ListenDaily - 28 January 2009; Healing...one more thing

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ListenDaily - 28 January 2009; Healing...one more thing

Now to each one the manifestation of the Spirit is given for the common good.
To one there is given through the Spirit ...to another gifts of healing by that one Spirit,
1 Corinthians 12: 7-9b(find these or any other passages at www.Biblegateway.org)

"Gifts of healing..."

I do not want to stray to far from the 'gifts' message, but there have been many responses and questions concerning healing. In the future, maybe we will address healing as a topic unto itself. But for now, let us consider this:

He himself bore our sins in his body on the tree, so that we might die to sins and live for righteousness; by his wounds you have been healed. 1 Peter 2:24

Let's think about 'normal' healing for a moment...as if all healing were not miraculous! But a scraped knee, a broken arm, a sprained ankle, or a minor cut on a finger...with some or none human intervention, all of these will heal...some more quickly, some more slowly. But barring further injury, these will heal.

"... by his wounds you have been healed." Notice the past tense; "...you have been". Our healing is assured, spiritual and physical. What we must remember, that, for reasons we may not understand, some healing takes longer than others. But as soon as we accept Christ's work on the cross, our eternity is healed. "Whoever hears my word and believes him who sent me has eternal life and will not be condemned; he has crossed over from death to life." (John 5:24) Physical healing may come in an instant, it my come over days, weeks, or months, or maybe after we die. But our eternal bodies will be healed, whole, healthy, in incorruptible (1 Cor. 15:52)

We may receive health through healing in this world, but even that is temporary, for these bodies shall die. But perfect health, eternal physical and spiritual health, is assured for all who believe!

Amen!


~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Questions:
1. Do you accept, reject, or feel unsure about healing?
2. Do the leaders of your church follow the commandment to pray and anoint for healing?
3. Why do we not see more healing?


INTERESTING THOUGHT:
As our Lord asked the sick man whether he wished to be healed, so, without our consent,
He will not save us; and sinners are without excuse for not consenting to the will of the Lord and their own salvation."
Cardinal Bonaventura

ListenDaily - 28 January 2009; Why or why not? More on healing...

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ListenDaily - 28 January 2009; Why or why not? More on healing...

Now to each one the manifestation of the Spirit is given for the common good.
To one there is given through the Spirit ...to another gifts of healing by that one Spirit,

1 Corinthians 12: 7-9b(find these or any other passages at www.Biblegateway.org)

"Gifts of healing..."

Volumes have been written on healing, and I do not suppose to add much more here. But please remember:
Healing is real.
Some people have the gift of healing.
The Scriptures instruct us to seek it.

This healing subject is not a simple one. Although our focus is on gifts of the Spirit, including the gift of healing, I feel like we have to discuss the apparent random nature of God's provision of healing...accent on 'apparent'. As stated yesterday, like most of you, I have prayed for someone's healing and never saw it take place. I have also seen miraculous healing of maladies and injuries large and small.

But friends, God is anything but random. Our issue is our inability to see things from His perspective. From our, small, earthly view, having someone healed would always be the best thing. But we have to trust that God is God, and we are but children. How often does an earthly parent have to deny a child something that he really (or "really, really, really") wants, because it is not in the child's best interest. It might be too much candy, touching the stove, or playing in the street. A child may not see the difference between chasing a ball across the backyard and chasing it across a busy highway, but a loving, protective parent knows better.

We have to trust that, as smart as we think we are, we may not understand God's perspective, which is always pointed toward our best interest, our safety, and our eternity. We may not see the difference between one healing and another, but a loving, protective Father knows best.

I admit, freely, that while trying to learn and understand, I still am far off from understanding the mind of God.

But consider the ministry of Joni Eareckso Tada. (http://www.joniandfriends.org/)

Consider that illness brings believers into hospitals where they can be ministers and witnesses.

Consider that if believers were healed of everything, and never died, they would never enter Glory.


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Questions:
1. Do you accept, reject, or feel unsure about healing?
2. Do the leaders of your church follow the commandment to pray and anoint for healing?
3. Why do we not see more healing?


INTERESTING THOUGHT:
As our Lord asked the sick man whether he wished to be healed, so, without our consent,
He will not save us; and sinners are without excuse for not consenting to the will of the Lord and their own salvation."
Cardinal Bonaventura

ListenDaily - 27 January 2009; More about healingListenDaily - 27 January 2009; More about healing

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Now to each one the manifestation of the Spirit is given for the common good.
To one there is given through the Spirit ...to another gifts of healing by that one Spirit,

1 Corinthians 12: 7-9b(find these or any other passages at www.Biblegateway.org)

"Gifts of healing..."

