The Holy Spirit is a divine person, the third person of the Godhead. You will never understand the Holy Spirit if you think of Him simply as a force or a wind. Like God the Father, He is spirit and He has a distinct personality.
The Godhead functions like a corporation. God the Father is the president and chief executive officer. Jesus is the executive vice president and director of operations. The Holy Spirit is the field representative. All three are God, but all have different functions.
Paul says in Romans 8:27 that the Holy Spirit is a person: "Now He who searches the hearts knows what the mind of the Spirit is, because He makes intercession for the saints according to the will of God."
Notice that the word Spirit is capitalized-as it should be-because it is referring to the Holy Spirit and not man's spirit. The phrase, the mind of the Spirit, indicates that the Holy Spirit has a mind. If the Spirit has a mind, it presupposes that He also has a will. Paul adds in 1 Corinthians 12:11: "But one and the same Spirit works all these things, distributing to each one individually as He wills."
The Holy Spirit not only has a mind but also a will. Isaiah 63:10 indicates that the Holy Spirit has feelings and can be grieved: "But they [the children of Israel] rebelled and grieved His Holy Spirit; so He turned Himself against them as an enemy, and He fought against them."
You cannot experience grief if you do not have a personality. So the Holy Spirit has a mind, a will, and emotions, just as we do. But we must not stop here. We will also find that the Holy Spirit helps, teaches, guides, and comforts, as well as performs other functions.
HELPER, TEACHER
John 14:26: "But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in My name, He will teach you all things, and bring to your remembrance all things that I said to you."
Christians have a divine Helper in the person of the Holy Spirit. He teaches us and reveals to us the things of God, supporting us in innumerable ways.
GUIDE
One phase of His help is in guiding the Believer. He guides us by speaking to our spirits, not our minds. Christians can trust that the Holy Spirit will never lead us into the wrong thing. John 16:13 reveals: "However, when He, the Spirit of truth, has come, He will guide you into all truth; for He will not speak on His own authority, but whatever He hears He will speak; and He will tell you things to come."
If the Holy Spirit led you to marry your spouse, be thankful. He would never lead you to the wrong person. Often you can tell couples who did not listen to the Holy Spirit before they got married because they wind up divorcing. If He led them to marry, and they divorce that would mean the Holy Spirit did not know what He was doing when He put them together and this is simply not true.
COMFORTER
In Acts 9:31, we see another aspect of the Holy Spirit: "Then the churches throughout all Judea, Galilee, and Samaria had peace and were edified. And walking in the fear of the Lord and in the comfort of the Holy Spirit, they were multiplied."
The Holy Spirit is here to comfort us. One of the names used in the original King James Version of the Bible to describe the Holy Spirit is the Comforter. In fact, a Greek term often applied to the Holy Spirit is the word Paraclete, or Paracletos, which means "advocate," "intercessor," or "one called alongside."
Just like throwing a bucket of water on a fire can quench the fire, you can do the same thing to the Holy Spirit by actions and attitudes that are inconsistent with what the Believers as a body are doing. This is one reason why I get on the congregation about being late for Sunday service. When we come together in one place, God considers us as one entity. Any thing one person does that is contrary to what the group is doing can hinder everyone else. That person is quenching the Holy Spirit.
Space does not permit me to discuss the Holy Spirit's divine qualities, such as being everlasting (Hebrews 9:14), being omnipresent (Psalm 139:7-10), being omniscient (1 Corinthians 2:10), doing divine works (Genesis 1:1-3), the ability to raise the dead (Romans 8:11), and so forth.
All these and more are the attributes of the Holy Spirit.
Thursday, August 19, 2010
Wednesday, August 18, 2010
Strength Training
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).
Be Blessed!
Dawn
By Dr. David Jeremiah
Scripture Of The Day: "Finally, my brethren,
be strong in the Lord, and in the power of His might."
Ephesians 6:10 (NKJV)
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).
Be Blessed!
Dawn
Tuesday, August 17, 2010
The Pattern of Powerful Prayer
Read Colossians 1:9-10a
Praying effectively isn’t something we all naturally know how to do—for most Christians, it must be learned. In fact, one of the disciples who had walked with Jesus asked for help in this area (Luke 11:1).
