2005 02 February

The church has many organizers, but few agonizers; many who pay, but few who pray; many resters, but few wrestlers; many who are enterprising, but few who are interceding. People who are not praying are playing.

Two prerequisites of dynamic Christian living are vision and passion, and both of these are generated in the prayer closet. The ministry of preaching is open to a few. The ministry of praying is open to every child of God. Don't mistake action for unction, commotion for creation, and rattles for revivals.

The secret of praying is praying in secret. A worldly Christian will stop praying and a praying Christian will stop worldliness.

When we pray, God listens to our heartbeat. Hannah's "lips" moved, but her voice was not heard (I Sam. 1:12, 13). When we pray in the Spirit, there are groanings which cannot be uttered (Rom. 8:26).

Tithes may build a church, but tears will give it life. That is the difference between the modern church and the early church. Our emphasis is on paying, theirs was on praying. When we have paid, the place is taken. When they had prayed, the place was shaken (Acts 4:31).

In the matter of effective praying, never have so many left so much to so few. Brethren, let us pray.

Worship is "The act of paying divine honors to a deity; religious reverence and homage." (Unger) One Hebrew word means "to bow down, to prostrate oneself before another in order to do him honor and reverence." One Greek word proskuneo means "to kiss the hand to (toward) one, in token of reverence, also by kneeling or prostration to do homage; the word most frequently used in the New Testament."(Unger) Unger also makes the following General observations. "It is as natural to worship as it is to live. The feeling and expression of high adoration, reverence, trust, love, loyalty, and dependence upon a higher power, human or divine, is a necessity to man." "Worship is as old as humanity. It has its roots in a necessity of the human soul as native to it as the consciousness of God itself, which impels it to testify by word and act its love and gratitude to the Author of life and the Giver of all good." (Keil, Bib. Arch, p. 55)

Reverence is "the feeling or attitude of deep respect; the outward manifestation of this feeling."(Dic.) In the Bible, we see much evidence of such worship. David encouraged the congregation: Now bless the Lord your God. And all the congregation blessed the Lord God of their fathers, and bowed down their heads, and worshipped the Lord, and the king. I Chron. 29:20 When Jesus was born, wise men from the east arrived in Jerusalem with the question: Where is he that is born King of the Jews? for we have seen his star in the east, and are come to worship him. Matt. 2:1, 2 When they saw Jesus they fell down, and worshipped him, Matt. 2:11. There was the attitude of deep respect for Jesus.

Do we need to bow the head and fall down on our knees to worship God today? Not necessarily, but there should be deep respect, reverence, when we come to worship God.

Thursday, February 3
Reverence to God's Son, Jesus Christ
Luke 1:46-55, 68-79, 2:29-32, 3:4-6

Jesus Christ, God's one and only Son, given for the salvation of all mankind. Ph. 2:9-11, "…The Name which is above every name, that at the Name of Jesus, every knee shall bow… and that every tongue confess, that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the Glory of God the Father."

As we read the testimonies of Mary, the mother of Jesus; Zacharias, the father of John the Baptist; an elderly man named Simeon; and John the Baptist himself; what commanding reverence we see from each of their statements as they testify of who Jesus is and for what reason He came to earth. And John basically says it all in Lk. 3:6, "And all flesh shall see the salvation of God." Jesus Christ is our Redeemer, Emmanuel, our Mediator, our High Priest, our Savior! Does this begin to strike a sense of reverence in your heart? Ps. 100:1-5, "Make a joyful noise unto the Lord all ye lands. Serve the Lord with gladness, come before His presence with singing. Know ye the Lord, He is God. It is He that has made us and not we ourselves. We are His people and the sheep of His pasture. Enter into His gates with thanksgiving and into His courts with praise. Be thankful unto him and bless His name. For the Lord is good. His mercy is everlasting and His truth endureth to all generations."

When I think of the great sacrifice that Jesus made for me; to voluntarily leave Heaven and come to earth to go to the cross to die, be buried and then miraculously raised again the third day; I am in utter humbleness and reverence of Him, my Savior. And when we really meditate in the word and spend some prayerful time with Him on these truths, total and complete reverence to Jesus Christ, the second person in the Trinity, should become the foremost focus in our thoughts, words, and actions as we obediently live for Him each day.

Dear Lord, thank you for the great salvation that you brought and bought for the whole world, including me. Help me to have an undivided and a whole-hearted reverence and awe for who you are and for what you have done. May the words of my mouth and the meditations of my heart be acceptable in your sight, O Lord, my rock and my redeemer!

The home was the first institution to be ordained by God here on Earth. The home is also something that God has put together for our good. The Bible says in Genesis 2:24 that man is to leave his father and his mother, and shall cleave unto his wife: and they shall be one flesh. In Matthew 19:6, Jesus re-emphasizes the two being one flesh and then gives us something else, Wherefore they are no more twain, but one flesh. What therefore God hath joined together, let not man put asunder. It is not God's plan that homes be broken up, but rather it is sin's destructiveness that tears them apart. Fathers and mothers ought to set an example of love and respect for God to their children. As moms and dads build a love relationship with God, God will bring them closer to Himself and closer to each other. Keep in mind that it is God that has ordained the home and anyone who chooses to break the home apart shows great disrespect to God and the things He has made.