I cannot imagine that any believer would not want to see healing take place. And most believers will say that they believe God can heal. And yet...there is often hesitation in discussing healing, requesting healing, and praying for healing. And how would someone proclaiming the gift of healing be accepted in our local church?

Friends, like most of you, I have prayed for someone's healing and never saw it take place.

I have also seen miraculous healing of maladies and injuries large and small.

I do not have the answer to why things work differently in different circumstances, but I think I have some clues, which I will address tomorrow, Lord willing.

But friends, I know these things...God can heal, God uses people as instruments of healing, and God has instructed us to seek healing in the church.

Why do we not ?

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Questions:
1. Do you accept, reject, or feel unsure about healing?
2. Do the leaders of your church follow the commandment to pray and anoint for healing?
3. Why do we not see more healing?


INTERESTING THOUGHT:
As our Lord asked the sick man whether he wished to be healed, so, without our consent,
He will not save us; and sinners are without excuse for not consenting to the will of the Lord and their own salvation."
Cardinal Bonaventura

ListenDaily - 26 January 2009; To heal and be healed

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Now to each one the manifestation of the Spirit is given for the common good. To one there is given... to another faith by the same Spirit... 1 Corinthians 12:7 & 9b
(find these or any other passages at www.Biblegateway.org)

Now to each one the manifestation of the Spirit is given for the common good.
To one there is given ...to another gifts of healing by that one Spirit,

"Gifts of healing..."

The notion of healing, spiritual, or 'faith' healing, has caused as much controversy in the church as anything, I suppose. The number of charlatans who have been caught planting audience members with fake maladies has caused much of the church to doubt anyone who proclaims the gift of healing.

And yet...the Scriptures plainly talk about healing in the church.

This will take more than one day.

Meditate over the following passages and what they say about healing, hear what the Lord has said.

When Jesus had called the Twelve together, he gave them power and authority to drive out all demons and to cure diseases, and he sent them out to preach the kingdom of God and to heal the sick. Luke 9:1-2

As you go, preach this message: 'The kingdom of heaven is near.' Heal the sick, raise the dead, cleanse those who have leprosy,drive out demons. Freely you have received, freely give. Matthew 10:7-8

"What do you want me to do for you?" Jesus asked him. The blind man said, "Rabbi, I want to see." "Go," said Jesus, "your faith has healed you." Immediately he received his sight and followed Jesus along the road. Mark 10:51-52

He himself bore our sins in his body on the tree, so that we might die to sins and live for righteousness; by his wounds you have been healed. 1 Peter 2:24

Our fathers disciplined us for a little while as they thought best; but God disciplines us for our good, that we may share in his holiness. No discipline seems pleasant at the time, but painful. Later on, however, it produces a harvest of righteousness and peace for those who have been trained by it. Therefore, strengthen your feeble arms and weak knees. "Make level paths for your feet," so that the lame may not be disabled, but rather healed. Hebrews 12:10-13

Is any one of you sick? He should call the elders of the church to pray over him and anoint him with oil in the name of the Lord. And the prayer offered in faith will make the sick person well; the Lord will raise him up. If he has sinned, he will be forgiven. Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous man is powerful and effective. James 5:14-16

Now, read them again with the following considerations:
Consider the ways that one can be sick...in their flesh, in their mind, in their spirit, in their relationships.
Consider instantaneous healing, healing that comes in eternity, and anything in between.
Consider your spiritual authority.


I'll see you, Lord willing, tomorrow.

I need you.

You need me.

We both need the Holy Spirit.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Questions:
1. Do you accept, reject, or feel unsure about healing?
2. What do the passages say to you?
3. Why do we not see more healing?



INTERESTING THOUGHT:
As our Lord asked the sick man whether he wished to be healed, so, without our consent,
He will not save us; and sinners are without excuse for not consenting to the will of the Lord and their own salvation."
Cardinal Bonaventura

ListenDaily - 23 January 2009; The Gift of Faith

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Now to each one the manifestation of the Spirit is given for the common good. To one there is given... to another faith by the same Spirit, 1 Corinthians 12:7 & 9a

(find these or any other passages at www.Biblegateway.org)

The gift of faith...how interesting. We must not assume that anyone is denied the ability to have the faith in Christ, and the Scriptures bear that out.

This faith, this gift of the Spirit, is like the faith in God to bring salvation, but it is for those already saved. It is the gift from the Holy Spirit that enables the use, I believe, of the other gifts.

It is faith that God can heal and do other miraculous things...not just an intellectual belief...but a strong assurance. A reality that not only can God do these wondrous things...but that we can as well, when touched by His Spirit.

I need you.

