by Latrice Pace
Every moment of the day, each decision you make, every choice and every thought is a chance to produce fragrant fruit.
In Paul's letter to the Galatians he passionately gives them counsel on how to live freely and solely motivated by God's Spirit. We often need these types of firm reminders because we are constantly in a struggle, a tug-of-war with The Holy Spirit and our sinful nature.
Paul says, look just make it a habit to walk and live in the Holy Spirit. Let it control and guide you in everything you say and do. If you do that, then you are guaranteed to produce fragrant fruit.
Live in me. Make your home in me just as I do in you. In the same way that a branch can't bear fruit by itself but only by being joined to the vine, you can't bear fruit unless you are joined with me. John 15: 5
He then warns us of the self-interest root in all of us that is always antagonizing the Holy Spirit, just as the Holy Spirit is always in conflict with our selfish, sinful, rancid fruit nature.
In fruit farming, careful attention is given to pollination, fertilization, pruning and pest control.
Pollination/Fertilization: the transference of pollen by flowers in order to reproduce. Without pollination, flowers may bloom abundantly, but will not bear fruit.
Pruning: to cut off or cut back to insure the production of high quality fruit.
Pest Control: the regulation or management of pests because it is perceived to be detrimental to a person's health.
You can just about imagine where I'm going with this.
There are times we will come across people who are blooming abundantly, but bearing rancid fruit. They don't have the character/nature of Christ. They need to be fertilized, pruned and controlled by The Holy Spirit.
In Matthew 7 we are given what to look for in false prophets and preachers, but I'd like to think the same would apply to all of us, Wherefore by their fruit ye shall know them. I once heard someone say, no we are not to judge, but we are to be fruit inspectors.
Galatians 5 reveals the inspected results of rancid fruit, which are: moral and spiritual impurity, adultery, fornication, vulgarity, lust, idolatry, witchcraft, hatred, discord, envious rivalry, vengeful anger, rebellion, murder, drunkenness and desiring vain glory. Those who indulge in such will not inherit Christ's will, purpose and intent for their life. They will not manifest his nature.
For the nature of God is love and the foundation of His Word is, Love others as you love yourself. I am convinced that if we produce love, the other fragrant fruits will follow. They all intertwine, one producing the other: joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness and temperance.
Make sure our fruit is fragrant and not rancid.
Scripture Of The Day: "Because of Christ, we give off a sweet scent rising to God, which is recognized by those on the way to salvation as a life-giving perfume." - 2 Corinthians 2:15-16
Showing posts with label Holy Spirit. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Holy Spirit. Show all posts
Tuesday, August 28, 2012
Saturday, August 25, 2012
CONSIDER IT NOT!
Abraham decided that what God had told him (the Word given to him) WOULD come to past. The Word says that he did not doubt, he did not weaken in what he believed God for. He did not weaken in what God had promised even when he was thinking about his body or Sarah’s body! Think about that, when it was time for them to by faith become intimate with each other, they had to come together in faith, for his body was “impotent” and hers was “barren!” The very intimate acts that would able them to even conceive a child had to be done by faith! And do not forget that Abraham was about a hundred years old, and this promise that God gave them did not just become evident over night. It was YEARS LATER before Isaac was born! How many nights did they have to BY FAITH come together and believe God for their very BODIES TO WORK! And to add to this whole faith journey that Abraham and Sarah had to walk, Sarah HAD NEVER CONCEIVED BEFORE!
The Word said that Abraham had NO UNBELIEF and NO DISTRUST! That means that he would never even let his mind go to that place of doubt. When a doubtful thought came to him that God and His Word was not working, he would not tolerate it! He would NOT ENTERTAIN the thought of doubt or unbelief. He did not LOOK at the time that it was taking for the promise to manifest. He DID NOT CONSIDER the way his body may have looked or acted. He did not look over at Sarah and think, she has never had a baby, how could she now that she is old? NO! He kept his mind right on what God had said. And how did he keep maintaining what he was trusting God for? The Word says in verse 17, “. . . in the sight of God in Whom HE BELIEVED, Who gives life to the dead and SPEAKS OF THE NONEXISTENT THINGS THAT [HE HAS FORETOLD AND PROMISED] AS IF THEY [ALREADY] EXISTED.” God, Who used His Faith to form the worlds (Hebrews 11:3) and Who spoke to Abraham and told him that he would be the father to many nations BEFORE it could be seen, gave Abraham one of the keys to faith, SPEAK THE PROMISES OUTLOUD AS IF THEY ALREADY EXIST! God used His Faith this way and so did Abraham and so do we!
God changed Abram’s name to Abraham, which means father to many nations. So, when now, Abraham would introduce himself, he would be saying for example, “Hello, I am (Abraham) the father of many nations.” Or if Sarah would call for him she would profess, “father of many nations (Abraham), can you come here and lift this for me?” They were speaking into existence the Word that God had given them. God changed his name on purpose and with a purpose . . . that The Word given to Abraham would be spoken into existence! And it was!
Abraham and Sarah spoke what God spoke about their future in addition to speaking Abraham’s new name. Abraham fully trusted what God said to him. He trusted Him even though it took years to come into reality. HE JUST WOULD NOT CONSIDER DOUBT! So, when the enemy or people would say to you, “Yea, but when is it going to happen?” CONSIDER IT NOT! “I thought you said that would occur!” CONSIDER IT NOT! Church, keep focused on what God has said and keep speaking your Promise. And when doubt and unbelief rises, you just answer the doubt with, I CONSIDER IT NOT
Scripture of the Day: “As it is written, I have made you the father of many nations. [He was appointed our father] in the sight of God in Whom he believed, WHO GIVES LIFE TO THE DEAD AND SPEAKS OF THE NONEXISTENT that [He has foretold and promised] AS IF THEY [ALREADY] EXISTED. 18 [For Abraham, human reason for] hope being gone, hoped in faith that he should become the father of many nations, as he had been promised, So [numberless] shall your descendants be. 19 He did not weaken in faith WHEN HE CONSIDERED THE [UTTER] IMPOTENCE OF HIS OWN BODY, which was as good as dead because he was about a hundred years old, or [when he considered] THE BARRENNESS of Sarah’s [deadened] womb. 20 NO UNBELIEF OR DISTRUST MADE HIM WAVER (DOUBTINGLY QUESTION concerning the promise of God, but he grew strong and was empowered by faith as he gave praise and glory to God. 21 Fully satisfied and assured that God was able and mighty to keep His word and to do what He had promised.” Romans 4:17-21
The Word said that Abraham had NO UNBELIEF and NO DISTRUST! That means that he would never even let his mind go to that place of doubt. When a doubtful thought came to him that God and His Word was not working, he would not tolerate it! He would NOT ENTERTAIN the thought of doubt or unbelief. He did not LOOK at the time that it was taking for the promise to manifest. He DID NOT CONSIDER the way his body may have looked or acted. He did not look over at Sarah and think, she has never had a baby, how could she now that she is old? NO! He kept his mind right on what God had said. And how did he keep maintaining what he was trusting God for? The Word says in verse 17, “. . . in the sight of God in Whom HE BELIEVED, Who gives life to the dead and SPEAKS OF THE NONEXISTENT THINGS THAT [HE HAS FORETOLD AND PROMISED] AS IF THEY [ALREADY] EXISTED.” God, Who used His Faith to form the worlds (Hebrews 11:3) and Who spoke to Abraham and told him that he would be the father to many nations BEFORE it could be seen, gave Abraham one of the keys to faith, SPEAK THE PROMISES OUTLOUD AS IF THEY ALREADY EXIST! God used His Faith this way and so did Abraham and so do we!
God changed Abram’s name to Abraham, which means father to many nations. So, when now, Abraham would introduce himself, he would be saying for example, “Hello, I am (Abraham) the father of many nations.” Or if Sarah would call for him she would profess, “father of many nations (Abraham), can you come here and lift this for me?” They were speaking into existence the Word that God had given them. God changed his name on purpose and with a purpose . . . that The Word given to Abraham would be spoken into existence! And it was!
Abraham and Sarah spoke what God spoke about their future in addition to speaking Abraham’s new name. Abraham fully trusted what God said to him. He trusted Him even though it took years to come into reality. HE JUST WOULD NOT CONSIDER DOUBT! So, when the enemy or people would say to you, “Yea, but when is it going to happen?” CONSIDER IT NOT! “I thought you said that would occur!” CONSIDER IT NOT! Church, keep focused on what God has said and keep speaking your Promise. And when doubt and unbelief rises, you just answer the doubt with, I CONSIDER IT NOT
Scripture of the Day: “As it is written, I have made you the father of many nations. [He was appointed our father] in the sight of God in Whom he believed, WHO GIVES LIFE TO THE DEAD AND SPEAKS OF THE NONEXISTENT that [He has foretold and promised] AS IF THEY [ALREADY] EXISTED. 18 [For Abraham, human reason for] hope being gone, hoped in faith that he should become the father of many nations, as he had been promised, So [numberless] shall your descendants be. 19 He did not weaken in faith WHEN HE CONSIDERED THE [UTTER] IMPOTENCE OF HIS OWN BODY, which was as good as dead because he was about a hundred years old, or [when he considered] THE BARRENNESS of Sarah’s [deadened] womb. 20 NO UNBELIEF OR DISTRUST MADE HIM WAVER (DOUBTINGLY QUESTION concerning the promise of God, but he grew strong and was empowered by faith as he gave praise and glory to God. 21 Fully satisfied and assured that God was able and mighty to keep His word and to do what He had promised.” Romans 4:17-21
Tuesday, August 21, 2012
Passionate, Just Wrong!
Have you ever felt so strongly about something and was so very passionate about it that at that time, no one could convince you that you were wrong? I have. Before I gave my life to Jesus Christ and even in the very beginning of my walk with God, I had adopted ideas on many subjects that were based on my opinions and my feelings. Yet, the more that I read my Bible and listened to The Holy Spirit, I seen that I was wrong about the passionate stance I was taking. I quickly saw for myself in The Word of God of what God thought about these areas. And then when I seen what He said, I had a choice to make, either surrender what I thought to what God thought or continue to go against The One that I was now saying was My Lord. I chose to submit to Jesus and His Ways and not my own.
As time passed, I saw how wrong I really was. Before Paul gave his own life to Jesus Christ, he was passionate about not only opposing Jesus, but he caused many Believers in Jesus to go to prison, voted for them to die, punished them and killed many of them. Paul truly believed and was passionate that what he was doing was right, good and the best. But he was wrong. And it was not until he totally surrendered his ways for The Ways of Jesus, did he see how wrong he was. Church, is there some things that The Holy Spirit has been bringing to your attention that you are believing, backing, saying or doing that is against what The Word says about it? Are there opinions, views or beliefs that you have had that are against what God’s views and beliefs are? And these views you have, may have been ones that you have had for years and you are so passionate about them. Let me encourage you as one, like Paul, who has been passionate, but wrong in the past. ALLOW THE BIBLE TO BE YOUR SOURCE AND BASIS OF EVERYTHING IN YOUR LIFE, NO MATTER WHAT THE SUBJECT! When someone asks you what you think of a certain issue or topic, go to The Word of God and tell them what God says about it and say, “What He thinks is what I think and His opinion is my opinion.” Allow God to show you His Perfect Ways through The Holy Spirit and before you know it, just like Paul, Jesus will have you on Straight Street too (Acts 9:11)! Church, God wants to use us and He wants us to be passionate, we just need to check ourselves to see if what we are avid about, is right or wrong. Church, Be Passionate, Be Right.
Scripture of the Day: “I used to believe that I ought to do everything I could to oppose the very name of Jesus the Nazarene. 10 Indeed, I did just that in Jerusalem. Authorized by the leading priests, I caused many believers there to be sent to prison. And I cast my vote against them when they were condemned to death. 11 Many times I had them punished in the synagogues to get them to curse Jesus. I was so violently opposed to them that I even chased them down in foreign cities.” - Acts 26:9-11
As time passed, I saw how wrong I really was. Before Paul gave his own life to Jesus Christ, he was passionate about not only opposing Jesus, but he caused many Believers in Jesus to go to prison, voted for them to die, punished them and killed many of them. Paul truly believed and was passionate that what he was doing was right, good and the best. But he was wrong. And it was not until he totally surrendered his ways for The Ways of Jesus, did he see how wrong he was. Church, is there some things that The Holy Spirit has been bringing to your attention that you are believing, backing, saying or doing that is against what The Word says about it? Are there opinions, views or beliefs that you have had that are against what God’s views and beliefs are? And these views you have, may have been ones that you have had for years and you are so passionate about them. Let me encourage you as one, like Paul, who has been passionate, but wrong in the past. ALLOW THE BIBLE TO BE YOUR SOURCE AND BASIS OF EVERYTHING IN YOUR LIFE, NO MATTER WHAT THE SUBJECT! When someone asks you what you think of a certain issue or topic, go to The Word of God and tell them what God says about it and say, “What He thinks is what I think and His opinion is my opinion.” Allow God to show you His Perfect Ways through The Holy Spirit and before you know it, just like Paul, Jesus will have you on Straight Street too (Acts 9:11)! Church, God wants to use us and He wants us to be passionate, we just need to check ourselves to see if what we are avid about, is right or wrong. Church, Be Passionate, Be Right.
