Sword of the Spirit

CONCERT OF PRAYER

Pray Week 667

“They Are Listening”

Acts 16:22-34 (NIV) The crowd joined in the attack against Paul and Silas, and the magistrates ordered them to be stripped and beaten. After they had been severely flogged, they were thrown into prison, and the jailer was commanded to guard them carefully. Upon receiving such orders, he put them in the inner cell and fastened their feet in the stocks. About midnight Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns to God, and the other prisoners were listening to them.

Suddenly there was such a violent earthquake that the foundations of the prison were shaken. At once all the prison doors flew open, and everybody’s chains came loose. …The jailer called for lights, rushed in and fell trembling before Paul and Silas. He then brought them out and asked, “Sirs, what must I do to be saved?” They replied, “Believe in the Lord Jesus, and you will be saved–you and your household.”

Then they spoke the word of the Lord to him and to all the others in his house. At that hour of the night the jailer took them and washed their wounds; then immediately he and all his family were baptized. The jailer brought them into his house and set a meal before them; he was filled with joy because he had come to believe in God–he and his whole family.

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There is a saying that a person’s actions shout so loudly that others cannot hear the words they are speaking. Accept the fact that others ‘listen’ to you attentively. They ‘listen’ to both your words and your action responses to common life situations. For many people, you are the only ‘bible’ they will ever ‘read’ and your actions will speak more to them than the words of your personal testimony about Jesus.

Paul and Silas were prisoners and in a sense we also are all prisoners of sin until we are set free by the power of Christ. You who profess to be a follower of Christ, what do the other prisoners ‘hear’ in your presence?

Not many of us have experienced what Paul and Silas experienced … the false accusation, severe beating and imprisonment. Yet they sang hymns and prayed to God. What do the prisoners ‘hear’ from you when things don’t quite go right at the office or at home? Do you push people away from Jesus or are they drawn to Him through the ‘message of your life’?

Are you a different person in the Sunday church context than you are at home or at work? Are you a different person when you have traveled far from the context or accountability of your home base or is the character of Jesus Christ consistently evident in your character, no matter where you are?

How do you respond to life’s challenges and difficult situations? Is your response consistent with Biblical values and Christian ethics? Do you respond as one who moves in the strength, peace, love and power of God’s Holy Spirit? Does your response lift high the banner of the Lord so that all who see and watch and listen may be drawn to Him and set free from the bondage and death of sin?

Pray for integrity and consistency in your daily walk with Jesus. Seek to live and move and have your being in Him. Seek His continual abiding presence. May all who ‘listen’ to your life be drawn to Jesus.

Close in prayer, thanksgiving & rededication of your work to the glory of God

CONCERT OF PRAYER

Pray Week 666

“The Number of Man”

Rev 13:1 (ESV) And I saw a beast rising out of the sea, with ten horns and seven heads, with ten diadems on its horns and blasphemous names on its heads. … And to it the dragon gave his power and his throne and great authority… This calls for wisdom: let the one who has understanding calculate the number of the beast, for it is the number of a man, and his number is 666.

1 John 4:1 (ESV) Beloved, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God, for many false prophets have gone out into the world. By this you know the Spirit of God: every spirit that confesses that Jesus Christ has come in the flesh is from God, and every spirit that does not confess Jesus is not from God. This is the spirit of the antichrist, which you heard was coming and now is in the world already. Little children, you are from God and have overcome them, for he who is in you is greater than he who is in the world.

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When we crossed the 660th week of this ministry I began to wonder what I would write about in six more weeks. Would I skip over this number like an elevator that does not have a 13th floor? As I sought the Holy Spirit this week about this concert of prayer I began to be aware of the occurrence of the sequential 6 number in daily life.

The indoor/outdoor thermometer one day recorded 66.6 degrees indoors. Do I go and adjust the thermostat to change the temperature? I have heard that some people will purchase a pack of gum at the checkout counter in order to avoid a final total that contains the sequential number six. This is when the Holy Spirit spoke to my heart that this happens because our focus is off target.

It has been said that whom or what you fear is that which controls you. When our behavior is driven by a need to avoid this number we are unnecessarily being controlled by a fear that is derived from an off target focus. If our focus remains on Jesus Christ, and not on the counterfeit antichrist we will not be controlled by fear of an enemy already defeated by Jesus.

