Friday, October 14, 2011

The Holy Spirit Constrains



God can close the door on our dreams,
if those things are not in His plans for us.
 



“Paul and his companions traveled throughout

the region of Phrygia and Galatia, having been

kept by the Holy Spirit from preaching the word

in the province of Asia.” Acts 16: 6-7 (NIV)



From time to time in my Christian walk, I have wanted to do something that I couldn’t.

*Maybe the time wasn’t right.

*I wasn’t really gifted in that area.

*God had other plans for me.



Reflecting on a few of those times, I realize if I had been allowed to do them, I would have been grieving the Holy Spirit. My life would not be what it is today.

It seems Paul and his companions had wanted to go into Asia. But God closed the door on their plan.

Several years ago, a close friend asked me to pray about the possibility of her and another lady starting a business together. I took the need before God; I prayed several weeks for this. I asked my friend about their decision. She told me, “It’s not going to happen.” I felt led to not pursue the topic. My friend had received her answer.

Since that time, this friend has had several illnesses in her family. For over a year now, she has watched over her sister who had two strokes and is in a nursing home. In years past, her husband went through two medical crises. Her sister’s late husband developed Cancer twice.

Several years ago, she worked for a small business in our area of town. The owner suffered a stroke. My friend, with the help of her husband, and another employee ran that business until their boss and his wife could get back to the running of it.

God had other plans for her. Had she started that business as she thought, she wouldn’t have been able to be there for her family.

In everything she does, she stands for God. Even though He constrained her that many years ago, Holy Spirit works through her.

Wednesday, October 12, 2011

John Speaks Of The Holy Spirit


John Baptizing Jesus.



“I baptize you with water for repentance,

but after me will come one who is more

powerful than I, whose sandals I am not

fit to carry. He will baptize you with the

Holy Spirit and with fire.”

Matthew 3:11 (NIV)



John the Baptist spoke to the crowd of Pharisees and Sadducees. His words prophesied the importance of the One who would come after him, the Christ.

He tells those listening that Jesus is more powerful than he. John speaks for us all in this statement. We can not compare ourselves to Christ at all. We belong to Him because of His grace.

More importantly, Jesus gave us the Holy Spirit to guide our lives until He comes again to rule the earth.

Jesus told the disciples He would send a Counselor to them. (John 16:7) He continues by speaking of what this Counselor will do. (John 16:13)

How often have we not allowed the Spirit of Truth to work out things in our lives?

When have we not followed His leading?

Why are we so disobedient?

What can we do to correct this pattern in our lives?



Dear God:

Thank you for sending the Holy Spirit into our lives. Please forgive us when we don’t heed Him. We ask that You guide us to a better knowledge of Your Spirit in order that others may see You in us. We give you all the praise. In the name of Jesus, we pray. AMEN

Monday, October 10, 2011

Evidence Of The Holy Spirit


A kind, strong, helping hand
 “Flesh gives birth to flesh, but the spirit gives birth to the spirit.

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.” John 3:6, 8 (NIV)



Just as we don’t see the actual wind but the effects of it, we don’t see the Holy Spirit. We experience His working.

We notice a person’s peaceful demeanor when we are around them. They share in another’s joy. We see their loving concern when they inquire about someone’s need or that person’s health.

They wait patiently for answers to prayer and outcomes in their lives and in the lives of others.

The person who possesses the Holy Spirit displays gentleness and is faithful to his or her word. He or she always uses kind words when speaking of others.When that person is dealing with difficult issues in his or her life, he or she has their emotions under control.

All these qualities we see in others’ life are only present because of the Holy Spirit working in their lives. When someone possesses these qualities, they don’t have to say they are a Christian. Their attitude and conduct speaks for them.



Dear God:

Thank You for placing the Holy Spirit in our hearts. Thank You for letting Him change us into who You want us to be. Please guide us as we walk the Christian path that we may do all things to please You. In the name of Christ, we pray. AMEN

God Alone

  Jesus and the children at our church's prayer walk.          I will both lie down in peace and sleep;  For You alone, O LORD make ...