Don’t be deceived, my dear brothers. Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows. He chose to give us birth through the word of truth, that we might be a kind of firstfruits of all he created. —James 1:16-18
Give proper liberty and create sufficient opportunities for the Spirit to manifest Himself in the settings that are specifically intended to welcome renewal ministry and its attending activity. Of course, God may Himself break into any gathering with His manifest presence without human mediation. Model and teach proper restraints, and seek to be sensitive to the specific situation and context. What does love look like or require in this particular setting? Seek to submit to those in authority for the sake of peace and unity. Mistakes in discernment are bound to happen in the midst of renewal when the heightened fear of both missing God and being deceived are present. Encourage people to appeal to leaders in private if they disagree with the direction the leaders have given or are giving to the body.
{ PRAYER STARTER }
Father, in all my work and service, in every part of my life, cause me to discern accurately and fully what You are doing and what You want me to reveal to others. Don’t allow me to “miss” Your revelation or to cause another to be deceived.
Mistakes in discernment are bound to happen
in the midst of renewal when the heightened
fear of both missing God and
being deceived are present.
