Tag Archives: John 16:7-15

It’s Warming Up? Are We??? A Word from THE WORD!!! #325

26 Wednesday Feb 2025

Posted by in 'Come unto me, 'Tis The Season?, A Call To Look Unto Jesus!, Abiding In Jesus, Choices And Consequences, Faithful is He that has Promised!, Firecrackers of Regret!, Following Jesus or the World?, Holy, Holy Living, Holy Spirit, IN HIS TIME!, IN Jesus!, JESUS, Jesus IN You!, Jesus Is Coming!, Jesus Is The Only Way!, Jesus Saves!, Jesus' Sacrifice, Jesus-Wonderful Counselor, Light In The Dark, Salvation, the Lamb of God, The Light of The Word IS Jesus, The Light of The World, The Little Things., The Love of God, The Word

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It’s Warming Up? Are We???  A Word from THE WORD!!! #325

“I indeed baptize you with water

unto repentance:

but he that cometh after me

is mightier than I,

whose shoes I am not worthy to bear:

he shall baptize you

with the Holy Ghost,

and with fire:

12 Whose fan is in his hand,

 and he will thoroughly purge his floor,

and gather his wheat into the garner;

but he will burn up the chaff

with unquenchable fire.” Matthew 3:11-12

John the Baptizer was telling the people that the “One” (Jesus) who would come after him would baptize with The Holy Ghost and with fire.  While fire is a purifying element, it is also an element of judgment for those who reject Jesus!  Jesus promised his disciples (and us) that He would send the Holy Ghost/Holy Spirit to dwell within His own, and we would be empowered to do His work in His Spirit not our own.  It seems to me that Satan is busy putting out the fires of God’s Spirit in His own, with weariness, distractions of every sort, and we have allowed the coals to cool the fire that came down at Pentecost.

“And when the day of Pentecost was fully come,

they were all with one accord

in one place.

2 And suddenly there came a sound from heaven

as of a rushing mighty wind,

and it filled all the house where they were sitting.

3 And there appeared unto them cloven tongues

like as of fire,

and it sat upon each of them.

4 And they were all filled with the Holy Ghost,

and began to speak with other tongues,

as the Spirit gave them utterance.”  Acts 2:1-4

This was the fulfillment of Jesus’ promise to His disciples, and we get so distracted with the issue of “tongues” that we miss the point that they did what The Spirit gave to them, and they went forth with the Gospel and people were saved.  Let’s not let Satan stir us to focus on our disagreements and differences of insight into scripture, but to let the fire of The Holy Ghost fill us and work at HIS direction.  We must focus on the promises of our Lord.

“And I will pray the Father,

and he shall give you another Comforter,

that he may abide with you for ever;

17 Even the Spirit of truth;

whom the world cannot receive,

because it seeth him not,

neither knoweth him:

but ye know him;

for he dwelleth with you,

and shall be in you.

18 I will not leave you comfortless:

I will come to you…

… 25 These things have I spoken unto you,

being yet present with you.

26 But the Comforter,

which is the Holy Ghost,

whom the Father will send in my name,

he shall teach you all things,

and bring all things to your remembrance,

whatsoever I have said unto you.”                             Portions of John 14:16-26

“These things I command you,

that ye love one another.

18 If the world hate you,

ye know that it hated me before it hated you.

19 If ye were of the world,

the world would love his own:

but because ye are not of the world,

but I have chosen you out of the world,

therefore the world hateth you.

20 Remember the word that I said unto you,

The servant is not greater than his lord.

If they have persecuted me,

they will also persecute you;

 if they have kept my saying,

they will keep yours also.

21 But all these things will they do unto you

for my name’s sake,

because they know not him that sent me…

…26 But when the Comforter is come,

whom I will send unto you

from the Father,

even the Spirit of truth,

which proceedeth from the Father,

he shall testify of me:

27 And ye also shall bear witness,

because ye have been with me

from the beginning.”  Portions of John 15:17-27

Jesus went on to give us more about our precious “Comforter”—the One who would come along side to guide our steps—if we will but “stop—look—and listen”!

