1 Samuel 3:1-10 God's Voice to Each of Us

This post comes out of a group discussion with some very dear people I met at a coaching training.

3 The boy Samuel ministered before the Lord under Eli. In those days the word of theLord was rare; there were not many visions.2 One night Eli, whose eyes were becoming so weak that he could barely see, was lying down in his usual place. 3 The lamp of God had not yet gone out, and Samuel was lying down in the house of the Lord, where the ark of God was. 4 Then the Lord called Samuel.Samuel answered, “Here I am.” 5 And he ran to Eli and said, “Here I am; you called me.”But Eli said, “I did not call; go back and lie down.” So he went and lay down.6 Again the Lord called, “Samuel!” And Samuel got up and went to Eli and said, “Here I am; you called me.”“My son,” Eli said, “I did not call; go back and lie down.”7 Now Samuel did not yet know the Lord: The word of the Lord had not yet been revealedto him.8 A third time the Lord called, “Samuel!” And Samuel got up and went to Eli and said, “Here I am; you called me.”Then Eli realized that the Lord was calling the boy. 9 So Eli told Samuel, “Go and lie down, and if he calls you, say, ‘Speak, Lord, for your servant is listening.’” So Samuel went and lay down in his place.10 The Lord came and stood there, calling as at the other times, “Samuel! Samuel!”Then Samuel said, “Speak, for your servant is listening.”

In this passage the boy, Samuel, is living in the house of The Lord being raised by Eli, the priest. One night when Samuel was sleeping, he hears his name being called. He goes to Eli and says, "Here I am." But Eli had not called him and told him to go back to bed. This happens two more times. (Now if I were Samuel, I would have been freaking out just a little by that point.)

Finally on after the third time, Eli realizes that God is calling Samuel and instructs him to say, "Speak, Lord, for your servant is listening."

So why didn't Samuel know who was calling him? The Scripture says that Samuel did not yet know God. Therefore, he had no experience in recognizing God's voice.

Eli gave Samuel a great gift that night. He did not say to Samuel, "It must be God. I'll talk to Him and let you know what He has to say." Instead, Eli told Samuel to respond and listen.

That night Samuel learned to listen for himself. He discovered what God's voice sounds like and that God would speak to him directly. And through that, Samuel experienced God.

Too often we try to be the voice of God for others forgetting that the same Holy Spirt who guides us can guide and counsel all people. In fact, He is even drawing to Himself those who don't yet know Him.

Father, thank You for Your own voice in my life. Use me to point others to You - to hear Your voice - and be forever changed. So be it.

Further Thoughts:

1. Who does God need you to direct toward Him?
2. How often do you try to be the voice of God for others? What harm can that cause?
3. How can you better listen for the voice of God?

Romans 8:14-15 "The Reminder of Relationship"

...because those who are led by the Spirit of God are sons of God. For you did not receive a spirit that makes you a slave again to fear, but you received the Spirit of sonship. And by him we cry, “Abba, Father.” ~Romans 8:14-15

When we were living without God and in sin, we were walking alone. But now, with His Spirit living within us, we are His children. The separation of sin has no power on our relationship. Because of Christ, we are once again in full relationship with our Creator through His Holy Spirit.

I am no longer alone as a child of God. I walk with the Almighty Creator of the Universe guiding me, teaching me, counseling me every day. There is not a moment He is not with me. He knows me inside and out and still loves me. He applauds my strengths and helps me in my weaknesses. When a new lesson is to be learned, He is right beside me walking through the difficulties and the trials. There is no friend closer or more loyal than my God. And there is nothing I can’t face when His Spirit is with me.

Further Thoughts:

1. How is your life different today walking with the Spirit compared to when you lived without Him?
2. How does being a child of God and part of a large family of believers affect how you live?
3. The Holy Spirit is constantly giving to us in this relationship. How do we give back?
4. Is there ever any reason to ever feel alone again? Why or why not?

Holy Spirit, I love the fact that You are always with me – guiding me and simply living life with me. Thank You for helping me be my very best. Amen.

