VALOR OF VITAL TIDINGS

Part II

The Bible says, “But have reverence for Christ in your hearts, and honor Him as Lord.”     (1 Pet.3:15)

There are many who based on human strength promises and try hard not to fall into evil deeds but are unsuccessful. Such persons  will be successful in their hard work only when they are anointed by the Holy Spirit.

It is for a reason, that St. Paul states, “Physical exercise has some value, but spiritual exercise is valuable in every way because it promises life both for the present and for the future. (1Tim.4:8)

Many approach me with a common doubt that “once after experiencing the Holy Spirit vividly and then if we fall down it is said that thereafter it is difficult to lead ourselves to repentance once again"

Dear Readers, you too may be at times troubled by the same miserable state of life. Do not be disheartened!

There may be numerous instances when we tumble down but with great care you have to protect this precious treasure because if it is lost it is difficult to regain it.

The Bible says,“You are always resisting the Holy Spirit.(Acts.7:51)

Again it is mentioned “Do not grieve the Holy Spirit.” (Eph. 4:30)

God the Father does not send His Spirit on one who has the habit of arguing and justifying his wrong doings. Holy Spirit abides in a heart of humility.

“But the grace that God gives is even stronger. As the Scripture says, “God resists the proud, but gives grace to the humble.” (James 4:6)

Since the Spirit is the power of God-who is full of love and truth.

“…….because I am gentle and humble in spirit.” (Matt. 11:29)

So even after we receive the Holy Spirit, if we lead a life against the Will of God, we are guilty of grieving the Holy Spirit.

Whoever wishes to abide in the Holy Spirit and wish to lead a prosperous life, ought to keep themselves free from pride and justification nature.

“So we beg you, our brothers, to do even more. Make it your aim to lead a quiet life, to mind your own business, and to earn your own living, just as we told you before.” (1 Thess. 4:10-11)

Again the Holy Bible instructs, “In the name of the Lord Jesus Christ we command these people and warn them to lead orderly and work to earn their own living.” (2 Thess. 3:12)

When we continuously interfere and accuse others, we tend to lose the peace within us and make others sad.

“This is how the birth of Jesus Christ took place. His mother Mary was engaged to Joseph, but before they were married, she found out she was going to have a baby by the Holy Spirit.  Joseph was a man who always did what was right, but he did not want to disgrace Mary publicly; so he made plans to break the engagement privately.” (Matt 1:18-19)

Taking a right decision Joseph saved Mary from public disgrace and he too was right in God’s sight.

“For how can those who abandon their faith be brought back to repent again? They were once in God’s light; they tasted heaven’s gift and received their share of Holy Spirit; they knew from experience that God’s word is good, and they had felt the powers of the coming age. And then they abandoned their faith! It is impossible to bring them back to repent again, because they are again crucifying the Son of God and exposing Him to public shame.” (Heb. 6:4-6)

In Greek the word ‘impossible’ translates to ‘adunatos’; which means very very difficult. Though you have grieved the Holy Spirit, you may still have a chance to receive it but the probability of you grieving the Spirit and moving away from it is even more.

Anger and hatred has a main role in grieving the Holy Spirit.

How can we protect the Holy Spirit?

I feel it would be appropriate to share few of my instances from my experience to you all.

When we pray fervently the Holy Spirit descends to being union with our own spirit.

The fuel burns to ashes releasing gas which pushes the rocket, so to overcome the gravitational pull and ascend upwards. The fuel region burns off completely releasing the rocket into space.

Similarly, in the fire of the Holy Spirit our bodily desires and sins begin to burn and reduce to ashes when we praise God. By overcoming the gravitational net of worldly passions, we have to ascend to the height of goodness and purity, enabling us to see divine visions. Then we are filled with the glory of God and gain hope. At times you feel being lifted up to heaven. This is definitely a divine experience.

Dear faithful ones, if you accept Jesus, as your personal Lord and Savior and honor and Praise Him willingly, we will be granted with the strength to stand upright in trials and hardships in life.

Didn’t Jesus say, “The world will make you suffer, but be brave, I have defeated the world.”  (John 16:33)

Praise the Lord!

When you encounter trials, you may feel that it may completely destroy you.

In such moments, when our patience is tested, Lord speaks to us in silence-“Dear Child, will you abandon me? Wait in patience till I intervene.”

Hence with great faith and hope along with enduring patience, if we stay firm in prayer, devoid of depression, then this promise is surely at hand.

Always remember the enduring patience of those who led through the valley of tears and the divine blessings they received.

Lord does not give His Spirit by measure hence, we all have to be filled with it.

The Holy Bible says, “Do not get drunk with wine, which will only ruin you; instead be filled with the Spirit.” (Eph. 5:18)

Ask and you shall receive. So let’s ask Abba Father to fill us with His constant love, save us and give us the grace to seek and find Him- the eternal Truth.

‘Do not take away your Spirit from me in Jesus’ Name I pray!

VALOR OF VITAL TIDINGS

The Bible says, “But have reverence for Christ in your hearts, and honor Him as Lord.”      

 (1 Pet.3:15)

“Then the Lord God took some soil from the ground and formed a man out of it; He breathed life-giving breath into his nostrils and the man began to live.” (Gen. 2 :7)

Three steps have been mentioned in the story of Creation.

Scooping some mud into His hands, God might have added His own blood to mold the soil to dough and finally shape man to his form.

Secondly, He breathed into the nostrils, the air of life, which can be His Spirit. The Scriptures often symbolize the Holy Spirit as breeze.

Thirdly, it mentions that man began living as a dissimilar individual unlike God’s other creations.

While our body is a shell connected to the worldly functions, the

Soul is the source of our will and emotions and often termed as self-conscious. It also has the power to feel, understands and helps in decisions.

