What Does the Holy Spirit Do?

 

Click the image or the link or

Copy and paste the link into your browser

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OeJPcTxB4EM

Or search YouTube for ‘What does the Holy Spirit do?

By ‘Got Questions Ministries’

 

[Jesus teaching] “I have told you these things while I am still with you.  But the Helper – Comforter, Advocate, Intercessor-Counsellor, Strengthener, Standby – the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in My name and in My place, to represent Me and act on My behalf – He will teach you all things and He will help you remember everything that I have told you.” John 14:25-26

 

[Jesus teaching] “’But when the Helper – Comforter, Advocate, Intercessor-Counsellor, Strengthener, Standby – comes, whom I will send to you from the Father, that is the Spirit of Truth who comes from the Father, He will testify and bear witness about Me.’” John 15:26

 

[Jesus teaching] “’But when He, the Spirit of Truth comes, He will guide you into all the truth – full and complete truth.  For He will not speak on His own initiative, but He will speak whatever He hears from the Father – the message regarding the Son, and He will disclose to you what is to come in the future.  He will glorify and honour Me, because He, the Holy Spirit will take from what is Mind and will disclose it to you.’” John 16:13-14

 

“The Spirit of God does not emphasise Himself.  He always points to Christ.  He is honoured when Christ is upheld …An intellectual man said to me, ‘Why is it that apparently uneducated, simple people, who call themselves Christians, seem to understand the Bible better than some university men with degrees?’[1]”

 

The day you gave your life to the Lordship of Jesus Christ is a day you always remember.  One observation we all make after He has saved us is how the Scriptures take on new meaning and open our eyes to truths we never saw in God’s Word, especially about the person of Jesus Christ and it is a gift the Holy Spirit lavishes on us!

 

Take care with love, especially His, Darlene (who still prays for you each day)

 

PS:  Find my statement of faith:  https://especiallyhislove.blogspot.com (where you will also find a series of beginner Bible studies to share). You can easily find the WeakDay Devotion online by doing a Google search for ‘WeakDay Devotion’.  (Also, there is an android ‘Google Blogger’ app you can download to read them on your phone.  Not sure about Apple.)

 

NEW PRAYER REQUESTS (any updates?)

·      UPDATES on Hurricane Ida – Pray for those in the path of the storm, that the Lord is merciful while this horrendous storm roars through the Southern USA to protect those in its path and all rescue and support workers in the aftermath. 

·      Christians in Afghanistan – Many Christians went to this country to share the Good News to many who would never have heard of Jesus.  These leaders and baby Christians are now in heightened danger and need your prayers to protect them and sustain them during this time. 

·      Those Left Behind in Afghanistan – Please pray for those who have been unable to escape from Afghanistan before America abandoned the country.  They now face persecution and death at the hands of barbarians.  How heart wrenching.

·      Doug McIntosh – (my pastor at home) an invaluable contributor to my love of Bible study has gone to Glory to sit at the feet of our Saviour.  He battled multiple myelomas for many years and continued to teach as long as he was able, leaving behind a wonderful resource of teachings.  Please pray for his family and the church he worked so faithfully in -- the old link where his teachings are archived:  Cornerstone Bible Church in Lilburn Georgia. Today they have a new website and Doug still teaches:  Cornerstone Bible Church.)

·      NEW – Patti – battling bad bronchitis for two weeks.  None of the medications seem to be helping.  Please pray for her patience and recovery.

·      Family of Eric – Eric was just 52 and died suddenly leaving his 47-year-old wife and three girls (ages 16, 19 and 23).  Need comfort during this time of mourning and wisdom; honourable, Bible-based councilors for the many decisions that now must be made.

·      UPDATE - Louise, sister of Rachael – has come through her second reconstructive surgery after her double mastectomy (she’s now cancer free) and is now doing great, back to a normal life and routines.  She sends thanks for all your prayers.  

·      UPDATE - Peyton - eldest granddaughter of Jeff and Rachael – is entering her second year of college.  Please continue to pray for her that she does well, makes good decisions and continues having a good relationship with the Lord. 

