Spiritual Children

When we speak of children, we generally are thinking about people who are physically young and immature. They have much to learn about so many things in life. It is clear from working with children, that they learn by repetition. Children and adults learn similarly in this respect. Some experts advise that adults repeating the name of a person you just meet 7 times, verbally will help them not forget those new names. Although actions of children are more perceptible, have you ever observed how people who are repeatedly taught a series of new or different facts about a new topic and seem to lack comprehension until one day, the “Aha moment” arrives and they have realization of the data repeatedly presented and begin to understand most of the concept. Gaining understanding in the spiritual realm is similar to this at times. We read and study the Bible, then pray, but the clear comprehension just escapes our minds. Then one day, as we read or reflect on a topic and it begins to make more sense. Jesus enjoys the times people are trying to learn about Him; He and had encouraging words regarding children. He once demonstrated this, “People were bringing little children to Jesus for him to place his hands on them, but the disciples rebuked them. When Jesus saw this, he was indignant. He said to them, ‘Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these. Truly I tell you, anyone who will not receive the kingdom of God like a little child will never enter it.’ And he took the children in his arms, placed his hands on them and blessed them.” - (Mk. 10:13-16).

Children usually accept they have much to learn and try very hard as they are motivated and encouraged. This is good since Isaiah says there is a time when children should be responsible to a degree for their decisions, “By the time this child is old enough to choose what is right and reject what is wrong, he will be eating yogurt and honey,” (Isa. 7:15). People usually easily forgive children for their mistakes because they realize there are many things the children do not yet know and children learn best by mistakes made; there are many mistakes they have not yet made. The best learning arena for children is a place where they can learn from their mistakes, but the mistakes they are allowed to make are not harmful to their physical or mental health. As children grow older and their arena for protected mistakes expands to a point where suitable protection is no longer in place and they must depend on their earlier experiences to guide further decisions. As people become adults they move through the periods of social law to a point when there are few limits to their actions without life changing results or severe penalties for actions from poor judgment. People are expected to gain knowledge and apply it to their physical life practices in the physical world; this observation can also be applied to our spiritual lives. All who come to accept the gift Jesus offers begin like children when we begin to learn about what Jesus wants for us. When we become adults, the life arena becomes much larger with greater availability to make good decisions and succeed and praise God or bad decisions that disappoint the indwelling Holy Spirit. There is also a progression to greater understanding of God. We must first believe He exists. Once this happens, the Holy Spirit can begin to put things in our pathway that allows greater understanding, leading to a decision to follow Jesus. When we make the decision to have faith in Jesus’ work and become a Christian, we are given the gift of the indwelling Holy Spirit. At this time God lives within us and provides greater understanding of God’s ways. Those who have been Christians longer need to offer both encouragement, and expect mistakes as the infants in Christ learn, but we are expected to try and learn. Peter states the goal very clearly, “Like newborn babies, crave pure spiritual milk, so that by it you may grow up in your salvation, now that you have tasted that the Lord is good.” (1Pet. 2:2-3). Paul addressed an opportunity for growth with the Corinthians, “Brothers, I could not address you as spiritual but as worldly -- mere infants in Christ. I gave you milk, not solid food, for you were not yet ready for it. Indeed, you are still not ready.  You are still worldly.  For since there is jealousy and quarreling among you, are you not worldly?  Are you not acting like mere men? For when one says, "I follow Paul," and another, "I follow Apollos," are you not mere men?" - 1Cor. 3:1-5 (NIV).  This is but one of many opportunities the family at Corinth had to learn. Let us who are expected to be more mature in Christ understand that there may be many opportunities for us to continue learning more about what Jesus wants for us and others. As we move along our unique individual spiritual journeys, let us provide a safe arena for grace and forgiveness for mistakes made while attempting to grow as the Holy Spirit leads each person according to His words in scripture. 

Companion

Sometimes men and women look outside their long-term relationships for something different. They become tired of a person who has known me them so long that much of the mystery is depleted. When they look around for another person who doesn’t know so many of their faults, they can seem like a different person. A difficulty is that when the new person begins to know many of the idiosyncrasies that make a person unique, they may choose to exit the new relationship. Such hopscotch behavior leaves people denying what they need most is a friend who will remain with them regardless of surrounding events and share their life experiences. This is also true for our spiritual lives, we need someone who will never leave and has the ability to encourage us whatever lies ahead. Jesus said, “Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20 teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.” - Matt. 28:19-21 (ESV). That perpetual companion is the indwelling Holy Spirit. When we accept Jesus's gift, we are given a lifelong commitment of someone who will never leave. We gain stability from such commitments - for eternity.

Blind

The word "blind" has come to have many nuances in modern languages. The basic meaning is not to comprehend some information gathered by human senses. Usually, the term describes a person who cannot visualize objects using their eyes. This word can also be used to describe becoming so familiar with a sense, we do not recognize the presence of it when encountered. This is sometimes revealed as "nose blindness," wherein we do not recognize certain smells any longer, or until we are away from the constant input of that sensory input for a time. It can also be used to describe "feeling blindness," wherein we do not feel contact with certain parts of our body, like the tips of a guitar player's fingers which have developed callouses because of repeatedly pressing the strings. This concept can even be expanded to our sense of right and wrong. When we witness so many bad things, we may begin to expect them as normal. A troubling application of this concept is our view of ourselves. God has a very different view of the status of His people; different than we do at times. In one case, Jesus did not scold a man for what he did not know but claiming he knew more than he did. Jesus is the Savior for all those who are seeking God's truth. As long as we recognize that we don't have all the answers and that we need His grace and healing, then God is ready to bless us magnificently. However, if we let arrogance capture our hearts and think that we are overly important, then we had better beware. Pride and arrogance often get in the way of truth at many levels. This principle is especially true in matters of spiritual truth. Let's openly recognize that we need God's help to discern the truth. Jesus told [the man who had been healed of his blindness], "I entered this world to render judgment — to give (spiritual) sight to the blind and to show those who think they see that they are blind." Some Pharisees who were standing nearby heard him and asked, "Are you saying we're blind?" "If you were blind, you wouldn't be guilty," Jesus replied. "But you remain guilty because you claim you can see," – Jn. 9:39-41. As we move along our unique independent spiritual journey, let each of us admit we know in part and ask the indwelling Holy Spirit to help us gain greater knowledge.

Like Interests

 Do you enjoy conversations with other people who share like interests? I have observed people of both genders discuss basketball, football, or other sports for hours and never tire of the conversation. If not sports the topic might be ballet, opera, NASCAR, or fishing. People feel a kinship to others who share like interests. We naturally focus on our own opinions and preferences. There are also those who share a common interest in God's word. It is very easy for the Holy Spirit to encourage and teach people who are interested in God, His Word, His opinions, His actions, His desires. Jesus responded to some Jews, "So when I tell the truth, you just naturally don't believe me! Which of you can truthfully accuse me of sin? And since I am telling you the truth, why don't you believe me? Anyone who belongs to God listens gladly to the words of God. But you don't listen because you don't belong to God." - Jn. 8:45-47 (NLT).

Surrounded by angels

For those who walk their unique individual spiritual journey depending on the Holy Spirit: we may treasure that we are indwelt by the Holy Spirit, but that is not all. For God's will to be accomplished, He not only uses people, but also angels. Scriptures says, "The angel of the LORD encampeth round about them that fear Him, and delivereth them" (Psalm 34:7). The "eth" indicates continual actions. And Elisha prayed for his servant, “Open his eyes, Lord, so that he may see.” Then the Lord opened the servant’s eyes, and he looked and saw the hills full of horses and chariots of fire all around Elisha," (2 Kings 6:17).  In 2Cor. 11:14 we learn, "And no wonder, for Satan himself masquerades as an angel of light." Yes, we are surrounded by angels, some good and some bad. Yet, as Jesus demonstrated, all are subject to the indwelling Holy Spirit that carries on Jesus' work. We cannot see water vapor in many states, but nevertheless, it is in the air that surrounds us. Although we cannot see these angels, they can see us and are near to help us live in ways that glorify God. Indwelt by the Holy Spirit and surrounded by angels, God is always with us. His eye is always upon us both day and night, not judge us, but to guard and help us - if we will allow it. One person proposed, "If devils do us mischief, shining ones do us service." Scripture indicates the angels are camped around us, they are continually present and on watch; a camped group does not come and go. This camp surrounds those "in Christ" so that they cannot be attacked from any quarter; the adversary cannot break through the entrenchments of the LORD of angels. We have protection that is permanently guaranteed and watched by these angels. The protectors are sentinels and messengers of God Almighty. Our protectors will not be surprised by sudden assaults nor swallowed up by overwhelming forces. Spiritual protection and deliverance is promised in this verse -- "deliverance by the great Captain of our salvation, and that deliverance we shall obtain again and again until our warfare is accomplished and we exchange the field of conflict for the home of rest." 

Hope

 Hope can be understood as "desire + expectation." So, what do you really hope for? Throughout our lives, we could make lists of the physical things we have desired, and fewer than we expected to receive. We must note how these lists of physical hopes have changed as the circumstances of our lives changed. Some hopes we realized, some we did not. At some point in our lives, the importance of physical hopes evaporates. At any time, we can choose a spiritual hope that never changes and will never evaporate. "For we through the Spirit, by faith, are waiting for the hope of righteousness." - Gal. 5:5 (NASV). Let’s remember this as we move along our unique individual spiritual journey.

