Entries for May 2014

THE HOLY SPIRIT IS COMING!

"Behold, I send the Promise of My Father upon you, but tarry in the city of Jerusalem until you are endued with power from on high."Luke 24:49

The Christian church will soon commemorate Pentecost Sunday. Christians will remember the day recorded in the second chapter of Acts. Believers had prayed for ten days in an upper room somewhere in Jerusalem. Why had they gathered there?

Jesus had sent them there to tarry until they were endued with power from heaven.

Earlier, He had told them to go into all the world and make disciples. His followers were in shock. While they were still grieving his crucifixion, they had been thrown into greater confusion by his miraculous resurrection. Now they faced the challenge of world evangelization! How could they hope to do it? They sat there and waited.

Wait on the Lord in a focused way until the Holy Spirit comes upon you. Jesus calls us to tarry for fullness. We need power to reach a lost world without Christ. The Holy Spirit longs to come upon you with a fresh unction that empowers you for service. Receive the power. Don't rush out to do it on your own.

STOP! Sit down and wait on God. Take time to tarry. Jesus wants you to hear the Wind and feel the Fire! Pray until the power comes.

PRAYER: Jesus, I need the Holy Spirit's power. It could be the reason I feel drained and empty is because I am trying to do God's work without God's power. Holy Spirit, I confess I can't do it on my own. I need you, dear Holy Spirit, to refresh, refill. restore me. I will tarry until you come afresh to empower me. For Jesus' sake. Amen

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HONOR AND REMEMBER

"And I looked and arose and said to the nobles, to the leaders, and to the rest of the people, 'Do not be afraid of them. Remember the Lord, great and awesome, and fight for you brethren, your sons, your daughters, your wives and your houses." Nehemiah 4:14

Nehemiah, a government worker for a foreign king, became a building contractor assigned to restore the walls of Jerusalem. Volunteers rallied to his challenge,but gave up when threatened by Jewish officials who mocked them. Nehemiah's response was the formula for victory over fear of persecution.

"Honor God. Focus upon the Master Builder, who employs you. Remember, your fight is for the survival of your families.."

They honored God and positioned themselves to fight for their families. They became builders and soldiers, a tool in one hand and a spear in the other. When persecuted, they went back to the wall and went to work. Taking turns, half of the men worked while the other half stood guard, unified in faith and purpose. ( to read more click on articel title)

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THE HEART OF THE DIVINE LOVER

"And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, by whom you were sealed for the day of redemption." Ephesians 4:30

The Message Bible translates this verse with urgency: "Don't grieve God. Don't break His heart. The Holy Spirit, moving and breathing in you, is the most intimate part of your life, making you fit for Himself. Don't take such a gift for granted."

God, The Holy Spirit is the Son's Gift, sent by the Father. He is a Person who feels deep, personal emotions. He is the spiritual atmosphere in which you live, like the air you breathe. He is intimate and indispensable. He comes into continual contact with your inner man. He supplies your soul with the life and the spirit that were in Christ.

The heart of the Holy Spirit longs to represent Jesus in this world through you. Allow Him to transform you into a His temple and to advance all holy living through His indwelling and dominion. He is the Spirit of holiness who sanctifies.

YIELD TO HIM: with whole - hearted, intimate trust. Don't be casual, but earnest in your passion. Don't sadden the Holy Spirit. Your indifference would grieve His heart.

PRAYER: Lord Jesus, Your Spirit draws from me true spiritual worship, a surrender to an intimate relationship. I long to know the heart of the Holy Spirit. May my heart be one with His as I represent You in this world to the glory of the Father. Amen.

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KEPT BY THE SHEPHERD OF YOUR SOUL

"For you were like sheep going astray, but have now returned to the Shepherd and Overseer of your souls." I Peter 2:25

Yes, God's people, like sheep, can go astray. We wander, preoccupied and go our own way, far from the Shepherd. Straying happens, slow and sure, unnoticed until the weariness sets in and we get sick, hurt or wounded. Confused, we wonder how we got into such a state.

If you are like a lost sheep with no idea who you are and where you are going, Jesus knows your name and claims you as His own. If you are sick and weary, He who seeks you bears scars. He suffered to save you. His wounds become your healing.

Jesus is your Overseer, He goes after you and gathers you..and manages you. In His goodness, He places you in a flock, with under-shepherds, or pastors, to feed and lead you. Stay with the flock. Fellowship heals us.

RETURN TO YOUR SHEPHERD - "whom Himself bore our sins in His own body on the tree... by whose stripes you were healed" v.24

PRAYER: Lord Jesus, I want to stay close to you. When I stray, I feel lost and weak. Teach me how to walk in fellowship with the flock where you have placed me. Help me to recognize your voice through those you appoint to restore my soul. Thank you, Lord. Amen!

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