Spirit.
Holy Ghost.
Comforter.
Counselor.
Helper.
Wind of God.
Fire of God.
Oil of God.
Rain of God.
Holy Spirit.
Whatever you want to call Him, He is greatly debated and discussed - probably just as much so as Jesus or God in general... and if not more so than the other Two within the Christian community.
My views of the Holy Spirit have changed over time, especially within the last two years. I went from not even realizing He was GOD to thinking He was just a come-and-go type of presence, and then from thinking He was only for those "super-Christians" to believing and knowing that He is very real and very available to those who confess Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior.
It is my fear that most Christians simply live their lives 'knowing' about the Holy Spirit, and not living by the Holy Spirit, fully believing in Him and what He can do. This is such a shame... I think a relationship with God includes fellowship with Christ and guidance by the Spirit. We need to realize how greatly we have the ability to rely on and trust in the Spirit. It is my belief that God works through us by the power of the Holy Spirit within us.
What a lot of people tend to focus on are the following two aspects of the Spirit: fruit and gifts.
Now, the fruit of the Spirit are as follows [according to Galatians 5:22-23]:
Love.
Joy.
Peace.
Patience.
Kindness.
Goodness.
Faithfulness.
Gentleness.
Self-control.
And gifts of the Spirit [according to 1 Corinthians 12 and Romans 12] include:
Wisdom.
Knowledge.
Faith.
Healing.
Miracles.
Prophecy.
Discernment.
Tongues/Interpretation of tongues.
Administration.
Service.
Teaching.
Exhortation.
Giving.
Mercy.
I personally believe that all these gifts are continually given to believers today and that they can all be used to edify the body of Christ and glorify God, as well as build up His Kingdom. I have experienced each of the mentioned gifts in one way or another - recognizing that they had to have been given to people as a gift from God. Unfortunately, I should say that I have also experienced some of these things in both positive and negative experiences. It saddens me to say that there are people who think they have an understanding of these things, but do not. And so they may attempt to forcibly use them in an improper manner, thinking they have the gift but in reality do not; or they may, indeed, have the gift but then misuse/abuse it. So it is important to have as great a biblical understanding of the things of the Spirit as possible... and then be able to pray about and have discernment of such things.
I think that everyone should attempt to know whether they have been given gifts of the Spirit [for the Bible states that not everyone will be given something], as well as work towards developing fruit of the Spirit. Easier said than done, at times... but well worth the time and effort when you consider what's been done for us in order that we may have the Spirit and His fruit at all... And when you consider how these fruits can affect other people, especially those who do not yet have a personal relationship with Jesus Christ.
Showing posts with label Holy Spirit. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Holy Spirit. Show all posts
March 20, 2011
October 25, 2010
Ch. 758 - Touch
This may sound weird... but I like to touch. It seems like I always have to be holding or touching something - it usually comes down to my hair, a pen, or my earring(s). I think that the sense of touch can tell us so much about things. And people, too.
Is something new? Or perhaps aged and worn? It something soft, or rough? Smooth, or ragged and uneven? Is a table made of real wood, or has it been covered with a veneer that looks like wood? Is something supple, or hard? Dry, or wet? Are a person's hands calloused, or well taken care of? Is a person's wealth made obvious in the fabrics they choose to clothe themselves with?
You can only know something to such a degree by seeing it, hearing it, tasting it, smelling it... well, by touching it, too. But I feel that touch reveals something's depth. It brings to the table a new facet of said somethings. Touch brings about an understanding of the reality of things; they "come to life". I think this is partly why people have such a difficult time coming to know, understand, or desire God... He cannot be touched. We cannot grasp Who or What He is based on that sense. Or any others, really. Well. I suppose we can believe that He is beautiful based on what we see in nature or people, but otherwise, we cannot understand Him or have a deeper sense of Him [based on what our senses lead us to know/believe].