We do need to be cognizant of the spiritual battle that does rage on about us and it is our responsibility to daily ‘put on the full armor of God’. However we should not be so intently focused on the enemy that we see ‘demons under doilies’ and blame the enemy for every bad thing that happens to us. If our car breaks down, it may be due to the fact that we have neglected its maintenance. If we are reprimanded on our job, it may be that we deserved it because of our actions. We sin and say that ‘The Devil made me do it’. That is a cop out. The truth of God’s Word is that we sin when we give in to the temptation that stems from our own desire. James 1:14 – each person is tempted when he is lured and enticed by his own desire.

Six is the number of man. Man was created on the sixth day, and was given six days for labor. Our time from seconds to years is measured in multiples of six. The antichrist, the counterfeit of the One True Christ is of man and his number represents the highest man can become apart from God. The Beast is Satan’s “superman” and he has no power or control over you that you do not give him.

Choose to abide in Christ and make your 24/7 focus in life to be a good steward of all that He has entrusted to you. All that you say and do – do it for His glory and walk in peace, victory and freedom from fear. You need not fear Satan’s superman for ‘he who is in you is greater than he who is in the world.’

Close in prayer, thanksgiving & rededication of your work to the glory of God

CONCERT OF PRAYER

Pray Week 665

“Influential Power”

Gal 5:7-9 (NIV) You were running a good race. Who cut in on you and kept you from obeying the truth? That kind of persuasion does not come from the one who calls you. “A little yeast works through the whole batch of dough.”

1 Cor 15:33,34 (NIV) Do not be misled: “Bad company corrupts good character.” Come back to your senses as you ought, and stop sinning;

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Have you ever noticed that as you spend time in the company of certain people that you begin to exhibit their mannerisms and take on some of their characteristics? We know that our children and youth are easily influenced while at their developmental stages. Adults are not immune to these effects either. The environmental contexts that adults choose to immerse themselves into can also influence, mold and shape their character.

Think about the repetitive amount of time you spend in certain places and in certain activities such as your work, watching movies, health club, church, home, or in the company of certain friends. In each of these contexts the power of influence is present. Consider the amount of influence the lyrics to music can have over time. Influential power can work to your benefit and the benefit of others or it can become a corruptive force causing you and others to stumble in their Christian walk.

Just look around you and see the evidence of the power of negative influence. Where do children in first grade learn to speak in four letter vulgarities? How do children in elementary and middle schools learn to become sexually active? What vulgar terms and expletives have you been exposed to in one context or another that you have suddenly uttered in a moment of stress?

There is little chance to escape from many environments; however we do have a choice concerning which friends we hang around with and which movies and music we are entertained by. We can choose to spend our discretionary time in wholesome contexts rather than those that we know will be a negative influence on us.

The Christian, through the power of the Holy Spirit, needs to be an influencer in these inescapable world contexts. The Christian is called to be salt and light in the darkness of this world. It is a sad but true fact that oftentimes one cannot tell who the Christian is in many of these settings since everyone acts and behaves in a like corruptible manner.

We always must be on guard against allowing even the slightest amount of the worldly yeast to influence and shape our character. Let us pray for the strength and boldness of spirit to say no and deny ourselves exposure to the things of this world that we know would work to influence us in a manner contrary to the Word of God.

Don’t let anyone or anything ‘cut in on you’ to prevent you from continuing to ‘run the good race’. Seek to remain pure by the power of His Holy Spirit and to be an influential force in the world for Jesus.

Close in prayer, thanksgiving & rededication of your work to the glory of God

CONCERT OF PRAYER

Pray Week 664

“Stand Firm”

Ephesians 6:11 (ESV) Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil. … Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand firm.
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While contemplating the command of God to ‘Stand Firm’ I visualized a scene from the movie: The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring, where Gandalf the Grey, in order to protect the others, is standing his ground on a tiny rock bridge against a giant fire demon. Gandalf stood firm and successfully prevented the demon from pursuing his companions when he emphatically declared: “You cannot pass! … Go back to the shadow. You shall not pass!”