Difference

A valid questions is, "Does the Holy Spirit make a difference in my life?" A following question needs to be, "What difference does the Holy Spirit make in my life?" The Galatian Christians struggled with adversaries who wanted to do them harm and divert them from following God. In order to help these Christians understand who to trust, he proved a comparison of values. Both bad and good practices were outlined. The bad were those motivated by the flesh; the good were those motivated by the indwelling Holy Spirit. The indwelling Holy Spirit should make a difference in our life! "But I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh. For the desires of the flesh are against the Spirit, and the desires of the Spirit are against the flesh, for these are opposed to each other, to keep you from doing the things you want to do. But if you are led by the Spirit, you are not under the law. Now the works of the flesh are evident: sexual immorality, impurity, sensuality, idolatry, sorcery, enmity, strife, jealousy, fits of anger, rivalries, dissensions, divisions, envy, drunkenness, orgies, and things like these. I warn you, as I warned you before, that those who do such things will not inherit the kingdom of God. But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law. And those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires. If we live by the Spirit, let us also keep in step with the Spirit." - Gal. 5:16-25 (ESV).

What does Israel mean

Israel was not only a man’s name, but also a descriptor given to his decedents, the people selected by Jehovah God to do His will, never a land mass. Initially, the chosen people were Jews but later the title was expanded to mean all those who followed God and then those who would accept Jesus as the Messiah and Savior. After the resurrection, God’s chosen people became anyone who accepted Jesus; He then dwelled within them via the Holy Spirit. (Isa. 45:17; Rom. 11:26; Rom. 8:11). This concept describes a people who travel on a unique individual spiritual journey towards a reward in Heaven.

Suddenly

When was the last time you read a scripture and thought, "I just don't understand this?" Occasionally, one of those scriptures for some has been from Acts 8:38-40, "Philip and the eunuch went down into the water and Philip baptized him. When they came up out of the water, the Spirit of the Lord suddenly took Philip away, and the eunuch did not see him again, but went on his way rejoicing. Philip, however, appeared at Azotus and traveled about, preaching the gospel in all the towns until he reached Caesarea." - Acts 8:38-40 (NIV). It seems clear the two men went into the water, but "suddenly" Philip was taken away and preached in towns along the way to Caesarea. What does “suddenly” mean. Those seeking wondrous activities of the Holy Spirit propose he was lifted up in the air and flown to another place. I propose a different explanation. Philip was probably not picked up at all, he left the eunuch, exited the road, and continued his journey home, the one he started. Any other activities were interrupted, so it may seem like he made an unplanned or “sudden” journey. Luke's point here is not a miracle to cause belief, but one to explain how the Gospel was preached as the disciples went from place to place. Throughout the book of Acts, the Holy Spirit inspires, convicts, empowers, emboldens, directs, guides, and leads God's servants in sharing the story of Jesus in much of the Roman Empire.

Thirst

In our present culture, we usually understand the meaning of "thirst" as a desire for something. Perhaps the usual target is something to quench our thirst, but the desire can refer to other desires as well. Jesus hoped it indicated a desire for a closeness with God. "Now on the last day, the great day of the feast, Jesus stood and cried out, saying, “If anyone is thirsty, let him come to Me and drink. He who believes in Me, as the Scripture said, ‘From his innermost being will flow rivers of living water.’” But this He spoke of the Spirit, whom those who believed in Him were to receive; for the Spirit was not yet given, because Jesus was not yet glorified." - Jn. 7:37-39 (NASB). As we thirst for closeness with God let us allow the Holy Spirit to guide us along our unique individual spiritual journey to the Father.

Enough

 One person said, "The most helpful guide about living a victorious life is this: Holiness is not the pathway to Christ--Christ is the only way to holiness." Sometimes we want to assume the burden of "enough" activity, “If I could pray enough, live purely enough, study my Bible enough, or liver my life holy enough, I would become holy enough for Jesus to come near. That would indicate to Him that I want to be close to Him." This approach is completely reversed. By ourselves, we cannot do enough to be close to Jesus. Jesus will carry the burden, if we let Him. He accepts the one who understands they cannot accomplish this objective themselves; they must only accept His sacrifice, and He will draw near. When accepted into the Kingdom, the indwelling Holy Spirit will guide a person along the pathway they so earnestly desire. Prayers will become more effective, guidance is provided for living a pure life, and Bible study becomes clearer. The Holy Spirit helps sanctify us and makes us holy. Yet, we must allow Him to guide us as Paul did. “I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh, I live by the faith of the Son of God, Who loved me, and gave Himself for me.” - Gal. 2:20. we should allow the Holy Spirit to guide us along our unique independent spiritual journey.

Blessings

Many times some end their communication with "Blessings." This is generally a wish for the recipient to receive good things. What is the reason to wish other Christians have blessings? First, let’s remember the Lord gave himself for us; what shall we give for him? All that we have is not our own but was provided to you by God. So far as we can, we should make the needs of others our own and help them, giving freely and cheerfully in order to accomplish the wished blessing. We should share what He has given us, and in the process, please and honor Him who has made us rich in heaven. Giving for God’s purposes are indeed sacrifices in some way, and this pleases Him. We cannot understand the extent of a blessing that we offer to another person, only the Holy Spirit can use what may seem trivial to be a wonderful encouragement to another person. In the end, is not important we recognize the effects of our gifts, but that the Holy Spirit used them to accomplish His goals. “Do not forget to do good to others, and share with them, because such sacrifices please God.” – Heb. 13:16. 

Responsibility

There is a song in which part of the lyrics read "if you're going through hell, keep on going, you might get out before the devil knows you are there." When you are going through a dark time—a hard time—it’s easy to project that darkness into the future. The longer you struggle with adverse circumstances, the darker the way before you appears — and the harder it is to imagine yourself walking along bright paths again. One temptation is to give up and let misery overcome you. It is crucial at such times to remember that the Holy Spirit is the Christian's constant Companion and Adversary. Because the Holy Spirit is a part of the Sovereign God, He is able to turn your darkness into Light. When you feel on the verge of sinking in despair, turn to Him for help. Cling to His hand, and walk by faith through the darkness. Do not focus on the circumstances that are weighing you down. Instead, through eyes of faith, look ahead to brighter times, and praise God for them. While darkness is all around, the Holy Spirit can enable you to see the first gleam of dawn on the path before you. Continue walking worshipfully with God—a walk of faith. As you persevere along this path, the dim light will gradually shine brighter and brighter till the full light of day. ". . . the people living in darkness have seen a great light; on those living in the land of the shadow of death a light has dawned" - Matt. 4:16 (NIV).

Claims

 In my study of statistics, I discovered they are not a perfect science. They are an exercise of determining if a fact is or is not believable. The actual truth must be proven by other methods. The Pharisees struggled with whether or not to believe the things Jesus said. "You are making those claims about yourself! Such testimony is not valid." Jesus replied, "These claims are valid even though I make them about myself. For I know where I came from and where I am going, but you don't know this about me. You judge me by human standards, but I do not judge anyone. And if I did, my judgment would be correct in every respect because I am not alone. The Father who sent me is with me." - Jn. 8:13-16. Jesus proved His statements were true because of His resurrection.

Focus

 A.W. Tozer said, "We must shift our interest from the seen to the unseen. For the great unseen Reality is God." When we sit, stand, or walk, our balance is controlled by multiple avenues of input. Our inner ear provides one form of input to keep us steady. Muscle memory is also an input, but we rely a great deal on being able to gather input from our eyes. An ear infection or closing our eyes can make it difficult to be mobile. beyond balance, there are the actions in which we choose to be involved. Moving our limbs can be extremely complicated or difficult. Further, our life pathways can become quite complicated. We spend so much time trying to guide or steps by what our eyes see. Several scriptures note that in order to guide our steps appropriately, we need light, spiritual light. We do not see Him directly, but the indwelling Holy Spirit will provide this light if we will let Him. "Your word is a lamp for my feet, a light for my path." Psa. 119:105.

Do not be afraid

When Angels revealed themselves their first words were usually, "Do not be afraid.” The world of Jesus’ day was filled with fear. The Romans feared rebellion, and their subjects feared Rome’s power. The Sadducees feared the Pharisees, and both were suspicious of the publicans. The hearts of people everywhere were filled with fear and distrust. Life was precarious, and above all, people feared death. The world lives with much fear even today. What is your fear? Do you fear the future? Do you fear life’s burdens that sometimes seem almost overwhelming? Do you fear death? Most of us fear everything except God—yet it is God whom we should fear most of all! This type of fear may be best understood as immense respect. "There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear." - 1 Jn. 4:18 Jesus can put an end to fear for all who trust in Him. “Do not be afraid, little flock” is a phrase typical of His teaching and preaching (Lk. 12:32). He is the answer to any fear you have. After all, God’s power is greater than the powers of evil, and “neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future…nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord” (Rom. 8:38–39). As you walk your unique individual spiritual journey, depend on the Holy Spirit to protect you spiritually.

Guide

Someone said, "Remember that I can fit everything into a pattern for good, including the things you wish were different. Start with where you are at this point in time and space, accepting that this is where I intend you to be." This can be a daunting opinion to hold. We long to see this all-embracing pattern for good! Sometimes we can’t begin to imagine how the Holy Spirit can guide us to fit all our struggles into such a pattern. Sometimes our circumstances seem like a series of gigantic mistakes; I should have done something differently, I should have avoided this mess. I need to make a new beginning but how can I begin to correct something I created, something I should have been able to prevent in the beginning. Jesus told His disciples, the spirit is willing, the flesh is weak. Many times when we try to accept our circumstances as God's will, we feel as if we are against a solid wall. We need to determine to make a new beginning and ask the Holy Spirit to help us make decisions that will glorify God. Even then we may perceive that each step forward is accompanied by two steps in the opposite direction, the holy Spirit may be helping us at levels we do not perceive. In these cases, we need to start anew and continue to follow our understanding of the pathways provided by the Holy Spirit. Even if we could see the all-encompassing pattern, you wouldn’t be able to understand it. Some things—many things—are simply beyond our grasp. We should not dwell on what we could have done differently, for that is an exercise in unreality: The past cannot be different from what has actually occurred. NOW is the only place and time to start anew. We need to accept our present situation and learn from what happened, as best we understand it. We must trust the guidance of the Holy Spirit to lead us along our unique independent spiritual journey to eternity. "And we know that God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose." Rom. 8:28 (NASB). Cf. Deut. 29:29:  "The secret things belong to the LORD our God, but the things revealed belong to us and to our sons forever, that we may observe all the words of this law." (NASB). 

