John 14:16-21 (NASB)
Role of the Spirit
16"I will ask the Father, and He will give you another (A)Helper, that He may be with you forever;
17that is (B)the Spirit of truth, (C)whom the world cannot receive, because it does not see Him or know Him, but you know Him because He abides with you and will be in you.
18"I will not leave you as orphans; (D)I will come to you.
19"(E)After a little while (F)the world will no longer see Me, but you will see Me; (G)because I live, you will live also.
20"(H)In that day you will know that (I)I am in My Father, and you in Me, and I in you.
21"(J)He who has My commandments and keeps them is the one who loves Me; and (K)he who loves Me will be loved by My Father, and I will love him and will (L)disclose Myself to him."
Charles Stanley elaborates on this nicely! :
I am convinced that if Christians truly understood what takes place during prayer, they'd call upon the Lord more often and with greater results. The believer's prayer isn't simply spoken into empty space; the Holy Spirit is there to guide us in offering God-centered requests, fill in the words we cannot say, and carry our needs before the Lord.
The Holy Spirit is part of the Trinity, so He knows the mind of God intimately (1 Cor. 2:11). Since He is as omniscient and omnipotent as the Father, He fully grasps the circumstance we are praying over—even the parts that remain unseen or utterly confusing to us. Also, the Spirit dwells within every believer and knows each one's mind and heart. With this full knowledge, the Holy Spirit can carry out His responsibility to make our petitions match God's desires. Toward that end, He speaks in our spirit and opens our mind to Scripture.
The fact that God gives His Spirit to all believers reveals the value He places on communication between Him and His children. Our Father provides the best possible Helper to ensure that we can be prayer warriors—wise, strong in faith, and fully yielded to Him. But we are none of those things unless we are habitually talking with the Lord.
Christians need never feel guilty for being uncertain about how to pray. The indwelling Holy Spirit knows our needs and desires—as well as the mind of the Father and the details of every situation. He speaks to God on our behalf while teaching us to pray in accordance with His will.
Wednesday, December 2, 2009
Friday, November 13, 2009
He Makes Everything Glorious!!
19speaking to one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody with your heart to the Lord;
20always giving thanks for all things in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ to God, even the Father;
21and be subject to one another in the fear of Christ.
20always giving thanks for all things in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ to God, even the Father;
21and be subject to one another in the fear of Christ.
Thursday, October 15, 2009
Prayer
"When prayer has become secondary, or incidental, it has lost its power. Those who are conspicuously men of prayer are those who use prayer as they use food, or air, or light, or money."
"If the Christian does not allow prayer to drive sin out of his life, sin will drive prayer out of his life. Like light and darkness, the two cannot dwell together." (M.E. Andross)
"If the Christian does not allow prayer to drive sin out of his life, sin will drive prayer out of his life. Like light and darkness, the two cannot dwell together." (M.E. Andross)
Wednesday, October 7, 2009
Copying Charles stanley's Devotion for today..
....it really spoke to me:
October 7, 2009
Speaking Through Failure
PROVERBS 21:4 Haughty eyes and a proud heart,
the lamp of the wicked, are sin!
Probably the most painful and least desired ways that God gets our attention is through failure. After all, nobody likes to fail. However, this is often the best way for God to get through to us.
Pride is something that can absolutely block your communication with God. It is one of the few things that Scripture clearly says the Lord hates (Prov. 6:16-17; 8:13; 16:5). So, if there is pride in your life, God knows exactly what you need: a good dose of failure.
And that is what happened to Israel in Joshua 7. The new nation had just won a mighty victory in Jericho and, as a result, had become rather prideful. Considering themselves invulnerable after taking such a powerful city, they allowed faithlessness and disobedience to creep into their attitudes.
In arrogance, Israel ignored God's battle plan for the little city of Ai—the soldiers were certain that they could take the small town on their own. But they were wrong. God denied them this victory, and the few men of Ai drove them back in a humiliating defeat.
God had blessed Israel with a shocking victory over Jericho, but He now needed to get their attention in another way. And you can be sure that God still speaks to us through failure when it becomes necessary.
If failure today can lead to great success tomorrow, isn't the setback worth it? When unexpected failure occurs, be sure to check your response. Don't just say, "Well, I blew it." Instead, agree with God that "I messed up pretty badly." But then ask, "Lord, what are You trying to tell me in this?"
October 7, 2009
Speaking Through Failure
PROVERBS 21:4 Haughty eyes and a proud heart,
the lamp of the wicked, are sin!
Probably the most painful and least desired ways that God gets our attention is through failure. After all, nobody likes to fail. However, this is often the best way for God to get through to us.
Pride is something that can absolutely block your communication with God. It is one of the few things that Scripture clearly says the Lord hates (Prov. 6:16-17; 8:13; 16:5). So, if there is pride in your life, God knows exactly what you need: a good dose of failure.
