Now I Understand

Yesterday, I finished reading a book called, 'The Presence and Work of the Holy Spirit' by R. A. Torrey.  As I closed the final page, I was astonished to realize how much I had learned.

I couldn't help but wonder why I did not know a lot of what was written here.  After all, not only had I attended a Catholic Grade School, but a High School as well.  Upon Graduation, I then attended a Full Gospel Church, switching from Catholicism to Pentecostal, because I didn't feel I was being adequately fed.  I wanted to be taught straight from the Bible itself.  Though I do not attend the same Pentecostal church I did all those years ago, I have remained in Bible teaching churches until this present day, yet this book taught me things I had yet to know.  I was shocked, to tell you the truth.  After all, I've attended churches that profess to allow Holy Spirit free reign.  That's what I wanted, and thought I was receiving.  

Oh well, I also suppose it is much like going to the doctor in today's world.  In order to get proper medical treatment, you must, in a sense, "be your own doctor."  When you visit a physician, it's a wise decision to armed with information.  It's a good idea to bring a list of questions to ask them, and not to fully rely on them to do all the deciding for you in regards to your health.  Thank God for the Internet, second opinions, and of course, good old fashioned prayer!

I've found that it is the same in regards to our spiritual health.  We have to seek for ourselves the truth that will guide us rightfully on the path, not only to the destiny that God has for each one of us, but ultimately to the path of Eternal Life.  Only Holy Spirit can truly show us these paths.  We have to know Him, though, in order to be led by Him.

One of the statements in this book is, "We should not ask, 'How can I get more of the Holy Spirit?' but rather, 'How can Holy Spirit have get more of me?'"  (The paraphrase is mine.)  Until this morning in prayer, I never knew there was a difference.

For years, I have had a challenge in my dealings with a certain family in my life.  I could never put my finger on what the problem was, so I did what the book said to do, and asked Holy Spirit to show me.  Within minutes, I could see things that I didn't realize before.  He showed me what I was harboring in my heart towards them.  Although I could say these attitudes were justified because of their behavior to me over the years, I have come to know that there is no such justification as far as Jesus is concerned.

His command is clear.  He says, "Forgive, and you will be forgiven."  Period!  He doesn't say, "I understand that they have treated you so unfairly, and down right mean, over the years.  You have a right to hold your feelings against these people!"  No!  He says, "Daughter, if you do not forgive them, I cannot forgive you!"  Yikes!

As Holy Spirit showed me, one by one, the things I was holding against them, I confessed each resentment I was harboring as sin, and applied the Blood of Jesus to them, one at a time.  I had no idea there were so many!

As I continued to do this, I heard that still small voice that the Bible talks about.  In my mind, and in my heart, I heard, "This is how you give more of yourself to Me.  By doing what you are doing, you are making more room in your heart for Me to dwell.  Now, I've got more of you!"

In that moment, I understood that there was a difference, and what that difference was.  I was then able to say in response, "Holy Spirit, now I understand!  Thank You!  I will ever make more room for You to dwell in me!"

1 Corinthians 6:19 What? know ye not that your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost which is in you, which ye have of God, and ye are not your own?

Cheese and Crackers

Today, my Pastor made a very good point in his message.  Thank God for Pastors who spend time at the feet of Jesus!

He told a story of a foreign family who was aboard a ship that was headed for America.  In order to save money, they brought along cheese and crackers for their journey.  Every meal for two weeks consisted of their cheese and crackers.

Sounds of laughter, and chatting could be heard by this family, as the other passengers passed by their cabin on the way to the dining room at each meal time.  They would listen to these same passengers returning from dinner, raving about how delicious the meal of steak, lobster, and luscious deserts were.   

Finally, the captain gave the announcement that the ship would arrive in America on the morrow.

This man said to his family, "I will be right back.  I will go and inquire of the price to dine tonight with the rest of the passengers.  I shall see how much is will cost us to celebrate with everyone else for our last meal aboard ship." 

When this man inquired of the captain how much it would cost for him and his family to have dinner, the captain looked perplexed.  Scratching his head, he stated simply, "Why, sir, there is no cost for you and your family to join us for dinner.  Didn't you know that all of your meals were included in the price of your ticket?"

Pastor pointed out that those of us who are followers of Christ, act this same way much of the time.  We settle for cheese and crackers, when the King has set a banquet table before us, filled with the choicest meats, the finest pastries, the most succulent wines, all the while longing for us to accept His invitation to "Come and eat...Taste and see..."

