GOD’S LOVE: OPEN HEAVENS DAILY DEVOTIONAL 17TH SEPTEMBER 2018

MEMORISE:

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. 1 John 3:1

READ: Isaiah 49:14-18

14 But Zion said, The LORD hath forsaken me, and my Lord hath forgotten me.

15 Can a woman forget her sucking child, that she should not have compassion on the son of her womb? yea, they may forget, yet will I not forget thee.

16 Behold, I have graven thee upon the palms of my hands; thy walls are continually before me.

17 Thy children shall make haste; thy destroyers and they that made thee waste shall go forth of thee.

18 Lift up thine eyes round about, and behold: all these gather themselves together, and come to thee. As I live, saith the LORD, thou shalt surely clothe thee with them all, as with an ornament, and bind them on thee, as a bride doeth.

MESSAGE

The Bible declares that our God is love (1 John 4:8). He is love because no one else can love like Him. What greater love can a man have for his friends than to lay down his life for them? Our God’s love is incomparable with any other. People may claim to love, but you will find out that when their love is tested, it fails woefully. In contrast to this, God’s love never fails! He loves us so much that He has our names inscribed on His palm (Isaiah 49:16). Irrespective of the number of children He has all over the world, He knows every single one of us by name (Isaiah 43:1). 

Even every strand of our hair is important to Him, so much so that He numbered each one and not a single strand can fall without Him noticing (Luke 12:7). His love is unconditional, because while we were still living in sin, Christ died for us (Romans 5:8). Believe it or not, a breastfeeding mother can forget her child, but our God can never forget us. He loves us even more than our earthly parents do, and nothing can separate us from His love. He will never withhold anything good from us; all we have to do is ask Him.

With man, love comes with conditions. Some people only love people of the same or higher social class, and they treat every other person with contempt. As wealthy and highly placed as our God is, He does not behave this way. He came down from His kingdom and many mansions and golden streets to be born in a manger amongst animals, just so that He could associate and help us out of condemnation. He does see you as a liability; rather as He sees you as a friend to be treasured. Believe me honestly, God has His eyes you all the time. 

He loves you so much that He doesn’t want you to get hurt, you may ask, “why then am I going through all these troubles?” our God did not promise that the road would be smooth all through life, but He promised that He will be with us all the time (Isaiah 43:2). His presence with you is assurance that no trouble can consume you, and that you will rejoice at the end of the day. However, have you given your life to Christ? He wants to take away your heavy burden, but He can’t do that if you are not ready to accept his yoke of Lordship. In Matthew 11:28-30, He says:

“ Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.”

Accept God’s offer of love today. Surrender your life to Him and begin to live a new life of great possibilities.

KEY POINT:

The devil may seem like the man with the goodies, but don’t be deceived, his mission is to steal, kill and destroy.

BIBLE IN ONE YEAR: Proverbs 26-28, Mark 9:14-37

AUTHOR: PASTOR E. A. ADEBOYE

HYMN 8: THE GREAT PHYSICIAN NOW IS NEAR

1. The great Physician now is near,
The sympathizing Jesus;
He speaks the drooping heart to cheer,
Oh, hear the voice of Jesus.

o Refrain:
Sweetest note in seraph song,
Sweetest name on mortal tongue;
Sweetest carol ever sung,
Jesus, blessed Jesus.

2. Your many sins are all forgiv’n,
Oh, hear the voice of Jesus;
Go on your way in peace to heav’n,
And wear a crown with Jesus.

3. All glory to the dying Lamb!
I now believe in Jesus;
I love the blessed Savior’s name,
I love the name of Jesus.

4. His name dispels my guilt and fear,
No other name but Jesus;
Oh, how my soul delights to hear
The charming name of Jesus.