JUST DO SOMETHING!

‎2 Tim 4:1 I charge thee therefore before God, and the Lord Jesus Christ, who shall judge the quick and the dead at his appearing and his kingdom;2 Preach the word; be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all longsuffering and doctrine.3 For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears;4 And they shall turn away their ears from the truth, and shall be turned unto fables. 5 But watch thou in all things, endure afflictions, do the work of an evangelist, make full proof of thy ministry. KJV
Paul’s letter and warning forecast to Timothy is as relevant to us today as it was when it was written many centuries ago. He predicted that a season of time would come when believers would willfully turn away from sound doctrine, preferring instead, teachings and teachers that would placate carnal lust, devoid of truth and propagating anything mythological, fictional and entertaining. Time would then be filled by an attraction for information, supporting the desired personal experience, without accomplishing anything for the good of the Kingdom. What’s more, Paul’s comments to Timothy were couched in the center of a challenge that urged the younger minister to intentionally maintain diligence in dynamic forms of ministry service. In other words, Paul exhorted Timothy to be a doer and not just a hearer of the message. In that case, one can understand, why he forewarned Timothy of an impending and imminent switch, when believers would disdain Spirit-led doing, in preference of futile and carnal appetites for more knowledge, teaching, and what I have come to identify as a spiritual gluttony, void of fruitful works. This warning was as apropos then as it is today.

Now, I do believe that we need to be knowledgeable of the Scriptures and the pursuit the knowledge of God for the purpose of becoming strong in the faith so that we can do something to bring a change in our world for the Glory of God. We need to be in a constant state of learning. But let me qualify that by saying we need to learn the right things: things that promote solid doctrine and truths consistent with accurate interpretation of the Scriptures in accordance with the character of God. In saying this, the question I must ask is: Are you doing anything with what you’ve learned? If your continual attention is directed toward a perpetual state of education without an end that produces positive fruitful results, then this learning is self-serving and will produce nothing but a fat head and spiritual pride.

Gen 1:28 And God blessed them, and God said unto them, Be fruitful, and multiply, and replenish the earth, and subdue it: and have dominion over the fish of the sea, and over the fowl of the air, and over every living thing that moveth upon the earth. KJV

John 15:1 I am the true vine, and my Father is the husbandman.2 Every branch in me that beareth not fruit he taketh away: and every branch that beareth fruit, he purgeth it, that it may bring forth more fruit. 3 Now ye are clean through the word which I have spoken unto you.4 Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, except it abide in the vine; no more can ye, except ye abide in me. 5 I am the vine, ye are the branches: He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without me ye can do nothing…….8 Herein is my Father glorified, that ye bear much fruit; so shall ye be my disciples. ….16 Ye have not chosen me, but I have chosen you, and ordained you, that ye should go and bring forth fruit, and that your fruit should remain: that whatsoever ye shall ask of the Father in my name, he may give it you. KJV
One of the primary commands to humanity from the beginning was: Be Fruitful!!! There are over 50 different named categories of fruit identified in the Bible. What’s more, Jesus stated in John 15 that those who intimately followed Him should produce much enduring fruit. This pertains to all who believe at any age. My heart always breaks when senior saints tell me how they feel that they're fruitless. But no matter how old or young you are, you can bear fruit, even if the only thing you can do is intercede. The valuable fruit of the genuine intercessory life cannot be disregarded. Furthermore, the seed of the Word, as spoken of in the parable of the sower, should bring forth good fruit in your life for the Kingdom of God, depending, of course, as to whether the seed landed in good or bad soil. Are you being fruitful? What are you doing with what you’ve learned? Are you accomplishing anything? These are questions you need to ask yourself on a regular basis.

Matt 13:23 But he that received seed into the good ground is he that heareth the word, and understandeth it; which also beareth fruit, and bringeth forth, some an hundredfold, some sixty, some thirty. KJV
The past few years of ministry have been frustrating for me in that I haven’t had as many opportunities to speak as I'd like and am accustomed to throughout my 33 years of ministry. Furthermore, I realize and treasure that God has deposited a wealth of spiritual treasures and truth in my life. I grew up in a region of the US where a healthy work ethic was woven into the fabric of my being. I therefore can’t stand being idle which leads to fruitlessness. Consequently, I decided to start this page and the blog. I will not be guilty of slothfulness and will write what the Lord has given me very aware that no one may read what I write. But I am doing my part as God leads.

I’ve been thinking about this for some time now, and it came to a poignant head a few weeks ago, when I went to see the recognized movie “The Iron Lady”, starring Meryl Streep, in the role of an elderly Margaret Thatcher. Now I know there is a wide variety of opinion concerning the former Prime Minister of the UK. But, no matter how you feel about her, one scene in the flick hit me with intense force and pushed my innermost contemplations painfully to the surface. In the scene she sat in the doctor’s office discussing her health ,and in answer to her physician’s question she made a statement that felt like a forceful punch to the heart jolting me to wake up! She simply said, “Just Do Something”. I know to some folks this may sound trite. But honestly, I am very fed up with hearing reports of people who live to perpetually feed their disguised appetites thinking that more learning will satisfy the muffled but deep internal wail that can only be quelled by being a doer and not just a hearer. I don’t want this to come across in a harsh judgmental manner. On the other hand, perhaps we need to be rattled a bit. Then maybe the puzzle pieces of our fragile human excuses can be shaken apart and we can see we’re missing the point of being a follower of Christ. So once again, are you a doer? Are you accomplishing something that is of eternal value or are you settling for less than what you were made to be? God help us!

