Age of the Spirit

Pentecost has been called the "birthday of the church." That being the case, the calculated anniversary would be a day to celebrate that birth. Therefore, Happy Birthday, Church of Christ!

Today marks 50 days after Easter on this year's calendar. A day for us to remember and celebrate another miracle of the Trinity in our redemption.

[Jesus said to them] "But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth."

[Ac 1:8]

Ten days after Jesus' ascension the church in Christ was birthed with power by God. The Holy Spirit descended from heaven - from the Lord, as promised - accompanied by a violent wind, fire, and the speaking of tongues. Now the Third Person of the Godhead makes a miraculous entrance in the intricate Plan of Salvation.

Pilgrims had migrated from the north, south, east, and west to Jerusalem, speaking their own native languages. Jesus had instructed his disciples to wait in Jerusalem for "power from on high." Assembled in prayer was a group of 120 believers of Jesus Christ, including the apostles, His mother, and many of the women that followed Him during His earthly ministry.

When the day of Pentecost came, they were all together in one place.
Suddenly a sound like the blowing of a violent wind came from heaven and filled the whole house where they were sitting. They saw what seemed to be tongues of fire that separated and came to rest on each of them. All of them were filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues as the Spirit enabled them.
[Ac 2:1-4]

With this baptism of the Holy Spirit those in attendance were able to speak in languages not their own, aiding in others understanding in order to carry this message back to their homelands and begin spreading the Lord's life-saving Gospel.

Peter delivered the first sermon - and best of any to date - filled with the anointing of the Holy Spirit. He pointed out that the arrival of the promised Holy Spirit substantiated the Resurrection of Jesus and His return to the Father. This coming had also been prophesied by Joel, Ezekiel, Isaiah, and foretold by John the Baptist (ref Joel 2:28-29, Ezekiel 36:26-27, Matthew 3:11).

The members of the Church of Christ would become Jesus' message in the flesh (as God's message was spoken through Jesus in the flesh). Oswald Chambers wrote: "The purpose of Pentecost was not to teach the disciples something, but to make them the incarnation of what they preached so that they would literally become God's message in the flesh. "

I am certain of the fact that the apostles would not be able to complete the mission laid before them as commanded by Jesus without this Divine Empowering. Nor would the church realize the growth and endurance through ages of persecution and division without Him. I agree with what D. M. Dawson said; "Without the power of the Holy Spirit all human efforts, methods, and plans are as futile as attempting to propel a boat by puffing at the sails with our own breath."

Let us praise the Holy Spirit for He is:

• Unifier


• Sanctifier


• Comforter


• Guidance Counselor


• Warrior


• Illuminator


• Strengthener

He is accomplishing things for the church and individual believers to this very day.

This is my plea for us living in this Age of the Spirit, just as we sang at the youth "Summer Slam" kickoff last night;

"Get Right Church

and

Lets Go Home"

Most Excellent Holy Spirit; Breathe new life in us, we are in desperate need of an invigorating stirring of renewal within Your church. May Your heavenly waters flow, bringing forth blossoms of fruitfulness in this dry and weary land. Embolden us to speak and teach in Jesus Name.

Praise~Bites

Borrowing a portion of a worship song written by Brian Doerksen,

Hope Of The Nations, to praise Jesus, the only true hope of all nations.

Jesus, hope of the nations,

Jesus, comfort for all who mourn

You are the source of heaven's hope on earth

In history you lived and died

You broke the chains

You rose to life!

You are the hope living in us,

You are the rock in whom we trust.

You are the light shining for all the world to see.

Lord, we believe.

Integrity's Hosanna! Music

(Click any of the above links (songwriters name or producer)
to listen to song in it's entirety)

Jesus On-The-Go

Do you live two extremes in your life? At times, I sure do!

Rushing & Resting

Lately I've been rushing around (work, school functions, church activities, ball fields, stores, doctors offices) yet resting completely in God. Moving at a hurried pace to make the next appointment all the while calmly fixed on Him.

