It's so much better than BOGO. Why? Because it's ALL free! Ok, for all you shoppers out there you know exactly what I'm talking about with BOGO. For the rest of you, it means Buy One Get One Free. Today we're finishing Luke 24. It's a great example of how our salvation (which is free) and the benefits that come with it (Holy Spirit--also free) are so much better than BOGO.
This is where Jesus, after being raised from the dead, tells the disciples that the Holy Spirit is coming to empower them. Then, it happens! On the Day of Pentecost--a very important day (check out Acts 1 and 2) the Holy Spirit indwells His followers. Why is it such an amazing deal? Because unlike the Old Testament followers of the One, True God, we get to have the Holy Spirit reside in us--immediately and permanently when we accept Christ as our Savior. Talk about a priceless free gift!
So the big question is: What are we (you and I) doing with this gift? I find that I'm a little hit and miss. I pray for the Holy Spirit to guide me in circumstances, in my speech and actions--sometimes. But then other times, I operate like He's not even there. (Definitely an area I need to work on). So how about you? Do you have any thoughts on how we can consistently take advantage of the Holy Spirit and make the most of this awesome gift? Think about it and send in your comment. It makes my day to hear from you! Tami W.
Hi Tami,
I struggle in this area too! It is maddening to me. I have so many people who tell me what a spiritual hero (heroine) they think I am, but they don't see the real me. I pray that God puts a guard over my mouth and a bit in it, but so many times I act out in the flesh. Paul had this same problem, so I guess I'm in good company, but the problem remains. In my flesh, I am totally wicked and sinful. I ask myself, "Where's my brain!" I want to always be a blessing and a joy to God. Like you, I ask for the Spirit's guidance and direction in my circumstances and speech. I want my words to be winsome and edify others in their lives for God.
I think for me, much of the time it is pure ol' selfishness. I get in the way of God's work in me. I pray for God to help me die to self and live that sacrificial life for Him. This stinking flesh still gets in my way. I am greatful to know that some day, this rotting flesh will be gone and I take comfort in His promise of Phil. 1:6. He will complete the good work He has begun in me, even if it is the day when Christ returns. Praise God for that promise, because it confirms to me that He is able to keep me.
A fellow struggler,
Gloria
Gloria,
It's rough being a mere human, huh? Wouldn't it be so wonderful to have a day that totally glorified God and our flesh didn't get in the way even one time? Wow...it just occured to me that we would be perfect if that were the case...it'll NEVER happen. I do believe that having that desire pleases the Lord, though.
Oh, BTW your post on March 2 WAS a blessing to me...it did edify and I was struck by how beautifully you expressed yourself.
Oh and hey everyone else...What SHE said! :-)
Toni
Good morning Tami,
Being Real and sharing your challanges with your readers, gives me comfort and joy!
I agree completely, and I find our Testimonies shared with the help of the Holy Sprit brings ( it seems to me ) a special anointing (if you will) Gods help and grace for whats going on in our life.
If we are attached to the vine (or the tree " Rock" Jesus) we will get the Nourishment we need to grow into the masterpiece that God wants us to be. As Jesus spoke to us in Parables to help people understand things, The Holy Spirit does enable us to do all things we need to do or say, because he gives us the Strenght.
I'm up today mostly because went to my small group last night where we were in the word. God is so good.
But as you know I am human also and when i am lead by my flesh and not the Spirit thats in me i fall short of what i could be.
Thanks again Tami,
I'm really thankful.
Tami, good morning.
Thank you for the blog. I have just recently started to read it and liking what I am seeing - transparency, vulernability and realism along with some very good insight into the scriptures. The Christian community needs more of that, not just the "country club christianity" as I call it, where real people share real problems, struggles and yes victories. We will all gain a greater sense of God's greatness and movement in our own lives when we see others fighting, struglling and being challenged on a regular basis, but coming out on the other side.
I think that things like this do help us become more consistent in our efforts/prayers to have the Holy Spirit with us. The Word says that we are built up from glory to glory. It is through those small every day glories that our faith in the extent of His caring for us even on the smallest things imaginable. Our spirits become stronger with each small little trusting thing we do or say. Little by little we then gain enough strength to be doing it more often than not. For me I have 35+ years of non spirit led living to catch up on. One does not become 400 pounds in one day. Nor do you go the other way in one day.
PERSERVENCE is the key. Yes we will stumble along the way, but get up dust yourself off and take another step.
Thanks,
Sean
In Canada