5/17/13- Spirit of Adoption

²² We know that the whole creation has been groaning as in the pains of childbirth right up to the present time. ²³ Not only so, but we ourselves, who have the firstfruits of the Spirit, groan inwardly as we wait eagerly for our adoption to sonship, the redemption of our bodies. ²⁴ For in this hope we were saved. But hope that is seen is no hope at all. Who hopes for what they already have? ²⁵ But if we hope for what we do not yet have, we wait for it patiently. (Romans 8:22-25) 

Thoughts: We have been looking this week at how we must wait on the Spirit.  This passage speaks of how all of creation is waiting on us- on our being made straight- being re-deemed.  In fact, the Holy Spirit is the One who wakes us up to this waiting.  We who were blind to our need to be fixed are enabled to see when the Spirit comes to us and makes us alive to God (regeneration).  
      But not only do we see our need to be redeemed but we are given hope for it.  The Spirit adopts us but gives us hope until our adoption is made complete and we are ushered into the presence of the Father.  The Spirit comes alongside us- even inside us to help us get to the Father.
     When a child is left, neglected or lost in our state, the state appoints a "Guardian Ad Litem" to walk beside that child, to oversee the meeting of their need, to make sure the child has oversight and help and hope until that child can get into a permanent and loving situation. The Guardian Ad Litem is the advocate for that child- whose only interest in the situation is for that child. When the child is confused before the judge or their situation- the GAL helps bring comfort and peace- ushering that child into a safe home.  The Spirit is often called our "advocate" who brings comfort and peace until we arrive safely at our ultimate home.   The Holy Spirit, Paul is saying here, is like a guardian ad litem who will never leave us- but lives with us- until we are ushered into God's presence. 

Prayer: Holy Spirit, thank you for being with us as a guarantee of things to come.  Thank you for guarding my heart and giving me hope.  

5/14/13- Learning about the Spirit

⁴ On one occasion, while he was eating with them, he gave them this command: “Do not leave Jerusalem, but wait for the gift my Father promised, which you have heard me speak about. ⁵ For John baptized with water, but in a few days you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit.”

⁶ Then they gathered around him and asked him, “Lord, are you at this time going to restore the kingdom to Israel?”

⁷ He said to them: “It is not for you to know the times or dates the Father has set by his own authority. ⁸ 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.”

⁹ After he said this, he was taken up before their very eyes, and a cloud hid him from their sight. (Acts 1:4-8)

Thoughts: We learn so much about the Holy Spirit in this passage.  He calls the Spirit a gift to be waited for.  The Spirit moves where it wants- like the wind.  We are called to wait for the Spirit to move- dates and times are secondary.
    The Spirit is a gift from the Father.  Much debate has been whether the Spirit is from the Father and the Son or just the Father.  But the Spirit is a gift from God and should not be overlooked because of the deliverer. 

     The Holy Spirit's coming is meaningful.  The Spirit comes with power- like a rushing wind- that energizes and empowers us.  Some confuse the Spirit with energy, but the Spirit is more than energy and life.
    The power the Spirit gives us is the power to make a difference in the lives of others.  It is the power to witness.  The Spirit enables us to witness locally, regionally, and internationally.  

     The Spirit breaks down barriers of race, language, generation and gender.  When the Spirit moves, all the walls we throw up are broken down.  Pentecost showed that.  

Prayer: Lord, empower me to glorify and witness to you. 

(The Spirit is compared to the wind- strong and uncontrollable)

     

5/13/13- Signs of the Spirit

²⁵ “All this I have spoken while still with you. ²⁶ But the Advocate, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you.²⁷ Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid. (John 14:25-27)

Thoughts: On this week leading up to Pentecost and the Global Day of Prayer, it might be good to think about the purpose and importance of the Holy Spirit for us. 
    First, the word "advocate" in the NIV is variously translated as "comforter" "counselor" or "Helper."  It is literally "paraclete= the one who comes alongside to help" para (come along side) to help (kaletos).  
    It is important to see the primary way he helps us "teaching us and reminding us of Christ's words."  In other words, the Spirit continues the work of Christ by reminding us and making real to us what Christ has done.
    The next verse implies that the Spirit of God- the comforter and counselor and helper eliminates fear bringing peace.  

Prayer: Holy Spirit, comfort me in my problems and heartaches.  Counsel me in the way I should go.  Lift me up to you with your great help.  

(The Holy Spirit is like a coming wave forecasted by Christ.  It is powerful, washing, directing; if you ride the wave you will find adventure and joy).  

2/5/12- The Divinity of the Holy Spirit

Q. In how many persons does this one God exist?
A. Three persons exist in the one God: the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit.  These three are one God, the same in substance, and equal in power and glory.  

¹⁰ these are the things God has revealed to us by his Spirit.

   The Spirit searches all things, even the deep things of God. ¹¹ For who knows a person’s thoughts except their own spirit within them? In the same way no one knows the thoughts of God except the Spirit of God. ¹² What we have received is not the spirit of the world, but the Spirit who is from God, so that we may understand what God has freely given us. (1 Corinthians 2:10-12)

Thoughts: In Acts 5 the Holy Spirit is called God.  Later the only sin that Jesus says is unforgivable is the blasphemy of the Holy Spirit.  So God the Spirit is seen as especially holy and to be revered.  In the passage above God the Holy Spirit is said to be omniscient (searching "all things") and is able to be received by all (pointing to His omnipresence).  So if the Holy Spirit is called God and is given the attributes of God, we should consider Him a person proceeding from the substance of God and of that same substance.  The worship of Him is encouraged in the baptism formula (Mt. 28:20), the Apostolic benediction (2 Cor. 13:14), and the prayer of Revelation 1:4.
    The Holy Spirit appears to be the shy person of the Trinity, working behind the scenes and seeking to glorify God the Father and God the Son.  Yet, when we bring the Spirit into the equation of our lives, the power of God often comes.  We should not be afraid to ask the Spirit for help and strength. 

Prayer: Holy Spirit, you inspired the writers of scripture, illuminate your Word to me today.  You encouraged and comforted the saints of old, do the same for me this day.  You bring breath and life to what is stale and decaying, bring new hope to me today.