You need me.

We both need the Holy Spirit.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Questions:
1. Do you have a specific question about any of these gifts?
2. Did praying over these gifts, this passage, spark any new thoughts?
3. Have you seen any of these manifested in yourself or someone you know?


INTERESTING THOUGHT:
"I want deliberately to encourage this mighty longing after God.
The lack of it has brought us to our present low estate.
The stiff and wooden quality about our religious lives is a result of our lack of holy desire.
Complacency is a deadly foe of all spiritual growth.
Acute desire must be present or there will be no manifestation of Christ to His people.
He waits to be wanted. Too bad that with many of us He waits so long, so very long, in vain."
A.W. Tozer

ListenDaily - 22 January 2009; Wisdom and knowledge

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Now to each one the manifestation of the Spirit is given for the common good.
To one there is given through the Spirit the message of wisdom, to another the message of knowledge... 1 Corinthians 12:7-8

(find these or any other passages at www.Biblegateway.org)

The second gift listed is "knowledge", the first is "wisdom". Similar, yes, but different. I have read several commentaries through the years that differ on this passage, but very little. The 'message of knowledge', I believe, may be an understanding of the Scriptures, and the ability to form theology and doctrine. And I believe that the 'message of wisdom' allows one to apply knowledge to a circumstance or event.

One might ask if the gift is given permanently, or for a given situational. I think the correct answer is both. Some have the gift of wisdom or knowledge that they may use in any situation. I also think [but have not become certain] that these two, or any of the gifts, may be given to a believer for a certain circumstance.
However you might think of these things, agree or disagree, there is one point in which there is no doubt. To one there is given through the Spirit the message of wisdom,
to another the message of knowledge by means of the same Spirit. One and another, from the same Spirit. The fact that any one person does not have all gifts at all times underscores the point that we are a body. The one with wisdom learns from one with knowledge. The one with knowledge needs the one with wisdom.

One and another, from the same Spirit.

I need you.

You need me.

We both need the Holy Spirit.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Questions:
1. Do you have a specific question about any of these gifts?
2. Did praying over these gifts, this passage, spark any new thoughts?
3. Have you seen any of these manifested in yourself or someone you know?



INTERESTING THOUGHT:
"I want deliberately to encourage this mighty longing after God.
The lack of it has brought us to our present low estate.
The stiff and wooden quality about our religious lives is a result of our lack of holy desire.
Complacency is a deadly foe of all spiritual growth.
Acute desire must be present or there will be no manifestation of Christ to His people.
He waits to be wanted. Too bad that with many of us He waits so long, so very long, in vain."
A.W. Tozer

ListenDaily - 21 January 2009; One by one

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Now to each one the manifestation of the Spirit is given for the common good.
To one there is given through the Spirit the message of wisdom,
to another the message of knowledge by means of the same Spirit,
to another faith by the same Spirit,
to another gifts of healing by that one Spirit,
to another miraculous powers,
to another prophecy,
to another distinguishing between spirits,
to another speaking in different kinds of tongues,
and to still another the interpretation of tongues.
All these are the work of one and the same Spirit, and he gives them to each one, just as he determines. 1 Corinthians 12:7-11
(find these or any other passages at www.Biblegateway.org)

So then, the gifts are given for the common good. So what do these gifts look like?

We will, over the next several days, look at each one of the listed gifts.

the message of wisdom,

the message of knowledge

faith

gifts of healing

miraculous powers

prophecy

distinguishing between spirits

speaking in different kinds of tongues

interpretation of tongues

For now, please look at the list, one at a time, pray over each one and ask God to help you understand the the meaning, purpose, and place in your life, of each of these gifts.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Questions:
1. Do you have a specific question about any of these gifts?
2. Did praying over these gifts, this passage, spark any new thoughts?
3. Have you seen any of these manifested in yourself or someone you know?



INTERESTING THOUGHT:
"A church in the land without the Spirit is rather a curse than a blessing.
If you have not the Spirit of God, Christian worker,
remember that you stand in somebody else's way;
you are a fruitless tree standing where a fruitful tree might grow."
Charles Spurgeon

ListenDaily - 19 January 2009; For your own good...?

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Now to each one the manifestation of the Spirit is given for the common good.
To one there is given through the Spirit the message of wisdom,
to another the message of knowledge by means of the same Spirit,
to another faith by the same Spirit,
to another gifts of healing by that one Spirit,
to another miraculous powers,
to another prophecy,
to another distinguishing between spirits,
to another speaking in different kinds of tongues,
and to still another the interpretation of tongues.
All these are the work of one and the same Spirit, and he gives them to each one, just as he determines. 1 Corinthians 12:7-11

(find these or any other passages at www.Biblegateway.org)

Interesting to note, the Greek word for 'gifts' as used in this passage, is 'charismata', from which we have derived the term 'charismatic'.

