Some have said I have quite the character! How about yourself? What can you say about your character?
I know that as the years pass my character changes. Some of those changes as to do with my age and experience. But I also know that many of those changes occur because of the wonder working power of the Holy Spirit.
But when the Holy Spirit controls our lives, he will produce this kind of fruit in us: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness. (Galatians 5:22 NLT)
The Bible describes the fruit of the Spirit but in and of themselves fruit is not the power of the Spirit. The fruit is the outward manifestation to an inward working of the Holy Spirit. What I am saying here is that the fruit is no more than the serendipity of the power working within us. The fruit is no more supernatural than a fig is on a tree. So the fruit is not the super natural act itself. it is the result of a supernatural working and yielding on our part to change.
Some unbelievers naturally appear to possess some of the fruit of the Spirit. I said it appears because it does not mean it is the Holy Spirit working in them. It is their nature. When the Holy Spirit bears fruit within you, you do not have any control over it. You just are!
An example from my own life would be the time I was slain in the spirit. Oh yeah, the Spirit of God was so strong He laid me out on the floor. It was as if I were in another world; not even conscience of the present. Before May of 1991, I cussed like a drunken sailor. When I finally arose from the floor, that cursing was totally taken away from me. I did not have to fake it, practice speaking with proper language by using self-control. It was supernaturally gone!
When Saul was struck off his horse it was the power of the Holy Spirit. He had an encounter with God that changed his character. No longer Saul, a murderer, but Paul, a man who was filled with the Holy Spirit, listening and teaching the Gospel of the risen Christ as he went.
First came the power from an infilling of the Holy Spirit and then came the change or fruit.
As Christians following Christ, we are in need of the power of the Holy Spirit in our lives. He has the supernatural power to heal, deliver, and to cause us to become the person the Father has created us to become. We can no longer live without the power of the Holy Spirit in our lives. If we are, we are faking it, people. We cannot force ourselves to change, or intellectually work our way to heaven. We are to be broken before Him, recognizing our feeble minds, bodies, and souls. We are so limited in who we are in the natural while there is no limit with the power of the Holy Spirit within.
Today, I pray we all get a touch from the Holy Spirit. Not an old touch, but a new exciting touch, a lightening bold touch of power striking us right where we are to change us into a life bearing fruit tree. Fruit that changes our character, with power to mold us into gospel witnesses throughout our world.
Monday, July 26, 2010
Monday, July 19, 2010
We are Free!
So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed. John 8:36
We are Free
No longer are we slaves to our old lives of sin.
We are Free
No longer bound to the customs and doctrine of man.
We are Free
To worship-live according to the written Word of God.
Where the Spirit of the Lord is there is freedom 2 Corinthians 13:7
Have you ever examined a snowflake? Not one of them are alike-not one. That is how we are made-uniquely made and fashioned, not one of us are alike. Made in His image and likeness to fulfill a divine purpose in God's creation.
When that miraculous day in my life took place I was set free. Free from a life long illness, Free from religious doctrine, and Free from mans expectations. I was freed to explore and experience the ways of God-Free to participate in His glory and Free to express my faith in my unique fashion.
If I read it in the Bible, I was eager to see and experience it in my life. With God all things are possible! When I was in the company of believers or non-believers the Lord set me free to flow and be "Me" in Christ with all I come in contact with.
I have come to an understanding that I am who I am in Christ and others will be set free because of who I am. As I walk-talk and live my life according to His will and His pro9ding I become a forging light for others to come and follow Him as well.
Today I pray that you all experiment and experience God's presence, leading and prodding in your life. By doing so your Faith shall grow stronger and your "Joy" will be full.
Are you called to sing a spontaneous song? Then sing one!
Are you called to lay hands on the sick and see them recover? Then do so!
Are you prodded to give an edifying and encouraging Word of the Lord? Then give one!
Are you called-have a burning desire to set the captives free? Then begin to do so!
Are you called-awakened in the middle of the night to pray (intercede) for someone. Then begin as the Lord awakens you!
Whatever it is, you are unique, you are free to express who you are in Christ Jesus, where ever you find yourself, may the Holy Spirit be your guide and may He receive the glory.
We are Free
No longer are we slaves to our old lives of sin.
We are Free
No longer bound to the customs and doctrine of man.
We are Free
To worship-live according to the written Word of God.
Where the Spirit of the Lord is there is freedom 2 Corinthians 13:7
Have you ever examined a snowflake? Not one of them are alike-not one. That is how we are made-uniquely made and fashioned, not one of us are alike. Made in His image and likeness to fulfill a divine purpose in God's creation.
When that miraculous day in my life took place I was set free. Free from a life long illness, Free from religious doctrine, and Free from mans expectations. I was freed to explore and experience the ways of God-Free to participate in His glory and Free to express my faith in my unique fashion.
