Hoekstra Devotion - March 6

Spirit Fullness: A Way of Life, Not Merely Events:

Then there appeared to them divided tongues, as of fire . . . And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit . . . Then Peter, filled with the Holy Spirit, said to them . . . the place . . . was shaken; and they were all filled with the Holy Spirit . . . And do not be drunk with wine . . . but be filled with the Spirit.  (Act_2:3-4; Act_4:8, Act_4:31; and Eph_5:18)

When we are born again through faith in Jesus Christ, the Holy Spirit comes to dwell in our lives thereafter (1Co_3:16). At times after new birth, our lives may be repeatedly filled to overflowing by the empowering presence of the Spirit. The testimony of the early disciples illustrates this.

On the day of Pentecost, the 120 followers of Jesus were filled with the Spirit. "Then there appeared to them divided tongues, as of fire . . . And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit." Subsequently, the Apostle Peter, who was originally filled on Pentecost, was again filled as he stood before the religious hierarchy of Israel. "Then Peter, filled with the Holy Spirit, said to them." After this encounter, Peter joined the other disciples for a prayer meeting. "And when they had prayed, the place where they were assembled together was shaken; and they were all filled with the Holy Spirit." In this event, those who had been filled with the Spirit at Pentecost were filled a second time. Peter, who had been so filled twice before, was filled a third time. Therefore, it is evident that the filling of the Spirit is not a once for all time matter.

Furthermore, being filled with the Spirit is not automatic or universal for Christians, as is the indwelling of the Spirit. This fact can be clearly seen in the instruction given in Eph_5:18. "And do not be drunk with wine . . . but be filled with the Spirit." Since this is a command and not a description, it only becomes a personal reality to those who respond properly.

Additionally, the form of this command contains tremendous insight concerning the fullness of the Spirit and God's desire for us. The injunction to "be filled with the Spirit" is in the present tense, indicating an ongoing condition. It could properly (though awkwardly) be translated "be (always) being filled." This imperative is a call to a way of living, not merely periodic events. It is the will of God that we actually live, day by day, more and more, by the fullness of the Spirit's empowering work. We should humbly pray for the fullness of the Holy Spirit as we face each day, each challenge, each opportunity of life.

Lord God of all power and might, I rejoice that Your Holy Spirit dwells within my heart. I thank You for those times when Your Spirit has worked powerfully upon my life. Help me to see that the fullness of Your Spirit is not merely an event-to-event experience, but a lifestyle to be developed. Lord, with great expectation I humbly seek You now for a fresh, ongoing work of the Holy Spirit in me. In the name of Jesus, I pray, Amen.

Oklahoma Howdy to Tony,

I sincerely hope you enjoy Christians Unite. We have many people here who love Jesus Christ as their personal Lord and Saviour.

Love In Christ,
Tom

ALL SCRIPTURE IS PROFITABLE

Oklahoma Howdy to The Crusader,

AMEN BROTHER!

Jesus Christ and the meaning of HIS crucifixion on the Cross for all was a "Mystery not made known to men of other ages". THE CHURCH WHICH IS THE BODY OF CHRIST was part of that "Mystery". The Gospel of the Grace of God is a beautiful TRUTH and PRECIOUS TREASURE to all of HIS children.

Love In Christ,
Tom

Oklahoma Howdy to Rhys,

I sincerely hope that you enjoy Christians Unite. It sounds like God has richly blessed you and your family. I've been married to a beautiful lady for almost 31 years, have a son and a daughter, and two strapping grandsons. Now we have almost enough grandparents on Christians Unite to be a REALLY DANGEROUS GROUP.    

Jump in and have some fun.

Love In Christ,
Tom

BEP? Biscuits and cod liver oil? Sounds like a quick cure for a overpacked forum  

Oklahoma Howdy to Shylynne,

   My diet plan that I sold must have been 100% perfection since not a single person asked for their money back. All they were required to do was follow the diet.  

I failed on the diet you suggested. I missed the fine print of "in ounces" and drank 1/2 my body weight in water every day. Needless to say, I had to call a plumber.  

Tom

Hoekstra Devotion - March 5

Holy Spirit Empowering: Three Terms, One Reality:

You shall be baptized with the Holy Spirit not many days from now . . . you shall receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you . . . And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit.  (Act_1:5, Act_1:8; and Act_2:4)

When the book of Acts addresses Holy Spirit empowerment for ministry, three different terms are used to describe the same reality. When Jesus promised this power, He used the term "baptized with." "You shall be baptized with the Holy Spirit not many days from now." When He indicated that this power would result in a worldwide witness, the term "come upon you" was used." You shall receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you." Then, when these promises of the Spirit were fulfilled, the term employed was "filled with." "And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit."

It is clear that these three sets of terms in Acts 1 and 2 are all referring to the same spiritual phenomenon, the Holy Spirit empowering Jesus' followers for witness. Each terminology may carry its own descriptive implications. To be "baptized with" the Spirit is like being inundated by Him. To have the Spirit "come upon you" is like being "impacted from above" by Him.  To be "filled with" the Spirit is like overflowing with Him. Nevertheless, although the words each bring their own picture, they all are describing the same reality. All three terms are biblically accurate, although "filled with the Holy Spirit" is used most frequently throughout Acts.

