We are living in the end days and it is imperative that we remain steadfast in the faith. In Matthew, Chapter 25, Jesus spoke a parable regarding the ten virgins. Five were foolish and took their lamps with no oil. The other five were wise and took jars of oil along with their vessels. This oil represents the spirit of God in our lives. The virgins represented those that had been saved, washed in the blood. They were all waiting for the bride groom to appear, but when he did appear only half of them were ready and able to go into the wedding banquet. The others were left out and unable to go in because they let their oil run out.
Over the weekend I was out of town and visiting with some old friends and really did not get the time to spend in prayer that I normally do. When I returned home I was exhausted. My spirit man was starving and my spiritual strength was weakened. When you spend time with God, your faith is renewed. Your strength and spirit man is revived. Psalm 105:4 encourages us to, “Seek and deeply long for the Lord and His strength [His power, His might]; Seek and deeply long for His face and His presence continually.”
When we seek the Lord, He shows up with strength, power and might. The Word tells us that we are the light of the world. How can we light up the world if we are not empowering ourselves with His Spirit? You may say, well I was filled with the spirit when I got saved. True. But just like that new car you purchased from the dealer had a full tank of gas in it, you eventually had to fill it back up. You must be refueled with His Spirit on a daily basis.
Being a Pastor and speaker I would spend extra time in the presence of the Lord, and consecrate myself in preparation for a service or speaking engagement. I wanted to be sure that His spirit was upon me and that His presence would be in the room with me. As I was reflecting on this, I realized that even if I am not speaking, I still have the opportunity to carry His anointing and His spirit wherever I go, whenever I go. And so do you! You just need to separate yourself from this world and take the necessary time and steps to indulge yourself in His presence and allow Him to fil you up.
It is what the Father desires of us all. We are to be the light in this darkened world. We can not be cold, or lukewarm.. “So then because thou art lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will spue thee out of my mouth.” Revelation 3:16. In order to be hot for Christ we must make a decision daily to seek Him first and be filled with His Spirit. We can not have one foot in the Kingdom of God and one foot in the world. For even though we live in the world, we are not of the world. You and I must build up our faith and walk as Jesus walked if we are to be the light. We must be ready at all times to meet the Father.
Today, if you want to make the decision to be ready for the bridegroom, please pray this prayer from your heart. “Father, I ask you to come into my spirit. Refuel me. Enlighten me. Strengthen me and give me a hunger and a thirst for you like I have never had. Make room in my life for me to spend time with you. Show me anything in my life that I need to let go or change and give me the strength to do it. I want to be found with my lamp oil full. Help me to be ready at every moment to meet you Lord, in Jesus name. Amen.”
Until Next Time Remember,
Stay Calm and Be Empowered.
