Welcome to another gathering of my thoughts for the week. Yesterday, my devotional chapter was Romans 15. Last evening, our Life Group worked through John 14:24 into John 15. Let’s see what the Spirit does with these passages.
Romans 15:1 We then who are strong ought to bear with the scruples of the weak, and not to please ourselves. 2 Let each of us please his neighbor for his good, leading to edification. 3 For even Christ did not please Himself; but as it is written, “The reproaches of those who reproached You fell on Me.”
First, why did earlier revivals and outpouring of the Holy Spirit not last? I’ve heard that there wasn’t disciple making done after the Holy Fire hit people. I think maybe the pursuit of holiness that pierced hearts during the heavy outpouring eventually cooled, and worldly pursuits encroached.
If we’re the ones strong in faith, the weak ones new to faith need us to tone it down and be sensitive to their immature faith. Verse 2 tells us it will edify them if we please them and not ourselves.
The next section tells us that we learn from the things written before, prophecies fulfilled. These Scriptures, when consumed, grow patience and comfort, giving us hope.
Romans 15:4 For whatever things were written before were written for our learning, that we through the patience and comfort of the Scriptures might have hope. 5 Now may the God of patience and comfort grant you to be like-minded toward one another, according to Christ Jesus, 6 that you may with one mind and one mouth glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.
13 Now may the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing that you may abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit
Jesus wants us to come into agreement as His body. We should all grow in faith and glorify the Lord together. I think this also points to exercising comfort and patience among ourselves, forgiving as Christ has forgiven us. This is how we will abound in hope, the power of the Holy Spirit teaching, leading, and guiding us.
As we travel through the book of John, we notice Jesus repeats His teaching several times from different angles, He truly wants his disciples to understand what’s ahead.
John 14:23 Jesus answered and said to him, “If anyone loves Me, he will keep My word; and My Father will love him, and We will come to him and make Our home with him. 24 He who does not love Me does not keep My words; and the word which you hear is not Mine but the Father’s who sent Me.
Jesus wants us to keep His word. Love Jesus, love others. Jesus walked with the Holy Spirit from the day He was baptized by John the Baptist. He showed what is possible in our lives if we appropriate the Holy Spirit. We can learn to listen and speak only what the Spirit prompts us, as Jesus did only what the Father showed Him.
25 “These things I have spoken to you while being present with you. 26 But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in My name, He will teach you all things, and bring to your remembrance all things that I said to you. 27 Peace I leave with you, My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.
Jesus explains what is to come when His followers receive the promise. We are to walk in the Spirit. Also, to not be troubled or afraid. He is our peace!
God’s people are called to come together as the Body of Christ. This unity is not the same as all religions meeting in one building. It’s nothing like a one world government. That’s the world’s wisdom, the devil’s ultimate plan
So, let us truly come into agreement on the majors and lay down our rights on the minors. In previous revivals; outpourings of the Spirit, the theme was holiness. In this current move of God, we are called to holiness, communion with the Lord and His church, His bride. Take to heart Philippians 4.
Philippians 4:4 Rejoice in the Lord always. Again I will say, rejoice!
5 Let your gentleness be known to all men. The Lord is at hand.
6 Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; 7 and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.
Live in the love and admonition of our Lord, preferring others over our own interests. Live to radiate peace and patience. Refuse to be brought under the spirit of fear and anxiety. Serve others in humility, and spend yourself to meet their needs as the LORD meets yours.
Yes, I enhanced the photo to show
God’s magnificence!
Have i told you I’ve joined a team going to Uganda on January 1-16, 2025? We will be ministering to children through kids’ camps and medical & dental clinics in 3 communities. I’m traveling with David’s Kidz and hope to meet the young woman I’ve been sponsoring for a few years. We would appreciate your prayers. Health, provision, the team quickly coming into alignment, and wisdom in packing. Oh, last i heard, about 5 more people are needed to fill the 20-soul team. If you have medical experience or work with children, even youth are encouraged to apply. Maybe the Spirit is calling?
Musings along life's journey 