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Respite For the Weary
My previous ABC posts are entitled: Understand His Unfailing Love, Victory Belongs to His Valiant Warrior, and Walk Wisely, Worship Well. Today's post is: eXtra portion of His eXcellent Spirit.
eXtra portion of His eXcellent Spirit? Synopsis of Matthew 12:38-34.
The greatest Teacher of all time used the simple technique of using common word pictures to illustrate profound truths. For example, on one occasion when Jesus was talking to the Pharisees, He told a story of a particular man's heart. This man had "cleaned up his act", and Jesus compared this decision to cleaning a house. He was telling the Pharisees that even though the house had been swept clean of filth, it needed to be filled with something else, otherwise the same evil spirit would end up coming back with seven more wicked than itself, and live there; and the last state of that man would be worse than the first. Sadly, although His eXcellent Spirit was offered to the Pharisees to possess "full homes", they instead chose "void-of-truth houses" to represent their hearts.
eXtra portion of His eXcellent Spirit! Synopsis of 2 Kings 2:1-14.
On the other hand, there once lived a man named Elisha. God appointed him as a prophet to follow his mentor Elijah, who had done great and mighty things through the Lord's powerful Spirit for 25 years. Elijah asked Elisha, "Tell me what I can do for you before I am taken from you." Elijah replied, "Let me inherit a double portion of your spirit"… And then, as they were walking along and talking together suddenly a chariot of fire and horses of fire appeared and separated the two of them, and Elijah went up to leave in a whirlwind. Afterwards, Elisha picked up Elijah's cloak; and indeed, he did inherit an eXtra portion of His eXcellent Spirit. God's power worked through Elisha as he prophesied and performed miracles in Israel for over 50 years.
When looking at these two biblical passages, here are a few questions:
Do I realize that the HOLY Spirit lives in me through faith in Christ?
Am I operating from the Spirit or from the flesh concerning both my interactions and decisions?
What are some practical ways that I can operate from the powerful Spirit that abides in me? (Hint: "Call on Christ", "Helper please Help", "Rest with Him, Run with Him").
It's easy to legalistically "clean house" and "do the right thing," but remember, if it's void of love, it means nothing (see 1 Cor. 13). God's Spirit is love. My deepest heart's longing is to be filled with His Spirit. Allow His love to pour in and take over! In tough situations, ask for an eXtra portion of His eXcellent Spirit! Then expect to be filled to overflowing with His love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self control. Nothing compares to this choice life-style! It is completely fulfilling and eternally gratifying!
"Remind me O God, You are what I want! Please make Yourself at home in my heart. Fill me to overflowing. I want Your ways; I want to give You to others. Thank You for Your promise: You give your Spirit without measure." John 3:34
For it has been granted to you on behalf of Christ not only to believe on him, but also to suffer for him, since you are going through the same struggle you saw I had, and now hear that I still have. Philippians 1:29-30
Dear Lord,
We tend to be great with words such as "faith" and "blessing," but we don't want to come near words like "suffer" and "struggle." Help us to embrace all that you have for us, in the highs and the lows. Give us your strength when it's hard, and give us your meekness when things are good. May we bear your light in all circumstances. Amen.