·      Isaias and Judith (Ambassadors for Christ the Philippines) Catorce family lead a conservative, Bible-based ministry, teaching and discipling in a remarkably difficult mission field that I have visited and support.  To learn more, visit:  https://afcph.org/ .  Pray our Father keep these servants strong, safe and guards their health.  Consider sending a note of encouragement to Isaias, the founder ( icatorce@gmail.com ) and pray about making a donation ( www.tms-global.org ).

·      Adam – please pray for his strength and peace as he pursues a new job and that the Lord will guide him clearly in his decisions and that his wife will be the loving supporter he badly needs.

·      The World – Pray for God’s mercy as unrest around the globe increases, and that our Father will bring comfort and calm to His children.  Pray for Bible-based Christians scattered across the globe to be safe and remain selflessly bold with the Word.  Help them rest and trust in the Lord. 

·      Pray for those in these countries who read the WeakDay Devotion –That His mighty works will be worked out in each life for His purposes and glory in surprising and wonderful ways!  Thank the Lord for allowing this blog reach around His world in humbling and unexpected geographic locations, including Hong Kong, Israel, Sweden, Russia, USA, Canada, Ukraine, Poland, UK, France, Australia, UAE, Fiji, Germany, Portugal, Romania, Spain, Ireland, American Samoa, Brazil, The Philippines, Estonia, Singapore, China, India. 

·      Barb – my brother’s faithful and kind wife.  Thank you for praying for her.  She needs prayers to sustain her and protect her health and energy during this time of additional stress and challenge.

·      UPDATE - Sophie – three-year old daughter of a friend.  She continues to have tests to diagnose her disease (some serious conclusions have been suggested).  She remains frail and unwell.  Please pray for her, her parents and health carers to find ways to manage the symptoms.

·      Hans – a dear friend in Germany, the immunotherapy for his lung cancer seems to be working for now.  Pray for his ongoing strength through the pain, patience and God’s mercy.  Pray for his healthcare providers and that he is surrounded by faithful and compassionate Christian friends who will support him through this journey.  Pray for his Mom (age 84) who is also unwell -- that their time together is filled with extraordinary good memories and lots of love.

·      Callilah - a lost child.  Pray the Lord will capture her heart.

 

Pray for those in full-time service

Pray to uphold our Christian leaders – that they never compromise God’s Word, are bold and courageous in the face of evil.  Pray for their wisdom, safety, ingenuity, strength and for their families.

Pray for those with ongoing health concerns

Many of us have family, friends and loved ones with fragile health.  Pray God takes special care with them and protects them in practical ways and that the Lord will have mercy on them during this challenging time.

Pray for the World

[1] © 1958, Moody Bible Institute of Chicago, God’s Word Made Plain, by Mrs. Paul Friederichsen, p. 61.

Mistakes about the Holy Spirit

 

 Click the image or the link or

Copy and paste the link into your browser

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OeJPcTxB4EM

or search YouTube for ‘What does the Holy Spirit do?

By Got Questions Ministries

 

“In the beginning God, Elohim, created by forming from nothing the heavens and the earth.  The earth was formless and void or a waste and emptiness, and darkness was upon the face of the deep, primeval ocean that covered the unformed earth. 

 

“The Spirit of God was moving, hovering, and brooding over the face of the waters.  And God said, ‘Let there be light’; and there was light.” Genesis 1:1-3

 

“Some believe that the Holy Spirit is an influence or power.  He is a Person, not an it.  There is no influence without personality, and the Spirit of God has influence.  He also has knowledge, feeling, will, love, and every qualification attributed to personality.  He is called the eternal Spirit and has all the attributes of God.[1]”

 

Perhaps it is by design or fear that there is so much false understanding about who the Holy Spirit is and what His ‘job’ is in our world.  Time to look a bit deeper for clarity into the third Person of the Trinity.

 

Take care with love, especially His, Darlene (who still prays for you each day)

 

PS:  Find my statement of faith:  https://especiallyhislove.blogspot.com (where you will also find a series of beginner Bible studies to share). You can easily find the WeakDay Devotion online by doing a Google search for ‘WeakDay Devotion’.  (Also, there is an android ‘Google Blogger’ app you can download to read them on your phone.  Not sure about Apple.)

 

NEW PRAYER REQUESTS (any updates?)

·      UPDATES on Hurricane Ida – Pray for those in the path of the storm, that the Lord is merciful while this horrendous storm roars through the Southern USA to protect those in its path and all rescue and support workers in the aftermath. 

