One of the examples Jesus set was not to glorify Himself. He didn't defend his work and mission as the High Priest. When our intentions include the position or praise we want to receive, we disconnect from God. He knows that we have to maintain faith and purity in order to be used. This is why our prayers sometimes go unanswered: sin disrupts our connection with God. We must serve the Lord with fear!

Be what the Most High has planned for you, striving to accomplish what the Holy Spirit prompts you to do. Be pure before God in order to be an instrument in His hands. Sin acts as a barrier, standing between us and the Creator (Isaiah 59:1,2) and hindering our communion with Him. Remember: the Father is Consuming Fire (Hebrews 12:29), and His operation depends on His designs. He is never surprised, because He is omniscient!

Those who allow themselves to be led by the Holy Spirit will never be ashamed, because they will obey the directions of Heaven. Now, those who are torn between following holiness and drinking the “delights” of sin will not get God's help (James 4.4). Instruction comes from the Spirit of God through the Scriptures, not from personal interpretations of what one thinks they have heard from the Lord. That's not what Jesus said: However, when he, the Spirit of truth, has come, He will guide you into all truth; for He will not speak on His own authority, but whatever He hears will He will speak; and He will tell you things to come (John 16:13). Sanctify them by Your truth. Your word is truth (John 17:17).

Jesus had a purpose, and He would not abandon it; after all, He was sent to proclaim the Gospel - the Good News - to the world. Christ commanded us to act according to His example, with all the manifestations of divine power (John 13:15). We must be careful not to step away from the divine calling given to us by getting involved in religious matters that lack God’s presence. We need to testify to the people that we are servants of the Most High. His wonders confirm this (Acts 14:3).

We show our identity when we speak of God's power and will to those who cannot free themselves from evil forces. The anointing we have received enables us to minister in the lives of those who love the Lord and need His help, freeing them from the chains of sin, suffering and that which leads them astray from the works of true faith. The saved are powerful in the Word!

In a way, our mission is the same as Christ's: to preach freedom to those oppressed by the devil, undoing the evil works done against them and, at the same time, binding every action of the devil (Acts 10:38; 1 Jn 2:6). Jesus even commanded us: And He said to them, “Go into all the world and preach the gospel to every creature” (Mark 16.15). Whoever obeys the Lord becomes His disciple with grace and authority!

Let's act while it's day, because when night comes, no one will be able to work (John 9:4). No force will stop us from doing good, bringing God's hand to work on behalf of those who need his intervention. We have been called to be channels of blessing to the suffering. Jesus came to give life in abundance!

           In Christ, with love,

           R. R. Soares