“Nevertheless I tell you the truth;

It is expedient for you that I go away:

for if I go not away,

the Comforter will not come unto you;

but if I depart,

I will send him unto you.

8 And when he is come,

he will reprove the world of sin,

and of righteousness,

and of judgment:

9 Of sin,

because they believe not on me;

10 Of righteousness,

because I go to my Father,

and ye see me no more;

11 Of judgment,

because the prince of this world is judged.

12 I have yet many things to say unto you,

but ye cannot bear them now.

13 Howbeit when he, the Spirit of truth, is come,

he will guide you into all truth:

for he shall not speak of himself;

but whatsoever he shall hear,

that shall he speak:

and he will shew you things to come.

14 He shall glorify me:

for he shall receive of mine,

and shall shew it unto you.

15 All things that the Father hath are mine:

therefore said I,

that he shall take of mine,

and shall shew it unto you.”  John 16:7-15

Jesus has given us of His own Spirit to lead us, guide us, help us to understand His written Word as well as the promptings of The Spirit.  Oh, there is so much more that I want to share with you, but I think this is enough for today; my prayer is that you will let the fire of The Holy Spirit warm your heart, light a fire in your soul and lead you and me to spread the warmth and saving power of the Fire of Jesus’ saving grace!  We can either receive the warming gift of salvation or experience the fire of His judgment when He comes, or when you face Him in death.  Oh, my dear ones, I truly believe that Jesus’ return is eminent, and we are sorely unprepared and less than busy about “my Father’s business”!  Oh that the fire of repentance, revival and renewal shine in our hearts, and before a lost and dying world that needs Jesus.  May we be a faithful light!

“Ye are the light of the world.

A city that is set on an hill

cannot be hid.

15 Neither do men light a candle,

and put it under a bushel,

but on a candlestick;

and it giveth light

unto all that are in the house.

16 Let your light so shine before men,

that they may see your good works,

and glorify your Father which is in heaven.”  Matthew 5:14-16

To God be the glory!!!

Amen and Amen!!!

Pray Without Ceasing??? A Word from THE WORD!!! #270

09 Wednesday Oct 2024

Posted by in PRAY! PRAY! PRAY!, Prayer, Prayer or Panic?, Press ON!, Thy Kingdom Come, Thy Will Be Done, Time Is Grace!, What's In Your Heart?

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Pray Without Ceasing???   A Word from THE WORD!!! #270

“Pray without ceasing.

18 In every thing give thanks:

for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus

concerning you.”  1 Thessalonians 5:17-18

I would like to take a few minutes this morning to consider our call to pray!  Not just a passing thought to ask God to bless our day or forgive us….; but a mindset of seeking God’s will in all things, a mindset of intercession, a mindset of humble petition on behalf of others!  Jesus gave us our direction for prayer—and it has to start with looking upward not around.

“After this manner therefore pray ye:

Our Father

which art in heaven,

Hallowed be thy name.

10 Thy kingdom come.

Thy will be done in earth,

as it is in heaven.

11 Give us this day

our daily bread.

12 And forgive us

our debts,

as we forgive

our debtors…”. Matthew 6:9-12

While this is just a portion of the model prayer, I want us to consider a few things that stand out and hopefully will spark us onward and upward in our commitment to “Pray without ceasing”.  First and foremost is the call to lift our prayers upward to “Our Father”; notice Jesus didn’t say “my” but “our” father!  I am never to pray as a spoiled child—thinking that I am the only one that matters!  We are called to pray in consideration of the family of God’s children—all those who are born again by the “blood of the Lamb”!  Notice the pronouns used here—our, us, our, us, we, our; Jesus is reminding us that we aren’t the lone ranger, but He is reminding us that we are part of His sheep!

