Tag: The Holy Spirit Study

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THE HOLY SPIRIT :: REVIEW & WRAP-UP

REACHING HURTING WOMEN MINISTRIES OFFERS FOUR THEMES FOR CONTEMPLATION EVERY MONTH OF THE YEAR.
EACH OF THE FOUR POWER-PACKED THEMES ARE A 12-MONTH STUDY SERIES ASSIGNED TO A SPECIFIC FRIDAY OF EVERY MONTH. IN MONTHS WITH FIVE FRIDAYS I’LL BE REVIEWING TOUCHING INSPIRATIONAL MUSIC.
On the second  Friday of each month in 2021 we’ve been studying about the Holy Spirit. We’ve learned who the Holy Spirit is, about His gifts and fruit that are given to believers and how we walk those out in our life each day. Join me today as we review what we’ve learned and wrap up The Holy Spirit Study series.

The Holy Spirit as Third Person in the Trinity

As the third person of the Holy Trinity the Holy Spirit was involved in creation with God the Father and Jesus Christ, the Son. He fully possesses all the divine attributes of God, gave life to God’s creatures and gives spiritual life to us. The Holy Spirit has great power, performs miracles and raised Christ from the dead. He is everywhere and all powerful; eternal with no beginning or end. He dwells in Heaven with the Father and Christ, yet in the heart of every believer here on earth.

The Holy Spirit’s Work in the Church

The Holy Spirit is the church’s greatest partner in evangelizing the world for Christ. He convicts hearts of sin, testifies of Christ, intercedes on our behalf and comforts in times of need. He directs decisions of the church, chooses and sends out missionaries and directs the  missionary enterprises.

The Holy Spirit’s Work in Believers

The Holy Spirit draws us into fellowship. He teaches us about Christ, convicts us of sin, enables us to find the truth, reveals God’s secrets and shows us God’s love. He helps us live the Christian life, prays for us in times of crisis, gives us His sword to fight Satan and even raises the dead. The Holy Spirit encourages us, gives us the power to witness and then teaches us what to say. He sanctifies our lives, gives us the gifts of the Spirit and works His fruit in us.

The Spirit gives to one the gift of the word of wisdom. To another, the same Spirit gives the gift of the word of revelation knowledge. And to another, the same Spirit gives the gift of faith. And to another, the same Spirit gives gifts of healing. And to another the power to work miracles. And to another the gift of prophecy. And to another the gift to discern what the Spirit is speaking. And to another the gift of speaking different kinds of tongues. And to another the gift of interpretation of tongues. Remember, it is the same Holy Spirit who distributes, activates, and operates these different gifts as he chooses for each believer. ~ 1  Corinthians 12:8-10

Gifts of the Spirit are divinely anointed abilities graced on individual believers for the benefit of the church community. They are chosen by the Godhead for us. We don’t get to choose our spiritual gifts. We can’t wake up one day and decide we’re going to be a prophet or give words of knowledge. Spiritual gifts are given by God as the Father sees fit to whom He chooses. Most of us exhibit a mix of gifts. Few of us are completely represent only one. Attributes of different gifts present themselves in varying degrees in each of us. While there is usually one gift that dominates.

But the fruit produced by the Holy Spirit within you is divine love in all its varied expressions: joy that overflows, peace that subdues, patience that endures, kindness in action, a life full of virtue, faith that prevails, gentleness of heart, and strength of spirit. Never set the law above these qualities, for they are meant to be limitless. ~ Galatians 5:22

Fruit of the Holy Spirit is completely different in the sense that they aren’t chosen by God for us specifically. Rather, every born again believer has access to the fruit of the spirit.Whether we walk in, or exercise, this fruit is up to us. As Jesus said, “A tree is known by its fruit.” The branch that is connected to the tree will bear the fruit of the tree it is connected to. A branch can’t choose the type of fruit it will bear. And it won’t bear fruit unless it stays connected to its source.  Therefore, although we have full access through the Holy Spirit to all His fruit, unless we stay connected to Him consistently the fruit we bear may be rotten.

