Limitations of Old Wine - Open heavens devotional by Pastor E. A Adeboye

Today's teaching is a lesson in humility, despite great victories, be prepared for another round of attack. You will overcome in Jesus name. BIBLE IN A YEAR: Ps 10 -12
LIMITATIONS OF OLD WINE Friday, September 17, 2010
MEMORIZE: “He will keep the feet of his saints, and the wicked shall be silent in darkness; for by strength shall no man prevail” (1 Sam. 2:9) READ: Judges 9:12-13 In John 2:1-11, two types of wine were mentioned worth noting.  They are old wine and new wine. The old wine represents the possibilities of a man through his limited abilities. This includes one’s efforts, wisdom, achievements, etc.  An attribute of the old wine is that it can cheer a man’s heart, bringing him temporary happiness.  Psalm 104:15 says, “And wine that maketh glad the heart of man, and oil to make his face to shine, and bread which strengtheneth man’s heart”. The day you graduate from the university with a good degree is a day of happiness. In the same way, you will be glad when you receive a raise in your income, or you are promoted or purchase a car of your desire. God wants you to be a person of great achievements as these can be useful tools in His hands. But on the other hand, old wine comes with its problems: It opens you to attacks. When you achieve so much in material things, you become susceptible to your enemy’s attacks. In 2 Samuel 13:28, while planning to avenge his sister’s defilement on Ammon, Absalom instructed the assassins to hit him when his heart is merry with wine. A child of destiny must handle moments of great achievements with humility, sobriety, watchfulness and care because that could be Satan’s time to attack.  Similarly, after a great victory over Goliath, David was full of joy. As he returned with the emblems of his opponent’s defeat - head and sword, Satan organized a group of women to sing him into unrest. From that moment, sleep and peace took their leave from him. May you not become a prey in the teeth of insecure leaders! In your moments of celebrations, be very prayerful and watchful. If you become a casualty of Satan’s attacks in your supposed moment of joy, that will be double jeopardy. Another problem of old wine is that it runs out when you need it the most. This is what happens to you when you depend on your achievements, connections and strength, hence, 1 Samuel 2:9 says complete victory cannot come through a man’s physical strength. Put your trust in God! Every thing that is a strength to you has its limitations. Going beyond the strength of what you have is an abuse. Make God your stay today! ACTION POINT: More church leaders in search of anointing from the wrong quarters are becoming victims of satanic ‘miracle’ oil, soap, garments and deceiving many.  Such places are flowing with crowds. Don’t be fooled! Try every spirit!