So often we hear requests to bless, protect, and provide for a person. While these are fine to ask of the Lord, there is another, more powerful way to pray. When we speak to Him using Scripture, our conversation contains the authority of almighty God.
The apostle Paul wrote today’s passage to the Colossian church. From this, we know the specific requests he brought before God concerning his brothers. These are applicable to us today as well. Let’s focus on the first two requests today and the remaining four tomorrow.
First, Paul asked for the believers to understand God’s plan for their lives. Now, the Lord often does not reveal everything at once, but He gives seeking hearts enough information to trust and follow His way.
Second, the apostle prayed that the Colossian Christians would conduct themselves in a manner worthy of Christ and pleasing to Him; Paul longed to see their lives prove consistent with their true spiritual identity. A follower of Jesus is evident to other people because of lifestyle and spiritual fruit (Gal. 5:22-23).
One of the greatest gifts we can give is to lift a person in prayer. And there is no more powerful way to do this than to speak Scripture on his or her behalf. Colossians 1:9-14 is a beautiful example of a passage to pray as we bring loved ones and ourselves before God’s throne.
(via Rev. Dr. Charles Stanley)
Be Blessed!!!
Dawn
Praying effectively isn’t something we all naturally know how to do—for most Christians, it must be learned. In fact, one of the disciples who had walked with Jesus asked for help in this area (Luke 11:1).
So often we hear requests to bless, protect, and provide for a person. While these are fine to ask of the Lord, there is another, more powerful way to pray. When we speak to Him using Scripture, our conversation contains the authority of almighty God.
The apostle Paul wrote today’s passage to the Colossian church. From this, we know the specific requests he brought before God concerning his brothers. These are applicable to us today as well. Let’s focus on the first two requests today and the remaining four tomorrow.
First, Paul asked for the believers to understand God’s plan for their lives. Now, the Lord often does not reveal everything at once, but He gives seeking hearts enough information to trust and follow His way.
Second, the apostle prayed that the Colossian Christians would conduct themselves in a manner worthy of Christ and pleasing to Him; Paul longed to see their lives prove consistent with their true spiritual identity. A follower of Jesus is evident to other people because of lifestyle and spiritual fruit (Gal. 5:22-23).
One of the greatest gifts we can give is to lift a person in prayer. And there is no more powerful way to do this than to speak Scripture on his or her behalf. Colossians 1:9-14 is a beautiful example of a passage to pray as we bring loved ones and ourselves before God’s throne.
(via Rev. Dr. Charles Stanley)
Be Blessed!!!
Dawn
Monday, August 16, 2010
The Name with Power
"You shall not take the name of the Lord your
God in vain, for the Lord will not hold him guiltless
who takes His name in vain."
Exodus 20:7
Commandment number three of the Ten Commandments tells us not to take God's name in vain. The words "in vain" mean empty, idle, insincere, or frivolous. So to take God's name in vain means to say it in a way that is empty, idle, insincere, or frivolous. And one of the most obvious ways this is done is through the use of profanity.
We all have heard people use the name of Jesus to punctuate a point. I have even said to people who do this, "Be careful. He might answer you some time." Interestingly, I never hear the names of various religious leaders or so-called gurus being used when someone is angry or upset.
So why do people, including avowed atheists, use the name Jesus Christ in this way? I believe that in their hearts, they know there is power in that holy name. Sure, they are taking it in vain. They are violating the third commandment. But in a way, they are acknowledging the existence of God. Otherwise, why invoke the name of a God you don't believe in? Why say the name of a person you don't think ever existed? Why say His name? Because there is power in that name. And when you say it, people pay attention.
Philippians 2:9–11 reminds us, "Therefore God also has highly exalted Him and given Him the name which is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of those in heaven, and of those on earth, and of those under the earth, and that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father."
The name of Jesus has power. God wants us as His followers to never take His name in vain, but to honor it instead.
Be Blessed & Be A Blessing to One Another!
Dawn
Friday, August 13, 2010
God’s View of Mankind
Even in His sovereignty, God can only become involved in the affairs of mankind to the extent that we as free moral agents (having the ability to choose) submit to the authority of the Lordship of Christ and begin to pray and live the will of the Father in the Earth realm as laid out in scripture. Therefore, be ye imitators (followers) of GOD (Eph 5:1).
