I want to ask you a question this morning. How much do you love the church. Grade your self on a scale of 1-10. Be honest. Do you ever say to yourself "I love these people so much and I want to serve them with all I have and help them draw closer to God?" Do you even care about the church? The Holy Spirit has given us the power to serve the people around us. We should use those gifts to serve the church. If you don't know what those gifts are look them up in your Bible or go back to one of the first devotions of the Holy Spirit series where we talked about them. For an example of how our love for the church should be read these verses:
Philippians 1:23-25
23 For I am hard-pressed between the two, having a desire to depart and be with Christ, which is far better. 24 Nevertheless to remain in the flesh is more needful for you. 25 And being confident of this, I know that I shall remain and continue with you all for your progress and joy of faith,
Paul had a deep desire to go to heaven but his love for the church and for them to progress in the joy of the faith was more important than for him to go to heaven. The Spirit energized him in this way! Now ask yourself again. How much do I love the church?
You see the Spirit is in us to gloify God and one of the main ways we do that is by loving the church through our service and the using of our gifts! I will be honest with you this morning. I have been slapped around a little this morning, knowing I need to do better! I get lazy sometimes. Thank you Jesus for your Word to get us back on track.
I am praying for you....Tom
Wednesday, February 3, 2010
Tuesday, February 2, 2010
Why do you want the Spirit? #25
I think it is safe to say all of us Christians want the anointing of the Holy Spirit. But here is the question for this morning. Why do we want the Spirit? Could it be that we just want the supernatural powers that come along with the spirit for our own uses??? I know that sounds crazy but think about it and then read these vereses:
Acts 8:9-25
9Now for some time a man named Simon had practiced sorcery in the city and amazed all the people of Samaria. He boasted that he was someone great, 10and all the people, both high and low, gave him their attention and exclaimed, "This man is the divine power known as the Great Power." 11They followed him because he had amazed them for a long time with his magic. 12But when they believed Philip as he preached the good news of the kingdom of God and the name of Jesus Christ, they were baptized, both men and women. 13Simon himself believed and was baptized. And he followed Philip everywhere, astonished by the great signs and miracles he saw.
14When the apostles in Jerusalem heard that Samaria had accepted the word of God, they sent Peter and John to them. 15When they arrived, they prayed for them that they might receive the Holy Spirit, 16because the Holy Spirit had not yet come upon any of them; they had simply been baptized into[c] the name of the Lord Jesus. 17Then Peter and John placed their hands on them, and they received the Holy Spirit.
18When Simon saw that the Spirit was given at the laying on of the apostles' hands, he offered them money 19and said, "Give me also this ability so that everyone on whom I lay my hands may receive the Holy Spirit."
20Peter answered: "May your money perish with you, because you thought you could buy the gift of God with money! 21You have no part or share in this ministry, because your heart is not right before God. 22Repent of this wickedness and pray to the Lord. Perhaps he will forgive you for having such a thought in your heart. 23For I see that you are full of bitterness and captive to sin."
24Then Simon answered, "Pray to the Lord for me so that nothing you have said may happen to me."
25When they had testified and proclaimed the word of the Lord, Peter and John returned to Jerusalem, preaching the gospel in many Samaritan villages.
We can see here Simon wanted the Holy Spirit for the wrong reason. You see the Holy Spirit is not for our personal benefit if you really sit down and think about it. The whole purpose of the Spirit is to help us bring glory and honor to God. So this morning I want you to ask yourself " Why do I want the Spirit?" Is it for power? Is it for your own benefit or purposes? Or is because you want to be all God wants you to be? Let's make sure we are not being like Simon...that could lead to big problems...amen?
God bless you all.....Tom
Acts 8:9-25
9Now for some time a man named Simon had practiced sorcery in the city and amazed all the people of Samaria. He boasted that he was someone great, 10and all the people, both high and low, gave him their attention and exclaimed, "This man is the divine power known as the Great Power." 11They followed him because he had amazed them for a long time with his magic. 12But when they believed Philip as he preached the good news of the kingdom of God and the name of Jesus Christ, they were baptized, both men and women. 13Simon himself believed and was baptized. And he followed Philip everywhere, astonished by the great signs and miracles he saw.