Respect is something that is seen less and less in the homes today. Many husbands don't respect their wives, wives don't respect their husbands, children don't respect their parents, and parents don't respect their children. Respect has to do with how we treat each other, but we've grown up in a society where most people's focus is on themselves only. The sin of selfishness has done more to advance the cause of Satan than almost anything else. The home is meant to be a place of honor, respect, and love for one another, but more and more homes are turning out to be places of war. As husbands, wives, and children choose to love, respect, honor, and obey God, He will lead them in the right direction. We must first respect God and the things of God, before we can treat others in a way that would be pleasing to Him. Take some time today to think of some way in which you can show respect to your parents, spouse, or children. God keeps homes together; sin tears homes apart.

With this topic in mind we need to keep the meaning of reverence in mind. Webster in his 1828 dictionary defines reverence as "to regard with fear mingled with respect and affection." He points out "We ought to reverence the Supreme Being, his word and his ordinances." As we read the passage in I Corinthians regarding the ordinance of the Lord's Supper it is obvious that the church was not showing reverence to the Lord nor His ordinance. Paul points out "that he can find nothing to praise in the Corinthian's conduct. When they meet together, instead of the service resulting in spiritual blessing, the fact is that they are worse off afterward than they were before. Why? Because they were carrying over their spirit of divisions even into the worship and fellowship services of the church." (G.C. Luck)

Paul endeavors to correct the problem by setting forth the true doctrine by reminding them as to the sacredness of the Lord's Supper. Paul claims to have received this teaching by direct revelation from the Lord. V. 23 He also points out that he had previously told them this: That which also I delivered unto you. V.23 But they were neglecting this truth. They were not showing reverence or respect for the Lord or His ordinance.

The Corinthians were observing the ordinance in an unworthy manner referring to the individual's conduct at the communion service. As a result, this brought condemnation upon them. Verses 29, 30 Paul explicitly states that because of such sins, certain Christians at Corinth had already suffered bodily affliction, and some had died. Not all physical affliction is punishment for sin, but evidently some is. It is important to remember when we come to the Lord's Table that we do so with reverence. A heart beating in rhythm with Christ above, is not out of step with Christ's work here below.

Today let's take a look at 2 important aspects of the Holy Spirit, the third person in the Trinity. First, we find that He is given to those that have placed their faith and trust in God the Son, Jesus, as a guarantee of salvation. He literally comes into our bodies and dwells in our lives to help us grow spiritually, part of the work of sanctification. We have amazingly, been freely given, the most powerful force in the universe, to help us live joyfully, even in the midst of difficult tribulation. Secondly, all Christians have this awesome power available to them and yet, many have never learned to use it or even worse, just simply have chosen to ignore it. The Bible calls this sin the quenching of the Holy Spirit in 1 Thes. 5:19. There are other sins of lying, grieving, blaspheming, and rejecting the Holy Spirit as well. But the sin of quenching the Holy Spirit seems to be one area that many folks are so overcome by. Thomas Manton put it like this: "Fire is quenched by pouring on water or by withdrawing fuel; so the Spirit is quenched by living in sin, which is like pouring water on a fire; or by not improving our gifts and graces, which is like withdrawing fuel from the hearth."
If we as believers would allow God, the Holy Spirit to guide us daily, and we would immediately busy ourselves with the spiritual gifts He has given us, we would then see such a change in our families and churches. As is given in today's text when the power of the Holy Spirit came upon the church there, "and many were being saved and added to them." So let's be encouraged today to confess sin, to ask God the Holy Spirit to display His power in our lives, and to help us allow Him free access in our hearts, so that His power can be used to change us, and others for Him. This will bring Him the true Reverence that He wants and deserves in our lives!
Gracious God the Holy Spirit, show me areas in my life where I have quenched you and forgive my sin. Help me to live a life that is obedient and pleasing to you. Help me to allow you free reign and access to my heart and life. Thank you for teaching me the truths of God's Word. And especially, thank you for the guarantee of Salvation that you have brought to my life! I pray in Jesus name, Amen.

Our focus has been on the subjects of reverence and respect. Who and what does God expect His people to respect and show reverence toward? Note what God says in Psalm 138:6, Though the LORD be high, yet hath he respect unto the lowly: but the proud he knoweth afar off. Isn't it comforting to know that as high as our God is, He still reaches down to lift up the humble. James 4:10 tells us that they who Humble themselves in the sight of the Lord, He shall lift them up. It's also interesting that God wants nothing to do with the proud and he also wants His people to have nothing to do with them. Look at Psalm 40:4, Blessed is that man that maketh the LORD his trust, and respecteth not the proud, nor such as turn aside to lies.

The Bible mentions on several occasions how that God is no respecter of persons. What God is saying is that He shows no favoritism or partiality. Romans 2:11 tell us For there is no respect of persons with God. In our text today, we see again that God is no respecter of persons and He teaches us to follow His example. Often, we are quick to see when others show partiality and favoritism and slow to admit when we are respecters of persons. In James chapter two, God uses the example of a rich man and a poor man. Many people pay special attention to the man who is wealthy and almost no attention to the one who is poor. Isn't it interesting that when Jesus came into the world He did not come of a rich family, nor did he strive to be a rich person. His eyes were not intent on the wealth of the world, but on the need of the people. Could it be that many people missed the blessing of knowing Jesus Christ because they were respecters of people. Let us not be a respecter of persons, for we are all in need of the same Savior and we will all stand before the same God. Many people know others for what they have; others know people for who they are.