This first consideration of looking upward is to remind us that we are praying not only to “our” father, but He is our Heavenly Father, and His name is to be revered, honored, and bowed before as we pray pursuing Him:

“Thy kingdom come.

Thy will be done

in earth,

as it is in heaven”!

Our pursuits in prayer are to ever be focused on our God—His kingdom—His will here on earth (and while I won’t dig into it today, if you want to see what God’s will looks like in heaven, take some time and read and consider Revelation 4 & 5!). This mindset of God being our heavenly slot machine, put in your prayer quarter and pull the handle of God’s/Jesus’ name and the jackpot will fall, is a total misunderstanding of God and prayer.  Prayer is communion with God; seeking to know Him better, to pursue His will not mine; seeking to lead others in His ways not mine; seeking to bring Him glory as we bring others to see the truth of God’s Word and His blood bought salvation through Jesus!

It’s so easy to get distracted by all the needs around us and think it’s impossible to pray well; but when we listen to the precious Holy Spirit directing us, we will find power, hope and reassurance to press on in the right direction with Jesus.

“And thine ears shall hear a word behind thee, saying,

This is the way,

walk ye in it,

when ye turn to the right hand,

and when ye turn to the left.”  Isaiah 30:21

We have the precious gift from Jesus of His indwelling Holy Spirit who will lead us when we learn to seek God’s face and dig into His Word.  Jesus promised to provide all we need—most of all by the gift of His Holy Spirit to dwell within us and guide us into all truth.  Are you pursuing Jesus?  His truth?

“And I will pray the Father,

and he shall give you another Comforter,

that he may abide with you for ever;

17 Even the Spirit of truth;

whom the world cannot receive,

because it seeth him not,

neither knoweth him:

but ye know him;

for he dwelleth with you,

and shall be in you.

18 I will not leave you comfortless:

I will come to you.”  John 14:16-18

“But when the Comforter is come,

whom I will send unto you

from the Father,

even the Spirit of truth,

which proceedeth

from the Father,

he shall testify of me:

27 And ye also shall bear witness,

because ye have been with me

from the beginning.”  John 15:26-27

“Nevertheless I tell you the truth;

It is expedient for you that I go away:

for if I go not away,

the Comforter will not come unto you;

but if I depart,

I will send him unto you.

8 And when he is come,

he will reprove the world

of sin,

and of righteousness,

and of judgment:

9 Of sin,

because they believe not on me;

10 Of righteousness,

because I go to my Father,

and ye see me no more;

11 Of judgment,

because the prince of this world

is judged…

….13 Howbeit when he,

the Spirit of truth, is come,

he will guide you into all truth:

for he shall not speak of himself;

but whatsoever he shall hear,

that shall he speak:

and he will shew you things to come.

14 He shall glorify me:

for he shall receive of mine,

and shall shew it unto you.

15 All things that the Father hath are mine:

therefore said I,

that he shall take of mine,

and shall shew it unto you.”  John 16:7-15

 The choice is yours, but choose wisely, there is a test.  Will you be found faithfully praying for God’s kingdom and God’s will?  Will you be found faithfully praying “without ceasing”!  Not going around with your head bowed and your eyes closed all the time; but with a heart set on Jesus and listening for His direction as you go about being salt and light in this world of darkness.  There are so many needs in so many places and crises all around us, and we can make a difference as we heed the call and direction of our Lord and Master, Jesus!  May you find the power of that continual spirit of prayer ever working in your heart, life and ministry!  And as you pray while you drive, please don’t close your eyes!!!

Amen and Amen!!!

Basics Of Bible Study??? Bible Ballistics: Vol. 13 No. 09

14 Sunday Apr 2019

Posted by in Abundant Life In Jesus, Bibe Study, Study to Show Yourself Approved Unto God

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Bible Ballistics: Vol. 13 No.09 Basics Of Bible Study???

