AMONG THE BLESSED?- Open Heavens devotional by Pastor E. A Adeboye

BIBLE IN A YEAR: Josh 19 - 21
AMONG THE BLESSED? Sunday, April 18, 2010
MEMORIZE: “Blessed are they that do his commandments, that they may have right to the tree of life, and may enter in through the gates into the city” (Rev. 22:14) READ: Revelation 22:12-14 “Behold, I come quickly: blessed is he that keepth the sayings of the prophecy of this book” (Rev. 22:7). Everyone who takes part in the first resurrection is blessed; so also are those invited to the marriage supper of the Lamb, and those who faithfully serve God till death. You will not truncate your journey to Heaven here on earth!  You will make it to the glorious planet in Jesus’ Name.   Another category of the blessed are those who keep or observe the prophecies contained in the Book of Revelation. It is not enough to read it. Acquiring knowledge and understanding the content are very crucial but applying what you have known or read is even more important. For instance, in Revelation chapter two and three, the Lord wrote letters to seven churches. The contents of these letters are very relevant to us today.  From what was written, what the Lord expects of His church is clear.  When we fail to do His bidding, He reacts negatively to the church He shed His blood for.  Applying such lessons will definitely guide us in the way we relate with the Lord. Do you let your knowledge of the Book of Revelation guide your daily actions? “Blessed are they that do his commandments, that they may have right to the tree of life, and may enter in through the gates into the city” (Rev. 22:14). Whenever you obey God’s commands, you attract blessings to yourself. Obedience always adds to you. Each time God tells you to do something, you are being given an opportunity to increase. On the other hand, disobedience takes away from you. Each time you violate God’s Word, you decrease in some measure. According to the above verse, the obedient have another opportunity to be blessed - a right to the tree of life. The most significant tree in the Garden of Eden was the tree of life. Adam and Eve were expected to eat of its fruits and never die again. Nothing pushed them to eat what could keep them alive; yet, something pushed them into what could kill them and they yielded. As a result, they were never allowed to taste of what should have given them life. The good news is that we will be able to eat of the fruit of the tree of life when we get to Heaven. Is a particular blessing being withheld from you as a result of disobedience? Make your ways right with God, humble yourself and repent. Are you a beneficiary of the Beatitudes of the Book of Revelation?The Beatitudes for Today ACTION POINT: Disobedience is a more formidable robber than armed robbers. Ask God to help you remain obedient to Him.