Daily Devotional Day & Night

HAPPY MONDAY!

I pray all is well with everyone, and you're enjoying the beginning of another workweek (for most). I had a wonderful weekend, I embarked on a new journey in my ministry, and I learned a lot. I describe this step as "jumping into a cold pool". Have you ever been swimming, and you eased in the water, bit by bit? You start off with a toe, then eventually with the whole foot, etc., that way is safe, but it's more painful than just jumping in. I had been dipping my foot in the water, and then taking it out for a long time, so this time I was lead to go for it, and I jumped in. I had that immediate shock at the beginning, but as I got into it, and moved around in the water, it got better, and I felt more comfortable. Is there a cold pool in your life, something that you've been called to do, but you been sitting on the edge, too afraid to get in? Well I urge you to just jump in! You do have to be careful not to jump in with your eyes close, because you might hurt yourself, but pray for God's guidance, and once He gives you the green light, go for it. Take my word for it it's worth it! Enjoy the remainder of your day, and be blessed family!

Today's scriptures are about respecting the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit is a “person” of the Trinity of God. When we think of God the Father, we think of the Creator of all things, the Almighty, All-powerful, Sovereign God. We know that He loves us, and we pray to, and fellowship with, Him on a daily basis. Then we think about God the Son, and we know the “Christmas story”, that God’s Spirit impregnated the Virgin Mary, and she gave birth to Jesus. He grew up like any other normal child, then as an Adult He traveled into far countries, taught the word of God, performed miraculous wonders, and died for the sin of all mankind. After His death, He was resurrected, and now sits in Heaven, at the right hand of God, making intercession for us. That’s two parts of the Trinity, but what’s the other? The third and final part is the Holy Spirit. He is just as important and relevant as the Father and the Son, yet we don’t respect as we do the others. Yes, there’s still One God, and One Savior Jesus Christ, but there’s also One Holy Spirit, and they all work together.
Yesterday we celebrated Pentecost, which observes the day God’s Holy Spirit descended upon Jesus’ Disciples, after His ascension into Heaven. In the Book of Acts, which is also know as “the Acts of the Holy Spirit”, Luke starts off with a conversation between Jesus and His disciples, after His resurrection, but before His ascension. Jesus said to them: "Do not leave Jerusalem, but wait for the gift my Father promised, which you have heard me speak about. For John baptized with water, but in a few days you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit." (Acts 1:4-5 NIV) Luke goes on to give an account of when the Holy Spirit descended upon the disciples in the next chapter. It’s written: When the day of Pentecost came, they were all together in one place. Suddenly a sound like the blowing of a violent wind came from heaven and filled the whole house where they were sitting. They saw what seemed to be tongues of fire that separated and came to rest on each of them. All of them were filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues as the Spirit enabled them. (Acts 2:1-4) During all of this commotion, people started to surround the house to see what was going on. When they saw them acting so strangely, they thought they were drunk, but Peter stood before the crowd and explained what was happening (Acts 2:14-41). He went through different accounts of this very moment being prophesied throughout history, and how important that day was. It’s written: Peter replied, "Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. And you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. The promise is for you and your children and for all who are far off—for all whom the Lord our God will call." (Acts 2:38:39)
Now are you convinced that the Holy Spirit is as important as Jesus Himself? He’s been gifted to us; God loved us enough to give us a part of Him, to live inside of us, and help us face everyday life. The Holy Spirit seals our covenant with God. Jesus made it possible for us to live all eternity in Heaven, and the Holy Spirit makes it possible to live in abundance here on earth. He makes sure we’re following God’s will for our life, yet He also commands respect. He’s a part of God, so we’re required to love Him with all of our heart as well. He’s responsible for telling us, “this is the way walk in it”, and He’s expecting us to listen. He helps us know what to pray for, and how to pray (Romans 8:26). He convicts us of our sins, so that we could quickly repent, and our peace be restored. Through Him we can heal the sick, prophecy, and so much more. I heard one of Dr. Stanley’s teachings on the Holy Spirit, and He pointed out that we sometimes refer to the Holy Spirit as an “it” and not a “Him”, and I was immediately convicted, because I did that. Nonetheless, the Holy Spirit is very much a “person” of the Trinity of God.
We grieve the Holy Spirit when we don’t acknowledge His presence, consult Him on everyday things, nor thank Him for His assistance. If you know you haven’t been in touch with the Holy Spirit as much as you should, ask Him to walk with you today. He’s waiting on you to call on His Name, and He’ll be there. He right in your heart if you’ve confessed Jesus as Lord and Savior, He’s been there all along. If you haven’t confessed Jesus as Lord, then as soon as you take that very important step, you’ll received His Holy Spirit. It may not be as dramatic as the day of Pentecost, but you’ll notice a huge difference. I can testify, because the Holy Spirit brings you this message through me, each and every day, without Him it would not be possible. If you’re not sure of your salvation take the God quiz today! My favorite verses today are: After that ye believed, ye were sealed with that Holy Spirit of promise, which is the earnest of the inheritance until the redemption of the purchased possession. (Ephesians 1:13-14)

ENJOY! http://www.bible.com/scripture-detail.php?juli=2455341&dtype=Scripture
http://www.intouch.org/site/pp.aspx?c=cnKBIPNuEoG&b=4943197
http://www.intouch.org/site/apps/nl/newsletter.asp?c=cnKBIPNuEoG&b=4943547

I love you!