I'm also aware, that in saying these things, some believers will misinterpret what I’m writing and think that busy-ness is the same thing as being a doer. There is a radical difference between the two. Dead works have always been at odds with good works and must be distinguished. The question is: Are you doing anything with what you’ve learned? I realize this seems too simply but the statement in the movie capsulates what we need to hear! Just do something! Make a difference with the truth you have and seek God for a way to help the people around you. You never know who is waiting for your input!

Col 1:9 For this cause we also, since the day we heard it, do not cease to pray for you, and to desire that ye might be filled with the knowledge of his will in all wisdom and spiritual understanding;10 That ye might walk worthy of the Lord unto all pleasing, being fruitful in every good work, and increasing in the knowledge of God; KJV
In closing, Paul wrote to the church at Colosse and encouraged the believers there to walk worthy of the Lord, being fruitful in every good work. He didn’t diminish the need to increase in the knowledge of God and neither should we. Our learning, however, should not cease, although what we learn needs to be solid truth and not fiction or mythological. Therefore, my prayer is that you will take what you’ve learned. Stop chasing after more and JUST DO SOMETHING! Just do something and make a difference.

TWO KINDS OF FAMILIARITY

 Ps 139:1 O LORD, You have searched me and known me. 2 You know my sitting down and my rising up; You understand my thought afar off. 3 You comprehend my path and my lying down, And are acquainted with all my ways. 4 For there is not a word on my tongue, But behold, O LORD, You know it altogether.5 You have hedged me behind and before, And laid Your hand upon me. NKJV

From what I've observed, over the course of many years, and due to the process of challenging and often mysterious cultural changes, I have come to the conclusion that genuine relationships of a deep and safe nature are increasingly rare. Communication has changed radically evolving into an information based society where the world of social networking sites, email, and texting has replaced real time human fellowship. The feeling of being comfortable with someone, because of slowly stewed relationships, seems to be less common, in favor of quick or abbreviated messages that can sometimes become explosive exchanges all because the tone of the words must be guessed at. Then, without even knowing it’s happening, a presumptuous world of hidden expectations and a "right to speak" attitude, has overtaken what is called a friendship, simply because an individual’s personal information, likes, activities and photos etc is readily available without the time it takes to develop the comfortableness that once was important for real friendships to survive. That “comfortable” feeling could be called “familiarity”.

I have wanted to define this issue for quite some time now since I've experienced both sides of these dynamics with enjoyment and agony. Therefore, allow me some room to explain.

I believe that according to biblical principle, and human practical experience, there are two kinds of familiarity. The first is fabulous! It is found in the precious relational exchange and healthy order that occurs between God, the creator, and human being, the creation. The second is painful. It murders friendship, devastates leadership, pollutes healthy interaction resulting in crisis, fosters disappointment, forcing self-justified  usurpation and propogates inappropriate expectations. In many cases, this second type of familiarity causes irreparable damage, often destroying the pathway to God’s design and destiny for those who succumbed to it. Nonetheless, if it is identified early on, it can be averted and the future protected for all involved. 

I love the example of the God-kind of familiarity that David the psalmist described in Psalms 139. It is the healthy form of familiarity that I believe could be possible in human relationships if we understood what was required. Moreover, David expressed that God knew and understood him through and through. The familiarity David revealed resulted from a lifelong intimacy and a sense of mutual harmony. Communication was deep, heartfelt and matured over the course of many years. David, therefore, understood his role and place in how he was to relate God and had peace in that. We need the same understanding in how we relate to people practicing God-inspired boundaries for the reason of protecting the people we relate to and according to Spirit-led healthy expectations and purpose.

Relationships could easily be compared to all different kinds of shoes. They can feel comfortable, fitting your every manner and expression, or they can be tight, restrictive, painful and stinky. What we must learn is that when peace leaves a relationship, problems are lurking over the horizon. All too often those unseen conflicts develop because of an unhealthy familiarity that develops outside of God’s design for how individuals should interact with each other for profitable fruit. Let’s look at one example of how familiarity nearly destroyed one of Jesus’ disciples.

Matt 16:13 When Jesus came into the coasts of Caesarea Philippi, he asked his disciples, saying, Whom do men say that I the Son of man am? 14 And they said, Some say that thou art John the Baptist: some, Elias; and others, Jeremias, or one of the prophets. 15 He saith unto them, But whom say ye that I am? 16 And Simon Peter answered and said, Thou art the Christ, the Son of the living God. 17 And Jesus answered and said unto him, Blessed art thou, Simon Barjona: for flesh and blood hath not revealed it unto thee, but my Father which is in heaven. 18 And I say also unto thee, That thou art Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it. 19 And I will give unto thee the keys of the kingdom of heaven: and whatsoever thou shalt bind on earth shall be bound in heaven: and whatsoever thou shalt loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven. 20 Then charged he his disciples that they should tell no man that he was Jesus the Christ. 21 From that time forth began Jesus to shew unto his disciples, how that he must go unto Jerusalem, and suffer many things of the elders and chief priests and scribes, and be killed, and be raised again the third day. 22 Then Peter took him, and began to rebuke him, saying, Be it far from thee, Lord: this shall not be unto thee. 23 But he turned, and said unto Peter, Get thee behind me, Satan: thou art an offence unto me: for thou savourest not the things that be of God, but those that be of men. KJV

Jesus asked his disciples who the people said He was. Several of the disciples expressed themselves. Then when Jesus pressed them to answer who they felt He was, Simon Peter declared in faith that Jesus was the Christ, the Son of the Living God. This was a monumental moment for Peter, for after he’d announced his faith, Jesus publicly affirmed him and prophesied a tremendous promise to the former fisherman. One has to wonder what went on in the disciple’s heart because shortly thereafter, when Jesus revealed of His soon coming death and resurrection, Peter did something totally out of line. Peter yielded to satan and took Jesus aside to rebuke him for revealing His future death and resurrection. Now, consider this with me. Jesus was Peter’s teacher, or Master, as the Scriptures state. Peter was therefore in a secondary role of authority and service. But shortly after he'd been affirmed Peter took it upon himself to correct His teacher. This is a symptom of a familiarity that went wrong. In fact, I personally think that Peter became proud while he thought about the affirmation Jesus had spoken to him. But let’s look into this further.

