Price

 Few things in our physical lives are gained without some kind of cost. Many events in this life represent a transaction of cost/benefit decision, and the exchange may be money, services, or other efforts. At some time, each Christian has realized their actions produced a debt that was impossible for them to repay for they do not have the proper method of payment. The cost for repayment of this debt was a gift, yet it was extremely expensive: a person’s life who was unflawed, yes, Jesus’ life. Christians are not expected to pay back this gift, but inform others about it out of appreciation and concern. There have been some, however, who have exchanged this precious gift for something of less valuable, earthly concerns. This is precisely what we find in Rom. 1:25. Paul uses a word for “exchange” which was usually applied to financial transactions, when he said they, “exchanged the truth about God for a lie and worshiped and served the creature rather than the Creator, who is blessed forever! Amen.” Rom. 1:25 (ESV). They made a poor purchase transaction.

Love revisited

In Hebrew, one prominent meaning of "love" includes 'commitment.' Have you ever been associated with an intense discussion or argument? Have you ever had a friend or a loved one who was involved in such an encounter that their lives might be in danger? Sometimes those people having such a discussion cannot speak rationally due to other personal issues and it is best to leave the situation and let tempers "cool down" some. The persistent Paul found himself in such a situation once. Yet when he went away, the Holy Spirit continued to work on these people in his absence. While his efforts were productive, Paul was not the point, it was the Holy Spirit promoting Jesus. "And he was talking and arguing with the Hellenistic Jews; but they were attempting to put him to death. But when the brethren learned of it, they brought him down to Caesarea and sent him away to Tarsus. So the church throughout all Judea and Galilee and Samaria enjoyed peace, being built up; and going on in the fear of the Lord and in the comfort of the Holy Spirit, it continued to increase." - Acts 9:29-31 (NASB) 

The Holy Spirit’s Dwelling Place

Jews in the first century believed that God dwelled in the holy of holies in the temple at Jerusalem. They were very protective of this area since they thought God had asked them to defend His dwelling place. In an argument with some Freedmen Jews in Jerusalem and before his death, Stephen pointed out that the places to worship God had moved around to different places in the past and now, that “God dwells in heaven, not in temples made with hands.” (Acts 7:48-50). No, God’s presence was not limited to the one temple area. Speaking by the Holy Spirit, Stephen spoke of the ultimate dwelling place of God, within humans. If defaming the earthly temple was an action worthy of death, what of defaming the present dwelling of the Holy Spirit, our bodies? Not so long ago, a group of people set fire to a church and it burned to the ground. Perhaps they were disappointed or angry with God, but God does not live in church buildings. This is appalling. What do we think when some people attack the present dwelling of God the Holy Spirit, our bodies? Many Christians don’t have the same shock when it comes to harming the present temple of the Holy Spirit--their own bodies. Some people destroy efficient bodily function with drugs, food, or drink. Another group burdens the body with stress and exhaustion. Many people justify these abuses as their right to treat their body as they want. But, that is not true for Christians. The Corinthians had worshipped idols which allowed them to act without any control. When they accepted Jesus and received the indwelling Holy Spirit, they needed to understand that what they did to their body was important to God for personal health and their influence on others. “Or do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit who is in you, whom you have from God, and that you are not your own? For you have been bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body.” 1 Cor. 6:19-20 (NASB). Christians need to allow the Holy spirit to guide them along their unique independent spiritual journey and glorify God with prudent choices for their bodies.

In the physical world, we can do nothing apart from our physical body. Since it is the only body we were given in this life, we should do our best to keep it in good condition. Believers should also recognize their responsibility to treat the earthly body like the sacred and special dwelling place that it is. People cannot reach their full potential while neglecting the proper care of their bodies. What good is education, talent, and gifts if we’re too tired or sick to complete our desired tasks well?