Scripture of the Day: “I used to believe that I ought to do everything I could to oppose the very name of Jesus the Nazarene. 10 Indeed, I did just that in Jerusalem. Authorized by the leading priests, I caused many believers there to be sent to prison. And I cast my vote against them when they were condemned to death. 11 Many times I had them punished in the synagogues to get them to curse Jesus. I was so violently opposed to them that I even chased them down in foreign cities.” - Acts 26:9-11
Saturday, August 18, 2012
Empowered By His Spirit
In the Old Testament, the Spirit of God often came upon people so that they could perform or accomplish specific tasks. All of these moments were special, but the Spirit almost never remained upon someone indefinitely. There was one young man named Samson, who was blessed by the Lord as he grew up and the Spirit began to take hold of him. On his way to the city Timnah with his parents, he was attacked by a lion. The Spirit came upon him and he tore the lion's mouth in two! At that moment the Spirit of the LORD powerfully took control of him, and he ripped the lion's jaws apart with his bare hands. He did it as easily as if it were a young goat. But he didn’t tell his father or mother about it. (Judges 14:6).
Aside from the lion incident, he also triumphed over the Philistines because God's Spirit empowered him (Judges 15:14-20) and he became the judge of Israel for twenty years. The Spirit gave Samson the strength and ability to subdue great numbers of his enemies and to accomplish great victories. However, in the New Testament after Jesus sent the Holy Spirit to help His followers, things did indeed change. Peter replied, “Each of you must turn from your sins and turn to God, and be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. Then you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. This promise is to you and to your children, and even to the Gentiles—all who have been called by the Lord our God.” (Acts 2:38-39).
We no longer need to wait for His Spirit to come upon us, for the Holy Spirit dwells in all believers. Don’t you realize that all of you together are the temple of God and that the Spirit of God lives in you? (1 Corinthians 3:16). What a great privilege to be the temple of the Holy Spirit! Today, we are empowered by the Spirit to resist the devil, and to accomplish and perform great things for God. Praise the Lord for the Holy Spirit that helps us each day, to crucify our old nature and put on our new nature in Christ!
Scripture of the Day: "Don’t you know that you yourselves are God’s temple and that God’s Spirit dwells in your midst?" - 1 Corinthians 3:16
Aside from the lion incident, he also triumphed over the Philistines because God's Spirit empowered him (Judges 15:14-20) and he became the judge of Israel for twenty years. The Spirit gave Samson the strength and ability to subdue great numbers of his enemies and to accomplish great victories. However, in the New Testament after Jesus sent the Holy Spirit to help His followers, things did indeed change. Peter replied, “Each of you must turn from your sins and turn to God, and be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. Then you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. This promise is to you and to your children, and even to the Gentiles—all who have been called by the Lord our God.” (Acts 2:38-39).
We no longer need to wait for His Spirit to come upon us, for the Holy Spirit dwells in all believers. Don’t you realize that all of you together are the temple of God and that the Spirit of God lives in you? (1 Corinthians 3:16). What a great privilege to be the temple of the Holy Spirit! Today, we are empowered by the Spirit to resist the devil, and to accomplish and perform great things for God. Praise the Lord for the Holy Spirit that helps us each day, to crucify our old nature and put on our new nature in Christ!
Scripture of the Day: "Don’t you know that you yourselves are God’s temple and that God’s Spirit dwells in your midst?" - 1 Corinthians 3:16
Friday, August 17, 2012
Learning To Obey
I’m a dreamer, which means that many times when God has a message He wants to get across to me – a warning, a promise, a prophetic word – He delivers it in a dream, while I’m sleeping. Even now, as I look back at some of the things God has revealed to me concerning my own life long before they happened, and how He’s protected me from great harm time and time again, I am overwhelmed with gratitude.
You see, many people confuse the idea of living by the Spirit as living legalistically, bound to a religious code of do’s and don’ts. They consider themselves ‘spiritual’ because they are good, and so they walk around donning an air of superiority. But the Spirit of God isn’t interested in legalistic righteousness; instead, what matters most to God is us growing in deep relationship with Him through obedience.
In Galatians 5:25, Paul says “Since we are living by the Spirit, let us follow the Spirit’s leading in every part of our lives.” There’s no profit in God speaking to us if we refuse to listen, and there’s no benefit in Him guiding us if we do not follow His directions. So it is that there’s a tremendous difference between simply hearing God`s voice and actually listening to His voice; for listening, being led, and ultimately living by the Spirit means to live in obedience to what He says.
Learning to be obedient to the voice of God, however, doesn’t always come easily; in fact, there are many of us who still struggle with doing exactly what God tells us to do. This is because God doesn’t operate from a place of human logic and rationale; what He says doesn’t always make sense. Case in point, according to natural law, water when poured into an empty jar should remain as water in the absence of any other ingredient. Yet, when Jesus told the men at the wedding in Cana to pour water into jars, what came flowing out of the jars and into the guests` cups was wine, rich and flavourful (John 2:1-11). Likewise, logic says that the number of people that can be fed at any one point in time is directly proportionate to the amount of food available. With that said, it is no less than impossible for five small loaves and two fishes to sufficiently feed five thousand hungry people; yet one day in the middle of the desert, God`s miraculous overthrew the natural and thousands were fed (Luke 9:12-17).
My point is that living in the Spirit and by the Spirit requires that we silence our flesh, regardless of how reasonable what our flesh has to say to us sounds. Being in sync with the Spirit of God flows out of a conscious decision to agree with Him, in everything. If He says, `Don`t do it`, then don`t do it. If He says, `No, that`s not the one I have for you`, then wait, another one is coming that is far more suitable. If He says, `Move now, it`s your turn`, then don`t hesitate, act quickly!
God calls us friends (John 15:15). Therefore, He desires to share secrets and reveal mysteries to us. God will tell you things that will make others wonder; He will direct your steps so skillfully that your enemies will be baffled at how you overcame their efforts. So is the nature of our relationship with God. Today, choose to agree with God, and demonstrate your agreement by making every other voice in your life, including your own, subservient to His. He`ll take you on an amazing journey.
Scripture of the Day: “Since we are living by the Spirit, let us follow the Spirit’s leading in every part of our lives.” - Galatians 5:25
You see, many people confuse the idea of living by the Spirit as living legalistically, bound to a religious code of do’s and don’ts. They consider themselves ‘spiritual’ because they are good, and so they walk around donning an air of superiority. But the Spirit of God isn’t interested in legalistic righteousness; instead, what matters most to God is us growing in deep relationship with Him through obedience.
In Galatians 5:25, Paul says “Since we are living by the Spirit, let us follow the Spirit’s leading in every part of our lives.” There’s no profit in God speaking to us if we refuse to listen, and there’s no benefit in Him guiding us if we do not follow His directions. So it is that there’s a tremendous difference between simply hearing God`s voice and actually listening to His voice; for listening, being led, and ultimately living by the Spirit means to live in obedience to what He says.
Learning to be obedient to the voice of God, however, doesn’t always come easily; in fact, there are many of us who still struggle with doing exactly what God tells us to do. This is because God doesn’t operate from a place of human logic and rationale; what He says doesn’t always make sense. Case in point, according to natural law, water when poured into an empty jar should remain as water in the absence of any other ingredient. Yet, when Jesus told the men at the wedding in Cana to pour water into jars, what came flowing out of the jars and into the guests` cups was wine, rich and flavourful (John 2:1-11). Likewise, logic says that the number of people that can be fed at any one point in time is directly proportionate to the amount of food available. With that said, it is no less than impossible for five small loaves and two fishes to sufficiently feed five thousand hungry people; yet one day in the middle of the desert, God`s miraculous overthrew the natural and thousands were fed (Luke 9:12-17).
My point is that living in the Spirit and by the Spirit requires that we silence our flesh, regardless of how reasonable what our flesh has to say to us sounds. Being in sync with the Spirit of God flows out of a conscious decision to agree with Him, in everything. If He says, `Don`t do it`, then don`t do it. If He says, `No, that`s not the one I have for you`, then wait, another one is coming that is far more suitable. If He says, `Move now, it`s your turn`, then don`t hesitate, act quickly!
God calls us friends (John 15:15). Therefore, He desires to share secrets and reveal mysteries to us. God will tell you things that will make others wonder; He will direct your steps so skillfully that your enemies will be baffled at how you overcame their efforts. So is the nature of our relationship with God. Today, choose to agree with God, and demonstrate your agreement by making every other voice in your life, including your own, subservient to His. He`ll take you on an amazing journey.
Scripture of the Day: “Since we are living by the Spirit, let us follow the Spirit’s leading in every part of our lives.” - Galatians 5:25
Saturday, August 11, 2012
There Is More!
I want to share a story with you about myself. I got saved and grew as a Christian and was a Minister for years before I realized what I am about to share with you. I used to be in a denomination that taught and believed that once you got saved, "You got all The Holy Spirit you were going to get right then." I quote this because I had heard this over and over again. Meaning, there were no other experiences that people have with The Holy Spirit once you give Him your life and get saved. Then my sister began to tell me of what she was learning about The Holy Spirit where she was attending Church. She would speak about another encounter with The Holy Spirit and it was called The Baptism of The Holy Spirit. I just would not believe it, and would even get angry about this topic for I knew what I had been taught and believed myself.
Then one day I was in the bathroom. Yes, God will show you amazing things while in the bathroom! I was reading my Bible while in there and I read in John 20 that on the first day of the week behind closed doors, Jesus appeared to His disciples and showed them His hands and feet after the crucifixion. The Word continued to say that Jesus breathed on them and said, "Receive the Holy Spirit!" Then under the direction of The Holy Spirit I turned my Bible to Acts 1:1-9. The Word said that Jesus had appeared after His suffering to His disciples and gave them many convincing proofs that He was alive over a period of forty days! Acts 1:4-5, "On one occasion, while he was eating with them, he gave them this command: "Do not leave Jerusalem, but wait for the gift my Father promised, which you have heard me speak about. 5 For John baptized with water, but in a few days you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit.
The disciples had already Received The Holy Spirit when Jesus breathed on them in the room behind the locked doors! And on another occasion while He was eating with them He told them to wait again a few more days for A GIFT! This was not the same experience or day as when they received The Holy Spirit and He went to live in them after Jesus breathed on them! THERE WAS ANOTHER ENCOUNTER WITH THE HOLY SPIRIT STILL TO COME! Jesus said to wait A FEW MORE DAYS for the Gift, and this experience is called The Baptism Of The Holy Spirit (verse 5)! I had been wrong the whole time! If you have never received this wonderful Gift from God, start today asking Jesus for it! Study His Word and see for yourself there is another encounter with God and His Holy Spirit! Yes, my friend truly THERE IS MORE!
Scripture of the Day: "And having said this, He breathed on them and said to them, Receive the Holy Spirit!" - John 20:22 (AMP)
Then one day I was in the bathroom. Yes, God will show you amazing things while in the bathroom! I was reading my Bible while in there and I read in John 20 that on the first day of the week behind closed doors, Jesus appeared to His disciples and showed them His hands and feet after the crucifixion. The Word continued to say that Jesus breathed on them and said, "Receive the Holy Spirit!" Then under the direction of The Holy Spirit I turned my Bible to Acts 1:1-9. The Word said that Jesus had appeared after His suffering to His disciples and gave them many convincing proofs that He was alive over a period of forty days! Acts 1:4-5, "On one occasion, while he was eating with them, he gave them this command: "Do not leave Jerusalem, but wait for the gift my Father promised, which you have heard me speak about. 5 For John baptized with water, but in a few days you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit.
The disciples had already Received The Holy Spirit when Jesus breathed on them in the room behind the locked doors! And on another occasion while He was eating with them He told them to wait again a few more days for A GIFT! This was not the same experience or day as when they received The Holy Spirit and He went to live in them after Jesus breathed on them! THERE WAS ANOTHER ENCOUNTER WITH THE HOLY SPIRIT STILL TO COME! Jesus said to wait A FEW MORE DAYS for the Gift, and this experience is called The Baptism Of The Holy Spirit (verse 5)! I had been wrong the whole time! If you have never received this wonderful Gift from God, start today asking Jesus for it! Study His Word and see for yourself there is another encounter with God and His Holy Spirit! Yes, my friend truly THERE IS MORE!
