Post by Oluwatosin Oni (@oloriireoni)

OPEN HEAVENS DEVOTIONAL 4 AUGUST 2026 COMMENTARY
MEMORISE: Psalm 139:23-24
“Search me, O God, and know my heart: try me, and know my thoughts: And see if there be any wicked way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting.”

This is the prayer of a humble heart that knows it cannot judge itself accurately. Only God can reveal hidden faults and lead you in the right path. Self-examination must be done by His light, not your own.

BIBLE READING: Matthew 7:21-23
Jesus warns that not everyone who calls Him “Lord” will enter the kingdom of heaven—only those who do the will of the Father. On judgment day, many will point to their prophecies, miracles, and mighty works, but He will declare, “I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity.” This sobering passage reveals that outward religious activity is no substitute for genuine, obedient relationship with Christ.

Standing vs. Standing Until the End
“It is one thing to stand for Jesus, and it is another to keep standing for Him until the end. To stand in Christ until the end requires God’s help (Jude 1:24), and you must consistently enquire from Him to know how you are standing.”

Human Commendation God’s Commendation
Based on your own standards Based on God’s standards
You may think you are standing God knows who is truly standing
Your achievements may impress others Only obedience impresses God
“2 Corinthians 10:18 says: ‘For not he that commendeth himself is approved, but whom the Lord commendeth.’”

Self-Approval The Lord’s Approval
You judge yourself by your works He judges you by your heart
You may think you are safe He knows if you are in the faith
You boast in your achievements He looks for humility and obedience
The Shock of Judgment Day (Matthew 7:21-23)
“Today’s Bible reading tells us that on the last day, many people will approach God with confidence, thinking that they ought to be in heaven, but He will send them back and call them workers of iniquity.”

What They Claim What God Says
“Lord, Lord” “I never knew you”
“We prophesied in Your name” “Depart from me”
“We cast out devils” “You are workers of iniquity”
“We did many wonderful works” “I do not know you”
“They will try to defend themselves using their own standards of judgment, which may include the wonderful works they did in God’s name, but they will still be rejected.”

Their Defense The Problem
“Look at what I did for You” God is not impressed by works done in your own strength
“I was so active in ministry” Activity is not the same as obedience
“I gave my life to You” He looks for fruit, not just words
Isaiah’s Revelation: When Self-Assessment Fails
“Prophet Isaiah thought he was standing for God until he visited God’s throne room and realised that he was a man of unclean lips (Isaiah 6:5).”

Before God’s Presence After God’s Presence
Isaiah thought he was righteous He cried, “I am undone!”
He compared himself to others He compared himself to God’s holiness
He felt he was standing He realized he was unclean
Isaiah 6:5 – “Then said I, Woe is me! for I am undone; because I am a man of unclean lips, and I dwell in the midst of a people of unclean lips: for mine eyes have seen the King, the LORD of hosts.”

Your Own Assessment God’s Assessment
“I am doing well spiritually” “You need cleansing”
“I am better than most” “You are unclean before Me”
“I have not fallen” “You have not yet seen your heart”
Examining Yourself by God’s Word
“Beloved, never assume that you are standing in Christ; consistently examine yourself by His standards to ensure that you are still in the faith.”

2 Corinthians 13:5 – “Examine yourselves, whether ye be in the faith; prove your own selves.”

How to Examine Yourself The Mirror Is God’s Word
Weigh your actions against Scripture The Word reveals your true condition
Check your attitudes The Word exposes hidden pride
Test your responses The Word shows if you are walking in love
“You can do this by constantly weighing your actions and attitudes against God’s word.”

Key Questions for Self-Examination
Daddy Adeboye gives several diagnostic questions to help you check your standing:

1. How Do You React When Disrespected?
Response of Pride Response of Humility
You become angry and offended You remain calm and forgiving
You demand respect You give grace
You retaliate You turn the other cheek
2. How Do You Respond to Praise?
Response of Pride Response of Humility
You enjoy the praise You redirect it to God
You bask in pride You recognize God as the giver
You think you deserve it You know it is by His grace
3. Do You Serve or Demand to Be Served?
Response of Pride Response of Humility
“I have earned the right to be served” “Jesus came to serve, and so do I”
You avoid humble tasks You take the lowest place
You remind people of your position You lay down your position
“When there is an opportunity to serve, do you avoid it and demand to be served because of your position and achievements, or do you quickly humble yourself,
https://rccglive.com/open-heaven-4-august/

0 likes · 0 comments · 0 shares