Jesus was with his disciples in close interaction for three years time. Now due to that time and culture, this would not have been as much a problem as it would be today because the society was constructed around the practice of honoring one’s elders, leaders and teachers. Nonetheless, satan endeavored to break down the relationship between Jesus and Peter by using an ungodly form of familiarity. In our current “rights to speak and do” culture,  this familiarity is bound to increase. Offenses could very easily become a serious issue for those who don’t learn how to relate in a healthyS manner that matures over the course of months and years, rather than seconds and hours.

How does an unhealthy expression of familiarity develop?

Prov 29:21  He who pampers his servant from childhood will have him expecting the rights of a son afterward. AMP

1. Number One.  An ungodly form of familiarity generally develops when someone in authority, or responsibility, affirms either an individual coming into a new relationship, or someone who is in a position of lesser authority or responsibility, without being wise in how much should be said and where it's spoken. I have to admit! I've blown it on several occasions, even though I did it all with the good intentions of building people up to believe in what God put in them. Proverbs 29:21 says it well as the verse reveals a principle of wise management for leaders. If you as a leader, or an individual attempting to work with others, pamper, give too much information, or are overboard in affirmation, gifts, appreciation etc, to those who are learning from you, or who serve you, or who are new on the job with you, they will, without exception begin to expect you to give them everything you have because you have made yourself too accessible to them or too familiar with them.

2. Number Two. Unrighteous familiarity develops when you give too much of yourself, exceeding the boundaries of what God has intended for the relationship. Once that familiarity takes hold, those who have fallen prey to it will feel they have the right to use you for their purposes and agenda, expecting you to do whatever they feel you should do. The people that have become too familiar with you will then begin to take advantage of you without considering your needs, and ignoring your concerns. These types of conflicts are seldom resolved because the unhealthy familiarity creates a type of blindness and does not understand if the wrong expectations and demands are resisted and confronted.

3. Number Three. A wrongful familiarity often develops when people feel they have the right to use all you own, possess, know and do, because you've allowed yourself to become too accessible to them.

I heard of a true story of a woman minister who took another woman with her on a ministry trip. They stayed in the same hotel room for several nights and the traveling companion heard nearly everything that went on in the conversations between the minister and pastors. The minister took care of her guest on the trip, paying for all her food, lodging, transportation and extra perks, not realizing that a seed of presumptuous pride began to grow during the trip. Then once they returned home, the traveling companion began to expect all sorts of special favors and personal attention. When the minister was unable to fulfill all the wrongful expectations the other woman retaliated with some of the most awful behaviors I've ever heard of happening in ministry. The relationship was unsalvageable because the blindness created by the familiarity prevented any correction. The traveling companion felt justified in her behaviors. Familiarity breeds in the land of “too much” information, accessibility, unwise giving and neediness for attention.

These are just three of the ways that familiarity goes wrong. Thankfully, an unhealthy familiarity can be avoided if some practical wisdom is employed.

I'm more and more inclined to believe that we’re heading into a time when people are desperate for deep relationships. The problem is that their desperation is dangerous because they’re ignorant of the God-inspired parameters necessary for stable interaction.  What’s more, this determination to get a deep relationship resists the fact that it takes time for relationships to grow in a healthy manner, while developing around a forgiving and measured love. Without this understanding, relationships can become need based. Therefore, in order to avoid an unhealthy familiarity you must constantly be in tune with what God wants for that relationship and the pace it requires. It takes time to get to know people. It also takes time to develop trust and to know how much to give without going past what is wise! We need practical heavenly revelation so we don’t rush in how we interact with others! In addition, recognizing the type of relationship is critical. How much authority have you been given by the people you relate to? Are you a leader or a learner? Peter forgot that he was a learner and proudly exceeded the parameters of authority and rebuked Jesus. An unrighteous familiarity ignores these things and can become intolerably bossy, confrontational and vindictive, even doing so in the name of the Lord. God help us!

Healthy relationships are like a good, comfortable shoe. They don’t pinch! They’ve been through a lot and are broken-in from lots of wear and tear and time. Use wisdom in how much you reveal and give. If you’re a leader remember that what you reveal will grant an authority to the people who hear it and that you may not be able to retract it even if you want to. Your learners could fall prey to the same attack that Peter should have recognized and avoided. Thank God, Jesus knew what was happening and protected Peter while at the same time dealing with Satan. In the end of it all, God will shield us from the enemy of unhealthy familiarity if we will pay attention to what He wants in our friendships and various roles of human interaction. We don’t have to be victims of this foe.

