PROVE ALL THINGS --SPIRITUAL SIGNS AND WONDERS

Friends, let the Spirit of Grace teach you about spiritual signs and wonders through the words of Jesus and the apostle Paul:

1Thes 5:19-22

19 Quench not the Spirit.
20 Despise not prophesyings.*
21 Prove** all things; hold fast that which is good.
22 Abstain from all appearance of evil.

According to Paul, we must question everything. Once, I was terrified at the thought of questioning the source of a supernatural manifestation or experience.

It was that instruction of Paul that has saved me from falling into many a snare of satan. Those verses have also given me assurance that God approves of me questioning prophecies, doctrines and supernatural signs and wonders.

In many religious circles today, people neglect testing the spirit that is manifesting signs and wonders. Some of them fear to question ministries or spiritual gifts because of a dread of God's judgment for blasphemy of The Holy Spirit. So, they accept satan's counterfeits, without resistance, and go into all kinds of crazy delusions.

Satan has an enticement for every Christian. Christians, who have a sincere heart, are especially vulnerable to supernatural deceptions when they have made a commitment to serve God. Satan knows that they will not be seduced into gross sins; so, he deceives them with false manifestations and "vain imaginations."

We must examine and prove every thought that comes into our mind. If it does not measure up to the standard of obedience --it must be rejected!

"Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ;" 2 Cor 10:5 (KJV)

Every thought! Every thought! Every thought!

Satan tempts us through the thoughts that he can inject into our minds. I can remember the battles that I experienced when I started to put some miracles to the test! My mind was flooded with accusations like "How dare you question and doubt the Holy Spirit?" But, I had that advice of dear brother Paul --and I prayed.

My prayer was something like this: "Father, I want to love and serve you. So, please don't be offended if I test this ... I don't want to 'blaspheme the Holy Spirit'; but I am going to do what you said in your word:

'Prove all things and hold fast that which is good.'

I don't even understand whether this is good or evil; but right now, I am taking my stand for truth."

A certain man had asked me two questions that changed my life:

1. Donna, do you sincerely want to know the truth?
2. Donna, will you obey the truth --no matter what the cost?

I said: "Yes!" My life has never been the same ...

"Commit thy works unto the LORD, and thy thoughts shall be established." Prov 16:3 (KJV)

Friends, if you make that kind of commitment, you can trust the Lord to teach you truth as He gently leads you in the paths of righteousness.

Donna Kupp

Notes:

* PROPHESYINGS #4394 propheteia prediction
(scriptural or other)
** PROVE #1381 dokimazo to test (literally or
figuratively) by implication, to
approve: allow, discern, examine,
x-like, (ap) prove, prove, try.

dk

"Here is the patience of the saints: here are they that keep the commandments of God, and the faith of Jesus." Rev 14:12 KJV)