“Now to each one the manifestation of the Spirit is given for the common good. To one there is given through the Spirit the message of wisdom, to another the message of knowledge by means of the same Spirit, to another faith by the same Spirit, to another gifts of healing by that one Spirit, to another miraculous powers, to another prophecy, to another distinguishing between spirits, to another speaking in different kinds of tongues, and to still another the interpretation of tongues. All these are the work of one and the same Spirit, and he gives them to each one, just as he determines” (1 Cor. 12:7-11).
Prophetic ministry cannot be an end in itself. Its purpose is always to strengthen and promote something greater and more valuable than itself. People get off track when they allow themselves to become more focused on the unusual means of the message rather than God’s purpose in that message. It is not so important whether the message comes from a five-star prophet with mountain-moving confirmations or if it is something that simply seems good to everyone involved. The message is always more important than the method. The subjective side of our faith is always to be scrutinized in the light of the objective side, but both are essential. God is always working to bring the Word and the Spirit together. If we have the Word and the Spirit, we grow up.
Holy Spirit, may I never seek to merely know about You. Give me a passionate desire to know You, Your personality and being.
Our desire is for God, not just knowledge about Him.