Now to each one the manifestation of the Spirit is given for the common good.

An understanding of this one phrase is vital.

Now to each one...tells us that each person, personally and individually, to include you and I, is given...


...the manifestation of the Spirit...a 'mainifestation' is a " a perceptible, outward, or visible expression"(Miriam-Webster). So then, this would be an outward expression of the Holy Spirit.

...for the common good... There was, in the church of Corinth, a group who raised 'speaking in tongues' above all other gifts, and who used the gift to elevate themselves. But this truth transcends the context, the gifts of the Spirit are always for the good of the Body.

And so this verse; "Now to each one the manifestation of the Spirit is given for the common good", can be read; "Every person is given a personal, visible expression of God's Holy Spirit for the good of the church."

Every person.

Personal, visible expression.

For the good of the church.

Amen!
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Questions:
1. What do you think of this perspective?
2. How do you see the Spirit manifested in your life?
3. If you do not, what steps might you take in order to see the Spirit's gift for you?


INTERESTING THOUGHT:
"A church in the land without the Spirit is rather a curse than a blessing.
If you have not the Spirit of God, Christian worker,
remember that you stand in somebody else's way;
you are a fruitless tree standing where a fruitful tree might grow."
Charles Spurgeon

ListenDaily - 16 January 2009; Who, what , when, where, and how?

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Yesterday we looked at the gifts of the Spirit listed in Isaiah 11:

1]the Spirit of wisdom
2]and of understanding,
3]the Spirit of counsel
4]and of power,
5]the Spirit of knowledge
6]and of the fear of the LORD
7]and he will delight in the fear of the LORD.

Let us now look back at the gifts listed in the passage we started with:

Now to each one the manifestation of the Spirit is given for the common good.
To one there is given through the Spirit the message of wisdom,
to another the message of knowledge by means of the same Spirit,
to another faith by the same Spirit,
to another gifts of healing by that one Spirit,
to another miraculous powers,
to another prophecy,
to another distinguishing between spirits,
to another speaking in different kinds of tongues,
and to still another the interpretation of tongues.
All these are the work of one and the same Spirit, and he gives them to each one, just as he determines. 1 Corinthians 12:7-11

(find these or any other passages at www.Biblegateway.org)

Interesting...this New Testament list a little different. Remember that this is a different time, and circumstances are different. God does not change; it is simply time for a new thing. The Messiah has now come, and the time for the church to take up the work of the Body of Christ is upon them.

And so to the other gifts, are added ones that we would see as more miraculous; healing ...powers...prophecy...distinguishing between spirits...speaking in tongues, and interpretation of tongues.

Paul makes it clear that these gifts are distributed, everyone does not get them all, but the Holy Spirit gives them to each one, just as he determines.

But friends, please consider the gifts again...healing ...powers...prophecy...distinguishing between spirits...speaking in tongues, and interpretation of tongues. Should we not all see some of them...sometime...somewhere?

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Questions:
1. How does your church and/or your denomination express the Holy Spirit?
2. What, if any, is your personal experience with each of these gifts?
3. What does it mean if no one in our church exhibits any of these gifts? What does it mean if they are rarely seen?


INTERESTING THOUGHT:
"A church in the land without the Spirit is rather a curse than a blessing.
If you have not the Spirit of God, Christian worker,
remember that you stand in somebody else's way;
you are a fruitless tree standing where a fruitful tree might grow."
Charles Spurgeon

ListenDaily - 14 January 2009; What a gift!

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It is an interesting thing, indeed, discussing the Holy Spirit...in researching the "gifts of the Spirit", I came across the confirmation ritual used by our Roman Catholic brethren. Although I may not agree with their views on when and how these gifts are bestowed, I was fascinated by the connection they make between Isaiah's Messianic prophecy and the gifts the Holy Spirit brings to us.

Here is the confirmation litany, note the seven gifts:

All powerful God, Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, by water and the Holy Spirit you freed your sons and daughters from sin and gave them new life. Send your Holy Spirit upon
them to be their helper and guide. Give them:
the spirit of [I] wisdom
and [2] understanding,
the spirit of [3] right judgment
and [4] courage,
the spirit of [5] knowledge
and [6] reverence.
Fill them with the spirit of [7] wonder and awe in your presence.