Abuzz without - Quiet within

I'm speaking of rushing physically verses rushing spiritually, of course. Rushing to the next activity, the next destination, the next task, the next child's program.

In my days filled with busy schedules I must intentionally take God with me. Keep Him at the center of what I'm doing. Make the most of every opportunity to rest in Him. If I didn't my life would be a stressful mess of insignificance.

I don't prefer this busy state. I can't say I recommend it as a healthy, family lifestyle but there are temporary lapses of time when everything collides and a brimming calendar is my reality.

Spiritually the only place I should be in a hurry to reach is my knees. I should continually rush to prayer above all things. But I can't rush spiritual maturity or the working out of my salvation. I can't rush God's response to prayer. I can't rush my way into heaven or someone elses' decision to put on Christ. But I can rest in Him to accomplish all of these things. (Provided I do my part.)

We can, and should, rest in Him as we run this race. Moving in Him as we move from place to place. Rest assured of His Word as unquestionable, irrefutable truth. God is faithful to His promises and all He has made and we can trust in His sovereignty. It is essential we put Him first in all we do, giving thanks and praise no matter the pace, location or activity.

For Jesus to become greater in me and my life transference from futility to purpose must occur. From a state of rushing to resting. Energy expelled must be within His will and have a kingdom focus. I can take Jesus at His Word to be with me every step of the way -- everywhere I go.


Sovereign Lord; As I dart from destination to destination, I choose to rest in You by faith, believing You will provide all I need to meet the challenges of this day. Keep me in Your embrace at the ball fields, the auditoriums, work, home, in the car, as I keep my eye on You. Stay my heart and mind on Your sovereignty over all creation and my life. As I move from place to place may I be careful the path is within Your will and You are the reason for all I do. I trust in You utterly and completely with my life, my family, and my duties and ask that I remain hidden in You. Grant me:

"a faith and knowledge resting on the hope of eternal life, which God, who does not lie, promised before the beginning of time, "

[Titus 1:2]

2009 Continuing Series ~ Transference
Based on John 3:30: "Jesus must increase, I must decrease"

Holy Passion

Of the increase of his government and peace there will be no end. He will reign on David's throne and over his kingdom, establishing and upholding it with justice and righteousness from that time on and forever.

The zeal of the LORD Almighty

will accomplish this.

[Is 9:7 emph. added]

Watching the gifted and skilled artistry of a music conductor last evening I "saw" an amazing attribute of God. Passion! God, as Divine Conductor of all creation, has tremendous passion! He expresses His heart with each motion ~ directing the notes to be performed, as written. Melding sounds together in unison until the completed work reaches the final crescendo. His redemptive masterpiece reverberating throughout the airwaves, fading to perfect peace.

His holy passion prompts and draws out the best one has to offer. Mediocrity is not in His vocabulary. His flawless passion, driven in fervor, does have expectations. It is willing to risk honor ~ to put Itself on the front line in order to accomplish a predetermined goal of completion.

His passion expresses itself in His grand design. It is orchestrated for His glory and is intended to bless those He is so passionate about. He can't contain it. Look at creation! His passion spills over all of creation. With every stroke of His Hand, whether the command of His Voice or with the delicate whisper of His Breath, a masterpiece is unveiled.

This passion is not the indulgent, unstable human emotion. The intense, zealous love of God is not compared to any other. It is an undiminishing passion for His Son, His plan, and the children created in His image. It does not quit at a missed note or one played off-key. The zeal for His people keeps a perfect beat as an imperfect symphony attempts to follow. Moving us to reflect that same passion.

Oh, yes - God is love, does love. He's passionate about it!

Impassioned God and Master Conductor; Passion flows from you and weaves Itself into all You have made. You coordinate the rhythms of the circumstances of all the world and each life, sweeping gracefully, motioning us homeward. From Creation, to the Rescue, to Redemption, to the explosion of Your Church. You are a jealous God, insisting on my exclusive adoration. Touch me that I might passionately love, honor, and worship You.