When we speak of this subject we are not suggesting that we should refer to our pastor as reverend. We are speaking of having respect for the man and his office. I know very few men in the ministry who ever liked to be called reverend. Biblical terms for the individual who holds this office are: Pastor - And He gave some…pastors and teachers. Eph. 4:11 The Greek word poimen is the term for shepherd, feeder. The term is used in I Peter 5:2 feed the flock of God which is among you. He is the shepherd of the church. Another word is Bishop - If a man desire the office of a bishop, he desireth a good work. I Timothy 3:1,2 The word is used in Phil. 1:1 and Titus 1:7. It is the Greek word episkopos, overseer, and superintendent. This word indicates the character of the work undertaken. He is the overseer of the church. Another word is Elder - And from Meletus he (Paul) sent to Ephesus, and called the elders of the church. Acts 20:17 The Greek word is presbuteros, which speaks of the maturity of spiritual experience. Those appointed to have the spiritual care of, and to exercise oversight over, the churches. He was to be the president of the assembly. These 3 words are used interchangeably in Acts 20:17, 28; Titus 1:5, 7.

Paul wrote: And I thank Christ Jesus our Lord, who hath enabled me, for that he counted me faithful, putting me into the ministry. I Tim. 1:12 Pastors have a God-ordained ministry, appointed, ordained by the Lord Himself. And He gave…pastors…for the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ. Eph. 4:11, 12 Because of their position as men chosen of God, and because of their office, they are to be respected. It is also important for those called to this position to so live as to warrant such respect, I Tim. 3:1-7.

When we are going out camping or hunting, we wear clothes appropriate for what we are going to be doing. When we go to work we again wear clothes that are necessary for the job. Many times around home we wear older clothing that we would not wear when visiting with friends. If we know the preacher is coming for a visit, we put on different clothes that are appropriate and acceptable. I have been in the Vatican three times, and every time there was a sign that said, "Please wear clothing that is modest and acceptable in this Holy Place."

Some churches have two morning services. One is called "traditional," and the other is referred to as "contemporary." In the traditional service men are expected to wear a dress shirt, tie, suit, or sport coat. In other words they are to look like gentlemen. Women are expected to wear respectable and modest dresses, and have their hair combed. In the "contemporary" service anything goes. In light of the above, when you go to church you are going into a house of worship and it behooves each to dress as if the Lord God were in church also, because He is. He is there even though we do not see Him, He sees us. In respect to the Lord and His house we should dress appropriately.

I have often thought, what would the congregation think if the preacher went to the pulpit in street shorts and a polo shirt? When I was in college, professors were clean-shaven, wore suits, ties and dress shirts. Doctors looked like professional men. Nurses had white uniforms and caps. Something has happened over the years. We no longer respect ourselves. We have been taught in school that we are descendants of monkeys or apes, in other words, we do not see ourselves as being created in the image of God. We are taught that we are nothing more than educated animals. Well, some of my ancestors may have hung in the trees, but it was not by their tails.

Every believer should see him or herself as a new person in Christ. Paul said we are a creation in Christ, therefore let's look and act like new creations, 2 Corinthians 5:17.

Whether you are the employer or the employee, we need to remember that we are all under the same Master. Our ultimate job is to love God and walk in faith after Him. The boss and the worker must both realize that the way they do their jobs can either please God or displease Him. The Bible tells us in Colossians 3:23 And whatsoever ye do, do it heartily, as to the Lord, and not unto men. Notice, number one, that whatever we do we are to do it with our whole heart. Ecclesiastes 9:10 says Whatsoever thy hand findeth to do, do it with thy might. Second, the reason why we do our best is not to receive the praise of men, but to give glory and honor to our God. 1 Corinthians 10:31, Whether therefore ye eat, or drink, or whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God.

As both the employer and employee show respect for God, they must also show respect for one another. In Colossians 3:22 we see that servants are to obey in all things your masters according to the flesh; not with eye service, as men pleasers; but in singleness of heart, fearing God. Here again, we find that we are to do our jobs showing reverence to God. Later in Colossians 4:1, God tells the Masters to give unto your servants that which is just and equal; knowing that ye also have a Master in heaven. Again, God tells the boss to do his job keeping in mind that he is to show reverence to God. As we do our jobs, let us continue to remember that our primary job is to please God in all that we do. We cannot please God if we do a half-hearted job on anything. Sometimes some of the greatest difficulties are working for an unsaved person. Don't let your lack of work ethics or your lack of respect for authority be the reason he uses for rejecting Christ and His salvation. It is easy to show respect to your employers and employees when they are around, but how do you treat them when they aren't around?

Scripture places much stress on obedience to parents and the current lack of it in many quarters is surely the cause of much juvenile delinquency. It was a contributing cause of the depravity in the pagan world (Rom. 1:30 disobedient to parents), and will characterize the last days (II Tim. 3:2 disobedient to parents). In Eph. 6:1-4 and Col. 3:20, 21, Paul deals with the relation of children to parents. He begins with the subordinate party. Children are to obey their parents. We note that both parents are included. Mother, as well as, the Father is to be obeyed. What does it mean to obey? The Greek word hupakouo means to listen, attend, and so to submit. In the Lord belongs with the verb 'obey,' and describes the sphere in which this obedience is expected. Paul is addressing Christian families. Obedience to parents is declared to be 'right.' This is not only because it is 'proper' in a general sense…but because it is 'righteous,' according to God's Word which commands it.

