Open Heavens October 17, 2008

BIBLE IN A YEAR: Exo. 5 - 7

ABOVE COVETOUSNESS


MEMORIZE: "I have coveted no man's silver, or gold, or apparel" (Acts 20:33 )

READ: 2 Kings 5:21-27

 Those who want God to bless them must shift their gaze from material things to God. They must have redefined their relationship with mundane things. Several years ago, when the Mercedes Benz newly came into Nigeria , a man of God came and promised to buy me one. I thought that was an answer to prayer but immediately he left, the Lord told me not to accept it. So I called him to humbly turn down the offer. I told him God said I should not accept it. He said, “Was it the devil who asked me to buy it for you?” Much later, we realized there was a sinister agenda behind his intention. Be careful with your desires. Any desire you fail to put under check may leave you wounded.
 

A man walked into my office some years ago, and informed me of a conference taking place in America whose main speaker was Morris Cerullo. Although I did not agree with everything this popular preacher had to say, I wanted to hear him and get blessed through his ministry. The man asked if I would like to go and I replied in the affirmative, but the church could not afford to sponsor me then. So he promised to provide me a first class ticket with all expenses paid. As soon as he left, Daddy said, ‘You are not going’. I called the man on phone and said Daddy says I should not go so he went. Not long after his return, there was a scandal at the apex bank where he worked that he had been stealing government money. If I had gone, it would have smeared me and the ministry.


After his healing, Naaman brought money worth several millions of dollars to say ‘Thank you’ to Elisha, but God asked him not to take it and he obeyed. He obeyed, not because he had no need. He had his challenges yet he obeyed because he was dead to material things. If you truly want to be blessed, you must be prepared to say ‘Yes Lord’ to all He commands, whether convenient or not. As a leader, be careful to check from God before accepting any gift. Some gifts are meant for you. Some are meant for others. Some gifts are a trap to shut you up or force you into a compromise. Some gifts are meant to destroy, or introduce and monitor a particular problem in one’s life. This is why newly wedded couples need to prayerfully scrutinize their wedding gifts, and sanctify them with the blood of Jesus before they use them. If you are sensitive in the Holy Spirit, He will lead you regarding gifts. Some pastors never turn down honoraria. If you are in the spirit, you would be guided on what to do with what comes in. Be led by the Spirit.


ACTIONPOINT: Ask that you will not receive or eat what will destroy you. Ask God to take you above covetousness.