He Listened

A poem today.  I wrote this many years ago during a difficult and painful time in my life.  I've kept a copy in my files all these years as a reminder to me of what a blessing a true friend can be.  I hope it may speak to your heart this day.
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I called a friend today to talk,
To share, to let someone know how I felt.
It wasn't easy to begin
to let down all those walls on which I had labored for so long.
Yet once I began
It was as if someone had unleashed the fury of of a flood
As feelings spilled out,
As tears flowed,
As long and deeply concealed pain erupted to the surface
And seared  itself into my consciousness once again.
It had not lost its sting
Though I had tried so valiantly to pretend it wasn't there.

So few times had I ever allowed another
To enter my private world.
Why then had I chosen this one,
Known to me but a short time?
The reasons were not entirely clear even to me... except
His soft and tender voice, his ever-present smile,
His slightly silvered temples
Spoke to me of experience.
Experience with pain and experience with joy.
Had heartaches, too, once been a part of this one's life?
Had he known my anguish, perhaps, even before we spoke?

Even so, we spoke only of my pain,
As if his had never existed;
As if mine were unique among all men
The depths of which had never before been known.
As if, indeed, my tears were the most important.
And they were... to me, to us.
There was no judgment, only kindness.

How could it be that someone could see me so clearly,
When to myself I had long remained an unsolved mystery?
Complex, confusing, often counter-productive;
Always out of reach of perfection,
Yea, even out of sight of that goal.
Never completely sure of my value or the purpose behind my existence.
Always slightly displeased with my performance
And often in all-out war within myself.

Minutes passed as we spoke
And he gave up a portion of his day to me
Without mention of other obligations.
And when we were done, we had not found all the answers.
Yet, I didn't mind.
He had not promised me answers, had not given me false praise or empty cliches.
He had simply allowed me to be
Sad, angry, frustrated, disappointed... then, relieved.

I called a friend today to talk.
But my friend is very special because
He listened.
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     It has been said that most people do not listen with the intent of really hearing what another has to say.  They listen with the intent of saying something in return.  Perhaps the kindest thing we can do, the greatest measure of love we can offer is to simply listen to others.

"If one gives an answer before he hears, it is his folly and shame."  

(Proverbs 18:13)

But What's On the Inside?

A few years ago my husband and I had the great fortune of taking a vacation through the mountain states of Tennessee, North Carolina, and Virginia.  The scenery was breathtaking, but I was constantly mindful of the treachery of the highways as we passed runaway truck ramps, designated passing lanes, and roads that were bordered by hazardous drop-offs.  Most of the time my attention was riveted to the awe inspiring beauty of the Blue Ridge Mountains, with their dense forests and low-hanging mists.  At times I felt truly speechless.  Most of the time I felt insignificant against such majesty.

On one particular day of travel, my husband was navigating a steep and frightening stretch of higway while I sat gripping the door handle and staring wide-eyed into some of the most amazing scenery I had ever seen.  As we rounded one hairpin turn, we came across an abandoned automobile that had been pulled over to the side of the road.  As we crept past it, trying not to cross over the center line of the road, I noticed that the empty car was covered with bumper stickers and various window displays.  Virtually every one of them had something to do with announcing to the world that the driver of that vehicle was a Christian.  I took note of no less than four fish symbols, at least half-a-dozen crosses, and a myriad of commercialized sayings like, "God is my co-pilot,"  "My boss is a Jewish carpenter, " and "I'm not perfect, just forgiven."  There didn't apper to be anything obviously wrong with the car-- no flat tire, no broken shock, nothing what would outwardly announce its ailment.  I concluded that the problem must have been an internal one:  an overheated engine, a bad spark plug, a leaking radiator.  Whatever the problem, the driver had abandoned the auto and there it sat, hindering traffic and posing a very real threat to other drivers. We made it past that car safely and my husband firmly stated, "People would be a lot better off if they just took some time to do their regular maintenance before they hit the road!"

