The Wheelbarrow

This beautiful sunshine makes me want to get the flower beds cleaned up and ready for spring flowers.  It reminds me of Dad and how he would get things ready.  Though quite small when we moved to June Lake, I remember Dad building a rock border so he could level the yard.  He used a wheelbarrow to haul the rocks and also to mix up the cement to fix them into place.  Other times when the wheelbarrow was empty and clean he’d give my sister and me wild rides tipping the wheelbarrow to the right and left as he’d move it forward.

That old wheelbarrow and how Dad used it reminds me of what the LORD has emphasized to me lately about JESUS the author and finisher of our faith (Hebrews 12:2). Let me lay the foundation of what I am seeing in hopes that you can see it too.

JESUS-then called the WORD- totally equal with GOD the FATHER both in form and nature (John 1:1-4), laid aside HIS visible glory and rights and riches and took on the form of man and became obedient unto death because the GODHEAD (all THREE) desired a relationship with mankind whom they had made (Philippians 2:4-8)

Leaving the glory of heaven the Light of the World came down into the darkness of this world of sin saying, “I come to do THY will, O GOD” (Hebrews 10:9).  In doing so HE determined to not speak HIS own words (John 3:34-35, 12:49) nor use HIS own powers (Luke 4:14, Acts 1:2). 

Totally aware of what HIS choice would mean (John 21:17, Acts 15:18 KJ) JESUS humbly chose to suffer for HE knew it was necessary for HIM to be made like unto HIS brethren (humans) in all ways, that HE might be a merciful and faithful high priest in things pertaining to GOD, to make reconciliation for the sins of the people (Hebrews 2:17). That was the only way people could be saved and live eternally with HIM.

Now how does this connect with Dad’s old wheelbarrow?  He could not mix the cement in the wheelbarrow when it was full of rocks, it had to be empty, nor could Dad give his 3 girls rides while the wet cement was in the wheelbarrow.  Dad had to empty and wash it out before we got our rides.

In order for JESUS to be made like us (Humans) HE emptied HIMSELF out.  That only means HE chose not to go HIS own way, nor find HIS own pleasure, nor speak HIS own words but only do GOD’s will.  Did you know that Isaiah 58:13b states that doing those very things enables you and me to delight in the LORD?

When the Creator, JESUS took on a human body inside of Mary and became a baby, dependent on ones HE had made and even submitting to them was beyond huge.  But what the LORD has been impressing on me was the beginning of HIS ministry up to HIS ascension back into heaven as how I am to daily follow HIS lead (Hebrews 2:10). “Looking unto JESUS the Author and finisher of our faith” Hebrews 12:2.

Hebrews 10:9 “I come to do YOUR will O GOD” John 3:34 For HE (JESUS) whom GOD has sent speaks the words of GOD: for GOD gives not the SPIRIT by measure unto HIM (JESUS).

Luke 4:1 And JESUS being full of the HOLY SPIRIT returned from Jordan, and was led by the SPIRIT into the wilderness, Luke 4:14  And JESUS returned in the power of the SPIRIT into Galilee… 15  And HE taught in their synagogues… Acts 1:2 Until the day in which HE (JESUS) was taken up, after that HE (JESUS) through the HOLY SPIRIT had given commandments unto the apostles whom HE had chosen. 

I see JESUS does only what GOD wants HIM to do.  HE does not speak HIS own words but speaks only what HE hears the FATHER say.  HE goes not in HIS own power and ideas but is filled by the HOLY SPIRIT.  Being FILLED HE is led and goes by the power of the HOLY SPIRIT.  Notice, the HOLY SPIRIT teaches through HIM, so JESUS doesn’t convict people JESUS just speaks the words the FATHER give HIM, and the HOLY SPIRIT gives the people understanding (1 Corinthians 2:10-13).

Hebrews 8:14 blows me away, “… CHRIST, who through the eternal SPIRIT offered HIMSELF without spot to GOD…” 

On earth while in a human body, JESUS depended on GOD the FATHER and GOD the HOLY SPIRIT and did nothing on HIS own.

We received and were sealed with the indwelling of the HOLY SPIRIT when we were saved (John 7:38-39, Ephesians 1:13). But now we are commanded to be filled by the HOLY SPIRIT (Ephesians 5:18).  But what does that mean since we cannot not fill ourselves? I think Luke 11:13 holds the key when it say that GOD the FATHER will give the HOLY SPIRIT to those who ask.  We see in Acts 4:31 that the very disciples who on the Day of Pentecost were filled (Acts 2:4) with the HOLY SPIRIT with power yet on another day they prayed to GOD for boldness after being threatened and they are filled anew with the HOLY SPIRIT and speak with power. We are saved one time.  We get the indwelling HOLY SPIRIT one time and are sealed to GOD one time.  But the filling with power comes and goes.  I think we need to ask daily for the HOLY SPIRIT to fill us for whatever GOD has prepared for us to do.  Scripture says, “You have not because you ask not” (James 4:2).

