AntiChrist

While the meaning of the word AntiChrist is simple (Against Jesus or without Jesus or rejected Jesus), for those who those who do not believe in Jesus Christ, the ramifications are paramount - and certainly it is an individual choice. Without Jesus, means a present and future life away from Jehovah God. "Dear friends, 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. This is how you can recognize the Spirit of God: Every spirit that acknowledges that Jesus Christ has come in the flesh is from God, but every spirit that does not acknowledge Jesus is not from God. This is the [spirit] of the antichrist, which you have heard is coming and even now is already in the world." 1Jn. 4:1-3 (NIV).

Preaching

 Perhaps a good way to think of a "prophet" in the Old Testament is a 'preacher', or perhaps an encourager. Many generally think of "prophecy" as having a predictive element. This can be true, but when God's word is preached to people who are living in a sinful world, it is relatively easy to predict that corrective events will occur at some point. So long as the preacher shares the Word of God, he is following the guidance of the Holy Spirit. "For prophecy never had its origin in the will of man, but men spoke from God as they were carried along by the Holy Spirit." 2Pet. 1:21 (NIV). If one asks, the Holy Spirit will guide those who trust Him along their unique individual spiritual journey.

Protection

Pointing out human's lack of understanding of our God's (or indwelling Holy Spirit's) work in our surroundings, Sarah Young wrote, "I AM TAKING CARE OF YOU. Feel the warmth and security of being enveloped in My loving Presence. Every detail of your life is under My control. Moreover, everything fits into a pattern for good, to those who love Me and are called according to My design and purpose. Because the world is in an abnormal, fallen condition, people tend to think that chance governs the universe. Events may seem to occur randomly, with little or no meaning. People who view the world this way have overlooked one basic fact: the limitations of human understanding. What you know of the world you inhabit is only the tip of the iceberg. Submerged beneath the surface of the visible world are mysteries too vast for you to comprehend. If you could only see how close I am to you and how constantly I work on your behalf, you would never again doubt that I am wonderfully caring for you. This is why you must live by faith, not by sight; trusting in My mysterious, majestic Presence. {Romans 8:28 (amp); Job 42:1–3; 1 Peter 5:7; 2 Corinthians 5:7} We must remember we are children of the King, the creator and maintainer of the universe. We should remember this as we move along our unique individual spiritual journey led by the Holy Spirit.

Reflectioin

 A simple reflection: God always provided the means necessary to accomplish His desires. "I will come down and speak with you there, and I will take of the Spirit that is on you and put the Spirit on them. They will help you carry the burden of the people so that you will not have to carry it alone." - Num. 11:17. We can expect God to take similar actions in our time, as well.

Clothing

Those who attempt to follow Jesus' teaching need to walk very carefully, because our surroundings may be physically and spiritually dangerous; some people will be affected differently. Our appearance (clothing) should reflect wisdom and concern for others. We must depend on the indwelling Holy Spirit to guide us correctly. "Be very careful, then, how you live—not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil." - Eph. 5:15-16 (NIV); "Therefore, as God's chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience." - Col. 3:12 (NIV). This is evidence the Holy Spirit guides us as we move along our unique independent spiritual journey.

Choices

How often do we think about our consciences? A good description of one's conscience is: "a part of our thought process which helps us make decisions based on personal understanding of our core beliefs." It may also constantly remind us of any poor choices; it may seem like a constant thought about something that 'just won't go away.' Without a God-centered base, one's conscience may consider ungodly actions as normal and expected. When one accepts God's plan and the Holy Spirit lives within them, their conscience also undergoes a cleansing transformation; actions that displease God are no longer considered as acceptable. "Just think how much more the blood of Christ will purify our consciences from sinful deeds so that we can worship the living God. For by the power of the eternal Spirit, Christ offered himself to God as a perfect sacrifice for our sins." - Heb. 9:14 (NLT) 

Balanced

 A prominent discussion in our society is eating, for both health and weight management. For a balanced life, we need to pay as much attention to the words we speak as the food we eat. The words we speak reflect the spiritual food we have consumed. The words we speak communicate our beliefs, feelings, and attitudes. Jesus said "Not that which goes into the mouth defiles a man; but that which comes out of the mouth, this defiles a man...what comes out of the mouth proceeds from the heart, and this defiles a person. (Matt. 15:11, 18) We must carefully guard what we say, because it can be so easily misinterpreted. "Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen. - Eph. 4:29 (NIV)