The second area in which respect is to be shown to parents is Honor thy father and mother; which is the first commandment with promise. Eph. 6:2 Paul here quotes the fifth commandment of the Decalogue (law) Ex. 20:12. Honor goes beyond obedience to the attitude of the heart which produces obedience. Honor speaks of valuing. How do children value their parents? It is a duty, not an option. This is a commandment of primary importance and also accompanied by a promise. That it may be well with thee, and thou mayest live long on the earth. Eph. 6:3 The particular promise involved spiritual prosperity…and temporal prosperity as well.

In order for children to respect their parents, the parents likewise have responsibility to the children. Eph. 6:4 A good father, finding his son on the wrong track will provide switching facilities.

Many years ago I read a book titled, "Perennial Revival." The whole book was on a continuous revival in Africa. Norman Grubbs, the author, told of a revival among the people where he worked. These new, native, Christians were living in complete transparency one with another and with God. They had learned a spiritual lesson that we American Christians need to learn. They were honest in all their relationships with each other. They were not finding fault with the missionary or other believers. They were practicing what the Bible teaches as best they could.

2 Thessalonians 3:3-5 The Lord is faithful, who shall establish you, and keep you from evil. 4 And we have confidence in the Lord touching you, that ye both do and will do the things which we command you. 5 And the Lord direct your hearts into the love of God, and into the patient waiting for Christ. The above three verses instruct us, as to our relationship with God and other Christians. We are a family; the body of Christ and should be defending our brothers and sisters instead of putting them down and seeking to defeat them.
The following verse is imperative: Now we command you, brethren, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that ye withdraw yourselves from every brother that walketh disorderly, and not after the tradition which he received of us. 2 Thess. 6. If there is one who is sowing discord or hindering the ministry, we should withdraw ourselves from that person until they repent and turn from their sin. As long as discord is in the church, there will be no revival.
Verse 9 Not because we have not power, but to make ourselves an ensample (example) unto you to follow us. The minister of the church, the deacons, the Sunday school teachers and all who are in authority are to set an example before the rest of the congregation. The above are to be followers of Christ in every facet of their lives and establish the standards for the congregation to follow.

The Bible has much to say on how a man is to treat his wife and how a wife is to treat her husband. One of the very first things God said to mankind is that the man and the woman are to be one flesh. Notice what the Bible says about division. In Amos 3:3 God asks the question, Can two walk together, except they be agreed? Of course we know the answer to be, no. In Mark 3:25 Jesus says And if a house be divided against itself, that house cannot stand. Satan's goal is to divide. We allow Satan's influences to come between God and us. Daily, Satan is successful in dividing our churches and our homes. The husband and the wife must stay together, and if they are going to stay together they must work together. The husband is to maintain the leadership in the home according to Ephesians 5:22, 23. As the head of the home, he should be the one who initiates love, honor, and respect. Note what God says in Ephesians 5:25, Husbands, love your wives, even as Christ also loved the church, and gave himself for it. What a huge example to follow, to love our wives as Christ loved us and gave His life for us. In 1 Peter 3:7 God says ye husbands, dwell with them according to knowledge, giving honour unto the wife, as unto the weaker vessel, and as being heirs together of the grace of life; that your prayers be not hindered.

Many times with leadership, comes pride and with pride, comes selfishness. There is no room for selfishness in a marriage. Selfishness takes us right back to where we started, and that was with division. It is vital that husbands not lose sight of their wives. Often times we get busy doing things and we forget about the real needs of our spouse. Let us not forget the love that Christ showed to us, and let us seek to demonstrate that same love to our wives. To show reverence to God is to fear and respect Him and obey Him in all we do. Ephesians 5:28 So ought men to love their wives as their own bodies. He that loveth his wife loveth himself.

15th

Tuesday, February 15
Reverence and the Bible
Psalm 119:11, 89, 105, 140; Hebrews 4:12

A tribute to the Bible: God's Word is the traveler's map, the pilot's compass, the pilgrim's staff, the soldier's sword, and the believer's log. The Bible contains light to direct you, comfort to console you, food to sustain you, wisdom to teach you, fire to warm you. This Book reveals the mind of God, the original state of man, the way of salvation, the doom of sinners.

A very good friend, Wayne Sawtell, when he was alive had a policy of never allowing anything to be placed on his Bible. Why? Because he believed in showing reverence for the Word of God. Some would say "it is just another book" and would treat the Bible as such. When we take time to study the Bible we find it is not just "another book." What does the Bible say about itself?

Paul refers to it as the Holy Scriptures. II Tim. 3:15. In the very next verse, Paul tells us All scripture is given by inspiration of God. 3:16 The Bible is the inspired Word of God. By inspiration we understand that God has breathed into every scripture. Nearly two thousand times the writings of the Old Testament declare themselves to be the voice of God. Such phrases as, thus saith the Lord; the Lord said unto Moses; the Lord spake, saying appear again and again. Well over three hundred times the very words thus saith the Lord appear. The New Testament also bears witness to inspiration. The apostle Peter wrote: For the prophecy came not in old time by the will of man: but holy men of God spake as they were moved by the Holy Ghost (Spirit). II Peter 1:21 The witness of Jesus Christ ought to bear more weight than any other. He said It is written again and again. The Scripture cannot be broken, John 10:35. Revere the Bible. What a wonderful Book is the Bible. It is unbreakable, unshakeable, and unmakeable.