Over the last several months we’ve been studying the gifts and the fruit of the Holy Spirit. I hope if you missed any of the studies, you will take some time to go back and look at these various attributes of the Holy Spirit. I believe it is a study that will be worth your time.

Be blessed by this beautiful song with Bryan and Katie Torwalt.

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THE HOLY SPIRIT :: GIFTS OF ADMINISTRATION AND HELPS

REACHING HURTING WOMEN MINISTRIES OFFERS FOUR THEMES FOR CONTEMPLATION EVERY MONTH OF THE YEAR.
EACH OF THE FOUR POWER-PACKED THEMES ARE A 12-MONTH STUDY SERIES ASSIGNED TO A SPECIFIC FRIDAY OF EVERY MONTH. IN MONTHS WITH FIVE FRIDAYS I’LL BE REVIEWING TOUCHING INSPIRATIONAL MUSIC OR MEDIA.
On the second  Friday of each month in 2021 we’re studying the Holy Spirit. We will learn who the Holy Spirit is, about His gifts and fruit which are given to us as believers and how to walk them out in our daily life. This is the eleventh post in The Holy Spirit Study series.

God has appointed gifts in the assembly: first emissaries, second prophets, third teachers, then miracle workers, healers, helpers, administrators, and then those who speak with various unknown languages. ~ 1 Corinthians 12:28

In our Holy Spirit study today we’re looking at two gifts that are often overlooked among a list of powerful, visible gifts. People with these gifts usually serve behind the scenes supporting the needs of the ministry and the gifts of others. While the spiritual gifts of administration and helps may seem mild compared to other gifts, they are none the less important to the body of Christ and His ministries on this earth.

THE GIFT OF ADMINISTRATION

The spiritual gift of administration provides one the ability to manage and keep things running in line with God’s order and principles. This gift is sometimes seen as a team gift because those with the gift of administration have the ability to see what needs to be done and can organize a team of people with other spiritual gifts that can help the ministry operate more effectively or efficiently. In the secular world this person might be a project manager.

THE GIFT OF HELPS

The spiritual gift of helps gives one the ability to see what needs to be done and take care of it. People with this gift have a desire to help others by meeting daily responsibilities in practical ways. Rather than looking for someone else to do the task, they will often tackle it themselves. In the secular world this person might be a personal assistant.

SUPPORTIVE GIFTS

Both the gift of administration and helps are supportive to the body of Christ in very similar ways. Where the gift of administration takes on a leadership type role, the gift of helps is more of a assistant or servant type role. I find it fascinating how the Holy Spirit pulls together all the people gifted with just the right abilities needed to bring about the ministry He needs to impart to our world.

Contemplate the help of heaven in your life today with this beautiful song below. It has truly ministered to my heart and soul today. Be blessed…

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THE HOLY SPIRIT :: Fruit of Faithfulness, Gentleness & Self-Control

REACHING HURTING WOMEN MINISTRIES OFFERS FOUR THEMES FOR CONTEMPLATION EVERY MONTH OF THE YEAR.
EACH OF THE FOUR POWER-PACKED THEMES ARE A 12-MONTH STUDY SERIES ASSIGNED TO A SPECIFIC FRIDAY OF EVERY MONTH. IN MONTHS WITH FIVE FRIDAYS I’LL BE REVIEWING TOUCHING INSPIRATIONAL MUSIC.
On the second  Friday of each month in 2021 we’re studying the Holy Spirit. We will learn who the Holy Spirit is, about His gifts and fruit given to us as believers and how to walk those out in our life each day. This is the tenth post in The Holy Spirit Study series.

But the Holy Spirit produces this kind of fruit in our lives: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. ~ Galatians 5:22-23

All these character qualities are the virtues that Jesus Christ has and exhibits. By nature of being born-again into His body, the church, we are endowed by the power of the Holy Spirit to have these same qualities planted in seed form within our spirit. It’s then is up to us to mature the fruit seed, by spending time in God’s Word, in prayer and fellowship with the Father. Then the seed will grow into full fruit that bears the likeness of Christ to all who are in our presence.

  • FAITHFULNESS: the quality of steadfast loyalty or firm adherence to promises.

