I encourage you to read Acts 2. Until tomorrow....
There is always more to the Spirit filled life than we know. However, the more we know Him the greater operations of the Holy Spirit can be manifested through us. The secret is to get to know more of Him and allow Him to empty us of what is not like Jesus and be filled with what is like Jesus. The Holy Spirit will always lead us to Jesus and Jesus will always lead us to the Father and the three are one. When we are first filled with the Holy Spirit we may be timid or shy. We may be afraid of speaking what we hear. However as we become more aware of His presence in our lives and learn to trust His promptings we will be able to step out of fear and into faith. Before the infilling of the Holy Spirit Peter denied Jesus after the infilling of the Holy Spirit he became bold and preached the Gospel of Jesus Christ fearlessly. Today ask the Holy Spirit to move into your body. Ask Him to so fill you up that every thing that is not of Him would be pushed out. That fear of man would go, that doubt and unbelief would go. Whatever is keeping you from fulfilling your destiny in Christ Jesus must go. The Holy Spirit is a gift from God sent to us because of what Jesus did on the cross. If you are a child of God and have made Christ your Savior then the Holy Spirit will come into you and lead you, guide you, teach you, coach you and never leave you.
I encourage you to read Acts 2. Until tomorrow....
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John 3:6-6 Flesh gives birth to flesh, but the Spirit gives birth to spirit. 7 You should not be surprised at my saying, ‘You must be born again.’ 8 The wind blows wherever it pleases. You hear its sound, but you cannot tell where it comes from or where it is going. So it is with everyone born of the Spirit. " There is a story about a sunken ship that illustrates the quietness of the Spirit, but at the same time His Power in our lives. "Several years ago engineers building a new bridge over the East River in New York, discovered that the wrecked hull of a ship, sunk many years before, lay right where the center piers were to be built.
Powerful machinery was brought in to remove the ship, but it would not budge. Then one of the engineers had an unusual idea why not have the tide raise the ship!! Some strong cables were attached to the hull when the tide was low. The other ends were fastened to the barge above. As the tide came in, the barge gradually lifted the sunken ship. It was then towed out into the ocean and sunk at a spot that would not cause future problems." God’s Holy Spirit is like the tide, He comes quietly, He comes in slowly, but He comes to us with enough power so that we might do the job God has called and led each of us to do. There is a power, a force and for many an untapped force in each of our lives, that is the Holy Spirit. Many times it is not dramatic, it does not cause us to do dramatic things, but it is there to give us the power to live the kind of lives, to be the kind of people that God intended us to be. The nature of this Spirit empowers us to live our lives pointing to Christ. This kind of life God intends for us to live a life that points not to us, not to our accomplishments, but to the Lord of Life, Jesus Christ. The Holy Spirit works with our spirit so that we might experience the righteousness of Christ in our lives. It is this Spirit that convicts us of our sins, shows us that we really aren’t as good as we think we are and then in that realization, we fall on our knees at the foot of the cross begging for Christ’s mercy, and it is that same Spirit who comes with that mercy, with the righteousness of God and washes away our sins. If you are having trouble living for Christ a life that points others to Christ ask God for more of the Holy Spirit. Ask God to help you live attached to Him that you would not be an obstacle to what God is doing. "Sometimes I feel powerless." Have you ever said that? There are situations in which we find ourselves that we are utterly helpless. I have felt helpless at the scene of an accident, helpless when I am around a sick child or adult, helpless when someone has lost someone or something that is valuable to them. I could name hundreds of situations and you would agree with me that they appear beyond our power--and you are right; they are beyond our power. However, the worst situation we can think of is never beyond the power of God. Lazarus was dead but it was not beyond the power of Jesus. The Red Sea was uncrossable but that was not a problem for God. And the great thing is, it is never beyond the power of the Holy Spirit either, and He can live inside every born again believer if they will but desire, and ask, to be filled with His presence. The power of God’s Spirit came to earth on Pentecost.
