The Daily Word of Righteousness

Be Careful How You Drink the Water!, continued

What then shall we say, brothers? When you come together, everyone has a hymn, or a word of instruction, a revelation, a tongue or an interpretation. All of these must be done for the strengthening of the church. (I Corinthians 14:26—NIV)

King Saul prophesied on at least two occasions but it made no change in his personality. Religious experiences are of little or no use to us unless they cause us to make up our mind to follow the Lord. It is with the mind, the will, that we choose the Lord. Success in the Christian discipleship depends on our willingness to determinedly, relentlessly, courageously keep the commandments of Christ and His Apostles. Christ will enable us to do this once we make up our mind.

The power of lust is so strong today in America that one must be made of iron to stand against temptation. This is what Christ is looking for—men and women, boys and girls, of iron, who will never give way to lust, violence, or any of the other personality traits of Satan.

The Word of God will produce iron people who can stand against the sin in our culture.

You can have iron formed in you by seeking Christ constantly, praying without ceasing. Add some iron to your diet and you will be able to resist sin!

If there is a stress on numbers, on building a big church, the Pastor is liable to permit anything that will draw people, thus opening up the congregation to deception. Huge churches are the sign, in America, of the successful pastor. This is a destructive value. Better to have a few people really serving the Lord than thousands who troop in and troop out without becoming disciples.

If a pastor is willing to follow the people as they lust after emotional experiences he may build a large congregation. But such an institution will not stand in the day of fire.

The false often comes before the real. We know that revival is in the air. Maybe we better make sure before we say "This is that!"

Before you say or do anything that seems embarrassing or strange to you, make sure you are hearing from the Lord. Watch the fruit, the consequences of what you do. If in doubt it is best not to proceed no matter what the leadership of the assembly says. A true elder of God will never force you to do that with which you are uncomfortable.

Membership in the Lord's army is not for fools. Drink the water of life but be circumspect. Don't stick your head in the pool.

There are numerous gifts and ministries of the Spirit. If the Spirit of God is in us we already have been given a gift. As we follow the Lord Jesus He will administrate the gift. When the Lord Jesus administrates the gift, God the Father will issue the power to exercise the gift properly.

We are to seek the Lord and earnestly desire the greater gifts. Remember, the spirit of the prophet is always subject to the prophet. God will not work against your will and Satan cannot work against your will. You are God's judge, God's ruler. This is the destiny of man. Your will and judgment are gifts to you as man. Learn to use them in Christ. Keep them bright and shining.

To be continued.