Instruction

Jesus attempted to instruct His disciples about many things. At this time, they needed to gain understanding about the source of living, blessings from God, e.g. manna  compared to bread of heaven. It was a different concept and they found it difficult to grasp. Many people today like to find the quickest and easiest way to complete an undertaking or a specific task. In so doing, the quality and reliability of the effort may become, 'not very good,' and failure may come quickly. Sometimes we avoid a concern for value. Perhaps the item we acquire is a trial exercise and we aren't concerned about how long it lasts, we will choose something else next time. Value seeks the best possible product for the length of time needed the price paid. Sometimes paying a bit more for a higher quality product will delay the cost to replace it very soon. It is an exercise in the reason and the longevity one expects when spending the resources they control. A slightly higher price for a product, an item, that lasts longer before needing replacement, is likely a money saving purchase and has greater value. Jesus' activities were ones that last for eternity; at the same time, they came at a great physical cost for his earthly existence. When He finished His work on earth, Jesus was to leave His disciples. This was best for them, but they could not yet understand all the details, this would come when the Holy Spirit empowered them to understand and act. Concerning the bread, Jesus needed them to understand his actions were greater than the delivering of Manna. "Many of His disciples said, "This is very hard to understand. How can anyone accept it?" Jesus was aware that his disciples were complaining, so he said to them, "Does this offend you? Then what will you think if you see the Son of Man ascend to heaven again?" – Jn. 6:60-62.

Weakness

 As believers, we are to follow Jesus’ instructions. Our love for God is not exhibited by how well we talk or how loudly we shout, but by how obediently we act. Three times in John 14, Jesus said that those who love Him will keep His commandments (vv. 15, 21, 23). It is apparent that this message is very important! Jesus said the commandments were His commandments. He personally owned them, so when we reject them, we reject Him. Biblical knowledge is critical, but it is not the ultimate test of your love for God. Knowledge is a means to an end; the end is obedience and glorifying God. As believers, we receive help from the Holy Spirit to keep Christ’s commandments. Jesus knew we would need it! Another time, Jesus would tell His disciples, "Watch and pray so that you will not fall into temptation. The spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak." (Matt. 26:41). We also struggle with this issue. Our spirits are often willing, but our flesh is always weak. He prayed to the Father and promised to send us “another Helper.” The word “another” implies that the next Helper would be like Jesus, who was the first Helper. Jesus is the embodiment of truth, and the Spirit is the empowerment of truth. The Spirit indwells every disciple of Christ. So be filled with the Spirit, walk in the Spirit, and do not quench the Spirit.

Understanding empowerment

The things Jesus did were meant to provide insight into how God the Father viewed His creation. Jesus would say “I and the Father are one”, - (Jn. 10:30) and, "By myself I can do nothing; I judge only as I hear, and my judgment is just, for I seek not to please myself but him who sent me", - (Jn. 5:30). We further learn that the Holy Spirit empowered Jesus (first verses of Isa. 11; 42; 61). Whether by calming the storm, healing the sick, giving sight to the blind or raising the dead, or casting out demons, Jesus displayed the sensitivities of God the Father. Jesus said, “If I drive out demons by the finger of God, then the kingdom of God has come upon you” - (Luke 11:20). He’s not like other miracle workers who do amazing things and then life proceeds as it always has. No -- to Jesus, his miracles were a sign indicating the coming of the kingdom of God. They were a foretaste of what the kingdom was going to be like. And this sets Jesus apart from others, a practice his apostles continued after His resurrection. One person has said, "Jesus saw his miracles as bringing about something unprecedented--the coming of God’s dominion. He didn't merely see himself as a worker of miracles; he saw himself as the one in whom and through whom the promises of God come to pass. That’s a not-too-thinly-veiled claim of transcendence." The empowering presence that enabled Jesus lives within each Christian now. The Holy Spirit will empower us to do Jesus' will as we move along our unique independent spiritual journey. We just need to understand what He wants at any given time. This understanding will begin as we reach out to other people.

Long life

Humans have a general desire to live a long life. There are physical, and emotional aches and pains along the way, but we are usually looking for something greater and better each day of our lives. Ancient people were very aware of leaving this world and wanted to be remembered. The Thessalonians were very interested in a pathway to eternal life. Paul wrote, "Brothers and sisters, we do not want you to be uninformed about those who sleep in death, so that you do not grieve like the rest of mankind, who have no hope. For we believe that Jesus died and rose again, and so we believe that God will bring with Jesus those who have fallen asleep in him. According to the Lord’s word, we tell you that we who are still alive, who are left until the coming of the Lord, will certainly not precede those who have fallen asleep. For the Lord himself will come down from heaven, with a loud command, with the voice of the archangel and with the trumpet call of God, and the dead in Christ will rise first. After that, we who are still alive and are left will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. And so we will be with the Lord forever. Therefore encourage one another with these words. Reading scripture guides one to God has put within each of us an inner sense that life on earth is not all there is.” - 1Thess. 4:13-18 (NIV). This was also a concern in the Old Testament, “[God] has also set eternity in the hearts of men” (Eccl. 3:11). Many times there is a small internal voice that causes us to yearn for life with a higher being. This desire is satisfied only via eternal life with God. Paul also wrote to the Romans, “What may be known about God is plain to them, because God has made it plain to them. For since the creation of the world God’s invisible qualities—his eternal power and divine nature—have been clearly seen . . . so that men are without excuse” (Rom. 1:19-20). When we embrace Jesus' gift, just as God lives forever, we who are made in His likeness will also live forever.

Secure

In another post, I presented a concepts called "daily grind of uncertainty." While in our hustle bustle world of busyness, this uncertainty can germinate when we are not focused on godly concepts and flourish when others with critical attitudes and comments cross our paths. However, three items can help us combat such feelings. First, remembering that you are of such importance that someone, God or Jesus, died to release you from anything that might cause uncertainly of closeness to God. Second, the Christian has the indwelling Holy Spirit, God himself, living within them; no person or entity is more powerful that God. Third Jesus will always protect our spiritual lives. We may pass through some times we struggle with many parts of life, but Jesus, empowered by the Holy Spirit said, "I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; no one can snatch them out of my hand. My Father, who has given them to me, is greater than all; no one can snatch them out of my Father's hand. I and the Father are one." - Jn. 10:28-30. 

Eyes

 We place a great deal of dependence on our eyes and what we can see.  When difficulties arise, we usually seek contacts, glasses or other solutions to maintain the ability to create images in our minds of those things observed with our eyes. The eye is only one of our senses, but we tend to depend heavily on them. When we sense something via any of our senses, our minds react based on our previous experiences. Sounds, sight, and touch of a loved one remind us of many fond memories. Many visions can excite our perception about the magnificence of God’s creation. What we sense also drives our next actions; will they be positive or negative in God’s sight? If we have a strong previous experience of God’s word, then we can better translate those things we sense to make the better decisions for next feelings and steps. The Holy Spirit, who lives within the Christian desires to prompt us to make the best choices for next actions and glorify God in some way. He desires to help us make decisions that guide us along holy pathways. “Your word is a lamp for my feet, a light on my path” (Psa. 119:105); “The eye is the lamp of your body; when your eye is clear, your whole body also is full of light; but when it is bad, your body also is full of darkness.” (Lk. 11:34); “Why do you look at the speck of sawdust in your brother’s eye and pay no attention to the plank in your own eye? How can you say to your brother, ‘Let me take the speck out of your eye,’ when all the time there is a plank in your own eye? You hypocrite, first take the plank out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to remove the speck from your brother’s eye.” (Matt. 7:3-5). As we move along our unique independent spiritual journey, we need to seek His pathway, but it is our own decision.

In the Light

 Many times Christians do things that, in retrospect, are either wrong or not best. When those things occur, most times we would rather no one else knows about our failures and we try to hide them or consider them less serious than they really are. A way to describe not admitting mistakes or defects in our character can be described as "darkness." A life dedicated to God attempts to admit that even though they are declared sinless by the grace of God, we are in fact, not sinless. When we admit these faults and confess our wrongdoings, we live in the light. A person living in the light doesn't need to fear God's judgment. The indwelling Holy Spirit will help overcome tendencies toward falsehood or dishonesty, if we ask Him. When we admit or confess our weaknesses and ask the Holy Spirit for help, help will come. One person said, "My desire to open my life to the light of God's truth and holiness reveals my desire to do what is right. My reluctance reveals how the power of sin has come into my life and my heart." John would advise this, "Everyone who does evil hates the light, and will not come into the light for fear that their deeds will be exposed. But whoever lives by the truth comes into the light, so that it may be seen plainly that what they have done has been done in the sight of God." Jn. 3:20-21 (NIV).