16th

Wednesday, February 16
Reverence to the Elderly and Seniors
Ephesians 5:20 - 6:4

God has ordained the family unit as the earthly authority that would bring Him Reverence, Glory, and Honor. The head of the family is Christ, then the husband, then the wife, and then the children. This is God's way of leadership in and for the home. As we study this today, let's prayerfully consider and ponder how we should honor and respect the elderly, including our own parents, grandparents and so-forth.
In today's society we literally see a total breakdown of the family unit. Many parents have lost their love for the Lord and so are not teaching their children the proper respect for God and His Word. Dads and moms are getting divorces at the most alarming rate in history. Many children are not being taught the precepts of the Lord and are following in the parents footsteps, as our society is progressively becoming more fragmented. Many elderly folks are unwillingly getting moved into nursing homes and so forth. The family unit is in total disarray.
As believers, what can or should we do? I believe the answer lies in our text today from Ephesians, in teaching and living in obedience and giving honor to those placed in authority over us. As a child, I was taught this over and over again. I involuntarily came along at first, when my folks went to visit the Nursing Homes, to bring them a church service, or just a visit with a little music and prayer. I was taught to honor my father and my mother and all those that were in authority over me. I began to love and enjoy helping the elderly, visiting them and bringing the love of Christ into their lives. God's grace, love and mercy many times is distributed by obedient believers unto others that have need. And what a blessing it is to be one that brings these precious gifts.
Dear Lord, as we teach our children by example to obey God's Word, help us to show proper respect to the elderly by calling them Mr. And Mrs., by bringing the children along when helping the elderly in areas of need, and by regularly visiting the elderly in their homes. Thank You that Reverence is something that is taught and then lived, and learned by example. May we bring Glory to You as we bring the proper reverence to the elderly as you have asked us to, in Jesus' name, amen.

17th

Thursday, February 17
The Spirit of Christ
1 Peter 1:1 - 12

The title, "The Spirit of Christ," in verse 11 has a very significant meaning and purpose, as it is mentioned this way in only one other passage of scripture, Romans 8:9. "The Spirit of Christ" is specifically the Holy Spirit, as He relates to Jesus Christ the Son, in the work of Salvation. As we read in verses 1-2, we see the three persons of God mentioned by Peter, as God the Father, the (Holy) Spirit, and Jesus Christ. This whole passage deals with the salvation of God the Father's elect, who are sanctified through the Holy Spirit, and covered by the blood of Christ. Throughout the scriptures, over and over again we see the plan of God the Father, for those that will believe, the salvation from God the Son, for those that will and do believe, and the continuing work of God the Spirit, for those that will and have believed. What we begin to realize is that God is three in one and all have a part in salvation; one God, three Persons, three in One. In our physically limited, sinful, finite minds, we cannot even begin to comprehend this concept, but it is taught in God's Word, over and again. And those that are saved believe and accept this truth of the Trinity, and the Spirit of Christ.

The key to understanding this doctrine is the "illumination of the Spirit" in our hearts that comes through salvation. Without the "Spirit of Christ" in our lives, there is no way to believe unto salvation and to understand the purposes and truths of God for salvation, and more specifically, who He is, in the persons of God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit. The power of the Spirit creates the glorious truth of the indwelling presence of God within the believer and also of the believer within God. The Spirit of Christ indwells the believer. We can look at the spirit of a person and tell if he has the Spirit of Christ. If he does, then he bears the fruit of Christ's Spirit. The Spirit and His fruit are seen in the life of the believer. The true believer proves that he is "In Christ" by the life which he lives. Sadly, the opposite is also true for those that have not the Spirit of Christ. Their spirit and their fruit is not of Christ, rather it is of the world. Please read Luke 13:23-28.

18th

Friday, February 18
The Spirit of the Lord
Isaiah 11:1-16

Chapter 11 is prophetic and most of it will be fulfilled in Christ's millennial reign on the earth in the future. However, our text, Isaiah 11:2 opens to us an insight into the ministry of Christ when He was walking the dusty roads of Galilee and Judaea. Isaiah 11:2, And the spirit of the LORD shall rest upon him, the spirit of wisdom and understanding, the spirit of counsel and might, the spirit of knowledge and of the fear of the LORD. This seven-fold ministry of the Holy Spirit is revealed to us, and each of these words will be part of our daily devotions this month. Spirit of the LORD; Spirit of wisdom, Spirit of understanding, Spirit of counsel, Spirit of might, Spirit of knowledge and Spirit of the fear of the LORD.
In Isaiah 61:1, 2, The Spirit of the Lord GOD is upon me; because the LORD hath anointed me to preach good tidings unto the meek; he hath sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives, and the opening of the prison to them that are bound. To proclaim the acceptable year of the Lord ....Luke 4:18-19 is almost an exact quotation of the above words. Jesus stopped in the middle of the verse because the second half of the verse refers to His Second Coming and the "Day of Vengeance."
At the birth of our Saviour, the angelic host announced that Jesus would proclaim good tidings and bring peace to all men. Matthew 3:16 And Jesus, when he was baptized, went up straightway out of the water: and, lo, the heavens were opened unto him, and he saw the Spirit of God descending like [as] a dove, and lighting upon him. Jesus' baptism was not a baptism for repentance, but rather it was to fulfill all Scripture. With the descent of the Holy Spirit, Jesus began His public ministry. Following his testing of the devil in chapter 4, Jesus preaches the great Sermon on the Mount as recorded in Chapters 5, 6, and 7. This same Holy Spirit that is referred to by Isaiah is the Holy Spirit that indwells every born-again believer. Praise the Lord!

