Hello, my name is Lewis. Recently, during perilous times, I was rescued. Jesus would say I was born again… born of water and the Spirit. Because of Him: God has forgiven my sins; I’ve been set free from the plague of addiction; and I have experienced peace beyond understanding. God’s love has invaded my heart… the Holy Spirit lives in me.
Before Jesus completed His time on earth, He told His disciples it was better for Him to leave so that the Spirit could come. He promised His followers this Gift from His Father… the Helper, the Counselor, the One who would remind, teach, and empower.
The Bible says: “When you believed, you were marked in Christ with a seal, the promised Holy Spirit, who is a deposit guaranteeing our inheritance until the redemption of those who are God’s possession.” We’ve been marked with the Holy Spirit!
Paul prayed that God would give His children the ”Spirit of wisdom and revelation that we might know Him better.” He gives power to those who believe. “That power is the same as the mighty strength He exerted when He raised Christ from the dead and seated Him at His right hand in the heavenly realms.”
Jesus teaches us to pray for things that require God’s power. For example: “Your Kingdom come, Your will be done on earth as it is in Heaven.” So I am praying for those in darkness to see the Light. I am praying for the sick to regain their health. I am praying for the hungry to have food and the orphans to have homes. I am praying for the widows and the homeless and the addicts and the imprisoned.
But God also wants me to be involved in His work. Am I willing to tell others what Jesus has done for me? Am I willing to serve the sick, the orphans, the widows, and the poor? Will I visit or write letters to those in prison? Will I give my money to help those in need?
I used to always criticize the rich for not being generous enough or the government for not being helpful enough or my neighbor for not being thoughtful enough… but now Jesus tells me to quit judging others and start being a part of the solution. I am to pray without ceasing… and love others without limit. I am to rely on the Holy Spirit… knowing He now lives in me. I am to talk the talk of a child of God… and walk the walk of Jesus. He gives us power to live this way! “Lord, help us… and may the world be drawn to Your beauty and love.”
“For the Spirit God gave us does not make us timid, but gives us power, love, and self-discipline.” II Timothy 1:7
“If you then, though you are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give the Holy Spirit to those who ask Him!” Luke 11:13