OPEN HEAVENS DAILY DEVOTIONAL...

DATE: TUESDAY 13TH SEPTEMBER 2016

THEME: CHILD BY GRACE

Memorise:

But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name: John 1:12

Read: 1 John 3:1-3

3:1 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.

3:2 Beloved, now are we the sons of God, and it doth not yet appear what we shall be: but we know that, when he shall appear, we shall be like him; for we shall see him as he is.

3:3 And every man that hath this hope in him purifieth himself, even as he is pure.

MESSAGE

The reference to Christians as children of God by the New Testament describes their status and privileges as the adopted children of God. By this, believers are no longer slaves but children of God by grace. In this respect, Galatians 4:7-9 says:
"Wherefore thou art no more a servant, but a son; and if a son, then an heir of God through Christ"

And Romans 8:15 says:
"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."

These Bible passages confirm that Christians are children of God by grace and not by merit. I pray that the grace of Abba Father will always be available to work in your favour in Jesus' name.

Ephesians 2:8-9 says our salvation is entirely by grace, not works. This is why God chooses the most unlikely people for Heavenly assignments, just like He chose a persecutor like Saul as a divine vessel (Acts 9:10-18). If it wasn't for grace, many of us would never have been called to salvation, much more become servants of the Most High God. In Jeremiah 1:4-5, God told this great prophet that he was chosen even before he developed as a fetus in his mother's womb. Before His birth, he had been ordained. God has blessed many with beautiful talents and abilities, and when they engage such talents, you would be amazed at the result they will birth. As the Potter, He is free to do what He likes with His clay (Romans 9:20-21). He may decide to give someone a beautiful voice, while He gives hands that can play the guitar or piano to somebody else. What is most important is yielding totally to the Lord and allowing Him to have His way in your life. Has the Lord endowed you with some talents or unique abilities? Are you effectively and effectually employing them in serving Him? Always remember that you were chosen not because you are special, but by grace. You are a product of divine choice, so learn to glorify God in everything you do. 1 John 3:1-2 says:
"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. Beloved, now are we the sons of God, and it doth not yet appear what we shall be: but we know that, when he shall appear, we shall be like him; for we shall see him as he is."

Being called children of God is a privilege that changed our status from darkness to light; we are now led by the Spirit of God to do His will. We have also become heirs of God (Romans 8:17). We are fellow citizens with the saints and household of God.

Prayer Point:

Father, please let me enjoy the grace of sonship forever in Jesus’ name.

BIBLE IN ONE YEAR:
Jeremiah 41-43
Psalms 57

AUTHOR: PASTOR E. A. ADEBOYE

HYMN 12: MY HOPE IS BUILT ON NOTHING LESS

My hope is built on nothing less
Than Jesus Christ, my righteousness;
I dare not trust the sweetest frame,
But wholly lean on Jesus’ name.

Chorus:
On Christ, the solid Rock, I stand;
All other ground is sinking sand,
All other ground is sinking sand.

2. When darkness veils His lovely face,
I rest on His unchanging grace;
In every high and stormy gale,
My anchor holds within the veil.

Chorus:

3. His oath, His covenant, His blood,
Support me in the whelming flood;
When all around my soul gives way,
He then is all my hope and stay.

Chorus:

4. When He shall come with trumpet sound,
Oh, may I then in Him be found;
Dressed in His righteousness alone,
Faultless to stand before the throne.

Chorus.

Prayer Points on Today's Open Heavens ( Tuesday, September 13th, 2016) - CHILD BY GRACE

1.Thank you Father for the grace to believe you and to accept your son Jesus, as my personal Lord and Saviour.

2.Thank you Father for the privilege to be called your son and not a slave, and for making a heir and joint heir with Christ in your kingdom.

3.Thank you Father for the abundance of your grace over my life, because, if you are to mark sin, none shall be qualified to stand before you.

4.Father, please, forgive all my sins and blot out all my transgressions, in Jesus' name.

5.Father, l surrender all to you today, take over my life, and use me for your glory.

6.Father, grant me accelerated divine knowledge and wisdom in all things and in all learning.

7.Father, make all things new in my life and perfect all that concern me.

8.Father, in all areas of my life, let me reflect your true image - in holiness, in love, in giving, in compassion, in honesty, in faithfulness, in diligence, in fruitfulness, etc, in Jesus' mighty name.

9.Father, please, keep me pure and holy and at your appearance, let me see you and be like you.

10.Father, release upon my life abundance of your grace to live holy and help me never to abuse that grace, in Jesus' name.

11.Father, please let me enjoy the grace of sonship forever in Jesus' name.

12.Your Personal petitions. ( Phil 4:6)
13.In Jesus' name I pray.
(Jn 14:13-14; 15:16)
14.Thank you Father for answered prayers.
(1 Thes 5:18).
#GodBlessOurNation