Barnabas Bulletin ~ 0014
HE'S ABLE AND AVAILABLE!
JESUS has always been mindful of those who struggle. That is one reason why He emphasized the need to be filled with the Holy Spirit of God. He's able and available! He is our Comforter, Counsellor, Helper, Guide, Strength, Inspiration, Power to Overcome. In short, He is God's answer to our every weakness.
It was because of our need to know the Holy Spirit that Jesus said He had to return to the Father. His words were, "However, I am telling you nothing but the truth when I say, it is profitable - good, expedient, advantageous - for you that I go away. Because if I do not go away, the Comforter (Counselor, Helper, Advocate, Intercessor, Strengthener, Standby) will not come to you - into close fellowship with you. But if I go away, I will send Him to you - to be in close fellowship with you" (John 16:7, AMP.).
The Holy Spirit coming into our life is so important that it took Jesus back to the Father in order that He could send Him to us. We receive Him through believing, accepting and obeying Him. The early church disciples were commanded to wait in Jerusalem until they knew they were endued ("clothed upon") with that power from on high - the mighty Holy Spirit (Luke 24:49). How much more, then, should we heed the command to be filled with the Holy Spirit today? The Holy Spirit gives us power (the Greek word is "dunamis" meaning "power to do anything and everything to the glory of God") to reach out to witness that life-changing experience of knowing Jesus (Acts 1:8). He's able and available! The Holy Spirit is available to release more of His ability in and through our life as we co-operate with Him. When He is yielded to and able to have His way, He loves to lift us up closer to Jesus. He is the Holy Spirit of resurrection and He only knows one way to take us - UP!
Christians are not called to "turn inward" on themselves (that is how so much discouragement and despair starts). We must look to the "treasure" - the Holy Spirit - and know that He lives inside this "earthen" vessel of ours (2 Corinthians 4:7). Don't passively wait until He passes by. Recognize your body is His dwelling place and "press into" all that He has for you. We have to demonstrate our love, our desire for Him to do a triumphant work of grace within us by making the first move. He awaits your next move toward Him right now. Know that He is there for YOU. He wants to lift you up above your negativities, your discouragements, your setbacks, your disappointments, etc. Look beyond them to see Him Who is able and available to meet your every need! God bless you with Holy Spirit anointing and ability today! Don't go anywhere without Him! - Rodney Francis.
Bible Readings: John 14:8-27; John 15:26-27; John 16:7-16; Luke 24:49;
Acts 1:8; Acts 2:1-4, 16-24; 1 Corinthians 3:16; 1 Corinthians 6:19-20.
Please Pray This Prayer:
"Dear Father, I come to You in the mighty name of Jesus and in the power of Your Blessed Holy Spirit. Help me to see and know the importance of Your Holy Spirit living daily inside of me and controlling the affairs of my life. Help me to see and know that You have called me, chosen me and commanded me to be filled with that same Holy Spirit 'dunamis' power from on high. Lord, I'm destitute without Your Holy Spirit. My life is meaningless and ineffective without His ability and availability actively working inside of me. Right now I recommit myself to You, and wait on the Holy Spirit to fill me - and thrill me - anew, so that I can live each day knowing I am a man/woman of destiny. Thank You, Lord, for sending the Holy Spirit to me. In Jesus' name I pray these things, Amen."
The Gospel Faith Messenger Ministry, New Zealand. Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.