19th

Saturday, February 19

The Personality of the Holy Spirit
John 14:16-21

What is the Holy Spirit? Is it a force or some kind of influence? Is it something that is a part of all men that we call the conscience? These are questions that are often asked by people who seek to understand what the Holy Spirit is and what He does. Today let us start off by saying that the Holy Spirit is not an "it". What we're saying is that the Holy Spirit is not a force or influence or some kind of conscience that all men posses. The Holy Spirit is a Person, an actual Person.

Notice what Jesus says in John 14:26, But the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in my name, he shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you. This verse helps us to understand that even Christ referred to the Holy Spirit as a person. Also, notice the personal masculine pronoun that Jesus uses, He, not "it". In this verse, we also see some of the personal acts that the Holy Spirit performs. He teaches and reminds. Some of His other activities include convicting men of sin (John 16:8-11), guiding men in truth (John 16:13), glorifying Christ (John 16:14), speaking and calling men into service (Acts 13:2), and interceding on our behalf (Rom. 8:26).

How unfortunate it is that men treat the Holy Spirit in the way that they do! Notice that the Bible records several different ways in which the Holy Spirit can and has been treated. He can be tempted (Acts 5:9), lied to (Acts 5:3), grieved (Eph 4:30), resisted (Acts 7:51), insulted (Heb. 10:29), and blasphemed (Matt. 12:31). Now seeing that the Holy Spirit is an actual Person, let us ask ourselves two questions. Who is the Holy Spirit to us? And how do we treat Him?

20th

Sunday, February 20

Spirit of Prophecy
Revelation 19:5-10

In today's text, we read Revelation 19:10 … the testimony of Jesus is the spirit of prophecy. The Bible is a Christ centered book, and the Bible is a product of the work of the Spirit of God. We read in 2 Peter 1:21… the prophecy came not in old time by the will of man: but holy men of God spake as they were moved by the Holy Ghost. Jesus challenged the religious leaders in Israel, John 5:39 Search the scriptures; for in them ye think ye have eternal life: and they are they which testify of me. Jesus did not rise to spiritual leadership in Israel through normal channels. He did not study at the feet of some great Rabbi, or some of the best schools in the world like the apostle Paul, or Moses. Jesus was a simple carpenter until He entered public ministry.
Therefore, an important evidence of the work of the Holy Spirit is the work of magnifying Jesus Christ. Jesus said, John 12:32 … if I be lifted up from the earth, will draw all men unto me. In Acts 1:8 we read that Jesus told his disciples… ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth. This text is not just for pastors, missionaries or those with some special calling or gift. As surely as the Spirit of God dwells in the heart and is allowed to work in the life, the result is soul winning. Sadly, many of God's people have never won even one soul to Christ, and many fail to give effective witness to the gospel day after day. A life like this is one lived after the flesh and not of the Spirit. If we have a normal healthy spiritual life, we can and will reproduce. I wonder, can you look around today and see people that have come to Christ in and through you. If not, why not open your heart and life to God today. Follow Him and He will make you a fisher of men. A life or church without evangelism is one without the work of the Spirit.

21st

Monday, February 21

The Holy Spirit, Comforter
John 14:15-26

Four times in John 14-16, Jesus calls the Holy Spirit the Comforter. And I will pray the Father, and He shall give you another Comforter, that he may abide with you forever; Even the Spirit of truth. John 14:16,17 But the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in my name, he shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you. John 14:26 But when the Comforter is come, whom I will send unto you from the Father, he shall testify of me. John 15:26: 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. John 16:7 Thus, Jesus tells us the Comforter is the Holy Spirit and He was sent by the Father at the request of the Son, Jesus Christ.

The Greek word for Comforter, parakletos is literally called to one's side, i.e. to one's aid…and suggests the capability for giving aid. It was used in a court of justice to denote a legal assistant, counsel for defense, an avocate. One who pleads another's cause, an intercessor, and advocate, as in I John 2:1, of the Lord Jesus. In the widest sense, it signifies a succourer, comforter. Christ was this to His disciples. The word another is allos, another of the same sort, not heteros, different. The Lord Jesus had been an unfailing source of inspiration and strength to His followers. Now another was coming to take His place. The immediate emphasis is upon the abiding presence of the Spirit - forever. It is the Holy Spirit Who indwells every believer. One revealed truth from the Bible is worth more than all the wisdom of men.

22nd

Tuesday, February 22
The Spirit of Glory
1 Peter 4:12-19

This particular name for the Holy Spirit is one that is shown in the Old Testament, as well as the New Testament. The Spirit of Glory, is the Holy Spirit, who has Glory, or Who is Glorious. In the Old Testament, the Glory of God was represented by the Shekinah light, that luminous glow which signified the presence of God in Exodus 33:15-34:9. It is also spoken of in Ezekiel, chapters 8-12, when the Shekinah Glory of God, was being slowly and incrementally withdrawn from the temple and from the nation of Israel. Until Christ came, the work of the Holy Spirit in people's lives was limited, but the promise that Christ then gave was that, when He departed, the Comforter would come.

And that is what we see in our text today. In verse 14 …The Spirit of Glory and of God rests upon you. The important thing to recognize about the Spirit of Glory is this. He only rests on those who truly know Him and follow Him. He is given to those who have truly placed their faith and trust in Jesus Christ to save them, as a guarantee of their decision of faith. Then He guides them in the truth of His Word and in the path that He has planned for them. That's why Peter says back in verse 12, Beloved, think it not strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened unto you. If we are genuine believers, we will face trials, for which we can rejoice for His Names sake. However, there are many who claim to know Christ and yet have never experienced His spirit, nor have any evidence of the Spirit of Glory, or who don't have any spiritual trials and are not reviled for the Name of Christ. Perhaps they have never really accepted Christ as Savior, or else the Spirit of Glory has been quenched in their lives, and His grace is being incrementally withdrawn from them.

