18-03-2005, 12:55 PM
From Daily Devotions of Solly Ozrovech
Filled With The Holy Spirit
Now that you know these things, you will be blessed if you do them
(Jn 13:17)
The Holy Spirit transforms our faith into something that is practical and natural. Many people have a theory about the Christian faith, but relatively few put the doctrines of Christ into practise. Some people believe that Jesus was an idealist and that his doctrine is impractical. Others tried to live according to his principles, but later gave up in despair.
Jesus was a realist. He called ordinary people to become his apostles and disciples. He gave them his blessing and especially, his Holy Spirit when they were sent as ambassadors into a hostile world. They had to announce that the kingdom of God is hidden in the hearts of people and manifests in a dedicated life.
We, as modern disciples, have the enormous advantage of knowing that what the life of the Master has called us to is not experienced in our own strength and power, but in his power. Through the Holy Spirit, God enters our thoughts and spirits with a new standard of values and he proves that he can overcome our bitterness and hatred with the power of divine love. Those who claim that this is too idealistic attribute more power to hatred than love. Through the Spirit of God, love and faith can achieve anything.
A realistic and practical faith is not something you can achieve on your own. It is the Holy Spirit who reveals God in your life, and when he is in control of your life your witnessing becomes realistic and practical.
We should live as if we were going to live forever, yet at the back of our minds remember that our time is short. (Gerald Brenan)
Filled With The Holy Spirit
Now that you know these things, you will be blessed if you do them
(Jn 13:17)
The Holy Spirit transforms our faith into something that is practical and natural. Many people have a theory about the Christian faith, but relatively few put the doctrines of Christ into practise. Some people believe that Jesus was an idealist and that his doctrine is impractical. Others tried to live according to his principles, but later gave up in despair.
Jesus was a realist. He called ordinary people to become his apostles and disciples. He gave them his blessing and especially, his Holy Spirit when they were sent as ambassadors into a hostile world. They had to announce that the kingdom of God is hidden in the hearts of people and manifests in a dedicated life.
We, as modern disciples, have the enormous advantage of knowing that what the life of the Master has called us to is not experienced in our own strength and power, but in his power. Through the Holy Spirit, God enters our thoughts and spirits with a new standard of values and he proves that he can overcome our bitterness and hatred with the power of divine love. Those who claim that this is too idealistic attribute more power to hatred than love. Through the Spirit of God, love and faith can achieve anything.
A realistic and practical faith is not something you can achieve on your own. It is the Holy Spirit who reveals God in your life, and when he is in control of your life your witnessing becomes realistic and practical.
We should live as if we were going to live forever, yet at the back of our minds remember that our time is short. (Gerald Brenan)