Wonderful Jesus!

Category: Holy Spirit

• Getting It Right!

  Posted at 10:00 am by wonderfuljesus8, on March 3, 2021

  Psalm 51:10-11 – Create in me a clean heart, O God, And renew a steadfast spirit within me. Do not cast me away from Your presence, And do not take Your Holy Spirit from me. NKJV

  

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  Tonight I want to blog about the prayer of repentance. The Webster’s 1868 edition defines the word repentance, in the following manner:

  Real penitence; sorrow or deep contrition for sin, as an offense and dishonor to God, a violation of his holy law, and the basest ingratitude towards a Being of infinite benevolence. This is called evangelical repentance and is accompanied and followed by amendment of life.

  Since this definition fits my purpose, I will say that the prayer of repentance is used to express a sorrow over any sin we have committed that offends or dishonor God or His Word. This prayer can be, and probably is, prayed multiple times throughout our lives.

  Our key text, taken from Psalm 51, happens to be a part of a prayer of repentance that David prayed. David had an affair with Bathsheba. He tried to cover it up, but was unable to do so. First, Bathsheba got pregnant. Then he called her husband back from the battle and tried to get him to go home to her so that they could play the child off as Uriah’s. When that didn’t work, he had Uriah killed in battle. Not only that, God had to send Nathan, the prophet, to him because he hadn’t yet acknowledged his deed for the sin that it was. When David finally came to the place where he was willing to admit that he had sinned, his next step was to go to God and confess it and repent of it! David’s hesitancy to repent, actually paralyzed him in his relationship with God!

  Here’s another example of someone repenting in prayer:

  Now while Ezra was praying, and while he was confessing, weeping, and bowing down before the house of God, a very large assembly of men, women, and children gathered to him from Israel; for the people wept very bitterly. Ezra 10:1 -NKJV

  In this verse, we see Ezra is before God, praying, confessing, and weeping. The prayer of repentance doesn’t always involve weeping, but most definitely can. I won’t say it is a criteria for sincerity because some people are really good at gut wrenching tears that produces nothing more than an emotional drain. However, it is a time of prayer where you can find yourself crying before the Lord.

  I know this is an Old Testament example, and we don’t live under the Old Testament, but it is applicable for tonight’s topic.

  What makes this such a relevant prayer is that we must use this type of prayer to become born again. I don’t know your experience, but I am pretty sure that when you accepted Jesus as Savior, prayer was involved. And I am fairly certain that repentance was involved.

  Here’s a New Testament example for us: the prodigal son. You have probably heard or read this account of the son on more than one occasion, but I will briefly retell it. The son asked his father for his inheritance, even though his father was still alive. The father gives it to him. Then the son leaves home and loses all of his money while partying hard. He finds himself in abject poverty, eating the same food as the pigs he was hired to feed. One day he realizes, if he is going to be a slave for someone it may as well be his father for his father treats his servants so much better. His attitude is one of repentance:

  I will arise and go to my father, and will say to him, “Father, I have sinned against heaven and before you, and I am no longer worthy to be called your son. Make me like one of your hired servants.”’ Luke 15:18-19 – NKJV

  It was the son’s acknowledgment that he had blown it big time, that places this son in a position to receive grace and mercy from his father. Yes, his father forgave him and restored him, but there’s no doubt in my mind that things would have ended differently had he not confessed his sins before his father. This is a beautiful picture of how we are to come to the Father when we blow it. No justification, no pointing fingers, no excuses, just simple acknowledging that we did wrong and sincere repentance of the wrong.

  John wrote this:

  If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. 1 John 1:9 – NKJV

  This brings us back to our key verse. David asked God to create in him a new heart. When we pray a prayer of repentance, our greatest desire should be that God give us a new heart. If we are sinners in need of salvation, it is what He wants to do! If we are believers who need to “get it right” He wants to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. In either case, forgiveness is waiting for us, we need only ask!

  David also asked that God would renew a steadfast spirit in him. What’s that? A spirit of stability, a spirit of being fixed on obedience to God, a yes to His will spirit! David had that type of spirit before, and he wanted it re-established in his life. So much so, it was more important to him than anything, because he didn’t want to lose the right to be in the presence of the Lord. He knew his sin had separated him from God, and he desperately wanted to see his relationship restored with God.

  David also asked God to not to remove His Holy Spirit from him. That’s deep for an Old Testament individual, and that makes it applicable to New Testament believers. When we sin, we need to get it right! Our heart should be as David’s heart was. God, whatever You do, don’t turn me away, and please don’t remove Your Spirit from my life! Why? Because more than anything, we should want to be right before God and to know that His Spirit is still present in our lives. And that’s why the prayer of repentance is so necessary to pray. Sin blocks our ability to connect with God, but confession of that sin and repentance of that sin gives us unlimited access to Him.

  As I stated in the beginning, we may need to pray this prayer on more than one occasion in our lives. But if we find that we are praying it daily, then we are in need of some different type of praying. I don’t believe necessarily in steps when dealing with God. You may need to pray for an hour about your situation, while someone else may need only a few minutes. Let His Spirit lead you during this time. However long you pray, pray until you know you’ve accomplished the task of truly repenting. And according to our definition, it must bring about a change in your behavior and your life! Wonderful Jesus!

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  Posted in God, Holy Spirit, Prayer, Repentance, Salvation | 2 Comments | Tagged Attitude, Believer, David, favor, God, Grace, Holy Spirit, obedience, parable, Prayer, Salvation, Sin, Sinner

• Fire!

  Posted at 10:00 am by wonderfuljesus8, on February 17, 2021

  Exodus 3:2-3 – And the Angel of the Lord appeared to him in a flame of fire from the midst of a bush. So he looked, and behold, the bush was burning with fire, but the bush was not consumed. Then Moses said, “I will now turn aside and see this great sight, why the bush does not burn.” NKJV

  

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  Last Monday, I began blogging on the imagery found in the word of God. This blog, will look at the imagery of fire.

  When I was a little girl, we didn’t have central air and heat. Nor do I remember having radiated heat. But I do remember us using heaters in our home to keep warm. It’s amazing the things that stick with us, but this memory was “burned” into my flesh. Literally! One winter evening, while eating a neck bone, I was standing by the heater. I was so involved in my eating that I hadn’t realized that I had moved closer to the heater. The next thing I knew, I was screaming because I had gotten too close to the heater and my skin was burned. What a painful way to learn to respect fire!

  I used to wonder as a kid, who invented fire? But as I read the word, I came to know, that God did! As a matter of fact, fire represents the presence of God!

  In our key text, Moses is minding his own business of caring for the sheep, when he notices a bush is on fire, and it is not being consumed. When he goes to check it out, God speaks to him from the bush. God used fire to manifest His presence to Moses that day, and did so throughout scripture.

  Another place that God manifested His presence in fire is when the children of Israel had stopped at Mt. Sinai.

  Now Mount Sinai was completely in smoke, because the Lord descended upon it in fire. Its smoke ascended like the smoke of a furnace, and the whole mountain quaked greatly. Exodus 19:18 -NKJV

  My picture for today is of a blazing fire, appearing to be on a mountain. It’s frightening and beautiful all at the same time. Much, as I think, it may have been for the Israelites to witness on the mount.

  When we think of the Presence of God, we can’t help but think of His glory! When the Bible speaks of His glory, it is represented by fire!