To understand the purposes and ways of the Lord, we need to comprehend His perspective of mankind. So often, we rely on our human viewpoint instead of trying to see ourselves through His eyes. All that He does on earth is guided by His care and love for the human race. Consider three elements of God’s perspective of humanity:
Created in God’s image. Of all the creatures that the Lord fashioned, only the man and woman were made in His image. They had a mind, will, and emotions as well as a spirit, which enabled them to worship and relate to God. Being sinless and perfect, they were destined to live forever in intimate relationship with their Creator.
Corrupted by Sin. But an act of disobedience broke their relationship with the Lord. The divine image was marred by sin, which infiltrated human nature and corrupted every person born thereafter. Mankind stood spiritually dead, without hope, and condemned before a holy God.
Worthy of Redemption. Yet the Lord considered them worthy of restoration. Through the redemptive work of His Son, all who believe in Jesus are made spiritually alive again, and the broken relationship between God and man is reconciled. One day—in heaven—sin will be no more, and a perfect environment will be reinstated.
Amidst life’s pace and trials, we easily lose sight of divine viewpoint. When we’re overwhelmed by criticism, trouble, or suffering, it’s vital to recognize our worth in the Lord’s eyes. That realization can energize our service and renew our love for the One who gave Himself to bring us back to God.
Be Blessed & Be A Blessing to One Another!
Dawn
To understand the purposes and ways of the Lord, we need to comprehend His perspective of mankind. So often, we rely on our human viewpoint instead of trying to see ourselves through His eyes. All that He does on earth is guided by His care and love for the human race. Consider three elements of God’s perspective of humanity:
Created in God’s image. Of all the creatures that the Lord fashioned, only the man and woman were made in His image. They had a mind, will, and emotions as well as a spirit, which enabled them to worship and relate to God. Being sinless and perfect, they were destined to live forever in intimate relationship with their Creator.
Corrupted by Sin. But an act of disobedience broke their relationship with the Lord. The divine image was marred by sin, which infiltrated human nature and corrupted every person born thereafter. Mankind stood spiritually dead, without hope, and condemned before a holy God.
Worthy of Redemption. Yet the Lord considered them worthy of restoration. Through the redemptive work of His Son, all who believe in Jesus are made spiritually alive again, and the broken relationship between God and man is reconciled. One day—in heaven—sin will be no more, and a perfect environment will be reinstated.
Amidst life’s pace and trials, we easily lose sight of divine viewpoint. When we’re overwhelmed by criticism, trouble, or suffering, it’s vital to recognize our worth in the Lord’s eyes. That realization can energize our service and renew our love for the One who gave Himself to bring us back to God.
Be Blessed & Be A Blessing to One Another!
Dawn
Thursday, August 12, 2010
The Key to Life’s Good Things
1) I will praise the Lord at all times. I will constantly speak his praises.
2) I will boast only in the Lord; let all who are helpless take heart.
3) Come, let us tell of the Lord’s greatness; let us exalt his name together.
4) I prayed to the Lord, and he answered me. He freed me from all my fears.
5) Those who look to him for help will be radiant with joy; no shadow of shame will darken their faces.
6) In my desperation I prayed, and the Lord listened; he saved me from all my troubles.
7) For the angel of the Lord is a guard; he surrounds and defends all who fear him.
8) Taste and see that the Lord is good. Oh, the joys of those who take refuge in him!
9) Fear the Lord, you his godly people, for those who fear him will have all they need.
10) Even strong young lions sometimes go hungry,
but those who trust in the Lord will lack no good thing. Psalm 34:1:10
Most men and women desire “the good life,” which they picture as a measure of material success, a minimum of troubles, and a degree of happiness. To achieve this dream, some people live simply in a quiet setting, while others work long and hard to amass financial security. Yet, satisfaction and contentment remain elusive for many. That’s because the real key to the good life is to seek hard after our heavenly Father.
In pursuing the Lord, we are to have a relationship-oriented goal—that is, to grow in intimacy with Him. Increasing our knowledge and understanding of His character will deepen our connection to Him.