So, you may ask, (I did), where did they get the idea for these seven gifts? From the prophet Isaiah, who proclaimed the Messiah to come, in this way:

A shoot will come up from the stump of Jesse; from his roots a Branch will bear fruit. The Spirit of the LORD will rest on him;
1]the Spirit of wisdom
2]and of understanding,
3]the Spirit of counsel
4]and of power,
5]the Spirit of knowledge
6]and of the fear of the LORD
7]and he will delight in the fear of the LORD.

Isaiah 11:1-2 (find these or any other passages at www.Biblegateway.org)

(These are not different 'spirits', these are things the Spirit brings. Is that hard to follow? Imagine describing a great person in your life, who was 'a man of action', 'a hard-working man', a kind man' etc...so, then, is the Spirit, one of 'wisdom', and 'power', etc...)

Part of what drove me to this discussion is the great differences between denominational teachings on the Holy Spirit, with the churches labelled "pentecostal" certainly having the stereotype of emphasizing the Holy Spirit. And although there is a 'pentecostal Catholic' movement, one would rarely expect to see that type of worship in a Roman Catholic service.

And yet...

And yet...these wondrous gifts are being pronounced on these children as they become confirmed. They are told that the same Holy Spirit, and the gifts that He brings are available to them. Should we not want these gifts for all of our children? Should we not want them for ourselves?

I do not think that this litany or this Scripture gives the entire story of the gifts of the Spirit.

But, man, what a start.


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Questions:
1. How does your church and/or your denomination express the Holy Spirit?
2. Is there a fear associated with seeking the Spirit's gifts?
3. What do you think of these confirmation words?


INTERESTING THOUGHT:
"A church in the land without the Spirit is rather a curse than a blessing.
If you have not the Spirit of God, Christian worker,
remember that you stand in somebody else's way;
you are a fruitless tree standing where a fruitful tree might grow."
Charles Spurgeon

ListenDaily - 13 January 2009; Before we go any further...

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It is an interesting thing, discussing the Holy Spirit...or not discussing Him. Even the classic Apostle's Creed falls short of anything but acknowledgement:

Some about God:
I believe in God,
the Father Almighty,
Maker of heaven and earth...

Lots abut Jesus:
"...and in Jesus Christ,
His only Son,
our Lord:
Who was conceived by the Holy Spirit,
born of the virgin Mary,
suffered under Pontius Pilate,
was crucified, dead, and buried;
The third day He arose from the dead;
He ascended into heaven,
and sitteth on the right hand of God the Father Almighty;
from thence he shall come to judge the quick and the dead.

The Holy Spirit is mentioned in Jesus' conception and:

I spend a fair amount of time with pastors and other brothers and sisters from a variety of denominations. Between us, there does not seem to be much difference in our views of the Father and the Son...but bring up the Holy Spirit and see a huge chasm appear...baptism of the Holy Spirit...speaking in tongues...on and on. Among many of us, "too much" discussion of the Spirit labels one as differently, somehow.

But church!

"Now about spiritual gifts, brothers, I do not want you to be ignorant...no one can say, "Jesus is Lord," except by the Holy Spirit...there are different kinds of gifts, but the same Spirit...there are different kinds of service, but the same Lord...there are different kinds of working, but the same God works all of them in all men...now to each one the manifestation of the Spirit is given for the common good...for we were all baptized by one Spirit into one body—whether Jews or Greeks, slave or free—and we were all given the one Spirit to drink...there are many parts, but one body...you are the body of Christ...if one part suffers, every part suffers with it; if one part is honored, every part rejoices with it...and now I will show you the most excellent way...so I say, live by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the sinful nature. For the sinful nature desires what is contrary to the Spirit, and the Spirit what is contrary to the sinful nature. They are in conflict with each other, so that you do not do what you want.

Selected verses from 1 Corinthians 12 (find these or any other passages at www.Biblegateway.org)

Certainly there is room for discussion that different parts of the Body have different responsibilities; the entirety of this chapter states overtly that different ones display different gifts. But we are one Body and have all received the same Spirit. While we may not exhibit the same gifts we, without a doubt, must revere and accept the presence of the Holy Spirit...we cannot ignore Him, or even downplay Him. Hear the words of your Savior:

If you then, though you are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give the Holy Spirit to those who ask him!" (Lk.11:13) Anyone who blasphemes against the Holy Spirit will not be forgiven. (Lk. 12:10) The Holy Spirit will teach you at that time what you should say. (Lk.12:12) But the Counselor, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you. (Jn.14:26) Receive the Holy Spirit.(Jn.20:22)

Jesus Himself proclaimed the Holy Spirit in our lives. God's words through Paul tell us we will receive and exhibit the Spirit.

Amen.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Questions:
1. How does your church and/or your denomination express the Holy Spirit?
2. Is there a fear associated with seeking the Spirit's gifts?
3. How does any of that compare with the words of Scripture?