However. Perhaps it is safe to say that people are able to realize a facet of God based on touch. What about those who are healed from the laying on of hands? If someone is healed due to the power of the Holy Spirit flowing through the hands of a believer with the gift of healing, wouldn't the person who was healed come to understand and believe that God is the Healer? As long as glory is given to Him, all parties involved - especially the healed - should know that ultimately, God healed the inflicted. Obviously it may not be the touch itself that initiates the healing, but rather faith - but the touch of the person who has the gift allows God to work through that faith and that person.
I love the fact that God can use healings to show Himself to both believers and nonbelievers alike. Yet I do believe that it takes faith upon the part of the inflicted in order to be healed, not just the person who has that gift, based on what I read in the Bible. Even so, nonbelievers, or those to whom faith is not "real", may see these healings and come to see and know God is at work and real. So I suppose that it is possible to know a part of God through the sense of touch, technically. It may be a bit of a stretch, I realize, but it makes sense to me... especially since I do believe that God continues to give the gift of healing to people today - and does miraculous and wonderful things through His children. All glory to God, always!
'When he came down from the mountainside, large crowds followed him. A man with leprosy came and knelt before him and said, "Lord, if you are willing, you can make me clean." Jesus reached out his hand and touched the man. "I am willing," he said. "Be clean!" Immediately he was cured of his leprosy.'
[Matthew 8:1-3]
Is something new? Or perhaps aged and worn? It something soft, or rough? Smooth, or ragged and uneven? Is a table made of real wood, or has it been covered with a veneer that looks like wood? Is something supple, or hard? Dry, or wet? Are a person's hands calloused, or well taken care of? Is a person's wealth made obvious in the fabrics they choose to clothe themselves with?
You can only know something to such a degree by seeing it, hearing it, tasting it, smelling it... well, by touching it, too. But I feel that touch reveals something's depth. It brings to the table a new facet of said somethings. Touch brings about an understanding of the reality of things; they "come to life". I think this is partly why people have such a difficult time coming to know, understand, or desire God... He cannot be touched. We cannot grasp Who or What He is based on that sense. Or any others, really. Well. I suppose we can believe that He is beautiful based on what we see in nature or people, but otherwise, we cannot understand Him or have a deeper sense of Him [based on what our senses lead us to know/believe].
However. Perhaps it is safe to say that people are able to realize a facet of God based on touch. What about those who are healed from the laying on of hands? If someone is healed due to the power of the Holy Spirit flowing through the hands of a believer with the gift of healing, wouldn't the person who was healed come to understand and believe that God is the Healer? As long as glory is given to Him, all parties involved - especially the healed - should know that ultimately, God healed the inflicted. Obviously it may not be the touch itself that initiates the healing, but rather faith - but the touch of the person who has the gift allows God to work through that faith and that person.
I love the fact that God can use healings to show Himself to both believers and nonbelievers alike. Yet I do believe that it takes faith upon the part of the inflicted in order to be healed, not just the person who has that gift, based on what I read in the Bible. Even so, nonbelievers, or those to whom faith is not "real", may see these healings and come to see and know God is at work and real. So I suppose that it is possible to know a part of God through the sense of touch, technically. It may be a bit of a stretch, I realize, but it makes sense to me... especially since I do believe that God continues to give the gift of healing to people today - and does miraculous and wonderful things through His children. All glory to God, always!
'When he came down from the mountainside, large crowds followed him. A man with leprosy came and knelt before him and said, "Lord, if you are willing, you can make me clean." Jesus reached out his hand and touched the man. "I am willing," he said. "Be clean!" Immediately he was cured of his leprosy.'
[Matthew 8:1-3]
September 19, 2010
Ch. 750 - Call On His Name
A present-day vision of Heaven... Thank You, Lord God, for this beautiful realization. So simple. Wondrous.
......
"There's no other name."
JESUS.
Such power.
Magnificence.
Overwhelming, O God, is Your presence. But oh, how thankful I am for it. I pray for a new constant in my life, Lord God. A constant... of Your presence... joy... stability... self-discipline... anything that is of You, and You alone.
I want You.
I need You.
A true desire.
A new hunger and thirst.
I can only be satiated by You.
Fill me like never before.
"Wake me up."
I want to do things with You, not merely for You. I yearn, oh how I yearn, for You.
