Aftermath of Self-Government - Open heavens devotional by Pastor E. A Adeboye

BIBLE IN A YEAR: Isa 13-15
AFTERMATH OF SELF-GOVERNMENT Thursday, August 5, 2010
MEMORIZE: “And even as they did not like to retain God in their knowledge, God gave them over to a reprobate mind, to do those things which are not convenient;” (Rom. 1:28) READ: Proverbs 24:30-34 Series of negative events trail a decision to go into self-government. First, is a sense of ‘freedom’, closely followed by sinful pleasure. Then comes loss and destruction. May you never venture into self-government! Proverbs 3:35 says, “The wise shall inherit glory: but shame shall be the promotion of fools”. When a branch is severed from the tree, its leaf will still remain green, at least for a while. But when the food deposit is exhausted, it will dry up. Anyone who decides to govern his or her life will eventually suffer shame. And when this begins, at some point, those who lured the fellow to break away will eventually forsake him. Then comes famine. When deserted by friends there will be none to help. Proverbs 24:30-34 assures those in self-government of sudden famine. After famine comes a need for a change in government. After seeing the futility of self-government, you may opt for another type of government. However, to return to your former place will become an uphill task. When a branch is cut off from a tree, that tree will ‘weep’ for a period of time, after which, something else will grow in that location as the tree continues as if nothing ever happened. Talking of trees, you have big and small ones. In the same manner, you have small and large branches. It is preferable to be a large branch on a big tree than to be a tiny tree scared of ferocious winds. Since it may not be easy to return to where you left after a trip into self-government, that individual may consider Satan’s government. For instance, when the miracles are ebbing and the crowd is reducing, the fellow may begin to search for satanic alternatives. Is someone asking you to break away from the Christian fold? Are you being invited into another religious sect offering you freedom to do whatever you like? Watch it! You are about to lose your freedom! It is the one that Jesus Christ has set free that is truly free. All other forms of freedom are bondages in disguise. Do not yield to any pressure to forsake the true and righteous path you are treading. Submit totally to God today. ACTION POINT: Ask God to expose, uproot and disgrace so-called men of God who are using witchcraft, voodoo and other satanic means to manipulate church members worldwide.