Power can be used in at least two ways: it can be unleashed, or it can be harnessed. The energy in ten gallons of gasoline, for instance, can be released explosively by dropping a lighted match into the can. Or it can be channeled through the engine of a Toyota in a controlled burn and used to transport a person 300 miles. Explosions are spectacular, but controlled burns have lasting effect, staying power. The Holy Spirit works both ways. At Pentecost, he exploded on the scene; His presence was like "tongues of fire" (Acts 2:3). Thousands were affected by one burst of God’s power. But He also works through the church, the institution God began to tap in the Holy Spirit’s power for the long haul. Through worship, fellowship, and service, Christians are provided with staying power, long haul power. You do not have to be powerless regardless of the situation you may find yourself. The Holy Spirit is there to help. Today call upon Him. Call upon His wisdom and power. Jesus sent Him to be all that you are in need of for yourself and for others. Today is a time to seek the Lord!
There is a right time for everything: A time to be born; A time to die; A time to plant; A time to harvest; A time to kill; A time to heal; A time to destroy; A time to rebuild; A time to cry; A time to laugh; A time to grieve; A time to dance; A time for scattering stones; A time for gathering stones; A time to hug; A time not to hug; A time to find; A time to lose; A time for keeping; A time for throwing away; A time to tear; A time to repair; A time to be quiet; A time to speak up; A time for loving; A time for hating; A time for war; A time for peace. Ecclesiastes 3:1-8 1 Corinthians 3:16 "Do you not know that you are a temple of God and that the Spirit of God dwells in you?" 1 Corinthians 6:19 Or do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit who is in you, whom you have from God, and that you are not your own? " The Spirit of God is not something we should fear, nor something we should ignore, but the Holy Spirit is God’s presence in this world. The Holy Spirit was sent by Jesus to live on the inside of us.
It is the same presence that was moving over the face of the earth when God created this world in which we live. The Spirit that hovered over the earth now abides within us that have asked Jesus into our hearts and have received Him, the Holy Spirit to dwell within us. It is that same presence that took the form of a baby born in a manager in Bethlehem, it is the same spirit of God that walked the earth for 33 years, teaching, healing, proclaiming the love of God for all people. And now, today, it is that same spirit that is with us, it is God’s spirit alive and well on this earth, working through His people, the Church, to bring His love into the brokenness of this world. The source of the Holy Spirit is God. We believe in the Trinity, God the father who creates, God the Son who redeems and God the Holy Spirit, who gathers, calls, enlightens, and sanctifies or makes His people holy. Today do not fear the Holy Spirit. He is a gentleman and the third person of the Trinity and He desires to lead, guide, teach, mentor, coach, come along side and show you the Father. Accept Him into your heart today and see what life is like in the Holy Spirit. You will never be the same. 1 Corinthians 1:10 (NIV) "I appeal to you, brothers and sisters, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that all of you agree with one another in what you say and that there be no divisions among you, but that you be perfectly united in mind and thought." We’ve got to see from the Upper Room a place of Unity!!!! In that place we will get something that will bring change! If just a hundred and twenty people will be in unity with God, He can do something that’s never been done before. That something that has never been done before has lasted over 2,000 years and changed the world.