"I sit here at Your feet,
I find my rest in You.
I sit here at Your feet,
I take great delight in You."
Lord God, only You satisfy.
'I will extol the Lord at all times;
his praise will always be on my lips. '
[Psalm 34:1]
......
Click here to revisit Chapter 336.
......
"There's no other name."
JESUS.
Such power.
Magnificence.
Overwhelming, O God, is Your presence. But oh, how thankful I am for it. I pray for a new constant in my life, Lord God. A constant... of Your presence... joy... stability... self-discipline... anything that is of You, and You alone.
I want You.
I need You.
A true desire.
A new hunger and thirst.
I can only be satiated by You.
Fill me like never before.
"Wake me up."
I want to do things with You, not merely for You. I yearn, oh how I yearn, for You.
"I sit here at Your feet,
I find my rest in You.
I sit here at Your feet,
I take great delight in You."
Lord God, only You satisfy.
'I will extol the Lord at all times;
his praise will always be on my lips. '
[Psalm 34:1]
......
Click here to revisit Chapter 336.
August 24, 2010
Ch. 736 - ¡Blasphemy!
This morning I was reading in the book of Matthew and the following two verses have stayed with me throughout the day:
' "And so I tell you, every sin and blasphemy will be forgiven men, but the blasphemy against the Spirit will not be forgiven. Anyone who speaks a word against the Son of Man will be forgiven, but anyone who speaks against the Holy Spirit will not be forgiven, either in this age or in the age to come." '
[Matthew 12:31-32]
I wonder how many people have read these and suddenly become fearful that they have blasphemed against the Holy Spirit. I personally think that you were ever to do so, you would most certainly know... And it's not truly just a case of "speaking a word" against Him. A friend of mine has put it this way: 'How many times have we spoken the Lord's name in vain?' It's okay, He forgives us. Granted, it doesn't give us an excuse to do so. But it's not the end of the world and we are not stripped of our salvation. I believe the blaspheme would be more of an outward sign, and whatever was the root thinking or feeling would become a true, personal belief. I simply cannot imagine what would cause someone to speak against the Holy Spirit and not believe, for example, in His very being or power. It's difficult to think about.
......
Click here to revisit Chapter 206.
' "And so I tell you, every sin and blasphemy will be forgiven men, but the blasphemy against the Spirit will not be forgiven. Anyone who speaks a word against the Son of Man will be forgiven, but anyone who speaks against the Holy Spirit will not be forgiven, either in this age or in the age to come." '
[Matthew 12:31-32]
I wonder how many people have read these and suddenly become fearful that they have blasphemed against the Holy Spirit. I personally think that you were ever to do so, you would most certainly know... And it's not truly just a case of "speaking a word" against Him. A friend of mine has put it this way: 'How many times have we spoken the Lord's name in vain?' It's okay, He forgives us. Granted, it doesn't give us an excuse to do so. But it's not the end of the world and we are not stripped of our salvation. I believe the blaspheme would be more of an outward sign, and whatever was the root thinking or feeling would become a true, personal belief. I simply cannot imagine what would cause someone to speak against the Holy Spirit and not believe, for example, in His very being or power. It's difficult to think about.
......
Click here to revisit Chapter 206.
April 20, 2010
Ch. 691 - Capacity
Before class this morning I began my day by praying in the gym.
Lord God.
Chapel.
People.
Hearts.
Change.
Jesus Christ.
Peace.
Fruit.
Power.
Holy Spirit.
Hope.
Time.
The Church.
Joy.
Me.
My mind was racing, my heart was pounding.
Even though I felt as if a million and one thoughts were running through my mind, I felt as if they all centered around a single theme: love.
My love for God.
My love for others.
God's love for me.
God's love for others.
The body's love for God.
The body's love for others.
And so it goes on...
I've come to realize that sometimes, throughout the day, all I pray for is love.
More love.
What I really desire is for us to love God more.
'Jesus replied: "'Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.' This is the first and greatest commandment."
[Matthew 22:37-38]
How often are we asked, "Do you truly obey the greatest commandment?"
