"Whoever believes in me, as the Scripture has said, ‘Out of his heart will flow rivers of living water'." (John 7:38)




"Now we have received not the spirit of the world, but the Spirit who is from God, that we might understand the things freely given us by God. And we impart this in words not taught by human wisdom but taught by the Spirit, interpreting spiritual truths to those who are spiritual." (1Cor. 2:12-13)

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Tuesday, February 24, 2015

Come To Know And Let It Flow


It's a beautiful experience to get caught up in the flow of the Spirit as others release what He has put on their hearts. The 'now word' is so encouraging because the Spirit has opened the ears of those whom Jesus has purposed to speak to through others.

The members of the body are gifted for the very purpose of building up the church. Some revelations are for the entire body to glean from. Others are more specific, targeting individuals whose gift would be further encouraged to a new level of faith.

We should be discerning as we receive from other members. While we are certainly prompted with an "Amen!" in the Spirit, we are to be mindful of our own unique gifting. (1 Cor. 12) It's easy to get emotionally caught up in the moment. A revelation may be a specific truth for another gift of the body, but we can ignorantly attempt to apply it to ourselves.

We will rejoice with others in the Spirit, but that doesn't mean we should be personally attending to the message. If we fail to understand our own gifting, we will find ourselves on unfamiliar ground. Eventually, we'll feel the offense of the Spirit and our witness will surely fall flat from such encroachment. No one has been allotted the fullness of all members of the body but the Head Himself. The Holy Spirit determines the purpose of each member of His body.

It's not only important to recognize and embrace our own gift, it is equally important to respect other gifts that desire to participate. They may even have a word that might appear to differ from the original word, but that's how the Spirit rolls! No one knows where it comes from and no one knows where it's going. We should never demand that our topic be left undisturbed, rather, we should anticipate and welcome what may come otherwise.

 If we stay focused on Jesus, the body will move fluently through His purposes for the church. That is where we find ultimate fellowship! Fan the flame of that wonderful and unique aspect of Jesus that is yours and feed and nourish the body of Christ! Don't be shy to release the burden on your heart. Let the River flow!

PJR

"But earnestly desire the greater gifts. And I will show you an even better way." (1 Cor. 12:31)

Saturday, February 14, 2015

Heartful, Not Hurtful


The value of a gift should not be determined by the preferences of the heart that receives it, but through the love of the heart that gives it.

When self image and preservation prevents us from experiencing things that differ from our own tastes, then we have become selfish with our love while burdening others with the insult of avoidance.

Love's power, beyond the superficial, can't be known by us until we are willing to loosen our necktie, let down our hair, and embrace the variety of other hearts around us.

Love that knows how to give is first love that has learned how to receive.


PJR 


"This is how we know what love is: Jesus Christ laid down his life for us. And we ought to lay down our lives for our brothers and sisters." (1 John 3:16)

Monday, February 2, 2015

Allowing The Kingdom Its Own Work


All the commands that we find in the New Testament are in reality the declaration of Jesus' life upon those whom the Father has drawn to Him. "It is no longer I who lives, but Christ who lives in me" is our present reality once we receive the Holy Spirit, but it will take time before the mind becomes renewed to accept this. What is commonly understood as sanctification is simply the removing of the blinders of our current understanding by the Holy Spirit. While we may perceive the saints growing in the grace and knowledge of Jesus, the truth is that man decreases and Christ increases. "The life I now live in the flesh, I live by fatih..." No flesh will glory in God's presence. Man is but dust and returns to the ground, but his soul is being made aware of the source from which its very life began; in the Spirit as a son to the Father, but now also being prepared as a bride for His Son.

Until one is called by God, all creation has shown no interest in the things of God and are clearly conformed to the god of this world (Satan). Those who's eyes and ears have been opened should always be operating in hope, that God's love can redeem and transform any human spirit by the Life of His Son. It is equally important we know that the drawing of the soul is clearly the work of the Father alone. For this reason, Jesus tells us not to give to the dogs what is holy, or to throw our pearls to the pigs. Unless we recognize God's Spirit in another, there is no work for us there.