  And you said: ‘Surely the Lord our God has shown us His glory and His greatness, and we have heard His voice from the midst of the fire. We have seen this day that God speaks with man; yet he still lives. Deuteronomy 5:24 – NKJV

  In the New Testament, on the day of Pentecost, the Holy Spirit showed up in tongues of fire!

  Then there appeared to them divided tongues, as of fire, and one sat upon each of them. And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance. Acts 2:3-4 – NKJV

  This was a direct fulfillment of the words that John the Baptist spoke of, when he referred to the baptism that Jesus would baptize with:

  John answered, saying to all, “I indeed baptize you with water; but One mightier than I is coming, whose sandal strap I am not worthy to loose. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire. Luke 3:16 – NKJV

  Thus far, we have seen God in the fire, and the Holy Spirit in the fire. Now for Jesus!

  Then King Nebuchadnezzar was astonished; and he rose in haste and spoke, saying to his counselors, “Did we not cast three men bound into the midst of the fire?” They answered and said to the king, “True, O king.” “Look!” he answered, “I see four men loose, walking in the midst of the fire; and they are not hurt, and the form of the fourth is like the Son of God.” Daniel 3:24-25 – NKJV

  Many teachers of the Bible believe this is a reference to the Son of God, Jesus! I have to admit that I also think this!

  His head and hair were white like wool, as white as snow, and His eyes like a flame of fire; Revelation 1:14 -NKJV

  John the Apostle, compares the eyes of Jesus to a flame of fire!

  Another important imagery I’d like to share is that fire represents the Word of God.

  Then I said, “I will not make mention of Him, Nor speak anymore in His name.” But His word was in my heart like a burning fire Shut up in my bones; I was weary of holding it back, And I could not. Jeremiah 20:9 – NKJV

  And again, Jeremiah said:

  “The prophet who has a dream, let him tell a dream; And he who has My word, let him speak My word faithfully. What is the chaff to the wheat?” says the Lord. “ Is not My word like a fire?” says the Lord, “And like a hammer that breaks the rock in pieces? Jeremiah 23:28-29 – NKJV

  Fire can be deadly. In America, we hear of forest fires so much, we give little or no attention to them. At least, some of us! But thousands of acres are destroyed, homes are lost, and even lives. Those who live to tell the story, and their families are grateful for those who fight fire aggressively to stop it’s angry path! But did you know that the Bible speaks of God’s anger in the metaphorical comparison of fire? Of course, you did! When we think of hell, we think of eternal fire! When the disciples didn’t like the way the Samaritans responded to Jesus, they wanted to call fire down from heaven as Elijah had done!

  But fire is also good! We use it to cook with. We light our fireplace for warmth and romance. Fire is also used to purify metals like silver and gold. And biblically speaking, fire (or trouble) is used to purify and strengthen the people of God.

  In this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while, if need be, you have been grieved by various trials, that the genuineness of your faith, being much more precious than gold that perishes, though it is tested by fire, may be found to praise, honor, and glory at the revelation of Jesus Christ. 1 Peter 1:6-7 -NKJV

  I wish I could say more, but this space only allows for so much! So I leave you with these words:

  When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; And through the rivers, they shall not overflow you. When you walk through the fire, you shall not be burned, Nor shall the flame scorch you. Isaiah 43:2 – NKJV

  Wonderful Jesus!

  Posted in God, God’s Symbols, Holy Spirit, Jesus | 6 Comments | Tagged fiery furnace, fire, glory of God, Holy Spirit, Jesus, presence of God, purify, trials, word of God

• Waters That Never Fail!

  Posted at 10:00 am by wonderfuljesus8, on February 10, 2021

  John 7:38-39 – He who believes in Me, as the Scripture has said, out of his heart will flow rivers of living water.” But this He spoke concerning the Spirit, whom those believing in Him would receive; for the Holy Spirit was not yet given, because Jesus was not yet glorified. NKJV

  

  In my last blog, I briefly wrote on the importance of the well. I was unable to cover all the important aspects of the well, spiritually and naturally, but I can always write another blog in the future!

  My husband was really excited about the well and brought up the point that in third world countries they are not a thing of the past, but are very important in getting clean water to people, even today. Then we started talking about water, which in turn, reminded me of a point I brought up in the last post about living water. In this blog, I will look at the imagery of water in the Word.

  Water is considered a valuable resource in the world today, just as it was in the ancient world. Any historian can validate this truth by pointing out how the great civilizations of the ancient world always formed near a body of water.

  Even when America was founded with the 13 colonies, they were established on the coast of the Atlantic Ocean. As more land was needed to handle the increase in population, people had to find ways to bring water inland. Wells, cisterns, canals, and tunnels were a few of the ways that water was harnessed to meet the need.

  Just to connect with Black History month, Benjamin Banneker devised an irrigation system that connected the water of the springs near his farm to bring water to his farm. This irrigation system caused his tobacco farm to flourish even in the times of drought. Banneker, known as an inventor, mathematician, and an activist against slavery, learned, at the age of 15, the importance of water to the life of his farm, his family, and thereby, his livelihood.

  An equally important fact about water was the need for a continual supply of it during wartime. Especially when a city was under siege. Hezekiah, when faced with a siege from Sennacherib, had a tunnel built underground to keep the city of Jerusalem with a continuous water supply. I see a spiritual connection with water already!

  Jesus, at the feast, announced that if anyone believed on Him, as the scriptures said, that out of his belly (heart) would flow rivers of living water. This living water was identified as the Holy Spirit, which had not yet been given. But when He came, He became Living Water to all who received Him.

  Zechariah 14:8 – And it shall be in that day, that living waters shall go out from Jerusalem; half of them toward the former sea, and half of them toward the hinder sea: in summer and in winter shall it be.

  Zechariah’s prophecy speaks to a time, when Jerusalem will have living waters flowing in the summer and the winter. The disciples were in Jerusalem on the day of Pentecost when the Holy Spirit descended. This Living Water that he saw, was none other, but the Spirit of God! Living waters that are not contingent on the time of year or the season, but on those who believe!

  For the Lamb who is in the midst of the throne will shepherd them and lead them to living fountains of waters. And God will wipe away every tear from their eyes.” Revelation 7:17 – NKJV

  John speaks of Jesus, our Shepherd, leading His people to living fountains of waters. Isn’t that what He said to the woman in Samaria? He promised that He would give living waters to those who asked. And we see here that He leads us to living waters. This kind of reminds me of Psalm 23, where David spoke of the Shepherd, leading us to still waters. Even in a moving body of water, there are places where the waters seem still, safe for sheep.

  Isaiah wrote this about water:

  Isaiah 44:3 – For I will pour water upon him that is thirsty, and floods upon the dry ground: I will pour my spirit upon thy seed, and my blessing upon thine offspring:

  The Holy Spirit takes the dryness of a soul and make it a flourishing land, causing thirst to be satisfied. He not only causes the individual, or a place to flourish, but He also pours His Spirit and His blessings upon our children. I like being blessed, but I absolutely love seeing my children blessed! This Living Water that we receive from Jesus is so vital to our lives as believers. He provides for us, and for our children, and children’s children. Blessings that are natural and spiritual!

  Isaiah 58:11 – And the LORD shall guide thee continually, and satisfy thy soul in drought, and make fat thy bones: and thou shalt be like a watered garden, and like a spring of water, whose waters fail not.

  This verse speaks to my heart. The Lord shall guide me continually and satisfy me in a drought. When I feel dry, like God isn’t listening, or responding to me, I just need to drink from the source of Living Water to find strength to continue on my journey. He promises that I will be like a watered garden, and like a spring of water, whose waters fail not. When I think of a watered garden, I am reminded of well kept garden with healthy, vibrant plants. That’s what living waters produce in our lives! And a spring of water that never dries up?? The imagery is powerful!

