“Do not quench the Spirit.” (1 Thessalonians 5:19, ESV) Most people have had this experience. The power goes out in a community on a dark overcast night. You cannot see your hand in front of your face. So, you scramble around looking for a flashlight. You do not have one handy, but you do haveContinue reading “Quench Not the Spirit”
Tag Archives: faith
Grieve Not the Spirit
“And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, by whom you were sealed for the day of redemption.” (Ephesians 4:30, ESV) In the previous devotion, I mentioned that Lewis Sperry Chafer, in his writings, had listed three essential conditions necessary in the believer’s life to experience the filling of the Spirit. These essential conditionsContinue reading “Grieve Not the Spirit”
Conditions for Spirit Filling
“And do not get drunk with wine, for that is debauchery, but be filled with the Spirit,” (Ephesians 5:18, ESV) In the previous post we looked at a key verse regarding being filled with the Spirit. In it we saw two commands that presented a contrast for the believer. One was in the negative, “doContinue reading “Conditions for Spirit Filling”
The Wind
“The wind blows where it wishes, and you hear its sound, but you do not know where it comes from or where it goes. So it is with everyone who is born of the Spirit.” (John 3:8, ESV) In John Chapter 3 we read of a conversation that Jesus had with a Pharisee named Nicodemus.Continue reading “The Wind”
Crucifying the Flesh
“And those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires.” (Galatians 5:24, ESV) In a writing by A. W. Tozer, he gave this thought. I’ll paraphrase his sentiment like this. In every Christian’s heart there is a cross and a throne. The Christian must leave the throne and putContinue reading “Crucifying the Flesh”
Spiritual Diagnosis – Part 2
“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law.” (Galatians 5:22–23, ESV) When I was in college, I took an elective course in photography. It was in the days of cameras that used photographic film. Moreover, all the photography we didContinue reading “Spiritual Diagnosis – Part 2”
Who Is Leading Your Life?
“But if you are led by the Spirit, you are not under the law.” (Galatians 5:18, ESV) Leadership means a lot. In most cases it means everything. In my adult life, I have served in various leadership positions. I also have worked under many leaders. Some of the leaders I have served under and observedContinue reading “Who Is Leading Your Life?”
The Great Battlefield
“For the desires of the flesh are against the Spirit, and the desires of the Spirit are against the flesh, for these are opposed to each other, to keep you from doing the things you want to do.” (Galatians 5:17, ESV) Conflict has been a constant theme throughout history. We are now in the playoffContinue reading “The Great Battlefield”
Living in Freedom Having Victory
“But I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh.” (Galatians 5:16, ESV) Once time I was teaching a seminary class on Systematic Theology. The particular lesson was on the theology of the Holy Spirit. I happened to site Galatians chapter 5 verse 16 in the class. IContinue reading “Living in Freedom Having Victory”
Start Well Continue Well
“You were running well. Who hindered you from obeying the truth? This persuasion is not from him who calls you.” (Galatians 5:7–8, ESV) One time I was watching a track and field event on television. It was a distance race. One of the runners was way out in front. As he rounded the bend forContinue reading “Start Well Continue Well”
Renewing the Heart 