He went on to say that we do this because we fail to learn, and then fail to grasp once we are taught, who we really are in Christ; and what He truly extends to us in His act of forgiving our sins.  We don't walk in His freedom from sin, nor of His sacrifice of paying the price for ALL of our wrong-doings and mistakes, because we allow the enemy to continually remind us of our tainted past. 

He said, "Every time the devil reminds you of your past, remind him of his future!  Tell him, 'That person you are throwing up to me no longer exists.  That person is dead.  The dead person did those things.  That person has nothing to do with me anymore.  I am alive in Christ.  I am a new creature in Him.'"

I love that!  Thank you, Pastor!

2 Corintians 5:17  "I am a new creation in Christ, old things have passed away and behold all things have been made new."

Need For Speed

On my way to church today, as usual, I used the time to converse with God.

A few miles out onto the highway, the Lord starting talking to me about my speedometer.  He pointed out the fact, that the numbers on it rarely match the numbers posted on the speed limit signs.  Then, He politely mentioned that when I choose to speed, I am allowing a spirit of rebellion to operate in my life.

Honestly, I was a little stunned.  I really never thought about it like that before.  I simply found it fun, and chalked it up to the having a need for speed.  I enjoyed playing games with the clock, always trying to reduce my time by another minute with each trip.  I'm confident in my driving skills, and take a bit of pride in my ability to maneuver tight corners without needing to hit the brakes.  Why, I'm one of the best driver's I know!

My first thought was, "Gee, how boring would driving become if I would stick to the speed limits?  I don't know how I would even be able to do it!"

God wouldn't let me off the hook, though.  He explained that the law is put into place to keep order.  The law posts speed limits to keep the roadways safe, and even if I don't agree with what those speed limits happen to be, that I am still called to abide by them.

He reminded me that His Word tells me that I am to submit to those who are in authority over me.  He went on to say that if I really wanted to please Him like I say I do, then, from now on, I need to drive only as fast as the posted speed limits allow. 

I really didn't want to hear that, but I knew that my speeding days were over! 

He knew He had me the minute He said, "If you really want to please me, then you will choose to..."

Above all things, I want to please Him.  I want to be like Jesus, and say to my Father, "Not my will, but Yours will I do!"

I backed off the accelerator, bringing my speed to a turtle crawl of 55mph.  Without having cruse control, I found it difficult to keep my speed steady.  Whew!  I never knew driving could be such an effort!

Oh well, small price to pay to do the Lord's will...

1 Peter 2:13-14  "Submit yourselves for the Lord’s sake to every authority instituted among men: whether to the king, as the supreme authority, or to governors, who are sent by him to punish those who do wrong and to commend those who do right."

Hip, Hip, Hooray!

When I think about the word, "celebrate" or "celebration" I can't help but think of what it looks like when your home town football team wins a super bowl.  That has happened in my town five times now, so I'm familiar with the look, and sound of this particular "celebration."  

I am always amazed at how much noise people can make in regards to sports, and yet, I watch people actually fall asleep when the Preacher is telling them that all they have to do to possess Eternal Life with a loving Father in heaven, is to ask for it.  I think that's some good news worth shouting about!  I look around on Sunday morning to see blank faces, and glazed over eyes.  I ask silently, "Weren't you the same person who lost your voice last week from cheering on that sports team you're so crazy about?" 

I just don't get it!  The King of Kings is in the house, and I see you yawning as He walks among us! 

I'm not in the best mood tonight.  I had to sit in bumper to bumper traffic on the way home from work due to another stupid sports event letting out.  I wonder why I've never been stuck in a traffic jam due to a great church service letting out.  Where is everyone then?  I guess they're all over at the football stadium! 

Psalm 47:1  "O clap your hands, all ye people; shout unto God with the voice of triumph."

A Perfect Day

Driving to meet my sister, who happens to be my business partner, I noticed that one of my tires needed air.  I pulled into a gas station to find that they had an air hose available free of charge.  "Peculiar," I thought.  "I haven't seen free air for years now." 

The forty-five minute drive took only thirty, because the traffic lights seemed to all be timed in my favor.  "That never happened before," I noted.

A rare calm fell over our meeting with the Director of the center where we proposed our fund-raiser.  She liked every aspect of what we had to offer.  Twenty minutes later, and my sister and I soaked in a feeling of peace while walking back to our cars.  The meeting was a complete success.

Heading up the road, we stopped at a quaint, and cozy coffee shop.  Sipping our delicious coffee, and tea, we satisfied our sweet tooth with a hearty muffin.  Afterward, we strolled outside, where the weather was a perfect sunny, delightfully breezy, 72 degrees.  Underneath our feet, pine needles and old leaves, cushioned our walk along a natural path that led to an empty gazebo, which was nestled next to a pond.  It seemed to have been waiting for our arrival.

