This week's Truth Keepers for Truth Seekers column is about God helping us take the next step in the right direction
There is a beautiful text in God’s Word that has often helped me to consciously or unconsciously take the next step in the right direction. It is the text in the book of Isaiah where it says: “And your ears shall hear a word behind you, saying, ‘This is the way, walk in it, when you go right, or when you go left’.”
Sometimes it seemed like such a small seemingly insignificant step. Other times, it was a leap into the unknown. Nevertheless, trusting it was indeed the voice of the Holy Spirit somehow, made things work out just right.
Was it easy? Sometimes yes. Often, no. Did I miss it sometimes? Like most of us, I did. I learned and was a better receiver the next time.
What I was careful about was not to let a human being take the place of the Holy Spirit in my life. To me He is too precious to let anyone take its’ place. Only in my later years, I learned and am still learning to appreciate and work with the Holy Spirit.
If I may write so without offending anyone, I so appreciate the sacrificial time prayer people give to those who need prayer. I appreciate the prayer centres here, where many have found solace, answers, counselling and guidance which they could not find in their churches. Why? Maybe they were too busy with programmes and were just not available?
I grew up in a Catholic environment, attending a Catholic church. And although I did not find the answers to my many questions there, what I now appreciate is that, at those times, their doors were always open and if you wanted to pray, you could go to church, kneel down and spent time with God. Of course we can do that at home. But when home, there are often too many distractions.
Prayer centres seem to always have a place where you can go to find that space to be alone and pray or find someone with a listening ear and some counsel.
However, here is something to ponder about. As much as I appreciate those places for what they are doing and have done, what should it not be for either the one looking for a place to pray and fast, get some prayer or input or the ones running those places and the ones on staff.
If you are the one going there:
· Do not ask them” who to marry” – you put yourself and them in a very sensitive spot and it might backfire later if you go by some one’s prophecy who or who not to get married to.
· Do not go there to hide your sinful lifestyle, thinking you will not be found out or hoping it will just go away. Get there to get delivered, yes. But do face the consequences if others are or were involved. This is especially when it comes to unbiblical relationships. The scope of that is large it seems these days.
· Do not go there to “pay” for your sins. Jesus already did. Come clean though, get delivered if need be and ask Him what the next step should be. Surround yourself with those you can trust and get you in the right direction.
If you are the one on staff or running the place:
· Encourage people to read the Bible for themselves or read it with them if they have a hard time doing so.
· If you do have a “word, “ask yourself: Is it in line with His Word? Is it encouraging, uplifting, exhorting, edifying?
· Seeing a “coffin” is NOT prophetic and I do not think God gives those kinds of visions.
· If you get a dream or vision, ask God first if you should share it and if so, what and how to share it. Is it going to help the person do better for God? Will it encourage them or condemn them and make them fearful? If the last is so, better pray, if to share, what to share if so, and give them hope.
· Do not threaten them that “if you leave this place then….”
· If you think they need to fast, leave it up to them if they should or not. It is a personal decision between them and God if and when and how long they should fast.
· Make sure PG moms eat properly and do NOT fast. It will harm the baby. Have proper food and nutrition for them.
· Do not try to take the place of the Holy Spirit, God or Jesus.
· You will not be able to change people. The Holy Spirit can. Surrender them to Him.
Again, prayer centres have its place. However, like with anything good, they can be misused either by the ones coming there or the ones working there. And for those with young people, it is not a place to ship your young people there because you cannot handle them, hoping they will change when they have already made up their mind. If they are under you, it is your responsibility, not the ones where you sent them.
When it comes to what you call dispensations of times, there are three major ones according to Biblical history. In Christian context, it means: "new dispensation" typically refers to the era established by Jesus Christ, marking a departure from the Old Testament covenant and emphasising the new covenant of grace and salvation. In Political context, it can refer to a change in the political system, such as a new government, regime, or policy, often implying a transition from an old order to a new one. General meaning: More broadly, "new dispensation" can describe any new arrangement or system, whether religious, social, or political, that signifies a departure from the established order.
The three major ones in Biblical history are first: the era from creation till Jesus came on earth. The second one, Jesus’ time on earth. The third one, starting from the time a great company of people (about 120 disciples of Jesus) were baptised in the Holy Spirit, meaning from then on, they had the power to operate in the nine gifts of the Spirit and be guided themselves by the Holy Spirit.
That meant that through the name of Jesus Christ, they could now have direct communication to God the Father. The one helping them with that would be the Holy Spirit.
That is why we should be so careful not to try to take the place of the Holy Spirit.
We can guide people, teach people, counsel them but we should never try to take the place of the Holy Spirit.
Be a good receiver. He is sent to guide us on a personal basis.
Be thankful for counsellors, prayer people etc, however, do not lift them on a pedestal.
As far as the Holy Spirit, He is on call 24/7.
Let our receptors be on “receiving” from the other heavenly realm.
Be a good receiver this week. And note down what there is to receive, if you can.
Akhrienuo