My daughter has a friend who is a personal
trainer. A personal instructor is like a
babysitter, but he/she is there to push us to reach our potential physically in
exercise.
Marriage is like that where our spouse can help us fulfill
our dreams and reach our full potential in life. My husband supported me in working on a
college degree. I was in college with
four small children for one year when I met him. He was at home with our small children while I
attended at times, and when I studied for a test or had a computer graphic
assignment, he grilled for dinner so I could study.
When we become a believer in the Lord Jesus Christ,
the Holy Spirit is there to push us to our potential in exercising our
faith. He is our spiritual personal
trainer. He is there to teach us God’s
will and God’s ways. A big difference
from “religion” is the power of the Holy Spirit inside our spirit we have a
daily companion, comforter, strengthener and instructor.
For all who are led by
the Spirit of God are children of God. Romans 8:14
Religion is a set of beliefs, does not have the
power to change or transform a person from the inside to change the
outside. It usually focuses on the
outside. James talks about pure religion.
Pure and genuine
religion in the sight of God the Father means caring for orphans and widows in their
distress and refusing to let the world corrupt you. James 1:27
The Pharisees in Jesus day were very focused on
outward works. Same holds true today of
many people. John the Baptist warned
that when Jesus came the axe would be laid to the root of the tree. It was not enough to get water baptized which
is an act of obedience to an outward change of repentance, but he said that
another would baptize them with “the Holy Spirit and fire.”
John answered them all, "I
baptize you with water. But one who is more powerful than I will come, the
straps of whose sandals I am not worthy to untie. He will baptize you with the
Holy Spirit and fire.” Luke 3:16
The world does not understand that He came and lives
inside of us.
He is the Holy Spirit,
who leads into all truth. The world cannot receive him, because it isn't
looking for him and doesn't recognize him. But you know him, because he lives
with you now and later will be in you. John 14:17
Abiding in the vine is tapping into this ability or
power on the inside. In Acts 1:8 it was
referred to as dunamis or in English dynamo/dynamic, or dynamite power on the
inside.
But you will receive power when the
Holy Spirit has come on you, and you will be My witnesses in Jerusalem, in all
Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth." Acts 1:8
I am going to send you what my
Father has promised; but stay in the city until you have been clothed with
power from on high." Luke 24:49
We should not let a day go by as believers, where we
don’t acknowledge the presence of the Holy Spirit. I had a great day recently when I said, “God
I thank you that you are in control of my life.” I got a lot of positive things done that day
where sometimes it seems it takes twice as long to get something done. It was a productive day. I find my days are more productive when the
Holy Spirit is leading and guiding me—helping me along my day. It’s what the Bible talk about being
co-laborers with God.
Since we are living by
the Spirit, let us follow the Spirit's leading in every part of our lives.
Galatians 5:25
I
find that patience is not a virtue of many single Christians. My patience wears thin in traffic or with
multiple crisis situations, but I realized I can tap into God’s patience. God is full of patience.
We also pray that you will be
strengthened with all his glorious power so you will have all the endurance
and patience you need. May you be filled with joy, Colossians 1:11
Before
I became a Christian, multiple problems bothered me. I could face up to one giant, but it was
multiple giants that bothered me. I
think about that now when multiple problems bother me.
That
part of the fruit of having the Holy Spirit inside of me is patience. Abiding in Jesus or the vine, I can tap into
that energy power which is tapping into his patience. I find I have to have to tap into a new
energy source, because my energy source gets depleted very fast.
As
Jesus was made unto me wisdom and holiness, I tap into the vine of his
patience.
As a result, no one can ever boast in
the presence of God. God has united you with Christ Jesus. It is because of him
that you are in Christ Jesus, who has become for us wisdom from God--that is,
our righteousness, holiness and redemption.
Therefore, as the Scriptures say, "If you want to boast, boast only
about the Lord." 1 Cor. 1:29-31
There
is a lot in the Bible about patience. It
says in your patience possess your souls. (By your endurance you will
gain your lives. Luke 21:19) I’m glad I can tap into God’s patience rather
than my own.
For I know the thoughts that I
think towards you, saith the Lord, thoughts of peace, and not of affliction, to
give you an end and patience. Jeremiah 29:11
For ye have need of patience,
that, after ye have done the will of God, ye might receive the promise. Hebrews
10:36
But the fruit
of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness,
faithfulness, gentleness
and self-control. Against such things there is no law. Galatians
5:22-23
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