And that is what happened to Israel in Joshua 7. The new nation had just won a mighty victory in Jericho and, as a result, had become rather prideful. Considering themselves invulnerable after taking such a powerful city, they allowed faithlessness and disobedience to creep into their attitudes.
In arrogance, Israel ignored God's battle plan for the little city of Ai—the soldiers were certain that they could take the small town on their own. But they were wrong. God denied them this victory, and the few men of Ai drove them back in a humiliating defeat.
God had blessed Israel with a shocking victory over Jericho, but He now needed to get their attention in another way. And you can be sure that God still speaks to us through failure when it becomes necessary.
If failure today can lead to great success tomorrow, isn't the setback worth it? When unexpected failure occurs, be sure to check your response. Don't just say, "Well, I blew it." Instead, agree with God that "I messed up pretty badly." But then ask, "Lord, what are You trying to tell me in this?"
Friday, September 11, 2009
9/11
9/11
I was on the 110th floor in a smoke filled room with a man who called his wife to say "Good-bye". I held his fingers steady as he dialed. I gave him the peace to say, "Honey, I am not going to make it, but it is OK... I am ready to go."
I was with his wife when he called as she fed breakfast to their children. I held her up as she tried to understand his words and as she realized he really wasn't coming home that night.
I was in the stairwell of the 23rd floor when a woman cried out to Me for help, for the very first time in her life. "I have been knocking on the door of your heart for 50 years!" I said. "Of course I will show you the way home - only believe in Me now."
I was at the base of the building with the Priest ministering to the injured and devastated souls. I took him home to tend to his Flock in Heaven. He heard my voice and answered.
I was on all four of those planes, in every seat, with every prayer. I was with the crew as they were overtaken. I was in the very hearts of the believers there, comforting and assuring them that their faith has saved them.
I was in Texas, Kansas, London... I was everywhere.
I was standing next to you when you heard the terrible news. Did you sense Me? I want you to know that I saw every face.
Some met Me for the first time on the 86th floor.
Some sought Me with their very last breath.
Some couldn't hear Me calling to them through the smoke and flames; "Come to Me... this way ... take my hand." Some had never heard my voice before.
And a few chose, for the final time, to ignore Me.
But, I was there.
I did not place you in the Tower that day.
You may not know why, but I do.
However, if you were there in that explosive moment in time, would you have reached for Me?
September 11, 2001 was not the end of the journey for you. But someday your journey will end.
And I will be there for you as well. But will you know that I am waiting for you.
Seek Me now while I may be found.
Then, at any moment, you know you are "ready to go"
...I will be in the stairwell of your final moments.
Love,
God
Deuteronomy 31:6
Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the LORD your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you."
Thank you, Bob Wilson, for this entry.
I was on the 110th floor in a smoke filled room with a man who called his wife to say "Good-bye". I held his fingers steady as he dialed. I gave him the peace to say, "Honey, I am not going to make it, but it is OK... I am ready to go."
I was with his wife when he called as she fed breakfast to their children. I held her up as she tried to understand his words and as she realized he really wasn't coming home that night.
I was in the stairwell of the 23rd floor when a woman cried out to Me for help, for the very first time in her life. "I have been knocking on the door of your heart for 50 years!" I said. "Of course I will show you the way home - only believe in Me now."
I was at the base of the building with the Priest ministering to the injured and devastated souls. I took him home to tend to his Flock in Heaven. He heard my voice and answered.
I was on all four of those planes, in every seat, with every prayer. I was with the crew as they were overtaken. I was in the very hearts of the believers there, comforting and assuring them that their faith has saved them.
I was in Texas, Kansas, London... I was everywhere.
I was standing next to you when you heard the terrible news. Did you sense Me? I want you to know that I saw every face.
Some met Me for the first time on the 86th floor.
Some sought Me with their very last breath.
Some couldn't hear Me calling to them through the smoke and flames; "Come to Me... this way ... take my hand." Some had never heard my voice before.
And a few chose, for the final time, to ignore Me.
But, I was there.
I did not place you in the Tower that day.
You may not know why, but I do.
However, if you were there in that explosive moment in time, would you have reached for Me?
September 11, 2001 was not the end of the journey for you. But someday your journey will end.
And I will be there for you as well. But will you know that I am waiting for you.
Seek Me now while I may be found.
Then, at any moment, you know you are "ready to go"
...I will be in the stairwell of your final moments.
Love,
God
Deuteronomy 31:6
Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the LORD your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you."
Thank you, Bob Wilson, for this entry.
Friday, August 28, 2009
Being Obedient
Hebrews 5
7During the days of Jesus' life on earth, he offered up prayers and petitions with loud cries and tears to the one who could save him from death, and he was heard because of his reverent submission. 8Although he was a son, he learned obedience from what he suffered 9and, once made perfect, he became the source of eternal salvation for all who obey him 10and was designated by God to be high priest in the order of Melchizedek.