Let love and faithfulness never leave you; bind them around your neck, write them on the tablet of your heart. ~ Proverbs 3:3

In the world faithfulness is a rare character trait. But as believers, who have the fruit of faithfulness flowing in our lives, we can be depended on to do what is right even when no one is watching us.

  • GENTLENESS: mildness of manners or disposition.

Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. ~ Philippians 4:5

When our heart has been softened by the Holy Spirit after we are born again we are able to be milder in our behavior and moods toward others, especially to those who are difficult.

  • SELF-CONTROL: restraint exercised over one’s own impulses, emotions or desires.

Better to be patient than powerful; better to have self-control than to conquer a city. ~ Proverbs 16:32

Another rare trait in our world today is self-control. The ungodly person lives by whatever their flesh desires. By the power of the Holy Spirit working in our life, self-control helps us keep our physical nature under control so that the other fruit of the Spirit: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness and gentleness can freely flow and witness the power of God to those around us.

These three character traits of Christ round off the fruit section of our Holy Spirit study. Next month we will focus on the gifts of administration and helps.

Be blessed by this great worship some by Elevation Worship on the faithfulness of God!

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THE HOLY SPIRIT :: Gifts of Tongues & Interpreting Tongues

REACHING HURTING WOMEN MINISTRIES OFFERS FOUR THEMES FOR CONTEMPLATION EVERY MONTH OF THE YEAR.
EACH OF THE FOUR POWER-PACKED THEMES ARE A 12-MONTH STUDY SERIES ASSIGNED TO A SPECIFIC FRIDAY OF EVERY MONTH. IN MONTHS WITH FIVE FRIDAYS I’LL BE REVIEWING TOUCHING INSPIRATIONAL MUSIC.
On the second  Friday of each month in 2021 we’re studying the Holy Spirit. We will learn who the Holy Spirit is, about His gifts and fruit given to us as believers and how to walk those out in our life each day. This is the ninth post in The Holy Spirit Study series.

And to another the gift of speaking different kinds of tongues. And to another the gift of interpretation of tongues. ~ 1 Corinthians 12:10

Like so many of the gifts from Holy Spirit, speaking in other tongues and the interpretation of tongues are misunderstood, criticized and even condemned among the Christian church body today. For things that are so divisive among believers, I give God the final word. In other words, I will go to Scripture to find the bottomline truth on the matter. Which really is what we should do on all things.

He who speaks in a tongue edifies himself. ~ 1 Corinthians 14:4

Depending on which translation you read, the verse above tells us that the person who speaks in tongues builds up their body and grows spiritually. Because our body is the temple of the Holy Spirit this is a vital practice we must embrace.

For one who speaks in an unknown tongue does not speak to people but to God; for no one understands him or catches his meaning, but by the Spirit he speaks mysteries [secret truths, hidden things]. ~ 1 Corinthians 14:2

The gift of tongues is primarily for the purpose of private worship; for personal prayer and praise to God. In doing so, Holy Spirit uncovers and reveals things to us that we need to know. When we pray in the Spirit we are in direct contact with God and our minds can be enlightened.

So then, if you speak in a tongue, pray for the interpretation to be able to unfold the meaning of what you are saying. ~ 1 Corinthians 14:13

Interpretation isn’t always needed or necessary. However, Scripture tells us we are to pray for the interpretation so that we may understand the meaning of what we are saying. This isn’t a word for word translation like we think of from an earthly language perspective. But rather, words, ideas, concepts, insights, thoughts and actions will be revealed to us in our spirit not from any metal activity.

So here’s what I’ve concluded. I will pray in the Spirit, but I will also pray with my mind engaged. I will sing rapturous praises in the Spirit, but I will also sing with my mind engaged. ~ 1 Corinthians 14:15

For the apostle Paul, praying in tongues had two specific way to be manifested: in corporate gatherings or private settings. When in a public setting and someone is praying in tongues and other are listening, it is necessary to have someone who can interpret so that the Word from God may minister to the group as a whole. Tongues in a private setting with no need of interpretation, is for personal edification.