PLEASE LEAD US HOLY SPIRIT

John 16:7- Nevertheless I tell you the truth; It is expedient for you that I go away: for if I go not away, the Comforter will not come unto you; but if I depart, I will send him unto you.8 And when he is come, he will reprove the world of sin, and of righteousness, and of judgment:9 Of sin, because they believe not on me;10 Of righteousness, because I go to my Father, and ye see me no more; 11 Of judgment, because the prince of this world is judged.12 I have yet many things to say unto you, but ye cannot bear them now.13 Howbeit when he, the Spirit of truth, is come, he will guide you into all truth: for he shall not speak of himself; but whatsoever he shall hear, that shall he speak: and he will shew you things to come.14 He shall glorify me: for he shall receive of mine, and shall shew it unto you.15 All things that the Father hath are mine: therefore said I, that he shall take of mine, and shall shew it unto you.(KJV)

It was to our advantage that Jesus went to be with the Father. Had He not done so, the Holy Spirit, also known, as the Comforter, wouldn’t have come to the believer. Many Christians have been taught that the Holy Spirit was sent to fill and empower them, which is correct! However, without discounting the importance of these truths as vital to healthy Christian living,  the functions and operations of the Spirit are much larger than tends to be understood. Therefore, in relationship to what Jesus stated and promised in John 16:7-15, we need to take a look at how the Holy Spirit communicates and guides.

Please take a look at the following list that identifies the manners of the Spirit’s communications according to the entirety of the biblical picture.

1. Leads and drives

2. Speaks

3. Instructs

4. Bears witness to the truth

5. Teaches all things

6. Brings all things to remembrance

7. Guides into all truth

8. Shows things to come

9. Gives wisdom in interpretation of spiritual things

10. Reveals and gives revelation-

11. Gives vision

12. Forbids to preach

13. Restrains from going somewhere

14. Through various gifts of the Spirit- word of wisdom, word of knowledge, prophecy, tongues and interpretation of tongues.

Obviously, each of these forms of communication is worthy of particular attention. However, for the sake of space and time, I’ve decided to address most of them individually in separate articles; so that each one is clear, offering a more manageable practical approach. Nonetheless, I will not be doing as extensive  of a treatment of them as some of you might desire,  in hopes that you will investigate the specific manners you are impressed to study further.

HOW DOES THE SPIRIT COMMUNICATE AND GIVE GUIDANCE?

The Holy Spirit is a leader. If you’ll recall, in an earlier posting I mentioned that the Spirit is a mover! You can count on this! That is not to say, however, that the Spirit is always on the move. There are times when the Spirit rests. Even so, those times of rest are not without purpose or pointless. Therefore, when you don’t know where to go, the Spirit does, and will help you. There are, however, several factors necessary for this to occur in your life. I say this because we often forget that there must almost always be cooperation between you and God in order for spiritual dynamics to occur! Sometimes there are sovereign visitations, albeit, according to biblical records concerning their frequency, they're rare. Nonetheless, the normal healthy Christian life is one that does not presume upon God, in the sense of believing “He has to do this for me”. Instead, faith chooses to believe He will lead us, and then confesses, "I must do my part as well". So, how does the Spirit lead?

Matt 4:1 Then was Jesus led up of the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted of the devil.   (KJV)

Luke 4:1 And Jesus being full of the Holy Ghost returned from Jordan, and was led by the Spirit into the wilderness,   (KJV)

Rom 8:14 For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons of God.   (KJV)

Gal 5:18 But if ye be led of the Spirit, ye are not under the law.   (KJV)

Both the gospels of Matthew and Luke state that the Spirit led Jesus into the wilderness for the specific purpose of facing the temptations of the devil. Prior to this leading, Jesus had been baptized by John, and was consequently full of the Holy Spirit. This point must not be ignored. The leading of the Spirit is very much dependent upon whether you are "full of the Spirit" or not. At the time of Jesus’ baptism by John, Jesus was filled to full of the Holy Spirit. It was therefore, out of this condition, that the leading transpired. Moreover, there are several distinct characteristics that you might also call symptoms, which are notable manifestations, and related to “feeling”, associated with the principle of the Spirit’s leading.

The first obvious condition, necessary to when the Spirit led, was that the person being led was full of the Spirit. The definition for this word “lead”, according to the Greek idea related to it, comes with the sense of being launched out, or, positioned to go forth and move forward. Furthermore, the Spirit-filled person will probably possess a general witness or knowledge of where he or she is heading into, but sometimes, like Abraham, they won’t necessarily know in entirety where they’re going: just that, they are going!

Ephesians 5:18 And be not drunk with wine, wherein is excess; but be filled with the Spirit; 19 Speaking to yourselves in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord;20 Giving thanks always for all things unto God and the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ; 21 Submitting yourselves one to another in the fear of God. KJV

                                                                      