Scripture of the Day: "And having said this, He breathed on them and said to them, Receive the Holy Spirit!" - John 20:22 (AMP)
Monday, August 6, 2012
The Missing Ingredient
A few weeks ago, while visiting a restaurant that so many people had rave reviews about, I tried one of the signature dishes that had been the talk of the town. On this specific day, as I tested out the dish (trusting the word of mouth satisfaction offered by others), I was quite disappointed. Initially, I thought maybe it was because everyone’s reviews were so high that I had unrealistic expectations about what to expect from the food. What I discovered, after sharing with a few others who were in awe of the food, was that they all asked about how it was prepared and what kinds of ingredients did I have in and on it. After I shared with them my plate elements, they smirked, laughed me off, and simply said, “You were missing one of the key ingredients that make it good. Like the sauce!”
The life of the believer is like that when the Holy Spirit is not present and active. The Holy Spirit is the special sauce that gives the life of the believer that “It” Factor that makes their behavior, character, mindset, and approach to life stand out. The Holy Spirit is the ingredient, when added, that allows for people to be able to make lasting impressions on perfect strangers. The Holy Spirit is that special sauce that makes the voice of a person not just heard, but respected and valued. With these facts it is then very unfortunate when some have reduced the role of the Holy Spirit to only a theological fundamental belief versus an active mandate for everyone who is striving to live like Christ.
In Acts 19, Paul encountered some Christians who had accepted Jesus Christ as the Messiah, but unfortunately, had not even heard of the Holy Spirit. Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary shares this insight, “they had not been led to expect the miraculous powers of the Holy Spirit, nor were they informed that the gospel was especially the ministration of the Spirit.” The good news is that as Paul shared with them about the role and responsibility of the Holy Spirit, they were open to it.
In Acts 19:6, we see that their Christian Experience was then maximized beyond their previous exposure. Their life with God moved beyond a religious understanding to a relational encounter that was dynamic, engaging, and empowering. That is the role of the Holy Spirit in each of our lives. The Holy Spirit turns a church service into a worship encounter. The Holy Spirit turns a simple Bible reading into a truth revealing experience. The Holy Spirit turns a song with a good melody into a life-giving, healing hymn that transforms an environment and strengthens a heart. That’s the role of the Holy Spirit.
There’s nothing worse than tasting food with missing ingredients. That cake needs butter and egg, that chicken needs its seasoning, and that pasta its sauce. Without it, it becomes clear that something is missing. Similarly, every Christian needs the Holy Spirit. Without it, there is frustration, no fruit, and even, futile activity with no productivity.
Today, invite the Holy Spirit to ooze into aspects of your life and you’ll see a noticeable, supernatural (and sometimes unexplainable) difference. It’ll be worth it…and your life will taste better.
Scripture of the Day: "And asked them, “Did you receive the Holy Spirit when[a] you believed?” They answered, “No, we have not even heard that there is a Holy Spirit.” - Acts 19:2
The life of the believer is like that when the Holy Spirit is not present and active. The Holy Spirit is the special sauce that gives the life of the believer that “It” Factor that makes their behavior, character, mindset, and approach to life stand out. The Holy Spirit is the ingredient, when added, that allows for people to be able to make lasting impressions on perfect strangers. The Holy Spirit is that special sauce that makes the voice of a person not just heard, but respected and valued. With these facts it is then very unfortunate when some have reduced the role of the Holy Spirit to only a theological fundamental belief versus an active mandate for everyone who is striving to live like Christ.
In Acts 19, Paul encountered some Christians who had accepted Jesus Christ as the Messiah, but unfortunately, had not even heard of the Holy Spirit. Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary shares this insight, “they had not been led to expect the miraculous powers of the Holy Spirit, nor were they informed that the gospel was especially the ministration of the Spirit.” The good news is that as Paul shared with them about the role and responsibility of the Holy Spirit, they were open to it.
In Acts 19:6, we see that their Christian Experience was then maximized beyond their previous exposure. Their life with God moved beyond a religious understanding to a relational encounter that was dynamic, engaging, and empowering. That is the role of the Holy Spirit in each of our lives. The Holy Spirit turns a church service into a worship encounter. The Holy Spirit turns a simple Bible reading into a truth revealing experience. The Holy Spirit turns a song with a good melody into a life-giving, healing hymn that transforms an environment and strengthens a heart. That’s the role of the Holy Spirit.
There’s nothing worse than tasting food with missing ingredients. That cake needs butter and egg, that chicken needs its seasoning, and that pasta its sauce. Without it, it becomes clear that something is missing. Similarly, every Christian needs the Holy Spirit. Without it, there is frustration, no fruit, and even, futile activity with no productivity.
Today, invite the Holy Spirit to ooze into aspects of your life and you’ll see a noticeable, supernatural (and sometimes unexplainable) difference. It’ll be worth it…and your life will taste better.
Scripture of the Day: "And asked them, “Did you receive the Holy Spirit when[a] you believed?” They answered, “No, we have not even heard that there is a Holy Spirit.” - Acts 19:2
Sunday, August 5, 2012
You're Never Alone
The Lord promised to send us help. We are never alone (Hebrews 13:5). We were blessed to have a comforter, a friend, and His name is Holy Spirit. He is always around. He is wherever we are. He is our reminder always reminding us of The Word of God and His mercy. The bible tells us not to quench The Holy Spirit (1 Thessalonians 5:19).
Think about all the times there was a voice speaking trying to warn you or leading you in a certain direction. Holy Spirit is the one on the job. I remember a time I was driving down the highway at least twenty-five minutes away from my apartment, in the city of Detroit. My steering wheel had been wobbling during the whole ride. I just remember praying and praising The Lord all the way home. I did make it, parked the car, and walked to the front door of the apartment and I heard a voice say loud and clear, move your car. I did not hesitate. I backed the car up and my whole front axle fell off.
Thank God for Holy Spirit. I moved by The Spirit of God, Holy Spirit. I am alive today because I moved by the voice of Holy Spirit. He has protected me from many accidents and many mistakes I have made. I love Holy Spirit. I try my best to fellowship with Him on regular bases. I do admit I’m not perfect with paying attention to Him all of the time. He can be a nag when you want to do what you want to do and not what you should do. That’s what’s so great about Holy Spirit, He is going to do His job regardless of what my flesh wants to do. If I ignore Him, it’s on me.
I do believe He is a great gift from God and He really loves us. He is one of the trinity and wants to see us succeed. He along with God and Jesus are forever cheering for us. When we are in a jam Holy Spirit is there. When we need someone to talk to, Holy Spirit is there. There is no greater comforter. Be blessed in the fullness of God.
Scripture of the Day: “But when the Helper comes, whom I will send to you from the Father, the Spirit of truth, who proceeds from the Father, he will bear witness about me." - John 15:26
Think about all the times there was a voice speaking trying to warn you or leading you in a certain direction. Holy Spirit is the one on the job. I remember a time I was driving down the highway at least twenty-five minutes away from my apartment, in the city of Detroit. My steering wheel had been wobbling during the whole ride. I just remember praying and praising The Lord all the way home. I did make it, parked the car, and walked to the front door of the apartment and I heard a voice say loud and clear, move your car. I did not hesitate. I backed the car up and my whole front axle fell off.
Thank God for Holy Spirit. I moved by The Spirit of God, Holy Spirit. I am alive today because I moved by the voice of Holy Spirit. He has protected me from many accidents and many mistakes I have made. I love Holy Spirit. I try my best to fellowship with Him on regular bases. I do admit I’m not perfect with paying attention to Him all of the time. He can be a nag when you want to do what you want to do and not what you should do. That’s what’s so great about Holy Spirit, He is going to do His job regardless of what my flesh wants to do. If I ignore Him, it’s on me.
I do believe He is a great gift from God and He really loves us. He is one of the trinity and wants to see us succeed. He along with God and Jesus are forever cheering for us. When we are in a jam Holy Spirit is there. When we need someone to talk to, Holy Spirit is there. There is no greater comforter. Be blessed in the fullness of God.
Scripture of the Day: “But when the Helper comes, whom I will send to you from the Father, the Spirit of truth, who proceeds from the Father, he will bear witness about me." - John 15:26
Saturday, August 4, 2012
Oh, Peter…
By Mignonette Bailey
The life of the Apostle Peter has always been intriguing to me. Peter seemed to always be THAT disciple—the one who spoke at the wrong time, said the wrong thing, and was often rebuked. I'm sure that after 3 1/2 years the other disciples were used to him jumping out there, only to come back with his tail between his legs. Sometimes his ventures paid off, like when He walked on the water with Jesus! Talk about bragging rights! He was the only one who could claim such an experience. But then there were times that we cringe as we read because we know all too well that Peter was setting himself up... again.
In Matthew 26:31-32, Jesus has just laid some pretty heavy words on his disciples, telling them that on this very night, all of his disciples would abandon and forsake him (be made to stumble). Cue Peter. In verse 33, he responds "...Even if all are made to stumble because of You, I will NEVER be made to stumble." His words were well placed and I'm sure Peter's heart was in the right place, but there was just one problem, a problem that we all know all too well.
That is when our inward commitment is not stronger than our outward habits and character. Oh boy, it's about to get heavy. Jesus, responds to Peter prophetically in verse 34, "Assuredly, I say to you that this night, before the rooster crows, you WILL deny Me three times.” Peter comes back with even stronger resolve in verse 35 and says, "Even if I have to DIE with You, I will not deny You!" We see that in Matthew 26:69-75 that Jesus' words were fulfilled; Peter had done what he said he would NEVER do.
Sandwiched in between Peter's proclamation and denial was the Garden of Gethsemane. Peter was one of only three named who were present with Jesus during this solemn time. He was given simple instructions--WATCH and PRAY. I'm sure Peter was ready for something more exciting and even more challenging than just watch and pray! So he fell asleep. But when Jesus returned and found Peter, James and John asleep, he awoke them and said, "Watch and pray, lest you enter into temptation. The spirit indeed is willing, BUT the flesh is weak." What if Peter taken his assignment to “watch and pray” to heart? I’m honest enough to admit that I can be like Peter. Are you? We want the action and fireworks, but often, God's simple instructions are seen as dull and unexciting.
Now, I'm not coming down on Peter because there is a Peter in you and in me. How many times have we come to the Lord with the best of intentions and lofty promises only to find that we lack the inner strength to keep good on our word? We are three-part creatures; our spirit man composes 1/3, but the soul and flesh compose the other 2/3. Unless we strengthen ourselves through the power of the Holy Spirit in prayer and build up the spirit man, the soul, which contains our human will, will gang up with the flesh against the spirit and we will fall flat on our faces, eating our words. Thank God that He has given us His Holy Spirit to help us to avoid such pitfalls! The question is, will we put in the time to watch and pray? Jude 20 tells us that we build ourselves up on your most holy faith by praying in the Holy Spirit. When we pray in the Spirit as seen in Acts 2:4, we position ourselves for the following promise in Jude 24, "Now to Him who is able to keep you from stumbling, and to present you faultless before the presence of His glory with exceeding joy".
Jesus knows what we are made of and He knew that we needed the Holy Spirit in order to grow up in the things of God and keep us from stumbling. The Holy Spirit made all the difference in Peter's life. He went from being a flippant and emotional decision maker to being a powerhouse for the church of Christ. Let the Holy Spirit make the difference in you by receiving Him into your life and communing with Him daily. As a born again child of God who has received Christ, He is available to you!
Scripture of the Day: "All of them were filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues[a] as the Spirit enabled them." - Acts 2:4
The life of the Apostle Peter has always been intriguing to me. Peter seemed to always be THAT disciple—the one who spoke at the wrong time, said the wrong thing, and was often rebuked. I'm sure that after 3 1/2 years the other disciples were used to him jumping out there, only to come back with his tail between his legs. Sometimes his ventures paid off, like when He walked on the water with Jesus! Talk about bragging rights! He was the only one who could claim such an experience. But then there were times that we cringe as we read because we know all too well that Peter was setting himself up... again.
In Matthew 26:31-32, Jesus has just laid some pretty heavy words on his disciples, telling them that on this very night, all of his disciples would abandon and forsake him (be made to stumble). Cue Peter. In verse 33, he responds "...Even if all are made to stumble because of You, I will NEVER be made to stumble." His words were well placed and I'm sure Peter's heart was in the right place, but there was just one problem, a problem that we all know all too well.