Or how often do we hear, "You know... it all comes down to love. That's what it's all about!"
So this morning, as I'm praying and "love" recycles itself through my thoughts, I hear the following line from the song All Consuming Fire by Misty Edwards:
'Let us fall more in love with You.'
Oh, the joys of putting the iPod on shuffle: what a pleasant surprise...
When I heard that line, I just stopped.
I was overcome with the weight of the Presence.
I doubled over.
['Whoa.']
Unexpected.
But welcomed.
That's a heaviness on your heart that you should never want lifted.
No restraint.
Freedom in the Spirit.
All out of love, and the desire of love for God from others.
Desires from within that I'm not even fully aware of, made known to God.
Is that truly such a terrible thing?
[What are people so afraid of?]
God is listening.
"It's not time.
... They're not ready."
But He is listening.
Before all else, we need to increase our capacity to love.
Devotion.
Adoration.
Ask for more.
Love God.
Acceptance of self.
Love of self.
Ask for more.
Love God.
Acceptance of others.
Love of others.
Ask for more.
Love God.
Ask for more.
Lord God.
Chapel.
People.
Hearts.
Change.
Jesus Christ.
Peace.
Fruit.
Power.
Holy Spirit.
Hope.
Time.
The Church.
Joy.
Me.
My mind was racing, my heart was pounding.
Even though I felt as if a million and one thoughts were running through my mind, I felt as if they all centered around a single theme: love.
My love for God.
My love for others.
God's love for me.
God's love for others.
The body's love for God.
The body's love for others.
And so it goes on...
I've come to realize that sometimes, throughout the day, all I pray for is love.
More love.
What I really desire is for us to love God more.
'Jesus replied: "'Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.' This is the first and greatest commandment."
[Matthew 22:37-38]
How often are we asked, "Do you truly obey the greatest commandment?"
Or how often do we hear, "You know... it all comes down to love. That's what it's all about!"
So this morning, as I'm praying and "love" recycles itself through my thoughts, I hear the following line from the song All Consuming Fire by Misty Edwards:
'Let us fall more in love with You.'
Oh, the joys of putting the iPod on shuffle: what a pleasant surprise...
When I heard that line, I just stopped.
I was overcome with the weight of the Presence.
I doubled over.
['Whoa.']
Unexpected.
But welcomed.
That's a heaviness on your heart that you should never want lifted.
No restraint.
Freedom in the Spirit.
All out of love, and the desire of love for God from others.
Desires from within that I'm not even fully aware of, made known to God.
Is that truly such a terrible thing?
[What are people so afraid of?]
God is listening.
"It's not time.
... They're not ready."
But He is listening.
Before all else, we need to increase our capacity to love.
Devotion.
Adoration.
Ask for more.
Love God.
Acceptance of self.
Love of self.
Ask for more.
Love God.
Acceptance of others.
Love of others.
Ask for more.
Love God.
Ask for more.
February 24, 2010
Ch. 661 - A Clean Heart
We need a fresh touch of the Spirit.
Everywhere the River flows, there is Life.
Fruit will be produced.
It starts with the heart.
Removal of toxins.
Confession.
Repentance.
Say "Yes."
' "Nothing outside a man can make him 'unclean' by going into him. Rather, it is what comes out of a man that makes him 'unclean.'" '
[Mark 7:15]
Everywhere the River flows, there is Life.
Fruit will be produced.
It starts with the heart.
Removal of toxins.
Confession.
Repentance.
Say "Yes."
' "Nothing outside a man can make him 'unclean' by going into him. Rather, it is what comes out of a man that makes him 'unclean.'" '
[Mark 7:15]
November 17, 2008
Ch. 248 - Fight!
Today I kept thinking about warfare and what I wrote about the school a few days ago. And then just a few minutes ago I checked my e-mail and was cleaning out my inbox. I noticed that I had actually saved a devotional from Rick Warren titled 'How to Fight Spiritual Warfare'. Hm. Whaddya know? I actually don't remember reading it. I probably clicked on it so that it wouldn't appear as a new email and was going to read it later. I thought I'd share it on here, because I liked it a lot.