Being full of the Spirit, according to the summary of scriptures speaking on the matter, is notably not a constant condition, because it generally requires a type of personal spiritual maintenance that is seldom emphasized or practically understood. First of all, Ephesians 5:18-21, indicates that the believer has a personal responsibility toward the end of being Spirit-filled. Paul instructed his readers how to do so with a warning. Drunkenness was considered a deplorable state because it made its victims senseless and unwise. This was why, in the Old Testament ministry of the Levites and priests, they were not allowed to drink alcoholic beverages because they would become witless in their administration of ministry, incapable of discerning what was holy and unholy according to the word of the Lord. (Lev. 10) Paul did not compare the things of the Spirit to drunkenness for the purpose of encouraging over-the-top expressions. In fact, once you consider the four standards of context for interpretive accuracy, you'll see he meant something entirely different.  He was, in fact, warning the believers against irresponsible excesses that contradicted the fear of the Lord and a deep working of the Spirit.  Sadly, I’ve observed a misinterpretation of these verses by well-meaning Christians, who wanting to endorse the practice of extreme manifestations, used these verses to support excessive, lawless behaviors of what they believed to be spiritual in nature in connection with the filling of the Spirit. Now I do not want to dismiss the fact that on occasion, such as described in Acts chapters 2, 10 and 19, the Spirit was, and accordingly still is poured out upon the saints. In such instances spiritual manifestations result with various expressions, such as speaking in tongues and prophesy. To an outsider these behaviors would look like drunkenness. However, our current cultural condition in many circles of Christendom emphasizes the pursuit of experience over truth, in favor of what some have come to totally believe is the moving of the Holy Spirit, not always discerning the difference between the works of the flesh and emotional hype. This is the danger every move of God faces. But in our pursuit of truth, we dare not live in an adrenaline high that eventually crashes, and is often not discerned, considering the difference between what is flesh and what is the anointing of the Spirit. Therefore, when I say we're to be filled with the Spirit, Paul identifies several practical ways this can be accomplished. As a result, the believer filled with the Spirit is open to the leading of the Lord.

To be filled with the Spirit, and to come into cooperation with the Spirit’s leading is not difficult. But, it does require personal diligence!

 CONDITIONS THAT ARE FUNDAMENTAL PRINCIPLES YOU CAN EMPLOY TO BE CONTINUALLY FILLED WITH THE SPIRIT SO THAT YOU MAY BE LED BY THE SPIRIT MORE READILY

Col 3:16  Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom; teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord. KJV

Number One: Speaking to yourselves in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord!

         Praise, as in expressing psalms, hymns and spiritual songs, in song, and from your heart toward God, unlocks the wellspring of the indwelling Holy Spirit. By doing so, a filling occurs, and reoccurs as you practice this regularly. This type of praising is not casual or a formula. This praise is born out of an inward attraction and love for God so that the pre-written and spontaneous psalms, hymns and spiritual songs, born out of true heartfelt desire for God become a catalyst for the Holy Spirit to work, move and speak. It may or may not be accompanied by feeling. Moreover, these expressions exist because of the individual’s intentional application and indwelling heartfelt knowledge of the Word of Christ mixed with sensitivity, wisdom and inspired by the ease of grace. This is the first key in accessing the Spirit’s leading. This possibility is not limited to believers who own a Bible. Because the same Spirit that raised Christ from the dead, also knows the written word, and inspires it in the hearts of those who yearn for Heavenly fellowship. But if you do own a Bible, you are without excuse. Feed your inner being with that Word. Give God something to work with while you praise and worship Him.

NUMBER TWO: Giving thanks always for all things unto God and the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.

When was the last time you sincerely thought about what you were thankful for, and then in detail, voiced that thanks to God? The continual filling of the Spirit must be maintained by a thankful heart and expression. It is the second principle that the Spirit looks for to communicate His leading to you.

NUMBER THREE: Submitting yourselves one to another in the fear of God

As odd as it may seem, one of the most protective and helpful principles by which we maintain the filling of the Spirit ,and open the door for the Spirit to lead us, is in whether we submit ourselves to one another in accordance with how we fear God. Submission is not submission if it is demanded or forced. In fact, when the fear of God is the motivation for the pursuit of the filling of the Spirit, loving, caring behaviors emerge. Many of the crazy, wacky things believers do, in the name of being Spirit led, would not happen if there was a mutual accountability because of a rightful understanding of the fear of God. Alas, a lot saints don’t have a clue what the fear of the Lord is and that there are different types of the fear of God identified in Scripture.

Please consider the following combined definition for the Fear of the Lord derived from the numerous Hebrew and Greek definitions related to the Fear of God.

THE FEAR OF THE LORD IS...

A conscious willful honor, awe or respect of God's awesomeness & character that makes one hesitate cautiously & restrains behavior to avoid harmful consequences & broken spiritual relationship often accompanied by feelings of inward trembling.

When the fear of the Lord is absent ,as pertaining to the operation of the Holy Spirit and His leading, relationships go off. One of the things that a healthy fear of God creates is a right attitude in how we relate to one another and act out our faith in following the things the Holy Spirit may lead us in. If the fear of God was understood, loved and practiced, we would restrain a lot of what we think is spiritual and act more wisely in how we treat each other. Even our expectations of one another would be radically altered and we wouldn’t demand the right to dominate another person by our supposed spiritual leadings. The Spirit of God grants light for the sake of relationship and fellowship. But without the fear of God, there is no genuine love or respect. Then the truth we believe we've been lead into, when in fact, it isn’t genuine truth inspired of God at all often becomes a dagger, "in the name of the Lord" because mercy and love are ignored and timing disrespected. Therefore, we need to submit ourselves to one another in the fear of God so that we might all be filled with the Spirit and available to the leading of the Spirit.