Therefore, to follow JESUS how much more do I need to lay aside my personal opinions and ideas and seek to know and follow GOD’s leading (Proverbs 3:5-7) and be filled with the HOLY SPIRIT.  Only when we are filled by the HOLY SPIRIT can we be led by and walk with the HOLY SPIRIT. Daily I need to prepare my heart (Proverbs 16:1) by being in GOD’s word (Matthew 4:4), talking to GOD our FATHER and being willing to obey regardless so I can hear and understand the HOLY SPIRIT (1 Corinthians 2:10-13).  I need to listen carefully and do what I know I should do and say what I know I should say whether I agree with it or not.  For if I am willing to hear and obey, the HOLY SPIRIT will make my instructions clear to me and enable me to obey (John 7:17, Philippians 2:13) . 

But like that wheelbarrow full of dirt, if I am full of my own ideas I won’t be able to hear the HOLY SPIRIT.

Hebrews 8:14 How much more shall the blood of CHRIST, who through the eternal SPIRIT offered HIMSELF without spot to GOD, purge your conscience from dead works to serve the living GOD?

Hugs

Sharon   PS-See the TRINITY in the crucifixion?

Laying a foundation

Part 1, Laying a foundation:

Most Christians know about and worship GOD the FATHER from whom all blessings flow (James 1:17) and our LORD JESUS CHRIST who died for the sins of the world, was buried and raised from the dead (1 Corinthians 15:3-4) and is now seated at the right hand of GOD the FATHER in heaven (Hebrews 1:2-3) Yet, they know little about or are confused concerning the HOLY SPIRIT of power (Micah 3:8, Luke 4:14, Romans 15:29) who is just as much GOD as GOD the FATHER and LORD JESUS CHRIST.  But the Bible is not quiet about the HOLY SPIRIT nor of HIS role in the lives of the believers.

When we look at what JESUS told HIS disciples about the HOLY SPIRIT, we will learn how the HOLY SPIRIT relates to us who believed in and have received JESUS as our LORD.

“And I will pray the FATHER, and HE shall give you another (of the same kind-like JESUS) Comforter, that HE may abide with you forever (literally to the end of the age- Ephesians 4:30). Even the SPIRIT of truth; whom the world cannot receive, because it sees HIM not, neither knows HIM: but you know HIM; for HE dwells with you, and shall be in you (John 14:16-17).

What is meant that the SPIRIT dwells with you? That is the HOLY SPIRIT’s work bringing things to bear to convict us of sin and our need of a Savior (John 16:8). Without acting on the conviction of the HOLY SPIRIT a person cannot be saved.

The term shall be in you speaks of what happens when one believes in JESUS.  The HOLY SPIRIT could not be in a person until JESUS was glorified/ was declared to be the Son of GOD by being raised from the grave (Romans 1:4, Ephesians 1:13, John 7:38-39). 

JESUS appeared to the disciples after being raised from the dead (thus glorifed), and seeing HIM the disciples believed in the resurrection of JESUS from the dead- which declared HE was the SON of GOD.  At the time JESUS breathed on them and they received the indwelling of the HOLY SPIRIT as JESUS had said, the HOLY SPIRIT shall be in you (John 20:22).

So why did JESUS tell them to wait in Jerusalem for the promise of the FATHER which was power from the HOLY SPIRIT to do their assignment of witnessing? (Acts 1:8).  We see in Acts 2 an outpouring of the HOLY SPIRIT on these 1^st believers who already had the HOLY SPIRIT living within them.  When the HOLY SPIRIT came upon them in the upper room they were filled with the HOLY SPIRIT and received power to witness to the unsaved by speaking in tongues and preaching boldly (Acts 2).  Later these same disciples prayed (Luke 11:13) and were filled again with the HOLY SPIRIT and received power this time for boldness (Acts 4:31). This is not a continuing thing but special power for works of service.

1st work:  GOD the HOLY SPIRIT’s being with a person concerns the HOLY SPIRIT 1^st action of being with/ around but outside of a person convicting them of sin and of their need of a Savior is generally a process. 