Advocate

 Some of the guidance provided by Jesus to honor the Father seems foreign and difficult for us to understand and do. God calls (invites) believers to do things that He has designed to help ourselves and others. Those of us who are indwelled by the Holy Spirit will find great help, "For we are God's handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do. (Eph. 2:10). We must admit WE don't know the best ways to reach out to others an depend on the indwelling Holy Spirit to guide us; He will lead us to do the proper things (good works or actions). "If you love me, obey my commandments. And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Advocate, who will never leave you. He is the Holy Spirit, who leads into all truth." Jn. 14:15-17a (NLT)

Change

 Someone wrote, "Peace is to be found in the acceptance of things we are unable to change." This is profound, however we are creatures that change constantly and need to be careful how we change. However, Paul said, "I keep asking that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the glorious Father, may give you the Spirit of wisdom and revelation, so that you may know him better " Eph. 1:17. As Christians move along their unique independent spiritual journey, they need to ask the Holy Spirit for guidance in order that their steps will glorify God in some way. This change toward greater sanctification is the goal we need to pursue.

Help for all

When we read Jn. 16:8 (NLT), “And when he comes, he will convict the world of its sin, and of God's righteousness, and of the coming judgment,” we usually don’t argue too much. Why? Maybe we assume sometimes the Holy Spirit is most concerned with convicting those in the world who do not believe in Jesus; that He was and is a real, historical person with a wondrous goal. Perhaps we overlook the Holy Spirit’s goal for those who already believe. He is still concerned with our sanctification. The idea of making something holy and dedicated means He continues to work on us when we think we don’t need more polishing, but we do. We are not sinless, only declared so. As we move past the Covid 19 restrictions, we must redouble our efforts to encourage others who have struggled in so many ways. As the Christian moves along their unique independent spiritual journey, other Christians need to allow the Holy Spirit to use them as encouragers to others.

Invited

For those who have been invited, or called, acceptance of this offer means one needs further guidance. A person looks but cannot readily see Him or His guidance, this becomes increasingly apparent over time. You view only the fabric of physical circumstances woven and interlaced, you might question the purpose behind this thread or that. But be assured, God has a pattern. While we may surmise that God is more interested in our final destination, all three of the Godhead are interested in our daily pathway. The Spirit was left with a plan, to help those who ask for guidance - the Bible promises us this. He will not be finished with humans as long as we live, but if we will allow, the result will be beautiful when He is finished! "In all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose" - (Rom. 8:28).

Nourishment

Humans have several innate needs to survive. Besides physical nourishment, humans need psychological support. A part of this support is a need for purpose, particularly something to motivate their focus. Besides purpose, or perhaps along with it is a need for some level of appreciation. When appreciation crumbles, bullying finds a ripe field in which to blossom. Some level of appreciation does not mean complete acceptance of all words or actions, but sincere concern for the source. When another person realizes we are open to considering their struggles, then when we attempt to understand and appreciate the challenges face; they will likely allow us to help them find better solutions to those situations with which they struggle. A relationship has elements of: understanding, a level of acceptance, a level of disagreement, overall concern for the individual, and willingness to help the person and ourselves. The prime example of this is God. For those who believe in Him and recognize a need for His help, He accepts whatever they have become. When they accept Jesus, He cleanses them spiritually and provides the Holy Spirit to help them overcome the past; the Holy Spirit (God inside them) will help them become the person God wants them to be. The Holy Spirit is constantly with the Christian on their unique independent spiritual journey. "Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom." 2 Cor. 3:17.

Dedicated

When one has a great interest in something, normally we might say they are focused on that item. This focus may turn into infatuation or deeper interest. Such attitudes can wane over time, replaced by other interests. When the attention and focus does not wane, the person may develop a strong attachment and commitment to the item; this can then become dedication. When one becomes dedicated, many personal preferences lose some of their importance, making way for closer bonding to a target item. Oh, another word describing this "dedication" is "holy." When the item is God we can grow closer to Him by allowing the indwelling Holy Spirit to guide us toward that end. "Now may the God of peace make you holy in every way, and may your whole spirit and soul and body be kept blameless until our Lord Jesus Christ comes again. - 1 Thess. 5:23 (NLT).