But you, my delightfully loved friends, constantly and progressively build yourselves up on the foundation of your most holy faith by praying every moment in the Spirit. ~ Jude 20

Friends, if you haven’t been born again and received the filling of the Holy Spirit, I encourage you to reach out to God right now and ask Him for the gift of salvation and the baptism of the Holy Spirit. Your spiritual life walk will be so much richer for it! I pray God will bless you richly!

Enjoy this clip from Joseph Prince on why we need to pray in tongues.

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THE HOLY SPIRIT :: Fruit of Goodness & Kindness

REACHING HURTING WOMEN MINISTRIES OFFERS FOUR THEMES FOR CONTEMPLATION EVERY MONTH OF THE YEAR.
EACH OF THE FOUR POWER-PACKED THEMES ARE A 12-MONTH STUDY SERIES ASSIGNED TO A SPECIFIC FRIDAY OF EVERY MONTH. IN MONTHS WITH FIVE FRIDAYS I’LL BE REVIEWING TOUCHING INSPIRATIONAL MUSIC.
On the second  Friday of each month in 2021 we’re studying the Holy Spirit. We will learn who the Holy Spirit is, about His gifts and fruit given to us as believers and how to walk those out in our life each day. This is the eighth post in The Holy Spirit Study series.

But the Holy Spirit produces this kind of fruit in our lives: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. There is no law against these things! ~ Galatians 5:22-23

While the gifts of Holy Spirit are virtues, the fruit are the resulting moral actions that flow from those gifts. With the help of Holy Spirit we are able to walk in these fruit during our daily lives and display them to those around us. In today’s post we will focus on the fruit of goodness and kindness.

GOODNESS: excellence; moral virtue; expressing itself in deeds

KINDNESS:  goodness in action; hospitality; benevolence; charity

Living our life while operating in our fleshly, worldly nature, we represent the antithesis, or complete opposite, of the qualities of Christ which flow in and through us when the Holy Spirit has complete control of our life.

The behavior of the self-life is obvious: Sexual immorality, lustful thoughts, pornography, chasing after things instead of God, manipulating others, hatred of those who get in your way, senseless arguments, resentment when others are favored, temper tantrums, angry quarrels, only thinking of yourself, being in love with your own opinions, being envious of the blessings of others, murder, uncontrolled addictions, wild parties, and all other similar behavior. ~ Galatians 5:19-21

We don’t have to look very far to see examples of ungodly behavior in our culture today. Sadly, even among people who claim to follow Christ. God truly wants more and better for all of us. If we will only give him full reign in our life.

Scripture tells us it is the kindness of God that causes people to turn to Him.  Unfortunately, some people never experience kindness and goodness in their life. When we express the kindness and goodness of Christ in our lives, we are truly being the hands and feet of God to those around us.

You’re kind and tenderhearted to those who don’t deserve it and very patient with people who fail you. Your love is like a flooding river overflowing its banks with kindness. God, everyone sees your goodness, for your tender love is blended into everything you do. ~ Psalm 145:8-9

As a beneficial by-product of allowing Christ to have control of our lives, the Holy Spirit produces the beautiful character traits of Jesus in us, known as the fruit of The Holy Spirit.  We have no control over how we get them. We can’t obtain them on our own.

If we want them to grow in our life we must know Jesus, love Jesus and imitate Jesus. When we do we will be living examples of Christ’s character that is so desperately needed in our world today.

Be blessed by this lovely worship song performed by Keith and Kristyn Getty and others.

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THE HOLY SPIRIT :: Fruit of Peace and Patience

REACHING HURTING WOMEN MINISTRIES OFFERS FOUR THEMES FOR CONTEMPLATION EVERY MONTH OF THE YEAR.
EACH OF THE FOUR POWER-PACKED THEMES ARE A 12-MONTH STUDY SERIES ASSIGNED TO A SPECIFIC FRIDAY OF EVERY MONTH. IN MONTHS WITH FIVE FRIDAYS I’LL BE REVIEWING TOUCHING INSPIRATIONAL MUSIC.
On the second  Friday of each month in 2021 we’re studying the Holy Spirit. We will learn who the Holy Spirit is, about His gifts and fruit given to us as believers and how to walk those out in our life each day. This is the seventh post in The Holy Spirit Study series.