If I read it in the Bible, I was eager to see and experience it in my life. With God all things are possible! When I was in the company of believers or non-believers the Lord set me free to flow and be "Me" in Christ with all I come in contact with.
I have come to an understanding that I am who I am in Christ and others will be set free because of who I am. As I walk-talk and live my life according to His will and His pro9ding I become a forging light for others to come and follow Him as well.
Today I pray that you all experiment and experience God's presence, leading and prodding in your life. By doing so your Faith shall grow stronger and your "Joy" will be full.
Are you called to sing a spontaneous song? Then sing one!
Are you called to lay hands on the sick and see them recover? Then do so!
Are you prodded to give an edifying and encouraging Word of the Lord? Then give one!
Are you called-have a burning desire to set the captives free? Then begin to do so!
Are you called-awakened in the middle of the night to pray (intercede) for someone. Then begin as the Lord awakens you!
Whatever it is, you are unique, you are free to express who you are in Christ Jesus, where ever you find yourself, may the Holy Spirit be your guide and may He receive the glory.
Monday, July 12, 2010
I Did It!
I actually did something I have never done before! You might be waiting for some extraordinary accomplishment. Well, I killed a fly with my hands while it was in flight. So there, you can never say you cannot teach an old dog new tricks!
Well, that event got me thinking about how all things are new in Christ Jesus. Yup, you can say that you are a new person now that you have accepted Jesus as your Lord and Savior. We are new creature of infinite worth because of Christ's redemptive blood.
Deuteronomy 7:8
It was because the LORD loved you and kept the oath he swore to your forefathers that he brought you out with a mighty hand and redeemed you from the land of slavery, from the power of Pharaoh king of Egypt.
Not only that but we are received by His deep love for us. Man He loves me so deeply that my mind cannot understand why yet I can reach out and almost touch His love for me.
Matthew 26:28
This is my blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many for the forgiveness of sins.
And we are forgiven. I am completely forgiven! We are forgiven for every grievous offence and minor trouble that we have ever committed. Sometimes it is me-I cannot forgive myself so I hang onto guilt and shame.
Song of Solomon 7:6
How beautiful you are and how pleasing, O love, with your delights!
How about this? We are fully pleasing to our God, our Father in heaven. He looks upon us with eyes of love admiring us as we give Him the glory and praise. Those eyes of love are upon us as we sit and read, as we play with our children's children, and even while we sleep. He looks upon us with dreamingly eyes knowing that we are His own.
Acts 15:8
God, who knows the heart, showed that he accepted them by giving the Holy Spirit to them, just as he did to us.
We are accepted, totally and completely accepted by God our creator. No matter how we speak, how we react to situations, He totally accepts you and I just the way we are. The good, the bad and the ugly! That is so freeing to me I can hardly stand myself. He loves me. Yes He does and I do not have to do anything to prove myself or make myself someone I am not. Neither do you. Just be you! You are accepted. To prove this He has given us the Holy Spirit to call upon. He is the one ready and willing to bring forth the righteous we are in Christ.
In Christ Jesus, we are totally complete. There is nothing else we need to add to ourselves. We are full of His wisdom, knowledge and full of His love and power. We are perfect in every way.
So what are we waiting for? Waiting for the flesh to catch up to our spirit man? Waiting for us to know more? Today I say if we do not begin to walk out in Christ right now we will be left behind. Behind in all those extravagant things He has pre-destined us to do and accomplish in His Son Jesus' name.
Well, that event got me thinking about how all things are new in Christ Jesus. Yup, you can say that you are a new person now that you have accepted Jesus as your Lord and Savior. We are new creature of infinite worth because of Christ's redemptive blood.
Deuteronomy 7:8
It was because the LORD loved you and kept the oath he swore to your forefathers that he brought you out with a mighty hand and redeemed you from the land of slavery, from the power of Pharaoh king of Egypt.
Not only that but we are received by His deep love for us. Man He loves me so deeply that my mind cannot understand why yet I can reach out and almost touch His love for me.
Matthew 26:28
This is my blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many for the forgiveness of sins.
And we are forgiven. I am completely forgiven! We are forgiven for every grievous offence and minor trouble that we have ever committed. Sometimes it is me-I cannot forgive myself so I hang onto guilt and shame.
Song of Solomon 7:6
How beautiful you are and how pleasing, O love, with your delights!
How about this? We are fully pleasing to our God, our Father in heaven. He looks upon us with eyes of love admiring us as we give Him the glory and praise. Those eyes of love are upon us as we sit and read, as we play with our children's children, and even while we sleep. He looks upon us with dreamingly eyes knowing that we are His own.
Acts 15:8
God, who knows the heart, showed that he accepted them by giving the Holy Spirit to them, just as he did to us.