Above all the spirit within us is the part that relates to God and His Will and imbibe in us the Consciousness of God.

Holy Bible instructs us that Holy Spirit is the right of all.

“I will pour out my Spirit on everyone. Your sons and daughters will proclaim my message. Your young men will see visions and your old men will have dreams.” (Acts 2:17)

At a very young age, due to the faith of parents, Christians receive Holy Spirit through the sacrament of Baptism. It is evident that the spirit resides in every Christian.

But we need to ponder over the fact that if at all any importance is given to the infilling and inspiration of the Holy Spirit as we advance in age! This thought requires consideration.

The Holy Bible instructs us that instead of being satisfied by merely receiving the initial fruits, it is essential to pray fervently for the infilling of the Holy Spirit that leads to further growth.

As mentioned in the Holy Bible – “Streams of life giving water will flow and he would be transformed into a person who fulfills the Will of God.

But, will the Lord sent His Holy Spirit on the Gentiles?

Bible clearly states that “He shall shower the Holy Spirit on one and all.”

In the preaching of St. Peter, we learn that the faithful were astonished by the outpour of the Holy Spirit on the Gentiles.

“As he was preaching, all the Gentile listeners began to praise God by being filled with His Holy Spirit.” (Acts. 10:44)

To witness numerous youth being filled with the Spirit and Praising God is indeed a celestial sight. The witness of few of the many who wrote their experiences is being published;

·        With a desire to know Jesus, I came along with my sister and took part in this prayer. When I lifted my hands in praise to God, streams of tears started flowing from my eyes. The immense peace and tranquility which filled my heart is indescribable. Similarly, when I lifted my hands, the feeling that God held my hands, imparts great comfort. Today, there is not a single day, when I don’t speak personally with my Lord. Hearing the Word of God inspires me to rectify my errors and assist me to correct them, by leaving aside pain and sacrifice. Today, by the grace of God, I have been able to lead many to Jesus. Praise the Lord!

·        During prayer, I could feel the presence of Lord in the group and great joy and bountiful peace filled my heart. Lord Jesus banished my worries, tiredness and sleepiness and blessed me with the concentration which I lacked. Physical and mental strength, confidence and new hope overcame the weariness and gloominess in me.

·        During the praise, I received spiritual strength. In a vision the Lord showed me the Holy Bruises on His Body which was unbearable for me and tears began to flow. The experience made me a bright and cheerful person and enabled me to forgive everyone in His name. I gave all my hurt feelings to Lord and He filled me with His Mighty Power. I can assure you that Lord loves and glorifies the youth.

·        During the prayer, I was hesitant to lift my hands in praise. In a vision I saw Jesus walking and blessing everyone in our midst. A great light appeared and the whole place was shaken. Tears began to flow, my heart became light and I was blessed with the Gift of Praise and my faith increased in folds.

·        Fear of life ceased while praying. I was strengthened mentally, physically and spiritually during the Word of God. I was blessed with a vision in which I saw Jesus walking ahead and we all youth following Him. Praise the Lord.

·        Generally at the approach of exams, I was held captive by various illnesses like high fever, breathlessness and body swelling and often resulted in failure. Attending the youth prayer, I was gifted with Spiritual strength and Lord found me worthy to be anointed with His Holy Spirit and healed me from all my physical ailments. He inspired me to face my exams courageously. Thank You Lord! Praise You Lord!

·        I was attracted to the Prayer by the LWE 2000, magazine. Though being lazy and back in studies, good Lord granted astonishing results.

·        Having experienced many blessings, I began to move away from Lord. Unbearable backache again brought me to the prayer. The Lord called by my name and healed me. Again when I began to stray from my Lord, I was unable to eat anything properly. In my distress I reached out to the Lord on a Saturday prayer and again He called out my name and healed me. I glorify my Lord who follows me and endows me with Fatherly Love. Praise the Lord!

That day not a single person was left who had not experienced the Glory inherited from God by Jesus.  the Lord glorified all the 24 youth who had put aside their work and gathered together for prayer. It was an experience of the great Pentecost which would be etched in our memory. The Glorious Lord proved the depth of His love for the youth by fulfilling the promise of Holy Spirit.

Thus concluded a holiday which was spent blessed in the Lord’s presence in a fruitful manner. 

                                                            --Published on June 1995, LWE 2000

We grieve the Holy Spirit that we have received by accepting the inspiration of sin, evil habits and selfish motives. We reject the advice of the Holy Spirit.

God protects us in His Divine Hand, yet we who enjoy His Protection, despises His very existence. It would be just like that of a child who lay safely in the womb of his mother, but mentions that there is no mother.

This is something that hurts our loving Father very deeply. Hence we ought to repent if we have grieved the Holy Spirit.

When King David was enslaved to his bodily desires, he lost his spiritual joy. In repentance he cried out to God:                     (Psalms 51:11)

“Lord, do not banish me from Your Presence;

Do not take away Your Holy Spirit from me.”

If sinful desires fear, depression and sorrows are hidden within us, then definitely we are not within the reign of the Holy Spirit. Instead we are in the ruled by the evil spirit which offer us only with momentary joy followed by sadness and fear.

It is our duty to protect the Holy Spirit by praying unceasingly and become submissive to His will by offering our life to God.

Through prayer and spiritual hard work, each one will be able to withdraw from evil deeds and progress towards the Holy Spirit.

This is meant by rebirth in Holy Spirit.

We all desire to do well but at times our deeds take a bad turn, which we ourselves despise. It is possible to gain victory in our deeds with the help of the Holy Spirit.

Heavenly Father Himself is the one who provides this gift in abundance to all who ask Him. Therefore, Rejoice in Him!

                           

                                                                                    (To be continued)