While the gifts of the Holy Spirit are virtues, the fruit are the resulting moral actions that flow from those gifts. With the help of Holy Spirit we are able to daily walk in these fruit and display them to those around us. In today’s post we will focus on the fruit of peace and patience.

But the fruit produced by the Holy Spirit within you is divine love in all its varied expressions: joy that overflows, peace that subdues, patience that endures, kindness in action, a life full of virtue, faith that prevails, gentleness of heart, and strength of spirit. Never set the law above these qualities, for they are meant to be limitless. ~ Galatians 5:22-23

God has given us the powerful fruit of the Spirit to help us live a life of victory and to protect us from our enemy, Satan. As born again believers we’re all filled with the Holy Spirit and have the ability to walk in His fruit of peace and patience. We also have the ability to squelch the power of the Holy Spirit in our lives with worldly behavior or lack of faith.

  • THE FRUIT OF PEACE: a state of quiet of tranquility, calmness and rest; freedom from strife or agitation; denotes perfect well-being, health, welfare, prosperity; harmony in all relationships: spiritual, familial, the world and among nations.

You will keep in perfect peace all who trust in you, all whose thoughts are fixed on you! ~ Isaiah 26:3

True peace isn’t the absence of problems but rather the presence of God. It’s our job to stay closely connected to God in His Word, in prayer and fellowship so we will remain in the perfect peace that is promised to us.

And let the peace that comes from Christ rule in your hearts. For as members of one body you are called to live in peace. And always be thankful. ~ Colossians 3:15

Jesus, The Prince of Peace, came to bring the world peace with God but also peace with themselves and others. Jesus promised us His gift of peace, not a worldly type of peace. He told His disciples the Father would be sending the Holy Spirit to reveal all truth. Then just before Jesus ascended to heaven He breathed on them and told them to receive the Holy Spirit.

Now may God, the fountain of hope, fill you to overflowing with uncontainable joy and perfect peace as you trust in him. And may the power of the Holy Spirit continually surround your life with his super-abundance until you radiate with hope! ~ Romans 15:13

 

  • THE FRUIT OF PATIENCE:  an attitude of cheerful endurance during tests, hopeful forbearance, long-suffering; the emotional and mental strength to face difficulties with courage; the quality that doesn’t surrender to circumstance or under trial.

While all the fruit of the Holy Spirit are available to us when we’re born again, they’re mostly in a seed form and haven’t had time to develop. They need to be nurtured and mature with God’s Word and by exercising them in practical application in our daily lives. That’s where the real learning and growth begins.

Dear brothers and sisters, when troubles of any kind come your way, consider it an opportunity for great joy. For you know that when your faith is tested, your endurance has a chance to grow. So let it grow, for when your endurance is fully developed, you will be perfect and complete, needing nothing. ~ James 1:2-4

The fruit of patience gives you the strength to overcome temptation… enables you to wait faithfully without giving up. It helps you remain steadfast in faith, believing God for the impossible no matter what. Patience is often the key to our prayers becoming reality and the supernatural manifestation of miracles.

Stand firm with patient endurance and you will find your souls’ deliverance. ~ Luke 21:19

These fruit of the Holy Spirit: peace and patience go together in such a perfect way. If we our impatient we’re likely not walking in peace. When we’re not walking in peace we can easily succumb to impatience.

Let’s lean into a closer fellowship with God and His Word. Holy Spirit will lovingly guide us into a deeper dimension and experience of these fruit. As we do, our lives will become a rich walking testimony of God’s goodness for others to witness. And we will have the goodness of God fulfilled in our own lives.

Be blessed by this beautiful video by Hillsong Young & Free.

