OPEN HEAVENS DAILY DEVOTIONAL... DATE : Wednesday 3 September 2014

THEME : A FOOLISH ACT
Memorise:
For the eyes of the LORD run to and fro
throughout the whole earth, to shew himself
strong in the behalf of them whose heart is
perfect toward him. Herein thou hast done
foolishly: therefore from henceforth thou shalt
have wars.

2 Chronicles 16:9
Read: 2 Chronicles 16:7-9
7 And at that time Hanani the seer came to
Asa king of Judah, and said unto him, Because
thou hast relied on the king of Syria, and not
relied on the LORD thy God, therefore is the
host of the king of Syria escaped out of thine
hand.
8 Were not the Ethiopians and the Lubims a
huge host, with very many chariots and
horsemen? yet, because thou didst rely on the
LORD, he delivered them into thine hand.
9 For the eyes of the LORD run to and fro
throughout the whole earth, to shew himself
strong in the behalf of them whose heart is
perfect toward him. Herein thou hast done
foolishly: therefore from henceforth thou shalt
have wars.
BIBLE IN ONE YEAR : JOHN 14:15-16:33 and
JOB 32:15-33:7
Message
There was a king in the land of Judah called
Asa, the son of Abijah (Judah comprised of two
out of the twelve tribes of Israel). He reigned
over Judah for forty-one years. He had a good
record and was highly commended for the
many wonderful things he achieved for the
Lord during his tenure. The Bible in 2
Chronicles 14:2-3 says:
“And Asa did that which was good and right in
the eyes of the LORD his God: For he took
away the altars of the strange gods, and the
high places, and brake down the images, and
cut down the groves:”
The above passage reveals the good works of
King Asa as highly commendable, especially
because at that time, Israel was in a state of
apostasy. He knew the laws of God and had
zeal for the things of God. He hated evil and
anything that represented evil. This he
exhibited by taking away the strange altars,
breaking down contrary images and cutting
down the groves. What more can anyone
expect from King Asa but continued
commitment to God. Because of King Asa’s
obedience, God showed Himself strong on
behalf of Judah during his reign. God fought
against their enemies and sent several
prophets to the king to encourage him, give
him direction, and warn him of impending
dangers. However, in the thirty-sixth year of
King Asa’s reign, Baasha the king of Israel
took up arms against Judah his brother and
Asa was sore afraid. He was so afraid that he
forgot the great battles the Lord had won for
him in the past. Out of fear and confusion, he
negotiated with Syria, giving them the
treasures of the House of God as a reward for
their assistance. This is where King Asa
committed a foolish mistake. I pray that you
will not be blind to anything capable of
destroying you, your family or your future in
Jesus’ Name.
The agreement King Asa had with Benhadad,
king of Syria, appeared to be highly rewarding
at first because it resulted in King Baasha
retreating to his domain. But God said by so
doing, Asa had acted foolishly. Always
remember that the eyes of the Lord are running
to and fro throughout the whole world to show
Himself strong on behalf of anyone whose
heart is perfect towards Him. Do not look at
your circumstance, look unto God for survival,
sustenance, support and blessings, and you
will never be disappointed in Jesus’ Name.
Prayer Point
Father, please let me never fall into any
circumstance that will make me negotiate or
enter into an agreement with the enemies of
God, in Jesus’ Name.
AUTHOR : Pst E. A ADEBOYE