INTERESTING THOUGHT:
"A church in the land without the Spirit is rather a curse than a blessing.
If you have not the Spirit of God, Christian worker,
remember that you stand in somebody else's way;
you are a fruitless tree standing where a fruitful tree might grow."
Charles Spurgeon

ListenDaily - 12 January 2009; Getting and Giving

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ListenDaily - 12 January 2009; Getting and Giving

We are coming out of the Christmas season; one in which there is so much talk about getting and giving - in both secular and spiritual senses. Now we will take some time to talk about our getting and giving; from and for the Holy Spirit.

Now about spiritual gifts, brothers, I do not want you to be ignorant. You know that when you were pagans, somehow or other you were influenced and led astray to mute idols. Therefore I tell you that no one who is speaking by the Spirit of God says, "Jesus be cursed," and no one can say, "Jesus is Lord," except by the Holy Spirit. There are different kinds of gifts, but the same Spirit. There are different kinds of service, but the same Lord. There are different kinds of working, but the same God works all of them in all men. Now to each one the manifestation of the Spirit is given for the common good. 1 Corinthians 12:1-7

So I say, live by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the sinful nature. For the sinful nature desires what is contrary to the Spirit, and the Spirit what is contrary to the sinful nature. They are in conflict with each other, so that you do not do what you want. Galatians 5:16-17
(find these or any other passages at www.Biblegateway.org)

What I am talking about here are those things commonly known as "gifts of the Spirit" and "fruits of the Spirit".

You have probably read and heard, as I have, devotions, studies, and sermons on these two topics; I am not sure if I have ever heard them compared to each other. But let us consider this as we head into this discussion; you must get in order to give...and if you get you are expected to give. If you do not give, what happens to what you get? Now about spiritual gifts, brothers, I do not want you to be ignorant...now to each one the manifestation of the Spirit is given for the common good...so I say, live by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the sinful nature. For the sinful nature desires what is contrary to the Spirit, and the Spirit what is contrary to the sinful nature.

If we are open to the Spirit we can receive all He desires to give us. I propose that we are then expected to give, and furthermore, if we do not give it begins to kill off that which we receive.The Sea of Galilee and the Dead Sea both receivethe flowing waters of the Jordan. Galilee teems with life, while the Dead Sea is, well, dead. The difference? Galilee receives and gives, the river flowing into and out of it. The Dead Sea gives nothing, it only receives.

We receive from the Spirit...do we show His fruit?

If we do not, why not?

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Questions:
1. What do you think of this perspective?
2. What gifts of the Spirit can you identify in your own life?
3. What fruit?

INTERESTING THOUGHT:
"A church in the land without the Spirit is rather a curse than a blessing.
If you have not the Spirit of God, Christian worker,
remember that you stand in somebody else's way;
you are a fruitless tree standing where a fruitful tree might grow."
Charles Spurgeon

ListenDaily - 08 January 2009; To know, know, know Him...

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His parents went to Jerusalem every year at the Feast of the Passover. And when He was twelve years old, they went up to Jerusalem according to the custom of the feast. When they had finished the days, as they returned, the Boy Jesus lingered behind in Jerusalem. And Joseph and His mother did not know it; but supposing Him to have been in the company, they went a day's journey, and sought Him among their relatives and acquaintances. So when they did not find Him, they returned to Jerusalem, seeking Him. Now so it was that after three days they found Him in the temple, sitting in the midst of the teachers, both listening to them and asking them questions. And all who heard Him were astonished at His understanding and answers. So when they saw Him, they were amazed; and His mother said to Him, "Son, why have You done this to us? Look, Your father and I have sought You anxiously."

And He said to them, "Why did you seek Me? Did you not know that I must be about My Father's business?"

But they did not understand what he was saying to them. Then he went down to Nazareth with them and was obedient to them. But his mother treasured all these things in her heart. And Jesus grew in wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and men.

Luke 2:41-52 (find this or any other passage at www.Biblegateway.org)

But they did not understand what he was saying to them.

This is an intriguing verse.

This man Joseph had angelic visions, and this woman Mary, was visited by angels and the Holy Spirit, both of them given direct teaching about this Son of theirs...and yet...they did not understand what he was saying to them.

There are so many possibilities as to what this might mean; and not necessarily that they forgot who He was...but something had, at minimum, dulled their senses.

My guess is that it was a combination of time and normal circumstances. Although this immediately follows Jesus' birth in the Scriptures, in reality, some twelve years had passed. And, if after the scare that sent them to Egypt, there were any remarkable circumstances, the Scriptures do not record them. And so, it could be that, even though they always knew who Jesus was, the lack of seeing Him as the Son of God had changed how they saw Him; perhaps a separation between the intellect and the spiritual.