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THE HOLY SPIRIT :: Gifts of Prophecy & Discerning Spirits

REACHING HURTING WOMEN MINISTRIES OFFERS FOUR THEMES FOR CONTEMPLATION EVERY MONTH OF THE YEAR.
EACH OF THE FOUR POWER-PACKED THEMES ARE A 12-MONTH STUDY SERIES ASSIGNED TO A SPECIFIC FRIDAY OF EVERY MONTH. IN MONTHS WITH FIVE FRIDAYS I’LL BE REVIEWING TOUCHING INSPIRATIONAL MUSIC.
On the second  Friday of each month in 2021 we’re studying the Holy Spirit. We will learn who the Holy Spirit is, about His gifts and fruit given to us as believers and how to walk those out in our life each day. This is the sixth post in The Holy Spirit Study series.

And to another the gift of prophecy. And to another the gift to discern what the Spirit is speaking. ~ 1 Corinthians 12:10

Many of the gifts and fruit of the Holy Spirit are very mysterious. Because of that they’re often misinterpreted, misunderstood and even ridiculed in traditional denominational churches. The gifts of prophecy and discerning of spirits certainly fall into those categories.

The gift of prophecy is thought to be about predicting the future. That isn’t what it’s about at all. The gift of prophecy is a person reporting a divine revelation given to them by God. In the simplest of terms the spiritual gift of prophecy is God speaking to people through people.

It is good that you are enthusiastic and passionate about spiritual gifts, especially prophecy. ~ 1 Corinthians 14:1

Can any believer have the gift of prophecy? Yes. The Apostle Paul encouraged every believer to desire this gift. God wouldn’t tell us to desire something He wouldn’t make possible for us to have.

Are some prophecies incorrect? Absolutely. God’s Word is infallible. But where there are human beings involved there is always a potential for interpretation errors.

Constantly be on your guard against phony prophets. They come disguised as lambs, appearing to be genuine, but on the inside they are like wild, ravenous wolves! ~ Matthew 7:15

What about false prophets? Jesus warned us there would be false prophets, especially in the last days. One thing to remember, Satan comes to steal, kill and destroy. He only perverts and counterfeits the things that are most valuable to the church and God’s message. Which brings us to the next gift…

The gift of discerning spirits gives a believer spiritual insight regarding another person’s spirit. It may also give them the ability to sense a specific demonic spirit in a place or on a person.

Discerning spirits is imparted by the Holy Spirit and operates only as the Holy Spirit wills, not as a person wills. How it operates varies. Where one person may see things in places with the eyes of their spirit, another believer might only have a sense about things.

Now these are the gifts Christ gave to the church: the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, and the pastors and teachers. Their responsibility is to equip God’s people to do his work and build up the church, the body of Christ. ~ Ephesians 4:11-12

The gifts of prophecy and discerning spirits are both very powerful gifts and extremely important. Not only are they a valuable avenue for sharing the Gospel and draw unbelievers to Christ. They encourage and lift up the church as a whole.

If you have questions regarding these important spiritual gifts, I encourage you to prayerfully do your own study of Scripture. God will honor that and with the help of the Holy Spirit He will lead you to a place of clear direction and understanding.

Be blessed by this lovely worship song by Maverick City Music.

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THE HOLY SPIRIT :: Gifts of Healing & Miracles

REACHING HURTING WOMEN MINISTRIES OFFERS FOUR THEMES FOR CONTEMPLATION EVERY MONTH OF THE YEAR.
EACH OF THE FOUR POWER-PACKED THEMES ARE A 12-MONTH STUDY SERIES ASSIGNED TO A SPECIFIC FRIDAY OF EVERY MONTH. IN MONTHS WITH FIVE FRIDAYS I’LL BE REVIEWING TOUCHING INSPIRATIONAL MUSIC.
On the second  Friday of each month in 2021 we’re studying the Holy Spirit. We will learn who the Holy Spirit is, about His gifts and fruit given to us as believers and how to walk those out in our life each day. This is the fifth post in The Holy Spirit Study series.

And to another, the same Spirit gives the gift of faith. And to another, the same Spirit gives gifts of healing. And to another the power to work miracles. ~ 1 Corinthians 12:9-10

In doing my research for this post I ran across many books and blogs that teach there is no such thing as healing and miracles in our modern world. Basically these folks believe that the power of the Holy Spirit has ceased to work in and through people on the earth today. That to me is not only unbelievable it is not Biblical!