These promises of Holy Spirit's empowering cannot be monopolized by any denominational group or theological heritage. Nor can they be ignored by any individual or segment within the body of Christ. These truths are for all of God's children. Every disciple of the Lord Jesus must continue to learn and to grow in this essential spiritual empowerment.

Perhaps a word of clarification is in order. These promises are not about the Spirit indwelling the people of God. The Holy Spirit definitely lives within every born again believer in Jesus Christ. "Do you not know that you are the temple of God and that the Spirit of God dwells in you?" (1Co_3:16). The Spirit already lived within the apostles when they were given these promises. "And when He had said this, He breathed on them, and said to them, 'Receive the Holy Spirit'" (Joh_20:22). These promises are about the indwelling Spirit flooding and overflowing our lives with the empowering reality of His presence.

Dear Lord Jesus, You came to give us life abundant. Please fill my life to overflowing with the empowering work of Your Spirit. Lord, I am not seeking personal benefits. I am asking to become a more effective witness. I need the Holy Spirit's power that I might reflect the reality of the risen Christ, in Your mighty name, Amen.

Oklahoma Howdy to Ambassador4Christ,

     Thanks Brother!, I needed that laugh.

I'll tell you a groaner of a golf joke since I was reminded of it.
_____________

This executive was sick of being beat at golf and decided he had to find someone he could beat. He went driving in the country and found an old guy in overalls on a tractor. The farmer said that he didn't know anything about golf, but he agreed to go.

The executive told the farmer a little bit about the game and gave terms for a few things. He said, "See that flag down there? You want to take this club, hit that ball, and try to make it land as close as you can to that flag."

The farmer hit a beautiful shot, the ball hit the flag, and it came to rest about two feet from the hole.

The executive got really mad and said, "I thought you didn't know anything about golf! You almost hit the ball into the hole on the first shot!"

The farmer said, "Why didn't you tell me I was supposed to hit the ball into the hole?"

   
 

[Brother, I hope everyone clicks your link. The devil now wants to steal the innocence of childhood, youth, and young adults.]

Yes, sir, Mr. BEP - end times indeed.  I agree.  And in today's news:

http://www.worldnetdaily.com/news/article.asp?ARTICLE_ID=37419

There is another post around here that asks "Why did God creat hell?"  Well, in my opinion, hell was created for the adult administrators who push perverse lifestyles on children.

Yes - end times.  

Jesus, Lord - come quickly lest the children you adore become further perverted by those who hate You, Lord.  Amen.

Oklahoma Howdy to JudgeNot,

Brother, I don't know how much of this type of news I could stand without throwing up, but we must stay informed and know what the devil is doing.

Brother, I hope everyone clicks your link. The devil now wants to steal the innocence of childhood, youth, and young adults. I can't tell you how sorry I am for those children. They are teaching those children to show "in your face evil", and they are being applauded for their efforts. I've seen and heard some terrible things in my life, so I have a fairly strong stomach, but this makes me sick.

I can certainly understand why the wrath of THE LORD OF HOSTS will most certainly be released. I think our most powerful weapon now is prayer and more prayer.

Love In Christ,
Tom

Hoekstra Devotion - March 4

Holy Spirit Power to be Witnesses:

You shall receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you shall be witnesses to Me in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth.  (Act_1:

After the cross and the resurrection, the Lord Jesus taught His disciples for forty days before He ascended to the Father. One of His strategic messages of preparation concerned the Holy Spirit enablement they would need to fulfill their ministry. "You shall receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you." After this vital promise was given, Jesus was taken up into heaven to the right hand of the Father. Ten days later, on the day of Pentecost, this promise was fulfilled by the outpouring of the Spirit. "And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit" (Act_2:4). The grand result of this empowering would be the spread of the gospel, region by region, throughout the entire world. "You shall be witnesses to Me in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth" (Act_1:.

Their success is documented in the scriptures. The religious opposition admitted that Jerusalem was promptly reached. "Did we not strictly command you not to teach in this name? And look, you have filled Jerusalem with your doctrine" (Act_5:28). Soon thereafter, Judea was being touched. "At that time a great persecution arose . . . and they were all scattered throughout the regions of Judea . . . Therefore those who were scattered went everywhere preaching the word" (Act_8:1, Act_8:4). Next, the message of Jesus entered Samaria. "Then Philip went down to the city of Samaria and preached Christ to them. And the multitudes with one accord heeded the things spoken by Philip" (Act_8:5-6). Finally, the gospel of grace poured out around the world. "The word of the truth of the gospel, which has come to you, as it has also in all the world" (Col_1:5-6).

This worldwide outreach was an astounding development, considering the unimpressive human credentials that characterized Jesus' followers. "Now when they saw the boldness of Peter and John, and perceived that they were uneducated and untrained men, they marveled. And they realized that they had been with Jesus" (Act_4:13). The explanation for their effectiveness was contained in the last phrase. These men had spent time with Jesus, had been impacted by Him, and were now walking in the spiritual strength of His Spirit.

