Quote from Forum Archives on December 17, 2001, 1:21 pm

Posted by: masinick <masinick@...>

Dear friends,

My continuing passion is to seek the ways of God each day. I
spend time praying, reading, thinking, sharing, and writing.
A fraction of the things I think and pray about I share with you
regularly in this mailing list.

Neil Anderson is but one of many devotional writers that I
regularly read. I share his material often because I think it is
relevant.

During this season, I have been thinking - even more than usual -
about preparing my heart for what God wants to do in me and
through me. Though Neil's writings have not necessarily had a
specific theme of Advent or preparation, I have found - at least
for me, that they are pertinent indeed, which is why I have
recently shared them so often.

Today's message is another one that follows a recent theme. In
essence, Neil writes about spiritual discernment, determining
whether "signs and wonders" are from God or not. Though many
events come up that people call "miracles" or "signs and
wonders", only a fraction of them come directly from God. This
message helps us to test what's good, right, and true by a time
tested method - compare what we see to what we know is true from
scripture. Of course, that technique requires that we get pretty
familiar with scripture, now doesn't it? Sounds like a very good
reason --- consistent with what God says Himself --- to not just
read the Word, but have it become a part of who you are.

There is a caution that needs to come wiht that last comment. In
Deuteronomy, one of the original "Books of the Law", the Jews
were commanded to write the words on their doorposts, and in
various other places. Some Orthdox Jews take these things very
seriously. In one sense, they are obedient, for they follow the
LETTER of the Law. Following the letter of the Law is fine, as
long as you FIRST follow the Spirit and INTENT of the Law.
Without that, the LETTER of the Law becomes not only vein
repetition, but it can actually become a god and take the place
of the One, True and Everlasting God.

This is one of the areas that I am constantly CHECKING myself
on. It is SO easy to fall into following the LETTER of the Law,
yet completely MISS the Spirit of the Law. If you happen to fall
into that trap from time to time, quietly examine your heart
before God, and allow Him to direct you personally with His
Spirit.

Dear Lord, I confess my need for this reminder from one of your
faithful servants. Please guard over my heart and give me
discernment. I don't merely want to march through the mechanics
of reading, studying, going to church, and talking a line. I
yearn, every day, to live with You. Forgive my wandering heart,
and continually direct my innermost yearnings to You. I ask
these things humbly, in Jesus' Name. Amen.

Your Brother in Christ,
Brian

Reply-to: Neil Anderson <neilanderson@lists.crosswalk.com>
Subject: Neil Anderson Devotional for Monday, December 17, 2001
Date: Mon, 17 Dec 2001 04:02:46 -0500

If you are looking to feed and challenge your faith, visit
Crosswalk.com's Spiritual Life Channel at:
spiritual.crosswalk.com
-----------
N E I L A N D E R S O N D A I L Y D E V O T I O N A L
from Freedom in Christ Ministries

December 17

CONSULT YOUR GOD

False Christs and false prophets will arise, and will show signs
and wonders, in order, if possible, to lead the elect astray
(Mark 13:22).

You can identify a false prophet by the fact that not all his
prophecies come true. Deuteronomy 18:22 instructs us not to
believe the prophet whose prophecies fail. But Deuteronomy 13:1-3
also warns us about the false prophet whose signs and wonders do
come true: "If a prophet or a dreamer of dreams arises among you
and gives you a sign or a wonder, and the sign or wonder comes
true, concerning which he spoke to you, saying, 'Let us go after
other gods (whom you have not known) and let us serve them,' you
shall not listen to the words of that prophet or that dreamer of
dreams; for the LORD your God is testing you to find out if you
love the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your
soul." (See also Matthew 24:4-11, 23-25; Revelation 13:11-14).

Many Christians have become conditioned to think that anything
relating to the miraculous automatically verifies that God is
involved. God can still use signs and wonders to confirm the
Word, but the Bible also warns that false Christs and prophets
will arise seeking to lead believers astray with their "signs and
wonders." Satan can also perform signs and wonders, but he only
does so to direct our worship away from God to himself.
Deuteronomy 13:5-11 reveals the seriousness of attributing to God
the activity of Satan. Persons who were involved in it were to be
executed even if they were relatives. We are to love God, obey
His Word, and test all signs, wonders and dreams. Isaiah wrote,
"When they say to you, 'Consult the mediums and the wizards who
whisper and mutter,' should not a people consult their God?
Should they consult the dead on behalf of the living? To the law
and to the testimony! If they do not speak according to this
word, it is because they have no dawn" (8:19,20).

Lord, I affirm my commitment to know Your Word and be led by Your
Spirit. I ask for discernment and wisdom to test all things.

-----------
This daily devotional is published and distributed by
Crosswalk.com. It is written by Neil Anderson at
< www.ficm.org >.

You can purchase "Daily in Christ" and other titles by Neil Anderson at
christianbook.com (Christian Book Distributors - CBD).
< shopping.crosswalk.com/bye/devo_na >

Additional devotionals are available from Crosswalk.com:
< devotionals.crosswalk.com >.
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--
Brian Masinick, "The Mas", mailto:masinick@yahoo.com
Home page: www.geocities.com/masinick/

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