It’s November 29, 2024. Another month is flying by, and the next time we gather for devotions, it will be December! Christmas is just around the corner. (By the way, don’t forget to check out our Christmas service schedule here!) Today’s lesson offers another valuable example of discerning when to draw lines and when to build bridges. Let’s dive in!
Today's Reading:
1 Thessalonians 4,5; 2 Thessalonians 1,2,3
Scripture
“Do not quench the Spirit, do not despise prophetic utterings. But examine everything carefully, hold fast to that which is good and abstain from every form of evil.” (1 Thessalonians 5:19-21)
Observation
In these last days, the church desperately needs the moving of the Spirit through prophecy and miracles more than ever before. Yet Paul reminds the Thessalonians to examine everything carefully—to hold fast to what is good and discard the rest!
Although everything must be carefully examined, we must not throw everything away that doesn’t fit our palate. We must not reject all miracles or prophetic words simply because some have been mishandled or proven false.
Mark Twain’s famous axiom captures this well: “If a cat sits on a hot stove, that cat won’t sit on a hot stove again. But he won’t sit on any stove!”
Application
It is our responsibility to identify errors, compare them to the Word of God, and press forward without losing heart. When we encounter error in the Church—especially among leaders—our natural tendency is to grow hardened toward anything that resembles what we’ve found to be false.
But we can’t fall into that trap, like the feline in Mark Twain’s axiom.
The lesson is to keep praying for God to move powerfully among us through miracles. We must continue to pray for healing for the sick and believe for signs and wonders. At the same time, however, we must be discerning, refusing to give an open platform to self-proclaimed prophets who seek attention by making the right religious noises.
Prayer
Thank You, Holy Spirit. We deeply appreciate Your presence and welcome You to move freely among us. Grant us the wisdom to examine everything carefully, without allowing skepticism to take root. Teach us to discern when to draw lines and when to build bridges. We commit to pressing forward, striving to be a people of wisdom—a people in whom You are pleased to dwell.
Sign up to receive Pastor Wayne's devotions daily