  I’ve ministered when I felt like I was in a dry place. But as I would begin, I would sense His Presence and the words would just flow. Why? I had no choice but to trust that rivers of living water would flow from me. Every time, He would give His people what they needed, in spite of how I felt. Waters not failing!

  There is so much more that I can share about water, but the space and time does not allow me to be as thorough as I would be in an in-depth teaching. However, I believe you get the point!

  Maybe you are feeling dry right now. This pandemic may have taken a toll on your spiritual life as you have had to shelter in place and limit your church attendance. Or maybe you have not been to church this entire year. Well, I have great news for you, you can still be a flourishing garden as you wait to re-enter the sanctuary and enjoy the blessings of koinonia. Sometimes, the devil would like to condemn us to keep us from enjoying Him; but living waters flow in the winter and the summer. Good times and bad times! Hard times and easy times.

  Maybe you feel like you are under attack! That’s ok! You have reservoirs you don’t realize you have. Tap into the vast source of Living Waters and allow Him to keep you satisfied and flourishing during the battle. People who live around water are healthier and able to endure longer than those who are without water. This is encouraging to note, because you will outlast your enemy when you allow the rivers of Living Waters to guide you and refresh you!

  And don’t forget! What He provides for you, He wants to provide through you. Don’t just drink and get full! Look for ways to allow rivers of living water to flow out of your belly into someone’s else dry place! Get refreshed and let’s do this! Wonderful Jesus!

  Posted in encouragement, Holy Spirit, Jesus | 0 Comments | Tagged Believer, blessings, children, encouragement, God, hard times, Holy Spirit, Jerusalem, Jesus, living waters, pandemic, provision, Sennacherib, Spiritual warfare, water

• Draw From the Well!

  Posted at 10:00 am by wonderfuljesus8, on February 8, 2021

  Isaiah 12:3 – “Therefore with joy you will draw water from the wells of salvation.” NKJV

  

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  I love when I wake up and the Spirit has whispered in my ear. Such was the case this morning when He whispered this verse to me. I have to draw from the well of salvation regularly and it is very refreshing and most encouraging.

  The Bible is quite poetic in much of its make up. Not only that, it is filled with imagery that is easy for every generation of people to identify with, like a well.

  The Hebrew word, “phrear”, means well. In the Lexham Dictionary, a well is defined as:

  A deep man-made reservoir dug or drilled in the ground, often walled with stone or plaster. Used to access groundwater.

  Wells are mentioned throughout scripture and has multiple roles or meanings in the biblical narrative. In Exodus 15, the children of Israel arrive at Elim where they find 12 wells. The wells in this passage of scripture is often times referred to as a place of rest and relaxation. Why? Because they were traveling through a dry land when they arrived at this oasis that had trees for shade, and water for their thirst.

  When a well was placed outside the city, it served as a meeting place for the women, who collected the water, and for strangers. We see this played out in the encounter Jesus had with the Samaritan woman at the well. She wasn’t welcome to visit the well with the women in the town, so she went at a different time. One day, she met Jesus at the well and her life was forever changed. Her natural meeting place became her spiritual meeting place with the Messiah, a divine connection!

  Wells are also used to depict the provision of God. When Moses spoke to the children of Israel before his departure and their entrance to the promised land, he spoke of wells. He told them that God had provided for them wells which they did not have to dig. And when Samson was thirsty after killing the Philistines, he cried out to God who split a hollow place in the land (creating a well of water) that Samson might obtain water to refresh and revive himself.

  Wells were deemed as a vital and economic asset. The Bible makes references to the disputes that were mentioned over the ownership of wells. Abraham rebuked Abimelech because his servants had seized Abraham’s well of water. Enemies could stop up the wells, as the Philistines later did to Abraham’s wells.

  As we can see, wells were pretty important to the people of God for the natural supply of water. God’s word uses the imagery of wells for a spiritual supply of living water. Jesus told the woman at the well that she should have asked Him for a drink and He would have given her living water that she would never thirst again! John 4

  An important point about digging wells. Kings were responsible for digging wells, as we can see in 2 Chronicles where we find that King Uzziah dug many wells, and the enemy (the Philistines) was responsible for stopping them up. Can you see a spiritual correlation here?

  I offer you this point. Salvation through the Blood of Jesus creates within each of us a well. Then Jesus fills that well with Living Water, so that out of our belly can flow that living water. When we are allowing the water, or in this case, His Holy Spirit to flow through us, our well is a place of refreshing, for ourselves and others, and it is a beautiful thing. When we are in disobedience, our wells are dry. Not because the source of our living water has gone dry, but because we have allowed the enemy of our souls to fill the wells up with sin, keeping the water from flowing!

  John 7:37-38 – On the last day, that great day of the feast, Jesus stood and cried out, saying, “If anyone thirsts, let him come to Me and drink. He who believes in Me, as the Scripture has said, out of his heart will flow rivers of living water.” NKJV

  I read a sermon by George Whitfield, and he had this to say about the living water:

  The festival at which he was now present, was that of the feast of tabernacles, which the Jews observed according to God’s appointment in commemoration of their living in tents. At the last day of this feast, it was customary for many pious people to fetch water from a certain place, and bring it on their heads, singing this anthem out of Isaiah, “And with joy shall they draw water out of the wells of salvation.” Our Lord observing this, and it being his constant practice to spiritualize every thing he met with, cries out, “If any man thirst, let him come unto me, (rather than unto that well) and drink. He that believeth on me, as the scripture hath spoken, (where it is said, God will make water to spring out of a dry rock, and such-like) out of his belly shall flow rivers of living water.”

  Drawing from the well is simple. When life hits us with challenges, instead of just reacting, cause we all do, we have to draw from the well. All those emotions I have previously written about, can be dealt with as we draw from the well. I was tested this weekend myself. I was lied upon and it made me angry, my initial reaction. But as I drew from the well of my salvation, I received a peace that all would be well.

  This life is not cut and dry, patty cake, and tip toe through the tulips. It’s real, with disappointments, heartaches, and setbacks. But if we will allow the Holy Spirit to flow through us and help us in times of crisis, great joy will be ours. We will also be able to draw peace through tough times, and love when we don’t feel like sharing it. We will draw strength to continue in the journey, and hope for a brighter tomorrow. There is so much available in the well of salvation that is provided through that Living Water. It’s ours for the drawing. And it’s our responsible to do so! So go ahead, and draw from your well of salvation! Wonderful Jesus!

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  Posted in encouragement, God, God’s Symbols, Holy Spirit, Jesus | 0 Comments | Tagged encouragement, God, Holy Spirit, Jesus, living waters, provision, Salvation, wells, woman at the well

• Inspiration Gifts!

  Posted at 10:00 am by wonderfuljesus8, on December 21, 2020

  Luke 1:67-68 – “Now his father Zacharias was filled with the Holy Spirit, and prophesied, saying: “Blessed is the Lord God of Israel, For He has visited and redeemed His people…NKJV

  

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  This week is the Christmas week. Schools have dismissed for the holidays, and stores are having their “biggest sale of the year” to make as much money as they can before Christmas Day! All month, I have used a verse from the account of the birth of Jesus as we have approached this exciting holiday. Whatever we feel about it, He is still the reason for the season for most of us!

