Luke 11:52
Woe to you experts in religion! For you hide the truth from the people. You won’t accept it for yourselves, and you prevent others from having a chance to believe it.  (Luke 11:52, The Living Bible).

The presence of the pharisaic spirit in leadership is another cause of close heaven over a church. When the leadership is not involved in obedient activity and worship to open heaven, the reverse will be the case.

When men are not taught the things of the spirit, they need to know that the leaders are encouraging the heavens to be closed over their congregation. In the words of Tommy Tenney, “Our inactivity can just as effectively open hell and close heaven”.

Have we taken away the key of knowledge that would have liberated our members to serve the living God? Could it be that we are afraid of them and do not teach the truth of God’s word? God will open the windows of heaven when our leaders are ready to do what He has ordained.From the passage we read, Jesus rebuked the religious leaders. He said, “Woe to you experts in religion! For you hide the truth from the people. You won’t accept it for yourselves, and you prevent others from having a chance to believe it”. (Luke 11:52, TLB). We must ask ourselves if our lives are serving as a hindrance to others or not.

We must pursue God-oriented programs so that we do not end in spiritual bankruptcy. Remember, nothing liberates a man like the preaching and hearing of the anointed word of God.

Your Turn

• Pray for yourself as you are led.
• Pray for me that I will be truthful and honest in my walk with God and others.

Song: Touch us one more time, O Lord.

Further Reading:  Matthew 7:13-14.