GENEROSITY

John 1:43-51

Introduction

An “Open Heaven” is where there’s that nearness of Heaven to earth. There’s a sense of divine presence, there’s a sense of clarity of thought, of heart, and mind - shalom. In the atmosphere of open heaven, people think for themselves and aren’t influenced by spirits that seem to have dominance in a certain geographical area within a time.

Open heaven is something that was prophesied in Isaiah 64:1. It’s a prayer, a prophecy with an intercessory cry, where the prophet cries out “Oh that You would rend the heavens and come down...” Here’s this cry for God to tear the Heavens open and to come down. An “Open Heaven” is where there’s the nearness of Heaven to earth. There’s a sense of divine presence, clarity of thought, of heart, and of mind.

Jesus promises Nathaniel saying, “Very truly I tell you, you will see ‘heaven open, and the angels of God ascending and descending on’ the Son of Man.” John 1:51 (NIV)

There is so much significance of open heaven to the believer. This is where divinity meets humanity in a supernatural way. One can still be a Christian and have heaven closed in various dimensions of his/her life. Nathaniel was a righteous man but was still had the heavens closed to him (John 1:47)

Some Keys to Open Heaven

#1 Cast Out All Fear

The spirit of fear does not come from God. "For God hath not given us a spirit of fear, but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind." 2 Timothy 1:7

You overcome fear by believing and trusting God’s Word more than you trust the words of anyone else, the devil included.

"Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ." 2 Corinthians 10:5

Remember that Jesus is the Truth. You can trust everything He said in His Word.

#2 Operate in Faith

You can’t please God if you don’t have faith in Him.

"But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him." Hebrews 11:6

Strong faith is absolutely necessary for your increase, for it is the raw material of every promise to God.

"Now faith is the substance (raw material) of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen." Hebrews 11:1

Your touch of divinity will be in direct proportion to the strength of your faith. "… According to your faith and trust and reliance (on the power invested in Me) be it done to you." Matthew 9:29

#3 You Must Tithe

There is no question that one key step to open heaven is tithing, for the tithe belongs to God.

"And the tithe of the land, whether of the seed of the land, or the fruit of the tree, is the LORD’S: it is holy unto the LORD." Leviticus 27:30

God promises that if you faithfully tithe, He will open heaven over your life and abundantly bless you.

"Bring ye all the tithes into the storehouse, that there may be meat in mine house, and prove me herewith, saith the Lord of hosts, if I will not open you the windows of heaven, and pour you out a blessing, that there shall not be room enough to receive it." Malachi 3:10

In light of this verse, it is clear that if you do not tithe, the windows of heaven will not be open in your life.

#4 Keep Your Priorities Right

You will not have heaven open if you ask for the wrong reasons. "Ye ask, and receive not, because you ask amiss, that you may consume it upon your lusts." James 4:3

You can be assured of open heaven if you will always put the Kingdom of God first in your life. "But seek ye first the Kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you." Matthew 6:33

When your primary purpose for open heaven is for the benefit of the Kingdom, God promises He will supply those things you personally desire as well as the things you need.

#5 Maintain Proper Relationship 

A turbulent marriage will hinder your prayers and close the heavens to you.

"Likewise, ye husbands, dwell with them according to knowledge, giving honour unto the wife, as unto the weaker vessel, and as being heirs together of the grace of life; that your prayers be not hindered." 1 Peter 3:7

This is not only true in marriage. The way you interact with other family members, friends, and co-workers is also important if you desire to live under an open heaven.

#6 Be Willing to Work

God says that you cannot prosper in His economy without hard work. "For even when we were with you, this we commanded you, that if any would not work, neither should he eat." 2 Thessalonians 3:10

You must keep in mind that, the reason for working hard is that you may have money and also to be a blessing to others. "Let him that stole steal no more: but rather let him labour, working with his hands the thing which is good that he may have to give him that is in need." Ephesians 4:28

You can’t expect a harvest unless you plant seeds. If you want to ensure plenty of seed, you must be willing to work for it.

#7 Perceive God As He Is

Continually renew your mind so that you will always perceive God to be who He truly is – the rich and generous God of heaven. He is the God who desires to bless, not to curse all of His children. "For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future." Jeremiah 29:11

If you perceive God to be harsh and stingy, your incorrect perception will hinder your ability to receive the good gifts he desires to give you.

If you perceive Him to be good and generous, you will readily receive the abundant life He has promised you. "… I am come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly." John 10:10

Conclusion

Open heaven is your total experience of the infinite grace, mercy and favour of God through our LORD and Saviour Jesus Christ. Amen!