The epistle to the Colossians was written about the same time, and it carries the same theme. Yet there is one very marked difference. (Google image, Woman praying)
In Colossians the Holy Spirit is mentioned only once, but in Ephesians He is mentioned twelve times. Paul felt the need to express a system of truth in which the presence and power of the Holy Spirit is evident in the life of the Christian.
Let us make certain that when we think of the Holy Spirit, we mean what God means. He means the Holy Spirit, the Holy One, God in His holiness living within us. In Him we have the whole God, not only His power, but the living God Himself.
We need to allow our whole man, spirit, soul, and body, to be possessed and controlled by Him. As we think of what God in the Spirit is willing to do in us, we will realize that only we can keep Him from doing His work in us.
We must get rid of ourselves, lose our life, and die with Christ. Our new nature made alive in Him will be the fit vessel for all the blessing the Spirit will bring.
(Chapter 19, pp. 98, 99)
by Andrew Murray
Copyright © 1984
Copyright © 1984
by Whitaker House
Used by permission
Let's pray-
Father, "How amazing, how marvelous! God of all creation, Jesus Christ has made me acceptable to You, and now I am at peace with You. I can never praise You enough for sending Your Son who also introduced me to Your undeserved kindness on which I take my stand. So I am happy, as I look forward to sharing in the Your glory, and that’s not all! Now rather than complaining I rejoice in suffering because I know that suffering helps me to endure.
Endurance is building character, which gives me a hope that will never disappoint me. All of this happens because You have given me the Holy Spirit, who fills my heart with Your love. Forgive me and cleanse me from any unrighteousness that caused these selfish thoughts and beliefs that controlled my behavior toward others.
With total forgiveness and unconditional love I choose to be considerate of others . . . I choose to love others as You have loved me! Thank You, Holy Spirit, for coming to my aid and working with me as I am learning to walk in the Love of God, in the name of Jesus."
Today's Bible verses-
James 1:25 (PHILLIPS) “The man who looks
into the perfect mirror of God’s law, the law
of liberty, and makes a habit of so doing, is
not the man who sees and forgets. He puts that
law into practice and he wins true happiness.”
Lamentations 3:22-23 (NASB) “The Lord’s
lovingkindnesses indeed never cease, for His
compassions never fail. They are new every
morning; great is Your faithfulness.”
Mark 6:31 (NKJV) "Jesus said, “Come aside by
yourselves to a deserted place and rest a while . . .”
Today's quote-
~ Andrew Murray- "Parents! God's Word is your child's heritage from the Father in heaven. And you are commissioned to lead him into the knowledge and the love and the possession of its treasures. Make it a matter of earnest prayer that you may wisely and rightly do it. Let that Word dwell richly in you in all wisdom. In giving His promises, Jesus said, "If ye abide in Me and My words abide in you . . . " (John 15:7).
Let your life be one of unfeigned faith, that lives and delights in doing God's Word, such faith will pass on into your children. The quiet confidence that comes from God's Word is a power that makes itself felt with our children."
Adapted from Children For Christ by Andrew Murray
[Taken from Herald of His Coming newspaper, Vol 79, No 1 (937), p. 8. Used by permission]
Words of wisdom-
~ When troubles or pressure from responsibilities come, our first reaction seems to be to reach out to friends or family. Jesus needs to be the One we go to first, so we can find our peace in Him to guide us.
~ As the normal Christian mind is lazy and untrained, we find that we must have sincere determination to discipline and drill ourselves to want to seek God's messages in His word for us.
Today's message spotlight-
The Dating Maze: God‘s wisdom to guide you through dating, courtship, romance, and relationships, with Rick Sinclair and Jonathan Puglia, at the CFC Potsdam church.
Monday's CFC Youth Life Group,
with Pastor Ben Levendusky, and Aaron Cote
Dating Maze: Week 2
Monday's CFC Youth Life Group,
with Pastor Ben Levendusky, and Aaron Cote
List of recent sermons of CFC ministers. CFC Potsdam NY church has a live service at 10 am Sunday's for shut-ins. If for some reason you can't make it to the church you usually attend, click on the above link, and still get fed!
Helpful ways the Lord helped me in my marriage
Upcoming posts-
Alert Circles
15th- Saturday's post by James Banks
#41 Giving God the Glory
18th- Tuesday's post by Andrew Murray
#42 God's Almighty Power (Last one)
20th- Thursday's post by Andrew Murray
Good for You
22nd- Saturday's post by Kristen Holmberg
Powerful! I am becoming more and more aware of the power of the Holy Spirit as the only power within me that reaps a good harvest. What a sweet gift God gave when He gave the Holy Spirit to every believer. Thank You, Heavenly Father, for the three in one. Thanks, Jean, for pointing out that the Holy Spirit is mentioned once in Colossians and 12 times in Ephesians. I'm in a Bible study concentrating on one book of the Bible every month. We just finished Ephesians and this month is Colossians. Good info for me to take to the group. Blessings, my friend.
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