Rom 8:1 There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit. 2 For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus hath made me free from the law of sin and death. 3 For what the law could not do, in that it was weak through the flesh, God sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh, and for sin, condemned sin in the flesh: 4 That the righteousness of the law might be fulfilled in us, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit. 5 For they that are after the flesh do mind the things of the flesh; but they that are after the Spirit the things of the Spirit. 6 For to be carnally minded is death; but to be spiritually minded is life and peace. 7 Because the carnal mind is enmity against God: for it is not subject to the law of God, neither indeed can be. 8 So then they that are in the flesh cannot please God. 9 But ye are not in the flesh, but in the Spirit, if so be that the Spirit of God dwell in you. Now if any man have not the Spirit of Christ, he is none of his. 10 And if Christ be in you, the body is dead because of sin; but the Spirit is life because of righteousness. 11 But if the Spirit of him that raised up Jesus from the dead dwell in you, he that raised up Christ from the dead shall also quicken your mortal bodies by his Spirit that dwelleth in you. 12 Therefore, brethren, we are debtors, not to the flesh, to live after the flesh. 13 For if ye live after the flesh, ye shall die: but if ye through the Spirit do mortify the deeds of the body, ye shall live. 14 For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons of God. 15 For ye have not received the spirit of bondage again to fear; but ye have received the Spirit of adoption, whereby we cry, Abba, Father. 16 The Spirit itself beareth witness with our spirit, that we are the children of God: 17 And if children, then heirs; heirs of God, and joint-heirs with Christ; if so be that we suffer with him, that we may be also glorified together.KJV

NUMBER FOUR:

Being led by the Spirit also means that you choose not to be ruled by your flesh, or be what Paul called “carnally minded” in Romans 8:1-14. There is a huge connection between being spiritually-minded and understanding what it means to be a child of God. Believers who are uncertain of their spiritual lineage, as being loved and belonging to God, always flounder when it comes to cooperating with the Holy Spirit leading them. They face a constant battle raging in their minds that repels faith and causes them great confusion and mixed feelings of condemnation about what the Holy Spirit might be revealing to them as truth. They just can’t get it.

Much could be written about the contrast between the carnal mind and the spiritually minded person. But in order to be led by the Spirit, you simply cannot be focused on the flesh and the spirit of this world. To be led by the Spirit in truth, you must decide which truth you will love. Again, it goes back to the fear of the Lord.

NUMBER FIVE:

Believers who have experienced what the Bible identifies as the Baptism of the Holy Spirit, according to the examples in the book of Acts, will also discover that to be constantly filled with the Spirit and open to the leading of the Spirit, speaking in tongues is a great advantage. Whether you speak in tongues or not, however, does not determine whether you are saved. You are saved by believing and confessing Jesus’ death and resurrection, and receiving Him as your Lord and Savior.  But the daily practice of the prayer and praise gift  as one of the types of manifestations of speaking in tongues, is a wonderful way to keep your spirit sensitive to the leading of the Lord in truth, as well as staying filled up.

NUMBER SIX:

The leading of the Spirit into truth may also come in a sovereign visitation such as when Jesus was baptized by John the Baptist in the river Jordan. This type of event is never forced or instigated of human will. It is according to God’s time table and for His purposes. In the case of Jesus, the Spirit led him into the wilderness.

Mark 1:9 And it came to pass in those days, that Jesus came from Nazareth of Galilee, and was baptized of John in Jordan. 10 And straightway coming up out of the water, he saw the heavens opened, and the Spirit like a dove descending upon him: 11 And there came a voice from heaven, saying, Thou art my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased. 12 And immediately the Spirit driveth him into the wilderness. KJV

I hesitate to use the word “driven” pertaining to the leading and operation of the Spirit, as is found in Mark 1:9-12 ,that describes the baptism of Jesus, but the vocabulary needs to be taken into account. I am cautious about saying that the Spirit “drives” us to do things as He leads us,  because I know how people might interpret this and take it to mean that the Spirit, made you to do something with force, and broke your will. I personally believe that there are times when the Holy Spirit leads into truth, and that leading may seem very intense as the Spirit lays hold on the individual with a destination or revelation in mind. However, that is not the norm. I've observed on numerous occasions, that believers seeking to make excuses for their excessive behaviors and emotions, will say "the Spirit made me do it." Ugh. No! That is probably not the Holy Spirit, and most likely is nothing more than emotions gone awry. You do have a choice. Jesus made the choice to be baptized of John, and the course of events necessitated he be driven, or strongly led into the wilderness to face temptation.  Let’s remember, the fear of God will keep us on track.

As I mentioned earlier, and in conclusion, this subject is massive. I am in hopes that this article will instruct you in the leading of the Spirit, and your personal responsibility to walk in that. But more so, I hope you will be challenged to study for yourself. God’s Spirit is the Spirit of Truth. There is a spirit of error we all need to discern and avoid. Be a biblical prospector and begin to seek God for how He wants to lead you that is consistent with His word, His character, His Spirit and so forth. We’ll take a look at how the Spirit speaks in the next blog. Until then, love God with all your heart, soul, mind, and strength.

THE AMAZING HOLY SPIRIT

Many years ago I was scheduled to speak at a small church that had recently merged with another church in the city. One of the churches was a traditional denominational church, and the church it merged with was a Pentecostal denominational church. The traditional church was unaccustomed to the practices of the Pentecostal doctrines and their more free flowing church service structure, and consequently, at the same time, cautiously reluctant to accept the Pentecostal ways of doing things.  So the pastor, a good-hearted man, and my friend, asked me to teach for a week about the Holy Spirit. This was not necessarily what I could consider a peaceful environment, yet it was a tremendous opportunity, if I would be sensitive to the needs of the congregation and the request of the prayerful pastor. Therefore, when I prayed about accepting the invitation, I had the inward witness that God wanted me to go. While there, after 2 days of teaching, one of the elders, a kindly, God-loving gentleman, remarked he never knew that Bible had so much to say about the Holy Spirit. It was totally new territory for him as it was for the majority of the listeners. I had to smile. Regrettably, this is a common reaction concerning the subject of the Spirit of God. That week went very well, and there was a tremendous breakthrough for the church, as well as significant miracles in the services. Thank God, the tangible presence of the Spirit attended us as confirmation of His word! Nonetheless, this is a common dilemma and matter of spiritual ignorance that should concern us.

