Who Is the Holy Spirit?

The purpose of this article is to encourage, enlighten and to share the wonderful promises for God's people.

Several years past, I made the decision to choose 'life'. I wanted to be born again. In so doing, I learned that I needed the infilling of the Holy Spirit to bring rebirth to my spirit; the immaterial invisible part of me where my perceptions, feelings,desires and reflections are housed. I made a public confession that I believed that Jesus was born of a virgin, that He was crucified, was buried and arose on the third day as the Holy Scriptures said. He is the "only" Savior who was crucified, buried,arose from the grave, walked among men, and was watched by His followers as He ascended into Heaven. My spirit was reborn by the power of the Holy Spirit. I became a 'new creation'--old things passed away.

Who is the Holy Spirit? The Holy Spirit is the third Person of the Godhead. He is the divine Gift for service; He indwells every believer.

We may be immature, weak and imperfect, but if we have been 'born again' of the Spirit (John 3:3-7), He dwells in us (I Cor.6:19-20; Rom.8:9). It is one thing to have the Holy Spirit dwelling in us, but does the Holy Spirit have us that He may fill us with the abundant life? The abundant life is not found in enviroment or circumstances, or in things we may possess. It is found in the infilling of the Holy Spirit. "Be filled with the Holy Spirit " is a command (Eph.5:18). To be filled with the Holy Spirit is to be Spirit-possessed, Spirit empowered, Spirit-led and Spirit.-controlled (Acts 8:26-40).

Six reasons why we are filled with the Spirit:
1) That we might have joy (Eph. 5:19-20);
2) For service (Acts 6:3; 11:22-24);
3) For power to witness (Acts 1:8; 2:4-7);
4) For the hour of persecution (Acts 7: 54-60);
5) That we may "walk in the Spirit" (Gal. 5:16-26);
6) That we may be led by the Spirit (Rom. 8:14).

To be filled with the Holy Spirit:
First, we must desire Him to fill us;
Second, we must ask Him to fill us;
Third, we must believe that He does fill us (John 4:14; 7:37-38).

The Holy Spirit is our life changer.

Supporting Scriptures: John 3:5-8; 16:8; IThes.1:5; Titus 3:5; Eph. 5:18.
I Cor. 6:19; II Cor 5:17;Rom.6:10-13; 8:9;

Word Power

"It is essential that we use our words with great wisdom and care. Consider carefully the words we choose. Will they be seasoned with the balm of grace or with the poison of anger?"(Bill Crowder).

Communication is an act or instance of transmitting; a verbal or written message; a process by which meanings are exchanged between individuals through a common system of symbols; a technique for expressing ideas effectively(as in speech), and the technology of transmission of information.(Webster's Seventh New Collegiate Dictionary).

I have observed that one of the most problematic hurdles for mankind is verbal communication. Do we always mean what we say? Do we always say what we mean? In either situation, are we truly understood? Do we or should we really care? I'm convinced that we should care and realize that communication is the catalyst for human development as well as survival. Even when/if we're alone; we internalize, we reminiscence, we entertain the past and often make decisions based on what we've been told(personally) or heard someone say. Communication is an essential commodity. A gift from God.

It has been established there're many types of communication. However,at this time, I will briefly discuss two types; visual and verbal, in effort to shorten my observation and limit research on this topic.

Visual communicators often consist of our fashions, fads, hair styles, what we drive, where we live, where we shop and who our social associates may be. Also where we work, what we earn and what position we hold. We chose to select whatever means of expression that will make for our approval within an environment, a relationship, and society as a whole. We have desires for acceptance, so we strive to relate through the use of external/visual communicators. We want to look the part. We wear many faces to appear to have arrived. We can choose to change whenever the trend changes and we're hardly noticed.

Verbal communicators consist of two or more people who simultaneously use words to express their thoughts, interests, feelings, desires, opinions, and ideas. These are orally expressed. We talk about what lies within the heart. Unlike visual communicators; words have a lasting affect that sets standards, limits, and boundaries. This type of communication takes precedence over all. Verbal communication is a flow of words that're propelled by the tongue through the mouth from the heart and reaches the soul of man. Once words leave the mouth they establish an affect. Therefore, it is essential that we choose to use our words with wisdom and care.

"If anyone is never at fault in what he says, he is a perfect man, able to keep his whole body in check. The tongue is a small part of the body, but it makes great boasts." (James 3:2,5).

Words carry with them the power of healing or a destructive capacity. Whatever we say makes a lasting impression. Let's be careful about what we say and how we say it. We must use God given wisdom when speaking to His people. "The good man brings good things out of the good stored up in him, and the evil man brings evil things out of the evil stored up in him." (Matthew 12:35). "The tongue also is a fire, a world of evil among the parts of the body. It corrupts the whole person, sets the whole course of his life on fire, and is itself set on fire by hell."(James 3:6). "Men will have to give account on the day of judgment for every careless word they have spoken. For by your words you will be acquitted, and by your words you will be condemned." (Matthew 12:36-37).

Before we say it; let's examine to see if it will edify, if it's true and if it's necessary---if not all three---let's not say it.

It's better to bite your tongue than to let your tongue bite someone else. (Our Daily Bread, July,2008).

A careless word may kindle strife,

A cruel word may wreck a life,

A timely word may lessen stress,

A loving word may heal and bless.(Anon)

Man's Purpose In The World

This being a subject that initiates different opinions and possibly acted upon according to varying statues of different states,within our union,other countries and cultures of this earth; we would not be able to touch on any basic points without referring to the law of all laws, our Holy Bible, from which our union was formed and laws were established upon.