14When the apostles in Jerusalem heard that Samaria had accepted the word of God, they sent Peter and John to them. 15When they arrived, they prayed for them that they might receive the Holy Spirit, 16because the Holy Spirit had not yet come upon any of them; they had simply been baptized into[c] the name of the Lord Jesus. 17Then Peter and John placed their hands on them, and they received the Holy Spirit.
18When Simon saw that the Spirit was given at the laying on of the apostles' hands, he offered them money 19and said, "Give me also this ability so that everyone on whom I lay my hands may receive the Holy Spirit."
20Peter answered: "May your money perish with you, because you thought you could buy the gift of God with money! 21You have no part or share in this ministry, because your heart is not right before God. 22Repent of this wickedness and pray to the Lord. Perhaps he will forgive you for having such a thought in your heart. 23For I see that you are full of bitterness and captive to sin."
24Then Simon answered, "Pray to the Lord for me so that nothing you have said may happen to me."
25When they had testified and proclaimed the word of the Lord, Peter and John returned to Jerusalem, preaching the gospel in many Samaritan villages.
We can see here Simon wanted the Holy Spirit for the wrong reason. You see the Holy Spirit is not for our personal benefit if you really sit down and think about it. The whole purpose of the Spirit is to help us bring glory and honor to God. So this morning I want you to ask yourself " Why do I want the Spirit?" Is it for power? Is it for your own benefit or purposes? Or is because you want to be all God wants you to be? Let's make sure we are not being like Simon...that could lead to big problems...amen?
God bless you all.....Tom
Monday, February 1, 2010
Set me free!! #24
This devotion is a great way to start off the week. Check it out!
Romans 8:2
2 For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus has made me free from the law of sin and death.
One of the most awesome deeds of the Holy Spirit is here in this verse. Let me explain. Before Christ I was a sinner. I liked to get drunk, smoke, and use language that is not appropriate. I had an attitude and I didn't care what others thought. I really thought I was something. Then one day I met Jesus Christ and asked Him to be Lord of my life and the Holy Spirit came and dwelled in my body. A miracle happened when the Spirit came into my life. Over night a great change happened in my life. I quit drinking, over time I quit smoking, my language changed immediately, and I had a brand new attitude. I cared about people! So what happened? The Spirit set me free! It was a miracle to me but to the Spirit it is everyday work. To let you know how much I changed I went back to my high school reunion and was nominated for most changed...not because of my looks but because of the way I now live my life!
This verse goes onto say the Spirit also sets us free from death....once you accept Christ, death no longer has a hold on you! You are going to live for eternity in heaven! Wow! Thank you, thank you Jesus!
So this morning let me ask you something. Are you set free from sin and death? You can be. It is as simple as asking Jesus to be Lord and Savior of your life. Don't delay do it today!!
Have a great week!
Tom
Romans 8:2
2 For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus has made me free from the law of sin and death.
One of the most awesome deeds of the Holy Spirit is here in this verse. Let me explain. Before Christ I was a sinner. I liked to get drunk, smoke, and use language that is not appropriate. I had an attitude and I didn't care what others thought. I really thought I was something. Then one day I met Jesus Christ and asked Him to be Lord of my life and the Holy Spirit came and dwelled in my body. A miracle happened when the Spirit came into my life. Over night a great change happened in my life. I quit drinking, over time I quit smoking, my language changed immediately, and I had a brand new attitude. I cared about people! So what happened? The Spirit set me free! It was a miracle to me but to the Spirit it is everyday work. To let you know how much I changed I went back to my high school reunion and was nominated for most changed...not because of my looks but because of the way I now live my life!
This verse goes onto say the Spirit also sets us free from death....once you accept Christ, death no longer has a hold on you! You are going to live for eternity in heaven! Wow! Thank you, thank you Jesus!
So this morning let me ask you something. Are you set free from sin and death? You can be. It is as simple as asking Jesus to be Lord and Savior of your life. Don't delay do it today!!
Have a great week!
Tom
Thursday, January 28, 2010
Convicting! #22
Ths Holy Spirit convicts us of our sin in two ways.....the first being before we ask Jesus into our lives.
