Daily Devotion

River of Life Christian Church ︳www.rolcc.net/english Acts 15:27-35 "Therefore we are sending Judas and Silas to confirm by word of mouth what we are writing.  It seemed good to the Holy Spirit and to us not to burden you with anything beyond the following requirements:  You are to abstain from food sacrificed to idols, from blood, from the meat of strangled animals and from sexual immorality. You will do well to avoid these things. Farewell."  The men were sent off and went down to Antioch, where they gathered the church together and delivered the letter. The people read it and were glad for its encouraging message. Judas and Silas, who themselves were prophets, said much to encourage and strengthen the brothers... Once the council of Jerusalem established the principles for gentiles to turn to Jesus, the gentile church was glad.  Truth is supposed to set people free, not to bind the hearts.  The early church set a good example for us - We ought to be speak words that strengthen, encourage and comfort.  In fact, that is the definition of prophecy according to the Bible - Corinthians 14:3 says that "everyone who prophesies speaks to men for their strengthening, encouragement and comfort."  Judas and Silas are both prophets, so when they reached the church of Antioch they encouraged and comforted the believers there, and fortified their hearts. The church today needs to have this message restored.  Very often the church is filled with the spirit of condemnation, traditions and rules that bind the hearts of people and prevent them from gaining true freedom.  One time I went to the church to serve as the speaker for Sunday service.  Right before the service, a sister came in a rush and her hair was all messy.  An elderly sister beside her quickly rebuked her that she wasn't prepared to come before God, and the sister went and hid in the restroom in shame.  When I saw that, I became quite nervous, thinking that perhaps this church has so many traditions and rules that I might become the next one to be rebuked if I accidentally violate any of the their rules? The church should not be filled with the spirit of condemnation, but rather it should be a place where the truth is preached.  Truth is for setting our hearts free, not for binding us.  The church today needs to restore the gift and role of prophet, so that prophecies may bring forth God's comfort and encouragement, and let the will and guidance of God be manifested.  Acts 9:31 says that the church "enjoyed a time of peace. It was strengthened; and encouraged by the Holy Spirit, it grew in numbers, living in the fear of the Lord."  In the same way, may God place the spirit of the prophecy in our midst, so that we may speak words of strengthening, encouragement and comfort.  The hearts of people will receive peace and the church will grow naturally.   Pray with Pastor Tong Liu     Lord, please grant the spirit of prophecy to everyone, so that we may speak words of strengthening, encouragement and comfort in our daily life.  Let us be edified in the Lord and add to our number daily those are being saved.  I thank you and I pray in the victorious name of Jesus, amen!