That is when our inward commitment is not stronger than our outward habits and character. Oh boy, it's about to get heavy. Jesus, responds to Peter prophetically in verse 34, "Assuredly, I say to you that this night, before the rooster crows, you WILL deny Me three times.” Peter comes back with even stronger resolve in verse 35 and says, "Even if I have to DIE with You, I will not deny You!" We see that in Matthew 26:69-75 that Jesus' words were fulfilled; Peter had done what he said he would NEVER do.
Sandwiched in between Peter's proclamation and denial was the Garden of Gethsemane. Peter was one of only three named who were present with Jesus during this solemn time. He was given simple instructions--WATCH and PRAY. I'm sure Peter was ready for something more exciting and even more challenging than just watch and pray! So he fell asleep. But when Jesus returned and found Peter, James and John asleep, he awoke them and said, "Watch and pray, lest you enter into temptation. The spirit indeed is willing, BUT the flesh is weak." What if Peter taken his assignment to “watch and pray” to heart? I’m honest enough to admit that I can be like Peter. Are you? We want the action and fireworks, but often, God's simple instructions are seen as dull and unexciting.
Now, I'm not coming down on Peter because there is a Peter in you and in me. How many times have we come to the Lord with the best of intentions and lofty promises only to find that we lack the inner strength to keep good on our word? We are three-part creatures; our spirit man composes 1/3, but the soul and flesh compose the other 2/3. Unless we strengthen ourselves through the power of the Holy Spirit in prayer and build up the spirit man, the soul, which contains our human will, will gang up with the flesh against the spirit and we will fall flat on our faces, eating our words. Thank God that He has given us His Holy Spirit to help us to avoid such pitfalls! The question is, will we put in the time to watch and pray? Jude 20 tells us that we build ourselves up on your most holy faith by praying in the Holy Spirit. When we pray in the Spirit as seen in Acts 2:4, we position ourselves for the following promise in Jude 24, "Now to Him who is able to keep you from stumbling, and to present you faultless before the presence of His glory with exceeding joy".
Jesus knows what we are made of and He knew that we needed the Holy Spirit in order to grow up in the things of God and keep us from stumbling. The Holy Spirit made all the difference in Peter's life. He went from being a flippant and emotional decision maker to being a powerhouse for the church of Christ. Let the Holy Spirit make the difference in you by receiving Him into your life and communing with Him daily. As a born again child of God who has received Christ, He is available to you!
Scripture of the Day: "All of them were filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues[a] as the Spirit enabled them." - Acts 2:4
A Different Kind of Drunkenness
Some, however, made fun of them and said, “They have had too much wine.” Then Peter stood up with the Eleven, raised his voice and addressed the crowd: “Fellow Jews and all of you who live in Jerusalem, let me explain this to you; listen carefully to what I say. These men are not drunk, as you suppose. It’s only nine in the morning!” (Acts 2:13-15, NIV).
Can you tell when someone is drunk? Intoxicated by alcohol, acting in a strange, foolish, and unexplainable way. Dominated by an intense feeling with power, are a few descriptions. There is another form of it not associated with the result of excessively drinking alcohol, but resulting from the excessive outpouring of the Holy Spirit, spoken by the prophet Joel which Peter told the multitude about in Acts 2:16-21.
See, I get drunk sometimes. Not from alcohol, but from the Holy Spirit. The experience is powerful and supernatural. You are not operating in the flesh. You are in the spirit realm; operating there. Things happen that you cannot explain, control, or stop. It is like an explosion on the inside of you. I feel it right now! It can happen during your private time with the Lord, or in a corporate gathering where everyone and everything is flowing together on and in one accord, watch out - you may get a little drunk!
I enjoy this kind of “drunkenness”, every time it happens in my life as a believer. If you have never experienced this kind of “drunkenness” before, it’s available to you as a believer. You may not do what someone else does when the Spirit comes upon you, and you don’t have to do what someone else does. Each person reacts differently to the outpouring of the Holy Spirit and the Holy Spirit touches and uses each of us in different ways. But one thing for sure that we all will experience when we are “drunk”, is the intimacy with and the power of the third person of the Trinity, The Holy Spirit!
PRAYER: Lord, the resurrected Christ reconciled us to You, and through Him You continue to pour out Your Holy Spirit on all who believe. Lord, I believe. Fill me afresh today, until I overflow with the power of Your Spirit. Amen.
Scripture of the Day: "No, this is what was spoken by the prophet Joel: 17 " 'In the last days, God says, I will pour out my Spirit on all people. Your sons and daughters will prophesy, your young men will see visions, your old men will dream dreams. 18 Even on my servants, both men and women, I will pour out my Spirit in those days, and they will prophesy. 19 I will show wonders in the heaven above and signs on the earth below, blood and fire and billows of smoke. 20 The sun will be turned to darkness and the moon to blood before the coming of the great and glorious day of the Lord. 21 And everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved." - Acts 2:16-21
Can you tell when someone is drunk? Intoxicated by alcohol, acting in a strange, foolish, and unexplainable way. Dominated by an intense feeling with power, are a few descriptions. There is another form of it not associated with the result of excessively drinking alcohol, but resulting from the excessive outpouring of the Holy Spirit, spoken by the prophet Joel which Peter told the multitude about in Acts 2:16-21.
See, I get drunk sometimes. Not from alcohol, but from the Holy Spirit. The experience is powerful and supernatural. You are not operating in the flesh. You are in the spirit realm; operating there. Things happen that you cannot explain, control, or stop. It is like an explosion on the inside of you. I feel it right now! It can happen during your private time with the Lord, or in a corporate gathering where everyone and everything is flowing together on and in one accord, watch out - you may get a little drunk!
I enjoy this kind of “drunkenness”, every time it happens in my life as a believer. If you have never experienced this kind of “drunkenness” before, it’s available to you as a believer. You may not do what someone else does when the Spirit comes upon you, and you don’t have to do what someone else does. Each person reacts differently to the outpouring of the Holy Spirit and the Holy Spirit touches and uses each of us in different ways. But one thing for sure that we all will experience when we are “drunk”, is the intimacy with and the power of the third person of the Trinity, The Holy Spirit!
PRAYER: Lord, the resurrected Christ reconciled us to You, and through Him You continue to pour out Your Holy Spirit on all who believe. Lord, I believe. Fill me afresh today, until I overflow with the power of Your Spirit. Amen.
Scripture of the Day: "No, this is what was spoken by the prophet Joel: 17 " 'In the last days, God says, I will pour out my Spirit on all people. Your sons and daughters will prophesy, your young men will see visions, your old men will dream dreams. 18 Even on my servants, both men and women, I will pour out my Spirit in those days, and they will prophesy. 19 I will show wonders in the heaven above and signs on the earth below, blood and fire and billows of smoke. 20 The sun will be turned to darkness and the moon to blood before the coming of the great and glorious day of the Lord. 21 And everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved." - Acts 2:16-21
Friday, August 3, 2012
Lessons in Hovering: The Nearness of the Spirit
Having five siblings can teach you a lot of life lessons. Among those lessons is the practice of hovering. At this point in my life I consider myself a professional “hoverer". I can hover with the best of them. Let me explain the nature of a hoverer. A hoverer is one who waits in anticipation to take advantage of a great opportunity. All they need to proceed? They just need to hear a word. Friday nights in my household I became that person. Reluctant to cook after a long week, my mother would bring home take-out. As soon as she walked in the house, my hands were washed and I was ready. I was so close to the food I could breathe in its fresh aroma. I stood near her, just hovering, until I heard the word: "Go ahead. Dig in."
The Bible makes mention of another Hoverer. He might be considered the greatest Hoverer ever. One whose proverbial sandal I am not able to strap. He didn't hover over food. He wasn't trying to satisfy His appetite, just the unfolding plan of the Creator. And His situation wasn't as highly aromatic as mine.
In fact, here are a few phrases that describe His environment. Disorderly. Chaotic. Hopeless. Three excellent descriptions of the early appearance of the land mass we have come to know as Earth. There were no awe-inspiring mountains yet. There were no rushing rivers. More importantly, there was no ability to sustain human life. The Earth didn't have a chance.
Yet the Spirit of God was present. Hovering. He was merely waiting for the go-ahead from the Father. There's a sense of anticipation as He waits to hear those words: "Let there be light" (see Genesis 1:3). It's like God says, "Go ahead. Dig in." That was His cue. It was time to turn this chaos into order. It was time to replace darkness with light. It was time to turn an abyss into a place of bliss. Six days later the results are awe-inspiring. So beautiful that the Father sits back and declares it all "very good" (see Genesis 1:31).
The Bible makes mention of another Hoverer. He might be considered the greatest Hoverer ever. One whose proverbial sandal I am not able to strap. He didn't hover over food. He wasn't trying to satisfy His appetite, just the unfolding plan of the Creator. And His situation wasn't as highly aromatic as mine.
In fact, here are a few phrases that describe His environment. Disorderly. Chaotic. Hopeless. Three excellent descriptions of the early appearance of the land mass we have come to know as Earth. There were no awe-inspiring mountains yet. There were no rushing rivers. More importantly, there was no ability to sustain human life. The Earth didn't have a chance.
Yet the Spirit of God was present. Hovering. He was merely waiting for the go-ahead from the Father. There's a sense of anticipation as He waits to hear those words: "Let there be light" (see Genesis 1:3). It's like God says, "Go ahead. Dig in." That was His cue. It was time to turn this chaos into order. It was time to replace darkness with light. It was time to turn an abyss into a place of bliss. Six days later the results are awe-inspiring. So beautiful that the Father sits back and declares it all "very good" (see Genesis 1:31).
Ultimately this story finds its way into our own hearts. Although formed and not created, humankind can be described in the same way. Disorderly. Chaotic. Hopeless. At one point in my life, those terms described me with succinct accuracy. But there was a Hoverer present. The Spirit of God was waiting to hear those words from the Father: "Go ahead. Dig in." And did He ever! He breathed on me. I was like the Earth. A life seemingly devoid of the presence of God, yet the Spirit was hovering. And something amazing happened. Minerals began to appear, creating salt (see Matthew 5:13). Darkness began to fade, disseminating light (see Matthew 5:16). Rivers of living water began to flow out of my life (see John 7:38). And my heart began to change.
Paul reminds us all of that day in a letter to the Church at Corinth: "For God, who said 'Let light shine out of darkness’ has shone in our hearts to give the light of knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ" (2 Corinthians 4:6 ESV). Not only are the opening verses of Genesis about the Earth's creation, but also your heart's re-creation…through grace. Today, be grateful for God invading your world and "digging in". Be grateful for the Great Hoverer, the Spirit of God. Continue to allow Him to breathe on you. And as you do, trust me, the Father sits back and declares those timeless words: "Very good!"
Scripture of the Day: "Now the earth was formless and empty, darkness was over the surface of the deep, and the Spirit of God was hovering over the waters." - Genesis 1:2 (NKJV)
Wednesday, August 1, 2012
Low and Slow
Have you been watching TV lately? I know... it's a mess. But if you answered yes, then you have no doubt noticed a sad trend--the world will take an average everyday person and "celebritize" them into an overnight success. In many cases, those who have been made instant celebrities have compromised and lived in complete contrast to a godly standard. The devil in all of his deception wants to preach a false gospel that doing good won't get you anywhere and that in order to become "someone", you have to compromise and go with the ungodly flow. It can appear a bit unfair, especially for those who are living righteous and holy lives. Here's what I have learned and am learning about God's nature--He is more concerned about how we finish than how quickly we get started. While the devil can accelerate things like a microwave on high, God is more like Crock Pot cooking low and slow.
Even in the body of Christ, it can seem like some teachers and preachers just came out of nowhere and became an overnight success. But for those who have done things God's way and waited on His timing, they can testify that the call to ministry, preparation for ministry, and separation to ministry is a process that cannot be rushed. At least it SHOULD not be rushed. It's a Crock Pot, low and slow. But waiting on God is like tender meat falling off the bones.
The average Crock Pot meal takes about 6-8 hours to cook, while the average microwave meal takes only about 6-8 minutes. I'll tell you one thing, my family gets excited when I pull out the Crock Pot. Those aromas fill the entire house and you can even smell what's cooking when you pull up in the driveway! They KNOW that something good is hitting the dinner table. Funny enough, I don't get the same response when I pop something in the microwave. Yes, it's quick and convenient, but it's a soon forgotten meal.