 

While this may seem a little ominous, it’s really quite simple, and I hope to encourage us all to “dig in” more diligently!  First of all, we are called to study The Word, and we can rest assured of its veracity (truth)!

“Study

to shew thyself approved

unto God,

a workman that needeth not to be ashamed,

rightly dividing

the word of truth.

16 But shun

profane

and vain babblings:

for they will increase

unto more ungodliness.”    2 Timothy 2:15-16

Paul told Timothy, that he was to “study”—dig in—to show himself as a proven servant of God—a workman, who has no need for shame before his God, or men.  And while this is a familiar verse, I want us to catch the, often missed, verse that follows.  While we are to draw near to God, there are some things that we are to not only, avoid, but we are to “shun” some completely—and things that are very current.  Paul was instructing this young preacher to avoid things that will “increase unto more ungodliness”!

I find it most curious that Paul realized something that many today have forgotten or overlooked; and while many seem to think that the profane is alright, it is most harmful!

Profane: characterized by irreverence or contempt for God or sacred principles or things….to defile; debase; employ basely or unworthily….to treat with irreverence or contempt…

And without even trying, I believe most of us could think of venues in our culture that often tend to be “profane and vain babblings”!  And while my focus in this article isn’t to attack others, it is to call us to consider what we are willing to allow into our lives; and not only allow into our lives, but in many cases to influence our choices.  God, on the other hand, has called us to dig into His Word to know Him and reflect it before the world—not be influenced by the profane!

“Trust in the LORD

with all thine heart;

and lean not

unto thine own understanding.

6 In all thy ways

acknowledge him,

and he shall direct thy paths.

7 Be not wise

in thine own eyes:

fear the LORD,

and depart from evil.

8 It shall be health to thy navel,

and marrow to thy bones.”    Proverbs 3:5-8

Learning to walk with God is the greatest adventure that we can experience.  And He has given us the guide that we need—HIS Word!  Not only does God assure us of His care in the Proverbs, but He also gives us assurance that HIS Word is dependable for all our needs, for it is all inspired by GOD.

“All scripture

is given by inspiration

of God,

and is profitable

for doctrine,

for reproof,

for correction,

for instruction

in righteousness:

17 That the man of God

may be perfect,

throughly furnished

unto all good works.”  2 Timothy 3:16-17

So, what does all this have to do with Bible study?  It is the basis of our total dependence upon God and His ways!

“Order my steps

in thy word:

and let not any iniquity

have dominion over me.”  Psalm 119:133

God wants to unveil His way for us if we will but yield to His Spirit and dive into His Word as the guide for our lives.

“How sweet are thy words

unto my taste!

yea, sweeter than honey

to my mouth!

104 Through thy precepts

I get understanding:

therefore

I hate every false way.

105 Thy word is a lamp

unto my feet,

and a light

unto my path.”   Psalm 119:103-105

Oh, that we can learn to feast on The Word/Words of God and discern our choices according to it!  And when we feast on God’s Word, we must learn, develop and practice good observation skills. There are a few things that will help each of us hone these skills.  Firstly, we must observe the text with integrity, by letting the word say what it says, and by being willing to order “our steps” by it!

“But they have not all obeyed

the gospel.

For Esaias saith,

Lord, who hath believed our report?

17 So then faith

cometh by hearing,

and hearing

by the word of God.

18 But I say,

Have they not heard?

Yes verily,

their sound went

into all the earth,

and their words

unto the ends of the world.”    Romans 10:16-18

It is God’s Word that brings the “gospel” to us, and it is hearing the truth of God’s ways and laws that bring us to see our own sin.  And until we see our sin, we will see no need for a Savior—Jesus!  That is the truth of God’s Word, and without it we have no hope!  But when we seek to know God’s truth, He will always lead us to the cross.

