Open Heavens April 24, 2008

BIBLE IN A YEAR: John 11:13-31

DYING FIRE?

MEMORIZE: "In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God" (John 1:1).

READ: Acts 18: 13-16

When God requests that we draw nearer to Him, it is for our good. When divine fire freely burns in your life, you will automatically become a solution to the problems of those around you. When problems become testimonies through God’s grace on your life, you suddenly become famous. And other good things follow. If there is anything you should ask God for this year, it is for more of His fire. The greater the divine fire operating inside you, the easier you possess your possessions. It is a shame for a spirit-filled believer to run from Satan’s errand boys and girls. If God’s fire is on you, Satan or his cohorts will not be able to defecate on you. Due to absence of divine fire, many believers today are carrying different yokes and loads of the enemy. Every satanic yoke on your shoulders is destroyed today in Jesus’ Name.

Whether you will remain a victim or conqueror is a decision you have to make. The Early church was a fiery church. God was always in the house, and so anything could happen. Agents of darkness that came in were exposed and disgraced. Those who came with satanic schemes were dealt with. In Acts 5:111, a couple who could not discern this fire was roasted by it, because they lied. Today, we tolerate things the Early church regarded as a taboo. This is why the fire of revival is fast dying.

“And great fear came upon all the church, and upon as many as heard these things.” (Acts 5:11). The presence of the fire brought fear to all and sundry. One thing that is lacking in today’s church, is the absence of the fear of God. A brother told his pastor he was travelling to the East. A sister also of that local assembly told the same pastor she was travelling in another direction. But unknown to members, they had secretly arranged to meet at a particular hotel to have a ‘good time’. While they were feeding their flesh, the Holy Spirit exposed it. By the time they returned, they were shocked to be told, welcome from your adulterous trip in such and such a hotel. Why are ushers and pastors stealing from church money today? It is because of the absence of God’s fire. Why are leaders comfortably sinning yet remaining in ministry? It is because the Pentecostal fire has gone out. Ask God for the return of the Pentecostal fire in your life, family, and church. A pastor who cannot affect his congregation in holiness lacks God’s fire.

ACTIONPOINT
According to Proverbs 19:23, evil has one powerful repellent - the fear of God. Ask God for grace to wear this covering always.