Many Christians are not so very different from that broken down vehicle.  Some are full of religious cliches, others wear crosses in abundance around the necks, some sport colorful t-shirts with catchy Christian phrases on them.  There is nothing intrinsically wrong with exhibiting evidence of your faith, but the problem arises when those who flaunt their Christian beliefs outwardly lack the inner evidences of them.  They sail through life praising God while they travel down level roads, but when the journey takes them up steep mountain paths that test their strength, they break down alongside the road.

Mature Christians are those who move through this world with grace and peace, seldom drawing attention to themselves, but always exhibiting the love of Christ to those whom they meet.  Nothing seems to hinder their faith.  They stand rock solid in the face of trails and emerge on the other side stronger for the experience.  They are not afraid to tell the world of their faith, but seldom do so through t-shirts or bumper stickers.


What makes the difference in these lives?  I believe it is the day to day maintenance that goes on under the hood that makes the true Christian able to travel even the roughest roads without breaking down.  That maintenance comes in the form of Bible study and prayer, church attendance, and fellowship with other believers.  When these things are regularly attended to, a Christian can remain strong despite the trials of life.

"Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing."  

(James 1:2-4)

Bumper stickers are fine, and they probably have their place on some cars (although my husband would disown me if he found one plastered on our automobile).  There's nothing wrong with wearing a cross around your neck or sporting a t-shirt with a Christian logo.  It is only when those outward exhibitions of your faith exceed the inner maintenance going on between you and the Lord that you will find yourself in serious trouble on the often treacherous roads of life.  My husband knew of what he spoke when he said, "People would be a lot better off if they just took some time to do their regular maintenance fore they hit the road."  When was your last tune-up?

 “Beware of practicing your righteousness before other people in order to be seen by them, for then you will have no reward from your Father who is in heaven.  Thus, when you give to the needy, sound no trumpet before you, as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and in the streets, that they may be praised by others. Truly, I say to you, they have received their reward.  But when you give to the needy, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing,  so that your giving may be in secret. And your Father who sees in secret will reward you.  And when you pray, you must not be like the hypocrites. For they love to stand and pray in the synagogues and at the street corners, that they may be seen by others. Truly, I say to you, they have received their reward. But when you pray, go into your room and shut the door and pray to your Father who is in secret. And your Father who sees in secret will reward you."

(Matthew 6:1-6)

"Adventures" Indeed!

     This morning I would like to share a memory I wrote about some years ago.  I hope it makes you smile.
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      The moment I heard that there would be no need for my blow-dryer and curling iron, I knew I was in trouble.  I had come to this retreat with the thought of getting closer to God.  No one had told me that I would have to do it with straight, stringy hair.  As I stood gazing at our leader for the week-end and listening to her description of what lay ahead for us, I found myself giving serious consideration to a polite, but immediate exit.  This just was not what I'd had in mind.

     Julie was our retreat leader.  She was a trim, athletic appearing young woman with cropped hair and tanned features that would put the Coppertone billboards to shame.  I could tell she was disgustingly healthy and suspected she might even be into something really radical-- like exercise or health foods.  It didn't take long to confirm my suspicions. We were informed that although we would be up late into the night ("probably until at least 9:00 or 9:30," Julie stated), we would have to rise a little earlier than normal come morning in order to accomplish all she had planned for us.  My heart went into instant arythmia... what did Julie view as "normal?"

     I awakened, some time before the birds did, to the sound of a screeching pump handle that was almost as irritated as I was at being assaulted at such a ridiculous hour.  Julie greeted me with a cheery "Go-o-o-o-ood morning!" and I smiled through clenched teeth.  Could it be that Julie had been the model for all those yellow "Smiley Face" buttons?