Titus 3:5 "His Role in Our Lives"

“…he saved us not because of righteous things we had done, but because of his mercy, He saved us through the washing of rebirth and renewal by the Holy Spirit….” ~Titus 3:5

The Holy Spirit of God gives us rebirth and renewal. Rebirth occurs at the time we ask Christ into our lives. In that moment, the Holy Spirit comes to reside within us and we are made as new – like we have been born again as a newborn baby. The slate is wiped clean. All the sins of the past are gone and remembered against us no more.

But, unfortunately, we have developed habits of sin that must be removed from our life and that can be a timely process. By the renewal power of the Spirit, we can overcome the temptation of those old ways of sinning and choose a new path. As we walk this way, the Spirit guides us and reminds us of the commitment we have made to God to be His child. He will lead us through valleys and mountaintops to teach us what it means to be a true follower of Jesus Christ. We are never alone. Our Spirit Counselor will be with us every step of the way.

Further Thoughts:

1. Describe what you felt like when you received Jesus as your Savior.
2. Afterward, what kinds of struggles with sin did you face? Were they any different than before you received Christ?
3. List roles the Holy Spirit plays in our lives. Support with Scripture.
4. What do we need to do to be more in tune with what the Holy Spirit is saying to us?

Holy Spirit, thank You for Your presence within me. Teach me Your ways. I am listening. Amen.

Romans 8:11 "He Frees Us From the Tyranny of Sin"

And if the Spirit of him who raised Jesus from the dead is living in you, he who raised Christ from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies through his Spirit, who lives in you. ~Romans 8:11

When we receive Christ and the Holy Spirit comes to live within us, we are no longer bound to the sinful nature we were born with. Its oppressive power over us can be defeated by the power of the Spirit. Sin’s tyranny will have lost its reign. The bondage we have lived in no longer exists.

The Holy Spirit is the One we allow to put to death the misdeeds of the body. [Romans 8:3]

Thomas a Kempis, a 15^th century Augustinian monk, said that changing our habits toward sin will be at first difficult. “The flesh will cry out, but it will be restrained by the Spirit.” We have the power of the Holy Spirit not only guiding us away from our sinful nature, but helping us to resist the temptations that plague our lives.

Further Thoughts:

1. If the Holy Spirit lives in us, why are we still tempted by sin?
2. What is the relationship between temptation to sin and our decision to sin?
3. How does the Holy Spirit help us when we are tempted?
4. Write about a time the Holy Spirit clearly guided you away from the temptation to sin.

Holy Spirit, continue to help me when I am tempted to resist that which is death to me. You are my Protector. Amen.

Acts 1:8 "He Empowers Us"

But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.
~Acts 1:8

The Holy Spirit is the one of the Trinity that most of us fail to recognize often enough. Think about this. The power of the Almighty Creator of the universe is with you at all times. He will guide your every step. He will enable you to do the unimaginable. Jesus even said that we would do greater things than He did. That could only be possible through the power of the Holy Spirit. His power is unlimited, and that power is at our fingertips.

Am I suggesting we become super-powers or god-like beings? No, something even greater. We have the opportunity even in our frail, human existence to do the extraordinary – to be led by the omnipotent, omniscient God moment by moment. Yet how many times do we struggle and stumble along on our own strength when the Wisdom of the Ages is waiting to lead? Let the Holy Spirit empower you to be all you can be. He’s waiting.

Further Thoughts:

1. What do you allow in your life that drowns out the still, small voice of the Holy Spirit?
2. What would be possible for you if you allowed the Holy Spirit to empower you every day?
3. How does the Spirit’s power make us witnesses to others?
4. What would happen if all believers lived in the power of the Holy Spirit?

Father, You have given us a tremendous gift and source in Your Holy Spirit. Help me to embrace the power You give. Amen.

Ephesians 1:13-14 "He Confirms God's Work in Us"

And you also were included in Christ when you heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation. Having believed, you were marked in him with a seal, the promised Holy Spirit, who is a deposit guaranteeing our inheritance until the redemption of those who are God's possession--to the praise of his glory. ~Ephesians 1:13-14

Before we came into a relationship with God, the Holy Spirit did not live within us. He was at work around us. He would try to draw us to Him. But He did not live within us. That distinction is reserved for God’s children only.

His presence confirms two things. We are members of the family of God with full rights as heirs. His Spirit confirms that we are His children and co-heirs with Jesus Christ. And secondly, the Holy Spirit marks us with a seal. His presence guarantees that we have a reservation in heaven and eternity with the Almighty. What an amazing gift. He is working in us as His children now and as His children for eternity. By His Spirit we are made into a new creation for His glory and presented with a hope for eternity.

