THE WORK OF THE HOLY SPIRIT

Sometimes it's just hard to keep facts straight about the Christian Life.  I kind of look for signs from God to walk straight because I am occasionally confused.  The Scripture is a good directional sign. You can  read it, study it, inhale it and otherwise learn it in order to keep on the straight and narrow road.


One thing I have need of is a good teaching about the Holy Spirit. Acts 19:1 and 2 gives me the idea that others, too, have needed that teaching.


The Scripture says, "While Apollos was at Corinth, Paul took the road through the interior and arrived at Ephesus.  There he found some disciples and asked them, "Did you receive the Holy Spirit when you believed?"  They answered "No.""


My Study Bible gives  this information: "John, who was the forerunner for Jesus teachings, gave people a baptism of repentance from sin only. These people who were baptized by John believed in Jesus as the Messiah, but they did not understand the significance of his death and resurrection or the work of the Holy Spirit. Becoming a Christian involves turning from sin (repentance) and turning to Christ (faith).  These believers were incomplete.."


It also says, "Pentecost was the formal outpouring of the Holy Spirit on the church.  The other outpourings in the Book of Acts were God's way of uniting new believers to the church."  And this next sentence seems to fit what my personal view is as the Holy Spirit's work, "The mark of the true church is not merely right doctrine, but right actions, the true evidence of the Holy Spirit's work."


Right actions is evidence of the Holy Spirit.  My actions (and I must take this personally!) are not always right!  Does that mean that I do not know the Holy Spirit? No, I think the Holy Spirit knows me very well.  He knows me because I do not always check with Him before I act! And it also means that I should connect with Him more frequently!


I am soooooo grateful for God's forgiveness, but I do know that although He has a forgiving spirit, He also has a very good memory!  And when I ignore or do not connect with the Holy Spirit before I act, God does remember it.


Having right actions at least sometimes is better than never, I suppose, but I'd like to aim a little higher. I would like to keep in the forefront of my mind the very good idea that the Holy Spirit likes it best if we take risks in treating others with kindness, friendship, and with a sharing of the love Christ has for all.


Taking a risk means to smile and say,  "Good morning," to the crabby neighbor who always parks his car in the guests parking space.  Taking a risk means sharing a piece of cake with the elderly gentleman across the way.  Taking a risk is inviting the woman who lives alone if she needs anything from the store or if she would like to go to church with you. Taking a risk means saying, "I'm sorry,"  when you've been out of line.


The sermon on Sunday told us, "Look at others through the eyes of Christ!"  That's what sounds good to me.  Maybe it will be hard to do and maybe  I'll forget.  But I'll begin to practice it as of today.   I'm checking in with the Holy Spirit more often starting right now. How about you?


Lord Jesus, I pray that many more  of your people will  look for Holy Spirit work and look to the Spirit during ordinary situations.  Help me and all others to remember to see others with the Eyes of Christ.  I must remember...  we are all Perfect in Christ, for we are all forgiven!


Thanks Be To God!


Your friend, Jo...Perfect in Christ!