11 July 2022 Word by Snr Pastor, Ps Darien Choo
Today’s Inspiration: “The human spirit is the lamp of the Lord that sheds light on one’s inmost being. Love and faithfulness keep a king safe; through love his throne is made secure.” Proverbs 20:27-28 NIV. If our Spirit is the lamp of God, it will require to be lit. The lamp requires oil and its wick to be trimmed. This reminds us of the 10 virgins who is waiting for the coming of their master. “The foolish ones took their lamps but did not take any oil with them. The wise ones, however, took oil in jars along with their lamps. Matthew 25:3-4.
Oil represents the Anointing and the Spirit of God. Without prayer, there is no refilling of Holy Spirit and renewal of oil in our lamp. The night is far spent and many today are in spiritual slumber because we neglected prayer. “Then all the virgins woke up and trimmed their lamps. The foolish ones said to the wise, ‘Give us some of your oil; our lamps are going out.” (V7-8). The foolish virgins are not only lazy but are not sowers to buy oil, paying the price to keep the lamp burning. Complacency is sin to the Lord, just as lukewarmness. Will Christ find faith when He comes? Luke 18:8. Trimming the wick is cutting off the soot which is repentance of our sins, setting apart to Holiness and departure from sinful nature, attitudes and behaviours. Sin causes our light to dim. “But while they were on their way to buy the oil, the bridegroom arrived. The virgins who were ready went in with him to the wedding banquet. And the door was shut. “Later the others also came. ‘Lord, Lord,’ they said, ‘open the door for us!’ “But he replied, ‘Truly I tell you, I don’t know you.” (V7-10)
Prayer: O Lord my God, forgive me of my complacency and fear of lack. Let there be a spiritual awakening and shaking in my heart, and spirit man to be wise and sober. I shall obey to buy oil, trim my wick, and build your altar. Draw near to me and as I draw near to you. Thank you for all chastisement and wisdom of your Word. Fill me with your Holy Spirit and grant me wisdom and light to be a producer, not just a consumer, a doer, not just a listener, and a blesser not just a receiver, in Jesus' Name, Amen.