A Christian's Perspective of Memorial Day

Every day should be Memorial Day for a Christian. Remembering daily the Life given to save us. Remembering the God-Man that laid down His life that we might live.

I am thankful for the millions of American servicemen and women throughout our history that have given of themselves for what we today enjoy. I am sorrowful for those mourning the tragic loss of loved ones.

I pause in respectful prayer and give thanks, I make a petition for their families, and request safe return for those currently serving.

More than anything, I am ever-grateful to God for His abounding grace upon the people of these American states and upon our land. That He has granted us such prosperity is preposterous. Reflecting back through our history upon what He has done for us brings to mind blessings far too numerous to mention. The victories He has won, the undeserved favor He has shown us, the advances and progress are all be attributed to Him.

In Him we live and move and have our being. In Christ we have life - abundant and everlasting. Remembering what He has done and is doing to accomplish that for us as part of our daily devotion to Him makes everyday Memorial Day.

God of the Universe; Bless those serving in the Armed Forces with assurance of Your presence and salvation won for them. Grant them wisdom, courage, and strength. Grant their families peace, comfort, and encouragement. Bless those grieving today as only You can. You are our Strength, our Shield, our Defender; the God in Whom we trust. And to Jesus Christ, the Beloved Son of God, I give honor to The One who laid down His life for all, in Whom I am saved for Your service. Forgive this country for turning from You and being disobedient to Your Word. Thank You for Your grace and patience with us, a sinful nation. Thank You for the freedom and the bountiful riches You have allowed. Draw us back that we might be an instrument of Yours in this world. Amen.

A String of Hosannas

Psalm 104

Praise the LORD, O my soul.
O LORD my God, you are very great;
you are clothed with splendor and majesty.

He wraps himself in light as with a garment;
he stretches out the heavens like a tent

and lays the beams of his upper chambers on their waters.
He makes the clouds his chariot
and rides on the wings of the wind.

He makes winds his messengers,
flames of fire his servants.

He set the earth on its foundations;
it can never be moved.

You covered it with the deep as with a garment;
the waters stood above the mountains.

But at your rebuke the waters fled,
at the sound of your thunder they took to flight;

they flowed over the mountains,
they went down into the valleys,
to the place you assigned for them.

You set a boundary they cannot cross;
never again will they cover the earth.

He makes springs pour water into the ravines;
it flows between the mountains.

They give water to all the beasts of the field;
the wild donkeys quench their thirst.

The birds of the air nest by the waters;
they sing among the branches.

He waters the mountains from his upper chambers;
the earth is satisfied by the fruit of his work.

He makes grass grow for the cattle,
and plants for man to cultivate—
bringing forth food from the earth:

wine that gladdens the heart of man,
oil to make his face shine,
and bread that sustains his heart.

The trees of the LORD are well watered,
the cedars of Lebanon that he planted.

There the birds make their nests;
the stork has its home in the pine trees.

The high mountains belong to the wild goats;
the crags are a refuge for the coneys.

The moon marks off the seasons,
and the sun knows when to go down.

You bring darkness, it becomes night,
and all the beasts of the forest prowl.

The lions roar for their prey
and seek their food from God.

The sun rises, and they steal away;
they return and lie down in their dens.

Then man goes out to his work,
to his labor until evening.

How many are your works, O LORD!
In wisdom you made them all;
the earth is full of your creatures.

There is the sea, vast and spacious,
teeming with creatures beyond number—
living things both large and small.

There the ships go to and fro,
and the leviathan, which you formed to frolic there.

These all look to you
to give them their food at the proper time.

When you give it to them,
they gather it up;
when you open your hand,
they are satisfied with good things.

When you hide your face,
they are terrified;
when you take away their breath,
they die and return to the dust.

When you send your Spirit,
they are created,
and you renew the face of the earth.

May the glory of the LORD endure forever;
may the LORD rejoice in his works-

he who looks at the earth, and it trembles,
who touches the mountains, and they smoke.