Do you know for sure if the Spirit of Glory and of God rests upon you? If so, you can rejoice and be glad for He will guide you and help you through each trial that you face. Verse 19, Wherefore let them that suffer according to the will of God commit the keeping of their souls to Him in well doing, as unto a faithful Creator.

23rd

Wednesday, February 23
The Spirit of Wisdom
I Kings 3:10-28

Some old sage has said, "Wisdom is the right use of knowledge." I have known people who had a head full of knowledge and very little wisdom. On the other hand, I have known people who had very little knowledge, but were filled with wisdom. Maybe the old sage was wrong? Solomon asked for wisdom and was the wisest man to ever live. God gives wisdom to those who seek it.

In Isaiah 11:2, "The Spirit of Wisdom" is the wisdom given to Solomon. The King desired qualifications that would help him lead the nation and settle problems between individuals. Solomon's book of Proverbs is filled with wisdom, as a matter of fact, wisdom is recorded 54 times in Proverbs. Ecclesiastes records "wisdom" 28 times. Wisdom is recorded 54 times in the New Testament, however, it also includes worldly wisdom that is not acceptable to God. Godly wisdom profits a person or a nation. The word "wisdom" is not mentioned in 2 Corinthians 7:8-10, but it is intimated in that a person who has godly sorrow will be led to repentance and salvation.

As a youth, Jesus "increased in wisdom and stature," Luke 2:52. In Acts 6:3 the deacons were chosen because they were full of the Holy Spirit and wisdom. It is important to note that being filled with the Holy Spirit stands along side of wisdom. And remember the wisdom of this world is foolishness with God, I Cor. 1:20.
James says "If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him," James 1:5. We are instructed to seek wisdom from God and if we do, we shall receive it. Wisdom is to know when to speak, shut up and sit down. Wisdom is to know when to help and when not to help. A wise counselor needs godly wisdom in order to help others who have large or small problems.
A psychologist may have much worldly wisdom, but little godly wisdom when dealing with spiritual problems. Let us pray for the wisdom that comes from God in all spiritual things.

24th

Thursday, February 24

The Holy Spirit is a Divine Person
Acts 5:1-11

Not only is the Holy Spirit an actual Person, but he is a divine Person. He is deity. In Acts chapter five, we find that Peter says to Ananias, why hath Satan filled thine heart to lie to the Holy Ghost... why hast thou conceived this thing in thine heart? thou hast not lied unto men, but unto God. In this passage, it is clear to see that the Holy Spirit is God. He is co-equal to the Father and the Son. Though there is only one God, He is three distinct Persons. In Matthew 28:19 Jesus identifies the three distinct Persons, Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost. The Holy Spirit is the third Person in the God-Head (Trinity).

The Holy Spirit possesses all the same attributes as the Father and the Son. The Holy Spirit is eternal (Hebrews 9:14), "Omnipotent" all-powerful (Romans 8:11), "Omnipresent" present everywhere (Psalms 139:11), and Omniscient" all-knowing (1 Corinthians 2:10-11).

Aside from the Holy Spirit being called God and possessing all the same attributes of the Father and the Son, He also performs works that only God can do. Such works of deity are attributed to Him like; creation (Genisis 1:2), the inspiration of the Scriptures (2 Peter 1:21), and the raising of the dead (Romans 8:11).

As we go through the day, let us be challenged to meditate on the person, ministry, and work of the Holy Spirit and as we meditate on Him, let us not forget His relationship to us. 1 Corinthians 6:19-20 What? know ye not that your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost which is in you, which ye have of God, and ye are not your own? 20 For ye are bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God's.

25th

Friday, February 25
The Spirit of God Has Set Us Free
Romans 8:1-9

From time to time, I think about the idea of a free will. What does it mean? I am not sure. We need to appreciate that what we are by nature has a great impact on our desires and choices in life. For example, if we are normal and healthy, psychologists tell us that self-preservation is one of our strongest natural instincts. We are free to choose to hurt ourselves, but no one in his or her right mind has that desire or ability. The apostle Paul speaks of this instinct in Ephesians 5:29 when he writes under the inspiration of the Spirit of God … no man ever yet hated his own flesh; but nourisheth and cherisheth it… I believe this instinct is good and comes from the original creation. However, in the original creation, this principle was subordinate to our love for God and His honor. Sadly, since the fall, each individual exalts self above all else.
With the fall of man into sin, the race became spiritually dead and all became sinners by nature and choice. Romans 5:12…. by one man sin entered into the world, and death by sin; and so death passed upon all men, for that all have sinned… As sinners, we choose sin and desire sin. Martin Luther had this debate about our will being the product of a corrupt nature with the great thinkers of his day. Luther affirmed the Biblical concept that the human heart is in bondage to sin in his book, The Bondage of the Will. In Proverbs 5:22 we read, His own iniquities shall take the wicked himself, and he shall be holden with the cords of his sins.
Yet, when we are born of the Spirit of God through faith in Christ, love for God and goodness becomes the dominant force in our lives. We retain our fallen nature of the flesh, but through the Spirit of God, we are made partakers of the divine nature. As such, we are free from the bondage and corruption of sin. As we see in today's text, Romans 8:2 … the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus hath made me free from the law of sin and death. There is simply no substitute for this powerful work of the Spirit of God in our lives. Say, have you come to experience the power of God's grace? If not, why not open your heart to the work of God today.

