04/10/2026
OPEN HEAVENS DAILY DEVOTIONAL
DATE: SUNDAY, OCTOBER 4, 2026.
TOPIC: WILL YOU BE READY? 1
MEMORISE
Which also said, Ye men of Galilee, why stand ye gazing up into heaven? this same Jesus, which is taken up from you into heaven, shall so come in like manner as ye have seen him go into heaven. - (Acts 1:11)
READ: 2 Peter 3:3-14 (KJV)
3 Knowing this first, that there shall come in the last days scoffers, walking after their own lusts,
4 And saying, Where is the promise of his coming? for since the fathers fell asleep, all things continue as they were from the beginning of the creation.
5 For this they willingly are ignorant of, that by the word of God the heavens were of old, and the earth standing out of the water and in the water:
6 Whereby the world that then was, being overflowed with water, perished:
7 But the heavens and the earth, which are now, by the same word are kept in store, reserved unto fire against the day of judgment and perdition of ungodly men.
8 But, beloved, be not ignorant of this one thing, that one day is with the Lord as a thousand years, and a thousand years as one day.
9 The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance.
10 But the day of the Lord will come as a thief in the night; in the which the heavens shall pass away with a great noise, and the elements shall melt with fervent heat, the earth also and the works that are therein shall be burned up.
11 Seeing then that all these things shall be dissolved, what manner of persons ought ye to be in all holy conversation and godliness,
12 Looking for and hasting unto the coming of the day of God, wherein the heavens being on fire shall be dissolved, and the elements shall melt with fervent heat?
13 Nevertheless we, according to his promise, look for new heavens and a new earth, wherein dwelleth righteousness.
14 Wherefore, beloved, seeing that ye look for such things, be diligent that ye may be found of him in peace, without spot, and blameless.
MESSAGE
One of the reasons I spent three years studying Elijah was that he was gloriously taken to heaven without having to taste death. If I could have my way, I also would prefer not to die but rather be raptured (1 Thessalonians 4:16-17). Ever since I have learnt of the rapture, my prayer every night before I sleep has been, "Lord, if You return before tomorrow, please don't leave me behind."
The realisation that tomorrow may never come, and that the Lord may return before sunrise, has kept me on my toes since I surrendered my life to Jesus. He can even come this very night. It is clearly written in Luke 17:34 that two people will be on the same bed; one will be taken, and the other will be left behind. If Jesus returns tonight, will you be with Him in glory, or will you be left behind?
Today, I will discuss three out of six crucial things you should know about the Lord's second coming. The remaining three will be discussed tomorrow.
1. It is in two phases: The first phase is the rapture when Jesus descends from heaven to receive believers who have died and those who are still alive unto Himself (1 Thessalonians 4:16-17). The second phase is His glorious return, which all eyes shall behold (Revelation 1:7, Revelation 19:11-16).
2. It is imminent: Although it may seem delayed, Jesus will return soon. Ignore people who speak and act as if He will never return. Peter already spoke about them in today's Bible reading, how they will arise in the last days to challenge this truth. Sadly, many pastors have not preached about the Second Coming of Jesus Christ in years. Beloved, don't lose focus; keep in mind that Jesus' return is closer than you think. I know His coming seems to be delayed, but God's measurement of time is different from man's measurement, as today's Bible reading also tells us.
3. It is certain: Jesus' return is certain, and there is nothing anyone can do to change it. Today's Bible reading also tells us that the Lord is not slack concerning His promise. He has promised to return, and it is certain that He will (Acts 1:10-11).
In Matthew 24:4-51, Jesus gave us numerous signs of His coming, and one of the prominent signs is that many deceivers will arise and many will be deceived. I pray that you will not be deceived in any way, in Jesus' name.
REFLECTION
How prepared are you for Jesus' second coming?
AUTHOR: Pastor E. A. Adeboye
BIBLE IN ONE YEAR
Matthew 7 - 9
HYMN 15 - PASS ME NOT, O GENTLE SAVIOUR
1. Pass me not, 0 gentle Saviour,
Hear my humble cry;
While on others Thou art calling,
Do not pass me by.
CHORUS
Saviour, Saviour, Hear my humble cry;
While on others Thou art calling;
Do not pass me by.
2. Let me, at Thy throne of mercy,
Find a sweet relief;
Kneeling there in deep contrition,
Help my unbelief.
3. Trusting only in Thy merit
Would I seek Thy face
Heal my wounded, broken
spirit, Save me by Thy grace.
4. Thou, the spring of all my
comfort, More than life to me.
Whom have I on earth beside Thee?
Whom in heaven but Thee