How to Fight Spiritual Warfare
'For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.'
[Ephesians 6:12]
There are four things we need to do when we are battling spiritual warfare in our lives:
1. Acknowledge the adversary. Satan is real (1 Peter 5:8-9). When you’re being attacked, it’s proof that you’re a believer. The more you make an impact for God, the more the Devil is going to fight you. You never outgrow it; it just gets more intense. If there were no Devil, why would God send his Son to fight what does not exist? The Bible says in 1 John 3:8 [NLT], "The Son of God came to destroy these works of the Devil."
2. Accept God-given authority. Most believers are very ignorant about the authority they have to use against the Devil. Matthew 28:18-19 says we have all authority in heaven and earth. Then Jesus says, "Therefore go and make disciples …" He transfers the authority to you and me. He does that because he’s given us a specific mission (2 Corinthians 5:20).
3. Put on God’s armor. When Paul wrote about the whole armor of God (Ephesians 6:11-17), he was in prison chained to a Roman guard. Paul used the Roman centurion as a model for spiritual armor. Paul says, just as the Roman soldier is properly dressed to do battle, we also need to be dressed for battle. For instance, I will often pray, "Lord, I put on the helmet of salvation that will protect me from the thoughts the Devil will try to give me. I don’t want to think the Devil’s thoughts. I don’t want to think my thoughts. I want to think your thoughts, so that that I may be a voice for you. I put on the belt of truth. Lord, I want to share the truth, not falsehood. I want to lead people into righteousness."
4. Aim the artillery. The battlefield for spiritual warfare is primarily in your thought life, in your mind (2 Corinthians 10:4-5). Paul says the weapons God gives us to use demolish arguments – that’s the way people think; they pull down pretension – that’s the way people think. We take every thought captive.
In this battle for thoughts, we have four weapons: humility, faith, truth, and praise.
How to Fight Spiritual Warfare
'For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.'
[Ephesians 6:12]
There are four things we need to do when we are battling spiritual warfare in our lives:
1. Acknowledge the adversary. Satan is real (1 Peter 5:8-9). When you’re being attacked, it’s proof that you’re a believer. The more you make an impact for God, the more the Devil is going to fight you. You never outgrow it; it just gets more intense. If there were no Devil, why would God send his Son to fight what does not exist? The Bible says in 1 John 3:8 [NLT], "The Son of God came to destroy these works of the Devil."
2. Accept God-given authority. Most believers are very ignorant about the authority they have to use against the Devil. Matthew 28:18-19 says we have all authority in heaven and earth. Then Jesus says, "Therefore go and make disciples …" He transfers the authority to you and me. He does that because he’s given us a specific mission (2 Corinthians 5:20).
3. Put on God’s armor. When Paul wrote about the whole armor of God (Ephesians 6:11-17), he was in prison chained to a Roman guard. Paul used the Roman centurion as a model for spiritual armor. Paul says, just as the Roman soldier is properly dressed to do battle, we also need to be dressed for battle. For instance, I will often pray, "Lord, I put on the helmet of salvation that will protect me from the thoughts the Devil will try to give me. I don’t want to think the Devil’s thoughts. I don’t want to think my thoughts. I want to think your thoughts, so that that I may be a voice for you. I put on the belt of truth. Lord, I want to share the truth, not falsehood. I want to lead people into righteousness."
4. Aim the artillery. The battlefield for spiritual warfare is primarily in your thought life, in your mind (2 Corinthians 10:4-5). Paul says the weapons God gives us to use demolish arguments – that’s the way people think; they pull down pretension – that’s the way people think. We take every thought captive.
In this battle for thoughts, we have four weapons: humility, faith, truth, and praise.
October 4, 2008
Ch. 208 - With the Spirit
I read Galatians during breakfast this morning. I really like the book of Galatians, especially chapters three, five and six. In fact, for my exegesis in Foundations of Christianity I went with the Galatians 6:7-10 option. Anyway, something I read really stuck out to me.
'But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law. Those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the sinful nature with its passions and desires. Since we live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit. Let us not become conceited, provoking and envying each other.'