The false promise of overnight success is comparable to microwave cooking. Microwaves are incredibly convenient, especially if you don't have a lot of time. But anyone who survives on microwave meals alone is sure missing out. Jesus said man shall not live by bread alone and you sure can't cook bread in the microwave! If you've ever had a true home cooked meal, you KNOW that you can't get those kind of results from a microwave.
Low and slow is often the method God uses in order to prepare us for what He has for us. Even if you are not in ministry, developing the patience needed to wait on God can be the difference between tough, underdone meat versus empty plates lined up waiting for second servings. How we present God to the world means EVERYTHING, and if we are undercooked and tough, people won't be lining up for seconds.
I am more concerned about the quality of what God produces in my life than the quantity. Will it sustain the fire? Integrity of ministry comes through the process called low and slow. It can't be rushed. Like a diamond being formed under the surface of the earth, it has to be allowed to run its course in order to produce a stone of great value. As my husband ministered to me, God won't give you a basketball jersey, shorts and a ball and not put you in the game! If He has given us the tools to prepare us, then surely He has His loving eyes on us and knows when we are ready for the starting lineup. Let's trade in our microwave mentality for crock pots and go low and slow. It's the process God favors.
Scripture of the Day: "Every man's work shall be made manifest: for the day shall declare it, because it shall be revealed by fire; and the fire shall try every man's work of what sort it is." - 1 Corinthians 3:13
Even in the body of Christ, it can seem like some teachers and preachers just came out of nowhere and became an overnight success. But for those who have done things God's way and waited on His timing, they can testify that the call to ministry, preparation for ministry, and separation to ministry is a process that cannot be rushed. At least it SHOULD not be rushed. It's a Crock Pot, low and slow. But waiting on God is like tender meat falling off the bones.
The average Crock Pot meal takes about 6-8 hours to cook, while the average microwave meal takes only about 6-8 minutes. I'll tell you one thing, my family gets excited when I pull out the Crock Pot. Those aromas fill the entire house and you can even smell what's cooking when you pull up in the driveway! They KNOW that something good is hitting the dinner table. Funny enough, I don't get the same response when I pop something in the microwave. Yes, it's quick and convenient, but it's a soon forgotten meal.
The false promise of overnight success is comparable to microwave cooking. Microwaves are incredibly convenient, especially if you don't have a lot of time. But anyone who survives on microwave meals alone is sure missing out. Jesus said man shall not live by bread alone and you sure can't cook bread in the microwave! If you've ever had a true home cooked meal, you KNOW that you can't get those kind of results from a microwave.
Low and slow is often the method God uses in order to prepare us for what He has for us. Even if you are not in ministry, developing the patience needed to wait on God can be the difference between tough, underdone meat versus empty plates lined up waiting for second servings. How we present God to the world means EVERYTHING, and if we are undercooked and tough, people won't be lining up for seconds.
I am more concerned about the quality of what God produces in my life than the quantity. Will it sustain the fire? Integrity of ministry comes through the process called low and slow. It can't be rushed. Like a diamond being formed under the surface of the earth, it has to be allowed to run its course in order to produce a stone of great value. As my husband ministered to me, God won't give you a basketball jersey, shorts and a ball and not put you in the game! If He has given us the tools to prepare us, then surely He has His loving eyes on us and knows when we are ready for the starting lineup. Let's trade in our microwave mentality for crock pots and go low and slow. It's the process God favors.
Scripture of the Day: "Every man's work shall be made manifest: for the day shall declare it, because it shall be revealed by fire; and the fire shall try every man's work of what sort it is." - 1 Corinthians 3:13
Saturday, August 13, 2011
He Gave Us A Helper
There is a lot of misunderstanding about the Holy Spirit today. We can turn on a "Christian" television program and see some rather bizarre things taking place in the name of the Holy Spirit. But is this really the Holy Spirit?
Some of us may look at those things and say, "I don't know if I want that in my life. It frightens me." It frightens me too.
The good news is that this is not the work of the Holy Spirit. Rather, it is a misrepresentation of Him. That is why it is important to gain a biblical understanding of the Holy Spirit.
Jesus referred to the Holy Spirit as a helper. The word helper is translated from the Greek word paraclete, which means, "one called alongside to help."
During the days that Jesus walked this earth, His disciples had the wonderful privilege of talking with Him and listening to Him. But then He ascended into heaven.
Jesus had promised His disciples (and essentially all followers of His to this very day) that He would lead them from that point forward in an entirely new way. This would take place through the Holy Spirit:
"I will pray the Father, and He will give you another Helper, that He may abide with you forever—the Spirit of truth, whom the world cannot receive, because it neither sees Him nor knows Him; but you know Him, for He dwells with you and will be in you." (John 14:16–17)
God's Holy Spirit wants to help you. He is there for you. He wants to do a wonderful work in your life. And He will abide with you forever.
Scripture Of The Day: "I will pray the Father, and He will give you another Helper, that He may abide with you forever." - John 14:16 (NKJV)
Some of us may look at those things and say, "I don't know if I want that in my life. It frightens me." It frightens me too.
The good news is that this is not the work of the Holy Spirit. Rather, it is a misrepresentation of Him. That is why it is important to gain a biblical understanding of the Holy Spirit.
Jesus referred to the Holy Spirit as a helper. The word helper is translated from the Greek word paraclete, which means, "one called alongside to help."
During the days that Jesus walked this earth, His disciples had the wonderful privilege of talking with Him and listening to Him. But then He ascended into heaven.
Jesus had promised His disciples (and essentially all followers of His to this very day) that He would lead them from that point forward in an entirely new way. This would take place through the Holy Spirit:
"I will pray the Father, and He will give you another Helper, that He may abide with you forever—the Spirit of truth, whom the world cannot receive, because it neither sees Him nor knows Him; but you know Him, for He dwells with you and will be in you." (John 14:16–17)
God's Holy Spirit wants to help you. He is there for you. He wants to do a wonderful work in your life. And He will abide with you forever.
Scripture Of The Day: "I will pray the Father, and He will give you another Helper, that He may abide with you forever." - John 14:16 (NKJV)
Wednesday, August 10, 2011
Tapping Into the Power of the Holy Spirit
My wife and I have a toddler. Over the past two months, we spent several weeks hoping that he’d start walking. Now that he has started, we spend days reflecting on the time when he was stationary.
He’s reached a point where he gets into everything. Anything on or near the floor is fair game. Don’t get me wrong, I’m very happy that he’s beginning to explore and discover new things. But that comes with a cost: baby proofing. Corners of tables, cabinets, dishwasher, door handles. You name it, we’re baby proofing it. Of particular importance are the numerous power outlets we have around our place. We purchased several outlet plug covers to prevent him from “tapping into” a power source. Sadly, the enemy has done the same thing to many believers.
To prevent exploration and the potential of tapping into God’s power source, the enemy has trivialized the importance of God’s Spirit in the lives of believers.
To put it bluntly, there are outlet plug covers on churches worldwide.
"But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth" (Acts 1:8b) (NKJV)
These are Jesus' last words recorded in scripture. Over 2,000 years have passed since he spoke those words. Yes, men and women "hear from the Lord" all the time. And yes, Jesus still speaks to us. But there's just something special about these words. They reassure us that Jesus left us with two things...power and witness.
We all love to hear about power. Please understand though:
It's impossible to yield power without first yielding to his Spirit.
Jesus tells the believers in Acts, "The task I have for you is impossible...in your own power. You can't do this alone. Not by power, nor by might, but by my Spirit." No wonder the psalmist was adamant about God not taking his Spirit away from him. The power of the Spirit created an inner witness in these believers. And that inner witness created an outer witness that impacted the world. An outer witness that demonstrated the last task Jesus assigned his followers...be witnesses to the end of the earth.
In a world where men and women desire natural power, God desires us all to tap into his supernatural power source. The Spirit of God is available for you. He counsels, he intercedes, he creates, he speaks, he reminds and he consoles. Most of all, he empowers. What are you waiting for? Tap into the power source today. Only then will you be able to impact the world with the message of Christ.
Scripture Of The Day: "But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth" - Acts 1:8b (NKJV)
He’s reached a point where he gets into everything. Anything on or near the floor is fair game. Don’t get me wrong, I’m very happy that he’s beginning to explore and discover new things. But that comes with a cost: baby proofing. Corners of tables, cabinets, dishwasher, door handles. You name it, we’re baby proofing it. Of particular importance are the numerous power outlets we have around our place. We purchased several outlet plug covers to prevent him from “tapping into” a power source. Sadly, the enemy has done the same thing to many believers.
To prevent exploration and the potential of tapping into God’s power source, the enemy has trivialized the importance of God’s Spirit in the lives of believers.
To put it bluntly, there are outlet plug covers on churches worldwide.
"But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth" (Acts 1:8b) (NKJV)
These are Jesus' last words recorded in scripture. Over 2,000 years have passed since he spoke those words. Yes, men and women "hear from the Lord" all the time. And yes, Jesus still speaks to us. But there's just something special about these words. They reassure us that Jesus left us with two things...power and witness.
We all love to hear about power. Please understand though:
It's impossible to yield power without first yielding to his Spirit.
Jesus tells the believers in Acts, "The task I have for you is impossible...in your own power. You can't do this alone. Not by power, nor by might, but by my Spirit." No wonder the psalmist was adamant about God not taking his Spirit away from him. The power of the Spirit created an inner witness in these believers. And that inner witness created an outer witness that impacted the world. An outer witness that demonstrated the last task Jesus assigned his followers...be witnesses to the end of the earth.
In a world where men and women desire natural power, God desires us all to tap into his supernatural power source. The Spirit of God is available for you. He counsels, he intercedes, he creates, he speaks, he reminds and he consoles. Most of all, he empowers. What are you waiting for? Tap into the power source today. Only then will you be able to impact the world with the message of Christ.
Scripture Of The Day: "But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth" - Acts 1:8b (NKJV)
Tuesday, August 9, 2011
A Noticeable Difference
Have you ever been forced to do something that you didn’t want to do? If you have, in most cases, you were going through the motions without any depth of involvement. When your heart is not in it, there’s no investment on your part. There’s no real commitment to the outcome of your actions. You are doing it because you’re forced to do it.
On the other hand, when you do something and your heart is in it, there’s a significant personal investment in it. You focus on it and put all of your worthwhile efforts into it. It‘s obvious that not only is there an investment in how you’re doing it, but there becomes clarity in why you’re doing it. And without question, the results are evident, there’s a noticeable difference.
Well, it’s the same thing for the believer that really allows the Holy Spirit to take over his or her life. There’s a level of submission, control and investment that we give in making sure that we don’t grieve the Holy Spirit. We must give Him access in our decision-making, in our relationships, in our involvements, and in our daily living. The Holy Spirit is a perfect gentleman. He doesn’t force us to do anything. He guides, encourages and strengthens, but he never demands or forces us to do anything. Why?
The Holy Spirit understands that when you are forced to do something, your heart will not be in it. He understands that when there is no emotional investment, there’s the act of going through the motions. He doesn’t want to have that kind of relationship with us. After all, we are His children.
Unfortunately, it seems that we have reduced the Holy Spirit to a feeling, spooky behavior, and unreasonably radical religion. But in reality, he’s so gentle that He doesn’t have to be reduced to just a feeling. Having a relationship with Him will alter your faith. He’s so powerful that He doesn’t have to be spooky. Having a relationship with Him can make your decisions and actions significant. He’s so intelligent that your faith doesn’t have to just be a radical religion. Having a relationship with Him will be a relevant reminder of how real He is.
How do you allow the Holy Spirit to make a noticeable difference in your life?
1. Listen, watch and expect Him to guide you (John 14: 26)
2. Lean on Him (Romans 8: 26-27; Ezekiel 36: 27)
3. Receive His instruction and guidance in your everyday living (John 16: 8)
4. Allow Him to utilize your natural God given abilities for supernatural results (1 Cor. 12)
5. Renew your commitment to His leading everyday (2 Cor. 5: 17)
When you do these things (and then some…), you can expect to experience a noticeable difference in your living, decisions, results and manifestations. God will give you the ability to stand out in the crowd. You’ll become an example of those believers that refuse to allow the Holy Spirit to only move when there’s music and an environment that seems right for it. You’ll become the kind of believer that invites the Holy Spirit to be the key ingredient in all that you think, say and do. The difference will be noticeable.
Scripture Of The Day: "And when He has come, He will convict the world of sin, and of righteousness, and of judgment" - John 16:8 (NKJV)
On the other hand, when you do something and your heart is in it, there’s a significant personal investment in it. You focus on it and put all of your worthwhile efforts into it. It‘s obvious that not only is there an investment in how you’re doing it, but there becomes clarity in why you’re doing it. And without question, the results are evident, there’s a noticeable difference.