“In whom ye also trusted,

after that ye heard

the word of truth,

the gospel of your salvation:

in whom also after that ye believed,

ye were sealed

with that holy Spirit of promise,”    Ephesians 1:13

As we study and observe the text, we must honor its context by asking the 5 W’s and the H; by asking, who said it, why, when, and to whom;  always seeking to know what it truly says, that we may be able to interpret what it means.  To do this accurately, we must understand that scripture isn’t a regular book—it is a Spirit-written message from God to His own!  To understand it fully, we have to depend on the indwelling Holy Spirit to guide us into truth.

“But as it is written,

Eye hath not seen,

nor ear heard,

neither have entered into the heart of man,

the things which God hath prepared

for them that love him.

10 But God hath revealed them

unto us

by his Spirit:

for the Spirit searcheth all things,

yea, the deep things of God.

11 For what man knoweth the things of a man,

save the spirit of man which is in him?

even so the things of God knoweth no man,

but the Spirit of God.

12 Now we have received,

not the spirit of the world,

but the spirit

which is of God;

that we might know

the things that are freely given

to us

of God.

13 Which things also we speak,

not in the words

which man’s wisdom teacheth,

but which the Holy Ghost teacheth;

comparing spiritual things

with spiritual.

14 But the natural man

receiveth not the things

of the Spirit of God:

for they are foolishness

unto him:

neither can he know them,

because they are spiritually discerned.

15 But he that is spiritual

judgeth all things,

yet he himself is judged of no man.

16 For who hath known the mind of the Lord,

that he may instruct him?

But we have the mind of Christ.”     1 Corinthians 2:9-16

Just as we rely upon the Spirit of God to bring us to salvation, we must rely upon Him to also bring us to understand and be able to interpret The Word!  For even if we learn to make perfect observations, and accurate interpretations, if we fail to apply it, we have missed the point.

“The steps of a good man

are ordered by the LORD:

and he delighteth in his way.

24 Though he fall,

he shall not be utterly cast down:

for the LORD upholdeth him

with his hand.”   Psalm 37:23-24

As we learn to depend upon The Lord in all things, He will lead us into all truth, by the work of His Holy Spirit.  We can lean on Him and depend upon Him to direct our steps as we seek to know God’s truth!

“Nevertheless I tell you the truth;

It is expedient for you

that I go away:

for if I go not away,

the Comforter will not come unto you; but if I depart,

I will send him

unto you.

8 And when he is come,

he will reprove the world of sin,

and of righteousness,

and of judgment:

9 Of sin,

because they believe not on me;

10 Of righteousness,

because I go to my Father,

and ye see me no more;

11 Of judgment,

because the prince of this world

is judged.

12 I have yet many things to say unto you,

but ye cannot bear them now.

13 Howbeit when he,

the Spirit of truth,

is come,

he will guide you into all truth:

for he shall not speak

of himself;

but whatsoever

he shall hear,

that shall he speak:

and he will shew you

things to come.

14 He shall glorify me:

for he shall receive of mine,

and shall shew it unto you.

15 All things that the Father hath

are mine:

therefore said I,

that he shall take of mine,

and shall shew it

unto you.”   John 16:7-15

I pray that you will find these things helpful as you pursue God through His Word! May HE bless you as you study!

And in closing, a few words to encourage our hearts in the pursuit of God and His Word:

“That we henceforth

be no more children,

tossed to and fro,

and carried about

with every wind of doctrine,

by the sleight of men,

and cunning craftiness,

whereby they lie in wait

to deceive;

15 But speaking the truth in love,

may grow up into him

in all things,

 which is the head,

even Christ:”   Ephesians 4:14-15

Don’t be deceived by not knowing truth, as Jesus said:

“And ye shall know the truth,

and the truth shall make you free.”    John 8:32

By depending on HIS Spirit:

“And I will pray the Father,

and he shall give you another Comforter,

that he may abide with you for ever;

17 Even the Spirit of truth;

whom the world cannot receive,

because it seeth him not, neither knoweth him:

but ye know him;

for he dwelleth with you,

and shall be in you.”  John 14:16-17 Amen!