Infused by the Spirit: Allow the Holy Spirit Complete Control

Bread

The Lion Loosed

Be very careful, then, how you live--not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil. Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the Lord’s will is. Do not get drunk on wine, which leads to debauchery. Instead, be filled with the Spirit.  Ephesians 5:15-18 (NIV)

And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, with whom you were sealed for the day of redemption.  Ephesians 4:30 (NIV)


Butter

The Lesson Learned

The promises of our Lord Jesus of “I will never leave you nor forsake you” (Hebrews 13:5) and “Surely I am with you always to the very end of the age” (Matthew 28:20) are fulfilled by the indwelling Holy Spirit in the life of every believer.  Albeit we often shrink the Spirit’s control in our lives by our own poor choices.  We must learn to die to self and be willing for the Spirit to have free reign.  Believe me, we want what He wants which is for us to stand firm in all the will of God mature and fully assured.  While Jesus has gone to prepare a place for us, the Holy Spirit has come to empower us to walk in a manner worthy of the Gospel.  It is through Him that we are enabled to manifest the Fruit of the Spirit in an ever increasing measure – love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control.  It is through His power that we produce any fruit in keeping with repentance.  Scripture tells us “apart from me you can do nothing” (John 15:5B) – nothing of eternal value – nothing.

Further the Holy Spirit fills us with great joy and strength even as we walk through our “Valleys of Baca’s” (tears), taking us from strength to strength.  The world cannot give peace and joy without removing trials and tribulations – which are a given in this fallen world, yet Christ can give peace in the midst of troubles.  The Spirit within us causes us to glory even in tribulations.  This is a sure blessing that God with not deny His heirs of mercy when we seek and plead His promises and we do not have to beg as if He were unwilling to give as He willingly supplies the want of all these things allowing our hearts a joy than no man or devil can take from us.   


Heart Savor

The Lion Roars

The Spirit himself testifies with our spirit that we are God's children.  Romans 8:16 (NIV)

In the same way, the Spirit helps us in our weakness. We do not know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us with groans that words cannot express. And he who searches our hearts knows the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for the saints in accordance with God’s will.   Romans 8:26-27 (NIV)   

  • We are never to be lacking in zeal but keep our spiritual fervor serving the Lord.
  • We are to be zealous for the Lord’s great Name – through His power for His glory.
  • Create in me a pure heart and a steadfast spirit Oh Lord.