God does not expect us to stand firm in our own strength and abilities. We are commanded to stand firm in the power of the Lord, in the knowledge of Him, and in faith. We are to stand firm wearing His full armor. Standing firm requires a commitment to action on our part. We cannot waver between two opinions. We cannot be lukewarm in our decision to follow Jesus. We need to make a choice and decide to take up and put on the whole armor of God in order to stand firm.

The belt of truth: The belt was used to gird up the robe of their garments in that day in order to be more agile and sure-footed in battle. Possessing the truth of God’s Word in our heart and mind empowers us to withstand the sneak attack of the enemy who seeks to trip us up with subtle counterfeit ‘new-age’ alternative ‘truths’. The belt of truth also affirms our commitment to not speak falsehoods or lies. When we are given to lying we make it easy for the enemy to trip us up and destroy our testimony.

The breastplate of righteousness: The breastplate protects our heart and vital organs. It is the righteousness of Jesus Christ that is imputed to us when we accept Him as our Lord and Savior. It is His righteousness that protects us and keeps us safe until the Lord calls us home.

Shoes for your feet: To advance the kingdom sometimes calls for us to bring the battle to the land of the enemy. The shoes make us ready to advance into the rocky ground of the world bringing the light of the Gospel of Jesus Christ to the lost.

The shield of faith: Propaganda is used in times of war to shake the confidence and instill fear into the hearts of the opposing force. These are like flaming arrows that penetrate your defenses and bring destruction from within. Our faith is strongest when we abide in Christ. The shield of faith represents His abiding presence in us. This requires our commitment to holiness and purity for our bodies which are the temple of the Holy Spirit.

The helmet of salvation: The helmet protects our head. Assurance of our salvation is critical to defend against the doubt that the enemy seeks to bring to our thoughts. Our salvation came at a steep price paid by Jesus Christ for our sins. Sin begins in our thought life. The helmet of salvation keeps those thoughts from taking root and dragging us down.

The sword of the Spirit: The Word of God, the indwelling Holy Spirit, and our prayers are like a sword used to defeat the enemy. With it we can stand and declare, ‘You shall not pass!’

In the full armor of God we can stand firm in the gap to protect ourselves, our families, friends, neighbors, co-workers, leaders – and yes, even our nation. Rise up and be the church. Choose to stand firm and declare to the enemy: ‘You shall not pass!’

Close in prayer, thanksgiving & rededication of your work to the glory of God

CONCERT OF PRAYER
Pray Week 663

“Flee”

Prov 28:1 (ESV) The wicked flee when no one pursues, but the righteous are bold as a lion.
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It is in our nature to value and admire boldness. Indeed even the Scriptures portray the wicked as a fearful type, fleeing from shadows and non-existent danger. In contrast the Scriptures portray the righteous as being bold as a lion. However, there is a proper time to flee and it is the righteous thing to do as commanded by the Word of God.

2 Tim 2:22 (ESV) So flee youthful passions…

In leading up to this command, Paul has been addressing problems with people caught up in arguments about words and irreverent babble that are having an adverse effect on the church body of believers. Embedded at the root of this behavior are the ‘youthful passions’ of stubbornness, disrespect for elders, wanting to be right and desiring acceptance by peers. Paul knows Timothy’s heart and is exhorting him to flee these passions. These foolish behaviors characterized as youthful passions are not limited to the young among us. They affect people of all ages and it is good for us to heed this command to flee these divisive temptations.

1 Tim 6:6 (ESV) … those who desire to be rich fall into temptation, into a snare, into many senseless and harmful desires that plunge people into ruin and destruction. For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evils … But as for you, O man of God, flee these things.

Like a marionette controlled by a puppeteer are people controlled by their love of money. Good people behave badly in situations where their love of money becomes the driving force. Padded expense reports, false declarations on tax returns, questionable insurance claims, empty promises, withheld wages due to employees and the stretching of truth to make a sale, are all examples of behaviors controlled by the love of money. These behaviors have no place in the life of a believer professing to follow Jesus Christ. The temptation is real and ever present in today’s society and it is not to be regarded flippantly. We are commanded to flee.

1 Cor 10:13 (ESV) No temptation has overtaken you that is not common to man. God is faithful, and he will not let you be tempted beyond your ability, but with the temptation he will also provide the way of escape, that you may be able to endure it. Therefore, my beloved, flee from idolatry.