  Today, I will conclude my look at the manifestation gifts, or the charisma gifts of the Spirit. We have already gone over the power gifts, and the revelation gifts. The gifts that remain are the inspiration gifts, the gifts that say something. Just a reminder that all of the gifts are supernatural in their administration, and should not be used for any purpose other than what He intended, to benefit the Body of Christ.

  1 Corinthians 12:10 – “to another the working of miracles, to another prophecy, to another discerning of spirits, to another different kinds of tongues, to another the interpretation of tongues.” NKJV

  The inspiration gifts: prophecy, different kinds of tongues, and interpretation of tongues, are the most controversial gifts of the mix. Why? I don’t know for a fact! But I believe it is because tongues is so misunderstood in the church, and having a gift that includes tongues, for some, may be a little much. Anyway, I am a staunch believer in the “whole” counsel of the word, so I believe in all of the gifts, and have seen them operate under the anointing enough to know they are real.

  The gift of prophecy. In our key text, Zacharias was filled with the Holy Ghost and he prophesied. This is how the gift works. In his case, it could have been a once in a lifetime manifestation, but the gift of prophesy is activated by the Holy Spirit, as are the other eight gifts. Zacharias suddenly began to speak what was placed in his spirit, or his heart, as the Holy Ghost moved upon him, and he prophesied. Throughout the Bible there are many such instances where individuals prophesied. These people were not considered prophets, but the Spirit moved upon them and gave them a word to “speak” to the people. As such, they prophesied. In order for this to be a gift, and not just a response to the overwhelming presence of God, it must occur frequently in the life of the believer.

  I want to veer for a moment and point out that Zacharias didn’t get everybody’s attention by saying, “Thus says the Lord!” Or by saying, “The Lord is saying to me…”. I’m not mocking people who do start out like this, I’m just pointing out that the gift is not to bring attention to the individual, but always, always, to God. This gift has been released in the body to bring edification, exhortation, and comfort to men (1 Corinthians 14:3).

  The gift of tongues. I have already written about the baptism of the Holy Ghost with the evidence of speaking in tongues. That isn’t this gift. It looks the same, yet it is different. Another thing about tongues, is that it’s one of two gifts that is only seen in the Church age, because the baptism of the Holy Spirit happened after Jesus’ resurrection. The other one is the interpretation of tongues. Maybe this is another reason is it not widely accepted as genuine, because we only learn about it from the early Church.

  A person who has been given the gift of tongues, will receive a message from God in a tongue. That tongue is not known by the individual, and thus it is supernatural. However, during the Azusa Street Revival, people who received the gift of tongues was said to have miraculously gained the ability to speak and understand a new language they had never learned. These individuals would then go to that country and become a missionary. On a more “normal” understanding of the gift of tongues, a person would receive an unusual language, or a known language, that would have a prophetic message within it.

  This brings us to the interpretation of tongues. Whenever the gift of tongues is in operation, someone with the gift of interpretation of tongues must be present to let the people know what is being said. The same person can have both gifts and can speak in the tongue and interpret it. These gifts operating together equals the gift of prophecy. Again, they are for the edification, comfort, and exhortation of the hearers.

  One man shared this testimony: He was invited to church by a friend. He didn’t realize it was a Pentecostal service, but when he did realize it, he didn’t want to be there. Suddenly someone began to speak in tongues. As the tongue went forth, it was his native language. The message that was given really ministered to him. After service he went to the person and began to speak to him in his language thinking the man knew his language. But he did not. He realized then that God had set it up for him to receive that message, resulting in his salvation and in him receiving the baptism of the Holy Spirit. I have heard this type of testimony on many occasions.

  When a tongue is interpreted, it is not word for word. The tongue could be long, the interpretation could be short. And vice verse. But the message, from God, will encourage and bless those who hear it. It could even be a direct message for a particular person, like in my example.

  After I was baptized in the Holy Spirit, I was given a message both in tongues and in English. We were in Bible study, and the Spirit of the Lord moved on me to speak in tongues. After I finished speaking in tongues, I heard a clear word in my spirit and just said what I heard. When our pastor got up to teach his lesson, it was on the very thing that I had spoken or interpreted from the tongue. The Spirit confirmed his teaching for the evening. It shocked me. I knew I hadn’t made it up at that point, and I knew I didn’t have prior knowledge of the message, so the Holy Spirit encouraged me to trust Him when He moved on me. That night, the church was eager to hear what the pastor had to share and we had a move of the Spirit during the service.

  These gifts of inspiration, or utterance, are designed to encourage the Body of Christ. People leave refreshed, comforted, and strengthened after these gifts are in operation. They can be abused, but again, that doesn’t give us the right to throw them out.

  As I come to a close on these gifts, I want to remind you that I know I have not shared all there is to know about the gifts. I also know that I have been very general in what I have been sharing. Again, my intent was just to think about Christmas, not only as gift giving time, but as a time to receive and enjoy the gifts that Jesus has given to us through His Spirit.

  When we were growing up we used to say, what you don’t know can’t hurt you. But that is so not true. If you don’t hear that a flood is coming to your area, and it comes, you most definitely can get hurt. If we don’t have the information we need to be successful in our walk with the Lord, it most definitely can hurt us. It can also stunt our growth, or keep us in bondage to fears of the unknown. I’ve never experienced the pleasure of skiing down a mountain, but I know for many it is a wondrous experience. When I think of sliding down a mountain on two skis at a slow pace, it feels me with dread. Therefore, I would avoid this experience at all cost. But the people who experience it, anticipate it and highly recommend it. Just because we have not experienced something, like the gifts in our life, or we have not even had a positive experience with them, doesn’t negate them, or the blessing that they are in the lives of others. And can be in yours!

  This Christmas, let’s open our hearts to all of who Jesus is and to all that He has for us. Praying you and your family will have a very safe and happy holiday celebration! Wonderful Jesus!

  Posted in Christmas, Gifts, Holiday Celebrations, Holy Spirit, Jesus, Spiritual Gifts | 0 Comments | Tagged gift giving, gift of interpretation of tongues, gift of prophecy, gift of tongues, gifts of inspiration, Holy Spirit, Jesus, miraculous, speaking in tongues, supernatural, testimony

• Revelation Gifts!

  Posted at 10:00 am by wonderfuljesus8, on December 18, 2020

  Luke 2:25-26,34-35 -And behold, there was a man in Jerusalem whose name was Simeon, and this man was just and devout, waiting for the Consolation of Israel, and the Holy Spirit was upon him. And it had been revealed to him by the Holy Spirit that he would not see death before he had seen the Lord’s Christ…Then Simeon blessed them, and said to Mary His mother, “Behold, this Child is destined for the fall and rising of many in Israel, and for a sign which will be spoken against (yes, a sword will pierce through your own soul also), that the thoughts of many hearts may be revealed.” NKJV

  

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  Sticking with the theme of Jesus’ birth, today’s key text is actually not long after His birth. Luke informs us that according to the Law, every male that opened the womb was holy to the Lord. Since Jesus was Mary’s firstborn, He was presented at the temple with the appropriate sacrificial offering. However, on that day, the Lord impressed upon Simeon to go into the temple, and there he saw the Messiah!

  The gifts I will briefly mention today are called the “revelation gifts”, they reveal something to someone. The power gifts are action gifts that causes things to happen, but the revelation gifts reveal something, unknown, to an individual. Let’s take a look at these important gifts.