Prayer Empowers

 Recently, a picture was published showing a police officer keeling to pray beside his cruiser. This was actually a simple testimony to the power that he thought would protect him that day. Many other policemen pray verbal or silent prayers in their cruisers before leaving or on the way to answer a call, because they do not know what dangers they may face. Many military organizations have troops who will pray before going into battle every day. These examples speak of groups of people who understand they live in a world of unseen and unexpected dangers. We all live in such a spiritual world, although the dangers may be different. The letter known as Acts documented the power of the Holy Spirit guiding early believers as they proclaimed the message of Jesus by their actions and words. The same Holy Spirit who empowered those early believers empowers us, to the degree we allow. Prayer is one avenue to His guidance. "And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the Lord's people. Pray also for me, that whenever I speak, words may be given me so that I will fearlessly make known the mystery of the gospel, for which I am an ambassador in chains. Pray that I may declare it fearlessly, as I should." Eph. 6:18-20 (NIV)

Semper Fi

When people become exhausted or experience some level of pain, energy required for patiently addressing many situations dwindles and tempers can flare. Sometimes feelings are hurt or dreams and expectations end in heartbreak. Exhaustion can usually be solved with rest, but pain is a major source of energy drain on people; any type of pain may prevent getting the rest needed to restore healthy body functions. Prominent questions for addressing any pain focus on intensity and cause. Rest and relaxation can usually ease pain caused by simple physical stress and physiological pain can be addressed by a physician, while emotional pain is sometimes more difficult to calm since there may be so many intertwined causes and degrees of distress. Spiritual pain has only one solution, Jesus. Human emotions are an extremely powerful part of our existence. Inputs from any of our 5 senses can trigger thoughts and intense emotional responses; our emotions can quickly gain control of further thoughts and subsequent actions. Can the indwelling partner of Christians help in these situations? Yes! He knows every desire, expectation, thought, feeling, and inclination we have. If we turn to Him and ask, He will help us. The Holy Spirit does not prevent us from having certain feelings or emotional responses. He does not prevent us from making poor decisions or judge us – He wants to help us make good decisions. He does protect Christians against Satanic attacks to the degree allowed, we only need to turn to Him and ask. He speaks to us immediately when we admit we need His help, honestly pray to Him and open ourselves to His guidance. If we want to hear His response, we must open the Bible and listen to His words. Reading scripture and focusing on God can soothe anger, start healing bruised emotions, and provide guidance for next steps for any recovery needed. However, it is imperative we believe He will help and ask for His help. His operation is a continuance of the ways Jesus worked while here on earth. USA Marines have a strong bond exemplified by the motto: Semper fidelis, Latin for “always faithful.” A Christian’s bond to God is stronger; the Holy Spirit is always faithful to stand by us, protect and encourage us, as much as we will allow. 

Sustenance

Jesus had much to say about sustenance and life. He used physical life as an example of the spiritual life within us. His hearers knew they needed food and water to stay alive. Jesus relates this need for sustenance to their spiritual lives. Jesus and God were one; we could see Jesus, but not God. Jesus not only demonstrated the qualities of God lived out in human form, but also how He was the solution to ALL spiritual challenges. He was water to quench spiritual; thirst (Jn. 4:10), and bread, "Then Jesus declared, "I am the bread of life. Whoever comes to me will never go hungry, and whoever believes in me will never be thirsty" - Jn. 6:35 (NIV) 

Direction

Imagine God displayed as Jesus the prophet, trying to point His people back to a teaching they had overlooked. Jesus was the great prophet promised and the solution they so desperately needed, but they would not follow what had been given them earlier. It was their lack of following the earlier information that showed how mistaken they were about Jesus. Jesus harshly scolded the Jewish leaders when He said, "Do not think that I will accuse you before the Father; the one who accuses you is Moses, in whom you have set your hope. For if you believed Moses, you would believe Me, for he wrote about Me. But if you do not believe his writings, how will you believe My words?” Jn. 5:45-47 (NASB).

Immanuel

The people to whom Jesus came physically, failed to recognize Him. Even though the Holy Spirit gave the words of scripture, these people failed to recognize the target for the message given. He was God with us, Immanuel (Matt. 1:23). Further,  "You search the Scriptures because you think they give you eternal life. But the Scriptures point to me! Yet you refuse to come to me to receive this life." - Jn. 5:39-40. While the scriptures are an important link to what the Holy Spirit has left, for following God's plan, Jesus is much more important. He is the central message to which scriptures point. When one relies on the Holy Spirit to reveal the meaning and purpose for earthly life. Christians should depend on Him as we follow our unique independent spiritual journey here on earth.

New Life

Some people fear death, others find it intriguing. In an effort to demystify death, there are stories about those who have returned from death, because it was not their time. These are limited occurrences, but only the people living when Jesus returns will escape eventual physical death. An encounter with God radically changes a person’s viewpoint. What they once thought was desirable or suitable in this physical realm is changed, they view this life as a stepping stone. Their understanding of “life” becomes enriched. Physical life becomes more than mere physical existence. Some people grasp the significance of this transition for others. These participants seem to spread the news, that when the Son gives “life,” it continues; it has new direction and is empowered by the indwelling Holy Spirit. One day all will be raised from physical death and given a new body, then, as God’s children, we will experience His glory. Until that event we long for, Christians constantly live life as a new person. Jesus conquered death, so the death event is no longer viewed as cessation of existence, but realization of true existence. "For just as the Father raises the dead and gives them life, even so the Son gives life to whom he is pleased to give it." - Jn. 5:21 (NIV)

Curse

 "So I want you to know that no one speaking by the Spirit of God will curse Jesus, and no one can say Jesus is Lord, except by the Holy Spirit," - 1 Cor. 12:3 (NLT). When people look at this scripture, some are a bit confused since our culture seems to define "curse" differently than what was meant at this time. In the present day, "curse" seems to signify a by-word or expression of frustration and disappointment. During the New Testament time in history, "curse" really meant to wish bad things on something and perhaps do almost anything to cause them to fail. (remember the fig tree that Jesus cursed in Mk. 11:14). So, no person who really believes in Jesus would want His efforts or goals to fail. This is not consistent with the workings of the Holy Spirit.

Anticipate

We are continually faced with challenges and opportunities. We should anticipate these activities because Jesus said, "I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world” - (Jn. 16:33). Not only this, but the same Holy Spirit lives within us as Paul, and he said, "I can do all things through him who strengthens me" - (Phil. 4:13). Another person said most eloquently, "Do not long for the absence of problems in your life. That is an unrealistic goal, since in this world you will have trouble. You have an eternity of problem- free living reserved for you in heaven. Rejoice in that inheritance, which no one can take away from you, but do not seek your heaven on earth." We should ask the Holy Spirit to empower us to overcome all things which the world launches toward us. He will help if we will ask and follow His guidance.

Called by your own name

 I recently attended a gathering with many people and remembered only a few faces and fewer by name. Memories fade and appearances change with passing years, but some people’s names are never forgotten. The people’s names which we remember most clearly are the ones with whom we have the closer relationships. They know what the name means, why we are valued and what we value. We may be surprised when out of a sea of people, another person recognizes our face and perhaps remembers our name. Have you ever looked around to see a mass of people who were strangers? Did you feel alone? This is not the place of a child of God. To Him every person is precious and everyone matters. The Lord said to the prophet Isaiah, “Behold, I have engraved you on the palms of my hands; your walls are continually before me.” Isa. 49:16 (ESV) Astounding! "Engraved." Cannot be taken off. Your name is on God’s hand. This is the same image as the Ten Commandments; instructions which did not change, but were engraved or etched in a most permanent medium, stone. Have you ever considered that individually, you have as much value to God as 99 other people? What else could Jesus have meant, “What man of you, having a hundred sheep, if he has lost one of them, does not leave the ninety-nine in the open country, and go after the one that is lost, until he finds it?” Lk. 15:4 (ESV) We are of so much value that He chose to live within us via the Holy Spirit. Paul described God’s acceptance of the Corinthians as, “and who has also put his seal on us and given us his Spirit in our hearts as a guarantee.” 2Cor. 1:22 (ESV). Additionally, "God, being rich in mercy, because of the great love with which he loved us,  even when we were dead in our trespasses, made us alive together with Christ—by grace you have been saved—  and raised us up with him and seated us with him in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus, so that in the coming ages he might show the immeasurable riches of his grace in kindness toward us in Christ Jesus. Eph. 2:4-7 (ESV). So, children of God are completely and continuously cleansed because of Jesus, known by God and have their eternal future sealed with a promise. Until the promise is revealed, the Holy Spirit is as close as any other can be and will provide as much guidance as we are willing to accept. In the mass confusion of people and activities, we are never alone; we always have a helper beside us.

Glory

Humans are generally motivated by physical sight. What we can see becomes more real to us than happenings we do not personally witness. Jesus was God’s answer to this dilemma. B.B. Warfield described Jesus as, “the visible manifestation of the invisible God.” Jesus was the visible Glory of God. This reflects Jesus’ words to Phillip, “Have I been with you so long, and you still do not know me, Philip? Whoever has seen me has seen the Father. How can you say, ‘Show us the Father’? Do you not believe that I am in the Father and the Father is in me? The words that I say to you I do not speak on my own authority, but the Father who dwells in me does his works.” - Jn. 14:9-10 (ESV)

What is in a name

A name represents a designation for, a description of, and perhaps the essence of the person. When Moses asked the name of the power from the burning bush, the answer was a holy name, a name beyond comprehension, “I am that I am.” When we consider the name Jesus, we should realize that it attempts to describe all He stands for, all He did for creation; all He did for those who accept Him.  It is a powerful name and commands control over even the demons. “Some of you were once like that [living sinful lives]. But you were cleansed; you were made holy; you were made right with God by calling on the name of the Lord Jesus Christ and by the Spirit of our God.” 1 Cor. 6:11 (NLT)

Overcoming imperfections

All humans are imperfect, all of us have something wrong with our decaying bodies. As opposed to an unknown lurking disaster, blessed are those who know of, admit these weaknesses, and try to avoid more serious degradation. Poor choices and mistakes may cause injuries that last for as long as we live There may be scars inside as well as outside our bodies and sometimes there may be some degree of pain associated with this condition. Our bodies are fearfully and wonderfully made, which allows some level of physical healing. Besides this, and more serious for our future life, there are the spiritual defects in our existence. How can those spiritual injuries be healed? Jesus is the only pathway to spiritual healing, and He covers our sins completely. St. Augustine of Hippo is quoted as saying "It is easy to want things from the Lord and yet not want the Lord Himself, as though the gift could ever be preferable to the Giver." Is this true for us, today; do want to be spiritually and perhaps physically healed? If so, actively seek Jesus and be ready for the Holy Spirit to begin changing you and making you whole again! Consider this, "One who was there had been an invalid for thirty-eight years. When Jesus saw him lying there and learned that he had been in this condition for a long time, he asked him, “Do you want to get well?” “Sir,” the invalid replied, “I have no one to help me into the pool when the water is stirred. While I am trying to get in, someone else goes down ahead of me,” Jn 5:5-7 (NIV). All people need help as we move along our unique independent spiritual journey. The Holy Spirit will provide all we need when we ask Him to do so. 

