Open Heaven 2 January 2022 Devotional
TOPIC: The Beginning of Months (2)
MEMORISE: “Ye shall eat nothing leavened; in all your habitations shall ye eat unleavened bread.” – (Exodus 12:20)
READ: Exodus 12:18-28 (KJV)
BIBLE IN ONE YEAR: Genesis 4-7
Open Heaven 2 January 2022 Devotional MESSAGE
The Bible says “A little leaven leaventh the whole lump” – (Galatians 5:7-8). In this context, leaven symbolises sin (1 Corinthians 5:7-8). The leaven of sin is not necessarily a big substance like some may imagine; more often, it appears little and negligible but has a deadly impact on a person’s life and where he or she would spend eternity.
What then is the leaven that all children of God must not eat even in this dispensation of grace? The simple answer is, “The leaven of sin” and this includes everything that can cause spiritual pollution. This is further explained in (1 Thessalonians 5:22) where we were warned to abstain from all appearances of evil.
For us to truly live as God’s people this year, we must not keep the company of sinners (Psalm 1:1). Some of us claim to be born again but delight in the activities of sinners and even encourage them to continue in sin – forgetting that the Bible says in Romans 1:32: Who knowing the judgment of God, that they which commit such things are worthy of death, not only do the same, but have pleasure in them that do them.
The story of a sparrow that kept the company of devouring ravens is a case in point. When he was eventually caught, he tried to convince the farmer who caught him with them that he was not a raven but the farmer said, “You are judged by the company you keep”.
Many innocent sisters became victims of rape because they had been keeping the company of ladies of easy virtue. More often than not, they are lured by their so-called friends to attend parties where they fall into the hands of human ravens. This is the reason the Bible says that we should not be unequally yoked together with unbelievers.
The Bible further admonishes in (2 Corinthians 6:17-18) thus: Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean thing; and I will receive you, And will be a Father unto you, and ye shall be my sons and daughters, saith the Lord Almighty.
Beloved, as you journey through 2022, beware of the leaven of the 21st century world. Abstain from all appearances of evil.
ACTION POINT: Watch the company you keep this year, even in Church!
OPEN HEAVEN 2 JANUARY 2022 HYMN
When we walk with the Lord
1. When we walk with the Lord,
In the light of His word,
What a glory He sheds on our way!
While we do His good will
He abides with us still,
And with all who will trust and obey.
CHORUS:
Trust and obey!
For there’s no other way
To be happy in Jesus,
But to trust and obey.
2. Not a shadow can rise,
Not a cloud in the skies,
But His smile quickly drives it away;
Not a doubt nor a fear,
Not a sigh nor a tear,
Can abide while we trust and obey.
3. Not a burden we bear,
Not a sorrow we share
But our toil He doth richly repay;
Not a grief nor a loss,
Nor a frown nor a cross,
But is blest if we trust and obey.
4. But we never can prove
The delights of His love,
Until all on the altar we lay,
For the favour He shows
And the joy He bestows
Are for them who will trust and obey.
5. Then in fellowship sweet
We will sit at His feet,
Or we’ll walk by His side in the way,
What He says we will do,
Where He sends we will go,
Never fear, only trust and obey.
