The wise took oil in jars along with their lamps. They kept themselves filled with the Spirit of God. We keep ourselves filled with the Spirit by setting aside a period each day for a special time of prayer with the Lord. We also make provision for reading the Scriptures every day.

Many times during the day we look up to the Lord for wisdom concerning what we are doing or to give thanks for an action that brought the results we desired. Personally I make a practice of thanking the Lord every time something goes right, and asking for help when something goes wrong. We are to pray without ceasing!

If we are to remain filled with the Spirit we must forgive everyone. We are not permitted to hold hatred or a grudge against anyone, no matter what they may have done to us.

We are not to fret ourselves concerning the wickedness we see in the world around us. God is in control of the world. He is raising up brothers for the Lord Jesus Christ. The entire history of the world is working to change those whom God has foreknown into the image of Christ. All things, good and evil, are working together to accomplish God's goals. Therefore to fret ourselves concerning evil is to demonstrate unbelief in God's wisdom and power.

If there are fervent believers near us it is helpful to assemble with them on a regular basis. We are to give, serve, and obey the Lord in all matters. God gives His Spirit to those who obey Him.

In Pentecost we take the attitude that once we speak in tongues we have been filled with the Spirit and shall remain so until we are caught up to Heaven. This is not necessarily true. Speaking in tongues is a gift given to us to help us live in the Spirit, not a sign that we are filled with the Spirit. We can speak in tongues and continue in sin. Numerous believers do!

Our doctrine, our lamp, is not sufficient to open the door to the wedding. We must be filled with the Spirit. We must be living "in Christ" if we hope to rise from the dead when He appears.

The bridegroom was a long time in coming, and they all became drowsy and fell asleep. (Matthew 25:5)

Oswald Chamber mentioned that one of the chief foes of the Christian life is boredom. This is the truth.

When we first receive Christ there may be excitement, enthusiasm, joy, confidence. But as the years roll by, and we do not see anything unusual happening, we may begin to neglect our salvation. We may not pray as much. We may not read our Bible as we used to. We may even stop going to church.

"I can worship God our in the woods or on the beach," people say. But this is not the same as assembling with other Christians.

"I can worship God at home on Sunday morning." But this form of carelessness does not produce the necessary Christian growth.

"I can watch my favorite preacher on the televisions Sunday morning." I don't want to go to church with all those hypocrites.

We are deluding ourselves. The churches are not filled with hypocrites but with ordinary people who want to please God. It is a fact that many of them are cold and indifferent. Some put on a show of religion and piety and then to those who are not members of their church they are mean and selfish. I understand this.

Nevertheless, Jesus Christ has instituted the churches. They are His instruments for introducing people to Himself and building them up in faith. With all their imperfections, churches are necessary for the construction of the Kingdom of God.

To be continued.