Pentecost also has to do with constitution, the way you and I live. The power of agreement! The power of unity. DON’T LET ANYONE COME AGAINST YOUR AGREEMENT. That is a spirit of the anti-christ. You know how many were probably talked out of going to the Upper Room? Even in America we can see the power of unity. Just look at our last presidential election. It took unity to build and establish this nation and it will take unity to build the Kingdom of God. On July 4, 1776, the members of the Continental Congress meeting in Philadelphia signed the Declaration of Independence. With this action, the American Revolution was launched and a new nation was born. It is ironic that on that very day George III, King of England, made this entry in his diary: "Nothing of any importance happened today." Today many feel the Holy Spirit is of no importance but in reality it is the power to live a life full of the power over sin and self, the power to say "yes" to God, and "no" to sin. On the day of Pentecost, in the year A.D. 30, one hundred and twenty followers of a man named Jesus were gathered together in Jerusalem. Suddenly the Spirit of God filled each one of them and marked them with tongues of fire. They were never the same after that experience. They were bold. They were no longer self-preserving but self-sacrificing. On that day the Church was born! Pentecost was a yearly festival celebrated at the time of harvest. The 10 commandments were given on Pentecost. Proverbs 7:2 “Keep my commands and live, and my law as the apple of your eye.” Those commandments are about how to treat God and how to treat others. As the word of God is worked out in your life it shows. The first five commandments are in our relationship with God vertically, then next five commandments are with others horizontally. My relationship up...shows out!!!! Unity with God shows in unity with others. If you are having difficulty in your relationship with others, try coming into greater obedience, and unity with God. Being filled with the Holy Spirit will bring greater power into your life. John 14: 16-17, 25-27 16 I will pray to the Father, and he will give you another Counselor, that he may be with you forever, 17 the Spirit of truth, whom the world can’t receive; for it doesn’t see him, neither knows him. You know him, for he lives with you, and will be in you. 25 I have said these things to you, while still living with you. 26 But the Counselor, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, he will teach you all things, and bring to your memory all that I said to you. 27 Peace I leave with you. My peace I give to you; not as the world gives, give I to you. Don’t let your heart be troubled, neither let it be fearful. My chosen Daily Devotion material for this year includes Sparkling Gems II by Rick Renner. He has devoted the entire month of June to talking about the Holy Spirit. I have never heard anyone refer to the Holy Spirit as a coach until this month. In this Blog I to teach you as I am learning. If you do not have a Daily Devotion Time everyday may I suggest you begin one. I would highly suggest this book as it is loaded with interesting word studies, history and personal experiences of Rick and his wife and family.
The word "Counselor or Comforter) in the above text is the word parakletos this word perfectly describes Jesus' role toward His disciples during the three years He walked this earth with His chosen twelve. Jesus taught them, then He encouraged, and corrected them. Think about this for a moment. I just purchased a new bike. The expert I spoke with during the purchase has been in business for years. He knew where I needed my seat and explained why it needed to be in that position, then he had me try it out. He told me where to place my feet on the pedal and again the "why". Jesus taught those disciples how to cast out demons, how to heal the sick, how to deal with religious leaders. Then He gave them authority. He imparted to them the message they preach, and even how to handle money in Mat. 10:5-14. They watched Him do everything and then He watched them do everything and then they discussed it. Isn't that what a great coach does. They set you up to win! When you and I are filled with the Holy Spirit we have a Coach living on the inside of us that wants to teach us everything we need to know. He has all the answers we need even before we ask the question. A coach teaches, advises, corrects, instructs, trains, tutors, guides, directs, and prepares you for an upcoming assignment. Isn't that Good News? And what if we don't hit that note, we miss that ball, we forget our lines? Well, like any other coach in baseball, vocal coaching, an actor coach He help you to keep improving as you listen to His voice and hear His instructions; the same way Jesus listened to His Father before He did anything. The Holy Spirit is just waiting on us to ask Him. Acts 2:1 When the day of Pentecost came, they were all together in one place.2 Suddenly a sound like the blowing of a violent wind came from heaven and filled the whole house where they were sitting. 3 They saw what seemed to be tongues of fire that separated and came to rest on each of them. 4 All of them were filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues as the Spirit enabled them. 5 Now there were staying in Jerusalem God-fearing Jews from every nation under heaven. There are many facts about Pentecost such as why it is celebrated, and when it is celebrated, and events that coincide with the festival. But, I also found that though it came suddenly, there was a staying power about Pentecost. There was that immediate burst of flames and yet there was a slow burn that continues to burn inside of believers today.