Mind

 During our daily activites or when the day's planned activities are at an end, what fills our minds? Is it "Those who are dominated by the sinful nature think about sinful things, but those who are controlled by the Holy Spirit think about things that please the Spirit." - Rom. 8:5 (NLT). Beware, "We don't like to be controlled. However, we will be controlled either by our sinful nature or by the Spirit of God. There are no middle options (Eph. 2:1-3; Rom. 6). While politically incorrect, deep in the core of our souls we know it's true. The things that Satan entices us to think of as freedom, invariably end up damaging us, our relationships, and our future. They enslave us to addictive processes, systems, and habits. We are sucked into the vortex of sin's power: Our thoughts are increasingly controlled by sin's enslaving lifestyle. The Spirit, however, frees us from this bondage. The Spirit gives us the power to live with freedom, enjoying a life full of his fruit — love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control (Gal. 5:22-23). And our role? First, we must choose to actively seek the Spirit's influence over our will. Second, we must commit to responding to his lead in what we think and do (Gal. 5:25). When we look at our lives, do we see our thoughts and actions dominated by the sinful nature or by the Spirit? If the sinful nature is dominating us, it's time to go back and focus on our role of seeking the Spirit and responding to his lead!

Permanent Assurance

Results of many goals and experiences in life can be altered. The work Jesus did on the cross was a one-time event in the spiritual realm, which resulted in a gift that can never be changed. When one learns of this gift, he has the opportunity to accept it, ignore it, or later walk away from this amazing promised gift. But, the obedient believer has a permanent seal, guaranteeing union with Jehovah God one day, forever. “But don't be so concerned about perishable things like food. Spend your energy seeking the eternal life that the Son of Man can give you. For God the Father has given me the seal of his approval." - Jn. 6:27 (NLT)

Fruitful

 Christians are often challenged to "be fruitful." The following thought is usually, what kind of fruit can I, or do I, produce? Paul also reproduces this teaching in Galatians 5:16-26 by contrasting the works of the flesh and the works produced by the indwelling Holy Spirit. Reality is that all people produce some kind of "fruit" by our words and actions. Some fruit is honorable to God, some is not. It is encouraging that those who have the indwelling Holy Spirit produce fruit which is made good by God's further actions. “Watch out for false prophets. They come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ferocious wolves.  By their fruit you will recognize them. Do people pick grapes from thornbushes, or figs from thistles?  Likewise, every good tree bears good fruit, but a bad tree bears bad fruit.  A good tree cannot bear bad fruit, and a bad tree cannot bear good fruit.  Every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire.  Thus, by their fruit you will recognize them." Matt. 7:15-20 and "But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness,  gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law." Gal. 5:22-23.

Human worth

Humans very often consider their value and worth linked to the physical world, its demands and activities. In the grand scheme of things, our earthy lives are not as important as the life to come. However, our actions while in human form determine where we will spend eternity. Physical struggles and pains are troublesome, but not as important as our next state of life. When a person makes the decision to accept Christ's gift and spend eternity with Him, the Holy Spirit comes to live within the person and guide him through the period of time until the earthly life ends and eternity begins.  "But if Christ is in you, the body is indeed dead on account of sin, but the Spirit is life on account of righteousness." - Rom. 8:10 (Berean Literal Bible).

God's presence

Frederick Buechner said, "It is not the objective proof of God's existence that we want but the experience of God's presence. That is the miracle we are really after, and that is also, I think, the miracle that we really get." Some will try to orchestrate the times and ways these desired presences are revealed via promised miracles, however, God cannot be manipulated by the creation. Perhaps some try the same kind of manipulation that works on parents, who usually recognize the actions. Paul said, “For all who are led by the Spirit of God are sons of God.” – Rom 8:14 (ESV). Much like the relationship with our earthly parents, we are comforted when we understand our parents are close by and are interested in our activities. This is the basis of care and discipline; it is difficult to accept discipline from someone we think does not care for us. We accept God cares for us when we can perceive His presence. For Christians His presence is constantly within us, the indwelling Holy Spirit, we understand this by trust and faith. The Bible tells us how much He cares for us, and it speaks to us anytime we are ready to listen, for the Holy Spirit will reveal those teachings as we are able to accept them. One goal of the Holy Spirit is to mold us for the next location of our existence, heaven. We need to ask the holy Spirit to guide us along our unique individual spiritual journey.

Never Alone

Our physical existence may involve times when we feel alone, by ourselves, lacking personal confidence. This is a feeling the Christian never needs to experience because the Holy Spirit lives within us; we only need to allow Him to help guide us toward godly objectives. When we are distressed and reach out to God, we always have someone to go with us and help us. “And the Father who knows all hearts knows what the Spirit is saying, for the Spirit pleads for us believers in harmony with God's own will.” - Rom. 8:27 (NLT).

Safety

Most people, men, women, and children want to feel “safe.” The challenge for self or others can be understanding exactly from what we want safety. The answer may be a combination of physical, verbal, emotional, or spiritual dangers. When one feels safe, they usually describe this as security or comfort. Comfort can be described as having someone to walk with you through whatever struggles you encounter; the Holy Spirit does this for those who accept Jesus as Savior. “I'm not asking you to take them out of the world, but to keep them safe from the evil one.” John 17:15 (NLT) 

Son of Man

Stanton said, "that Christ by this phrase represented Himself as the head, the type, the ideal of the race." others have said, "on of man is an expression in the sayings of Jesus in Christian writings, including the Gospels, the Acts of the Apostles and the Book of Revelation." The meaning of the expression is controversial. Interpretation of the use of "the Son of man" in the New Testament has remained challenging and after 150 years of debate no consensus on the issue has emerged among scholars. The expression "the Son of man" occurs 81 times in the Greek text of the four Canonical gospels, and is used only in the sayings of Jesus.The occurrences of Son of man in the Synoptic gospels are generally categorized into three groups: (i) those that refer to his "coming" (as an exaltation); (ii) those that refer to "suffering" and (iii) those that refer to "now at work" i.e. referring to the earthly life. What of the Son of Man when Jesus departed? He is described as 'at' or near' in Rom. 8:34; as 'appointed' or 'set' in Eph. 1:20; 'sitting' in Col. 3:1; 'sat down' in Heb. 1:3. But, in Acts 7:56 at Stephen's stoning, He was observed as 'standing,' intensely interested in the ongoing events. The Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit are intensely interested when humans suffer for upholding their desires. As joint heirs, Christians are linked closely with Jesus and have an inheritance with Jesus. Christians should ask the Holy Spirit to guide them on their unique independent spiritual journey to this inheritance.

 

Following Jesus

 Many people are fiercely independent. They do not want others telling them what to do, or not do. Basically, they do not trust the directions they are given by some or many others. Such behavior can border on personal pride, but sometimes the person is trying to think ahead and use their experiences to avoid unwanted repercussions. In the end however, everyone follows a level of guidance from someone to achieve a desired goal. As one moves from the physical realm to the spiritual, the first objective to determine is the goal, then determine the pathway to reach that goal. The spiritual realm has many unknowns because much physical experience does not accurately apply to the spiritual realm. The goal seeker usually finds someone whom they believe has adequate information to lead them to the desired goal. For those who seek eternal life with Jehovah God, this goal is heaven or being in the presence of God eternally. “Jesus said to him, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me,” – Jn. 14:6 (ESV). There is only one pathway to this desired goal and that is for the individual to accept Jesus’ sacrifice to remove their sins - the fault separating them from God. The solution for this separation is the gracious gift available to every person, for their choosing. Each person has different understandings and experiences as they begin a journey toward the heavenly goal. They begin to follow Jesus, or adopt and practice the attitudes and principles Jesus displayed while on earth. This journey can be described as unique to each individual since their talents and abilities to serve God and their personal choices may not mirror anyone else. In a context focused on Jesus’ poor treatment by others and what He would do to remove the sins of others, He stated a challenge to those who were listening. And he said to all, “If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me. For whoever would save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for my sake will save it.  For what does it profit a man if he gains the whole world and loses or forfeits himself?” - Lk. 9:23-25 (ESV). When a person accepts Jesus as their savior and guide, their sins are forgiven and the same entity that empowered Jesus resides within them. When Jesus left earth, the Holy Spirit continued His spiritual work with people on earth.  The Holy Spirit is another aspect of God and He will act only when the person requests His help; He does not force His desires on any person. In this instruction, “Cross” refers to the individual and personal struggles experienced by each person following Jesus. Those daily struggles need to be resolved by using the principles Jesus prescribed and are usually more easily resolved when the person practices, “deny ourself,” or place Jesus’ principle as more important than their own desires. This could certainly mean sacrificing or placing aside one’s own initial desires. This has the connotation of loving others as much as or more than one loves themselves. When the person asks, the Holy Spirit’s power will be unleashed to assist along the individual spiritual journey in ways that bring honor to God. We honor God when we love and care for others. Most of those who are cautious about following the guidance from other people find great solace when following Jesus’ principles as directed by the Holy Spirit.