·      Christians in Afghanistan – Many Christians went to this country to share the Good News to many who would never have heard of Jesus.  These leaders and baby Christians are now in heightened danger and need your prayers to protect them and sustain them during this time. 

·      UPDATE - Afghanistan disaster – Please pray for those who remain in this chaotic country and all those Afghans who hoped in a future that they are now watching be destroyed by barbarians.  How heart wrenching.

·      NEW – Patti – battling bad bronchitis for two weeks.  None of the medications seem to be helping.  Please pray for her patience and recovery.

·      Family of Eric – Eric was just 52 and died suddenly leaving his 47-year-old wife and three girls (ages 16, 19 and 23).  Need comfort during this time of mourning and wisdom; honourable, Bible-based councilors for the many decisions that now must be made.

·      UPDATE - Louise, sister of Rachael – has come through her second reconstructive surgery after her double mastectomy (she’s now cancer free) and is now doing great, back to a normal life and routines.  She sends thanks for all your prayers.  

·      UPDATE - Peyton - eldest granddaughter of Jeff and Rachael – is entering her second year of college.  Please continue to pray for her that she does well, makes good decisions and continues having a good relationship with the Lord. 

·      Isaias and Judith (Ambassadors for Christ the Philippines) Catorce family lead a conservative, Bible-based ministry, teaching and discipling in a remarkably difficult mission field that I have visited and support.  To learn more, visit:  https://afcph.org/ .  Pray our Father keep these servants strong, safe and guards their health.  Consider sending a note of encouragement to Isaias, the founder ( icatorce@gmail.com ) and pray about making a donation ( www.tms-global.org ).

·      Adam – please pray for his strength and peace as he pursues a new job and that the Lord will guide him clearly in his decisions and that his wife will be the loving supporter he badly needs.

·      The World – Pray for God’s mercy as unrest around the globe increases, and that our Father will bring comfort and calm to His children.  Pray for Bible-based Christians scattered across the globe to be safe and remain selflessly bold with the Word.  Help them rest and trust in the Lord. 

·      Pray for those in these countries who read the WeakDay Devotion –That His mighty works will be worked out in each life for His purposes and glory in surprising and wonderful ways!  Thank the Lord for allowing this blog reach around His world in humbling and unexpected geographic locations, including Hong Kong, Israel, Sweden, Russia, USA, Canada, Ukraine, Poland, UK, France, Australia, UAE, Fiji, Germany, Portugal, Romania, Spain, Ireland, American Samoa, Brazil, The Philippines, Estonia, Singapore, China, India. 

·      Barb – my brother’s faithful and kind wife.  Thank you for praying for her.  She needs prayers to sustain her and protect her health and energy during this time of additional stress and challenge.

·      UPDATE - Sophie – three-year old daughter of a friend.  She continues to have tests to diagnose her disease (some serious conclusions have been suggested).  She remains frail and unwell.  Please pray for her, her parents and health carers to find ways to manage the symptoms.

·      Hans – a dear friend in Germany, the immunotherapy for his lung cancer seems to be working for now.  Pray for his ongoing strength through the pain, patience and God’s mercy.  Pray for his healthcare providers and that he is surrounded by faithful and compassionate Christian friends who will support him through this journey.  Pray for his Mom (age 84) who is also unwell -- that their time together is filled with extraordinary good memories and lots of love.

·      Callilah - a lost child.  Pray the Lord will capture her heart.

 

Pray for those in full-time service

Pray to uphold our Christian leaders – that they never compromise God’s Word, are bold and courageous in the face of evil.  Pray for their wisdom, safety, ingenuity, strength and for their families.

Pray for those with ongoing health concerns

Many of us have family, friends and loved ones with fragile health.  Pray God takes special care with them and protects them in practical ways and that the Lord will have mercy on them during this challenging time.

Pray for the World

---

[1] © 1958, Moody Bible Institute of Chicago, God’s Word Made Plain, by Mrs. Paul Friederichsen, p. 57.

Where Is the Proof of My Salvation?

CRITICAL FOR ALL:  Please take time to listen to this 5 min 20 sec video.