We spoke of things both frivolous, and concerting, as the sound of gentle winds rustled through the leaves on the trees that nestled us in so serenely.

About an hour later, a gentleman approached, politely asking us if it would be alright if he took a chair that was located nearby.  We couldn't help but notice the large Bible he was carrying, and commented that we were pleased with his choice of reading.  This led to a thirty minute conversation about a favorite topic for all of us, which happens to be, the goodness of God.  He shared his story of his journey that led him into a relationship with Jesus. It was interesting, to say the least.  He left us with his email address, and just like that, we had a new friend, and a new brother in Christ!  Funny how that happened...

A stone's throw away, a newly established Interior Decorating Shop called our name.  Intoxicating Victorian scents greeted us at the door.  Enchanting music exhaled through the built in speakers, as we fondled each unique treasure that caught our eye.

By now, our taste buds were carrying us to another nearby shop, of which my favorite dish was being served.  Taking our plates back outside, we ate at a beautiful stone table underneath the shade of the trees.  The food was so good, I ordered a dish to take home to my son.

Five hours flew by.  It was time to part ways.  We didn't want the day to end, but family members were waiting for our return. 

It was now right in the time frame of the traffic hour, so I prepared myself for a ride that would take well over an hour.  I was gladly proven wrong.  I made it home within thirty minutes once again.  "That never happens!" I exclaimed.  Then, it hit me!  At last, I realized that indeed the hand of God had been upon every aspect of our day!  "So this is what it's like to experience God's favor!" I gathered.  "Wow!  Thank you, Lord!" I said aloud.  "I love you, too!"

Psalm 90:17  May the favor of the Lord our God rest upon us; establish the work of our hands for us--yes, establish the work of our hands.

Your Steps Are Ordered

One day, while driving, a car pulled out in front of me, and then proceeded to drive slower than I wanted to go.  I started to feel frustration seeping into me when I heard God say to me, "Don't you realize that your steps are ordered to such a degree that even this car in front of you plays a part.  Nothing comes to you, through you, in front of you, beside you, behind you, near you, on you, in you, or across from you, that I do not know of, and permit.  In everything, everyone, every minute, every hour, there is a purpose to it.  Seek after the purpose.  Listen for it.  Open your eyes to it.  Sense it in your spirit.  Accept it in your heart.  This revelation has the potential to change everything in your life, and every life that comes in contact with yours."

I stepped on the brake, and stayed behind that slow car, instead of finding a way to shoot around it.  I breathed a sigh of relief to realize that my life is this closely guarded by His hand.  I smiled, and whispered a prayer in response to what He just said to me that sounded something like this, "Lord, help me to always remember these words.  Help me to always find the purpose in the moment.  Thank you for ushering me out of the driver's seat.  Continue to teach me Your ways."

Psalms 37:23  The steps of a good man are directed and established of the Lord, when He delights in his way and He busies Himself with his every step.

Introduction

I wanted a place where I could go when I needed a minute of quiet amidst the noise.  I converse with God all throughout the day, and I wanted somewhere to jot down some of the insights that are born out of these conversations with Him.  I needed a place where I can go to reflect upon these "revelations" and be nourished by them.  Thus, the birthing of this book. 

God captures my attention all day long.  I see Him in everything, everywhere, and in everyone.  I see other things too...like the bad stuff that goes on in the world.  I see the bad people who are out there; evil-minded bandits, who are only out to hurt others.

But I choose to see Jesus in everything, everywhere, in as many people as I can, as often as possible.  Life works for me this way.  In fact, in order to focus more on the good in life, seven years ago, I canceled my cable, and gave away my television.  I couldn't find anything on it that was worth listening to anymore.  I found that when I did this, I started participating in life more, instead of watching it pass by on a TV screen.  My life improved when I made that choice.  I wish I would have done it sooner.

The biggest desire I have in life is to be a true disciple of Jesus Christ.  To me, that means I know Him well enough so that I see with His eyes, touch with His hands, speak with His words, and love with His heart.  I have a long way to go.

This book is where I share the lessons that He teaches me, dissect the insights He gives me, and pen the experiences I encounter while on my journey to know; to really, really know, the Son of the Most High God, my Lord, my Savior, my All in All, Jesus Christ!

Deuteronomy 6:5  And you shall love the Lord your God with all your mind and heart, and with your entire being, and with all your might.