I will sing to the LORD all my life;
I will sing praise to my God as long as I live.

May my meditation be pleasing to him,
as I rejoice in the LORD.

But may sinners vanish from the earth
and the wicked be no more.

Praise the LORD, O my soul.
Praise the LORD.

Sunday Praise from Scripture Series

God's gift
given back to Him
in heartfelt worship

40 Days Later

In my former book, Theophilus, I wrote about all that Jesus began to do and to teach until the day he was taken up to heaven, after giving instructions through the Holy Spirit to the apostles he had chosen. After his suffering, he showed himself to these men and gave many convincing proofs that he was alive. He appeared to them over a period of forty days and spoke about the kingdom of God.

[Ac 1:1-3]

These past 40 days since Easter have been on hyper-drive for me. Time seeming to accelerate and zoom past at sonic speed.

For the same span of time immediately following the Resurrection Jesus taught His disciples. This 40-day crash course on the kingdom of God would prepare them for the miraculous to occur through them. They would be His vessels for the Holy Spirit as instruments to share His salvation to an ever-growing body. Then, on that 40th day, their Lord Jesus Christ ascended to heaven.

Today's topic of the Ascension is a continuation in my Easter series and is nearing a close for this year.

There are so many questions one can ask of the Ascension. It's so easy to get caught up in the details of the "how" that we get side tracked from simply believing. Imagination and curiosity can become detractors or deterrents from this important foundation to our faith. A lack of details does not diminish truth.

He makes the clouds his chariot

and rides on the wings of the wind.

[Ps 104:3]

I do sometimes visualize Jesus riding on a cloud, His heavenly chariot, returning majestically to glory in a triumphant return as Head of the Church to minister as our Great High Priest. The open arms of a proud, loving Father on the receiving end. The applause of the heavenlies filling the air.

After he said this, he was taken up before their very eyes,

and a cloud hid him from their sight.

[Ac1:9]

Was being taken up a reassurance of His completion, His victory? Jesus believed in the Father to accomplish His plan. He had confidence in the work and power of the Holy Spirit. Those He prepared would receive power from on high and the teachings He imparted would bear fruit. He was now exalted to reign at the right hand of the Father and make intercession for us until His time of return would come.

Therefore, since we have a great high priest who has gone through the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold firmly to the faith we profess. [Heb 4:14]

Forty days after celebrating our Risen Lord is a perfect time to pause, yet again, in awe of the miraculous events of the act of salvation bought by Christ, the gift of salvation given in God's grace, and the process of salvation being held and worked out by the Holy Spirit.

Stop now and look to the heavens; praise the Trinity; and give thanks for this marvelous thing They have done.

All praise, honor, and glory belongs to the blessed Trinity. Lord Jesus, I believe You ascended 40 days after Your Resurrection and are now exalted in majesty and crowned in glory. Reign in my heart and in my life as You do in heaven.

Comfortable Ministry

"They will reject the truth and chase after myths.

But you should keep a clear mind in every situation. Don’t be afraid of suffering for the Lord. Work at telling others the Good News, and fully carry out the ministry God has given you."

[2 Tm 4:4-5 NLT]

Does anyone else worship at the Altar of Comfort, Convenience, and Security?

And not just in ministry but - well, EVERYTHING. Life, in general. I want ease; I want safe; I want satisfying, and on my terms. (I guess this is another post of confession!)

This approach hardly utilizes the potential and power of the Holy Spirit. And what does it require of faith? Doesn't exactly qualify as a sacrificial act of worship, now does it?

I'm prone to the typical American push-button-result mentality. It's sacrilegious and shameful that I allow it to run over into my ministry. I am guilty to apply that mentality when I consider involvement in certain activities in my home congregation. It is my hope and intention, now that I realize this, to trust God to change it as I strive to make the effort to repent.

