The Fast of Daniel—Day thirteen

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The lack of oil

Sadly, many see the altar as a haven of safety rather than a place of constant sacrifice.

At the altar they feel “protected” (from a guilty conscience), that their true spiritual state will not be exposed, as if the altar would give them a lifetime warranty, or free them from temptations so that they no longer have to go through the daily fight for their salvation. A sad mistake!

A few weeks ago an incident happen that I’d like to use as a warning to those who find themselves in a similar situation. After being married for seven years, a pastor’s wife cheated on her husband because she was not born of the Holy Spirit.
She had everything. Her husband was dedicated, a friend and a partner, faithful to God and therefore, faithful to his wife. What more could a wife want from her husband?

But, who knows what made her change her mind. She was moved by a spirit of lust that exercised its control over her, and didn’t think about how the consequence of sin is physical and/or spiritual death.
Her husband immediately allowed her to leave him. With nowhere to go, no way out, she returned to her parent’s house.

Then, filled with regret, she came crying to the wife of the bishop in charge, asking for help.
She came looking for support and the assurance that she had lost. She wanted to "borrow oil” from someone she knew would have oil. She was willing to accept any job and submit to any situation as long as she would be close to her old "haven of safety" – a place that gave her the peace she once had, and lost.

This wife wanted to help, but at the same time didn’t want to hinder the work of the Holy Spirit.

So she said to her:
"Do you remember the five foolish virgins? That’s right. When the groom returned, their lamps had run out of oil. They ran over to the five wise virgins and asked to borrow some of their oil. And what was their answer? ‘...we can’t give you the oil from our lamps or we will run out of oil too. Go to the market quickly and buy more’. But there was no time and they were left outside."

The bishop's wife concluded by saying: "I can’t take the oil from my lamp and give it to you. Seek while there is time. Make sure you don’t have a lamp that’s run out of oil when the groom comes to meet you."

Please understand, God’s actions are not based on emotions. No! In the end, He will not feel "pity" for those who are outside knocking on the door.
Right now you have time to go and buy more, and be spiritually rich. Or can’t you see that you’re running out of oil? Of course you do!

But why is it that many only notice they need more oil after they’ve already run out – when not even one drop is left? Many have a false sense of safety because they are close to the altar.

Spiritual blindness tempts people to think they can play around with sensuality and not run the risk of giving birth to an illegitimate child.James 1:14-15

When we sin we lose the rights that we once had. It’s a waste of time to complain, kick or want to justify ourselves...
Only those who submit to Jesus and accept who they are before God, and before men, will receive the POWER TO BECOME children of God. They will receive the Holy Spirit and His anointing.

Sooner or later a lack of oil will make the foolish go knocking on other peoples’ doors.

Viviane Freitas