[Galatians 5:22-26]
'Since we live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit.'
[v. 25]
This was what stuck out to me the most.
I am saved. The Holy Spirit lives in my heart. But I seem to forget that a lot. Am I truly living a Spirit-filled life? A life that is pleasing to God? Paul goes on to list the fruit of the Spirit: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Are these fruits the main portions of my diet? I'd like to think they are... but I know that they are not.
If I want to go out and teach others others in this world to live by and with the Spirit, I have to be doing so first. And if I want others to completely be partaking in the fruits of the Spirit, again - I have to be doing so first. I can't expect to be and see a positive change for God's kingdom in this world if I'm not even fully living for and with Him. Trust me when I say that was really difficult to realize and say, but it's certainly the truth and it's about time that I do something about it. I have to learn to lean on Him and trust in the Spirit before I can truly walk with Him.
'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.'
[Galatians 3:26-27]
'But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law. Those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the sinful nature with its passions and desires. Since we live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit. Let us not become conceited, provoking and envying each other.'
[Galatians 5:22-26]
'Since we live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit.'
[v. 25]
This was what stuck out to me the most.
I am saved. The Holy Spirit lives in my heart. But I seem to forget that a lot. Am I truly living a Spirit-filled life? A life that is pleasing to God? Paul goes on to list the fruit of the Spirit: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Are these fruits the main portions of my diet? I'd like to think they are... but I know that they are not.
If I want to go out and teach others others in this world to live by and with the Spirit, I have to be doing so first. And if I want others to completely be partaking in the fruits of the Spirit, again - I have to be doing so first. I can't expect to be and see a positive change for God's kingdom in this world if I'm not even fully living for and with Him. Trust me when I say that was really difficult to realize and say, but it's certainly the truth and it's about time that I do something about it. I have to learn to lean on Him and trust in the Spirit before I can truly walk with Him.
'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.'
[Galatians 3:26-27]
August 2, 2008
Ch. 150 - Full Speed Ahead
'Into marvelous light I'm running,
out of darkness, out of shame.
By the cross You are the truth,
You are the life, You are the way.
My dead heart now is beating,
my deepest stains now clean.
Your breath fills up my lungs,
now I'm free, now I'm free.
Lift my hands and spin around,
See the light that I have found.
Oh the marvelous light,
the marvelous light.'
[Marvelous Light]
This is, quite possibly, one of my favorite songs ever. It really speaks to me and I am able to connect to it because I believe a lot of it perfectly describes how I've come to know Christ and what has happened in my life since I've truly accepted Him into my heart.
A couple weeks ago I had written a post about receiving something I had been waiting for [see Chs. 136 and 137]. That 'something' was forgiveness. I know, I know: 'How can you be waiting for forgiveness? God forgives everything once you ask for it and expect that it will be given to you.' I don't know how to describe my thought process behind it, though. Just trust me when I say that I know when God has truly forgiven me for something. It's one of those 'things', you know? A feeling. A thought. A sense of humility like no other.
Anyway, while I was waiting for said forgiveness, I couldn't help but notice that I didn't feel quite right. I didn't feel alive in Christ... a terrible feeling. So the verse I have posted above ('my dead heart now is beating...') really represents that struggle I felt in my heart to connect with God and focus on Him while waiting for His forgiveness - and then the turnaround with His breath filling up my lungs, setting me free in His love, mercy and grace. I don't think the verse can only be about accepting Christ into your heart and being free in Him, which is a great thing. It is able to speak to all people and meet them where they are in life and in their walks with God. Beautiful.
I also appreciate the first part of the song that I posted ('by the cross you are the truth...').
' "Jesus answered, "I am the way, and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me." '
[John 14:6]
I have been on the other side of the fence and thus can tell you, with firsthand experience, that it couldn't be more true. If you think there's any way around it, you are wrong. That's a pretty opinionated and bold statement, but I agree with what Jesus said so strongly that there's no way I'd say or believe otherwise.
So yes, I am running into marvelous light... and I'm not slowing down anytime soon.