I've got to be honest and admit that I have asked myself; "What will best fit my lifestyle without causing too much disruption?" Where on earth would any of us be if any one of our early church fathers were given over to that mindset? God has shown that His perfect plan will succeed even at the hands of ordinary folk. He has also proven Himself faithful personally to provide and equip whenever I step out in obedience and faith to serve others through Him.

May I train my ear to listen to His voice over that of the tempter and strengthen my mind to make kingdom choices over fleshly ones.


Dear Father; Thank You for those down through the centuries that have faithfully, boldly, and sacrificially given for the sake of Christ. Thank You for providing and equipping me when I step out in Your Name. Restrain me from ever considering ease when I serve or share the gospel but empower me to obey in faith. In Jesus Name, Amen.

Photo of Staples Office Supply Easy Button

A Confession

A confession is in order for my inappropriate actions in an encounter with my children last night. Yes, I was impatient; there's no doubt that was wrong. No explanation, no excuses. But the real issue largely at hand that I feel requires forgiveness and repentance is the drastic error in my mindset after the fact.


My sorrow and frustration afterward was because I felt my impatience hurt their feelings about me. I felt bad that I negatively affected their image of me. I felt bad because my actions hurt my own self-esteem.

I felt worse that they were upset with me (and for the wrong reason, at that) rather than being upset by my own wrongful actions. The Holy Spirit quickly pointed out that I should be feeling bad about my wrongful actions that offended Him and caused havoc within those relationships.

Shouldn't I be more concerned with my sin of impatience and the harm to my relationships with God and others? It is wrong to distort that into loving what others think of me. Or trying to act patient for the sake of pleasing them instead of clothing myself with Christ.

Sometimes my frustration with myself in poor parenting is more that I have shattered a faulty image of a perfect family. That is so wrong! God is quick to point out my concern needs to lie in loving Him, loving others, and displaying the attitude of Christ. These are the elements that should grieve me when I react emotionally and impulsively.

Thank goodness He's not done with me yet!

Holy God, I confess my sin of impatience and selfish concerns and seek Your mercy and forgiveness. I earnestly desire to walk in righteousness and fellowship with You, pleasing You in all I do. Give me eyes to see these flaws and overcome this sinful flesh of mine. Teach me to be more concerned with offending You rather than in my own esteem. Enable me to have a good, even temper in every encounter. In Jesus Name I pray, Amen.

If we confess our sins,

he is faithful and just

and will forgive us our sins

and purify us from all unrighteousness.

[1 Jn 1:9]

Marked

[God] set his seal of ownership on us, and put his Spirit in our hearts as a deposit, guaranteeing what is to come.

[2 Cor 1:22]

Shuttling off to yet another ball game, we drove under an overpass marked by fresh graffiti. My daughter spouted; "Members of the gang that painted that go to my school." She went on to explain that within the graphic was a particular sign. The gang members have that same mark tatooed on their hand. This identifier is exclusive to that group and their handiwork. It is a way of telling others they belong to a certain clan.

As Christians we, too are marked. Belonging to the family of God and body of Christ, He has placed His stamp upon us. The Holy Spirit is God's seal denoting we belong to Him.

The chosen people of God under the old covenant were marked by circumcision. New covenant believers are set apart and kept by the indwelling Holy Spirit.

Now, I don't advocate tatooes and I certainly oppose gangs and gang related activity but I do hope the seal of the Holy Spirit as a guarantee until the day of redemption is obvious. When people see me do they easily recognize that I belong to Christ? Can they see His impression on everything I do?

Do I live with the confidence of salvation that is mine and the deposit of what God has promised? Have I claimed that guarantee as a reality that is surely mine? Am I mindful of the responsibility I have as a member of His family?

And you also were included in Christ when you heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation. Having believed, you were marked in him with a seal, the promised Holy Spirit,

[Eph1:13]

Blessed Holy Spirit; I am in awe that I am sealed by You until the day of redemption. Let me not quench You within. May I live each day with Your presence obvious. May I bear the marks of Your fruit produced in faith and obedience. Amen.

