OPEN HEAVENS DAILY DEVOTIONAL FRIDAY 17TH APRIL 2020.

OPEN HEAVENS DAILY DEVOTIONAL

DATE: FRIDAY 17TH APRIL 2020.

THEME: ARE YOU KNOWN BY HIM?

MEMORISE:

I am the good shepherd, and know my sheep, and am known of mine. John 10:14

READ: Matthew 7:21-23

21 Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven.

22 Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works?

23 And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity.

MESSAGE

It is one thing to know God and a completely different matter to be known by God. To know God is highly rewarding. Daniel 11:32 tells us that: “…..but the people that do know their God shall be strong, and do exploits.” This is true of every character in the Bible who had an intimate knowledge of God like Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, Joseph, Job, Moses, Deborah, David and the apostles of Jesus Christ.

However, as glorious and beneficial as it is to know God, it is far more glorious and profitable to be known by God. God is the All-knowing creator of all things and He is fully aware of the existence of every living soul. So, when we speak of being known by God, we are talking of mere awareness, but of recognition and acknowledgement. All those who God recognized in the Bible were commended, vouched for and equipped to operate at a supernatural level. In 2 Timothy 2:19 the Bible says:
“Nevertheless the foundation of God standeth sure, having this seal, The Lord knoweth them that are his. And, let every one that nameth the name of Christ depart from iniquity.”

This is a very strong statement coming from the Almighty God Himself. The foundation of God is the surest reality on earth and in heaven, this foundation is sealed with the knowledge of God about His people. The verse further hinges the condition for attracting the special recognition of God on departing from sin and living a holy life. Every character in the Bible that fulfilled this condition gained God’s confidence and special recognition. It is therefore the knowledge of God about a person that enables such a person to confidently and effectively represent God. 2 Corinthians 10:18 says “For not he that commendeth himself is approved, but whom the Lord commendeth.”

The question is, are you known by God!

PRAYER POINT:

Father, I want to be known by You as one of Your special children, in the Mighty Name of Jesus.

BIBLE IN ONE YEAR: Psalm 17,35,54 & 63.

AUTHOR: PASTOR E. A. ADEBOYE

HYMN 13: I HAVE DECIDED TO FOLLOW JESUS.

1. I have decided to follow Jesus;
   I have decided to follow Jesus;
   I have decided to follow Jesus;
   No turning back, no turning back.
2. The world behind me, the cross before me;
   The world behind me, the cross before me;
   The world behind me, the cross before me;
   No turning back, no turning back.
3. Though none go with me, still I will follow;
   Though none go with me, still I will follow;
   Though none go with me, still I will follow;
   No turning back, no turning back.
4. My cross I’ll carry, till I see Jesus;
   My cross I’ll carry, till I see Jesus;
   My cross I’ll carry, till I see Jesus;
   No turning back, no turning back.
5. Will you decide now to follow Jesus?
   Will you decide now to follow Jesus?
   Will you decide now to follow Jesus?
   No turning back, no turning back.