As we study God’s Word, His Holy Spirit will open our minds and hearts so that we can comprehend the Lord’s beauty and perfection. That will lead to our rejoicing over His kind, compassionate nature and the depth of His love for us (Eph. 3:17-19). Our minds will be in awe of His just and merciful character that enables Him to be both a righteous judge and our all-sufficient advocate (Job 16:19).
The better we know the Lord, the closer we will want to draw near. What’s more, studying His commands and implementing them in our life will also strengthen our relationship with the Creator.
The key to the abundant life is found in pursuing God. He wants us to know Him in increasing measure, give Him first place in our lives, and do what pleases Him. Then He will give us the good things of life—namely, everything that fits into His plan and purpose for us.
Be Blessed!
Dawn
2) I will boast only in the Lord; let all who are helpless take heart.
3) Come, let us tell of the Lord’s greatness; let us exalt his name together.
4) I prayed to the Lord, and he answered me. He freed me from all my fears.
5) Those who look to him for help will be radiant with joy; no shadow of shame will darken their faces.
6) In my desperation I prayed, and the Lord listened; he saved me from all my troubles.
7) For the angel of the Lord is a guard; he surrounds and defends all who fear him.
8) Taste and see that the Lord is good. Oh, the joys of those who take refuge in him!
9) Fear the Lord, you his godly people, for those who fear him will have all they need.
10) Even strong young lions sometimes go hungry,
but those who trust in the Lord will lack no good thing. Psalm 34:1:10
Most men and women desire “the good life,” which they picture as a measure of material success, a minimum of troubles, and a degree of happiness. To achieve this dream, some people live simply in a quiet setting, while others work long and hard to amass financial security. Yet, satisfaction and contentment remain elusive for many. That’s because the real key to the good life is to seek hard after our heavenly Father.
In pursuing the Lord, we are to have a relationship-oriented goal—that is, to grow in intimacy with Him. Increasing our knowledge and understanding of His character will deepen our connection to Him.
As we study God’s Word, His Holy Spirit will open our minds and hearts so that we can comprehend the Lord’s beauty and perfection. That will lead to our rejoicing over His kind, compassionate nature and the depth of His love for us (Eph. 3:17-19). Our minds will be in awe of His just and merciful character that enables Him to be both a righteous judge and our all-sufficient advocate (Job 16:19).
The better we know the Lord, the closer we will want to draw near. What’s more, studying His commands and implementing them in our life will also strengthen our relationship with the Creator.
The key to the abundant life is found in pursuing God. He wants us to know Him in increasing measure, give Him first place in our lives, and do what pleases Him. Then He will give us the good things of life—namely, everything that fits into His plan and purpose for us.
Be Blessed!
Dawn
Wednesday, August 11, 2010
Without Excuse
Obviously, the law applies to those to whom it was given, f
or its purpose is to keep people from having excuses,
and to show that the entire world is guilty before God.
Romans 3:19
The Bible tells the story of a man who came to Jesus and said, "Good Teacher, what must I do to inherit eternal life?" (Mark 10:17). Jesus said, "You know the commandments: 'You must not murder. You must not commit adultery. You must not steal. You must not testify falsely. You must not cheat anyone. Honor your father and mother' " (verse 19).
"I've obeyed all these commandments since I was young," the man replied. The Bible tells us that Jesus looked at this man and "felt genuine love for him" (verse 21). I wonder if Jesus laughed a little to himself. This man was arrogant. Identified as the rich young ruler, he was in a position of authority, but he was young. He had climbed the ladder quickly and was probably feeling very good about himself.
Jesus quoted the law not to justify this man, but to show him the truth. If he had been honest with Jesus, he would have said, "Oh, Lord, I have tried to keep these commandments, but I fall short, and that is why I am talking to You." But he didn't.
He failed to recognize that the commandments were not given to make us righteous; they were given to show us that we are not righteous. Romans 3:19 says, "Obviously, the law applies to those to whom it was given, for its purpose is to keep people from having excuses, and to show that the entire world is guilty before God."
The law is like a moral mirror. It shuts our mouths and opens our eyes. It condemns but does not convert. It challenges but does not change. It points the finger but can't give mercy. And it drives us to Jesus, who has the answer we are looking for.
Be Blessed!
Dawn
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
Posts