2^nd work: the Holy SPIRIT being in or being born of the SPIRIT into the family of GOD (John 1:12, John 3:3-6) speaks of when the HOLY SPIRIT comes to live within a believer is a one time occurrence.  A person is born again and the SPIRIT comes within him to seal and indwell him when that person believes that JESUS died for them and GOD raised HIM from the dead and placed JESUS above everything. So when a person calls on the name of the LORD he is saved (Romans 10:9-10, 13) and the HOLY SPIRIT comes to live within him to teach and direct him. This is not a process but happens only once and at that time the person is sealed with the HOLY SPIRIT until the day of redemption when JESUS comes to get HIS church (Ephesians 4:30).

3^rd work when the HOLY SPIRIT comes upon a believer and fills them with power is a happening for a time, for a season and for a purpose, This can and does happen many times and manifests in many ways.  More about that in part 2 or being led by or walking in the SPIRIT. Let me just remind you that we are commanded to be filled with the SPIRIT (Ephesians 5:18, Acts 9:17) and believers in Acts are repeatedly said to be full of the HOLY SPIRIT.

Now my question concerning this 3 work is: since the Greek word to be filled is passive…that means an outside source must fill us, why are we commanded to be filled?  What part do we have in being filled with the HOLY SPIRIT?  Check the word of GOD first, there is much speculation, but the word of GOD holds the answer. Luke 11:13.

Hugs

Sharon   

Peace is fruit of the SPIRIT

To calm one of my girls after our hearing devastating news, I shared why I have peace in the midst of this new critical crisis even though it is on top of several hard, even life-threatening situations within our family right now.

She rebuffed me by saying, “Not everybody has as much faith as you, Mom.”

Let the truth be known, is it’s not me.  It is the LORD GOD ALMIGHTY. 

It is only that I have learned truths about our ALMIGHTY wise GOD and some of HIS baffling but amazing ways through reading and study of HIS Word, the Bible. By knowing who GOD is and some of what HE is like that brings me confidence in HIM (2 Peter 1:1-4). Which is the overflowing fruit of the HOLY SPIRIT, who was placed in me (and everyone when they believe in JESUS John 7:38-39, Ephesians 1:13), that springs up within me flooding me with quiet peace and confidence that my loving LORD is at work even in this for an end result of good to us who love HIM (Romans 8:28-29).

The sword of the SPIRIT which is the Word of GOD (Ephesians 6:17) and the filling of the SPIRIT are tied inevitably together.  That is why Colossians 3:16 urges us to let GOD’s word dwell in us richly which will lead to such joy (a fruit of the SPIRIT) that we sing. 

When we prayerfully read the Word of GOD it is the HOLY SPIRIT who works in us explaining the Word of GOD to us (1 Corinthians 2:10-12, 1 John 2:27), convicting us of wrong (John 16:8), changing us to be more like JESUS as HE show us more of JESUS (2 Corinthians 3:18) and both showing us and enabling us to do what GOD is assigning us to do (Philippians 2:13, John 14:26, 16:13) in any and all situations.

To allow the HOLY SPIRIT to control our actions by obeying the insights, nudges and checks HE puts in our spirit, is to allow the Word of GOD to show us what to do (Psalm 25:12).  It brings to us self-control from being out of control and ruled by our passions.

“No one acquires a quiet heart without a determined yielding to the SPIRIT.  A quieted soul is neither resigned nor apathetic.  It is a self-controlled one who has learned his LORD can be trusted when human logic fails.” Jack Hibbs.

Therefore, peace can be had in difficulty for it is a given when obeying GOD’s instructions.  Peace is found in turning your eyes from the temporary situation to the unseen but eternal wonderful things that our loving, wise and all powerful GOD says HE is achieving for us through our troubles (2 Corinthians 4:15-18).

So, I urge you my friends to “Trust in the LORD with ALL your heart and lean not on your own understanding.  In ALL your ways acknowledge (talk to) HIM and HE will direct your path.  Be not wise in your own eyes, fear the LORD and depart from evil” (Proverbs 3:5-7).

“Be careful about (worry over) nothing; but in everything by prayer (talking to GOD) and supplication (asking for help) with THANKSGIVING let your requests be made known unto GOD.  And the peace of GOD, which passeth all understanding (surpasses/ literally-throws you beyond having to understand), shall keep (guard) your hearts and minds (from fear) through CHRIST JESUS” (Philippians 4:6-7).

 As you do that peace and gentle joy will reign in your heart as you look at what you cannot see, what GOD has promised and will bring to pass.  Does not the Word of GOD tell us that we are to live by faith and not sight? (2 Corinthians 5:7).

Hugs

Sharon

What does it mean?