Further Thoughts:

1. What difference does it make in our daily lives that we are children of God?
2. Why do we need to have a seal on us for heaven?
3. How does your earthly inheritance compare with your eternal inheritance?

Holy Spirit, thank You for Your seal on my life that binds me not only to a family, but to Your eternal presence. Amen.

John 16:7-11 "Who is the Holy Spirit?"

But I tell you the truth: It is for your good that I am going away. Unless I go away, the Counselor will not come to you; but if I go, I will send him to you. When he comes, he will convict the world of guilt in regard to sin and righteousness and judgment: in regard to sin, because men do not believe in me; in regard to righteousness, because I am going to the Father, where you can see me no longer; and in regard to judgment, because the prince of this world now stands condemned. ~John 16:7-11

The Holy Spirit is first and foremost the third part of the Trinity. The very Spirit of God has always existed just as God the Father and God the Son have. In this passage in John, Jesus is telling us that the Holy Spirit will be our guide and the one to convict us of our sins. Before you even had decided to come to Christ, you knew the Spirit. He is the One who showed you your sin and your need for a Savior. It is the Holy Spirit that draws all men to Himself.

After we receive Christ, it is His Spirit who guides our every step if we will only take the time to listen and obey. Surrendering to the Spirit of God means freedom from the unknown. If I place my life in the hands and direction of the Almighty, I know that I will be walking the very best path for me. All I need to do is listen.

Further Thoughts:

1. Where do we first see the Spirit introduced in the Scriptures?
2. List the roles of the Holy Spirit. Support with Scripture.
3. How do you know when the Spirit of God is speaking to you?

Father, thank You for not leaving us alone but giving us Your Spirit. Continue to guide me and I will listen. Amen.

Joseph: Genesis 41:41-57 "A Microcosm of Christianity"

Read Genesis 41:41-57.

"He dressed him in robes of fine linen and put a gold chain around his neck. He had him ride in a chariot as his second-in-command and men shouted before him, 'Make way!'" NIV

The parallels between Joseph's life at this point and the Christian life are amazing. I've never really seen them before.

First of all, Joseph had been in prison, destitute. Although on the surface, Joseph was unjustly imprisoned, in reality, his prison experience could have been a result of is pride. His pride needed to be eradicated from his DNA. In the same way, our sin places us in a prison of our own making. We desperately need someone to rescue us from the sin and punishment we have brought upon ourselves.

When Joseph is taken out of the dungeon, the king (Pharaoh) gives him a place of honor second only to himself. He has rule over the land to do Pharaoh's business. God has likewise given us His Holy Spirit. With the power of the Holy Spirit working through us, we are unstoppable. Unfortunately, too many times, Christians never tap into that power that God has so freely given us. Whether through timidity, weakness, or doubt, we too often abdicate the authority we have been given and let the enemy have his hand. If we'd only see the power at our fingertips, we could rule the land.

Our land is in a famine -- a spiritual one. And if we'd simply reveal to the world the abundance that we have to share, they'd come flocking to the believers for a share of the Truth. God desires to bless in tremendous ways His children, we simply must be shining in the glory of His Truth through our love for others so people can find the beacon of rescue when they realize their need.

Further Thoughts:

1. Are there other parallels you see? 
   
2. What do we learn about Joseph based on the names he gave his sons?
   
3. Have you accepted the power of the Holy Spirit that God has promised us? If not, why?
   
4. What New Testament Scripture supports the fact that the Holy Spirit empowers the believer?
   

1 John 2:18-27 "Truth Never Changes"

Read 1 John 2:18-27.

"I am writing these things to you about those who are trying to lead you astray." NIV

This is an interesting passage because it is one of those that to be totally understood, you must know the context in which it was written and to whom it was written. Remember that one of the main purposes of this letter is to refute Gnosticism.

I want to focus specifically on verses 24-27. John says that we need to be sure that "what you have heard from the beginning remains in you." In their case it was the truth that the apostles taught them. The same is true for us through the written Word, but it can also be through preaching, teaching, and discipling that we have received. Keeping the Truth of Jesus Christ hidden in our hearts and not opening the door to distortion or doubt is our first objective. Truth does not change; our Lord is the same yesterday, today and forever. So anyone that tells me this is not Truth is claiming an evolution of Truth which is not possible. And that's a trick of the enemy.