26th

Saturday, February 26

The Presence of the Holy Spirit
Psalm 51:1-13

This Psalm has been attributed to David and is one of the great penitential Psalms. Penitential means proceeding from or expressing penitence or contrition of heart; as penitential sorrow or tears. Another word for it is repentance, being sorrowful on account of sin or transgressions. It opens with a general cry for pardon, which comes out of a deep sense of sin, and an equally profound desire for forgiveness. It is the prayer of David as he repents of his sin with Bathsheba.

In his prayer, David cries out Cast me not away from thy presence; take not thy Holy Spirit from me. 51:11 Before Jesus was glorified and before Pentecost, the Spirit was not poured out upon all flesh. The Holy Ghost was not yet given; because Jesus was not yet glorified. John 7:39 In the Old Covenant, His work in the heart of men was therefore altogether different from what it is now. It was characterized in this way: (1) The Spirit was not given to all. God clothed with His Spirit those whom He called to a special ministry; (2) The Spirit was temporarily given, and could be withdrawn; (3) The work of the Spirit in the heart of man was not as yet complete. Thus, David was concerned that God would remove the Holy Spirit from him. That God would withdraw His comforts, counsels, assistances and quickening.

Under the New Covenant it is different. When a person accepts the Saviour, the Holy Spirit indwells that individual and Jesus said He would abide forever. John 14:16 He can be grieved and quenched Eph. 4:30; I Thess. 5:19, but His presence remains with us. If you are headed in the wrong direction, God allows U-turns.

27th

Sunday, February 27
The Spirit of God
Genesis 1:1-2:4

The phrase, "Spirit of God" is mentioned elsewhere in the scriptures, but let's take a look at this particular passage today. I personally love how Genesis starts out in verse one, "In the beginning, God…." This truth is directly opposed by our society and it's thinking today. All we ever hear much anymore is man's version of evolution, "millions and millions of years ago." To these evolutionists, we as genuine believers, boldly shout, "Not So!" Either God's Word is completely true and trustworthy, or it's not. And we as believers, with the "Spirit of God" in our lives, can shout from the rooftops with clear testimony to the fact that "In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth." What a glorious truth we see here! The Trinity, God the Father, God, Jesus Christ the Son, and God, the Holy Spirit, were all involved as "Creator" of the universe and the world as we know it, including you and I. Verse 2 says "…And the Spirit of God moved on the face of the waters." This describes the Spirit of God, as He is omnipresent, literally being everywhere at the same time, as the creation was taking place in 6, literal, 24-hour days. John 1:1-4 says this about the Son, "In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. 2The same was in the beginning with God. 3All things were made by him; and without him was not any thing made that was made. 4In him was life; and the life was the light of men." It is great cause for personal excitement when we see in God's Holy Word, what He has done for those that already have received Christ, and for those who will place their faith and trust in Christ to save them for all of eternity. The Spirit of God took an active part in our being created. He also takes an active part in convicting the world of sin, and He is given as a guide and comforter to those who have confessed Christ as Savior! Praise God! Praise God for His Creation and making us! Praise God for His Son in saving us! Praise God for the Holy Spirit of God as He lives within us and guides us moment by moment!

Dear Spirit of God, Creator, Sustainer, Comforter, Indweller, may we forever sing this song unto You! Praise God from Whom all blessings flow. Praise Him all creatures here below. Praise Him above ye heavenly host. Praise Father, Son, and Holy Ghost. Amen.

28th

Monday, February 28

The Spirit of Understanding
Colossians 1:9-14

The introduction to the Gospel of Luke (1:1-4) establishes the groundwork for writing to Theophilus. Luke also writes to the same man in Acts 1:1. Luke wants Theophilus to understand both the life and work of Jesus and the history of the early church.

In Ephesians 4:18, Having the understanding darkened, being alienated from the life of God through the ignorance that is in them, because of the blindness of their heart: Paul tells us the Jewish nation was stumbling about in ignorance and blindness because of their hard hearts. This is also true for the gentiles who reject the new birth. The other side of the coin is found in Eph. 1:18, The eyes of your understanding being enlightened; that ye may know what is the hope of his calling, and what the riches of the glory of his inheritance in the saints. The born-again believers are enlightened, that is, his or her eyes, mind and heart are opened to know where they are going. Having accepted Jesus as their Lord and Savior they understand the hope of eternal life looking forward to the inheritance that awaits them in glory. We only have an earnest of what is ahead for us in eternity.
Ephesians 5:17 Wherefore be ye not unwise, but understanding what the will of the Lord is. Paul uses the negative "NOT" to get our attention and then a positive thought, "THAT YOU MAY KNOW WHAT THE WILL OF GOD." Many Christians go through life not knowing what God wants of them. They waste their talents on trivial things when God has something important for them to do.
2 Timothy 2:7 Consider what I say; and the Lord give thee understanding in all things. We do not have the space, but please read the context (verses 1-8) and note the eight charges Paul gives to Timothy. Also to us "Be strong, commit, endure hardness, no man that warreth gets involved in the things of the world, strive for the masteries except he strive lawfully, wait for the fruit, consider and remember.

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