' "Enter through the narrow gate. For wide is the gate and broad is the road that leads to destruction, and many enter through it. But small is the gate and narrow the road that leads to life, and only a few find it." '
[Matthew 7:13-14]
out of darkness, out of shame.
By the cross You are the truth,
You are the life, You are the way.
My dead heart now is beating,
my deepest stains now clean.
Your breath fills up my lungs,
now I'm free, now I'm free.
Lift my hands and spin around,
See the light that I have found.
Oh the marvelous light,
the marvelous light.'
[Marvelous Light]
This is, quite possibly, one of my favorite songs ever. It really speaks to me and I am able to connect to it because I believe a lot of it perfectly describes how I've come to know Christ and what has happened in my life since I've truly accepted Him into my heart.
A couple weeks ago I had written a post about receiving something I had been waiting for [see Chs. 136 and 137]. That 'something' was forgiveness. I know, I know: 'How can you be waiting for forgiveness? God forgives everything once you ask for it and expect that it will be given to you.' I don't know how to describe my thought process behind it, though. Just trust me when I say that I know when God has truly forgiven me for something. It's one of those 'things', you know? A feeling. A thought. A sense of humility like no other.
Anyway, while I was waiting for said forgiveness, I couldn't help but notice that I didn't feel quite right. I didn't feel alive in Christ... a terrible feeling. So the verse I have posted above ('my dead heart now is beating...') really represents that struggle I felt in my heart to connect with God and focus on Him while waiting for His forgiveness - and then the turnaround with His breath filling up my lungs, setting me free in His love, mercy and grace. I don't think the verse can only be about accepting Christ into your heart and being free in Him, which is a great thing. It is able to speak to all people and meet them where they are in life and in their walks with God. Beautiful.
I also appreciate the first part of the song that I posted ('by the cross you are the truth...').
' "Jesus answered, "I am the way, and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me." '
[John 14:6]
I have been on the other side of the fence and thus can tell you, with firsthand experience, that it couldn't be more true. If you think there's any way around it, you are wrong. That's a pretty opinionated and bold statement, but I agree with what Jesus said so strongly that there's no way I'd say or believe otherwise.
So yes, I am running into marvelous light... and I'm not slowing down anytime soon.
' "Enter through the narrow gate. For wide is the gate and broad is the road that leads to destruction, and many enter through it. But small is the gate and narrow the road that leads to life, and only a few find it." '
[Matthew 7:13-14]
February 22, 2008
Ch. 38 - 24 Prayers
Today was a full day of prayer. Once an hour, for twenty-four hours, I set ten minutes aside to pray. I've had such trouble sleeping these past few days, basically not sleeping at all, so I figured why not use those hours for something other than reading, doing homework, and running? So from 5:00 PM yesterday to 5:00 PM today, I prayed once an hour. I've done these days of prayer before, but it had never been as meaningful or beautiful. I didn't take as much time to listen to God so much as I took time to simply talk to Him, and that was okay. Truly okay.
God talks to me and helps me when I talk to Him, holding nothing back but technically not asking for anything specific, as He does when I do just that. He guides me through my own thoughts as I pray and I can feel my heart swell and beat with the Holy Spirit.
That's probably my favorite feeling in the world.
Followed up by the feeling of adrenaline racing through my veins - especially when going fast. That's right. Just... fast.]
Favorites, favorites, favorites. I could talk about favorite things, people, activities, foods, discussion topics, places... you name it... for hours.
It's just neat that as today has run its course, I've come to realize that this day of 24 prayers is going to become one of my favorite things to do. Lovely.
' "And when you pray, do not be like the hypocrites, for they love to pray standing in the synagogues and on the street corners to be seen by men. I tell you the truth, they have received their reward in full. But when you pray, go into your room, close the door and pray to your Father, who is unseen. Then your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you." '
[Matthew 6:5-6]
I am a hypocrite.
God talks to me and helps me when I talk to Him, holding nothing back but technically not asking for anything specific, as He does when I do just that. He guides me through my own thoughts as I pray and I can feel my heart swell and beat with the Holy Spirit.
That's probably my favorite feeling in the world.