John 16:7-11
7 Nevertheless I tell you the truth. It is to your advantage that I go away; for if I do not go away, the Helper will not come to you; but if I depart, I will send Him to you. 8 And when He has come, He will convict the world of sin, and of righteousness, and of judgment: 9 of sin, because they do not believe in Me; 10 of righteousness, because I go to My Father and you see Me no more; 11 of judgment, because the ruler of this world is judged.
Do you see in verse 8 where it says the world will be convicted of sin? Now remember back to the time when you asked Jesus into your life. At some point during that time you realized you were a sinner and that you needed Jesus to save you from those sins, right? The Holy Spirit is who convicted you of that sin in your life and helped you realize "I need Jesus!!!". Thank you Holy Spirit for that conviction.
The second way the Spirit convicts is after we have asked Jesus into our lives. Look at this verse:
Romans 8:26
26 Likewise the Spirit also helps in our weaknesses. For we do not know what we should pray for as we ought, but the Spirit Himself makes intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered
I really like this verse. The Spirit helps in our weakness! He warns us with little voice in our head of when danger lies ahead. All those temptations the devil throws our way we have a helper in the Spirit to guide us away from sin. And if we fall He convicts us of that sin and as the verse above says will even make intercession for us when needed. That is so awesome!!! To be honest I am glad to Holy Spirit convicts me when I sin but I sure do hate the way I feel when He does. I feel like I have failed God. I feel that way because I have but the good news is I serve a forgiving God! If I confess my sin...God promises to forgive! WOW!
So this morning we see the convicting power of the Holy Spirit....thank Him today for helping us through His convictions!!!
Tom
John 16:7-11
7 Nevertheless I tell you the truth. It is to your advantage that I go away; for if I do not go away, the Helper will not come to you; but if I depart, I will send Him to you. 8 And when He has come, He will convict the world of sin, and of righteousness, and of judgment: 9 of sin, because they do not believe in Me; 10 of righteousness, because I go to My Father and you see Me no more; 11 of judgment, because the ruler of this world is judged.
Do you see in verse 8 where it says the world will be convicted of sin? Now remember back to the time when you asked Jesus into your life. At some point during that time you realized you were a sinner and that you needed Jesus to save you from those sins, right? The Holy Spirit is who convicted you of that sin in your life and helped you realize "I need Jesus!!!". Thank you Holy Spirit for that conviction.
The second way the Spirit convicts is after we have asked Jesus into our lives. Look at this verse:
Romans 8:26
26 Likewise the Spirit also helps in our weaknesses. For we do not know what we should pray for as we ought, but the Spirit Himself makes intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered
I really like this verse. The Spirit helps in our weakness! He warns us with little voice in our head of when danger lies ahead. All those temptations the devil throws our way we have a helper in the Spirit to guide us away from sin. And if we fall He convicts us of that sin and as the verse above says will even make intercession for us when needed. That is so awesome!!! To be honest I am glad to Holy Spirit convicts me when I sin but I sure do hate the way I feel when He does. I feel like I have failed God. I feel that way because I have but the good news is I serve a forgiving God! If I confess my sin...God promises to forgive! WOW!
So this morning we see the convicting power of the Holy Spirit....thank Him today for helping us through His convictions!!!
Tom
Wednesday, January 27, 2010
Teach and remind. #21
Here is another great promise from God's word this morning. Check it out:
John 14:26
26 But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in My name, He will teach you all things, and bring to your remembrance all things that I said to you.
The "I" mentioned in the last part of that verse is Jesus. I want to remind us of a few things when we read this verse this morning. First, we need to remember that we only have the Holy Spirit if we have asked Jesus to be Lord and Savior of our lives. Second we must be in God's word to learn. Now that being said, when you are reading your Bible the Holy Spirit helps you learn and understand. For example, before I was a Christian I would read my Bible every once in a while and much of it seemed like jibberish. I didn't understand most of what I was reading. Then after I accepted Christ it was totally different. I believe it is because of the Holy Spirit teaching me and helping me understand the things of God.Think about that for a moment. God does so much to take care of us that we often don't even think about!!! Now we can move on to the rememberance. We kind of covered this yesterady but have you ever noticed in your life when you have a temptation to sin that small little voice will say "hey you don't need to do that!" and even some scripture may come to mind? That is what it is refering to when the verse above says the Holy Spirit will bring to us rememberance of what Jesus has said. That is so awesome that we have a God who cares for us that much. The rememberance is not always don't do it is also do this. Like telling us the show love to someone who is hurting or to encourage others or to have patience. I think you get the point!