Jesus expressly stated that upon His departure to be with the Father, the Holy Spirit would be sent for a variety of purposes, one of the most significant being, the communication of truth to those who believed on Christ. Much could be written about the person of the Holy Spirit, and I would love to do so. However, the subject of this series requires that I remain true to the topic of Kingdom Truth. Nonetheless, in this posting, I beg you give me a brief interlude to expound about the general functions of the Spirit of God, bearing in mind that each of these points could be greatly enlarged upon and radically affect how the Spirit communicates the truths of the Kingdom.

We learned in the last regular posting that the first purpose for the Spirit, as revealed in Scripture, is fundamental to all eventual expressions of the Holy Spirit: The Spirit brings transformation, taking those things which appear lifeless and unproductive and opening the way for life and fruitfulness to come forth. It cannot be ignored, however, that there are a variety of actions and manifestations the Holy Spirit employs in the canon of the Word. In most instances, that change was rendered through spiritual words or God inspired vocabulary.  Moreover, the Bible generally reveals 9 more distinct categories that demonstrate the operations, purpose and functions of the Holy Spirit.

9 MORE CATEGORIES OF HOW THE HOLY SPIRIT OPERATES!

#1. Holy Spirit activity and movement!  The Spirit of God normally doesn’t function where there is stagnation and paralysis. The Spirit is a MOVER!

A. CAME UPON-Num 24:2 Judg 3:10 6:34 11:29 14:19; 1 Sam 10:10; 11:6; 16:13 ; 1 Chr 12:18 ; 2 Chr 15:1 2 Chr 24:20; II Ki 3:15 2 Chr 20:14-15

     Throughout the Bible the Holy Spirit would come upon, or by definition, clothe the individuals God wanted to use for various service.

B. FELL UPON-

                     On unusual occasions the Spirit would fall upon various individuals, usually prophets, as in when the Hand of the Lord fell upon Ezekiel in Ezekiel 8:1-3. He expressed a variety of feelings and reactions as a result of this event. My favorite usage of this concept of the Spirit falling on human beings is in reference to the events of the Spirit falling on the Gentile believers and the 120 souls who waited in the Upper Room at Pentecost. The Greek word, epipito, translated as fall in many translations, is much better described as falling upon someone in the sense of seizing them as if in an affectionate embrace. Wow! God wants to hug you! He did this in His spirit in Acts repeatedly!

                      Acts 10:44-46; 11:15-18; 8:14-17

        C. THE SPIRIT DESCENDS! You should take note that the Spirit doesn't ascend from the earth upon human beings. Furthermore, the Spirit is compared to a dove descending, such as when John the Baptised Jesus!- Luke 3:22; Matt 3:16; Mark 1:10; John 1:32-33

        D. RESTED-Num 11:23-29; 1 Pet 4:14
                 Moses, as leader of the wandering masses, was overwhelmed and needed help. God instructed him to gather the leading elders together and once that happened the Spirit would come upon them. It is described as the Spirit resting on them. This is extremely important. God's Spirit is active and yet peaceful, although intent. The newly empowered elders began to prophesy out of this encounter not from a place of frenzy, but an atmosphere of spiritual rest.

        E.THE SPIRIT WAS ALSO DIRECTLY RESPONSIBLE FOR A MEANS OF DIVINE TRANSPORTATION. This could be said to be a form of unusual heavenly transport. I have listened to numerous accounts from missionaries endangered, or individuals hindered by time constraints and their stories of supernatural transportation to take them suddenly to the locations they needed to be. There are numerous records of this happening in the Bible. I seriously wonder that if times get difficult and transportation becomes a problem, if we will not see this type of thing increase. It sure would be lest costly and without jet lag. Ha!

             1. CARRIED- Ezek 37:1-2; I King 18:11-15; Rev 17:1-3; 21:9-13          

            2. Lifted-Matt 3:16; Mark 1:10; John 1:32-3

           3.  Took- Taken Him up- Gen 5:24; II Ki 2:15-16;  Ezek 11:24-25; Ezek 3:10-14

            4. Caught away- Acts 8:39-4

     F. REMAINETH- Hag 2:4-7

     G. WAS UPON- 1 Sam 19:20-24

     H. MOVED UPON HOLY MEN OF GOD-2 Pet 1:21

                       

#2. LIFE GIVING AND REVIVAL!-
             There is an aspect of revival and the igniting of life in how the Spirit works. In nearly all the references I have sited below, the function of the Spirit to regenerate, quicken, strengthen and renew occur because of the marvelous indwelling presence of the Holy Spirit. Don't undervalue the reality of this daily occurance.

            A. THE SPIRIT REGENERATES Titus 3:4-6

            B. THE SPIRIT QUICKENS US- 1 Pet 3:17-18; Rom 8:10-12; John 6:61-63; Rom 4:16-21; 8:11

            C. THE SPIRIT RENEWS US-Titus 3:4-6

            D. THE SPIRIT WILL STRENGTHEN US WITH MIGHT IN OUR INNER BEING- Eph 3:14-19; Ps 28:7-9;138:3; Isa 40:29-31

#3. INTERACTS WITH AND POINTS THE INDIVIDUAL TO JESUS- THE HOLY SPIRIT IS NOT SELF-FOCUSED OR EMPHASIZING!