     Our first meal consisted of bowls of bird seed and curdled milk.  Someone insisted that it was granola and yogurt, but I know birdseed when I see it.  Later, we all went on a walk through the forest where we spent our time picking bugs out of each others' hair.  Then, to top the day off, we spent an hour back at the cabin deciding which one of us would squash the monster spider that had escaped from some old Tarzan move.  Julie had already gone back to her own cabin... probably to pig out on nachos and beer, I suspect.

     The remainder of the week-end was devoted to such perverse activities as wood splitting, organic gardening, and vegetarian menu planning.  However, sandwiched between them were moments of deep meditation and personal evaluation that made the rest bearable.  I found myself very close to God on several occasions , and in the most unlikely of spots-- unlikely for me, that is.

     The name of the retreat center is "Morningstar Adventures," and it was indeed an adventure.  I was able to draw one sane conclusion from the week-end, despite all the insanity around me:  The next retreat I attend will be held at the nearest Hilton Hotel.  Surely God would rather see me after a hot shower and make-up session.  I'd rather put my best face forward, regardless of how long it takes to put it on.

     As for Julie, she'll probably go right on promoting these insane ideas for healthy living, and what's really shocking is this:  Some fool will probably come along and pay her for it!

"But ask the animals, and they will teach you, or the birds of the air, and they will tell you; or speak to the earth, and it will teach you, or let the fish of the sea inform you.  Which of all these does not know that the hand of the LORD has done this?"

(Job 12:7-9)

A Peace Beyond Understanding

At every checkout in every grocery store in every town in America we find the tabloids on display.  The covers are full of the grizzly accounts and horrific stories of the "rich and famous" whose personal lives are a train wreck.  From their weight loss (or weight gain), to their broken marriages, to their bizarre religious beliefs, to their financial disasters and beyond... every moment of their lives is splashed across the pages with sickening detail so that our morbid curiosity might be satisfied.  I cannot count the number of times I have stated emphatically, "I am so glad that I don't live in the middle of a soap opera every day of my life."  And yet, I can remember a time when that is exactly how I lived.  My mind and my life were in constant turmoil.  Every day seemed to hold yet another drama that would keep my emotions stirred up and my spirit in a state of perpetual unrest.  When I look back on those days I can adamantly declare that my life now is so much better than it was then.  Peace is preferable to turmoil.  Silence is more blessed than bedlam. Rest is greater than disorder.  Living in the comfort of God and the perfect peace of the indwelling Holy Spirit is a joy I almost missed in this life.

The constant state of unrest and turmoil in life is characterized by the medical community as "stress."  Everywhere we turn we read of and hear of the negative, harmful effects that stress has on the human body.  Not only does stress affect our mental health, but it also definitely affects our physical health, our spiritual health, and our relational health.  Mankind is created in the image of God to possess three distinct characteristics of body, soul, and spirit and they cannot be separated into neat little compartments where one does not affect the others.

I really don't remember when I began to earnestly pray for God's peace to flood my life, but over the past few years I have come to realize that my prayers have surely been answered.  Oh, I occasionally experience some unrest in my thinking or some situation that does not reflect His peace, but overall my life is quiet, calm, and satisfying.  I rejoice in the peace that God has granted to me.  I am healthier and happier than I have ever been, and I am eternally grateful for His precious gift of peace.

When the Enemy (Satan himself) speaks to us, he does not bring a message of peace into our hearts.  His goal is to keep us frustrated and confused.  He seeks to befuddle our minds with thoughts of questioning and uncertainty because he knows that in doing so he will gain access into all areas of our lives.  As our thoughts go, so goes the rest of our life.  We may try to reason our way through the lies of Satan, but our efforts will be in vain unless we lay claim to the "...peace that passes all understanding through Christ Jesus, our Lord." (Philippians 4:7)  If we are not experiencing peace in our life it is because we are not in the will of God.  It's just that simple.

