Hey all! Sorry it's been a while since I've posted anything. I have just been learning so much so quickly that it's been tough to just sit down and write anything! I've just needed some time to process what God has been teaching me. Well first off I have begun one of the best things that I could have done for the growth of my relationship with God. I have joined BSF (Bible Study Fellowship). In a time of my life that is full of confusion and some pain as well, nothing could have challenged me more than the book of Acts, which is what BSF happens to be studying this year.
Any-who Acts is focused mainly on the workings of the Holy Spirit in the lives of men after the resurrection and ascension of Christ. But there is SO MUCH MORE! If you were to sit down and truly study the book of acts verse by verse, chapter by chapter, you will find TONS of examples of how the Holy Spirit works in our Christian lives today! Yes I said TODAY!! The Holy Spirit LIVES in those of us who believe even NOW!
Sadly this aspect of Gods person is sometimes downplayed in the hearts of men and in some sects of Christianity. However He is just as important as God himself and Jesus Christ.
One of the men in my Fellowship group said "Many people pray to God and to Jesus, but if the Holy Spirit is the part of God that lives within us and guides us, why don't we pray to HIM directly?" What a challenge that was for me! I had never DREAMED to pray directly to the Holy Spirit for the guidance that it provides in my life or the comfort that is promised! But it never fails! He ALWAYS brings comfort when called upon. The Holy Spirit is the part of the Trinity that lives within us and guides us through our day, every day.
It was so comforting to me when I learned about the role of the Holy Spirit. He is my joy, my comfort, my strength, my confidence (It's in HIM. Not friends, not money, not women. HIM.), and my guide. Don't be afraid to call upon the Holy Spirit. He has some serious power so watch out.
Also, one of the marks of the Holy Spirit upon the disciples was the BOLDNESS given to them by the Holy Spirit. What did the one hundred and some disciples do immediately after they were baptized by the Holy spirit at pentacost!? They went out AND SPOKE THE WORD OF GOD WITH BOLDNESS! Not afraid at all of what people might say about their words! Totally fearless!! And this was back when they were KILLED for believing in Jesus Christ. So... why do I find myself bashful and hesitant to speak the word of God to people I know do not believe in Jesus? Or say they do but openly act against his teaching? I don't know... but I hope God shows me.
Scary thing is though..... Even though the Holy Spirit has all of these immense powers that we can use in the name of Jesus when we let him live in us, it is still so EASY to quench the Holy Spirit. He doesn't leave you, but the more you ignore his instruction, the less time you spend in the word and in prayer, the quieter he will get until He is completely silent. Pray that you never get to that point. The cool thing is that you can tell when he starts getting quiet, or when he is letting you know that you are not spending enough time with him. Because as he leaves you, so too will your joy that comes directly from him leave you. That in CERTAINLY noticeable. Everything that the Holy Spirit brings to you in the name of Christ will leave you.
So join me in my personal challenge for myself. Watch how you spend your time! How much time are you spending in prayer and open communication with God? I know for me it's been up and down. My desire is that I will be able to fight my human nature and spend my time glorifying him in prayer and spending time in the word. He needs to come first.
I think that that is a good place to end. Sorry if my writing isn't succinct enough for you. But the is only a fraction of what The Lord has been teaching me about who he is! I can't wait to learn more! It's so exciting to learn about the one who already know me most intimately!
Stay strong! Try praying to the Holy Spirit! Be filled with the joy, confidence and boldness that he offers!
God bless!
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