HYMN 7: I Am Thine O Lord
1 I am Thine, O Lord, I have heard Thy voice,
And it told Thy love to me;
But I long to rise in the arms of faith,
And be closer drawn to Thee.
Refrain:
Draw me nearer, nearer, nearer, blessed Lord,
To the cross where Thou hast died;
Draw me nearer, nearer, nearer, blessed Lord,
To Thy precious, bleeding side.
2 Consecrate me now to Thy service, Lord,
By the pow’r of grace divine;
Let my soul look up with a steadfast hope,
And my will be lost in Thine. [Refrain]
3 Oh, the pure delight of a single hour
That before Thy throne I spend,
When I kneel in prayer, and with Thee, my God,
I commune as friend with friend! [Refrain]
4 There are depths of love that I cannot know
Till I cross the narrow sea;
There are heights of joy that I may not reach
Till I rest in peace with Thee. [Refrain]
OPEN HEAVEN 12 APRIL BIBLE READING IN ONE YEAR: 1 Kings 10-12
AUTHORS: PASTOR E.A ADEBOYE
PASTOR MRS FOLU ADEBOYE
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