In order to live in peace and fulfillment, we must understand the critical need to rid our lives of those things and those people who would constantly introduce confusion, upheaval, turbulence, agitation, and chaos into our days.  In I Corinthians 15:33 we read, "Do not be so deceived and misled!  Evil companionships (communion, associations) corrupt and deprave good manners and morals and character."  We must stay on guard against evil influences in our lives which would seek to rob us of the peace that the Father wills for us.

"For those who are according to the flesh and are controlled by its unholy desires set their minds on and pursue those things which gratify the flesh, but those who are according to the Spirit and are controlled by the desires of the Spirit set their minds on and seek those things which gratify the [Holy] Spirit."  (Romans 8:5)

Be assured that people who live in constant tumult and who bring unending turmoil into the lives of others are living in the flesh... that is, they do not have the nature of Jesus Christ and the presence of the Holy Spirit living in them.  That mind of the flesh will never yield anything but death and destruction.  It is in constant opposition to the mind of Christ and the Law of God.

"[That is] because the mind of the flesh [with its carnal thoughts and purposes] is hostile to God, for it does not submit itself to God's Law; indeed it cannot.  So then those who are living the life of the flesh [catering to the appetites and impulses of their carnal nature] cannot please or satisfy God, or be acceptable to Him."

(Romans 8:7-8)

Did you catch that truth?  If we are not living in submission to God's Law we are totally incapable of knowing peace and satisfying our Heavenly Father.  Our life will be nothing less than a daily soap opera, filled with drama and unrest.  It is a miserable way to live!  I've been there and I know it from personal experience.  

I know some people who would say I live a boring life.  My home is a quiet place and there is seldom conflict between my husband and myself.  (We have learned to address differences of opinion in ways that do not include shouting, name calling, or emotional outbursts.)  Whole days and even weeks may go by without any significant conflict with which I must deal.  Praise God for the peace He has granted in my life!  It may seem boring to those who are addicted to drama (and believe me, they do exist), but it is glorious to me.

Having lived in the world and been a part of that kind of turbulence and disorder, I can now say that life in Christ is so much better.  

“The Lord gives [unyielding and impenetrable] strength to His people; the Lord will bless His people with peace.”  

(Psalm 29:11, Amplified Bible)

No Nests in Our Hair!

Not every thought that enters into our mind comes from God.  Throughout any given day we may have multiple thoughts or ideas that pop up which have been planted in our mind by Satan.  Usually, they are ideas of self-condemnation, judgment of ourselves and others, negativity, or even doom and gloom (as regularly reported on the television and through other forms of the media) that leave us feeling discouraged and even sometimes questioning of our salvation.  In Revelation 12:10 Satan is called the "accuser of the brethren."  The word accuse is defined as:  (1) to charge with a shortcoming or error  (2) to blame someone for wrongdoing  (3) to charge with a fault or crime  (4) to pronounce someone as guilty without evidence of the charge.  Satan regularly accuses believers in an attempt to convince them they do not have a righteous standing before God, and thereby introduce discouragement and self-condemnation into our daily walk.

Many years ago I found myself struggling with a thought that I knew was sinful, but it seemed that it continuously entered into my thinking.  After several weeks of the battle, I went to my pastor for counsel and confessed that I felt condemned and guilty for even thinking such thoughts.  In wisdom and compassion he made the statement, "Sister, we cannot always control whether or not a bird will fly over our head... but we can certainly determine whether or not we will allow it to make a nest in our hair."  The choice was mine.  Would I choose to embrace and believe and meditate on this sinful thought, or would I approach the throne of grace and claim the Truth of God through the Scriptures?  Whichever I chose to meditate upon (to think deeply about or focus on) would surely become a reality in my life.  I needed to develop the habit of listening to God, by reading and studying His Word, rather than listening to the lies of Satan.

