25 Woods Lake Road, Building 8, Greenville, SC
The Bible commands followers of Christ to be filled with the Spirit, but what does that really mean, and how do you know if you are filled with the Spirit? Today we look at four important proofs that our lives are filled with the Spirit’s power and that we are living under His control. Is your life showing evidence of the Holy Spirit’s presence?
Jesus did not leave us here to live the Christian life in our own strength. He sent the same Holy Spirit who raised Him from the dead to live inside of us and empower us! But the Bible warns us not to be filled with other things that will take control of our lives. We must be filled with the Spirit in order for our thoughts and actions to be controlled by the Spirit. We are controlled by whatever we are filled with.
Whether you look through the telescope or the microscope, the majesty and greatness of God are on display for all to see. Each year brings new discoveries of giant galaxies that now number in the billions, and also new discoveries of the vast “galaxies” within the microscopic cells of our own bodies. One cannot help but feel small and be humbled when presented with the staggering enormity and brilliance of God’s creative handiwork. The holiness and majesty of God are so immense and overwhelming that we are once again brought to our knees in worship before Him!
How do you picture God? Is He an old man with a long white beard trying to keep up with everything in the universe? The Bible says God is a consuming fire; that He dwells in unapproachable light; that anyone who encounters His holy presence falls on their face in fear. Once we catch even a glimpse of God’s holiness, we are made utterly aware of our sinfulness, and that is the place where true revival can begin. Do you have a right view of God’s holiness?
What do you see when you look in the mirror? Be honest. The truth is, most people–even Christians–don’t like what they see. They are haunted by past failures or present weaknesses, and often see themselves as useless in God’s eyes. Moses had such a low view of himself that he almost missed God’s greatest mission for his life, because when we fail to see ourselves as God sees us, we will fail to fulfill the purpose for which we were created. Don’t let a wrong view of yourself cause you to miss God’s mission for you!
Have you ever found yourself facing a desperate situation… the clock is ticking… time is running out… and it seems like God is ignoring you? Has he heard your prayers? Will He ever show up? If you’ve been there, or you’re there now, take heart in today’s message from John 11 where a family learned that even though Jesus delayed, His delay brought about a far greater purpose than they could have ever imagined.
When faced with the impossible problem of feeding the five thousand, the disciples were unable to come up with a solution because they failed to factor Jesus into the equation. And yet, in the hands of Jesus, one boy’s small lunch became a miraculous meal that satisfied thousands. What impossible situation are you facing today? Have you remembered to factor Jesus into the equation and leave room for a miracle?
Most people spend more time planning their vacation than they ever do planning to be used by God. But without a strategic plan, our best intentions will never become reality. So, what is your plan for your life? Your marriage? Your family? Your personal ministry? Do you have one? Plans clarify the vision and get us moving in the right direction. Planning shows faith in the vision God has given us… and God will move mightily through that kind of faith!
In the Gospels we see the disciples arguing, doubting, and abandoning Jesus, but when you reach Acts you see a totally transformed group of men. What happened? Their lives were radically changed by the power of the Holy Spirit and by their risen Lord. Yes, Jesus truly does change people. Has He changed your life?
Nobody likes to wait, especially when you feel like God doesn’t hear your prayers and that He is never going to show up! But the first command Jesus gave His followers just before He ascended to heaven was to… WAIT. Does God have you in wait mode right now? If so, just hold on and know that He has not forgotten you. His timing will prove to be perfect!
As we live out our new life in Christ, we must realize that our enemy, Satan, is constantly trying to attack us. Where are your weak spots, and what are you doing to protect yourself from the enemy’s attacks in those areas? The Bible has given us everything we need to stand against Satan’s attacks… do you know how to use these spiritual weapons to protect yourself?
If Christ can bring us from death to life, then there is absolutely no situation we will ever face that God cannot conquer. Is there something in your life right now that is keeping you chained down? You can’t fix it, but God can!