A String of Hosannas

O LORD, you are my God;

I will exalt you and praise your name,

for in perfect faithfulness you have done marvelous things,

things planned long ago. [Is 25:1]

Surely God is my help;

the Lord is the one who sustains me.

I will sacrifice a freewill offering to you;

I will praise your name, O LORD,

for it is good. [Ps 54:4,6]

I love you, O LORD, my strength. [Ps 18:1]

Righteousness and justice are the foundation of your throne;

love and faithfulness go before you. [Ps 89:14]

Praise be to the LORD forever!

Amen and Amen. [Ps 89:52]

A Weekly Posting of Praise from Scripture

Holey Mice

When all was quiet and I was peacefully at rest, a pesky thief came in the night to raid my cupboards. As I slept, I was unaware of the damage being caused in places out of view. An assault hidden from sight.

I was content to think all was well and unharmed. Meanwhile, a little raider was slowly gnawing away, making entry to a source of sustenance.

I could have noticed the signs. My cat certainly did. With his keen sense of hearing and smell he was stationed at the cupboard and would paw at its doors. A small skift of flour on the shelf was another slight indication.

Then, early one morning, I thought I heard a faint rustle. Cat poised at the ready, I opened the door to notice a bit of a mess. Dried beans ascatter, bits of pasta askew, a box with a small hole chewed in a bottom corner. The cat dove right in, wild with excitement. There he was - a little critter in a box of macaroni. I quickly set the infested box outside, disappointing poor Friskie.

I cleared out the cupboard, throwing out the contaminated food, and examined for entry. He must have been under the house and followed the pipes to the dishwasher, I reasoned. Problem solved.

Or so I thought.

Having experienced the invasion, I was now more familiar with the signs and my awareness was peaked. Attention sharpened, I was on the alert and the cat was parked at the cupboard, preying to replace the denied feast. Days passed and I started to feel relieved that he was a lone invader.

Preparing dinner one evening I instantly recognized the warning signs in another cupboard that I was not yet rid of my problem. I repeated the process in the new location; however, I could not detect any visible signs of entry. How could they have gotten in? I decided I would pull up the old contact paper to ensure better sanitation. Hidden underneath there were not only one but two holes in the bottom of my cupboard.

Once I had removed the source of their food from one location, they sought out another. I should have surmised my vulnerability and been more vigilant, more aggressive in seeking out any remainders and rid my home of them.

In the cruel elements of winter, they must have come seeking shelter and food. As I lay asleep at night they were chewing away at the foundation of my home, eventually gaining entry to pillage our source of food.

Do you see the relation to our spiritual lives? I sure do!

Did Jesus not say; “Be on your guard! Be alert!” and “Watch!”?

Of course He was not referring to mice getting into your house! His concern lies in matters of the heart and soul. His dwelling. But don’t little things assault our foundation of faith to enter and cause more damage? Thieves that gain access only to steal the nourishment and provision from our life in Christ? Invaders that weaken our structure and leave scars?

I am now aware that I am susceptible. I also know trouble can come when I least expect it. When I’m relaxed, comfortable, feeling immune, and not paying attention. I have the scars to prove it! Three small holes in the bottom of my cupboard. No one else can see them but I know they are there. Reminders to keep alert in the quiet nights of winter.





Dear Lord Jesus, Lover of my soul; Sharpen my senses, hone my awareness, keep me mindful to be on the alert. Strengthen me to guard against the influences outside of this dwelling that seek to destroy and take what belongs to You and You alone. Amen.

Heart ~ Soul ~ Mind ~ Strength

God is to be praised

by the quiet heart stayed

for He is the peace residing within

God is to be praised

by a soul that He has saved

for He is the Merciful, Most Gracious One

God is to be praised

by a mind choosing to obey

for He is trustworthy in all His ways

God is to be praised

by strength held fast in faith

for He is the Powerful El Shaddai

Love the LORD your God

with all your heart

and with all your soul

and with all your strength.

[Dt 6:5]

Copyright Debbra Stephens
Use by permission only