The force that hit those first believers filled them with not just the Holy Spirit, with the evidence of tongues but, a boldness that enabled Peter to preach such a powerful sermon, that the very first time he preached he was empowered to get 3,000 saved....not bad for a first-timer right? Then there is a fullness that took place that day and continues still--has continued for over 2000 years. It is having the Holy Spirit and all His attributes alive on the inside of you. Wisdom lives on the inside of a believer that has been filled with the Holy Spirit. He is a teacher, a mentor, a coach, a parent, a friend, a miracle-worker, a revealer, a prophet, and many more. Having this fullness allows or enables a believer to say, "No to sin and yes to God". If you struggle with sin, and struggle knowing what to do with your life, or in life situations, I encourage you to stick with me for a few days as we "Blog" our way through some real applicable information, and perhaps even an impartation; as I share with you what I learned about, (My Best Friend). Make a great day! Don't know how? Ask the Holy Spirit to guide you and help you. He waiting for you to simply ask. Isaiah 43:19 (NIV) "See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the wilderness and streams in the wasteland." The light came on when I got out of my field into an unknown field. I can't even drawl a stick figure, let alone paint a picture. But...paint a picture I did! It was fun. It was a new challenge. I was in the student seat instead of the teacher seat and I learned so much. So, go try something new today. You may find you have talents and abilities that you never knew you had. I found that God can give us grace above our own abilities.
In the same way if you have a problem or obstacle in your life ask God for wisdom and He may have you try something you've never tried before. Who knows what will happen? You might paint a beautiful picture. Today i declare this a day of rest, recovery and study so that I can better serve and share with you. I may look like I am doing nothing but I'm moving my spiritual feet! Ecclesiastes 3King James Version (KJV)3 To every thing there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven:
2 A time to be born, and a time to die; a time to plant, and a time to pluck up that which is planted; 3 A time to kill, and a time to heal; a time to break down, and a time to build up; 4 A time to weep, and a time to laugh; a time to mourn, and a time to dance; 5 A time to cast away stones, and a time to gather stones together; a time to embrace, and a time to refrain from embracing; 6 A time to get, and a time to lose; a time to keep, and a time to cast away; 7 A time to rend, and a time to sew; a time to keep silence, and a time to speak; 8 A time to love, and a time to hate; a time of war, and a time of peace. 9 What profit hath he that worketh in that wherein he laboureth? 10 I have seen the travail, which God hath given to the sons of men to be exercised in it. 11 He hath made every thing beautiful in his time: also he hath set the world in their heart, so that no man can find out the work that God maketh from the beginning to the end. 12 I know that there is no good in them, but for a man to rejoice, and to do good in his life. 13 And also that every man should eat and drink, and enjoy the good of all his labour, it is the gift of God. 14 I know that, whatsoever God doeth, it shall be for ever: nothing can be put to it, nor any thing taken from it: and God doeth it, that men should fear before him. 15 That which hath been is now; and that which is to be hath already been; and God requireth that which is past. 16 And moreover I saw under the sun the place of judgment, that wickedness was there; and the place of righteousness, that iniquity was there. 17 I said in mine heart, God shall judge the righteous and the wicked: for there is a time there for every purpose and for every work. 18 I said in mine heart concerning the estate of the sons of men, that God might manifest them, and that they might see that they themselves are beasts. 19 For that which befalleth the sons of men befalleth beasts; even one thing befalleth them: as the one dieth, so dieth the other; yea, they have all one breath; so that a man hath no preeminence above a beast: for all is vanity. 20 All go unto one place; all are of the dust, and all turn to dust again. 21 Who knoweth the spirit of man that goeth upward, and the spirit of the beast that goeth downward to the earth? 22 Wherefore I perceive that there is nothing better, than that a man should rejoice in his own works; for that is his portion: for who shall bring him to see what shall be after him? King James Version (KJV) |
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AuthorRena Perozich is a wife, mother, nonna, mentor, author, and encourager. Her life's purpose is to become all God has called her to be and to encourage others to do the same. Learn more. Categories |