Secondly, the Holy Spirit is our daily teacher. It is through the anointing within us that we are to be guided through the process of daily living. He is our True Counselor and Guide. The Gnostics believed that they had a higher anointing, but Jesus told us that each of us would receive the anointing of the Holy Spirit. He lives within us. There isn't a higher anointing than that.

Further Thoughts:

1. What is your initial action when you need Truth? Do you seek it from your family and friends? the Bible? Oprah? 
   
2. Can we have an absolutely complete understanding of the Bible? Why or why not?
   
3. What is the relationship between our understanding of the Word and the indwelling of the Holy Spirit in our lives?
   
4. Are you allowing any Truth doubters into your life? Why? (I'm not speaking about non-believers you are trying to develop a relationship with. I'm talking about people who are trying to convince you that Truth is not Truth.)
   

Matthew 18:12-14 "The Lost Sheep"

Read Matthew 18:12-14.

"In the same way your Father in heaven is not willing that any of these little ones should be lost." NIV

This passage is always such a comfort to me. As I pray for family members, friends, neighbors, aquaintances that don't know Jesus, I do so with a confidence that the Holy Spirit is never going to stop drawing them to Him. I don't have any hesitation in knowing that God wants them to come to a full saving knowledge of Him. So my desire, although possibly swayed by doubt in people, meets with His desire -- that all should be saved.

There is great comfort in this. We all know someone that is very far from the Lord and our heart's cry is that they accept Jesus. We've spent countless hours in prayer for the scales to be removed from their spiritual eyes, for their heart to be softened, for other believers to come into their life to speak truth to them. And through all that time, the Lord's Spirit has been reaching out to them -- drawing them to Him. All mankind is precious to Him.

Thank You, Lord, that my heart's desire began with Your heart's cry -- that not one should be lost.

Further Thoughts:

1. What other Scriptures show that God wants no one to be lost or perish? i.e. 2 Peter 3:9.
2. Is there someone you have been praying for a long time to come to Christ? Never, never, never give up. God hasn't.

Matthew 12:38-45 "THE Miraculous Sign"

Read Matthew 12:38-45.

"He answered, 'A wicked and adulterous generation asks for a miraculous sign! But none will be given it except the sign of the prophet Jonah.'" NIV

How often has this generation asked God to reveal Himself? People beg and beg for a sign that He is powerful, that He is loving, that He cares. They look for wonders in weeping statues and dove-shaped cumulus clouds. They want something manifested in the physical realm to assure them that a greater power exists in the world spirit.

This passage makes me feel sorry for Jesus and ashamed of the human race. Historically, Jonah's experience in the belly of the whale for three days was a foreshadowing of Christ's experience in the tomb before resurrection. Jonah was in the belly before he was spewed out and able to share with the Ninevites and they turn from their wicked ways. Jesus was in the tomb before His resurrection to become the way to salvation for all mankind. Yet we ask for a sign? Are we so shortsighted that we cannot look back 2000 years to the greatest and most miraculous sign ever given?

The God of the Universe came in the flesh to His created and suffered through pain and death so the price for our sins was paid. What greater "sign" can He give us? Has our faith diminished so much that we cannot "see" the Truth still living today and stand on that Truth as fact. Have we become blind to His transforming power still at work? Have we become deaf to the voice of His Spirit guiding us each day? Can we not feel His presence wrap our souls in His love when we wait upon Him in solitude or in praise? If we continue as a generation on this path of doubt, we are inviting an evil in like we never had before.

We have been given the miraculous sign and it does not fade unless we dim the light of illumination and revelation within our own lives. Christ is still alive and active. He has not left us to flounder alone. We must remain aware of His presence, fine-tune our lives to His frequency. The miraculous sign is still here.

Further Thoughts:

1. Read the story of Jonah and research the Ninevites. Compare and contrast Nineveh to the world today.
2. The miraculous sign continues. We have a Counselor as Joel prophesied (Joel 2:28-32) and Jesus promised in Luke 24:49 and was manifested in Acts 2:28-32. Read these passages; look at the progression of the Truth. Live in the power of the Holy Spirit's guidance.
3. Are you constantly looking for another miracle? Is your faith waning to the point you feel you need something to see, hear, or touch to believe? Stand on the miracle of the cross. It is complete enough to sustain you. Remain firm in your faith.