Expectations:

In hindsight, it seems evident that the many Jewish people of the first century did not expect or understand the message Jesus brought. They desired and expected a different form of Messiah. They expected physical freedom, but were offered spiritual freedom. The leaders did not recognize God walking among them, and could not believe the words He spoke. "At that time the Feast of the Dedication took place at Jerusalem; it was winter, and Jesus was walking in the temple in the portico of Solomon. The Jews then gathered around Him, and were saying to Him, “How long will You keep us in suspense? If You are the Christ, tell us plainly.” Jesus answered them, “I told you, and you do not believe; the works that I do in My Father’s name, these testify of Me. 'But you do not believe because you are not of My sheep.'" - Jn. 10:22-25 (ASV). Let's decide to pursue and evaluate God's desires as revealed in His word and expect great blessings. If we will, a unique individual spiritual journey awaits.Expectations: In hindsight it seems evident that the many Jewish people of the first century did not expect or understand the message Jesus brought. They desired and expected a different form of Messiah. They expected physical freedom, but were offered spiritual freedom. The leaders did not recognize God walking among them, and could not believe the words He spoke. "At that time the Feast of the Dedication took place at Jerusalem; it was winter, and Jesus was walking in the temple in the portico of Solomon. The Jews then gathered around Him, and were saying to Him, “How long will You keep us in suspense? If You are the Christ, tell us plainly.” Jesus answered them, “I told you, and you do not believe; the works that I do in My Father’s name, these testify of Me. 'But you do not believe because you are not of My sheep.'" - Jn. 10:22-25 (ASV). Let's decide to pursue and evaluate God's desires as revealed in His word and expect great blessings. If we will, a unique individual spiritual journey awaits.

Jerusalem

When Abram entered the land of Canaan around 2000 BC, the city of Jerusalem was called Salem (Genesis 14). After Abram returned from defeating Kedorlaomer and the kings allied with him, the king of Sodom came out to meet him in the Valley of Shaveh (that is, the King’s Valley). Then Melchizedek king of Salem brought out bread and wine. He was priest of God Most High, and he blessed Abram, saying, “Blessed be Abram by God Most High, Creator of heaven and earth. And blessed be God Most High, who delivered your enemies into your hand.” Then Abram gave him a tenth of everything. - Genesis 14:17-20. Melchizedek’s city was called Salem, or Shalem, which is also the name of the God whose worship was centered in the city. The full name of this God was “God Most High, Creator of Heaven and Earth” since he was the God of creation. That the name Salem refers to Jerusalem is evidenced by Psalm 76:2 which uses "Salem" as a parallel for "Zion", the citadel of Jerusalem. Acts 15, uses the statements “up to Jerusalem; down from Judea”, or essentially Jerusalem. To the Hebrews, Jerusalem was located in an elevated area, both physically and spiritually. The city of Jerusalem is certainly on a raised area, so this is literally true. But, there are other spiritual meanings as well. The word comes from Hebrew, Yerushalayim, literally "foundation of peace," or a place that indicates peace with God. God directed that a temple be built on this plain to remind those who believed in Him that He loved them and would protect them, so long as they were faithful to Him. Jerusalem came to represent the presence of God on earth, especially in the Holy of Holies within the temple. It was the place King David established the capital of the promised land. The location also reminded those to whom it was precious, they no longer needed to fight against God. It was here, at the temple, that their sins were not “removed,” but “covered,” or “pushed forward” each year. Removal would wait for Jesus’ sacrifice. He displayed what God wanted from His servants, but those of the religious firmament in Jerusalem, killed the messiah, the promised King. When Jesus came to earth, he was Emmanuel, a visible indication of “God with us.” When Jesus returned to heaven, believers were given the Holy Spirit to indwell them. Because of this, we now experience “God within us.” In the first century, the reminder of God’s presence was so strong the Holy Spirit led John to use a concept supplied by Ezekiel as he described the future relationship with God; it was a New Jerusalem (Rev. 21:1ff.). New leadership was being installed. This indicates a promise to enjoy continued peace and fellowship with God -  over, under, around, and through our being for eternity. As we travel our unique individual spiritual journey, this is the promised destination, being with God.

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 and corrected mistakes. Children and adults learn similarly in this aspect. Some experts advise that adults repeating the name of a person just met 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. At this time, they have realization of the data repeatedly presented and begin to understand most of the concept. In the spiritual realm, gaining understanding is similar to this, at times. We read and study the Bible, then pray, but the clear answer just escapes our minds. Then one day, as we read or reflect on a topic, 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. 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 forgive children easily 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. Adults 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 both offer 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. 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. Christians grow as they follow thier unique individual spiritual journey, led by the Holy Spirit.