Mind control

Sometimes it is difficult to control our minds. We are exposed to so many things that are not healthy for our spiritual lives. It is wise to stay away from areas which might increase the opportunity for evil observations to occur, but it is likely we cannot sanitize our whole life. Our goal should be to replace these observations with godly thoughts. Such practice pushes back in our recall unhealthy events and allows those godly thoughts to be easier to recall. When asked, the Holy Spirit will help us be more holy; in this way we can combat mind control by evil. "The mind controlled by the sinful nature is death, but the mind governed by the Spirit is life and peace." - Rom. 8:6 (NIV)

Pathway

During our physical lives, many people help train and guide us along the pathway. Mom and Dad are usually the first to do so. Later, we may have others who provide leadership or are mentors. Generally, someone is a large help for helping us become the person we are at this time. A similar pathway exists in the spiritual realm. Someone may introduce us to Christ or help us wade through those times of that trouble us. All the while, the Holy Spirit is prompting and prodding us to make a life changing decision. After the decision to follow Christ, the indwelling Spirit works to sanctify us, to make us into the person Christ wants us to be, to help us discover what life is really meant to be. "The Spirit of God has made me; the breath of the Almighty gives me life." JOB 33:4  (NIV). 

Thoughts

Many times people would like to chose those things for which they are responsible. John Churtom Collins said, "We are no more responsible for the evil thoughts that pass through our minds than a scarecrow for the birds which fly over the seedplot he has to guard. The sole responsibility in each case is to prevent them from settling." Those thoughts and plans which settle are certainly our responsibility, as well as the actions that follow. However, we can also place ourselves in situations that promote questionable thoughts. When we gather new information with our senses, we remember it all, but the more recent information seems to be most readily accessed. The more we read scriptures, the more readily available is this information; this seems to push back information we should overlook. If we fill our minds with God's word, the Holy Spirit is better able to remind those who request His help of godly thoughts and mold our actions and future thoughts. "This is the covenant I will establish with the people of Israel after that time, declares the Lord. I will put my laws in their minds and write them on their hearts. I will be their God, and they will be my people." Heb. 8:10 (NIV).

Clarity

The writings given to Moses were certainly timeless truth. However, only when a person puts aside preconceived conclusions and became completely focused on God could they gain some level of understanding. To those whom Paul addressed who had been raised following this Mosaic guidance, the pathway was unclear and might be described as a veil, clouding clear visibility and thus thorough understanding. Once Jesus was revealed and His sacrifice allowed the Holy Spirit to indwell people, God's ultimate intentions became clear for all believers. "Even to this day when Moses is read, a veil covers their hearts. But whenever anyone turns to the Lord, the veil is taken away. Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom. And we all, who with unveiled faces contemplate the Lord’s glory, are being transformed into his image with ever-increasing glory, which comes from the Lord, who is the Spirit. " - 2 Cor. 3:15-18 (NIV). If they ask, Christian can follow their unique independent spiritual journey led by the same power that energized Jesus. Clarity will become evident.

Mankind

Genesis tells us that God made man in His own image. There have been many opinions about what this really means. Some have offered other words such as "form," or "likeness." Certainly, Adam was a living being, much different from the other animals created because he had a spirit and soul. But how was Adam in Genesis an image of God? As believers in God, one must wait until the arrival of Jesus Christ for the complete answer. Jesus would say "I and the Father are one." (Jn. 10:30) or "Anyone who has seen me has seen the Father." (Jn. 14:9). God has always been concerned about His creation and where their spirits will spend eternity. "The Scriptures tell us, "The first man, Adam, became a living person." But the last Adam — that is, Christ — is a life-giving Spirit. - 1 Cor. 15:45 (NLT). All created humans have a spirit, those who have accepted Jesus' gift also have the Holy Spirit residing in them.

Foundation

 One of the things that humans crave is acceptance by others. People in a group will participate in actions they would never do without encouragement from peers. Both genders will adorn themselves seeking the approval of others. Physical attraction must be considered as second to spiritual foundation. Christians have been accepted by God and need to attempt to honor Him with their actions. "And it is God who establishes us with you in Christ, and has anointed us, and who has also put his seal on us and given us his Spirit in our hearts as a guarantee." - 2 Cor. 1:21-22 (ASV).

Guarantee

Humans are constantly reminded of the value of our physical bodies. Men and women compete with one another for superior appearance, academics, and greater lists of accomplishments. At the end, this is an attempt to satisfy our own desires for physical prowess. Alongside this is the spiritual part of humans - the real superior part. The foremost accomplishment a human can make is beyond concerns for the dying physical body - to be indwelt by the Holy Spirit and guaranteed an eternity with God. "For while we are still in this tent, we groan under our burden, because we wish not to be unclothed but to be further clothed, so that what is mortal may be swallowed up by life. He who has prepared us for this very thing is God, who has given us the Spirit as a guarantee." - 2 Cor. 5:4-5 (NRSV)

Differentiated

 {Differentiated} Jehovah God once chose a people called Israel. Because of their  infidelity, the work of Jesus revealed another group of people which became known as Christians. These are people who acknowledge Jehovah as the one God and attached themselves to Him via Jesus' sacrifice. These are people willing to be led by the Holy Spirit and become spiritually different from those who do not accept Jehovah God. The Holy Spirit does not control their decisions and actions, but from His omniscience, He is aware of all their choices before they make them. God has set a pathway for Christians, those who accept Jesus as Messiah, but humans make many personal choices to stay on the pathway. Speaking of God's children, James reflects on how involved the Father becomes in the lives of His willing children. "[you are] the people chosen (selected) according to the foreknowledge of God the Father through the sanctifying action of the Spirit to be obedient to Jesus, the Messiah, and to be sprinkled with his blood. May grace and peace be yours in abundance!." - 1 Pet. 1:2 {ISV}

Coach Holy Spirit

People who are interested in the Holy Spirit will usually ask questions like what does the Holy Spirit do or how can He help me? These can be difficult questions because the Holy Spirit was not sent to help humans accomplish their own goals. He remains here to help humans accomplish God’s goals for them. When a person aligns their personal goals with those stated in the Bible (God created good works for us to do), that person may observe more of their deep desires fulfilled. So how does the Holy Spirit go about those sanctifying acts?

In many places around the world, sports activities and games are a large part of people’s interest, regardless of gender. Within those activities, the coach is crucial. The coach is the team leader, this person usually has the end goal in mind always. In this sense, the Holy Spirit is a coach. He does not perform the actions of the game, but guides the players down the needed pathway. The players have the personal option to do or not do what the coach advised them to do. Christian make their own personal physical and spiritual  choices, but if they ask, the Holy Spirit will coach them in their spiritual decisions. If one asks, He will help them on their unique independent spiritual journey.

Lord

In this modern age, how do we understand the meaning of the word "Lord?" During the time the Bible was written, the word "Lord" meant the one who had ultimate control of one's life. Today, many of us are our own "Lord." We consider ourselves as wise, knowledgable, and powerful as any other entity - we are self sufficient. We are "independant." But are we really? If this viewpoint were true, what is the reason tasks we want done are not done nearly as quickly nor as robustly as we would prefer? What is the reason our relationships disappoint us at times. No, we are not self sufficient, all people heed to follow our unique individual (but not independent) spiritual journey having confidence the Holy Spirit will help us grow closer to what He wants and thereby closer to Jesus' desires. This pathway will result in spending Eternity with Jesus. "Blessed is the man who trusts in the Lord, whose confidence is in him. He will be like a tree planted by the water that sends out its roots by the stream. It does not fear when heat comes; its leaves are always green. It has no worries in a year of drought." - Jer. 17:7-8.

Frustration

 I once saw a poster that read, “You don’t really know someone until you tell them no about something.” In the secular part of the world, this implies some form of disagreement for any number of reasons. Based on our desires, and self confidence, we react - badly sometimes. When God says no, it is based on His perfect knowledge and the result is always best for us. As the Christian walks the unique independent spiritual journey, we need to seek choices that follow His desires. "Be strong and courageous. Do not fear or be in dread of them, for it is the LORD your God who goes with you. He will not leave you or forsake you." Deut. 31:6 (ESV)

Dwelling place

The statement is sometimes made that we are a temple of Jesus. Perhaps more understandable is that many Christians who are indwelled by the Holy Spirit assemble and become a dwelling place from which the Holy Spirit can radiate to others. "And in [Jesus] you too are being built together to become a dwelling in which God lives by his Spirit." - Eph. 2:22. When the New Testament letters were written, a temple was considered the dwelling place of some god. Various believers in this god would collect there to be near others who believed likewise. Using this definition, Paul presents the concept that as each Christian has the Holy Spirit living within them, together they become the building blocks of a spiritual temple in which God lives with the Holy Spirit interconnecting all parts. 

Bubbling

Have you ever though of the Holy Spirit as bubbling up inside you? He will if we allow Him to do so. Jesus replied, "Anyone who drinks this water [from Jacob's well] will soon become thirsty again. But those who drink the water I give will never be thirsty again. It becomes a fresh, bubbling spring within them, giving them eternal life." - Jn. 4:13-14. Bubbling is a good description of following Him as we move along our unique individual spiritual journey to heaven.