Matthew 10:17-20 "The Words of His Mouth"

Read Matthew 10:17-20.

“…do not worry about what to say or how to say it.” NIV

Being a wordsmith, this is a very difficult one for me to do. I will work and work to get even a conversation worked out in my head before I have it. But Jesus is saying that when we are faced with opposition, we don’t have to worry about the words to say, God will give us those words.

Now this is only going to happen under two conditions 1) we remain in an intimate relationship with the Father 2) we are listening for His voice.

Remaining intimately close to the Lord involves spending time with Him and learning His character. The more we study who He is and what He is about, the better we recognize His words when they come to mind. The enemy will try to interfere. But because we have known the Father, we will know whether or not the words coming to mind line up with who He is. If they don’t, we discard them as foreign and wait on the Lord. God never does anything or directs anyone contrary to His nature. If we learn as much as we can about His nature, we are prepared to discern anything that is not of Him.

Developing the skill of listening for God’s voice takes patience, solitude and silence – and sometimes fasting. It requires resisting the urge to always talk to Him and remaining silent to receive from Him. Sometimes, God remains silent for reason unknown to us but very clear to Him. But according to this verse, when words are needed, He will not fail to deliver.

Usually when we are confronted like the disciples were, the situation is very chaotic. The moment is urgent and the pressure is high. But if we’ve taken the time to exercise and develop our spiritual muscle of listening, we will know what we are to say when we need to say it.

Further Thoughts:

1. Moses needed God’s words to speak through him to get the Hebrews freed from the Egyptians. Read how Moses got to the place of being used by God in Exodus 3:1-4:31.
2. What words did Stephen use when faced by the Sanhedrin in Acts 7:1-53? How are these words given to Stephen differently than Moses received his words?
3. What words did Jesus use against Satan in the desert in Luke 4:1-13?
4. Are you spending enough time in the word to recognize the character of God? If not, commit to more intimate times with our Lord in His Word.
5. Prayer is not a monologue, it’s a conversation and God wants His share of the talking time. Do your prayers tend to be one-sided and full of “give me’s?” Spend more time in worship, praise, and thanksgiving, then in silence. It’s amazing what the Lord will speak to you. Keep a notebook nearby to record His words. When the Almighty Creator of the Universe takes time to talk to us, we should write it down. It must be very important.

Matthew 6:5-13 "So Be It"

Read Matthew 6:5-13.

"'Our Father in heaven,
hallowed by your name,
your kingdom come,
your will be done
on earth as it is in heaven.
Give us today our daily bread.
Forgive us our debts,
as we also have forgiven our debtors.
And lead us not into temptation,
but deliver us from the evil one.'" NIV

In this second act of righteousness that Jesus addresses, He once again assumes that we will prayer. It's not an option. He says, "And when you pray,...." So we can begin with the idea that we are supposed to be praying as followers of Jesus Christ.

Secondly, the act of praying is not for self-promotion or entertainment. It's a solemn communication between us and the Almighty Creator of the Universe and should never be taken lightly. He not only wants to hear the desires of our heart, but longs to speak to us as well. Prayer is a dialogue and the Lord wants to hear from you and get in His two-cents worth.

Which brings us to how we pray. Jesus gave us a beautiful structure for our prayers. If we examine the bones of it and understand the meaning of each part, we can fit it to meet every communication with the Lord that we have.

In verse 9, Jesus teaches us to acknowledge exactly who we are speaking to. This is much more for our benefit than God's. By addressing God as being in heaven and holy, we are immediately separating ourselves from a superior position to one of the humility of a servant ready to do the Master's will. This attitude sets the tone for the entire prayer.

That leads us to verse 10 where we literally speak our surrender to God's will as opposed to our own. We are acknowledging that our desire is to submit to Him and His direction. And that all things around us are governed by His hand. He allows both good and bad to come into our lives, but the reasoning of it is His own. He is in control and that is as it should be.