Different people attach different meanings to terms which only leads to confusion.  I want to share the biblical definition of several terms that speak about the HOLY SPIRIT of GOD.  I have put Bible verses near the statements for you to search it out for yourself.

JESUS tells us we must be born of the SPIRIT to enter the kingdom of GOD (John 3:5). It is the HOLY SPIRIT who gives new life (John 6:63) and HE enters the new Christian to live within him permanently the moment a person believes in the saving work of JESUS and calls on the name of the LORD. 

However, this indwelling of the SPIRIT is not the filling of the HOLY SPIRIT.  Although throughout the Old Testament we can see that even an unbeliever can be moved to act by the SPIRIT, one cannot be filled with the HOLY SPIRIT unless that one believes and is indwelt.

JESUS is the one who baptizes with the HOLY SPIRIT (Mark 1:7-8, Luke 3:16).  That means the HOLY SPIRIT is poured out on a person when he believes in JESUS (John 8:38-39).  Then comes the baptism of the HOLY SPIRIT  where the HOLY SPIRIT places a person into the Church, the body of CHRIST. 

“By one SPIRIT we were all baptized into one body” (1 Corinthians 12:13, 27).

But what does it mean to be filled with the HOLY SPIRIT?

The prerequisite to be filled with the HOLY SPIRIT is to believe in JESUS and at that time one is sealed and indwelt by the HOLY SPIRIT (Ephesians 1:13-14).

But only the Christians who want to be filled with the SPIRIT will be filled for one must be willing to let the SPIRIT control what he does and says.  When someone submits to the HOLY SPIRIT’s nudges he is asking the SPIRIT to take control- that is fill him so his thoughts and actions are in line with what GOD wants.

Luke 4:1-2 tells us that JESUS was filled with the HOLY SPIRIT when HE was tempted in the wilderness.  In response to each temptation JESUS spoke scripture.   This shows us that the HOLY SPIRIT will remind us of scripture (John 14:26), but it is our job to learn scripture by reading it.

If we want to be consistent SPIRIT-filled Christians, we must be in the Bible. It is essential to read the Bible, study it, reflect on it, and let it correct us. Scripture has been given to make us complete, well‑equipped for everything GOD wants us to do (2 Timothy 3:16). The Word of GOD reveals the nature of GOD our Heavenly FATHER and JESUS CHRIST our LORD and changes us (2 Peter 1:1-4). We cannot be SPIRIT-filled without it.

Another aspect in being filled with the SPIRIT is seeking HIS counsel by asking for HIS guidance in what to do or to explain what Scripture means.

When Paul described the results/ or effects of being filled with the HOLY SPIRIT, he didn’t mention tongues-speaking or feelings. But he did mention “speaking to one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the LORD, giving thanks always for all things to GOD the FATHER in the name of our LORD JESUS CHRIST, submitting to one another in the fear of GOD” (Ephesians 5:19–21). He also listed nine fruits of the SPIRIT as evidence (Galatians 5:22–23).

Evidences of being filled with the HOLY SPIRIT are joyful fellowship; heartfelt praise, thankfulness and submission to GOD and others as well as the fruit of the SPIRIT flowing from us.

Love: An attitude that moves us to put GOD and others ahead of ourselves; a spirit that impels us to give, to serve, and to forgive.

Joy: A spirit of gladness rooted in our faith, expressed through song, and accompanied by an optimistic spirit.

Peace: Inner serenity derived from GOD and based on the reality of our peace with GOD through CHRIST’s sacrifice.

Longsuffering: Patience in the middle of difficult circumstances and in our relationships with difficult people.

Kindness: Treating others as we want them to treat us.

Goodness: Open, honest, pure, and generous behavior.

Faithfulness: Trustworthiness and dependability in all our relationships.

Gentleness: A tenderness of spirit that enables us to lead others and discipline those we are in charge of with graciousness.

Self-control: The quality that gives us control over our desires, especially those that relate to the body.

If the HOLY SPIRIT is producing these qualities in your life, you are SPIRIT-filled.  It is a process and these characteristics of the divine nature should be seen in an increasingly as the HOLY SPIRIT teaches us.

Are you, am I displaying these qualities?  Hmmmm

Is it really important to be filled with the SPIRIT?

Romans 8:1–11 declares that freedom from the power of sin comes to those who walk “according to the SPIRIT” (those who allow the HOLY SPIRIT to lead them)  Galatians 5:16-25 says if we live by the SPIRIT (obeying HIS nudges or checks in our spirit) we will not indulge in the lusts of the flesh. It also urges us who have the HOLY SPIRIT through believing in JESUS to walk in step with HIM.

hugs

Sharon