Theme For Open Heavens Devotional 8 August 2019 – MORE THAN ENOUGH.
MEMORY VERSE:
“Let us therefore come boldly unto THE THRONE of GRACE, that we may obtain MERCY, and find GRACE to help in time of need.”Hebrews 4:16
BIBLE READING: 2 Corinthians 12:1-9
1• It is not expedient for me doubtless to Glory . I will come to Visions and Revelation of The Lord.
2• I knew a man in Christ above fourteen years ago, (whether in the body, I cannot tell; or whether out of the body, I cannot tell: God knoweth;) such an one caught up to THE THIRD HEAVEN.
3• And I knew such a man, (whether in the body, or out of the body, I cannot tell: God knoweth;)
4• How that he was caught up into paradise, and heard UNSPEAKABLE WORDS, which it is not lawful for a man to utter.
5• Of such an one will I glory: yet of myself I will not glory, but in mine infirmities.
6• For though I would desire to glory, I shall not be a fool; for I will say the truth: but now I forbear, lest any man should think of me above that which he seeth me to be, or that he heareth of me.
7• And lest I should be exalted above measure through the abundance of the revelations, there was given to me A THORN IN THE FLESH, THE MESSENGER OF SATAN to buffet me, lest I should be exalted above measure.
8• For this thing I besought The Lord THRICE, that it might depart from me.
9• And he said unto me, MY GRACE IS SUFFICIENT FOR THEE: FOR MY STRENGTH IS MADE PERFECT IN WEAKNESS. Most Gladly Therefore Will I Rather Glory In My Infirmities, That THE POWER OF CHRIST MAY REST UPON ME.
MESSAGE:
A. The word “GRACE” is commonly used in the Bible to describe the demonstration of GOD’S GOODWILL towards humanity and its effect on our lives.
1. GRACE is simply THE UNMERITED FAVOUR OF GOD
2. The Supreme Expression Of Which Is The Redemption Of Sinners And The Full Forgiveness They Freely Receive Through Faith In Jesus Christ
3. THE GRACE OF GOD IS MORE THAN ENOUGH to cover every weakness and challenge in the life of anyone who comes to Him through Jesus Christ
4. 1 Timothy 1:14 “And The Grace of Our Lord was Exceeding Abundant with Faith and Love which is in Christ Jesus.
5. Throughout the Bible, we see GOD’S GRACE spoken of in relation to three overlapping terms: GOODNESS, LOVE and MERCY.
6. GRACE is therefore a product of GOD’S GOODNESS, LOVE and MERCY towards humanity.
7. We all owe THE BLESSINGS OF LIFE to THE GOODWILL of THE ALMIGHTY GOD,
8. Who makes His Sun rise on The Evil and Good, and sends His Rain on The Just and The Unjust.
9. There is therefore no one who has not tasted of GOD’S GRACE.
10. Beyond this, there is A HIGHER LEVEL of GRACE that sets a people apart unto God, granting them privileges which others don’t enjoy.
11. I pray that God will be GRACIOUS to you, and you will progressively experience HIGHER LEVELS of HIS GRACE throughout your lifetime in Jesus’ Name. Amen!
B. Those who desire to enjoy the benefits of being DISTINGUISHED BY GRACE need to recognize that GOD’S GRACE is made known today in JESÚS CHRIST.
1. John 1:7 says: “For the law was given by Moses, but GRACE and TRUTH came by Jesus Christ.”
2. Truly DIVINE GRACE IS a GIFT OF GOD that is EXCEEDINGLY ABUNDANT in securing FORGIVENESS and REDEMPTION for anyone dead in sin.
3. GOD’S GRACE raises sinners up from the dunghill of shame and makes them sit together with Christ in heavenly realms
4. Ephesians 2:6 “And hath raised us up together, and made us sit together in heavenly places in Christ Jesus:
5. In addition to being MORE THAN ENOUGH, GOD’S GRACE also OPENS THE DOOR TO HEALING from all kinds of sicknesses and DELIVERANCE from CAPTIVITY, BREAKING DOWN SATANIC STRONGHOLDS and TRANSFORMING LIVES.
6. Amazingly, even though NO ONE DESERVES THIS GRACE, it is abundantly AVAILABLE TO US ALL FOR FREE.
7. Indeed, NO ONE CAN EVER MEET THE REQUIREMENTS or FULFIL THE CONDITIONS necessary to access the benefits associated with GOD’S GRACE.
8. This is why Ephesians 2:8-9 says: “For by GRACE are ye saved through FAITH; and that not of yourselves: it is THE GIFT OF GOD: NOT OF WORKS, lest any man should BOAST.”
9. We should therefore always BE THANKFUL FOR GRACE.
10. The SAVING GRACE of JESÚS CHRIST is available to all human beings without exception;
11. Please, don’t reject or ignore it!
12. Accept it with thanksgiving to God, and your life will never be the same again. Amen!
ACTION POINT:
Spend time expressing GRATITUDE to God for the many benefits HIS GRACE has bestowed on your life.
BIBLE IN ONE YEAR: 1 Samuel 3-5
Ezekiel 30:20-31:9
AUTHOR: PASTOR E. A. ADEBOYE
HYMN: AMAZING GRACE HOW SWEET
1• Amazing Grace, How sweet the sound
That saved a wretch like me
I once was lost, but now am found
T’was blind but now I see
2• T’was Grace that taught my heart to fear
And Grace, my fears relieved
How precious did that grace appear
The hour I first believed
3• Through many dangers, toils and snares
We have already come.
T’was grace that brought us safe thus far
And grace will lead us home,
And grace will lead us home
4• Amazing grace, Howe Sweet the sound
That saved a wretch like me
I once was lost but now am found
T’was blind but now I see
Was blind, but now I see.
EMMANUEL=GOD WITH US!
Credit – Pastor Adeboye