Once we've totally surrendered to who God is and the power and dominion He possesses, our asking becomes minuscule. When I am completely submitted to Him, He has my life under control. Now I just ask Him to provide for our basic needs. The rest He allows me to have is pure gravy. He never promised me mansions or fancy cars, but He did promise to never leave me nor forsake me. And His promises are always true.

As imperfect sinners saved by grace, we must never forget to ask for forgiveness when we fail. Sin is sin and must all be forgiven. Again, our hearts must be in a place of humility. This act has two outcomes, we are forgiven for our sins, and we are reminded of our fallibility that will keep us from a judgemental attitude toward others. We'll discuss the second part of this verse tomorrow.

Lastly, we ask for protection from the evil one and the temptations to sin. That's where the Holy Spirit comes in. We must be constantly in-tune to the Spirit's directions and warnings and always listening in humility and surrender to the Master. As long as we keep our eyes on Jesus - and off of the world and our own selfish desires, we will be able to overcome the evil one's attempts. It's not an easy task; the temptations are great. Hence, why Scripture says we are in a battle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities and powers we cannot see. The enemy will never stop fighting to get us back from the Master. So diligence is a necessity.

Never stop communicating with the Master. He created us for fellowship. Share your life with Him and He will pour out Himself on you.

Further Thoughts:

1. Look up the meaning of the word "amen." Does ending prayer with this word apply to how you pray?
2. Read Jesus' prayer in John 17:1-26.
3. Does selfishness ever have a place in our prayers? Why or why not?
4. Does God answer our prayers? Read John 16:23-24.
5. I know we live busy lives, but I challenge you to spend quiet, quality time with the Lord each and every day. He's our source. Get plugged in.

Matthew 5:4 "Blessed" Part 2

"Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted." NIV

Mourning for what? The sins I have committed in the past? The sinful nature that I seem to battle against daily? The fact that I have to face temptation and sinfulness around me every day? Difficulties and struggles of this life? Lost youth? Bleak future? Marital difficulties? Financial struggles? Past choices? Present trials?

I suppose He is referring to all of these depending on our true attitude of the heart. There are so many things in our life that can bring mourning, the difference is what we do with it. Once we have been faced with the saving grace of our Lord, our past sins can bring up much regret and mourning. But if we have humbly surrendered to His grace, His Spirit brings us comfort in our sorrow. If we are mourning our present state of affairs not out of selfish ambition, but a repentant desire to do better, He is our comfort. If we are mourning those circumstances which are out of our control but that are just part of living in a fallen, imperfect world, His Spirit will wrap His arms around us and assure us that He has it all under control.

We will continue to face trials and difficulties either as a result of our past choices or because of the imperfection of this present life. But we can persevere because we have been given a Counselor that not only wipes away our tears, but leads us through the fog. We must live in an attitude of mourning, but not dwell in the misery of it. As long as it leads to our dependence on the Father, we can change our mourning to joy, our sorrow to triumph.

Thank You, Father, that whether I am facing regret over sin or present sorrow over circumstances, You are my comfort. I delight in Your presence and receive comfort from Your Spirit. You bring me joy.

Further Thoughts:

1. What do I do with my sin regrets? (See 2 Corinthians 5:17-21, Isaiah 43:25, Psalm 103:12)
2. The enemy can tempt us to move from mourning to worry about our present situation. What do we do about that? (See Isaiah 41:10, Psalm 55:22, Luke 12:22-34, Proverbs 3:5-6)
3. Look up synonyms for "comfort" or "comforted." Then find verses with these words in it to memorize and bring to mind in especially difficult times. (If you go to Crosswalk.com and type the word in the search box and click "find," it will give you all the verses that contain that word.)
4. If you are in a state of mourning right now, give all the pain over to the Lord. Ask His Spirit for the comfort you need and rest in His arms. He will "not leave you nor forsake you."

Matthew 1:18-25 "Listen and Obey"

Read Matthew 1:18-25.

"...She will give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus, because he will save his people from their sins...." NIV

I don't know that I have read about the birth of Jesus all that much outside of Christmas. But it's making my June feel cooler. :-)

I can't even imagine what Joseph was going through at the moment the angel appeared. Think about it today.... My husband, Jim, has an angel come to him in whatever form an angel appears and tells him that I am having a baby that will save the world from their sins. AND Jim knows it's not his baby. I'd have to sedate him.....and me.