Blessings

Have you gotten an email or a note when the ‘closing’ was “Blessings”? Did you consider this a positive statement, or are “blessings” sometimes other than what we might desire? My point is the “blessings” we receive might not seem like good things at first, but believing that God never gives anything to His children that is not good must be retained. A blessing from God may appear like a curse at first, but later the faithful person realizes what they received was a better gift than they first imagined. "Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows." Jas. 1:17 (NIV).

Caution

People tend to exercise caution around those things that are regarded as extremely dangerous. Many times this occurs without really understanding the thing of which they are afraid; for some people that thing is forgiveness. We should examine very closely the one thing Jesus described as unforgivable. This is not to decide how closely one might try to get before crossing some threshold, but how to avoid this threshold completely. The scripture in focus is Mk. 3:29 "but whoever blasphemes against the Holy Spirit never has forgiveness, but is guilty of an eternal sin.” If we accept that the Holy Spirit is one with Jesus and the Father, we can grasp the magnitude of such an action. If one blasphemes the one who can forgive; they are rejecting Him and His sovereignty. This is essentially stating a denial of God's existence, and therefore His importance. We need to ask the holy Spirit to help us as we travel along our unique independent spiritual journey. 

Never

 When God says "never," that has a different meaning than when a human says a similar thing. Mankind speaks of intentions, God speaks of certainty, only He can guarantee the results. Ezekiel was led by the Holy Spirit to speak of a future time when He would indwell God's people and never leave them, Yes, Never! When a person becomes joined to God because of Jesus, no external force can remove them from this promise. Only the person has the ability to walk away from this relationship, AND if they repent, He will welcome them back. "And I will never again turn my face from them, for I will pour out my Spirit upon the people of Israel. I, the Sovereign Lord, have spoken!" - Ezek. 39:29 (NLT). We should allow this indwelling Coach to lead us along our unique independent spiritual journey and Never leave God.

Doing Good

In the days Jesus lived on the earth, many things were communicated about His activities. "God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Spirit and with power, and because God was with him, he went around doing good and healing everyone who was oppressed by the devil." - Acts 10:38 {ISV}. Whatever Jesus did was good, even to the point some called Him "good teacher." We need to imitate His activities and honor God with good deeds. 

Available

While limited to specific individuals in the Old Testament, the Holy Spirit has always been available to those needing his help. This is evident in the case of Job's activities. "The Spirit of God has made me; the breath of the Almighty gives me life." - Job 33:4 (NIV)

Pour out

When we think of something being poured out, we usually think of a substance which flows out of some container with little control. Sometimes we might use the word, "gushing" to describe this observation. The first century believers in Jesus experienced just this. The Holy Spirit gushed out to creation to provide praise and honor to God the Father and welcome His children into a close relationship with Him. Isaiah predicted this action, "The LORD said, For I will pour out water to quench your thirst and to irrigate your parched fields. And I will pour out my Spirit on your descendants, and my blessing on your children." - Isa. 44:3.

Bubbling

Have you ever though of the Holy Spirit as bubbling up inside you? He will, if we allow Him to do so. Jesus replied, "Anyone who drinks this water [from Jacob's well] will soon become thirsty again. But those who drink the water I give will never be thirsty again. It becomes a fresh, bubbling spring within them, giving them eternal life." - Jn. 4:13-14. The Christian's main goal should be to follow Him along their unique independent spiritual journey.

Conversion

What we call prayer should really be understood as a conversation with God. He has given us so many things as information from Him in the Bible, available constantly. Prayer is our opportunity to discuss our understanding of what He has said. When we feel the need to reach out, the indwelling Holy Spirit is always there. As we ponder scripture, we may become aware of things we had not realized before. Sometimes new experiences and struggles in life lead us to consider our surroundings in ways we have not before. When we experience different situations and make new conclusions according to His Word, then, God has spoken to us. We should treasure this guidance, always. "In the same way, the Spirit helps us in our weakness. We do not know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us through wordless groans." - Rom. 8:26 (NIV).

One Spirit

Paul preached about a relationship that set aside cultural and individual preferences. Because God placed His Spirit in anyone who would obey Jesus, it was a great humanity leveling statement, "For we were all baptized with one Spirit into one body--whether Jews or Greeks, slave or free-- and we were all given the one Spirit to drink." 1 Cor. 12:13. Think of "body" as a community in the Kingdom of God.

Ever Present

Many times we encounter situations in which we feel alone, no friends, no support. In these times we need to remember the Holy Spirit is always with the Christian, no matter what the circumstances. "Wherever the Spirit would go, they would go, and the wheels would rise along with them, because the spirit of the living creatures was in the wheels." Ezek. 1:20 (NIV). As we travel our unique independent spiritual journey, let us depend on our ever present internal guide to lead us effectively.

Never Alone

 Our physical existence may involve times when we feel alone, by ourselves, lacking personal confidence. This is a feeling the Christian never needs to experience because the Holy Spirit lives within us; we only need to allow Him to help guide us toward godly objectives. When we are distressed and reach out to God, we always have someone to go with us and help us. “And the Father who knows all hearts knows what the Spirit is saying, for the Spirit pleads for us believers in harmony with God's own will.” - Rom. 8:27 (NLT).

Decisions

Each of us constantly evaluates what we see and hear to make subsequent decisions. How then to we decide which next decision is best? By comparing it to the whole word of God for consistency. "Beloved, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God, because many false prophets have gone out into the world." - 1 Jn. 4:1 NASV.

Light

 Most of creation uses some sort of illumination to recognize physical objects with which they interact. Moving about, eating, defense, etc. are guided by what they see and perceive. This observation extends to opinions and behavior in the physical realm, as well. To place light or illumination on actions or behaviors drives away perceived "darkness" or unseen elements and provides perceptive clarity. The indwelling Holy Spirit provides clarity and guidance for personal and surrounding situations in the spiritual realm. "All who do evil hate the light and refuse to go near it for fear their sins will be exposed. But those who do what is right come to the light so others can see that they are doing what God wants." - Jn. 3:20-21.

Undeserved love

 Perhaps the greatest demonstration of Christ's love for humans is that He provided a way for us to be sinless and near God. Paul staunchly defends this investment. "Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall trouble or hardship or persecution or famine or nakedness or sword? No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us." - Rom. 8:35-37.

Agreement

 "If you've gotten anything at all out of following Christ, if his love has made any difference in your life, if being in a community of the Spirit means anything to you, if you have a heart, if you care — then do me a favor: Agree with each other, love each other, be deep-spirited friends." - Phil. 2:1-2 (MESSAGE). For many of the people in our present society, having others consider them as being correct is paramount. A serous difficulty with this is that there are many people who have different opinions and attempting to gain consensus from all of them is next to impossible; gaining consensus with a majority is a tremendous challenge. However, consensus is a futile struggle unless the reference for determining agreement is based on God's Word. The Holy Spirit has worked to preserve the written Word and the teaching it contains to provide this reference. Bluntly, if our opinions are not based on God's truth, they are not as valuable as we think. Regarding His disciples, Jesus said, “I have given them your word, and the world has hated them because they are not of the world, just as I am not of the world. I do not ask that you take them out of the world, but that you keep them from the evil one.  They are not of the world, just as I am not of the world. Sanctify them in the truth; your word is truth. As you sent me into the world, so I have sent them into the world. And for their sake I consecrate myself, that they also may be sanctified in truth.” Jn. 17:14-17 (ESV). As Christians, we should attempt to dedicate or sanctify ourselves to God’s word. Then, we have a suitable to standard on which to base our opinions and when we gain agreement with others the consensus is valuable. 

Safety

Most people, men, women, and children want to feel “safe.” The challenge for self or others can be understanding from what exactly endangers our safety. The answer may be a combination of physical, verbal, emotional, or spiritual dangers. When one feels safe, they usually describe this as security or comfort. Comfort can be described as having someone to walk with you through whatever struggles you encounter; the Holy Spirit does this for those who accept Jesus as Savior. “I'm not asking you to take them out of the world, but to keep them safe from the evil one.” - Jn. 17:15 (NLT).

Father

A cry out to a parent may indicate a need for help or an endearing comment. For those who have been adopted, hopefully they develop a sense of acceptance by and fondness for the new parent. We should fondly and respectfully reach out to the Father who adopted us, knowing He invested greatly when he purchased our redemption from our old way of life. “The Spirit you received does not make you slaves, so that you live in fear again; rather, the Spirit you received brought about your adoption to sonship. And by him we cry, ‘Abba, Father.’" - Rom. 8:15 (NIV) 

Promises

Prophets or preachers desired to understand when God's promises would be fulfilled for salvation. We now know about this time and must share the news that earlier prophets wanted to know so badly. They were, "trying to find out the time and circumstances to which the Spirit of Christ in them was pointing when he predicted the sufferings of Christ and the glories that would follow."

Waiting

Waiting on almost anything is very difficult for many of us. Delayed gratification can have many presentations. Most people do not like to wait for their desires, dreams, or ambitions to be realized, so they settle for something more immediate but not their true desire. Our high octane lifestyle often causes great frustration due to any delays in accomplishing our personal plans. When we consider our spiritual lives, we must adopt a different approach. One person wrote about why we need to wait: "Waiting is our destiny . . . We wait in the darkness for a flame we cannot light. We wait . . . for a happy ending we cannot write." Jesus' disciples could not have accomplished their assignment without the Holy Spirit. They had to wait for His timing to accomplish their assigned task. We need to go about Jesus' assignment for us and be willing to listen for the "gentle whisper" of the Spirit as did Elijah (1 Kings 19:11-13). Waiting on the Holy Spirit doesn't mean aimless thumb twiddling. As you wait, do all things "in a fitting and orderly way" (1 Cor. 14:40). Yearn to sense the Holy Spirit's presence in your life. In your mind's eye, visualize that He has come and is present. 