Well, it’s the same thing for the believer that really allows the Holy Spirit to take over his or her life. There’s a level of submission, control and investment that we give in making sure that we don’t grieve the Holy Spirit. We must give Him access in our decision-making, in our relationships, in our involvements, and in our daily living. The Holy Spirit is a perfect gentleman. He doesn’t force us to do anything. He guides, encourages and strengthens, but he never demands or forces us to do anything. Why?
The Holy Spirit understands that when you are forced to do something, your heart will not be in it. He understands that when there is no emotional investment, there’s the act of going through the motions. He doesn’t want to have that kind of relationship with us. After all, we are His children.
Unfortunately, it seems that we have reduced the Holy Spirit to a feeling, spooky behavior, and unreasonably radical religion. But in reality, he’s so gentle that He doesn’t have to be reduced to just a feeling. Having a relationship with Him will alter your faith. He’s so powerful that He doesn’t have to be spooky. Having a relationship with Him can make your decisions and actions significant. He’s so intelligent that your faith doesn’t have to just be a radical religion. Having a relationship with Him will be a relevant reminder of how real He is.
How do you allow the Holy Spirit to make a noticeable difference in your life?
1. Listen, watch and expect Him to guide you (John 14: 26)
2. Lean on Him (Romans 8: 26-27; Ezekiel 36: 27)
3. Receive His instruction and guidance in your everyday living (John 16: 8)
4. Allow Him to utilize your natural God given abilities for supernatural results (1 Cor. 12)
5. Renew your commitment to His leading everyday (2 Cor. 5: 17)
When you do these things (and then some…), you can expect to experience a noticeable difference in your living, decisions, results and manifestations. God will give you the ability to stand out in the crowd. You’ll become an example of those believers that refuse to allow the Holy Spirit to only move when there’s music and an environment that seems right for it. You’ll become the kind of believer that invites the Holy Spirit to be the key ingredient in all that you think, say and do. The difference will be noticeable.
Scripture Of The Day: "And when He has come, He will convict the world of sin, and of righteousness, and of judgment" - John 16:8 (NKJV)
Monday, August 8, 2011
Who is the Holy Spirit?
The subject of the Holy Spirit is one of the most misunderstood and misinterpreted subjects among Christians and non-Christians. Many people are afraid to hear sermons about the Holy Spirit because of incorrect teachings they may have received in the past.
The topic of speaking in tongues and the gifts of the Spirit are often shunned as a result. However, the Holy Spirit is real. He desires to work through you so that you can experience the power that God ordained every Christian to have and use in these last days.
Gaining an understanding of who the Holy Spirit is, and who He is not, is critical in order to experience His presence and power. The Holy Spirit is not a feeling or an emotion. Although His presence can stir up emotions within you, He actually is the third person of the Trinity God the Father, God the Son and God the Holy Spirit. When you receive Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior, the Holy Spirit comes to live in your heart; it becomes His dwelling place. As you learn to yield to Him, you will find yourself walking out God's plan for your life. In addition, you will experience supernatural power and breakthrough like never before.
Jesus explains the function of the Holy Spirit in John 16:7, "Nevertheless I tell you the truth: It is expedient for you that I go away: for if I go not away, the Comforter will not come unto you; but if I depart, I will send him unto you." Jesus knew He would have to leave in order for the Holy Spirit to come to the earth. Now that the Holy Spirit is here, and dwelling in every member of the body of Christ, the power of God can flow to an even greater extent than when Jesus walked the earth!
The Holy Spirit is the motivator, energizer and operator of every revealed plan or vision from God. He is also the revealer of the hidden treasures of the Kingdom of God and holds the key to the inheritance of the saints. He is the most valuable asset to Christian living, and yet many times, Believers don't know enough about Him to really take advantage of what He can do in their lives.
Since we are living in the Last Days, it is going to be imperative that you know how to distinguish the Holy Spirit's voice. That "hunch" or inner feeling you have inside that is either directing you or telling you not to do something is the Holy Spirit. You can develop a discernment of His voice through studying and meditating on the Word of God. He will never say anything to you that doesn't line up with the written Word, so studying the Bible is essential to your recognizing His voice.
Praying in tongues also helps to sharpen your spiritual discernment and awareness of Him. It may take some time to become proficient in recognizing His voice, but as you develop, pay attention to whether or not you have peace in your spirit about something you are about to do. If you don't, most likely the Holy Spirit is warning you not to proceed.
When you acknowledge the Holy Spirit and commune with Him on a daily basis, He will show you mysteries and the secret plans of God for your life. Jeremiah 33:3 says, "Call unto me, and I will answer thee, and show thee great and mighty things, which thou knowest not." He will guide you into your destiny when you allow Him to direct your decisions.
When you call on the Holy Spirit, you may say, "Holy Spirit, I don't know what to do in this situation, but I know You know the answer. Show me what to do." Spend some time praying in the Spirit and then wait on Him until you hear Him speak to you about it. When you call, He will answer.
You can cultivate your relationship with the Holy Spirit by praising God, praying and singing spiritual songs (Ephesians 5:19). Doing these things helps to build your spirit and makes you more sensitive to His presence. Invite Him into every situation and atmosphere in which you find yourself. When you acknowledge Him this way, He will be able to move in your life.
Since the Holy Spirit was sent to help guide and direct your life, it is important that you set aside time every day to fellowship with Him. Talk with Him as you would a close friend or family member. Let Him know your concerns and confess the Scriptures. He will give you the revelation, insight and enlightenment you need to lead you into the good life God has prepared for you.
Developing a relationship with the Holy Spirit is going to cost you something. It will mean getting up to pray when you don't feel like it and letting go of old habits and mindsets that oppose God's Word. But when you create an environment in which the Holy Spirit can dwell, you will reap the rich rewards of your relationship with Him. Are you willing to pay the price?
Scripture Of The Day: "Call to Me, and I will answer you, and show you great and mighty things, which you do not know." - Jeremiah 33:3 (NKJV)
The topic of speaking in tongues and the gifts of the Spirit are often shunned as a result. However, the Holy Spirit is real. He desires to work through you so that you can experience the power that God ordained every Christian to have and use in these last days.
Gaining an understanding of who the Holy Spirit is, and who He is not, is critical in order to experience His presence and power. The Holy Spirit is not a feeling or an emotion. Although His presence can stir up emotions within you, He actually is the third person of the Trinity God the Father, God the Son and God the Holy Spirit. When you receive Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior, the Holy Spirit comes to live in your heart; it becomes His dwelling place. As you learn to yield to Him, you will find yourself walking out God's plan for your life. In addition, you will experience supernatural power and breakthrough like never before.
Jesus explains the function of the Holy Spirit in John 16:7, "Nevertheless I tell you the truth: It is expedient for you that I go away: for if I go not away, the Comforter will not come unto you; but if I depart, I will send him unto you." Jesus knew He would have to leave in order for the Holy Spirit to come to the earth. Now that the Holy Spirit is here, and dwelling in every member of the body of Christ, the power of God can flow to an even greater extent than when Jesus walked the earth!
The Holy Spirit is the motivator, energizer and operator of every revealed plan or vision from God. He is also the revealer of the hidden treasures of the Kingdom of God and holds the key to the inheritance of the saints. He is the most valuable asset to Christian living, and yet many times, Believers don't know enough about Him to really take advantage of what He can do in their lives.
Since we are living in the Last Days, it is going to be imperative that you know how to distinguish the Holy Spirit's voice. That "hunch" or inner feeling you have inside that is either directing you or telling you not to do something is the Holy Spirit. You can develop a discernment of His voice through studying and meditating on the Word of God. He will never say anything to you that doesn't line up with the written Word, so studying the Bible is essential to your recognizing His voice.
Praying in tongues also helps to sharpen your spiritual discernment and awareness of Him. It may take some time to become proficient in recognizing His voice, but as you develop, pay attention to whether or not you have peace in your spirit about something you are about to do. If you don't, most likely the Holy Spirit is warning you not to proceed.
When you acknowledge the Holy Spirit and commune with Him on a daily basis, He will show you mysteries and the secret plans of God for your life. Jeremiah 33:3 says, "Call unto me, and I will answer thee, and show thee great and mighty things, which thou knowest not." He will guide you into your destiny when you allow Him to direct your decisions.
When you call on the Holy Spirit, you may say, "Holy Spirit, I don't know what to do in this situation, but I know You know the answer. Show me what to do." Spend some time praying in the Spirit and then wait on Him until you hear Him speak to you about it. When you call, He will answer.
You can cultivate your relationship with the Holy Spirit by praising God, praying and singing spiritual songs (Ephesians 5:19). Doing these things helps to build your spirit and makes you more sensitive to His presence. Invite Him into every situation and atmosphere in which you find yourself. When you acknowledge Him this way, He will be able to move in your life.
Since the Holy Spirit was sent to help guide and direct your life, it is important that you set aside time every day to fellowship with Him. Talk with Him as you would a close friend or family member. Let Him know your concerns and confess the Scriptures. He will give you the revelation, insight and enlightenment you need to lead you into the good life God has prepared for you.
Developing a relationship with the Holy Spirit is going to cost you something. It will mean getting up to pray when you don't feel like it and letting go of old habits and mindsets that oppose God's Word. But when you create an environment in which the Holy Spirit can dwell, you will reap the rich rewards of your relationship with Him. Are you willing to pay the price?
Scripture Of The Day: "Call to Me, and I will answer you, and show you great and mighty things, which you do not know." - Jeremiah 33:3 (NKJV)
By Brenda Gittens
Growing up I remember so clearly as a child, going with some of the adults in our church as they went out on the streets to give out tracks and tell others about Jesus. They would go “witnessing” on Saturday afternoons in the city of San Francisco without hesitation or fear. As the younger ones, we would just hand out the tracks.
What brought me to write this devotion was when I realized while doing some missions-related ministry, that this is what it’s really all about -- sharing the love of God with those that don’t know Him, and living the life where others can see Jesus in you.
I truly believe that on the day when we stand before Him, we’re going to have to give an account of all that we did and didn’t do; how many we shared our story with, not how many Sundays we went to church. Have you ever had someone come up to you and say, “There’s something about you,, I see something in you and I want to know what it is”? And you tell them with confidence and peace, “It’s all about Jesus. I have a personal relationship with Him. He changed my life.” And if they want to know more, you continue to share your story with them.
As born-again believers, we all have “stories” to tell. God knows each and every one of us by name and our story, and He wants us to start sharing our stories again!
The last words of Jesus before He ascended into heaven were, “But when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, you will receive power and will tell people about me everywhere -- in Jerusalem, throughout Judea, in Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.” (Acts 1:8). He wanted His disciples to know that they needed to share their story of the love of God to those closest to them (Jerusalem), those in their immediate area (Samaria), and eventually to the ends of the earth (the world). Who are we today? Disciples too, and this same word is for us! All of us are called to be witnesses and share the love of Christ.
First, it isn’t my job to convince someone that they are a sinner who is going to hell without God. That’s the Holy Spirit’s job, to convince and convict them of their need for God (Matthew 10:19-20).
Second, God will always give you someone or a group of people, who are open and responsive to your story. You don’t have to teach a whole Bible lesson to tell your story. You can keep it simple; you just have to really know what He’s done for you, and let them know that He can do the same for them too!
The Holy Spirit, Praise God, will give us power when we share with others. Yes, we may stumble a little over words or get a little nervous or something, but we don’t have to worry, the Holy Spirit is at work!
Okay, are you ready to “tell your story” again? Just remember what Peter said, “You must worship Christ as Lord of your life. And if you are asked about your Christian hope, always be ready to explain it.” (1 Peter 3:15).
Scripture Of The Day: "But when they arrest you, do not worry about what to say or how to say it. At that time you will be given what to say, for it will not be you speaking, but the Spirit of your Father speaking through you." - Matthew 10:19-20 (NIV)
What brought me to write this devotion was when I realized while doing some missions-related ministry, that this is what it’s really all about -- sharing the love of God with those that don’t know Him, and living the life where others can see Jesus in you.
I truly believe that on the day when we stand before Him, we’re going to have to give an account of all that we did and didn’t do; how many we shared our story with, not how many Sundays we went to church. Have you ever had someone come up to you and say, “There’s something about you,, I see something in you and I want to know what it is”? And you tell them with confidence and peace, “It’s all about Jesus. I have a personal relationship with Him. He changed my life.” And if they want to know more, you continue to share your story with them.
As born-again believers, we all have “stories” to tell. God knows each and every one of us by name and our story, and He wants us to start sharing our stories again!