An idol is something that has come in between us and God. It is where, what, or to whom we go first before prayer to Our Father. In pridefulness we may rely upon our education, skills, and capabilities before turning to God. We want the glory for the accomplishment for ourselves. We may turn to our ‘drug of choice’ when under stress. It may be alcohol, tobacco or something illegal that we use to seek a false sense of peace rather than seeking His peace. Just as it was with the love of money, our heart cannot be divided in its affections. We must flee from idolatry.

1 Cor 6:18 (ESV) Flee from sexual immorality.

Sex appeal is used to market everything from burgers to automobiles. It is a powerful tool because of its universal appeal to the flesh and lust of our human nature. The temptation to sexual immorality is all around us – we are immersed in it in this world. It is something that we must be constantly on guard against and diligent about fleeing from. We cannot toy with it without getting burned by it. Like Joseph fleeing from Potiphar’s wife we need to flee from the contexts and situations that tempt us to sexual immorality.

There is a time for the righteous to stand firm – and there are times for the righteous to flee as outlined above. Don’t walk away. Don’t linger or loiter in the temptation. Flee! Run away!

Close in prayer, thanksgiving & rededication of your work to the glory of God

CONCERT OF PRAYER
Pray Week 662
“No Bite”

Col 1:10 (NIV) And we pray this in order that you may live a life worthy of the Lord and may please him in every way: bearing fruit in every good work, growing in the knowledge of God, being strengthened with all power according to his glorious might so that you may have great endurance and patience, and joyfully giving thanks to the Father, who has qualified you to share in the inheritance of the saints in the kingdom of light.

Phil 2:13 (ESV) …for it is God who works in you, both to will and to work for his good pleasure. Do all things without grumbling or questioning, that you may be blameless and innocent, children of God without blemish in the midst of a crooked and twisted generation, among whom you shine as lights in the world, holding fast to the word of life…
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‘No Bite!’ This command is heard in my son’s household spoken by those attending to my grandson who is at that teething stage of life. He will place anything and everything within reach in his mouth and bite down on it – even parts of your body. Because of this experience, ‘No Bite!’ has become a watchword in my own household as I and my wife become aware of the times that we grumble against one another or speak a bit too harshly toward one another.

As believers in Jesus Christ, Christians are called to live a life worthy of the Lord. The word, ‘worthy’ means to act in accordance with God’s call. It does not matter what the call is, whether it be to the ministry, leadership, parenthood, or whatever vocation, the question before us is whether or not we are acting and behaving in accordance with the call of God.

God’s call places us on a path – a path that will shape us and mold us and equip us to accomplish His objective. To be worthy not only means to submit to His authority over us but also to the authority that He places over us along the way. This authority is our parents, our teachers, our Pastors and government officials as well as our supervisors and managers in the work place. Are we able to ‘do all things without grumbling or questioning? Or do we bear with authority only as long as it suits our desires? Do we make every effort to maintain peace and unity or are we willing to cause strife in order to have things go our way? Our inability to submit to God’s authority and the authority He places over us hinders our ability to learn and be equipped for His service.

Furthermore, Christians are to bear fruit in every good work and shine as lights in this world. What kind of fruit do we bear and how dimmed is the light of Christ if our life is characterized by a grumbling and backbiting attitude?

Do you sow seeds of discontent in your church or workplace? Are you the background poisonous voice of grumbling and backbiting toward your Pastors or managers and leaders? Are you known to speak and grumble about others to others, but never directly to the person being spoken about?

Reflect on your attitude and behavior and consider whether it is worthy of God’s call. Is the Holy Spirit speaking, ‘No Bite!’ to your heart? Make Colossians 1:10 your prayer and seek to live a life worthy of the Name of the Lord carrying the bright, undimmed Light of His Presence high and lifted up in this dark world.

Close in prayer, thanksgiving & rededication of your work to the glory of God

CONCERT OF PRAYER
Pray Week 661
“Had Enough”

1 Ki 19:2-8 (NIV) So Jezebel sent a messenger to Elijah to say, “May the gods deal with me, be it ever so severely, if by this time tomorrow I do not make your life like that of one of them.” Elijah was afraid and ran for his life. When he came to Beersheba in Judah, he left his servant there, while he himself went a day’s journey into the desert. He came to a broom tree, sat down under it and prayed that he might die. “I have had enough, LORD,” he said. “Take my life; I am no better than my ancestors.” Then he lay down under the tree and fell asleep. All at once an angel touched him and said, “Get up and eat.” … So he got up and ate and drank. Strengthened by that food, he traveled forty days and forty nights until he reached Horeb, the mountain of God.

