The Power of the Holy Spirit Within Us

Come Holy Spirit, come.

In John 14:26, Jesus states that the Father will send the Holy Spirit "in My name" to teach disciples "all things" and remind them of His teachings. Additionally, in John 16:13, Jesus describes the Holy Spirit as the "Spirit of truth" who will guide believers "into all the truth." This guidance involves speaking only what is heard from God and declaring future events, ensuring that the apostles and the early church are led in truth to fulfill their mission.

In Luke 4:18, Jesus says, "The Spirit of the Lord is upon Me, because He has anointed Me to preach the gospel to the poor; He has sent Me to heal the broken hearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives and recovery of sight to the blind, to set at liberty those who are oppressed:"

Acts 1:8 emphasizes empowerment for witness: "But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth."

John 14:12 emphasizes expanded ministry scope: "Truly, truly, I say to you, whoever believes in Me will also do the works that I do; and greater things than these he will do, because I am going to the Father.

As Christ followers, we have accepted Christ as our savior and received the Holy Spirit, as promised. Consequently, we have the same Holy Spirit power as Christ had when He walked the earth. I think that concept is difficult to grasp completely, but if we start to pay attention to God's work in us and through us, we will become more aware and sensitive to the leading of the Holy Spirit.

Here is one modern day example. At one point, my husband John, was a missionary to the people in a village that was 400 miles in the bush in Africa. He was in charge of the infirmary and people from surrounding villages would come to his village, where the chief was, to receive help. The only problem was that there were no supplies in the infirmary. As a result, when people came, all John could do was to pray. John was powerless to do anything in his own strength, but (paraphrasing 2 Corinthians 12:9-10) when we are weak, He is strong. Also, in Luke 18:27, Jesus said, "What is impossible with man is possible with God."

It was during this season of his life that John really internalized the concept of the Holy Spirit moving through us. During his time in Africa, he saw many miracles. His conclusion was that he was the vehicle the Holy Spirit used to minister to the people. The Holy Spirit abides in us. According to John, we just need to show up and He will do the work.

When he came home, oftentimes, John would feel the urge to go somewhere - whether to go to Wal Mart to get fishing gear or to go to the hospital to pray for someone. He would act on that urge and inevitably, he would meet someone for the Holy Spirit to touch. John showed up and the Holy Spirit spoke. Like John, as we go, we should expect the Holy Spirit to do something extraordinary. He will not leave us disappointed because God can do anything but fail.

Mother Teresa said it in another way. She said, "I am the pencil in the hand of God."

My challenges to all of us are these: Can we set our own agendas aside enough to allow the Holy Spirit to lead and guide us? Can we be more intentional to seek the Lord and follow His lead?

As we begin to do so, I believe that we will be amazed and blessed to see what the Lord can and will do.

God bless you this week in all your endeavors.

MY LIFE IS GOD'S STORY

The life of all Christ followers is God's story of redemption, salvation, peace, love and joy.

As I was reviewing the posts for this website, I was struck by the volume of posts I have made over the last three years. I have over 120 posts in which I share things that God has done in my life and in the lives of others. I am humbled and grateful for all that God has done in my life. The posts I've shared are just a few of the ways that God has helped me. God is truly amazing!

I say this to encourage all of you to start looking more intentionally for the ways God is working in your lives. The more you look, the more you will see and realize the impact He can have in your life. In Acts 10: 34-35 Peter explains that God welcomes all who seek Him. "Then Peter began to speak: “I now realize how true it is that God does not show favoritism but accepts from every nation the one who fears him and does what is right."

In the song above, there is a passage that says that we are all just one prayer away from a testimony (of what God has done and is doing in our lives). That is so true.

John 21:25 says, " Jesus did many other things as well. If every one of them were written down, I suppose that even the whole world would not have room for the books that would be written."

Let's all keep looking for God's blessings in our lives and share those with others to encourage them in the Lord.

If you missed some of the other entries, please go to the blog section of this website and click on each section of the blog to read previous articles. Podcasts are available as well.

Prayer for God's Protection and Deliverance

A most powerful promise when fighting every battle, seen and unseen, can be found in Exodus 14:14 "The Lord will fight for you while you keep silent NIV, hold your peace NKJV" Keeping silent/holding your peace implies remaining calm, still and trustworthy while waiting for God's deliverance. This scripture precedes the parting of the Red Sea and the deliverance of the Israelites from the Egyptians.

Always remember this verse when you are in the middle of a battle or a storm in your life. Take a moment to align your hearts with God's. No matter what you are facing, remember that God is in control. He is leading you through every challenge, every hardship and every battle. You do not fight alone.

"Dear God, I come before you today, standing on the power of your word in Exodus 14:14 - the same word that delivered the Israelites from their enemies. Lord, I declare that you are fighting for me. Every battle, every struggle, every opposition that comes my way, I surrender to you because I know that victory belongs to You. Your word says in Exodus 14:13-14, "Do not be afraid. Stand firm and you will see the deliverance the Lord will bring you today...The Egyptians you see today, you will never see again. The Lord will fight for you. You need only to be still."

"Father, I speak over my life today, every enemy pursuing me shall be scattered in Jesus's name. Every obstacle blocking my breakthrough shall be removed. Every storm trying to shake my faith shall be silenced. Every delay in my life shall turn into divine acceleration. Just as You parted the Red Sea, Lord, make a way for me where there seems to be no way. Open doors that no man can shut, confuse the plans of the enemy and lead me safely into the places of victory that You have prepared for me. I declare that no weapon formed against me shall prosper. I reject every form of fear, anxiety and doubt. Instead, I stand firm in faith knowing that You are in control. I trust You to fight for me, provide for me, and deliver me. Father, I put my trust in You today. Let me see Your mighty hand at work in my life. As you delivered the Israelites, deliver me from every bondage, every fear and every stronghold. Let my testimony be great and let my enemies be put to shame. I walk in victory. I walk in favor. I walk in divine protection in Jesus's mighty name. Amen!"

Following are two songs that encourage me. I hope you are blessed by them as well. God Bless.

God can do all things but fail.

I sought the Lord and He heard and He answered me.