For the gifts and the calling of God are irrevocable. ~ Romans 11:29

The Bible is clear that Jesus is the same yesterday today and forever. And that God’s gifts are irrevocable. This seems pretty straight forward to me. The only way people can justify the position that the gifts of the Holy Spirit have ceased to be active in our world today is to not believe in the inherency of God’s Word.

Heaven and earth will pass away, but My words will by no means pass away. ~ Matthew 24:35

Miracles and healing come in different forms. Healing can be as simple as recovering from addiction. A miracle doesn’t have to be someone being raised from the dead, though that does happen. With the rampant epidemic of abortion, the live birth of a healthy baby is a miracle in today’s world.

You formed my innermost being, shaping my delicate inside and my intricate outside, and wove them all together in my mother’s womb. I thank you, God, for making me so mysteriously complex! Everything you do is marvelously breathtaking. ~ Psalm 139:13-14

In third world countries, where followers of Christ have a faith in God that most westerners have never experienced, healing and miracles are more common. I believe we need to feed our faith in God’s word, strengthen our faith to believe our god is the same today as he was in the New Testament days.

God does wonderful things that cannot be understood.
He does so many miracles they cannot be counted. ~ Job 5:9

Just because we don’t see healing and miracles every day doesn’t mean they don’t exist. Maybe we’re not paying attention. Maybe we’re looking at the wrong things. Maybe we’re not walking in the kind of faith that can see healing and miracles.

Examine yourselves to see if your faith is genuine. ~ 2 Corinthians 13:5

Examine your heart toward God and His Word today. Do you believe God is the same today and forever? Do you believe the Holy Spirit has power to gift someone with the ability to heal? Do you believe in miracles?

I am the Lord, and I do not change. ~ Malachi 3:6

I believe God can heal through whatever form or fashion He chooses. I believe in miracles because I am a walking miracle. We need to be looking for miracles all around us every single day!

Be blessed by this great song by Hawk Nelson: Miracles!

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THE HOLY SPIRIT :: FRUIT – LOVE AND JOY

REACHING HURTING WOMEN MINISTRIES OFFERS FOUR THEMES FOR CONTEMPLATION EVERY MONTH OF THE YEAR.
EACH OF THE FOUR POWER-PACKED THEMES ARE A 12-MONTH STUDY SERIES ASSIGNED TO A SPECIFIC FRIDAY OF EVERY MONTH. IN MONTHS WITH FIVE FRIDAYS I’LL BE REVIEWING TOUCHING INSPIRATIONAL MUSIC.
On the second  Friday of each month in 2021 we’re studying the Holy Spirit. We will learn who the Holy Spirit is, about His gifts and fruit given to us as believers and how to walk those out in our life each day. This is the fourth post in The Holy Spirit Study series.

While the gifts of Holy Spirit are virtues, the fruit are the resulting moral actions that flow from those gifts. With the help of Holy Spirit we are able to walk in these fruit during our daily lives and display them to those around us. In today’s post we will focus on the fruit of love and joy.

But the fruit produced by the Holy Spirit within you is divine love in all its varied expressions: joy that overflows, peace that subdues, patience that endures, kindness in action, a life full of virtue, faith that prevails, gentleness of heart, and strength of spirit. ~ Galatians 5:22

LOVE is key. Without it nothing we do matters.

But earnestly desire and zealously cultivate the greatest and best gifts and graces (the higher gifts and the choicest graces). And yet I will show you a still more excellent way [one that is better by far and the highest of them all—love]. ~ 1 Corinthians 12:31 

Love heads up the list of all the fruit of the Spirit. It is not only the foundation, but holds all the other fruit together. Love is the greatest manifestation of God’s Presence in our lives. If we are not having regular personal contact with God in His Word, prayer and worship, this fruit will be missing in the action of our life.  Without love our faith doesn’t mean anything.

