Open Heaven Daily Devotional For January 9, 2026: Title - Freedom Of Worship (1)

 

OPEN HEAVENS DAILY DEVOTIONAL

DATE: Friday, January 9th, 2026

TOPIC: FREEDOM OF WORSHIP (1)

MEMORISE

Stand fast therefore in the liberty wherewith Christ hath made us free, and be not entangled again with the yoke of bondage.

— Galatians 5:1

BIBLE READING

Matthew 6:21–24 (KJV)

21 For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.

22 The light of the body is the eye: if therefore thine eye be single, thy whole body shall be full of light.

23 But if thine eye be evil, thy whole body shall be full of darkness. If therefore the light that is in thee be darkness, how great is that darkness!

24 No man can serve two masters: for either he will hate the one, and love the other; or else he will hold to the one, and despise the other. Ye cannot serve God and mammon.

MESSAGE

Every human being has the freedom to worship. Even in places where public worship is restricted, no one can stop a person from worshipping privately. This freedom of worship is a gift from God. However, it is important to remain watchful, because what—or whom—you worship will ultimately shape who you become (2 Corinthians 3:18).

Our priorities often reveal our true objects of worship. Many people are unaware that their mobile phones have taken God’s place in their hearts. They carry them everywhere, spend countless hours staring at screens, and become anxious or unsettled when separated from them. Sadly, this form of worship often leads to anxiety, depression, and other emotional or health challenges.

Whatever consistently receives your attention, time, and resources gradually influences your thoughts, values, and behaviour. Material possessions, social status, and even the opinions of others can easily become idols if they dominate your focus. You must regularly examine yourself to identify what occupies your thoughts the most and where you invest your energy. If these do not align with your purpose in Christ, you must take heed, lest you fall (1 Corinthians 10:12).

Another subtle but common idol today is work. Many believers become so consumed with work that they neglect their health, families, and relationship with God. Hard work is good and necessary, but when work becomes your identity, it has replaced God in your life. Likewise, comfort and convenience can also become objects of worship. The modern pursuit of a “soft life” has caused many young people to unknowingly enthrone ease above devotion.

Beloved, the freedom to worship is a precious gift from God, but it must be used wisely—to worship Him alone. Be intentional and disciplined in guarding your heart against idolatry. Keep your focus fixed on God, and He will reward you with His peace and abundant grace.

ACTION POINT

Prayerfully examine your priorities and identify anything or anyone that may be competing with God’s rightful place in your life.

AUTHOR: Pastor E. A. Adeboye

BIBLE IN ONE YEAR: Genesis 29–31

HYMNAL 7 – I AM THINE, O LORD

1. I am Thine, O Lord, I have heard Thy voice,

And it told Thy love to me;

But I long to rise in the arms of faith,

And be closer drawn to Thee.

Refrain:

Draw me nearer, nearer, nearer, blessed Lord,

To the cross where Thou hast died;

Draw me nearer, nearer, nearer, blessed Lord,

To Thy precious, bleeding side.

2. Consecrate me now to Thy service, Lord,

By the pow’r of grace divine;

Let my soul look up with a steadfast hope,

And my will be lost in Thine. (Refrain)

3. Oh, the pure delight of a single hour

That before Thy throne I spend,

When I kneel in prayer, and with Thee, my God,

I commune as friend with friend! (Refrain)

4. There are depths of love that I cannot know

Till I cross the narrow sea;

There are heights of joy that I may not reach

Till I rest in peace with Thee. (Refrain)