So this morning we are reminded we have Spirit that teaches and reminds us of the things of God. Are we blessed or what???
Tom
John 14:26
26 But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in My name, He will teach you all things, and bring to your remembrance all things that I said to you.
The "I" mentioned in the last part of that verse is Jesus. I want to remind us of a few things when we read this verse this morning. First, we need to remember that we only have the Holy Spirit if we have asked Jesus to be Lord and Savior of our lives. Second we must be in God's word to learn. Now that being said, when you are reading your Bible the Holy Spirit helps you learn and understand. For example, before I was a Christian I would read my Bible every once in a while and much of it seemed like jibberish. I didn't understand most of what I was reading. Then after I accepted Christ it was totally different. I believe it is because of the Holy Spirit teaching me and helping me understand the things of God.Think about that for a moment. God does so much to take care of us that we often don't even think about!!! Now we can move on to the rememberance. We kind of covered this yesterady but have you ever noticed in your life when you have a temptation to sin that small little voice will say "hey you don't need to do that!" and even some scripture may come to mind? That is what it is refering to when the verse above says the Holy Spirit will bring to us rememberance of what Jesus has said. That is so awesome that we have a God who cares for us that much. The rememberance is not always don't do it is also do this. Like telling us the show love to someone who is hurting or to encourage others or to have patience. I think you get the point!
So this morning we are reminded we have Spirit that teaches and reminds us of the things of God. Are we blessed or what???
Tom
Monday, January 25, 2010
Need help witnessing??? #20
Well we examined several truths of the Holy Spirit. Now we are going to move to some promises of the Holy Spirit that will prove to you that Holy Spirit is a part of your life or not! The key here is do you have the faith to use the Holy Spirit and His promises.
When reading these please take your time and think. Ask your self if each one is being used to it's full capacity in your life. If you realize it is not, spend some time in prayer asking God to help you in this area of your life!
The first promise we are going to look at is this: The Spirit helps us speak when we are in precarious situations and need to bear witness.
Mark 13:11
11 But when they arrest you and deliver you up, do not worry beforehand, or premeditate what you will speak. But whatever is given you in that hour, speak that; for it is not you who speak, but the Holy Spirit.
Luke 12:12
12 For the Holy Spirit will teach you in that very hour what you ought to say.”
These verses are awesome. I can honestly say I have seen these work in my life. There have been several times when I have been witnessing to someone and the Holy Spirit has pulled out scripture and when I have been stuck not knowing what to say....BAM out of nowhere the words come up! Has that ever happened to you? The problem with some of us and I am guilty of this myself from time to time is we are too scared to even try to witness! Guess what??? God's Word is telling us we have nothing to fear because the Holy Spirit will help us! They only way you are going to find out though is to try it and see!
Go back and read the two verses again. Grab onto those promises. Try them out and see how good the Holy Spirit is! Also don't miss in the Mark verse that even if we ever face persecution for our faith do not be afraid for the Holy Spirit will Speak for us...now think on that for a while!!!
Have a great week!
Tom
When reading these please take your time and think. Ask your self if each one is being used to it's full capacity in your life. If you realize it is not, spend some time in prayer asking God to help you in this area of your life!
The first promise we are going to look at is this: The Spirit helps us speak when we are in precarious situations and need to bear witness.
Mark 13:11
11 But when they arrest you and deliver you up, do not worry beforehand, or premeditate what you will speak. But whatever is given you in that hour, speak that; for it is not you who speak, but the Holy Spirit.