The last words of Jesus before He ascended into heaven were, “But when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, you will receive power and will tell people about me everywhere -- in Jerusalem, throughout Judea, in Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.” (Acts 1:8). He wanted His disciples to know that they needed to share their story of the love of God to those closest to them (Jerusalem), those in their immediate area (Samaria), and eventually to the ends of the earth (the world). Who are we today? Disciples too, and this same word is for us! All of us are called to be witnesses and share the love of Christ.
First, it isn’t my job to convince someone that they are a sinner who is going to hell without God. That’s the Holy Spirit’s job, to convince and convict them of their need for God (Matthew 10:19-20).
Second, God will always give you someone or a group of people, who are open and responsive to your story. You don’t have to teach a whole Bible lesson to tell your story. You can keep it simple; you just have to really know what He’s done for you, and let them know that He can do the same for them too!
The Holy Spirit, Praise God, will give us power when we share with others. Yes, we may stumble a little over words or get a little nervous or something, but we don’t have to worry, the Holy Spirit is at work!
Okay, are you ready to “tell your story” again? Just remember what Peter said, “You must worship Christ as Lord of your life. And if you are asked about your Christian hope, always be ready to explain it.” (1 Peter 3:15).
Scripture Of The Day: "But when they arrest you, do not worry about what to say or how to say it. At that time you will be given what to say, for it will not be you speaking, but the Spirit of your Father speaking through you." - Matthew 10:19-20 (NIV)
Wednesday, August 18, 2010
Follow Peace
By Lisa Crum
Being of a Pentecostal background, as many of you also are, I've heard the words "holiness, without which no man shall see the Lord" preached in many a sermon from my childhood up. I'd like to, however, expand the text to include all of that verse. "Follow peace with all men, and holiness, without which no man shall see the Lord:" (Hebrews 12:14) And just for this writing, I want to stress the peace part, (simply because it tends to be overlooked) while not discounting the importance of the holiness part.
Peace and holiness are twins. I've often heard my Sunday School teacher, the late Edith Mahon, refer to "goodness and mercy" in Psalm 23 as if they were two people, two personalities or spirits if you will, traveling with the believer. Well, may I interject that peace and holiness are in that same way interconnected. In order to have either, you need both. I'd further say that if you'll follow peace and holiness, goodness and mercy will follow you. Follow peace. Follow peace and holiness. So what's the deal about following peace?
Peace will lead you places you probably wouldn't choose to go if you were charting the course. Example: Someone at work who has made your life less than pleasant has just messed up-badly. The flesh cries out for you to leap on this opportunity to cut that person down to size. It says, "Now's your chance to get ahead. Dig in the spur! It's your right--no, it's your duty, to point this out to the boss!" Oh, how easily we can convince ourselves we're doing the right thing when we want justification for our actions, but God knows our hidden motives. Peace will choose not to go there. Peace will keep quiet about the matter, and will stand on the promise that promotion comes from the Lord. Peace will declare that every tongue which rises up in accusation against us will be shown to be in the wrong. Peace will pass up a "golden opportunity" like this to achieve a greater end. No wonder the Bible says to follow peace! Chances are, if you're in a pickle, you just passed peace traveling in the northbound lane while you were headed south.
Peace is an investment whose returns are sometimes not seen immediately. It's the great law of sowing and reaping at work again. Ever hear it said, that the very person you treat badly will be the person you'll need to call on for help? It's so true. That guy who accidentally cut you off in traffic today (you know-the one you really gave a good "blessing out" to through the windshield of your car!) may be the very guy you'll have to flag down to help you change a flat tire tomorrow. Follow peace. Resolve that petty rivalry with a schoolmate before you graduate. A few years from now, she may be teaching your eight-year-old! And before you get in debt up to your eyeballs searching for fulfillment, pray about all those "must have this to be happy" prospects, and honestly ask yourself if the end result is peace. Be willing to say no if God says no-sometimes more is not better. Remember, if something's truly a blessing from Him, the Word says that there is no sorrow added with it. If it's not, you'd do well to cast your bread on other waters.
You have to want peace to have peace. I've often said that peace will not jump up and bite the seat of your pants! It won't force its way into your life. If you want peace, you have to chase it down, run after it, seek it with everything you have. You have to crave it. Ever notice that stink-stirrers can rarely breathe easily? If you don't want peace, it's not going to barge in unannounced. People often ask what the secret to Dana's and my happy marriage is. My answer is, in this order, that we love God, we love each other, and that we love peace. We've learned that nothing generates a loving, sweet atmosphere like striving for peace. It's a two-way street of course, but by determining to be kind and considerate to one another every day, we've lived nearly a decade together without a single fight. Believe it or not. That doesn't mean we see eye-to-eye on everything, but we each choose not to open the door to marital discord for the sake of being the one with the last word in. We're as blissful as two newlyweds. That, friends, is the payoff of peace.
Peace strikes through just about every phrase that begins with self and a hyphen. Now there's a doozy -- where'd that come from? But it's true. If you think peace is just that cozy cabin by Lake Cares-Be-Gone, think again! How amazing, that peace is both an end as well as a means to an end! Sure, peace is that feeling of serenity and calm, of well-being and safety. It's restful and relaxing. But peace is also as much an action word as is love. Hmmm, peace actually follows love in the lineup of the fruit of the Spirit! It eradicates all notions of me-first. Peace favors putting others before self. Peace does what is right versus what feels right. And having done so, what do you then feel? Peace!
Is peace a wimp, cop-out, beaten down, take-everybody's-junk kind of lifestyle? Is peace a weakling's way? Most assuredly not! Peace sometimes seems to be a paradox. We go to war to defend peace. Jesus' way of ushering in light was to drive out darkness vehemently. Peace is not for the cowardly. Peace isn't the wide path that leads to destruction; it's straight and narrow. It demands discipline and determination, courage and conviction; it shouts justice from the mountaintops and all the while whispers in a still small voice. It's the calm center of the hurricane, stable even though all around it is chaos.
So where does holiness come in? Having taken hold of peace, you suddenly find yourself also being led by that second, distinct entity. Remember, these two are joined at the hip. If you're striving to be a person of peace, you're without a doubt going to be more like the Prince of Peace. And hey, this Guy wrote the Book on holiness...
Scripture Of The Day: "You will keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on You." - Isaiah 26:3
Lisa Crum is a freelance writer and Christian songwriter. She is a staff member at Regional Church of God in Delbarton, WV, where she serves as administrative/ pastoral assistant as well as in music ministry. For more information about Lisa Crum, visit http://www.regionalchurch.org.
Being of a Pentecostal background, as many of you also are, I've heard the words "holiness, without which no man shall see the Lord" preached in many a sermon from my childhood up. I'd like to, however, expand the text to include all of that verse. "Follow peace with all men, and holiness, without which no man shall see the Lord:" (Hebrews 12:14) And just for this writing, I want to stress the peace part, (simply because it tends to be overlooked) while not discounting the importance of the holiness part.
Peace and holiness are twins. I've often heard my Sunday School teacher, the late Edith Mahon, refer to "goodness and mercy" in Psalm 23 as if they were two people, two personalities or spirits if you will, traveling with the believer. Well, may I interject that peace and holiness are in that same way interconnected. In order to have either, you need both. I'd further say that if you'll follow peace and holiness, goodness and mercy will follow you. Follow peace. Follow peace and holiness. So what's the deal about following peace?
Peace will lead you places you probably wouldn't choose to go if you were charting the course. Example: Someone at work who has made your life less than pleasant has just messed up-badly. The flesh cries out for you to leap on this opportunity to cut that person down to size. It says, "Now's your chance to get ahead. Dig in the spur! It's your right--no, it's your duty, to point this out to the boss!" Oh, how easily we can convince ourselves we're doing the right thing when we want justification for our actions, but God knows our hidden motives. Peace will choose not to go there. Peace will keep quiet about the matter, and will stand on the promise that promotion comes from the Lord. Peace will declare that every tongue which rises up in accusation against us will be shown to be in the wrong. Peace will pass up a "golden opportunity" like this to achieve a greater end. No wonder the Bible says to follow peace! Chances are, if you're in a pickle, you just passed peace traveling in the northbound lane while you were headed south.
Peace is an investment whose returns are sometimes not seen immediately. It's the great law of sowing and reaping at work again. Ever hear it said, that the very person you treat badly will be the person you'll need to call on for help? It's so true. That guy who accidentally cut you off in traffic today (you know-the one you really gave a good "blessing out" to through the windshield of your car!) may be the very guy you'll have to flag down to help you change a flat tire tomorrow. Follow peace. Resolve that petty rivalry with a schoolmate before you graduate. A few years from now, she may be teaching your eight-year-old! And before you get in debt up to your eyeballs searching for fulfillment, pray about all those "must have this to be happy" prospects, and honestly ask yourself if the end result is peace. Be willing to say no if God says no-sometimes more is not better. Remember, if something's truly a blessing from Him, the Word says that there is no sorrow added with it. If it's not, you'd do well to cast your bread on other waters.
You have to want peace to have peace. I've often said that peace will not jump up and bite the seat of your pants! It won't force its way into your life. If you want peace, you have to chase it down, run after it, seek it with everything you have. You have to crave it. Ever notice that stink-stirrers can rarely breathe easily? If you don't want peace, it's not going to barge in unannounced. People often ask what the secret to Dana's and my happy marriage is. My answer is, in this order, that we love God, we love each other, and that we love peace. We've learned that nothing generates a loving, sweet atmosphere like striving for peace. It's a two-way street of course, but by determining to be kind and considerate to one another every day, we've lived nearly a decade together without a single fight. Believe it or not. That doesn't mean we see eye-to-eye on everything, but we each choose not to open the door to marital discord for the sake of being the one with the last word in. We're as blissful as two newlyweds. That, friends, is the payoff of peace.
Peace strikes through just about every phrase that begins with self and a hyphen. Now there's a doozy -- where'd that come from? But it's true. If you think peace is just that cozy cabin by Lake Cares-Be-Gone, think again! How amazing, that peace is both an end as well as a means to an end! Sure, peace is that feeling of serenity and calm, of well-being and safety. It's restful and relaxing. But peace is also as much an action word as is love. Hmmm, peace actually follows love in the lineup of the fruit of the Spirit! It eradicates all notions of me-first. Peace favors putting others before self. Peace does what is right versus what feels right. And having done so, what do you then feel? Peace!
Is peace a wimp, cop-out, beaten down, take-everybody's-junk kind of lifestyle? Is peace a weakling's way? Most assuredly not! Peace sometimes seems to be a paradox. We go to war to defend peace. Jesus' way of ushering in light was to drive out darkness vehemently. Peace is not for the cowardly. Peace isn't the wide path that leads to destruction; it's straight and narrow. It demands discipline and determination, courage and conviction; it shouts justice from the mountaintops and all the while whispers in a still small voice. It's the calm center of the hurricane, stable even though all around it is chaos.
So where does holiness come in? Having taken hold of peace, you suddenly find yourself also being led by that second, distinct entity. Remember, these two are joined at the hip. If you're striving to be a person of peace, you're without a doubt going to be more like the Prince of Peace. And hey, this Guy wrote the Book on holiness...
Scripture Of The Day: "You will keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on You." - Isaiah 26:3
Lisa Crum is a freelance writer and Christian songwriter. She is a staff member at Regional Church of God in Delbarton, WV, where she serves as administrative/ pastoral assistant as well as in music ministry. For more information about Lisa Crum, visit http://www.regionalchurch.org.
Monday, August 16, 2010
Strength Training
By Dr. David Jeremiah
In the late 1880s, you would have been astounded to see a small Canadian man lift a platform holding 18 men and weighing 4,337 pounds. Louis Cyr became known as the strongest man in North America and Europe. Strongmen spend their lives conditioning their bodies so their strength shouldn't surprise us.
What should surprise us is the strength of a different kind of strongman who never worked out with weights. Yet, he fasted and fought the Devil and won in the desert. And after 40 days, power like the world had never seen exploded from Him: "Then Jesus returned in the power of the Spirit…and news of Him went out through all the surrounding region" (Luke 4:14).
News spread so fast because Jesus was "healing all kinds of sickness…torments…demon-possessed" (Matthew 4:23-24) with "the power of the Spirit," the same Holy Spirit who lives in each and every Christian today. The gift of God is for us to live with a power greater than that of human strongmen. No believer in Christ should be a spiritual "90-pound weakling." Christians need to flex the power of the Holy Spirit.
The Holy Spirit is the Christian's "muscle"-waiting to be flexed, exercised, and employed in every moment of the believer's life. Scripture shows us that "the power of the Spirit" is the strength behind God's strongmen and strongwomen through the ages: Micah the prophet was "full of power by the Spirit of the Lord, and of justice and might" (Micah 3:8).