We are accepted, totally and completely accepted by God our creator. No matter how we speak, how we react to situations, He totally accepts you and I just the way we are. The good, the bad and the ugly! That is so freeing to me I can hardly stand myself. He loves me. Yes He does and I do not have to do anything to prove myself or make myself someone I am not. Neither do you. Just be you! You are accepted. To prove this He has given us the Holy Spirit to call upon. He is the one ready and willing to bring forth the righteous we are in Christ.
In Christ Jesus, we are totally complete. There is nothing else we need to add to ourselves. We are full of His wisdom, knowledge and full of His love and power. We are perfect in every way.
So what are we waiting for? Waiting for the flesh to catch up to our spirit man? Waiting for us to know more? Today I say if we do not begin to walk out in Christ right now we will be left behind. Behind in all those extravagant things He has pre-destined us to do and accomplish in His Son Jesus' name.
Monday, July 5, 2010
As Easy As One, Two, Three
It's a piece of cake
Walk in the park
No sweat
I am sure these one-liners bring something to your remembrance. They certainly do that for me.
It's a piece of cake! I remember that being spoken by my accounting professor at Bryant College years ago. But when he referred to that saying I knew I was not in for a "sweet treat!" For me that one liner was associated with an accounting stumbling block.
Then of course "Walk in the park" sent me on a daydream path of peace admiring the beautifully scented flower beds, the chirping of birds, and the sound of a babbling brook. No place to go and nothing to be accomplished except to observe and enjoy the God created surroundings.
Last but not least is the famous saying "No Sweat" that usually was accompanied by, "Mom, I got it covered!" Knowing my growing teenage boys back then that usually meant I should pay close attention and be ready to pitch in at any time.
Today, the Spirit of God has been giving me a new understanding of walking with and being obedient to Him. And I know that you as well as I just love and live for the Lord. How can we not?-For He so dearly loves us so. Since the beginning of our existence He has called us His own, calling us his beloved, children, friend, and now His Bride!
So for me I know living a life with the Holy Spirit is a "piece of cake" and sweeter than any triple chocolate cake I could ever sink my teeth into. A sweet taste of the Holy Spirit's leadings and teachings keeps me thirsty and obsessed for more.
We can just live in the eye of the storm. It is a place of serenity and peace where the Son of God is revealed; a retreat to the inner secrets of God Himself.
Yes, it all happens in the course of our daily lives. No Sweat! Remain humble in His sight knowing all strength, wisdom, love, and power is doled out from above. Matter of fact, the Holy Spirit is waiting for us now so that He can lavish us with gifts beyond our imagination. That way of life is awaiting us so that we can live at peace where there is no peace. It is that place in Christ Jesus where we are righteous and holy. Let us go up to the mountain and live in the spirit today and every day for the rest of our lives!
We can do that because it is not by our power or our might but by HIS strength says the Lord our God.
Walk in the park
No sweat
I am sure these one-liners bring something to your remembrance. They certainly do that for me.
It's a piece of cake! I remember that being spoken by my accounting professor at Bryant College years ago. But when he referred to that saying I knew I was not in for a "sweet treat!" For me that one liner was associated with an accounting stumbling block.
Then of course "Walk in the park" sent me on a daydream path of peace admiring the beautifully scented flower beds, the chirping of birds, and the sound of a babbling brook. No place to go and nothing to be accomplished except to observe and enjoy the God created surroundings.
Last but not least is the famous saying "No Sweat" that usually was accompanied by, "Mom, I got it covered!" Knowing my growing teenage boys back then that usually meant I should pay close attention and be ready to pitch in at any time.
Today, the Spirit of God has been giving me a new understanding of walking with and being obedient to Him. And I know that you as well as I just love and live for the Lord. How can we not?-For He so dearly loves us so. Since the beginning of our existence He has called us His own, calling us his beloved, children, friend, and now His Bride!
So for me I know living a life with the Holy Spirit is a "piece of cake" and sweeter than any triple chocolate cake I could ever sink my teeth into. A sweet taste of the Holy Spirit's leadings and teachings keeps me thirsty and obsessed for more.
We can just live in the eye of the storm. It is a place of serenity and peace where the Son of God is revealed; a retreat to the inner secrets of God Himself.
Yes, it all happens in the course of our daily lives. No Sweat! Remain humble in His sight knowing all strength, wisdom, love, and power is doled out from above. Matter of fact, the Holy Spirit is waiting for us now so that He can lavish us with gifts beyond our imagination. That way of life is awaiting us so that we can live at peace where there is no peace. It is that place in Christ Jesus where we are righteous and holy. Let us go up to the mountain and live in the spirit today and every day for the rest of our lives!
We can do that because it is not by our power or our might but by HIS strength says the Lord our God.
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