Exo 17:11-12 (NIV) As long as Moses held up his hands, the Israelites were winning, but whenever he lowered his hands, the Amalekites were winning. When Moses’ hands grew tired, they took a stone and put it under him and he sat on it. Aaron and Hur held his hands up–one on one side, one on the other–so that his hands remained steady till sunset.
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Do you ever feel like you have had enough? Have you ever reached the ‘end of your rope’ in your job or in a relationship? During these tough economic times, do you feel like you have never worked so hard, for so long, for so little? Are you physically, mentally, and spiritually weary?

Elijah had just moved with such miraculous power and authority from the Holy Spirit, yet when confronted with the discouraging and threatening words of Jezebel he became afraid and weary of continued battle. He was emotionally and spiritually spent. This is when the Lord sent ministering angels to help Elijah get through that time and to bring him to a place where he could be renewed and refreshed in God’s Presence.

Moses also felt like he was carrying the weight of the world as he led the vast nation of Israel through the desert. However, God made sure that he was not alone and He renewed Moses’ strength during the times that they met ‘face to face’. Scripture tells us that Moses’ face would glow with the radiance of God following those encounters. God also saw to it that Moses received wise counsel from his elders and assistance from the likes of Aaron and Hur when he was physically weary.

Look around you and recognize whom God has sent to minister to you in your time of need. Note well that to forsake the fellowship of the believers, to choose to not be an active, contributing member of a church body that is solidly founded on God’s Word, almost guarantees that you will ‘go it alone’ in your time of need. God ministers to the Body through the Body.

Who are your ministering angels … your Aaron and Hur? Who are the men and women that are there to pray with and for you and to help you get back into God’s Presence? I encourage you to identify such brothers and sisters in Christ that are there to strengthen your hope in the Lord when the discouragement of the flesh becomes too strong and you feel like you have had enough. They are out there, in your work place, your social circles, your church home, your men’s or women’s ministry.

Pray that the Lord bless you with such a fellowship of believers to build you up in the most Holy Faith and to strengthen you to persevere through all the trials of life. May the Lord’s Presence and peace be with you to comfort and encourage you. May the joy of the Lord be your strength.

Close in prayer, thanksgiving & rededication of your work to the glory of God

CONCERT OF PRAYER

Pray Week 660

“Power Prayer”

Jonah 2:1 From inside the fish Jonah prayed to the LORD his God. He said: “In my distress I called to the LORD, and he answered me. From the depths of the grave I called for help, and you listened to my cry.

Acts 12:5 So Peter was kept in prison, but the church was earnestly praying to God for him. … Suddenly an angel of the Lord appeared and a light shone in the cell. He struck Peter on the side and woke him up. “Quick, get up!” he said, and the chains fell off Peter’s wrists.

James 5:13-16 Is any one of you in trouble? He should pray. … Is any one of you sick? He should call the elders of the church to pray over him and anoint him with oil in the name of the Lord. And the prayer offered in faith will make the sick person well; the Lord will raise him up. If he has sinned, he will be forgiven …pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous man is powerful and effective.

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Have you ever been approached by a stranger who wants something from you? Perhaps it was a panhandler, street peddler, or some type of sales person. Have you ever considered it an affront when they refer to you as ‘my friend’, ‘buddy’, and other terms usually reserved only for people with whom you have a personal relationship?

Our reference Scripture tells us that ‘The prayer of a righteous man is powerful and effective’. This righteousness referred to is not our own stemming from being good and doing good deeds. This righteousness only comes through a personal, abiding relationship with Jesus Christ as our Lord and Savior.

For the eyes of the Lord are on the righteous, and his ears are open to their prayer. – 1 Peter 3:12

Sometimes we find ourselves praying from the belly of the whale. Due to our disobedience we find ourselves in a pickle that we cannot get ourselves out of. Praise God that He does not forsake His children. Praise Him in that He will forgive us when we repent and return to Him.