How did Joseph handle that news? Well, we know he at first considered divorcing Mary. But after the angel arrived, he "did what the angel of the Lord commanded him...." Would I have been that sure? It says Joseph "woke up." Would I have just dismissed it all as a strange dream and proceeded with the divorce? Wouldn't I have looked at Mary with suspicion as her belly grew larger and larger? Joseph somehow knew that the Almighty was leading him and did as he was told -- on faith -- because the evidence before him was totally contrary to reality. His wife was to give birth to the promised Messiah. The Jews had been looking for the one to save their nation for so long. Could this finally be the moment? And why now, why Joseph and Mary? I'd love to read their blogs.

So how many times does God speak to me, and I just dismiss it as a strange dream or crazy thought? Or the idea is so far-fetched it couldn't be what He said to me. What have I missed being a part of because I didn't pay attention or even believe? I so want my heart in tune with the Holy Spirit that if an angel of the Lord appeared in this room right now, I'd fall down on my knees and do whatever He told me without reservation or doubt. Well, I don't expect an angel to appear. But I do know the Holy Spirit will counsel me throughout my life. I must listen and be prepared to obey.

I keep thinking of the times my child's ball would roll into the street, and she'd start to go after it. Because I had trained her to listen to my voice and obey, when I yelled "Stop!" she listened. I so want to know my Father's voice that when He tells me to stop or go, I automatically obey. Some would call that a responding robot with no free will. I call it an obedient servant who desires to do her Master's will.

Lord, thank you for the gift of Your Son that has saved me from my sins. Continue to teach me to listen to You. I don't want to miss out on what you have for me to do .... or be. Your servant is waiting.

Further Thoughts:

1. Read the prophesies of Christ's coming. (Isaiah 7:14 and 9:6-7)
2. Samuel learned to be in tune to God's voice. Read the beginning of his story in I Samuel 3 and see how God used his attentiveness for the entire nation of Israel.
3. What does Jesus say about the Holy Spirit's counsel? (Read John 14:15-31.)
4. Jesus often went away from the crowds to have quiet time with His Father. Take some time each day to sit quietly before the Father and listen. Begin now; He's waiting for you.

Ephesians 5:18-20 "The Power of His Spirit"

"Do not get drunk on wine, which leads to debauchery. Instead, be filled with the Spirit. Speak to one another with psalms, hymns and spiritual songs. Sing and make music in your heart to the Lord, always giving thanks to God the Father for everything, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ." NIV

In this passage following the lesson on living wisely and understanding the Lord's will, Paul contrasts drunkenness with being filled with the Spirit. Obviously, it is making a choice as to what or whom we will be under the influence -- an over-abundance of alcohol or the Spirit of God. Hmmm, when you put it that way, this should be a no-brainer. Think about it, smashed out of my brain to the point I don't remember where I live, or filled with the Spirit of the Almighty Creator of the universe. Now Paul is using drunkenness as an example here; he could have used anything from the previous list of things to avoid, and filling our lives with any one of them would be in direct contrast to being filled with the Spirit.

When we receive Christ as our Savior, His Spirit comes to live within us. So what does being filled with the Spirit of God again do? According to the NIV study notes, the Greek present tense verb used here does not imply a one-time action. Being filled is an on-going process as the need arises. And the following verses, 19-20, would be some of the times we need empowered with more of the Spirit - to witness and worship. And that's where it is defined -- an empowering by God. We saw it in Acts 2:1-4 where the believers received the Holy Spirit and were "empowered" to speak in other languages that they had never learned before so they could share the truth of Jesus Christ. There were people gathered in Jerusalem from different nations and language groups for Pentecost. After the pouring out of God's Spirit, the believers were able to communicate with the foreign visitors the gift of salvation.

I may not walk up to a Frenchman today and suddenly be able to speak in French (unless the Holy Spirit wants to give that to me) but I do experience His power all the time in various ways. I can't imagine living without Him and His power enabling me to complete the calling God has placed on my life. I need His strength from simple tasks to complex ones; and He always provides when I ask. We serve a faithful God with a generous Spirit. He gives us of Himself over and over again if we will only ask, receive, and be thankful. Walk in His will, and He will provide the resources and power you need. He's promised.