When Jesus was tempted by Satan in the wilderness, His immediate response was not to argue back, try to reason His way out of the temptation, or even to run in the opposite direction.  No... Christ's immediate response to Satan's temptations (lies) was to quote Scripture.  "It is written..." became the mantra of Jesus to battle the onslaught of the Enemy because Christ knew that no lie can stand in the face of the ultimate Truth in the Word of God.

Romans 12:2 says, "Do not be conformed to this world (this age), [fashioned after and adapted to its external, superficial customs], but be transformed (changed) by the [entire] renewal of your mind [by its new ideals and its new attitude], so that you may prove [for yourselves] what is the good and acceptable and perfect will of God, even the thing which is good and acceptable and perfect [in His sight for you]."

It should be clear to the believer that the daily battles we wage with our thought patterns, and the things which we meditate upon, are not battles against "flesh and blood."

"For we are not wrestling with flesh and blood [contending only with physical opponents], but against the despotisms, against the powers, against [the master spirits who are] the world rulers of this present darkness, against the spirit forces of wickedness in the heavenly (supernatural) sphere."

(Ephesians 6:12, Amplified Bible)

To renew our mind means to make our thought life fresh, strong, and new again.  It means to think effectively in order to restore our mind to a good state, one that is reflective of the goodness of God Almighty.  It means to cast out the lies and negative thoughts that Satan tries to introduce to us.  We can only be as successful in doing that as we are in the time we spend reading, studying, and meditating on the Word (the Holy Bible).  Thoughts may enter into our minds at times when we do not have a Bible immediately available at our fingertips.  Only by knowing Scripture and committing it to memory can we rest assured that we will always possess the weapons we need to defend ourselves against such attack by the Adversary.  

Satan never attaches a warning label to his deceit.  The evil thoughts he introduces into our minds are veiled and covered up in such ways that a weak mind will not perceive them for what they are and may actually adopt them as its own.  Only when we have cultivated the habit of immersing ourselves regularly in the Truth of Scripture will we be able to quickly discern the trickery of our Enemy and call upon the power of the Word to drive him out of our minds and thoughts.

We may not be able to prevent a bird (or one of Satan's lies) from flying over our heads, but we surely have the power to determine whether or not we allow it to build a nest in our hair!

"For the weapons of our warfare are not physical [weapons of flesh and blood], but they are mighty before God for the overthrow and destruction of strongholds, [inasmuch as we] refute arguments and theories and reasonings and every proud and lofty thing that sets itself up against the [true] knowledge of God; and we lead every thought and purpose away captive into the obedience of Christ (the Messiah, the Anointed One)."

(2 Corinthians 10:4-5, Amplified Bible)

Lessons From the Olympians

I'm learning a lot by watching the Olympics... and it has nothing to do with the difference between a triple lutz and a triple toe loop.  (Although my ever-amazing son actually did designate the distinction between them for me.)  No, it has to do with life lessons.  Lessons like perseverance, dedication, friendship, loyalty, courage, self-discipline, and more.  The athletes who compete at Olympic levels are astounding human beings.  They have spent countless hours, days, weeks, months, and even years perfecting the skills they need to make their dream a reality.  But they haven't done it alone.  They have had the support of their parents and siblings, skilled and knowledgeable coaches, and other athletes who can identify with the struggles and demands of their sports.  Watching the Olympic competition continually reminds me of the demanding race we run every day of our lives if we are to excel in the faith and abound in the love of Christ Jesus.

Perseverance:  Without this tenacious spirit that compels us forward in even the most difficult of situations, we will quickly abandon the faith and revert back into our worldly ways of trying to handle life's demands.  Perseverance is that steady persistence in a course of action despite difficulty or delay in achieving success.  For many of the Olympic athletes, this is not their first try for a medal.  For some, it is not even their second try.  One  figure skater has seen four consecutive  Olympic competitions and is even now beginning to realize some of his greatest dreams.  Despite his age (a ripe old age of 31 years) and the fact that he has undergone multiple back surgeries resulting in the placement of artificial discs into his spine-- not to mention that he lives with a daily level of pain that would probably dissuade most of us from doing anything-- this dedicated athlete has astounded the crowds and set the bar high for all who follow him.

