Open Heaven Sunday January 5 2020

Open Heaven Sunday January 5 2010

TOPIC: GRATEFUL HEART II

Memorise: O give thanks unto the LORD; for he is good; for his mercy endureth for ever. Psalms 107:1

Previous Day– Open Heaven 2020 Saturday, January 4

Open Heaven Bible Reading: Psalm 100:1-5

A psalm. For giving grateful praise.

One of the ways in which Christians displease God is by being ungrateful for the things He has done for us. We take many of these things for granted, whereas they are fundamental to our wellbeing. For example, if you are complaining that God did not give you new shoes, have you considered that, if you didn’t have legs, shoes wouldn’t be an issue? Ingratitude displeases Him. Many years ago, after a power-packed crusade, I and my children kept talking about the great move of God in the car on the way back to the hotel where I was lodged. On getting to the hotel, the fellow on the passenger side got out quickly to open the door for me.

I don’t know how my hand got in the way of his door, but as he slammed it shut, it hit my fingers and I tell you, it was painful. In my pain, I cried to God “Why did you let this happen, Lord?” and He said “You kept talking about the miracles that happened in the crusade; did you even bother to say ‘thank you’ to me?” Then I said “Lord, I am sorry, thank You for Your great move during the crusade.” God expects you to be grateful at all times. He is also very jealous about His glory. Isaiah 42:8 says:

‘I am the Lord: that is my name: and my glory will I not give to another, neither my praise to graven images.”

There was another time when I displeased Him because I thought He had not done anything for me that merited thanksgiving. I began to lay out all the things I had expected in the course of the year but didn’t get. God interrupted me and asked “How many times did you travel this year?” I said “Many times.” “How many times did you have an accident?” He asked. I responded “None.” He continued “How many times did you sleep this year?” “Every night” I answered. “Did any member of your household die in their sleep?” I quickly interrupted Him because I realised how ungrateful I had been.

I want your attitude to thanksgiving to be different from now. Make thanksgiving your lifestyle. Always look for reasons to thank God, no matter how you may feel.

Sing today Open Heaven Hymn 3

Be Glad in The Lord and Rejoice

1. Be glad in the Lord, and rejoice,
   All ye that are upright in heart;
   And ye that have made Him your choice,
   Bid sadness and sorrow depart.
   • Refrain:
     Rejoice, rejoice,
     Be glad in the Lord and rejoice;
     Rejoice, rejoice,
     Be glad in the Lord and rejoice.
2. Be joyful, for He is the Lord
   On earth and in Heaven supreme;
   He fashions and rules by His word—
   The “Mighty” and “Strong” to redeem.
3. What though in the conflict for right
   Your enemies almost prevail?
   God’s armies, just hid from your sight,
   Are more than the foes which assail.
4. Though darkness surround you by day,
   Your sky by the night be o’ercast,
   Let nothing your spirit dismay,
   But trust till the danger is past.
5. Be glad in the Lord, and rejoice,
   His praises proclaiming in song;
   Let gratefulness give all a voice,
   The loud hallelujahs prolong!

Open Heaven January 5 2020 Bible Reading

Job 6-9