Do not put out the Spirit’s fire. Do not treat prophecies with contempt but test them all; hold on to what is good, reject whatever is harmful – (1 Thessalonians 5:19)

Like John warns Jesus’ followers, Paul is reminding folks to test the teaching of those claiming to speak by the power of the Holy Spirit (cf. 1 John 4:1-3).

At the same time, we are not to discount the message of those who speak God’s truth, but to test the message and reject what is harmful.

The Holy Spirit, our anointing from the Father, will help us know and discern what is good and help us reject what is harmful (1 John 2:20-29).

We must hold to what is true and from God, but reject what is from mere human or evil sources. If we don’t, we can be quenching the work of the Holy Spirit within us.

Prayer : Father, I ask for wisdom and discernment. More than just human wisdom and discernment, I pray for the ability to discern your truth by the power of your Holy Spirit. In my world, there are so many voices competing for my attention and I want to only follow your will — not my own or anyone else. Help me to hold on to what is good and reject what is harmful. In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen.

We have not received the spirit of the world but the Spirit who is from God, that we may understand what God has freely given us. – (2 Corinthians 2:12)

We sometimes get frustrated when those outside of Christ do not seem to be able to understand the teaching of Scripture. However, we must not forget that there are two realities to the truth of Scripture that non-believers do not experience.

First, the truth of Scriptures often becomes understandable only after we obey it.

Second, the Holy Spirit, who inspired Scripture and uses Scripture to form us, also helps followers of Jesus understand the truth that God has given us.

The Holy Spirit is at work helping us understand the Scriptures he inspired! Let’s never approach our time in Bible study without asking for the Holy Spirit to make God’s truth known to us!

Prayer : Father God, I thank you for blessing me with your Holy Spirit. I pray that as I open the Bible that I can be able to hear your voice and understand your will. I ask, dear Holy Spirit, that you open my mind and that you work on my heart so that I can understand and obey the truths that the Father has shared through Scripture. In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen.

Merciful God, anoint me with your Holy Spirit.

And as I read your word, let me hear your voice speaking to me from within.

Give me wisdom to understand your message to me.

Let your word be the joy of my heart and the lamp to my feet.

Give me strength to build my life on your word.

Let it be done unto me according to your word.

May I rejoice in the blessedness of hearing your word and keeping it.

Speak Lord, your servant is listening…

Thank you Jesus… Praise you Lord

- – - written by Rinty Vincent