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I read an article by John Arnott, the leader of The Vinyard associated church in Canada, where the phenomena called the "Toronto Blessing" all began. It was an article about God's anointing, i.e. the effects of God's holiness touching a church and transforming it. He reminds all Christians - what all Christians should know - that the anointing of the Holy Spirit is given to glorify Jesus and to provide power to live in the Kingdom under the rule of God. He points out that the more Christians seek God's anointing, the more room they must make for Him. To be more teachable we must be more reachable. To be usable we must be accountable to God and God's people. It is a killing sin to try and use the anointing of the Spirit to gain credit for ourselves.In fact, his opening words were the advice given him by his minister when he first talked of training to become a minister: "Watch out for three things which can destroy you - women, money and the power which controls." In short, the GIRLS, the GOLD, and the GLORY!
If you are serious as a Christian, and you seek God's further anointing on your life, then you must watch out for the snares which so easily destroy the high-minded with very lowest sins. Don't come to God for more of God, without making room for God. That's playing Russian roulette with your soul.
In Acts of Apostles Chapter 8 we read of a marvellous spiritual anointing in Samaria, but one man, a conjuror called Simon, didn't know about the snares of the girls, the gold and the glory. (Acts 8: 18-22) When Simon saw the Spirit was given at the laying on of the apostles' hands, he offered them money and said, "Give me also this ability so that everyone on whom I lay my hands may receive the Holy Spirit." Peter answered: "May your money perish with you, because you thought you could buy the gift of God with money! You have no part or share in this ministry, because your heart is not right before God. Repent of this wickedness and pray to the Lord.
A Prayer: Yours, O Lord, are the power and the glory - deliver us from the sins of trying to use you - especially when you are gracious enough to want to use us.
Now read Jeremiah Chapter 45
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