Luke 12:12
12 For the Holy Spirit will teach you in that very hour what you ought to say.”
These verses are awesome. I can honestly say I have seen these work in my life. There have been several times when I have been witnessing to someone and the Holy Spirit has pulled out scripture and when I have been stuck not knowing what to say....BAM out of nowhere the words come up! Has that ever happened to you? The problem with some of us and I am guilty of this myself from time to time is we are too scared to even try to witness! Guess what??? God's Word is telling us we have nothing to fear because the Holy Spirit will help us! They only way you are going to find out though is to try it and see!
Go back and read the two verses again. Grab onto those promises. Try them out and see how good the Holy Spirit is! Also don't miss in the Mark verse that even if we ever face persecution for our faith do not be afraid for the Holy Spirit will Speak for us...now think on that for a while!!!
Have a great week!
Tom
Friday, January 22, 2010
The Big O's #19
This morning's devotion should lead us to praise! The words I am going to teach you this morning you have neard before if you have been in church for a couple of years or more. They are what most would call theological words. But oh for the Christian and how they describe our Father, Son, and Holy Spirit it is awesome!!! I wish I had a stronger word to describe how great it is but that is the best I could come up with!!!!
Something to remember...I am talking about the Holy Spirit today but these words describe all three...the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit.
So here are those 3 "O"'s:
1. Omnipotent---The Spirit is all powerful! Nothing or no one is more powerful.
Zechariah 4:6
6 So he answered and said to me:
“ This is the word of the LORD to Zerubbabel:
‘ Not by might nor by power, but by My Spirit,’
Says the LORD of hosts.
2. Omnipresent---The Spirit is present everywhere! We can't out run or hide from the Spirit. He is everywhere we are. That should be easy to understand since we learned He dwells in us!
Psalm 139:7-8
7 Where can I go from Your Spirit?
Or where can I flee from Your presence?
8 If I ascend into heaven, You are there;
If I make my bed in hell, behold, You are there.
That is such a comforting verse to me!!!
Omniscient---The Spirit is all knowing! There is nothing that He does not know or understand! And He reveals to us everything we need to know! It is our choice to listen or not.
1 Corinthians 2:10
10 But God has revealed them to us through His Spirit. For the Spirit searches all things, yes, the deep things of God.
These are some of the attributes of the Spirit. In all reality we will never completely understand in this lifetime on earth the awesomness of the Spirit. But to me it is comforting just knowing how mighty He really is and He dwells in me as a counselor!!! Amen??
I think Isaiah agreed:
Isaiah 40:13
13 Who can fathom the Spirit of the LORD,
or instruct the LORD as his counselor?
There you have it the big "O"'s!
Praise the Lord today for He alone is worthy! Have a safe weekend and find a place to worship the King this weekend!
Tom
Something to remember...I am talking about the Holy Spirit today but these words describe all three...the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit.
So here are those 3 "O"'s:
1. Omnipotent---The Spirit is all powerful! Nothing or no one is more powerful.
Zechariah 4:6
6 So he answered and said to me:
“ This is the word of the LORD to Zerubbabel:
‘ Not by might nor by power, but by My Spirit,’
Says the LORD of hosts.
2. Omnipresent---The Spirit is present everywhere! We can't out run or hide from the Spirit. He is everywhere we are. That should be easy to understand since we learned He dwells in us!
Psalm 139:7-8
7 Where can I go from Your Spirit?
Or where can I flee from Your presence?
8 If I ascend into heaven, You are there;
If I make my bed in hell, behold, You are there.
That is such a comforting verse to me!!!
Omniscient---The Spirit is all knowing! There is nothing that He does not know or understand! And He reveals to us everything we need to know! It is our choice to listen or not.
1 Corinthians 2:10
10 But God has revealed them to us through His Spirit. For the Spirit searches all things, yes, the deep things of God.
These are some of the attributes of the Spirit. In all reality we will never completely understand in this lifetime on earth the awesomness of the Spirit. But to me it is comforting just knowing how mighty He really is and He dwells in me as a counselor!!! Amen??
I think Isaiah agreed:
Isaiah 40:13
13 Who can fathom the Spirit of the LORD,
or instruct the LORD as his counselor?
There you have it the big "O"'s!
Praise the Lord today for He alone is worthy! Have a safe weekend and find a place to worship the King this weekend!
Tom
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