Wow! What a lesson that could be for us! We may have accepted Jesus a long time ago, but has a combination of time and normal circumstances changed how we see Him? Has a separation developed between between the intellect and the spiritual? Have we gotten so used to Him in our lives, so comfortable, that although we know He is there, we no longer expect anything different, anything uncomfortable, anything miraculous?

I hope not...I pray not...

But I confess that it happens to me.

The Good News is that He is still with us, still about His Father's business for us. We need only to stop and gaze up at the manger, the star, the cross, the empty tomb, the Right Hand of God, and see Jesus...Jesus!
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Questions:
1. What do you think it means that they 'did not understand' Jesus?
2. Have you ever felt a separation between knowing Jesus with your mind, and knowing Him completely?
3. What do you do about that?

INTERESTING THOUGHT:
"The golden rule for understanding in spiritual matters is not intellect, but obedience." Oswald Chambers

ListenDaily - 07 January 2009; What's Your Daddy Do?

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His parents went to Jerusalem every year at the Feast of the Passover. And when He was twelve years old, they went up to Jerusalem according to the custom of the feast. When they had finished the days, as they returned, the Boy Jesus lingered behind in Jerusalem. And Joseph and His mother did not know it; but supposing Him to have been in the company, they went a day’s journey, and sought Him among their relatives and acquaintances. So when they did not find Him, they returned to Jerusalem, seeking Him. Now so it was that after three days they found Him in the temple, sitting in the midst of the teachers, both listening to them and asking them questions. And all who heard Him were astonished at His understanding and answers. So when they saw Him, they were amazed; and His mother said to Him, “Son, why have You done this to us? Look, Your father and I have sought You anxiously.”

And He said to them, “Why did you seek Me? Did you not know that I must be about My Father’s business?”

But they did not understand the statement which He spoke to them. Then He went down with them and came to Nazareth, and was subject to them, but His mother kept all these things in her heart. And Jesus grew in wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and men.

Luke 2:41-52 (find this or any other passage at www.Biblegateway.org)

OK, this is technically not part of the Christmas story, but I'm including it here because it is our last glimpse of Jesus as a child, and the only time we hear Him speak before manhood.

I love this story! Here is the twelve year old Jesus, a twelve year old Jewish boy. His next birthday would be the time for His Bar Mitzvah; the age and ceremony that declared Jewish boys to be men. Now, there are several steps through which they became "fully adult", but at the age of thirteen they could serve in the Temple, they were accountable to the Law, and...they had to have a trade.

Traditionally, young boys and girls spent their time with their mothers, then at about twelve years the girls became women, and the boys began learning their life's work, usually whatever their father did. Sons of fishermen learned to fish, sons of woodworkers learned to work wood, they learned their father's business.

And so, like the other boys were doing, the Son of God went to be about His Father’s business.
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Questions:
1. What do you think of this perspective?
2. What do you think of the idea that Jesus had to learn His Father's trade?
3. Have you ever seen Jesus, in some ways, as a typical Jewish boy?

INTERESTING THOUGHTS:

"In Shansi I found Chinese Christians who were accustomed to spend time in fasting and prayer. They recognized that this fasting, which so many dislike, which requires faith in God, since it makes one feel weak and poorly, is really a Divinely appointed means of grace. Perhaps the greatest hindrance to our work is our own imagined strength; and in fasting we learn what poor, weak creatures we are-dependent on a meal of meat for the little strength which we are so apt to lean upon." Hudson Taylor

ListenDaily - 06 January 2009; Mystery Men

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A little more about the events following the Christmas story.

After Jesus was born in Bethlehem in Judea, during the time of King Herod, Magi from the east came to Jerusalem and asked, "Where is the one who has been born king of the Jews? We saw his star in the east and have come to worship him." When King Herod heard this he was disturbed, and all Jerusalem with him. When he had called together all the people's chief priests and teachers of the law, he asked them where the Christ was to be born. "In Bethlehem in Judea," they replied, "for this is what the prophet has written:

" 'But you, Bethlehem, in the land of Judah, are by no means least among the rulers of Judah; for out of you will come a ruler who will be the shepherd of my people Israel.'"
Then Herod called the Magi secretly and found out from them the exact time the star had appeared. He sent them to Bethlehem and said, "Go and make a careful search for the child. As soon as you find him, report to me, so that I too may go and worship him."


