Photo credit Camille Seaman
We have been reminded many times by many preachers that, if God took the Holy Spirit out of this world, much of what the church is doing would go right on, and nobody would know the difference. God is not going to remove His Spirit from His people, but there is a danger: we may become so accustomed to working without his power that, when he does start to work, we will resist him. There are so many counterfeit spirits in our world that even the elect are sometimes deceived.
It was not enough for our Lord Jesus to possess a holy nature; he also needed the Holy Spirit. He knew the Holy Scriptures; he still needed the Holy Spirit. In his first sermon he proclaimed, "The Spirit of the Lord is on me…" (Luke 4:18). Would that every minister of Jesus Christ could make that affirmation!
Read MoreOur mindset plays a critical role in our spiritual growth and development. That's why the Bible spills considerable ink, talking about where we should or fix our minds. Paul’s concept of setting our minds on the things above closely relates to the concept of abiding in Christ (John 15:1-5). Abiding in Christ requires both acknowledging God's presence and depending on him throughout the day.
Now some may ask, “How can I turn my attention to the things above when things like work, school, or taking care of children occupy most of my attention?” Three things come to mind.
Read MorePhoto credit Alejandro Cegarra—Getty Images Reportage
As we undergo suffering, it’s natural to ask ourselves or God. “Why is this happening?” We need to wrestle with this question. But often the answers to this question remain hidden from sight till years later. And often the complete answer doesn’t become available this side of eternity. But sometimes we insist God tell us “why.”
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