MOVE UP- Open heavens devotional by Pastor E.A Adeboye

BIBLE IN A YEAR: 2 Chron.. 10-13
MOVE UP Saturday, July 17, 2010
MEMORIZE: “Wherefore he saith, When He ascended up on high, He led captivity captive, and gave gifts unto men” (Eph. 4:8) READ: Ephesians 4:7-10 It is good to work hard but even better to work right. In John 21:1-6, Peter fished all night on his left side but caught nothing. It took the Lord to guide him to fish on his right side within the same location, and he got his breakthrough. Quite a number of people are led by God into the right business. But they are focusing on the wrong side. The Lord will redirect your focus aright in Jesus’ Name. While still lecturing in the university, there was this typist in our office who  was working with the professor. People would tease him by calling him ‘prof’ and he would smile.  One day, it dawned on him that he could turn his nickname ‘prof’ into reality.  He enrolled for evening lessons and not long after, he got his G.C.E Ordinary level papers. After a while, he gained admission into the university.  Before I left the University of Lagos, our typist had already bagged his PhD Do not allow your present job or business to limit you. Where you are is not the ultimate, but a stepping stone for greater heights. Why turn that bus stop into your final destination? Some years ago in our camp ground, one of my children used to work as a casual laborer in the electrical department. When he heard the above testimony, he picked up the challenge: He said, “If a typist could become a professor, then I can become somebody too”. He began to study quietly.  I only observed that I was no longer seeing him around. Then one day, I went to the University of Ibadan for Bible study and met him as a student there. Today, he has not only graduated but has also become a senior officer in our electrical department.  Who says it’s too late for you to go back to school? It is not! You may have your present  job through human connection but if you are suddenly thrown into the job market, how marketable are your skills? Your present undesirable place is immaterial. You don’t have to die there.  To sit with kings, you must first make up your mind and work towards it. Are you a worker, minister or pastor without a reasonable educational qualification? Go back to school! If you refuse to go higher, you will be the one hindering your rise.  But if you take steps to move forward, the Lord will back you up. You will meet me at the top.  It is when you ascend that you will take your captors into captivity.  Jesus ascended so must you. ACTION POINT: Draw up a plan for yourself and family, spanning over the next 5 - 20 years, with definite academic, financial and spiritual goals. Work towards them.