Followed up by the feeling of adrenaline racing through my veins - especially when going fast. That's right. Just... fast.]
Favorites, favorites, favorites. I could talk about favorite things, people, activities, foods, discussion topics, places... you name it... for hours.
It's just neat that as today has run its course, I've come to realize that this day of 24 prayers is going to become one of my favorite things to do. Lovely.
' "And when you pray, do not be like the hypocrites, for they love to pray standing in the synagogues and on the street corners to be seen by men. I tell you the truth, they have received their reward in full. But when you pray, go into your room, close the door and pray to your Father, who is unseen. Then your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you." '
[Matthew 6:5-6]
I am a hypocrite.
January 21, 2008
Ch. 5 - The Commitment; 7. 1. 08
Have you ever 'walked on Cloud Nine' before? You know, been sort of... out of it... because you're in a state of pure happiness?
I have.
It's a wondrous experience. The best part is, my walking on Cloud Nine was a product of the Spirit moving in my heart like never before. And that, folks, is a double whammy if I've ever known one. The Spirit... Cloud Nine... beautiful.
When I say the Spirit moved in my heart like never before, I mean it. I'll tell you a secret: I thought I was having a heart attack - when I suddenly thought, "Oh wait. Just kidding. That's God... thanks, Big Guy!"
Let me break it down a bit. I've been thinking for the past couple months or so that I simply want to serve the Lord for the rest of my life. Yet it never really seemed as if it was something I had to do, if that makes sense. I believe we are called to be sacrificial servants, but it's truly up to you how far you will go in doing so. I had been reading a devotional sent to me through Purpose Driven Life; I had sort of already read it, because it was sent on December 31, but I had skimmed through it more than anything. It was basically a call to commitment to God - to serving Him and doing His will. The second paragraph was what made the Spirit move in my heart - it was as if the Spirit was jumping for joy, really. Anyway, it says this:
'I will live the rest of my life serving God's purposes with God's people on God's planet for God's glory. I will use my life to celebrate His presence, cultivate His character, participate in His family, demonstrate His love, and communicate His word.'
I feel God was saying, "Hey - pay attention, here. This is what I want from you."
I know those are things He wants from all of us, but to me it has a deeper sense of meaning. I say this because recently I've been thinking and praying about exactly that - what God wants of me. I think it's safer than ever to say that God answers prayers.
'But your hearts must be fully committed to the Lord our God, to live by his decrees and obey his commands, as at this time.'
[1 Kings 8:61]
I have.
It's a wondrous experience. The best part is, my walking on Cloud Nine was a product of the Spirit moving in my heart like never before. And that, folks, is a double whammy if I've ever known one. The Spirit... Cloud Nine... beautiful.
When I say the Spirit moved in my heart like never before, I mean it. I'll tell you a secret: I thought I was having a heart attack - when I suddenly thought, "Oh wait. Just kidding. That's God... thanks, Big Guy!"
Let me break it down a bit. I've been thinking for the past couple months or so that I simply want to serve the Lord for the rest of my life. Yet it never really seemed as if it was something I had to do, if that makes sense. I believe we are called to be sacrificial servants, but it's truly up to you how far you will go in doing so. I had been reading a devotional sent to me through Purpose Driven Life; I had sort of already read it, because it was sent on December 31, but I had skimmed through it more than anything. It was basically a call to commitment to God - to serving Him and doing His will. The second paragraph was what made the Spirit move in my heart - it was as if the Spirit was jumping for joy, really. Anyway, it says this:
'I will live the rest of my life serving God's purposes with God's people on God's planet for God's glory. I will use my life to celebrate His presence, cultivate His character, participate in His family, demonstrate His love, and communicate His word.'
I feel God was saying, "Hey - pay attention, here. This is what I want from you."
I know those are things He wants from all of us, but to me it has a deeper sense of meaning. I say this because recently I've been thinking and praying about exactly that - what God wants of me. I think it's safer than ever to say that God answers prayers.
'But your hearts must be fully committed to the Lord our God, to live by his decrees and obey his commands, as at this time.'
[1 Kings 8:61]
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