Grace Harbor Saints - here's another great Max Lucado short story, and it highlights why so many of us chose to fellowship at Grace Harbor! We were drawn to it, by the compelling presence of the people, the pastor, and the purpose of the church. We are all in the process of change, and the Holy Spirit is the greatest change-agent there is. I can personally attest to the power of "letting go" and letting God, as I was roadblocked at finding a solution to a serious problem in our personal drama at home, so I turned it over to Him, and His solution was mind-bending. I was drawn to Him, waited on Him, trusted in Him, prayed of course, and He provided - as promised. Oh, how He love us! Here's Max:
God’s Spirit did. Ten days after Jesus’ ascension into heaven, "all of them were filled with the Holy Spirit" (Acts 2:4). The followers experienced a gushing forth, a tremendous profusion. They were drenched in power. They all were: "sons and daughters…young men…old men…servants, both men and women" (vv. 17–18). The Holy Spirit, in his own time and according to his own way, filled the followers with supernatural strength. The Holy Spirit is not enthusiasm, compassion, or bravado. He might stimulate such emotions, but he himself is a person. He determines itineraries (Acts 16:6), distributes spiritual gifts (1 Cor. 12:7–11), and selects church leaders (Acts 13:2). He teaches (John 14:26), guides (John 16:13), and comforts (John 16:7 KJV). "He dwells with you and will be in you" (John 14:17 NKJV). Occasional guest? No sir. The Holy Spirit is a year-round resident in the hearts of his children. As God’s story becomes our story, his power becomes our power. When God’s Spirit directs us, we actually "keep in step with the Spirit" (Gal. 5:25). He is the drum major; we are the marching band. He is the sergeant; we are the platoon. He directs and leads; we obey and follow. Not always that easy, is it? We tend to go our own way.
To walk in the Spirit, respond to the promptings God gives you. Whether you turn to the right or to the left, your ears will hear a voice behind you, saying, "This is the way; walk in it." (Isa. 30:21) If Peter and the apostles needed his help, don’t we? They walked with Jesus for three years, heard his preaching, and saw his miracles. They saw the body of Christ buried in the grave and raised from the dead. They witnessed his upper room appearance and heard his instruction. Had they not received the best possible training? Weren’t they ready? Yet Jesus told them to wait on the Spirit. "Do not leave Jerusalem, but wait for the gift my Father promised…the Holy Spirit" (Acts 1:4–5). Learn to wait, to be silent, to listen for his voice. Cherish stillness; sensitize yourself to his touch. "Just think—you don’t need a thing, you’ve got it all! All God’s gifts are right in front of you as you wait expectantly for our Master Jesus to arrive on the scene" (1 Cor. 1:7–8 MSG, emphasis mine). You needn’t hurry or scurry. The Spirit-led life does not panic; it trusts. The same hand that pushed the rock from the tomb can shove away your doubt. The same power that stirred the still heart of Christ can stir your flagging faith. The same strength that put Satan on his heels can, and will, defeat Satan in your life. Just keep the power supply open. Who knows, you may soon hear people asking, "What’s gotten into you?"
Humbly in His service, and drawn to Him,
Ray
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Ray, I'm grateful for what you've shared today, for a couple of reasons. First, it's just so good to hear from you! Second, only hours earlier today I was sitting with God and felt Him telling me to just get quiet and clear my mind so that I could hear from Him. "Okay, God, I'm going to be still and quiet, but to clear my mind of the clutter I'll need your help," was almost exactly what I said. I knew that I both wanted and needed to shut my mind down from all the craziness, but I didn't know how. "God, how do I just STOP thinking so that I can focus on you?" I asked Him in bewilderment. I mean, has anyone else ever tried to do this - tried to actually STOP thinking all together and just be blank upstairs? It's quite difficult actually. Well, do you know that it actually happened for me today after I asked Him to help? I actually had a completely blank slate in my mind, free from wildly running thoughts. I was able to just tune into Him and what He wanted to say, but how nice it has been to read the devotional you shared. It affirms so much for me, the following portion in particular: "Learn to wait, to be silent, to listen for his voice. Cherish stillness; sensitize yourself to his touch. "Just think—you don’t need a thing, you’ve got it all!" How interesting that before I ever read today's post I was engaged in the very thing I would read about hours later. I love it when that happens, and I absolutely loved this devotional, Ray. Thank you for sharing.
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