"Blessed is the man who remains steadfast under trial, for when he has stood the test he will receive the crown of life, which God has promised to those who love him."  (James 1:12)

Dedication:  I have seen reports that attest to the fact most of these Olympians hold jobs and lead regular lives apart from their sport.  Many are parents of young children.  For some, the days just do not seem long enough, so they spend hours perfecting their craft at night.  Some of the skiers and jumpers even wear headlights on their helmet so they can propel themselves down a mountainside in the darkness.  It seems people will always find time for those things they truly value!  It's not how many hours we have in a day... it's how we choose to use them that determines our level of dedication to a task.

"And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him"  (Colossians 3:17) 

Friendship:  Many (if not most) of the athletes competing have met one another on various stages in earlier competitions around the globe.  The mere fact that they are competing for recognition in a specific area of athletic endeavor has not prevented them from forming strong friendships with one another.  I've seen those relationships reflected in the faces of athletes who grimace when another competitor stumbles or has a disastrous fall.  I've watched the joy and hugs shared with a competitor who has just defied all the odds to emerge as a "dark horse" and claim an Olympic medal.  Competition has not overshadowed the bonds of friendship, and brotherhoods of encouragement and consolation have risen above all.

 “This is my commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you. Greater love has no one than this, that someone lay down his life for his friends. You are my friends if you do what I command you. No longer do I call you servants, for the servant does not know what his master is doing; but I have called you friends, for all that I have heard from my Father I have made known to you."  

(John 15:12-15)

Loyalty:  Each of the athletes is competing as a representative of a country.  Some live and train in that country, while others undergo their rigorous training in another part of the world so that they might have the advantage of learning under the tutoring and instruction of a desired coach.  Regardless, when they mount that podium to receive their award, each and every athlete looks to the flag of the nation they represent, and their loyalty and pride shines forth.  Their fame has not taken them so far that they do not remember from where they came.

"Let not steadfast love and faithfulness forsake you; bind them around your neck; write them on the tablet of your heart."

(Proverbs 3:3)

Courage:  As I watch some of the skiers hurling their bodies down a mountainside at 80 miles per hour with nothing but a helmet to protect their heads, I am convinced there must be that moment of fear that comes just before they exit the gate at the top.  How could anyone look down a mountain at a treacherous course of twist, turns, and jumps and not be afraid?  Some may be remembering falls they've taken in the past or tragedies they have witnessed involving others.  Nevertheless, there they are-- poised and ready to face the mountain one more time.  They possess the ability to face danger with resolution and confidence in the skills they have so tediously honed and perfected.

 “Be of good courage, and he shall strengthen your heart, all ye that hope in the LORD.”  

(Psalm 31:24)

Self-Discipline:  These athletes are not controlled by their emotions or feelings.  They have learned to control their feelings and overcome their weaknesses.  They pursue the goal they have set for themselves despite countless temptations to abandon it.  They have learned to regulate themselves for the purpose of improvement in their chosen endeavor.  Through systematic instruction and repetitious practice, they have finely tuned their skills and are ready to claim their victories.  It doesn't take a whip, a chair, and a lion tamer to force them forward... they are driven by a deep seeded desire to excel in what they do.

 "For God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self-control." 

(2 Timothy 1:7)

I could devote several more paragraphs to drawing the parallels between these Olympic athletes and those who have chosen to run the Christian race, but I really don't think that's necessary.  I trust the Holy Spirit will speak to each heart reading this blog and will reveal a truth far beyond my ability to state.  As we face the challenges and fears of life, may we all learn some valuable lessons from watching the Olympics... and may we all become champions of the faith, receiving our medals in eternity-- medals that will never rust.

"Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one receives the prize? So run that you may obtain it. Every athlete exercises self-control in all things. They do it to receive a perishable wreath, but we an imperishable. So I do not run aimlessly; I do not box as one beating the air. But I discipline my body and keep it under control, lest after preaching to others I myself should be disqualified."

(I Corinthians 9:24-27)

The Power of the Holy Spirit

As the years go by, I become more and more convinced of God's amazing power in my life.  His love and concern for me are evidenced daily, and I cherish the closer walk I'm building with Him through the ministry of the Holy Spirit.  Even though I was saved by grace over 30 years ago, I lived the majority of my Christian life without knowing the very real presence and power of the Holy Spirit and His desire to "dwell richly" in me.

“If you love me, you will keep my commandments. And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Helper, to be with you forever, even the Spirit of truth, whom the world cannot receive, because it neither sees him nor knows him. You know him, for he dwells with you and will be in you."

(John 14:15-17)

I think one of the greatest shortcomings of the church in today's culture is its lack of education and acknow-

ledgment of the third person of the Trinity... the Holy Spirit.  He is given many names:  Comforter, Counselor, Advocate, Strengthener, the Spirit of Truth, the Spirit of Life, and the list goes on.  In truth, Jesus promised that believers would be better off in this world once He had died and ascended back into heaven because then the Father would send the Holy Spirit in his place.  While here on earth as a human, Christ could only be in one place at one time.  The Holy Spirit, on the other hand, dwells within each and every believer and waits patiently for the opportunity to bequeath Christians with supernatural power in their daily lives.  How cool is that?!

One of the names given to the Holy Spirit is the "Stand By."  While it may seem like a peculiar label, it is actually very meaningful.  The Spirit stands always ready, always prepared, always eager to empower the believer.  He waits patiently for an opening... an opportunity to display Himself through the life of a Christian.  Sadly, too many Christians simply don't understand the purpose and intent of the Holy Spirit in their lives and they never appropriate that marvelous power for themselves.  I know I was ignorant of the fact that I could draw on the power of God Himself by simply calling upon the Holy Spirit to manifest himself in my daily life.  Now that I have been made aware of His holy presence within me, you may be certain I will avail myself of that amazing power, comfort, and wisdom every day.  I do not intend to live another day struggling along with the challenges of this earthly life when I have at my disposal the strength and amazing capability of the Holy Spirit.

"He who has prepared us for this very thing is God, who has given us the Spirit as a guarantee."

(2 Corinthians 5:5)

There is a song I have sung down through the years in many of the churches I've attended.  The words are:

"Come, Holy Spirit, I need you;

Come, Sweet Spirit, I pray.

Come, in your strength and your power.

Come, in your own gentle way."

I think that singing this simple chorus at the beginning of every day would surely be a wise and prudent thing to do.  How can I possibly think that facing the daily challenges of this earthly life in my own feeble power and my weakness could ever be better than beginning every morning hand-in-hand with the Spirit of Power given me by my Heavenly Father?  

Scripture assures me that the Holy Spirit will guide me into all truth (John 16:13), and that truth will set me free to be all God desires me to be.  All this and more is available to me; I need only call upon the Holy Spirit and He will immediately jump into action for me.  That is amazing!!  No wonder Christ told His disciples they were to do nothing after His departure and ascension back into heaven until the Holy Spirit of God descended upon them to give them a supernatural power.  

"Spirit of the Living God, fall fresh on me.

Spirit of the Living God, fall fresh on me.

Make me, melt me, mold me, use me.

Spirit of the Living God, fall fresh on me."

So now you know (if you didn't before this).  Don't live another day handicapped without the power of the Holy Spirit in your life.  If you are a believer, you need only call out His name to appropriate His strength and wisdom.  

"But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth.” 

(Acts 1:8)

“The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he has anointed me to proclaim good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim liberty to the captives and recovering of sight to the blind, to set at liberty those who are oppressed." 

(Luke 4:18)