After they had heard the king, they went on their way, and the star they had seen in the east went ahead of them until it stopped over the place where the child was. When they saw the star, they were overjoyed. On coming to the house, they saw the child with his mother Mary, and they bowed down and worshiped him. Then they opened their treasures and presented him with gifts of gold and of incense and of myrrh. And having been warned in a dream not to go back to Herod, they returned to their country by another route.

Matthew 2:1-12 (find these or any other passages at www.Biblegateway.org)

There are a few things about the story of the Wise Men that differ from the traditional telling:

We often see scenes depicted with the Wise Men at the manger with the Baby Jesus. However, the actual Scripture says "on coming to the house, they saw the child..." So, they found Him in a house...and I understand that the Greek word, translated 'child', refers to someone not a newborn, maybe a toddler. (Does anyone else find the "Toddler Jesus" an interesting image?)

We also have no idea how many there were, the tradition of three comes from the gifts they brought.

The history of Magi dated back centuries before the time of Christ. Even a famous Jewish man, Daniel, was called "Chief of the Magi" (Daniel 4:9). Their importance to the Persian kings grew over the centuries. In the sixth century B.C., King Darius attempted to establish Zoroastrianism as a national religion. This belief emphasized astrology and so the Magi were confronted with the blending Zoroastrianism, Judaism, as well as the Persian beliefs and traditions. Many accepted this blending in order to maintain their political power. Some held to their original beliefs, while others held onto the thought that Daniel's God was the One, True, God.

I cannot help but wonder if the Wise Men of our Christmas story, were part of that latter group...a group of men who had long been seeking God.

Then they found Him.

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Questions:
1. How do the Scriptures lineup with your thoughts on the Christmas story?
2. How important are the Wise Men to the story?

3. What do you think the Magi did with this news after returning home?


INTERESTING THOUGHTS:


"There is no better evangelist in the world than the Holy Spirit."
D.L. Moody

"A church in the land without the Spirit is rather a curse than a blessing.
If you have not the Spirit of God, Christian worker,
remember that you stand in somebody else's way;
you are a fruitless tree standing where a fruitful tree might grow."
Charles Spurgeon

ListenDaily - 02 January 2009; King of the Whos?

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A little more about the events following the Christmas story.

Now there was a man in Jerusalem called Simeon, who was righteous and devout. He was waiting for the consolation of Israel, and the Holy Spirit was upon him. It had been revealed to him by the Holy Spirit that he would not die before he had seen the Lord's Christ. Moved by the Spirit, he went into the temple courts. When the parents brought in the child Jesus to do for him what the custom of the Law required, Simeon took him in his arms and praised God, saying:

"Sovereign Lord, as you have promised, you now dismiss your servant in peace. For my eyes have seen your salvation, which you have prepared in the sight of all people, a light for revelation to the Gentiles and for glory to your people Israel."

Luke 2:25-34

(find these or any other passages at www.Biblegateway.org)

What an interesting passage! One of the first things that jumps out to me from this story is the presence of the Holy Spirit. There was a unique event chronicled in Acts 2 concerning the Spirit, but that was not His first Earthly appearance, or His first contact with man. (Earlier we read that Elizabeth was filled with the Spirit when Mary came to visit.)

The next thing is this wonderful promise that Simeon had received, that he would not die before seeing the Messiah. I wonder if he had shared that with anyone?

Finally, there is this great statement, for which I am so grateful: "...my eyes have seen your salvation, which you have prepared in the sight of all people, a light for revelation to the Gentiles and for glory to your people Israel.

As a non-Jew, how thankful I am that God's intentions included me!

Jesus was coming to bring Gory to the Chosen Ones and as a light reveal God's plan to everyone. The Hebrews were intitally set aside in order to do this very thing. The story of the Old Testament shows that they did not succeed very well as evangelists. Yet through them, that success would come, from a son, the Son of Israel.

The Magi asked, "Where is He who is born King of the Jews?" And yes, He was born King of the Jews, but He's my King too, praise God.

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Questions:
1. We seem to have the idea that Jesus' birth was a secret to everyone but Mary and Joseph, but Simeon knew it would happen before he died. Do you think he told others? What impact might that have had?

2. Have you ever considered the role of the Holy Spirit before Pentecost? Considering Simeon and Elizabeth, do you think a role, or maybe the role of the Spirit is to help individuals recognize Jesus?

3. How does it impact you that Jesus came as "a light for revelation to the Gentiles"?


INTERESTING THOUGHTS:


"There is no better evangelist in the world than the Holy Spirit."

D.L. Moody



"A church in the land without the Spirit is rather a curse than a blessing.
If you have not the Spirit of God, Christian worker,
remember that you stand in somebody else's way;
you are a fruitless tree standing where a fruitful tree might grow."
Charles Spurgeon