Warning Against Falling Away 11We have much to say about this, but it is hard to explain because you are slow to learn. 12In fact, though by this time you ought to be teachers, you need someone to teach you the elementary truths of God's word all over again. You need milk, not solid food! 13Anyone who lives on milk, being still an infant, is not acquainted with the teaching about righteousness. 14But solid food is for the mature, who by constant use have trained themselves to distinguish good from evil.
1 Peter 4:11 (New International Version)
11If anyone speaks, he should do it as one speaking the very words of God. If anyone serves, he should do it with the strength God provides, so that in all things God may be praised through Jesus Christ. To him be the glory and the power for ever and ever. Amen.
I am thankful for God's reminder. It is only because of God's great glory that I am even here. Therefore, I rededicate my heart to Him first.
7During the days of Jesus' life on earth, he offered up prayers and petitions with loud cries and tears to the one who could save him from death, and he was heard because of his reverent submission. 8Although he was a son, he learned obedience from what he suffered 9and, once made perfect, he became the source of eternal salvation for all who obey him 10and was designated by God to be high priest in the order of Melchizedek.
Warning Against Falling Away 11We have much to say about this, but it is hard to explain because you are slow to learn. 12In fact, though by this time you ought to be teachers, you need someone to teach you the elementary truths of God's word all over again. You need milk, not solid food! 13Anyone who lives on milk, being still an infant, is not acquainted with the teaching about righteousness. 14But solid food is for the mature, who by constant use have trained themselves to distinguish good from evil.
1 Peter 4:11 (New International Version)
11If anyone speaks, he should do it as one speaking the very words of God. If anyone serves, he should do it with the strength God provides, so that in all things God may be praised through Jesus Christ. To him be the glory and the power for ever and ever. Amen.
I am thankful for God's reminder. It is only because of God's great glory that I am even here. Therefore, I rededicate my heart to Him first.
Saturday, July 25, 2009
Dr. Charles Stanley's daily devotion today, in truth:
July 25, 2009
God's Scriptural "Benefit Package"2 TIMOTHY 3:14-17
This world offers a variety of financial plans, weight loss programs, and a host of other opportunities which all claim to yield beneficial results. But nothing is as profitable to us as Scripture.
God's plans for you do not stop at salvation. His goal is that you become conformed to the likeness of His Son, and the tool He uses to achieve His purpose is the Bible. Today's passage outlines His comprehensive program for your spiritual transformation.
The foundation is laid with the teaching of Scripture's basic truths. These fundamental doctrines about God's character and work anchor our souls during the storms of life and protect us from deception. Since we all have certain flesh patterns, perfection is impossible, and we at times fall into sin. Then Scripture offers reproof, and we sense conviction about our wrongdoing.
This is followed by correction. The Lord never convicts us and leaves us in the mess we have made. He provides the instruction that we need to make things right.
The final step is training in righteousness. Think of this as a one-on-one discipleship course with the Word of God. If we heed the instruction and discipline of Scripture, we'll grow in obedience and godliness and eventually will find that we need less reproof and correction.
Full participation in the Lord's scriptural benefit package involves three steps: 1) read the Bible each day; 2) believe everything God says in His Word (Heb. 4:2)--not just the parts that appeal to you; and 3) do what God says. You will become equipped and qualified to fulfill His purpose for you.
http://www.intouch.org/site/c.cnKBIPNuEoG/b.4945473/k.BE35/Home.htm
July 25, 2009
God's Scriptural "Benefit Package"2 TIMOTHY 3:14-17
This world offers a variety of financial plans, weight loss programs, and a host of other opportunities which all claim to yield beneficial results. But nothing is as profitable to us as Scripture.
God's plans for you do not stop at salvation. His goal is that you become conformed to the likeness of His Son, and the tool He uses to achieve His purpose is the Bible. Today's passage outlines His comprehensive program for your spiritual transformation.
The foundation is laid with the teaching of Scripture's basic truths. These fundamental doctrines about God's character and work anchor our souls during the storms of life and protect us from deception. Since we all have certain flesh patterns, perfection is impossible, and we at times fall into sin. Then Scripture offers reproof, and we sense conviction about our wrongdoing.
This is followed by correction. The Lord never convicts us and leaves us in the mess we have made. He provides the instruction that we need to make things right.
The final step is training in righteousness. Think of this as a one-on-one discipleship course with the Word of God. If we heed the instruction and discipline of Scripture, we'll grow in obedience and godliness and eventually will find that we need less reproof and correction.
Full participation in the Lord's scriptural benefit package involves three steps: 1) read the Bible each day; 2) believe everything God says in His Word (Heb. 4:2)--not just the parts that appeal to you; and 3) do what God says. You will become equipped and qualified to fulfill His purpose for you.
http://www.intouch.org/site/c.cnKBIPNuEoG/b.4945473/k.BE35/Home.htm
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