A. THE SPIRIT INTERACTS WITH AND POINTS THE INDIVIDUAL TO JESUS-

1. The Spirit doesn’t speak of himself!  The Spirit speaks what has been spoken by the Father and the Son. People who over emphasize the Spirit ignore the Divine interaction.  John 16:7-14                       

2. The Spirit doesn't glorify himself. The Spirit glorifies Jesus- Same as above

               3. Testifies of Jesus- John 15:26-27

4. Receives of Jesus and shows those things unto the saint

#4. ENABLES AND SENDS THE SAINT INTO SERVICE

         A. HOW DOES THE SPIRIT ENABLE THE BELIEVER TO BE AND DO AS MINISTERS OF GOD?

               1 The believer to approve him or her self as a minister to God- 2 Cor 6:4-6                                       

               2. The believer to please God-Rom 8:8-9

               3 To speak with tongues and prophesy- Acts 19:5-6; 2:1-4, 14-21

               4. To speak with boldness, frankness, bluntness, confidence, when the occasion requires it.-Acts 4:31

              5. To cast out devils-Matt 12:25-29

              6. The believer to wait for the hope of righteousness by faith- Gal 5:4-5

       B. THIS ENABLING AND EQUIPPING IS FULFILLED AS THE SPIRIT SENDS THE BELIEVER OUT FOR THE PURPOSES OF-

              1. Healing the broken hearted- Luke 4:18-19

            2. Preaching deliverance to the captives. Same as above

           3. Recovers sight to the blind! Same as above-

          4. Sets at liberty those who have been bruised emotionally, physically, relationally, and more.  Same as above-

            5.Sending those anointed to preach the acceptable year of the Lord! Same as above

#5. EQUIPS FOR SERVICE- THE SPIRIT EQUIPS THE SAINT FOR SERVICE

      A. EQUIPS THE PRIESTS OR LEADERS FOR OFFICES OF SERVICE-

            1. The priests or leaders for office- Exo 28:1-3

                  This is accomplished as they’re given the Spirit of wisdom- Deut 34:9; Isa 11:1-2

            2. The Spirit gives leaders the divinely inspired patterns for arts, architecture, technical skills and workmanship- Exo 31:1-8; 35:21-36:1; 1 Chron 28:11-12

                Spirit-led living has the potential to develop heavenly inspired patterns and models for the works and vision of God. People who look to the models of human inspiration and past almost always fall short of the higher things God wants to accomplish through them. Our model and template needs to be heavenly inspired.

          3. The Holy Spirit gives gifts originating from impartial grace- 1 Cor 12:31; 1 Cor 12:4-13; Luke 11:10-13; Heb 2:4

    B. THE SPIRIT DOES THESE THINGS THROUGH WHAT IS CALLED “THE ANOINTING”, A TERM USED TO DESCRIBE THE SYMBOL OF OLIVE OIL IN CONNECTION WITH THE WORKING OF THE SPIRIT FOR SOME OF THE FOLLOWING PURPOSES

Anoints to preach gospel to the poor Luke 4:18-19

#6. THE HOLY SPIRIT ENABLES BELIEVERS TO RELATE TO GOD AND ONE ANOTHER THROUGH-

            A. Fellowship

            B. Has communion

            C. Believers are to walk in

            D. Man prays in

#7. AFFECTS THE HUMAN SPIRIT IN VARIETY OF WAYS

            A. LOVE IS GRANTED BY HOLY SPIRIT INTO THE HUMAN SPIRIT -  Rom 5:5; Gal 5:22-24; 4:6; 2 Cor 3:18; 1 Cor 8:3; Rom 8:14-17

            B. Sanctifies- II Th 2:13; 1 Pet 1:2; Heb 9:13-14; Rom 15:15-16                     

            C. Justifies-1 Cor 6:11; 1 Tim 3:16

            D. Signifies- Heb 9:8

            E. Supplies- Phil 1:18-20

            F. Seals- Eph 4:30; 1:13-14

           G. Helps us pray through our infirmities or weaknesses- Rom 8:26-27  

            H.  Makes intercession with groaning- Rom 8:26-27  

            I. The Spirit emphasizes our relationship to the Father, so that there should not be a feeling of abandonment or father-lessness. The Spirit enables us to Cry Abba Father in our hearts- Gal 4:5

            J.  Opens the eyes of the people to recognize the Messiah- Zech 12:10

            K. Brings liberty with responsibility- 2 Cor 3:17- 18

            L. Brings to birth- John 3:6-8

            M. Writes the epistle of Christ in our hearts-2 Cor 3:1-3

            N.  Grants manifestations so believer can profit-1 Cor 12:4-7

            O. Imparts so stability can occur- Rom. 1:11-12

#8. THE SPIRIT DEMONSTRATES DEEP FEELINGS AND MUST BE INTERACTED WITH ACCORDING TO A SPIRITUAL ETIQUETTE-

            A. Those emotions include not wanting to continually strive with man. Gen 6:3

            B. Grief- Eph 4:29-32; Gen 6:5-7

Obviously the feelings of the Spirit are many, and include far more than what I have listed here, some of which would be joy, delight, pleasure and love.

           

#9. THE SPIRIT COMMUNICATES AND GIVES GUIDANCE.

As you can see, the function and operation of the Spirit is vast, and I have only outlined these briefly, as each category deserves extensive detailed treatment. Nonetheless, if you are to grow in Kingdom Truth, you need to face the fact that God’s Spirit is active and anticipating your attention. In the next post I will begin to describe the ways that the Holy Spirit is described in Scripture to communicate and give guidance. I hope you take these things to heart and allow God, by His Spirit to work in your life in a broader manner than you have previously expected before. In conclusion, remember this. God’s Spirit will never contradict the accurately interpreted Word.