Open Heaven 25 January 2023 TOPIC: Flames Of Fire V
MEMORISE: “Then Paul answered, What mean ye to weep and to break mine heart? for I am ready not to be bound only, but also to die at Jerusalem for the name of the Lord Jesus.” – Acts 21:13 (KJV)
READ: Acts 21:4-13 (KJV)
4 And finding disciples, we tarried there seven days: who said to Paul through the Spirit, that he should not go up to Jerusalem.
5 And when we had accomplished those days, we departed and went our way; and they all brought us on our way, with wives and children, till we were out of the city: and we kneeled down on the shore, and prayed.
6 And when we had taken our leave one of another, we took ship; and they returned home again.
7 And when we had finished our course from Tyre, we came to Ptolemais, and saluted the brethren, and abode with them one day.
8 And the next day we that were of Paul’s company departed, and came unto Caesarea: and we entered into the house of Philip the evangelist, which was one of the seven; and abode with him.
9 And the same man had four daughters, virgins, which did prophesy.
10 And as we tarried there many days, there came down from Judaea a certain prophet, named Agabus.
11 And when he was come unto us, he took Paul’s girdle, and bound his own hands and feet, and said, Thus saith the Holy Ghost, So shall the Jews at Jerusalem bind the man that owneth this girdle, and shall deliver him into the hands of the Gentiles.
12 And when we heard these things, both we, and they of that place, besought him not to go up to Jerusalem.
13 Then Paul answered, What mean ye to weep and to break mine heart? for I am ready not to be bound only, but also to die at Jerusalem for the name of the Lord Jesus.
BIBLE IN ONE YEAR: Exodus 31-34
MESSAGE:
Fire is relentless; once it starts, it could take over its entire surroundings if not well controlled. It just keeps going, clearing off anything that is on its path. As we see in our Bible reading today, Paul did not allow anything at all to discourage him from working for God. In another instance (Acts 13:6-12), Paul was trying to preach to a governor, but Elymas, the sorcerer, tried to convince the man not to accept the gospel. Paul did not get discouraged; he struck the sorcerer with blindness, got him out of the way and won the governor for Christ. Fire is never afraid of whatever stands in its path.
I remember when we first went to the town of Ede in Nigeria to hold a crusade. There were indications of resistance in the spirit realm, but we put our faith in God and were not discouraged. As the programme was starting, it began to rain very heavily. I wasn’t bothered; as long as it was rain and not fire falling, I decided we would continue the programme. Suddenly, as the choir was about to step on the stage, it collapsed. There was a brother there who owned a tipper. I told him to drive the tipper into the crusade ground, and it became our stage. We went ahead to hold the programme despite all the challenges we faced.
Don’t be discouraged by all those who are trying to stand in the way of the assignments God has committed into your hands; keep going. If they refuse to move out of your way, they will be consumed in Jesus’ name. Be relentless in your pursuit of Kingdom goals. Don’t let lack of funds stop you from doing what you want to do for God. Get going; God will provide the funds when you move. Don’t let disappointments and betrayals weigh you down; encourage yourself in the Lord and keep moving (1 Samuel 30:6).
Over the years, so many things have stood in my way – including man-made laws. If those who decide to obstruct me remain in my way, no problem; whatever casualties will result from that will not be my fault. You must be relentless if you really want to be what God has called you to be. You must never let anything stop you.
KEY POINT:
Fire is relentless.
HYMN 20: Stand Up! Stand Up For Jesus
1 Stand up, stand up for Jesus
ye soldiers of the cross;
lift high his royal banner,
it must not suffer loss.
From vict’ry unto vict’ry
his army he shall lead
till ev’ry foe is vanquished
and Christ is Lord indeed.
2 Stand up, stand up for Jesus,
the trumpet call obey;
forth to the mighty conflict
in this his glorious day.
Ye that are men now serve him
against unnumbered foes;
let courage rise with danger
and strength to strength oppose.
3 Stand up, stand up for Jesus,
stand in his strength alone;
the arm of flesh will fail you,
ye dare not trust your own.
Put on the gospel armor,
each piece put on with prayer;
where duty calls or danger,
be never wanting there.
4 Stand up, stand up for Jesus,
the strife will not be long;
this day the noise of battle,
the next, the victor’s song.
To him that overcometh
a crown of life shall be;
he with the King of glory
shall reign eternally.