Commitment

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, also. Such hopscotch behavior leaves people denying that 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. That person 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. The basic meaning is NOT to comprehend some information gathered by our 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 input from one of our senses, we do not recognize the presence of it when encountered. This is sometimes revealed as "nose blindness," wherein we do not recognize certain smells anylonger, 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 ceertain parts of our body, like the tips of a guitar player's fingers which have developed callouses because of touching the strings often. This concept can even be expanded to our sense of right and wrong; when we witness so many bad things, we begine to expect this as normal and our sense of different is thwarted. A troubling application of this concept is our view of ourselves. We sometimes fail to recognize our weaknesses - it is not new or different, so we are blind to whatever it might be. God has a very different view of our status than we do at times. In this case noted, Jesus did not scold the man for what he did not know but claiming he knew more than he did. Jesus is the Savior for 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 and blind our hearts or think that we are very important, then we had better beware. we are surrounded with so much untruth. Pride and arrogance often get in the way of recognizing truth. This principle is especially true in matters of spiritual truth. Let's openly recognize that we need God's help to discern truth. Then 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 belivers in Jehovah God, let's look to His word of truth for answers to the most impotannt question, our eternal destination.

Similar interests

Most people enjoy conversations with other people who share similar 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 balet, opera, NASCAR, or fishing. People feel a kinship to others who share like interests. We focus on our own opinions and preferences. There are also those who share a common interst 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. We need to believe and follow as the Holy Spirit leads us. Jesus responded to some Jews, "But because I tell the truth, you do not believe me. Which one of you convicts me of sin? If I tell the truth, why do you not believe me? Whoever is of God hears the words of God. The reason why you do not hear them is that you are not of God,” - Jn. 8:45-47 (ESV).

Surrounded by Angels

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 sentenels 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." 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 evaporate; yes, James 4:14 describes physical life as a mist or vapor.  The only constant in life is change. At any time, we can choose a spiritual hope that never changes and will never evaporate. If we choose to begin a unique individual spiritual journey led by the Holy Spirit toward eternity based on Jesus' principles, all the changes within our physical lives can have purpose. They can be infused with hope: desire for being with Jesus and expectation of that reality. "For we through the Spirit, by faith, are waiting for the hope of righteousness." - Gal. 5:5 (NASV)

Right Hand

Generally, Bible students can grasp the symbol of trust and strength in the term "right hand." Furthermore, the Old Testament, Jesus Himself, and the letters to Revelation visualize the ascended Jesus as "sitting at the right hand of God the Father" (Ps. 110:1; Matt. 22:44; 26:64; Lk. 22:69; Rom. 8:34; Col. 3:1; Heb. 8:1; 12:2; 1Pet. 3:22; Rev. 3:21). This might seem as if Jesus did His part in providing a sacrifice and sits patiently waiting for the the work on earth to continue guided by the Holy Spirit. Such an opinion represents a part of the senario, but Christians should be encouraged to note that when Jesus' followers were persecuted, they gained enough immediate attention to cause Jesus to rise to His feet and stand. Jesus is intimately interested in the struggles Christians face when honoring any part of the Trinity. This is revealed when Stephen was stoned. "But being full of the Holy Spirit, he gazed intently into heaven and saw the glory of God, and Jesus standing at the right hand of God. - Acts 7:55 (NASB) Christians are never alone in their godly challenges. These people have a goal of bringing honor to God as they travel their 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, Paul provided a comparison of values; He outlined both bad and good practices. The bad ones were those motivated by the flesh; the good ones were those motivated by the indwelling Holy Spirit. As we travel our unique individual spiritual journey, the indwelling Holy Spirit should make a difference in our life! He will if we let Him.  "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 Israel's decedents, the people chosen by Jehovah God to do His will, His people. This descriptor was never a land mass; this is a descriptor of where his people lived. Initially, the chosen people were Jews but later the title was expanded to mean all those who accepted Jesus as the Messiah and Savior. Paul described them as being "grafted in" - Rom. 11:17-18. After the resurrection, God’s chosen people became anyone who accepted Jesus; He then dwelled within them. (Isa. 45:17; Rom. 11:26; Rom. 8:11). The responsibility of people who have accepted Jesus is to  imitate His time on earth. We need to live a life that brings honor to God's name and reach out to help other people. Being a part of Israel means living as a child of God.

Understanding

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 had begun. 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. The Holy Spirit does not always act in mystical ways.