  In our key text, Simeon came into the temple and beheld Jesus. Then he shared some things by the Spirit. These revelation gifts can be prophetic, but when they manifest, they are gifts unto themselves. Simeon revealed by the Spirit:

  • Jesus was a light for revelation to the Gentiles
  • Jesus was the Glory of the people of Israel
  • Jesus was destined to cause the falling and rising of many in Israel
  • Jesus was a sign that would be spoken against so that the thoughts of many hearts would be revealed
  • And a sword will pierce Mary’s soul.

  True to the word spoken to Mary that day was the very fulfillment of all that he said.

  The revelation gifts are found in 1 Corinthians 12 and are: the word of wisdom, the word of knowledge, and the discerning of spirits. I believe Simeon gave Mary a word of wisdom. Let’s look at what each gift reveal.

  While there are differing opinions on how each of these gifts may or may not operate, I am just sharing from what I have studied through the years. This is not intended to be an in-depth study, just a “wet your appetite” to hope you will want to learn more about the gifts.

  I just want to say, if I have failed to say it already, that all of these gifts are supernatural. They are not operated in the flesh, and if they are, they have become polluted. However, when the Spirit of God manifests these gifts through an individual, they are amazing.

  The gift of word of wisdom. It is important to note that this is a word, meaning the person with this gift isn’t some “ole wise one” that everyone seeks for wisdom. And this wisdom is not to be equated with the wisdom that comes from reading and studying the word, or even age and life’s experience. This wisdom is best described as a word from God, a divine revelation that shares the purpose and plans of God. Some say this is the gift that helps us to know what to do with the word of knowledge, but if I am going off of my key text, as a word of wisdom, I would say it reveals the future.

  This word of wisdom can come in a number of ways. Generally speaking, someone operating as a prophet would be given a word of wisdom for the Church, the Body, or even an individual. But God can, and will use someone who is not considered a prophet.

  In the New Testament, Ananias was given a word about Saul. God revealed to Ananias that He had a work for Saul to do, that Saul was a chosen vessel to Him, and that Saul would bear His name before the Gentiles, kings, and the children of Israel. And lastly, the Spirit revealed that Saul would suffer much for His Name! Why did God tell Ananias all of this? Well, mainly because He wanted Ananias to go to see Saul and to lay hands on him; but Ananias was concerned about Saul’s background as a persecutor of the believers. Giving Ananias this information caused him to risk it all, so to speak, to do the will of God.

  Then there is the word of knowledge. This gift operates in revealing information about an individual or event. It can also be seen in this same situation with Saul and Ananias. God told Ananias that Saul was praying. He told Ananias that Saul was at Judas’ house on the street called Straight. He told Ananias that Saul had a vision of a man named Ananias coming in and laying hands on him that he might receive his sight. All of this information, God gave to Ananias, that he didn’t have prior knowledge of, so that he confidently go and do God’s bidding.

  The gift of discerning of spirits. This is not occult or New Age stuff. God really does give certain individuals, in the body, the ability to see into the spirit realm. The spirits that you can be allowed to see, by the will of the Spirit, are angelic beings and demonic beings. The discerning of spirits also involve being able to hear in the spirit realm, so your spiritual eyes and ears are open to the spirit realm.

  This is not the gift of discernment. There is no such gift. People say this when they feel they have a “good” read on people personalities or character. Witchcraft or psychological insight that tries to delve into a person’s spirit is forbidden by the Father. That’s not this gift. This is about being able to determine when the demonic realm is really in operation, or when angelic beings are really around, and why they are present.

  Remember in Acts 16 when Paul was followed by a young woman who kept saying that they were servants of the most high God? But then Paul turned around and rebuked the spirit that was talking through her. That was Paul discerning the evil spirit using her. The problem wasn’t with what she was saying, the problem was with who was saying it. As a fortune teller, Paul knew that evil spirit was trying to make it seem as if it was validating Paul and the others, thus, invalidating them. Sometimes the wrong person can say the right thing about you and it will work against you, because of that person. That is what was happening.

  These revelation gifts, as I have mentioned, can come through a prophet. But God can also manifest these gifts in other ways, like dreams and visions. Throughout the New Testament, and even in the Old Testament there are examples of Jesus, and His disciples, and many others, receiving information, supernaturally, about something or someone. These gifts are designed to build our faith, and to assist us in our walk with the Lord.

  I’ve decided not to share personal experiences or the experiences of others for these gifts. I know they have and can be abused. More so than the power gifts. But as I mentioned before, I just wanted to remind you that He has given us revelation gifts. They operate at the will of the Spirit and not of man. They can be amazing, but they are not for entertainment or showmanship. Anyone operating in these gifts, and receiving money to do so, pollutes the gift and brings reproach to the Holy Spirit. Yet, anyone operating in these gifts according to the Spirit of God, glorifies the Father, draw people to Jesus, and allow the Holy Spirit to use them for His Glory! Wonderful Jesus!

  Posted in Christmas, Gifts, God, Holiday Celebrations, Holy Spirit, Jesus | 0 Comments | Tagged Ananias, discerning of spirits, Gifts, God, Holy Spirit, Jesus, Paul, Prayer, revelation gifts, Saul, supernatural, word of knowledge, word of wisdom

• Power Gifts!

  Posted at 6:40 pm by wonderfuljesus8, on December 16, 2020

  Luke 1:35 -And the angel answered and said to her, “ The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Highest will overshadow you; therefore, also, that Holy One who is to be born will be called the Son of God. NKJV

  

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  I know this isn’t traditional Christmas blogging, but I’m not traditional! Christmas is special, but it is nothing without the reality of who Jesus the Christ is today!

  The emblems of Christmas, all represent baby Jesus, but when I celebrate my birthday, or when you celebrate your birthday, we don’t go and find baby pictures and focus on the day we were born! The one thing that I do want to point out in regards to His birth is that “the power of the Highest” overshadowed Mary to bring about His birth! That very same power was evident in His life and ministry and is available to every believer today!

  I’ve been meditating on this title, “Power Gifts” for a few days now. I’m excited to share what the Holy Spirit has been sharing with me. First, let’s check out a few of those scriptures that talk about the power associated with Him:

  • Matthew 9:8- the people marveled and glorified God, who had given such power to men.
  • Mark 5:30- The woman with the issue of blood touched Him, and He perceived power had left Him
  • Luke 8:46- the multitude sought to touch Him, for power went out from Him and healed them all!
  • John 10:18- He had the power to lay down His life and to pick it up again!

  These scriptures just reference the truth of the power, but when you take a shallow look at His life, reading about all of the miracles that followed Him, you get a real solid picture of the truth, He walked in power!

  The beautiful truth about Jesus is that He was not stingy with that power. As a matter of fact, when He called the twelve disciples, He gave them power over unclean spirits, to cast them out, and to heal all kinds of sickness and disease (Matthew 10:1). When He returned to heaven He sent the Holy Spirit to earth, and again, He gave us access to power.

  Acts 1:8 – But you shall receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; …” NKJV

  In 1 Corinthians 12, the power gifts are mentioned: faith, gifts of healings, and the working of miracles (vv. 9-10). They are taken from the list of gifts that are also referred to as the manifestations of the Holy Spirit. These “charisma” gifts are gifts bestowed upon mankind because of the grace of God. In this chapter in Corinthians, we learn that He gives them as He desires, but everyone is given at least one of them.