CONFESS LOVE OVER YOUR LIFE TODAY (from 1 Corinthians 13)

“I am patient and kind. I am not envious or boastful, rude or haughty. I’m not self-seeking. I don’t insist on my own way. I’m not touchy or fretful. I never fail because God’s love is in me!”

JOY in abundance overflows from His Presence!

With triumphant joy you will drink deeply
from the wells of salvation. ~ Isaiah 12:3

God puts His joy in us when we’re born again. Unlike the temporary happiness the world has to offer, joy isn’t dependent on outward circumstances. Rather it’s a powerful force that resides in us and overflows in abundance as we continue in personal contact with God by His Word, worship and prayer. The more fellowship we have with Him, the more joy will flow in our life.

CONFESS JOY OVER YOUR LIFE TODAY (from 2 Corinthians 2:14)

“I’m not moved by my circumstance or what I see. I am only moved by God’s Word and He always brings me to victory. I choose praise and thanksgiving. I choose joy today!”

Stay in close personal contact with God each day to walk in the abundance of the fruit of love and joy in your life. Be intentional to spend time with God in His Word and participate in some form of worship and prayer time. When we do we will find our levels of love and joy will increase exponentially.

Today we have two videos to top off our post! These songs will get the love and joy fruit of the Spirit energies flowing in your life. Turn it up for: Real Love by Hillsong Young and Free and Joy by For King and Country.

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THE HOLY SPIRIT :: GIFTS OF WISDOM AND KNOWLEDGE

REACHING HURTING WOMEN MINISTRIES OFFERS FOUR THEMES FOR CONTEMPLATION EVERY MONTH OF THE YEAR.
EACH OF THE FOUR POWER-PACKED THEMES ARE A 12-MONTH STUDY SERIES ASSIGNED TO A SPECIFIC FRIDAY OF EVERY MONTH. IN MONTHS WITH FIVE FRIDAYS I’LL BE REVIEWING TOUCHING INSPIRATIONAL MUSIC.
On the second  Friday of each month in 2021 we’re studying the Holy Spirit. We will learn who the Holy Spirit is, about His gifts and fruit given to us as believers and how to walk those out in our life each day. This is the third column in The Holy Spirit Study series.

The Gifts of the Holy Spirit are meant to strengthen the body of Christ, bring about unity and expand the ministry of evangelism. These nine gifts are available to every believer but are distributed by the Holy Spirit as He chooses. We should look for and welcome them in our lives . Today we focus on the gifts of Wisdom and Knowledge.

The Spirit gives one person the ability to speak with wisdom. And the same Spirit gives another the ability to speak with knowledge. ~ 1 Corinthians 12:8

The Holy Spirit gives the spiritual gift of wisdom not only to bring about holiness and worship among His people and around the world, but to share truth and understanding to the body of Christ. The Greek word for wisdom is Sophia which refers to the intimate understanding of God’s Word and results in holy living.

The wisdom from above is always pure, filled with peace, considerate and teachable. It is filled with love and never displays prejudice or hypocrisy in any form and it always bears the beautiful harvest of righteousness!  ~ James 3:17

The Word of Wisdom:

  • A divine revelation, declaration or insight.
  • A spiritual utterance given through the Holy Spirit for a specific moment.
  • A divinely given power that enables a spiritual intuition to solve a problem.
  • A divine sense of direction to act in a certain situation.

Like the gift of wisdom, the Holy Spirit give the gift of knowledge to help believers have greater understanding and to inform individuals as well as the Church body as a whole. The gift of knowledge connects every circumstance and situation to the truth of the Gospel and the reality of Christ.

The Word of Knowledge

  • A supernatural revelation of divine will  and plan usually for a specific need.
  • A supernatural insight or divine understanding of a specific circumstance.
  • A moral wisdom for right relationships and living.
  • A deeper understanding of God and His communicated acts.

The gifts of the word of wisdom and the word of knowledge may be mysterious to many but they are vitally important to individual people and the church body as as whole. Look to God. Actively seek after and welcome the gifts of the Holy Spirit in your life today.

Contemplate God’s gifts in your life today as you are blessed with this beautiful song by Francesca Battistelli.

References: The Spirit Filled Life Bible; Various online articles.