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.