  The doctrine of cessation states that while God can still perform miracles, He no longer uses individuals to do so. I don’t agree with this view for a couple of reasons: there is no scriptural proof that these gifts have ceased, and yet scripture does state that He has given them to us! Also, I have read many wonderful testimonies over the years of these gifts operating in the lives of individuals. But let me just say this, if I had never seen one single miracle performed in my life, I would still believe that He is the same today, that He was yesterday, and will be forevermore. Therefore, I really believe that the doctrine of cessation came from people who never saw a miracle, and this is how they explained that they had a relationship with God, yet had not experienced Him!

  If you don’t have electricity, and you have never experienced it, does that nullify the fact that I use it all day everyday? If you have never seen a great marriage, and have not experienced it, does that nullify the truth that I have a great marriage? No, and again I say no! A lack of experience with something doesn’t become a validation for if it is real. It just says that you haven’t experienced it! I’m just saying!

  Each of these manifestations of the Holy Spirit can happen in an individual’s life without another person being involved. However, the Holy Spirit has chosen to use people, to manifest His power through, and so that’s where I stand! With the word! Can it be abused? Yes! But the internet is abused, and yet I still use it. Doctors abuse their positions, teachers abuse their positions, even parents abuse their positions, but we don’t avoid these people in life or declare all of them as being rotten; because we understand that the abusers don’t represent the whole! So those who abuse the gifts of the Holy Spirit don’t get to represent those who do not!

  The gift of faith! Operating in faith, does not equate to having the gift of faith. The gift of faith turns the invisible into the visible; the intangible to the tangible, the impossible into the possible, on a regular basis! I think of Smith Wigglesworth when I think of this gift. Actually, all of the power gifts were evident in his life. Here’s a testimony I will never forget:

  A man came to one of Wigglesworth’s meeting and he had no feet. Wigglesworth didn’t pray for him, didn’t lay hands on him, but said that the man should go buy a pair of shoes. He went to the store, bought some shoes, and as he placed his limb in it, his feet grew! You don’t believe it? Not my issue to make you believe it! I’m just sharing! That’s how I understand the gift to operate. It’s like God speaking into your situation and it can be no other way but as it is said.

  Gifts of healings. I probably heard this somewhere and I’m just repeating it: All divine healings are miracles, but not all miracles are healings! All of these gifts are controversial. It takes faith to operate in them and faith to be a recipient of them. In other words, had the man with no feet not believed Smith Wigglesworth, and had not gone to get shoes, would he have gotten feet? Probably not! Does that make Wigglesworth a false prophet? Not at all.

  Matthew 13:58- Now He did not do many mighty works there because of their unbelief!

  If unbelief hindered Jesus, it will most certainly hinder us!

  Back to gifts of healings. This gift needs no explanation. People understand that this gifts of healings means that people who operate in this gift, get people healed on a regular basis. John Lake operated masterfully in this gift. Even the newspapers in Spokane, Washington wrote about the healings that took place in his healing schools. You’ll just have to look him up to hear some amazing testimonies of healings!

  This gifts of healings is plural for a reason. It is believed that no one individual has the power over all sickness and diseases, so the Spirit gave gifts of healings, instead of the gift of healing. It is taught that one person can have the gift to heal cancer, and another person can have the gift to heal diabetes, and so forth and so on. My belief on that take isn’t solidified!

  Lastly, the gift of miracles. These miracles are not limited to healings, but include all types of miracles. I like Heidi Baker for this category. As I have followed their ministry over the years, I hear of the dead being raised, food being multiplied, blind eyes seeing. All three of these individuals truly can be accredited with operating in all of these power gifts. Sometimes they operate simultaneously. Heidi spoke of a time when she had only enough food to feed her immediate family, but she had an orphanage of children who were hungry. They prayed over the food and began to serve it, and didn’t run out of food. That’s miraculous! Do they eat like that at every meal? No! Iris Ministries relies on donations like all other ministries. But they have seen God step in when man wasn’t available.

  These power gifts were given to the Church as an extension of the work and ministry of Jesus, through His Spirit. I’m not interested in looking for that which is phony, but I am hungry for that which is God! He did it before, He’s doing it now, and He will continue to do it until He comes back to get us. Faith accesses the power of God! It always has and it always will. This holiday season, let’s begin to open our heart to the power gifts He has made available to us! Wonderful Jesus!

  Posted in Christmas, Gifts, Holiday Celebrations, Holy Spirit, Jesus, Spiritual Gifts | 2 Comments | Tagged cessation, Christmas, Faith, healings, Holy Spirit, Jesus, miracles, power, power gifts, Spiritual Gifts, testimony

• The Spirit of Praise!

  Posted at 10:00 am by wonderfuljesus8, on December 9, 2020

  Luke 2:13-14 – “And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying: “Glory to God in the highest, And on earth peace, goodwill toward men!” NKJV

  

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  I’ve been listening to Christmas music already! I am not a fan of the commercialization of Christmas, but I have to admit that I love the music of Christmas! There are a lot of anointed singers out there, but can I just say that I really enjoy listening to Mariah Carey’s “O Holy Night”? Don’t shoot me, if you don’t agree with my choice, but it is a beautiful song.

  Long ago, shepherds were watching their flocks at night. (I read a book recently of shepherds in Jerusalem in biblical times. It was a historical fiction, and I mention it because I never really thought much about this scene). In the book, the shepherds would bring the sheep in closer to their living space at night, and then someone would guard the sheep at night from predators.

  Imagine that it has been a long day, they have had dinner, and they are resting from their long day and preparing their minds for their long evening, when suddenly someone is standing before them. And not only has someone appeared before them out of nowhere, a stranger, but he is also surrounded by light. The Bible lets us know that the men were terrified. These men, who are out with a staff, walking the perimeter of their sheep pen all night to keep them safe, and they are suddenly terrified. This was no simple visitation of an angel!

  The angel speaks and says to the shepherds:

  “Do not be afraid, for behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy which will be to all people. For there is born to you this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. And this will be the sign to you: You will find a Babe wrapped in swaddling cloths, lying in a manger.” Luke 2:10-12 – NKJV

  Don’t be afraid! Are you kidding me? You popped up out of nowhere, with a light shining around you, and you say don’t fear? I’m pretty sure that those words, didn’t calm the hearts of the shepherds. And if those words did, then the next thing that happened sent them right back into panic mode:

  Luke 2:13-14 – “And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying: “Glory to God in the highest, And on earth peace, goodwill toward men!” NKJV

  Think about this for a minute. Was the praise team invited to this announcement? Maybe! God orchestrates well! But what I believe really happened was that at the announcement of the birth of the Son of God, they couldn’t contain their joy and their praise was so glorious, God pulled back the curtains of heaven and allowed the shepherds to see and hear what was happening. It was a day of glorious high praise! The song, “Angels We Have Heard on High” pales in comparison to the song the angels sung.

  Now, my focus isn’t on Christmas per se! It’s on Jesus! I believe that this time of the year is filled with so many songs, special to the occasion, sacred and secular, because it’s a time of high praise! When we stop and think about Jesus coming into this world, all that He did, and all that He is still doing, it ought to cause our hearts to spring forth in praise, just as it did with the angels!

  Many times throughout Jesus’ time on the earth, people had the same reaction to Him. Let’s look at a few:

  Bartimaeus was blind. Because he was blind, he had to sit on the side of the road and beg for a handout. But one day Jesus passed by and changed his life!

  Then Jesus said to him, “Receive your sight; your faith has made you well.” And immediately he received his sight, and followed Him, glorifying God. And all the people, when they saw it, gave praise to God. Luke 18:42-43 -NKJV

  You don’t need your imagination to understand the overwhelming sense of praise that came upon Bartimaeus that day. Not only did he receive his sight, he also had an amazing encounter with Jesus, and he didn’t have to beg for bread anymore! That’ll get you up and shouting! I want to shout for him and his victory even now! Glory!!