“Return to Me, and I will return to you,” says the LORD of hosts. – Mal 3:7

If you are having a ‘belly of the whale’ experience, turn to God in prayer. Seek His abiding presence – He will meet you right where you are. Yield to His Holy Spirit’s nudging to repentance and receive His forgiveness and deliverance.

Sometimes we find ourselves praying in intercession for someone else. Peter was imprisoned and bone weary, sleeping between two soldiers. He was not praying but his brothers and sisters in Christ were praying for him through the Holy Spirit.

…the Spirit intercedes for the saints according to the will of God. – Rom 8:26

Jesus also was interceding before the Father on Peter’s behalf.

He is able also to save forever those who draw near to God through Him, since He always lives to make intercession for them. – Heb 7:25

Note that Peter had a relationship with his local church body. He knew the power and benefit of the fellowship of believers.

Power prayer begins with relationship. Our abiding relationship with the Father through Jesus’ righteousness brings effective prayer. Our steadfast relationship and commitment to a local body of believers brings powerful and effective prayer as they join in concert with the Holy Spirit and Jesus to intercede before the Father on our behalf.

Close in prayer, thanksgiving & rededication of your work to the glory of God

CONCERT OF PRAYER
Pray Week 658

“Spiritual Tune Up”

John 20:21-22 (ESV) Jesus said to them again, “Peace be with you. As the Father has sent me, even so I am sending you.” And when he had said this, he breathed on them and said to them, “Receive the Holy Spirit.”

Acts 2:1-4 (ESV) When the day of Pentecost arrived, they were all together in one place. And suddenly there came from heaven a sound like a mighty rushing wind, and it filled the entire house where they were sitting. And divided tongues as of fire appeared to them and rested? on each one of them. And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues as the Spirit gave them utterance.

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In the Spring, following six months of storage over the winter months, I attempted to use my gas powered lawn trimmer without tuning it up first. I was quite pleased that it started and idled reasonably well. However, when I attempted to use it to cut down the tall grass and weeds it would bog down to the point of stalling. All it could do was idle and burn gas. It was a useless tool in my hands for its intended purpose. Following a tune up of fresh fuel, a new spark plug, and a clean air filter the trimmer had plenty of power to do the job.

The Lord reminded me of my gas trimmer in prayer one morning as I asked God why my faith was weak and I seemed to lack the power of His Holy Spirit to be ‘more than a conqueror’ through difficult times and circumstances. The Lord showed me that I needed to abide in Him and seek His presence and His kingdom above all else in this world. If we are to be useful tools in the Master’s hands we need a spiritual tune up.

Fresh fuel – My trimmer had old, stale gas in its tank. How many of us fail to regularly refuel our spirit by reading, meditating and praying the Word of God? How many of us fail to regularly attend corporate worship and avail ourselves of other fellowship and study opportunities in our local church body? Has our relationship to God been reduced to an occasional ritual at a social club we call ‘church’? Without the dynamic power of the fresh fuel that stems from genuine worship our spiritual fuel becomes stagnant and stale. It loses its ability to power us effectively through the trials and difficulties of life.

Clean Air Filter – My trimmer’s filter was clogged with the gunk and grime of this world. Its engine was starved for sufficient oxygen to give it the power to do its work. Jesus breathed upon His disciples when he gave them the Holy Spirit. Can we receive the breath of God or are we so clogged with the gunk and grime of unconfessed and unrepented sin that we quench the Holy Spirit’s power in our life?

New Spark Plug – My trimmer’s spark plug was fouled and its spark was weak robbing the engine of power. How many of us grieve the Holy Spirit by refusing to be passionate about being Christ-Like? When the Spirit prompts us to not give in to the temptation of sin do we allow the spark to ignite our passion for Jesus and decide to deny our flesh and to pursue holiness or do we choose to foul our spark plug with sin and quench the Spirit’s prompting?

Reflect on your need for a Spiritual Tune Up. Resolve to keep your relationship with God fresh every day. Keep yourself pure and free from willful sin that separates you from spiritual communion with God. Abandon your will to God and be ready to serve Him in His power and strength as He has uniquely purposed for you from the beginning of time.

Close in prayer, thanksgiving & rededication of your work to the glory of God