Verse
Now in these days prophets came down from Jerusalem to Antioch. And one of them named Agabus stood up and foretold by the Spirit that there would be a great famine over all the world (this took place in the days of Claudius).
— Acts 11:27-28 esv
Thought
Troubles are coming. Yet the message Agabus delivered wasn't primarily about the troubles that were coming, but they were a call for brothers and sisters in Jesus' family to get ready to help those in need (see vs. 29-30). When you hear people claiming to speak today by the power of the Spirit — especially when they claim to be a prophetic voice, ask yourself: "Is their word to alarm and condemn, or to strengthen and encourage us to service?" The work of the Spirit in God's prophets has a clear focus: Spirit-inspired prophets "speak to people for their strengthening, encouragement and comfort" (1 Cor. 14:3). So test those who claim to be prophets, and see if they fit the Spirit's description of their role (1 John 4:1-3).
Prayer
Holy God, we want to be your righteous people, your children who reflect both your character and your compassion. So I ask that you help us hear the voices empowered by your Holy Spirit and also help us recognize those voices who simply shout their criticisms without bringing your comfort. In Jesus' name I pray. Amen.
Devotional provided by Heartlight®
© 1996-2016. All rights reserved.
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Now in these days prophets came down from Jerusalem to Antioch. And one of them named Agabus stood up and foretold by the Spirit that there would be a great famine over all the world (this took place in the days of Claudius).
— Acts 11:27-28 esv
Thought
Troubles are coming. Yet the message Agabus delivered wasn't primarily about the troubles that were coming, but they were a call for brothers and sisters in Jesus' family to get ready to help those in need (see vs. 29-30). When you hear people claiming to speak today by the power of the Spirit — especially when they claim to be a prophetic voice, ask yourself: "Is their word to alarm and condemn, or to strengthen and encourage us to service?" The work of the Spirit in God's prophets has a clear focus: Spirit-inspired prophets "speak to people for their strengthening, encouragement and comfort" (1 Cor. 14:3). So test those who claim to be prophets, and see if they fit the Spirit's description of their role (1 John 4:1-3).
Prayer
Holy God, we want to be your righteous people, your children who reflect both your character and your compassion. So I ask that you help us hear the voices empowered by your Holy Spirit and also help us recognize those voices who simply shout their criticisms without bringing your comfort. In Jesus' name I pray. Amen.
Devotional provided by Heartlight®
© 1996-2016. All rights reserved.