  At another time, Jesus began ministering to the multitudes:

  Then great multitudes came to Him, having with them the lame, blind, mute, maimed, and many others; and they laid them down at Jesus’ feet, and He healed them. So the multitude marveled when they saw the mute speaking, the maimed made whole, the lame walking, and the blind seeing; and they glorified the God of Israel. Matthew 15:30-31 – NKJV

  This word “glorified” comes from the same root word that “praise” in our key text comes from, doxa. A spirit of praise overcame them as they watched God’s marvelous works happen right before their eyes.

  Recently, a friend called me and asked me to pray for her daughter who had a severe allergic reaction to something. They had already been to the hospital to have it checked out, but her daughter was still in great discomfort, and was actually the one who wanted me to pray. So I did! Not only did God relieve the itchy skin, but the very next day, her skin was completely cleared up. She texted me not long ago to tell me that she was still clear! I want you to know that I danced all day when I got the praise report! When God shows up, it’s time to praise!

  I just have to share one more, because Jesus is just so wonderful to me and I believe you’ll like this point:

  Then, as He was now drawing near the descent of the Mount of Olives, the whole multitude of the disciples began to rejoice and praise God with a loud voice for all the mighty works they had seen, saying: “ ‘Blessed is the King who comes in the name of the Lord!’ Peace in heaven and glory in the highest!” Luke 19:37-38 – NKJV

  Even on his way to the cross, the people couldn’t help but give Him praise. As He entered Jerusalem, a spirit of praise swept through the crowd and they shouted with a loud voice the same message that the angels shouted at His birth! A praise of glory to the Highest, and peace this time in heaven!! They took up the cry of the angels without realizing it. It was so loud, that it made the Pharisees angry to think that a man could receive that much praise! First peace came to earth and now peace was returning to heaven! This is pretty awesome!!

  Of course, I couldn’t mention all of my examples in this one blog. It would be much longer than what I generally like to do. However, as I wrote about one example, another would come to mind. Not just biblical examples, but personal examples, of friends and family members, and church family members, and the body of Christ! He has done great things for us, and when we stop to think about Him in all of His goodness, the Spirit of praise is going to come upon you!

  I know some of us are having a tough time right now, but this blog was written with that in mind. Isaiah wrote, in a scripture that speaks of Jesus, that we are to put on the garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness. I won’t see my extended family this holiday season either, but I won’t let that get me down. I miss engaging with friends and family in person. I may never use zoom again when this is over, but today I am truly grateful for it! I can’t change anything about this holiday season except my attitude and outlook about it. And the same is true for you!

  Let’s embrace the spirit of praise that flows throughout this season. Sing your songs louder and longer. Dance around your bedroom or your home. Give Him glory for all that you can think of in your life and the lives of others, and soon the spirit of praise will be flowing through you! Wonderful Jesus!

  Posted in Christmas, God, Holiday Celebrations, Holy Spirit, Jesus | 0 Comments | Tagged Attitude, encouragement, God, hard times, Holy Spirit, Jesus, miraculous, praise, Prayer, spirit of praise, testimony

• The Spirit of Christmas!

  Posted at 10:00 am by wonderfuljesus8, on December 7, 2020

  Matthew 1:18 – “Now the birth of Jesus Christ was as follows: After His mother Mary was betrothed to Joseph, before they came together, she was found with child of the Holy Spirit.” NKJV

  

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  As we approach the Christmas season, I decided not to focus just on the birth of Jesus, but rather, on Jesus Himself. Whether you are a participant of the holiday season or a spectator, you have to admit that there is something exciting about this time of year. As much as we look forward to Thanksgiving Day, we immediately begin thinking that the holiday season has begun, meaning the time between Thanksgiving and New Year’s Day.

  People begin decorating their homes and businesses, radio stations begin playing Christmas music all day long, and everyone begins vying for our money to become their money. Even with all that, we have the attitude of B. B. King, in his hit song, “Christmastime Comes But Once a Year!” This time of the year is so different from the rest of the year, that we have even heard much talk about the Spirit of Christmas. Today, I want to talk about the true Spirit of Christmas.

  In our text for today, Matthew summarizes the birth of Jesus in a few short verses. He writes that after the betrothal of Mary and Joseph, and before the wedding night, Mary is found with child of the Holy Spirit. He doesn’t elaborate on what happened, he just tells us that it happened.

  Luke on the other hand goes into more detail. He lets us in on the visitation of the angel Gabriel to both Zachariah and Mary. Both visits are life altering for the individuals involved, but only one visit would impact the world for all eternity! The angel told Mary that she was about to become pregnant and give birth to a Son. Not just any son, but the Son of the Highest. His name was to be Jesus, He was going to be great, and He would be given the throne of His father David! Wow! That’s a lot for someone take in at one time. But Mary did it!

  Here’s where things get really interesting. Mary is single but not quite. She is an upright young woman and getting ready to finalize her betrothal to Joseph with culmination of the wedding night. God interrupts their plans and their lives to bring Jesus into the natural realm. This had to be pretty unsettling. Yet, all Mary wanted to know was how would it happen? The angel said,

  “The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Highest will overshadow you; therefore, also, that Holy One who is to be born will be called the Son of God! Luke 1:35

  The Holy Spirit overshadowed Mary, causing the Seed to be implanted in her womb, that she would bring forth the Son of God, in the flesh. The true Spirit of Christmas is not in the music, not in the decorations, nor in the excitement that permeates the atmosphere; it is in the Spirit of the Living God who gave life to Jesus, God’s Holy Spirit! Most men would have been outraged with the turn of these events, and Joseph was no exception! When Joseph did find out, he wanted out. But the Spirit of God was the Conductor of all that was transpiring. He knew He could trust these two young people with a difficult, never have ever happened, and never will ever happen again, event! Remember our key text, “she was found with child”. Joseph knew it wasn’t his child, and he had difficulty believing that she was pregnant by a means other than the natural channel. So much so, that he sought a private annulment of the marriage. But God spoke to Joseph in a dream and told him what the Holy Spirit had done to bring this baby about, and Joseph surrendered his will and his pride to the will of the Father. That had to be tough on these two, they knew people would talk, but Joseph took Mary immediately into his home and six months later, Jesus was born. You guys know we are forever doing the math! They were worst in Joseph’s and Mary’s day! The Spirit had a hard time keeping everything a secret. He was excited about Jesus coming into the earth. He told two of His faithful followers about this exciting birth! Simeon was one of them.

  Luke 2:26 – And it had been revealed to him by the Holy Spirit that he would not see death before he had seen the Lord’s Christ. NKJV

  So on the day that Mary and Joseph presented Jesus in the temple, the Spirit caused Simeon to go to the temple at that exact moment. He not only saw Jesus, but he took Jesus in his arms and blessed God for letting him see Jesus before he departed the earth. Then Anna came in, at just the right moment, to witness the reality of the Messiah, her Savior. He had come to set His people free! Glorious day!

  Let’s go back to Jesus. He’s all grown up now, and has had at least 30 birthdays. He is getting ready to be released into ministry to accomplish the task God has set before Him.