Mary was overshadowed by the power of the Holy Spirit (Luke 1:35). The disciples turned the world upside down after being told, "you shall receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you" (Acts 1:8). God anointed Jesus "with the Holy Spirit and with power" (Acts 10:38). Paul performed "mighty signs and wonders, by the power of the Spirit of God" (Romans 15:19).
You may think, "The Holy Spirit would never give me that kind of power and strength. Who am I?" Who you are is exactly the point: a person indwelt by the Holy Spirit of God. In fact, if you do not have the Holy Spirit within you, you are not a Christian to begin with (Romans 8:9-11). But because you are a believer, you have the strength of God in you just waiting to be made manifest in your life.
Your battles are no less serious than the battles fought and won by Scripture's strongmen. Your need for power and strength is the same: "Be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might" (Ephesians 6:10).
Bodybuilders strengthen the muscles in their bodies. But what about spiritual muscles? You become stronger spiritually as you allow the Holy Spirit more control in your life. "You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, with all your mind, and with all your strength" (Mark 12:30). If your heart, soul, and mind "muscles" are strong, then you will be strong.
You can love God with your mind by thinking on pure and praiseworthy things (Philippians 4:8); with your soul by obedience (Psalm 119:167); with your heart by keeping it pure (Matthew 12:35; 1 Timothy 1:5; 2 Timothy 2:22). When you love God with all your mind, soul, and heart, you will also love Him with all your strength-which will no longer be your strength but His.
You don't have to lift 18 men to demonstrate the power of the Spirit. The only requirement is to acknowledge your own weakness, "for [His] strength is made perfect in weakness" (2 Corinthians 12:9).
God stands ready to grant you His strength through the Holy Spirit. But, you must seek it (1 Chronicles 16:11). The greater your faith, the faster fear is replaced by strength (Psalm 27:1; 2 Timothy 1:7). Strength takes time and courage (Psalm 27:14; 31:24). But…
Those who wait on the Lord shall renew their strength...mount up with wings like eagles…run and not be weary…walk and not faint" (Isaiah 40:31). So "mount up with wings like eagles" because God's "righteous right hand" upholds you (Isaiah 41:10).
Scripture Of The Day: "Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of His might." - Ephesians 6:10 (NKJV)
Dr. David Jeremiah is the founder of Turning Point Radio and Television Ministries and senior pastor of Shadow Mountain Community Church, located in El Cajon, California. The author of several books, you can find out more information about Dr. David Jeremiah at http://www.davidjeremiah.org.
In the late 1880s, you would have been astounded to see a small Canadian man lift a platform holding 18 men and weighing 4,337 pounds. Louis Cyr became known as the strongest man in North America and Europe. Strongmen spend their lives conditioning their bodies so their strength shouldn't surprise us.
What should surprise us is the strength of a different kind of strongman who never worked out with weights. Yet, he fasted and fought the Devil and won in the desert. And after 40 days, power like the world had never seen exploded from Him: "Then Jesus returned in the power of the Spirit…and news of Him went out through all the surrounding region" (Luke 4:14).
News spread so fast because Jesus was "healing all kinds of sickness…torments…demon-possessed" (Matthew 4:23-24) with "the power of the Spirit," the same Holy Spirit who lives in each and every Christian today. The gift of God is for us to live with a power greater than that of human strongmen. No believer in Christ should be a spiritual "90-pound weakling." Christians need to flex the power of the Holy Spirit.
The Holy Spirit is the Christian's "muscle"-waiting to be flexed, exercised, and employed in every moment of the believer's life. Scripture shows us that "the power of the Spirit" is the strength behind God's strongmen and strongwomen through the ages: Micah the prophet was "full of power by the Spirit of the Lord, and of justice and might" (Micah 3:8).
Mary was overshadowed by the power of the Holy Spirit (Luke 1:35). The disciples turned the world upside down after being told, "you shall receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you" (Acts 1:8). God anointed Jesus "with the Holy Spirit and with power" (Acts 10:38). Paul performed "mighty signs and wonders, by the power of the Spirit of God" (Romans 15:19).
You may think, "The Holy Spirit would never give me that kind of power and strength. Who am I?" Who you are is exactly the point: a person indwelt by the Holy Spirit of God. In fact, if you do not have the Holy Spirit within you, you are not a Christian to begin with (Romans 8:9-11). But because you are a believer, you have the strength of God in you just waiting to be made manifest in your life.
Your battles are no less serious than the battles fought and won by Scripture's strongmen. Your need for power and strength is the same: "Be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might" (Ephesians 6:10).
Bodybuilders strengthen the muscles in their bodies. But what about spiritual muscles? You become stronger spiritually as you allow the Holy Spirit more control in your life. "You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, with all your mind, and with all your strength" (Mark 12:30). If your heart, soul, and mind "muscles" are strong, then you will be strong.
You can love God with your mind by thinking on pure and praiseworthy things (Philippians 4:8); with your soul by obedience (Psalm 119:167); with your heart by keeping it pure (Matthew 12:35; 1 Timothy 1:5; 2 Timothy 2:22). When you love God with all your mind, soul, and heart, you will also love Him with all your strength-which will no longer be your strength but His.
You don't have to lift 18 men to demonstrate the power of the Spirit. The only requirement is to acknowledge your own weakness, "for [His] strength is made perfect in weakness" (2 Corinthians 12:9).
God stands ready to grant you His strength through the Holy Spirit. But, you must seek it (1 Chronicles 16:11). The greater your faith, the faster fear is replaced by strength (Psalm 27:1; 2 Timothy 1:7). Strength takes time and courage (Psalm 27:14; 31:24). But…
Those who wait on the Lord shall renew their strength...mount up with wings like eagles…run and not be weary…walk and not faint" (Isaiah 40:31). So "mount up with wings like eagles" because God's "righteous right hand" upholds you (Isaiah 41:10).
Scripture Of The Day: "Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of His might." - Ephesians 6:10 (NKJV)
Dr. David Jeremiah is the founder of Turning Point Radio and Television Ministries and senior pastor of Shadow Mountain Community Church, located in El Cajon, California. The author of several books, you can find out more information about Dr. David Jeremiah at http://www.davidjeremiah.org.
Friday, August 13, 2010
The Baptism With the Holy Spirit
By Dr. Frederick K.C. Price
A new Believer is placed in the Body of Christ by the Holy Spirit. He is baptized in water by the visible church. Now that Believer needs to be baptized with the Holy Spirit, so he can be energized and supernaturally empowered to live the born-again life the way God wants it lived. We have too many people who want to live this Christian life according to their own rules and regulations, and living the Christian life does not work that way. We have to do it according to the rule book, and the Bible is the rule book.
God tells us through the mouth of the prophet in Ezekiel 36:26-27: "I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit within you; I will take the heart of stone out of your flesh and give you a heart of flesh. "I will put My Spirit within you and cause you to walk in My statutes, and you will keep My judgments and do them."
God is not talking in verse 26 about the organ that pumps blood through your body. If He took that out of your flesh, you would be in trouble. He is talking symbolically about the heart of the spirit of man. You were given a brand new spirit when you were born again. That is what Paul means in 2 Corinthians 5:17 when he tells us: Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new.
However, the only old things that are passed away are the things in the spirit part of our nature. Not in our flesh, nor in our soul--just in our spirit. We need supernatural help for us to overcome the traditions and garbage we may have in our minds. It is a constant battle because our minds and bodies will pull on us to do what they want to do. That is one reason we need the power of the Holy Spirit--to help our recreated human spirits do God's will and follow His Word.
Jesus gives us another reason in Acts 1:8: "But you shall receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you shall be witnesses to Me in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth."
When indicates that before the time when occurs, you do not have whatever it is when is referring to. Jesus told the disciples to stay in Jerusalem until the Holy Spirit came upon them, and they received power. Once they received that power, they would be witnesses of and for Him in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth.
"To the end of the earth" actually refers to us. The disciples did not know about a North American continent, or a South American continent, or the islands of the sea, because they lived all their lives in a small area, geographically speaking. Jesus had to be talking about all the people who would believe in Him as an eventual result of the disciples' ministry. This includes us.
There are too many Christians with zeal and commitment, but without the power, and a direct result of that is a lot of mediocre witnessing. Jesus would not tell us about receiving the power if we did not need it. And when it comes to going about the Lord's business, we definitely need it. The word translated as power in Acts 1:8 really means "ability." Without the power of the Holy Spirit, we do not have the supernatural ability to be as effective as we can be.
We need to be witnesses on Jesus' terms, because Paul tells us in 1 Corinthians 3:9: For we are God's fellow workers; you are God's field, you are God's building.
He adds in 2 Corinthians 6:1: We then, as workers together with Him also plead with you not to receive the grace of God in vain.
We are not workers for God; we are workers with Him. That is a very important distinction. It implies that God is doing something, and He is privileging us to assist Him. However, you cannot be a worker with God without His power.
This makes it vitally important for us to not only find out what our assignment from God is, but also to get a hold of His power so we can fulfill that task. That is why we need to be filled with the Holy Spirit -- so we can operate in the same power and ability that God operates in.
Scripture Of The Day: "Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new." - 2 Corinthians 5:17
Dr. Frederick K.C. Price is the founder and pastor of Crenshaw Christian Center West in Los Angeles and CCC East in Manhattan. To obtain more information about his ministry, please call (800) 927-3436 or visit http://www.faithdome.org.
A new Believer is placed in the Body of Christ by the Holy Spirit. He is baptized in water by the visible church. Now that Believer needs to be baptized with the Holy Spirit, so he can be energized and supernaturally empowered to live the born-again life the way God wants it lived. We have too many people who want to live this Christian life according to their own rules and regulations, and living the Christian life does not work that way. We have to do it according to the rule book, and the Bible is the rule book.
God tells us through the mouth of the prophet in Ezekiel 36:26-27: "I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit within you; I will take the heart of stone out of your flesh and give you a heart of flesh. "I will put My Spirit within you and cause you to walk in My statutes, and you will keep My judgments and do them."
God is not talking in verse 26 about the organ that pumps blood through your body. If He took that out of your flesh, you would be in trouble. He is talking symbolically about the heart of the spirit of man. You were given a brand new spirit when you were born again. That is what Paul means in 2 Corinthians 5:17 when he tells us: Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new.
However, the only old things that are passed away are the things in the spirit part of our nature. Not in our flesh, nor in our soul--just in our spirit. We need supernatural help for us to overcome the traditions and garbage we may have in our minds. It is a constant battle because our minds and bodies will pull on us to do what they want to do. That is one reason we need the power of the Holy Spirit--to help our recreated human spirits do God's will and follow His Word.
Jesus gives us another reason in Acts 1:8: "But you shall receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you shall be witnesses to Me in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth."
When indicates that before the time when occurs, you do not have whatever it is when is referring to. Jesus told the disciples to stay in Jerusalem until the Holy Spirit came upon them, and they received power. Once they received that power, they would be witnesses of and for Him in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth.
"To the end of the earth" actually refers to us. The disciples did not know about a North American continent, or a South American continent, or the islands of the sea, because they lived all their lives in a small area, geographically speaking. Jesus had to be talking about all the people who would believe in Him as an eventual result of the disciples' ministry. This includes us.
There are too many Christians with zeal and commitment, but without the power, and a direct result of that is a lot of mediocre witnessing. Jesus would not tell us about receiving the power if we did not need it. And when it comes to going about the Lord's business, we definitely need it. The word translated as power in Acts 1:8 really means "ability." Without the power of the Holy Spirit, we do not have the supernatural ability to be as effective as we can be.
We need to be witnesses on Jesus' terms, because Paul tells us in 1 Corinthians 3:9: For we are God's fellow workers; you are God's field, you are God's building.
He adds in 2 Corinthians 6:1: We then, as workers together with Him also plead with you not to receive the grace of God in vain.
We are not workers for God; we are workers with Him. That is a very important distinction. It implies that God is doing something, and He is privileging us to assist Him. However, you cannot be a worker with God without His power.
This makes it vitally important for us to not only find out what our assignment from God is, but also to get a hold of His power so we can fulfill that task. That is why we need to be filled with the Holy Spirit -- so we can operate in the same power and ability that God operates in.
Scripture Of The Day: "Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new." - 2 Corinthians 5:17
Dr. Frederick K.C. Price is the founder and pastor of Crenshaw Christian Center West in Los Angeles and CCC East in Manhattan. To obtain more information about his ministry, please call (800) 927-3436 or visit http://www.faithdome.org.
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