As you begin this Holy Season, may you discover
the true meaning of LENT, by Leaving behind all Negative things of the past and
strive for a Future filled with Hope! (Philippians 3 : 7 – 14)
A Different Approach to Fasting...
Fasts have a tendency to be oriented toward things
like giving up food or television. But there are many other creative ways we
can welcome Jesus' healing touch.
Here are suggestions you may want to consider:
1. Fast
from anger and hatred. Give your family an extra dose of love each day.
2. Fast
from judging others. Before making any judgments, recall how Jesus
overlooks your faults.
3. Fast
from discouragement. Hold on to Jesus' promise that He has a perfect plan
for your life.
4. Fast
from complaining. When you find yourself about to complain, close your eyes
and recall some of the little moments of joy Jesus has given you.
5. Fast
from resentment or bitterness! Work on forgiving those who may have hurt
you.
6. Fast
from spending too much money. Try to reduce your spending by ten percent
and give those savings where it is needed.
At this Pentecost-tide it is good for us to examine ourselves on how we will answer the question in Acts 19:1-2: “And it came to pass that Paul came to Ephesus and found certain disciples; and he said to them, Have ye received the Holy Ghost since ye believed?” (KJV)
Their reply was that they had never heard of the Holy Ghost. They were unacquainted with the great event of the outpouring of the Spirit, or the significance of it. Paul took them under his care, laid hands on them and prayed; they received the Holy Spirit and shared in the Pentecostal miracle.
Jesus also commanded His disciples not to rest until they had received the Holy Spirit.
As believers, we too need to experience the personal indwelling Guest. For a healthy Christian life it is indispensible that we should be fully conscious that we have received the Holy Spirit to dwell in us.
The first disciples obtained the baptism of the Holy Spirit on their knees. It behoves us to be on our knees as we seek the Blessing. I pray that we will come humbly before our God as we await the Full Blessing. We come with hearts filled with a deep conviction of what we lack, acknowledging that we are “nothing without Him”.
Let me give an example of what happens when we walk humbly before our God.
We can learn much from Andrew Murray about how to win a spiritual war if we are willing to be changed entirely.
Whilst studying in Scotland, William Burnes spoke at a great revival meeting. At this meeting Burnes wrote them this gentle warning: “Don’t mistakenly settle for the kind of conversion that allows you to feel comforted because you’ve escaped judgment and hell; that is weak comfort if it results in something less than actual separation from sins and the rest of the Spirit’s real power”.
Andrew’s vision of the clash between spiritual darkness and Light would lead him to fight numerous frontline battles throughout his life.
Then there was the hidden warfare we all face today between the Holy Spirit and the unseen powers. There was the spiritual war within the Dutch Reformed Church. The conservatives were entrenched in formalism and tradition; the liberals had strayed from the authority of God’s Word and replaced the gospel with social issues.
Andrew Murray was serving in his new church in Worcester where people had prayed for revival for more than 30 years. He preached on 2 Corinthians 3:8; “will not the ministry of the Spirit b even more glorious?” Amazingly, when the Spirit’s ministry came, Andrew nearly missed out.
An associate was leading a prayer meeting a week later. Though the white Christians claimed to oppose racism, the pastor balked at first when a young black woman stood up at the back of the church and asked quietly if she could pray. All his imprisoning attitudes had to be shaken off before he responded but, after a moment, he permitted her to pray. Spontaneously, men and women fell to their knees, confessing their sins and crying out in repentance.
Andrew was appalled at the disorder and commanded them to stop this ungodly, dishonouring behaviour. Cautious and conservative though he was, Andrew too was soon seized by the force of the Holy Spirit.
Andrew almost missed “the more glorious ministry of the Spirit”. Today, thousands of South Africans have experienced this powerful move of the Spirit which has led to deep repentance, and powerful signs and healings. Andrew’s first conviction was “that the Holy Spirit must give us more inner power to become like Christ, humble servants”.
During this Pentecost-tide let us all absolutely surrender to God; it is the first and last duty of a Christian. We can be assured that our faithful God will cleanse, transform, empower and guide us into the works of His glory.
Friends, we need to be shaken out of our comfort zones like Andrew was shaken, and begin to experience Holy Spirit power today. Pray and believe!
© 2006 John Simons, ND Australia
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P.U.S.H - The Story of Persistent Prayer
MAKING A NAME FOR YOURSELF
The key to a good reputation is CHARACTER, but so often we are more concerned with image.
1. Respect Is Earned Through Integrity.
2. Respect Is Earned Through Humility.
3. Respect Is earned Through Dependability.
4. Respect Is earned Through Living By Priorities.
5. Respect Is earned Through Generosity.
6. Respect Is Earned Through Spirituality.
Proverbs 3:4-6 says "If you want favour with God and man, and a reputation for good judgment and common sense, then trust the Lord completely; in everything you do put God first, and He will direct you, and crown your efforts with success."
Proverbs 22:1 says "A good name is more desirable than great riches; to be esteemed is better than silver or gold."
You have shown me the path to life, and you make me glad by being near to me. Sitting at your right side, I will always be joyful. Ps 16:11