Careful review

When people oppose our words or actions, we tend to become defensive, perhaps especially when those comments are based on another person's opinion about what is best for us. In those instances, we need not feel insulted, but review our opinions and decide carefully about our next steps. Some human opinions are rejected because we have different goals or intentions than the person speaking. In spiritual matters, we must honor the guidance given by the Holy Spirit: He is always correct! As our understanding changes, His remains constant. We need to be attempting to move closer to His opinions. If we reject His attempts of teaching or correction, we can hurt the Holy Spirit. If we openly reject His guidance, and walk away, we may trample His efforts. "How much more severely do you think a man deserves to be punished who has trampled the Son of God under foot, who has treated as an unholy thing the blood of the covenant that sanctified him, and who has insulted the Spirit of grace?" Heb. 10:29 (NIV).

Conviction

Like the early Jews, many people, maybe most, look for the reasons a person makes a comment, or does some action. In our present age of manipulation, it is wise to ask if you can believe what you just heard or saw. Like Paul clarified his actions to the Thessalonians, we should be clear about our intentions to spread the news about Jesus as we live among others. "because our gospel came to you not simply with words, but also with power, with the Holy Spirit and with deep conviction. You know how we lived among you for your sake. 1 Thess. 1:5 (NIV).

Judgment

A thought regarding the Trinity of God: A. W. Tozer once wrote, “[A person] must never sit in judgment upon what is written. He dare not bring the meaning of the Word before the bar of his reason. He dare not commend or condemn the Word as reasonable or unreasonable, scientific or unscientific. After the meaning is discovered, that meaning judges him; never does he judge it.” Christians need to follow their unique individual spiritual journey while asking the Holy Spirit for guidance.

Level Ground

Sometimes our daily lives seem like dragging a heavy weight up hill. At times this weight is further burdened by our attitudes. We MUST allow the Holy Spirit to strengthen us as we move along our spiritual pathway. "Teach me to do your will, for you are my God; may your good Spirit lead me on level ground."  - Psa. 143:10 (NIV)

Overwhelmed

There are times in our lives when we feel overwhelmed by our surroundings. There may be open confrontation or subtle manipulation, but we feel attacked and our spirit can be saddened. This is the time when we need to remember God's words and actions so we can be refreshed. While the troubles may seem gargantuan, the Holy Spirit will encourage us and deliver us at the end.  "For the enemy has persecuted my soul; He has crushed my life to the ground; He has made me dwell in dark places, like those who have long been dead. Therefore my spirit is overwhelmed within me; My heart is appalled within me. I remember the days of old; I meditate on all Your doings; I muse on the work of Your hands" - Psa. 143:3-5 (NASV). Christians need to depend on the Holy Spirit on their unique independent spiritual journey.

Mutual Encouragement

 All Christians, every individual, encounters difficulties. They may be due to unexpected circumstances, or simply poor decisions. Whatever the reason, we need to speak words of encouragement to our brothers and sisters. Sometimes listening to the comments from others helps them better arrive at a personal resolution; sometimes they need a noncritical suggestion. Whatever the need along our unique individual spiritual journey, a kind word of understanding and comfort can ease the stress and disappointment. "If you have any encouragement from being united with Christ, if any comfort from his love, if any fellowship with the Spirit, if any tenderness and compassion," - Phil. 2:10.

Peace

 All Christians share a common Lord, a common goal, and a common family. Nonetheless, we are individuals at different places along our individual spiritual journeys and worldly desires are ever present. We must allow the Holy Spirit guide us to place more focus on our common goal and help other people whenever we have the opportunity to promote the soothing bond of peace. "Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace." Eph. 4:3.

Father

 A cry out to a parent may indicate a need for help or an endearing comment. For those who have been adopted, hopefully they develop a sense of acceptance by, and fondness for the new parent. We should fondly and respectfully reach out to the Father who adopted us, knowing He invested greatly when he purchased our redemption from our old way of life. “The Spirit you received does not make you slaves, so that you live in fear again; rather, the Spirit you received brought about your adoption to sonship. And by him we cry, ‘Abba, Father.’" Rom. 8:15 (NIV).

More

The Holy Spirit has power beyond description and He is willing to give this power to us in order to accomplish His desires. Do you want to see God's desires fulfilled? "Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen." - Eph. 3:20-21.

Start every day

When we awake each morning, we should invite the indwelling Holy Spirit to help us offer praise to God in some way during the coming day. As we follow our unique individual spiritual journey, the Holy Spirit will guide us as much as we will allow Him to do so. We need to explore His words in scripture then hold on to the promise, "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 that I have said to you." -  Jn. 14:26 (ESV).

Clothed

 Christians are indwelt by the Holy Spirit, making us children of God. This internal position should lead them to produce words and actions that surround them, or clothe them. When people view a Christian's words and actions, they should be reminded of Jesus. "You are all sons of God through faith in Christ Jesus, for all of you who were baptized into Christ have clothed yourselves with Christ. There is neither Jew nor Greek, slave nor free, male nor female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus." - Gal. 3:26-29 (NIV).

Conflict

 Our society is filled with conflict. We cannot avoid all conflict, so how do we handle it? We must depend on God, the Holy Spirit to guide us through such events.  "For the sinful nature desires what is contrary to the Spirit, and the Spirit what is contrary to the sinful nature. They are in conflict with each other, so that you do not do what you want." Gal. 5:17 (NIV). Christians must ask the Holy Spirit to guide them thought these challenging times.

Trapped

When a person comes to the point they feel overwhelmed; with no good way out of a situation, they can become severely depressed. If you have been in such a situation or have known someone who was, how did they feel when their problems were solved and all the burdens lifted? I guess Great! One might think they have been set loose from the things that bound them:redeemed. If one really considers the human plight for eternity without Jesus, relying only on ourselves, it might be something like the previous situation. But, Those who follow Jesus have those burdens about eternity lifted - the person following Jesus been freed. Plus they receive a guide that is with them always to provide guidance when they listen. "He redeemed us in order that the blessing given to Abraham might come to the Gentiles through Christ Jesus, so that by faith we might receive the promise of the Spirit." - Gal. 3:14 (NIV).

Communication

Communication from the Holy Spirit may take many different forms, depending on the person. The indwelling Holy Spirit knows how to best communicate with each person and their background. Some have had dreams, many have had other Christians encourage them, others have had an experience of thoughts being placed into their minds, still others have had abrupt and clear realization of a scriptural teaching. At times one may experience an unending burden, a thought supported by scripture continually comes to mind. This is typically not an event that can be predicted or instigated, but is very powerful for the person involved.

Completion

 When God wants a task done, he supplies the guidance and power necessary for the willing servant to accomplish the needed action. In these last days, we should view the Holy Spirit as very active. He only needs to locate willing servants who will follow His guidance. "Then the Spirit of the LORD came upon Jephthah. He crossed Gilead and Manasseh, passed through Mizpah of Gilead, and from there he advanced against the Ammonites" - Jdgs. 11:29 (NIV).

Travesty

 One of the greatest travesties in Bible study is ignoring the audience to whom a message was intended. Each audience had particular needs the author was addressing. When we attempt to apply what was written to one group of people to others without consideration of the situation, one can come away with an incorrect understanding of the teaching. The Gospels reveal the same message, but to different audiences, so their presentation is slightly different. The other books of the New Testament were written by men who had slightly different viewpoints about Jesus, and to people with different interests and struggles - they needed different help. The writings were intended to address those issues. We can learn wonderful things about God by how He treated others in their individual situations. However, as we study, we must focus on the fundamental element (Jesus) and accept some differences in writings. Peter said that Paul wrote some things that were hard to understand. We should not expect an easier pathway than that of an Apostle.

Love

Jesus emphasized and displayed love. God uses love to describe his essential nature. The Holy Spirit pours love into our hearts. Jesus stressed love would be our identifying quality as his disciples. When it comes to discipleship, Christian virtue, spiritual character, and ultimate holiness, it all boils down to love. Now we're not talking about some sappy, insipid, fleeting emotion. We're talking about that determined, disciplined, and deliberate commitment to others to work what is for their best good in every situation.

Always

 Since creation, God has been extremely nurturing of His children. He has wanted to provide the best things for those who were faithful and correct those who made decisions about which He did not approve. YHWH was extremely happy when His children would listen to His instructions via the Holy Spirit. God and Jesus do not change (Heb. 13:8 '... yesterday, today, forever ...'); His pleasure in the time of Moses can be replicated now, when we follow His instructions. "Now Joshua son of Nun was filled with the Spirit of wisdom because Moses had laid his hands on him. So the Israelites listened to him and did what the LORD had commanded Moses." Deut. 34:9 (NIV).

Love

 In modern society, we use the word "love" to describe many things and levels of feeling. When Jesus spoke, He intended "love" to indicate more than thoughts, but actions. When we reach out to help other people with the same concern as for ourselves, we mirror God's efforts for us. He loved us so much He came to earth and suffered a cruel sacrifice for us. How should this realization affect our view of other people? "And the second command is like the first: 'You must love other people the same as you love yourself.' All of the law and the writings of the prophets take their meaning from these two commands." - Matt. 22:39-40 (ERV)

Sharing

 As far back in time as Moses, God's focused servants who had the Holy Spirit have wanted this Spirit to be distributed to more people. This would mean they could be closer to God. Those who accept Jesus' gift, possess what Moses wished for so long ago. "Moses replied, "Are you jealous for my sake? I wish that all the LORD's people were prophets and that the LORD would put his Spirit on them!" - Num. 11:29.