Further Thoughts:

1. Where is the outpouring of the Holy Spirit prophesied in the Old Testament? (IF YOU WANT A HINT: Look in "Hidden book." Short book, you'll find it.)
2. What does John the Baptist say about the Holy Spirit? (See Matthew 3:11 and Mark 1:7-8)
3. Using a concordance, look up some Old Testament passages about the Spirit of God. When and for what purpose does God give His Spirit?
4. Read through other passages in Acts where the Holy Spirit came on the people. What happened?
5. How is the work of the Spirit related to faith? Support with Scripture.
6. The same Spirit that led the people of the Old and New Testaments is the same Spirit that fills us today. Why do you think we, in the United States, don't see some of the same dramatic results as they saw then or as some believers see in other countries now?

Ephesians 1:19-23

"...and his incomparably great power for us who believe. That power is like the working of his mighty strength, which he exerted in Christ when he raised him from the dead and seated him at his right hand in the heavenly realms, far above all rule and authority, power and dominion, and every title that can be given, not only in the present age but also in the one to come. And God placed all things under his feet and appointed him to be head over everything for the church, which is his body, the fullness of him who fills everything in every way." NIV

Look at that first line....."his incomparably great power for us who believe." That is an amazing gift and how often do I not even believe that God would give me of His power. At least my actions and attitudes don't show it. Then to make the incredulity go even deeper, Paul goes on to describe God's power that he showed through Jesus Christ. Just think -- the same power that raised Christ from the dead lives in me. The same power that placed Jesus at God's right hand and gave him authority over all, is at work in and through me. The same power that places Christ as head of the church, gives me, a simple believer, power. The same power that made Christ one "who fills everything in every way," fills my life every day. Do I believe this? If I do, then why am I not living by this power all the time. Am I only going to "tap into it" when I'm on a spiritual high after a great church worship service, or after witnessing a miracle of healing, or after a wonderful prayer time? I should be walking every moment of every day in this power. I should never be living a life of defeat, discouragement, fear, or ineffectiveness. I just need to have my "eyes enlightened" (Eph. 1:18) to remember. The darkness will try to hide this amazing truth from me. Thank you, Lord, for your Word that keeps me focused on Truth. Holy Spirit, guide me to walk in the strength of Christ's power each and every day.

Further Thoughts:

1. Using a concordance, look up Old Testament instances of God giving His power to man. Some accounts don't use the word "power," but it is clear that God's power is present. (See especially 1 Samuel 16:13; 2 Chronicles 32:7-8; Isaiah 63:11-13, read about Moses, Noah, David, Joseph)
2. What power did Jesus give the disciples? (Read Luke 9:1-2, Luke 10:18-20, Luke 24:49)
3. Look up the Scriptures in Acts that speak to the power of the Holy Spirit that lives within us.
4. How will I live my life differently this week because I am aware of the power Christ gives me through His Spirit?
   

Ephesians 1:13-14

"And you also were included in Christ when you heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation. Having believed, you were marked in him with a seal, the promised Holy Spirit, who is a deposit guaranteeing our inheritance until the redemption of those who are God's possession -- to the praise of his glory." NIV

The believers have been marked with a seal, the Holy Spirit. The NIV says "who is a deposit guaranteeing our inheritance...." A deposit is just a small portion of the whole. We now have the Spirit of God as our counselor and guide. He helps us navigate this life we are still trying to live on earth if we will listen. But some day, we will have so much more. We will know God in His fullness. That is so unimaginable. But what hope it brings. Lord, help me to cherish the deposit and to listen fully to Your leading.

Further Thoughts:
1. Write a definition of the Holy Spirit. Support with Scripture.
2. Look up "sealed" in the Greek Lexicon using Strong's Numbers NAS. (See www.crosswalk.com, Study Tools) Read the definitions of sealed listed for this Greek word, "sfragizo." This word is the same one used for "sealed" the tomb when Jesus died. It is the same "seal" that John 6:27 says that God placed on the Son of Man, Jesus. And it's the same word that describes how the believers will be marked in Revelation and how the enemy will be kept in the abyss. How is this relevant to how we are sealed by the Holy Spirit? How does this affect how we approach our daily life?
3. What is our inheritance? (Read 1 Peter 1:3-7 and rejoice!)