One more great platform of redemption remains, and this third platform is the reason for the two that precede it. The third platform is the area of redemption where we allow the Kingdom of God to enter us such that God's will and not ours is performed in every aspect of our thinking, speaking, and acting.

We can retain our gifts and ministries of the Spirit (for they are freely given) and yet not press forward to the Altar of Incense, the next furnishing after the Lampstand. This means we retain our own will and reasoning while we exercise the gifts of God. In a way it reminds one of the prodigal son who asked for the inheritance that he might spend it however he chose.

You can see the decision that faces us. Shall we take our spiritual abilities and return to Jesus Christ that He may use us however He desires, or shall we read the Bible, figure out what we think we are supposed to do, and then set forth to do whatever religious works please us?

From what is taking place in Pentecostal-Charismatic circles I do not think the leaders and believers are even aware we are supposed to wait on the Lord for direction. So many are trying to "work the moves."

There are giant conventions taking place in several parts of the world. But I am not comfortable with many of them. I have the impression the leaders are proceeding according to what they think the Lord wants (maybe something He told them many years previously) but are not hearing from Him right now. They are taking it for granted they are supposed to use their gifts to save and heal the world.

I believe such self-willed employment of the things of the Spirit is the False Prophet, even though the False Prophet may some day be exemplified in a single individual; just as the self-worship of Antichrist appears in many people but may some day be exemplified in a single individual.

Satan wants to be like God but does not desire to do the will of God. Satan is the extreme expression of self-will and self-centeredness, which are the source of all sin. The sin of self-will is the foundation of all other sin.

Are you seeking the Lord's will each day? I am. I believe He wants me to be writing these words or I wouldn't be writing them.

Satan wants to be god, and we all want to be god until we open the door of our personality and permit the true God and His Son, Jesus Christ, to sit on the throne of our personality.

All people are tempted with lust. All people are tempted with the love of the things of the world. All people are tempted with wanting to retain their own will. The Lord Jesus Christ was tempted in all three areas and passed the tests brilliantly.

To be continued.