In order for any disciple (then or now) to be an effective demonstration of the reality of the risen Christ, they must live by the power of the Holy Spirit.

O Lord, my strength, make my life a daily witness, declaring in word, deed, and attitude that Jesus is alive. Lord, my own abilities will never be sufficient to accomplish this. So, I humbly pray, empower me by Your Holy Spirit, in Jesus name, Amen.

Hoekstra Devotion - March 3

Once More on Jesus and the Holy Spirit:

The Spirit of the Lord God is upon Me, because the LORD has anointed Me to preach good tidings to the poor; He has sent Me to heal the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives, and the opening of the prison to those who are bound; to proclaim the acceptable year of the LORD.  (Isa_61:1-2)

In this prophetic scripture, we see the ministry of Christ is attributed to the work of the Holy Spirit (as noted before in the manifestation of His godly character). "The Spirit of the Lord God is upon Me, because the LORD has anointed Me."

By the empowering of the Spirit, Jesus was sent forth to "preach good tidings to the poor." This refers to the gospel of salvation. "And Jesus went about all the cities and villages . . . preaching the gospel of the kingdom" (Mat_9:35). This good news of salvation would be received by those who admitted their spiritual bankruptcy. "Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven" (Mat_5:3).

Also, Jesus was sent forth to "heal the brokenhearted." The heart of man can be broken by so many things: condemnation, grief, failure, betrayal, and more. Jesus comforts and restores those who trust in Him. "Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted" (Mat_5:4).

Additionally, Jesus was sent forth to "proclaim liberty to the captives, and the opening of the prison to those who are bound." As with captive Israel of old, people today get into bondage to the world system. They become captivated by worldly thinking, bound by bad habits, and imprisoned by ungodly relationships. Jesus is the great liberator for all who cry out to Him and feed thereafter upon His inspired word. "You shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free . . . Therefore if the Son makes you free, you shall be free indeed" (Joh_8:32, Joh_8:36).

Furthermore, Jesus was sent forth to "proclaim the acceptable year of the LORD." Ultimately, this speaks of the entire age of grace, whereby lives are accepted by God through faith in His beloved Son and enriched by Christ with immeasurable spiritual riches. "God . . . has blessed us with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places in Christ . . . to the praise of the glory of His grace, by which He has made us accepted in the Beloved" (Eph_1:3, Eph_1:6).

We are also sent forth to minister. "As the Father has sent Me, I also send you" (Joh_20:21). As it was with Jesus, we can only fulfill our calling by the same Holy Spirit who empowered His ministry.

Dear Father, please apply all of these ministries of the grace of Jesus to my life in fullness. Then, Father, would You empower me by Your Holy Spirit to go forth in the name of Jesus, offering these same realities to others who need them as well. I place my hope for effectiveness in the enabling anointing of the Spirit, Amen.

Oklahoma Howdy to JudgeNot,

Brother, I understand completely. I bet San Francisco knows you are there. The below is a satellite photo of JudgeNot.

Love In Christ,
Tom

[my pink lawn mower to see if it was ready for ME to mow in the spring.]

Did you laugh?

 

...BEP...you can`t fool a woman that easily..the twitch gave you away  

Oklahoma Howdy to Shylynne,

I went outside, hid behind a tree, and I had little and muffled Mutley snicker. You'll have to know who Mutley (the cartoon) is to appreciate the type of snicker I'm talking about. She asked me later what I was doing outside, and I told her I was checking out my pink lawn mower to see if it was ready for ME to mow in the spring.  

Remember Mutley?

Mayor of first NY community granting gay marriages being charged with a midsdemeanor.

But today a second NY community is beginning to grant them.

Also, today, Portland, OR now granting gay marriages...

Oklahoma Howdy to Symphony,

Brother, what do you think? I honestly believe we are watching the beginning of the end times unfold right before our eyes. I don't think that one needs to be a prophet to see evil growing at an increasing speed, almost by the day.

Love In Christ,
Tom

Tony350 Said:

First I can think of 2 now right from memory.
1. Thou shall not kill.

and in the Old Testament if a man hurt a woman who was pregnant, if the child didnt die, the man wouldnt be killed. If the man did kill the child while killing the woman then the man should be put to death. I will have to look more to see the rest. I just wanted to send a quick post.

Oklahoma Howdy to Tony350,

First, welcome to Christians Unite.

Thanks for your input on this important Christian topic.

Love In Christ,
Tom

Psalms 139:13 For You have possessed my inward parts; You wove me in the womb of my mother.
14 I will thank You, for with awesome ways I am distinguished; Your works are marvelous, and my soul knows it very well.
15 My bones were not hidden from You when I was made in secret; when I was woven in the depths of the earth.
16 Your eyes saw my embryo; and in Your book all my members were written the days they were formed, and not one was yet among them.

*****  That says it all      

Oklahoma Howdy to MalkyEL,

AMEN SISTER!

I don't know how I missed your post. This is a beautiful portion of Scripture. I guess that I got tunnel-vision the day I posted mine. It appears that we posted almost at the same time.

Love In Christ,
Tom