In the Holy Bible the scriptures tell us about the first man on earth,how and why he existed then, and the plan for man as a whole. In remembering man's beginning, we must think of his purpose at that time. Man was made because he was part of God's master plan,(Gen.1:26-5:5)shows us the natural man in his original and intended glory, in the extremity of his fall, and in the possibilities which yet remain to him as man. Man as a whole today is not Adam, but the facts of his obedient expectations are yet remaining. Man was the crown of God's Creations; his obedience, was and is one of his most important duties.

OBEDIENCE: Man is first to be obedient to the Word of God,this is his first duty, because God is Master of him and soul. Man is to be obedient to his elders, this pleases God. Man is to obey the laws of the land, because they were established by the Word of God, and man makes the laws, so then he is expected to obey them. He is to be obedient to his superiors on a given duty, task, job,etc., that he has been assigned to, because this duty, task, job or whatever has been entrusted to him to carry out by the orders of his superior in being obedient to him. Man is to be obedient to his leaders in the knowledge of God and His will for him because first of all the leaders were set up in the church in order for man to be taught of God's master plan for his existance and the way he can obtain spiritual guidance.

PROVIDER: Man being entrusted with the power of choosing a companion, he is to remember the laws of God, in so doing, and the laws of the land in which he expects to live and provide for his companion. It is his duty to provide for his own companion and family. He was not only given the opportunity to choose his companion but he made vows that he would be a provider for her. In providing for his family, man is to be honest. There are ways of providing that pleases God and will cause no trouble to man, then there are ways man may consider as survival that can gender strife, hatred, and even cause death. Man is constantly searching for how, why, what, when and where, concerning the aspects of this earth. This too is man's duty which falls under the category of survival. Man has to be able to produce in order to survive. Man was destined to have dominion over things of the earth; he had dominion over the earth, it was left to man to obey, replinish, multiply and enjoy what was set before him.

LEADERSHIP: Man has been given the laws of God and told of his expectations for happiness now and in the world to come. Man was instructed to get knowledge, understanding and to use wisdom; these facts will prepare him for leadership. In order for man to be a good leader he has to first be a good follower. In being a good follower, he learns what leadership is all about. If he obeys his leaders, then he will be justified to expect his followers to obey him. In order for man to be a good leader he has to be a partaker of his own teachings and be an example to his followers. He should be able to master leadership in his home first, in the church, at school, in civic affairs and on the job that he has been entrusted to take this position.

HUMBLE/FAITHFUL: Out of all the expectations of man, both naturally and spiritually;man has to be humble, and faithful. He is to suffer humility because his Master suffered for his sake, being an example to him. In so doing, man has to be faithful, he has to believe in himself before expecting someone else to do so. This belief is shown through faith. Man is to give orders, and to discipline considering himself.

RESPECTFULNESS: Man is to first respect himself in order to obtain respect. He must respect his elders, leaders, family, superiors, and all mankind for who they are.

And God said, Let us make man in our image, after our likeness: and let them have dominion over the fish of the sea, and over the fowl of the air, and over the cattle and over all the earth, and over every creeping thing that creepeth upon the earth (Gen. 1:26).

Broken Heart

Once again
rejected by man,
left alone
as he departs,
leaving me
with a broken heart;
It's not the first time
this happened to me,
giving in and
setting one free,
Another who
had to quench his thirst,
my heart will heal
I'll get over the hurt,
I must hold on,
and walk by faith,
keep on believing
love paves the way;
my broken heart
is not here to stay,
I'll occupy till the
epiphany comes
I'll celebrate
the stressful wait;
I've done my part,
I'll receive healing
for my broken heart.
From: "Pieces of My Heart."

"I know that in ALL things God works for my good because I love Him and has been called according to His purpose. I cast All my care upon Him; for He cares for me. I am blessed because I make the Lord my trust."
Supporting Scripture: Romans 8:28.

I Can Only Imagine

I can only imagine what magnificent hues scroll into your
Thoughts, and appear within your mind,
What engaging tints,textures,types and kinds;
I can only imagine if the flashing scenes that quickly
Roll past,
Leave warm impressions within your heart that's deep
Enough to last;
I can only imagine how colors of reds,yellows,greens,whites,
Purples,browns,and blues,
Reflect gratifying messages of me to you;
Expressions of care,concern,and sacrifice,
Enchanting sights and love of life;
I can only imagine portraits of honesty,sincerity,
And loyalty,
Foundations of peace,faith,strength,and stability;
What you may feel,witness or see as colors reflect your
Thoughts,
Whenever you're thinking of me;
I can only imagine what an awesome experience
For you this must be.
From "Pieces of My Heart". Written for a dear friend.

Today

From the rising of the sun this day begun;
Life once again scrolled back the curtains of time;
An angelic whisper touched my human mind;
Speaking softly, and said "rise, again today."
My body turning from side to side, I rolled the covers away;
Opening my eyes---yawning, and stretching my arms above my head,
I pondered and graciously praised God,
"Thank you Lord for blessing me to see another day."
"Praise you Lord," I continued to say.
I will walk circumspectly with my Lord in each and every way;
I will keep my heart open so that I may hear my Lord say,
"Rise again, Today!"

Problems

Problems are here for us all,

Some stand and some may fall;

Life with it's beauty and joy sublime,

Presents us with problems of ev'ry kind;

We should remember we don't stand alone,

Working together, problems will soon be gone;

Reaching out and getting involved,

Will help many brothers their problems to solve;

Being concerned is the number one thing,

Then the problems won't seem so mean;

To worry and travel to and fro,

Will not help our problems to go;

We must stand still and think things through,

Before deciding what we'll do;

Hasty decisions sounds good and fast,

But the best solutions are those that last;

Tho' problems seem many and out of sight,

Let's stay strong and ready to fight;

No problems are greater than from the source they come,

So let's hold firm till the battles are won.