  In John chapter 1, John the Baptist makes this declaration:

  John 1:32 – “And John bore witness, saying, “I saw the Spirit descending from heaven like a dove, and He remained upon Him.” NKJV

  The Spirit of Christmas, God’s Holy Spirit, wasn’t just available to Jesus at His birth. He was available to Jesus throughout His life. After all, the Spirit of God, the Spirit of the Father, was Jesus’ true Father. Therefore, before Jesus began His public ministry, His Father, once again, sends His Spirit to Him. This time, the Spirit doesn’t give Him life, but He releases an anointing upon Him to fulfill His assignment. Luke writes about it in Acts:

  Acts 10:38 – “How God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Spirit and with power, who went about doing good and healing all who were oppressed by the devil, for God was with Him. NKJV

  All that Jesus accomplished in His physical body, He accomplished because of the Spirit of God that gave Him life, and anointed Him for ministry. His Spirit is just as active today, in His Bride, and in His Church.

  Too often when we think of Christmas, we forget or miss what God was really doing in bringing Jesus in the form of man. It was even more exciting at that time, then it is today. When Jesus was born, the angels were so excited they had to step into the earthly realm and shout,

  And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying: “Glory to God in the highest, And on earth peace, goodwill toward men!” Luke 2:13-14 – NKJV

  The angels were excited about that first “Christmas” experience. They were excited about the greatest gift ever given, the gift of God, Jesus! They were excited from heaven’s perspective of all that He would accomplish for the Father. They were excited!

  I believe that even though Christmas has become so commercialized in our day, there is still excitement surrounding the commemoration of the birth of our Lord. It’s not His actual birth day, but it is when the Christian community and thus the world, remember it.

  As you celebrate Christmas this year, things will look different for most of us. Some of us will do what we want irrespective to what is happening with the virus. But most of us will comply, thereby, having a different kind of Christmas. The Spirit of Christmas, God’s Holy Spirit, is available to make this Christmas, one of the best, if not the best, you can imagine! Invite Him to you celebration and watch Him breathe life into your celebration! Wonderful Jesus!

  Posted in Christmas, Holiday Celebrations, Holy Spirit, Jesus | 4 Comments | Tagged Believer, birth of Jesus, Christian, coronavirus, Elizabeth, God, Holy Spirit, Jesus, John the Baptist, Mary and Joseph, miraculous, Salvation, the Spirit of Christmas, Zachariah

• So Much More!

  Posted at 10:00 am by wonderfuljesus8, on October 23, 2020

  Romans 14:17 – “for the kingdom of God is not eating and drinking, but righteousness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit. NKJV

  

  so-much-more_.mp3

  There is so much more to the Holy Spirit, that I can’t even begin to exhaust the subject of Him. As I have mentioned before, there are some really great books out there. One of my personal favorites was written by John Bevere. I encourage you to study the word, to find out His role in your life, but it wouldn’t hurt to read a book, either! Thanks for hanging in there with me, as I’ve tried to share a few truths I’ve learned about the Holy Spirit.

  I believe passionately in the power and presence of the Holy Spirit. I’m sure I’ll come back to Him again and again! I also feel strongly about the baptism of the Holy Spirit. But today, I want to talk about Him from this perspective: there is so much more!

  Our text for today states that the kingdom of God is not eating and drinking. This is a perfect chapter to demonstrate an important aspect of the Holy Spirit, for in it, Paul is admonishing the body of Christ. He tells us that we are not to get carried away in what we eat or don’t eat because this is not what the kingdom of God is about. Understanding that at that time, they were coming together as a body of believers, made of Jews and Gentiles, and had concerns over the issue of what to eat and not to eat.

  They were also concerned over holy days and holidays. Again, Paul stressed the relative unimportance of these days, in relationship to the overall goal of being one in Christ. Much as many of us are still arguing over things like: to be immersed, or to sprinkle; to baptize in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Ghost, or just in the Name of Jesus. Should we be allowed to wear pants, or in today’s fashion world-leggings- or jogging suits to church? So many little issues that clog up the overall goal of advancing the kingdom of God. Should sin be allowed to infect the Body? Certainly not! But those things that are irrelevant in the whole scheme of salvation, should not be allowed to separate us!

  The kingdom of God is God’s rule and way of doing things. Jesus came preaching the kingdom, and commissioned us to go and do likewise. There’s much in the kingdom, and it will be my topic, soon, but for today’s post, I’m more focused on the end of the verse. The kingdom of God is righteousness, peace, and joy in the Holy Ghost!

  The kingdom of God is righteousness. Righteousness is being in right standing with God. This is accomplished by coming into a relationship with God through Jesus Christ! In the Strong’s the rendition is “the state of him who is such as he ought to be; the condition of being acceptable to God.” That’s what Jesus’ sacrifice on the cross made available to all who believe, that we would be acceptable to God. In a state of sin, we are unacceptable, but as believers, we are made the righteousness of God in Christ Jesus! (2 Corinthians 5:21)

  If we keep this verse in context, it also deals with our right relationship with others. It’s important to remember that God requires of us all to do the right thing in regards to others. Judging people on what they eat or don’t eat, the color of their skin, their economic state in life, isn’t right, and it isn’t godly. The Holy Spirit helps us to get this right in our relationships with others. Especially the household of faith!

  The kingdom of God is peace. Peace is a place of security, safety, prosperity; the state of a soul assured of its salvation through Christ. In Ephesians, the Holy Spirit is mentioned as the guarantee of our redemption! Have you ever purchased a home and had to give a deposit to guarantee the seller that your interest was sincere? The Holy Spirit guarantees your salvation, He is your assurance policy. He also is there providing security, safety, and prosperity to those in the kingdom.

  In relationship to the context in which it is written, being at peace with one another is important. Arguing and being in constant dispute over things that bring division and discord, like food and drink, and what days to worship, and how to worship, is pure foolishness and doesn’t lead to peace. In the kingdom of God, peace that flows from the Holy Spirit should be flowing through us to others. Not a facade of peace, but the real deal that demonstrates our connection with the Spirit of God. We are to be people who want safety, security, and prosperity in our lives, and in the lives of those around us.

  The kingdom of God is joy! Cheerful, calm delight, and gladness is the kingdom. Joy isn’t based on what is happening around us, it is based on what is happening in us. Joy goes deeper than happiness, for it is rooted in our inner being. Happiness is external and subject to change. When there is joy in our lives, we are better equipped to spread joy to others. The Holy Spirit causes that joy to stay fresh, enabling us to radiate it, even when we are not thinking about it, or we don’t appear to have a reason for it. Everyone loves being around a joy filled individual. They look at life and see hope, and all that is good around them.

  In light of this verse, we are to bring joy, not pain and chaos into the lives of others. Hurting others, because of our need to feel superior, is not radiating from the Holy Spirit. Joy is meant to be spread to others, just as love is. When we purpose to allow joy to shine from us, in the midst of troubling times, it’s magnetic. People are drawn to it! People are drawn to the kingdom.

  Paul is writing to believers, and He is letting us know that in the Holy Ghost, we have access to righteousness, peace, and joy. That’s the kingdom! And as kingdom citizens, we should display righteousness, peace, and joy to others! I leave you with this thought:

  Now may the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that you may abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit. Romans 15:13 – NKJV

  He’s so much more than we ever thought, or could imagine! Taking time to get to know Him better, and allowing Him to have a place of importance in our lives will benefit us more than it will benefit Him. He’s just waiting for you, for us, to give Him a chance to show us so much more! Wonderful Jesus!

  Posted in Holy Spirit, joy, Kingdom of God, Peace, righteousness | 2 Comments | Tagged Holy Spirit, joy, Kingdom of God, Peace, relationships, righteousness, the Blood of Jesus, word of God

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