Topic: Are You A Lover Of The Light [Open Heavens 12 Monday February 2018]
Memorise: “And this is the condemnation, that light is come into the world, and men loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil.” – John 3:19
Read: John 7:1-7 (KJV)
1. After these things Jesus walked in Galilee: for he would not walk in Jewry, because the Jews sought to kill him.
2 Now the Jews' feast of tabernacles was at hand.
3 His brethren therefore said unto him, Depart hence, and go into Judaea, that thy disciples also may see the works that thou doest.
4 For there is no man that doeth any thing in secret, and he himself seeketh to be known openly. If thou do these things, shew thyself to the world.
5 For neither did his brethren believe in him.
6 Then Jesus said unto them, My time is not yet come: but your time is alway ready.
7 The world cannot hate you; but me it hateth, because I testify of it, that the works thereof are evil.
Bible in One Year: Leviticus 1-3, Romans 15:14-33
MESSAGE
When the devil was cast out of heaven, he brought spiritual darkness and everything that it represents along with him to the earth. God then created mankind to serve as bearers of light on the earth and gave man a mandate to illuminate the whole world with His glory (Genesis 1:28). Through the fall of man in the Garden of Eden, the devil succeeded in putting out the light of God in man, thereby infusing him with his own darkness (Ephesians 5:8). The devil stole the power over this world which God had given to man, and he now wields it as the power darkness (Luke 4:6, Luke 22:53). However, those who have received Jesus Christ, the Light of the world, into their lives have been delivered from this power of darkness and have been handed the keys to a kingdom far greater than that which was given to Adam (Colossians 1:13). The presence of darkness in this world is therefore due to spiritual factors, and not physical ones. Although man is not liable for the presence of darkness in this world, he will be held accountable if he chooses to embrace darkness instead of light. Today’s memory verse reveals why mankind embraces darkness, and the consequence of this choice. From this insight, the unimaginable level of atrocities carried out in this world under the cover of darkness should therefore be of no surprise.
Jesus Christ is the Light of the world (John 8:12), and He is hated by those who are under the manipulation of the power of darkness. Why do the people of this world hate Jesus Christ, considering the benefits that light brings to mankind? The devil, his cohorts and evil men of this world do not only represent darkness, they are darkness personified. Jesus Christ, being the Light that came purposely not only to expose darkness but also to exterminate it, is therefore bound to be hated. Whoever decides to love Jesus Christ and reflect His light is also bound to be hated. Each of us must choose where we belong: the company of the Light or company of darkness. What is your own choice today? Whichever you choose has its rewards and consequences. I encourage you to embrace Jesus Christ, the Light of the world. Embracing Him means renouncing all hidden works of darkness in your life (1 Corinthians 6:9-10). You need to confess and forsake them as the Holy Spirit convicts you of them all. You will be given and set free from all the consequences associated with them. May God bless you as you take this decision for Christ today.
Action Point: Examine your life, and if there is any work of darkness present, renounce them, seeking prayer and assistance through counseling from any anointed minister of God.
Hymn 3: What Can Wash Away My Sins
1. What can wash away my sin?
Nothing but the blood of Jesus;
What can make me whole again?
Nothing but the blood of Jesus.
Chorus:
Oh! precious is the flow
That makes me white as snow;
No other fount I know,
Nothing but the blood of Jesus.
2. For my cleansing this I see,
Nothing but the blood of Jesus;
For my pardon this my plea,
Nothing but the blood of Jesus.
3. Nothing can for sin erase
Nothing but the blood of Jesus;
Naught of works, ‘tis all of grace,
Nothing but the blood of Jesus.
4. This is all my hope and peace,
Nothing but the blood of Jesus;
This is all my righteousness,
Nothing but the blood of Jesus.
Open Heavens 12th February 2018, Daily Devotional guide was written by Pastor E.A. Adeboye, the General Overseer of the Redeemed Christian Church of God, one of the largest evangelical church in the world and also the President of Christ the Redeemer's Ministries.
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