Daily Devotion

River of Life Christian Church ︳www.rolcc.net/english Acts 13:1 In the church at Antioch there were prophets and teachers: Barnabas, Simeon called Niger, Lucius of Cyrene, Manaen (who had been brought up with Herod the tetrarch) and Saul. The Antioch church had a variety of gifts that were working together.  This was not an easy task because it is hard for people with different gifts and different personalities to work together. A prophet typically has a very strong and decisive personality, whereas a teacher tends to very cautious and always thinking twice. The church has all kinds of gifts, personalities, and should not say "I do not need you". The Bible clearly tells us, "Do not despise the words of the prophet" because the prophets can better hear the voice of God. At times, God also uses visions, pictures and dreams to lead us and guide us.  A prophet's words need to be tested.  Although he may be right in 99 prophecies, his 100th prophecy may not be correct.  Sometimes the words of the prophet come with conditions and require you to act according to God's promises in order for the prophecy to be fulfilled. At other times, the words of the prophets may relate to different timing. The Old Testament prophets spoke about the first coming and the second coming of Jesus altogether, which can be confusing.  Although it may seem clear to us now, it was difficult for the prophets back then to distinguish between the two. This does not mean that the prophet's words were wrong.  It was merely the result of discussing two different things at one time. Ultimately, we still need to respect the prophets. Although the prophets can release God's people by their words, spiritual growth still requires a longer-term and more systematic teaching. Jesus gave us the Great Commission, saying, "Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age."  God's primary focus is on teaching, and although sometimes teaching can be very boring and time-consuming, it is an important foundation to build.  Prophets can discern the will of God and move God's people forward.  Teachers can strengthen God's people to ward off the attacks of the enemy.  In reality, every gift that God gives to the church is very important.  Just like each key on a piano, although some are used more than others, every key is important, and you will not be able to play some beautiful songs with any key missing.  Let's pray that God will give us humble hearts to accept one another.    Pray with Pastor Tong Liu     Lord, we thank you for the different gifts that are operating within the church in order to accomplish your will.  We pray, Lord, that you will grant us humility to accept one another so that your glory may be manifested in the church.  We thank you and we pray in the victorious name of Jesus, Amen!