Back to Basics IV

Wednesday 13 September
READ: I Cor. 14:1-5     
MORE LESSON:  Mark 16:15-18

Those who have the basics have sweet experiences continually because they ensure a perpetual presence of God and the aura of His glory. Another of such vital continually needed asset is praying in tongues.  This is also made deliberately controversial by some in certain circles who teach that tongues are not for all children of God. But Jesus said that there are signs that His followers must possess, which include speaking in new tongues (Mark 16:17).

Our reading today clearly spells out the great benefits of having this as a permanent mark in our walk as Christians: 1) You speak to God when you speak in new tongues. This is an exclusive conversation between God and His child (I Cor.14:2). Demons cannot mess you up in this exercise because they don't know what you are speaking in the heavenly language. So speaking in tongues gives you an edge over satan and his demons. It is a mystery that puts you on top. 2) You edify yourself when you speak in tongues; you build up your spirit, mind and body. Spirit because by the spiritual language your spirit becomes stronger, mind because it helps clear your mind for direction and divine guidance and body because as you are quickened in the spirit by speaking in tongues, it lightens your body and helps you shake off excess psychological and emotional weight. 3) Apostle Paul desires all believers to speak in tongues implying it is of great benefit (I Cor.14:5). He even confessed that he spoke in tongues more than all the believers in the Corinthian Church at that time (v18). This clearly shows that speaking in tongues is of great benefit to the one who engages in it. 4) Speaking in tongues allows you to become God's sign provider to unbelievers. God uses His children's tongues to reveal the secrets of the hearts of unbelievers and that leads to conviction that makes them surrender to the Spirit of God (I Cor. 14:21-22).

Hindrances to speaking in tongues: 1) Lack of faith in what the Lord said about tongues can make you miss out of this glorious experience. Ask for it in faith and keep thanking Him for the manifestation. 2) Lack of thirst. Jesus said it is the man that is thirsty that drinks (Jn. 7:37-38). 3) Fear of mockery can deny you of this privilege, renounce fear and receive the gift with joy. 4) Sin is contrary to the Holy Spirit and tongues are the language of the Spirit. So to speak in new tongues renounce sin and the Spirit of God will give you tongues; 5) Ignorance of spiritual orderliness can hinder a flow in tongues. Be conscious of the order in any service and follow instructions promptly to exercise the gifts and increase in them. 6) Prayerlessness prevents manifestation and growth of the gift in a believer's life. Speak often to God with the little that comes from within you and you will increase daily. Fellowship often with God and you will enjoy the great benefits of speaking in tongues.

Prayer/Action
* Declare that you will not miss out of the blessing of speaking in tongues.
* Declare that as a believer, signs and wonders must manifest in your life from today.
* Ask God to draw you closer that you may know Him more, in Jesus’ name.

TODAY’S PROPHETIC PRAYER
Whoever works against my destiny this year will reap the wind for harvest and their harvest of sorrow shall know no end, in the powerful name of Jesus.