Tag Archives: Holy Spirit

October 22
Leave a comment
Uncategorized

“For the Spirit God gave us does not make us timid, but gives us power, love and self-discipline.”  (2 Timothy 1:7, NIV)

Who doesn’t want power?

Who doesn’t want to be loved?

Who doesn’t want self-discipline?

God’s spirit within us provides the wherewithal to live confidently; to walk boldly; and to control the only thing in this world that we truly have a say about: Our own actions.

We release the power of the Holy Spirit, Who lives within us, through obedience to the Spirit’s leading.  Failure to obey the Spirit leads to the same unfruitful ends as failing to obey a road map, or a recipe.  – Luther

Tagged , , , ,
October 21
Leave a comment
Uncategorized

“For this reason I remind you to fan into flame the gift of God, which is in you through the laying on of my hands.”  (2 Timothy 1:6, NIV)

The Holy Spirit is not, as it is sometimes described, a gift from God; it is the gift of God.  As finite beings, we lack the capacity to have 100 percent of an infinite God; but we should aspire (and perspire) toward the place where God is 100 percent within us.  In other words, His will is our will — and we desire no other.

What corners and niches in our living are bereft of God’s holy presence?

If God’s Spirit is only an ember within us, then it is easy to see why our so-called “business” life; and our so-called “social” life; and our so-called “political” life are beyond the mere influence — let alone, the control — of the Spirit of God.

As Paul reminded his protege, Timothy, an ember easily becomes a flame when it is “encouraged.”  Through prayer and practice, fan into flame (work-out) the gift that God has “worked-in.”  – Luther

Tagged , ,
October 14
Leave a comment
Uncategorized

“Do not stifle the Holy Spirit.”  (1 Thessalonians 5:19, NLT)

When we stifle the Holy Spirit, we are denying ourselves the very power we need to face the challenges of our days.

The Holy Spirit is wisdom, understanding, counsel, power, and knowledge.  (Isaiah 11:2)

The Holy Spirit is living and active.  When the Spirit urges you to move, do not stifle its impulses — move!  – Luther

Tagged , , ,
← Older posts
Newer posts →