 Click the image or the link or

Copy and paste the link into your browser

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xu4WoUylpxY

or search YouTube for John MacArthur

If you are concerned about your lack of assurance,

that is a good thing.  From Wretched

 

“For God so greatly loved and dearly prized the world, that He even gave His One and only begotten Son, so that whoever believes and trusts in Him as Saviour, shall not perish, but have eternal life.” John 3:16

 

“Faithful and absolutely trustworthy is He who is calling you to Himself for your salvation, and He will do it (He will fulfill His call by making you holy, guarding you, watching over you, and protecting you as His own.” I Thessalonians 5:24

 

“If we freely admit that we have sinned and confess our sins, He is faithful and just – true to His own nature and promises, and will forgive our sins and cleanse us continually from all unrighteousness (our wrong doing, everything not in conformity with His will and purpose).” I John 1:9 (all Bible quotes from The Amplified Bible)

 

“Our salvation does not depend upon our feelings or our works, but upon the faithful keeping power of God.  He promises eternal life to those who receive Him, and He cannot lie.  We have eternal life and shall never perish; that is His promise.  We take Him as our Saviour, and then He takes us to Heaven.  Our part is to receive Him; His part is to save us.[1]”

 

Remember:  Every promise is composed of two parts, the condition and the promise.  We don’t get one without the other.  To be saved the ONLY condition is to trust in Jesus Christ.  If you do, then your eternity is promised, no matter who you are, what you have done or will do in the future!  Grace covers it all!

 

Take care with love, especially His, Darlene (who still prays for you each day)

 

PS:  Find my statement of faith:  https://especiallyhislove.blogspot.com (where you will also find a series of beginner Bible studies to share). You can easily find the WeakDay Devotion online by doing a Google search for ‘WeakDay Devotion’.  (Also, there is an android ‘Google Blogger’ app you can download to read them on your phone.  Not sure about Apple.)

 

NEW PRAYER REQUESTS (any updates?)

·      UPDATES on Hurricane Ida – Pray for those in the path of the storm, that the Lord is merciful while this horrendous storm roars through the Southern USA to protect those in its path and all rescue and support workers in the aftermath. 

·      Christians in Afghanistan – Many Christians went to this country to share the Good News to many who would never have heard of Jesus.  These leaders and baby Christians are now in heightened danger and need your prayers to protect them and sustain them during this time. 

·      UPDATE - Afghanistan disaster – Please pray for those who remain in this chaotic country and all those Afghans who hoped in a future that they are now watching be destroyed by barbarians.  How heart wrenching.

·      NEW – Patti – battling bad bronchitis for two weeks.  None of the medications seem to be helping.  Please pray for her patience and recovery.

·      Family of Eric – he was just 52 and died suddenly leaving his 47 year old wife and three girls (ages 16, 19 and 23).  Need comfort during this time of mourning and wisdom; honourable, Bible-based councilors for the many decisions that now must be made.

·      UPDATE - Louise, sister of Rachael – has come through her second reconstructive surgery after her double mastectomy (she’s now cancer free) and is now doing great, back to a normal life and routines.  She sends thanks for all your prayers.  

·      UPDATE - Peyton - eldest granddaughter of Jeff and Rachael – is entering her second year of college.  Please continue to pray for her that she does well, makes good decisions and continues having a good relationship with the Lord. 

·      Isaias and Judith (Ambassadors for Christ the Philippines) Catorce family lead a conservative, Bible-based ministry, teaching and discipling in a remarkably difficult mission field that I have visited and support.  To learn more, visit:  https://afcph.org/ .  Pray our Father keep these servants strong, safe and guards their health.  Consider sending a note of encouragement to Isaias, the founder ( icatorce@gmail.com ) and pray about making a donation ( www.tms-global.org ).

·      Adam – please pray for his strength and peace as he pursues a new job and that the Lord will guide him clearly in his decisions and that his wife will be the loving supporter he badly needs.

·      The World – Pray for God’s mercy as unrest around the globe increases, and that our Father will bring comfort and calm to His children.  Pray for Bible-based Christians scattered across the globe to be safe and remain selflessly bold with the Word.  Help them rest and trust in the Lord. 

·      Pray for those in these countries who read the WeakDay Devotion –That His mighty works will be worked out in each life for His purposes and glory in surprising and wonderful ways!  Thank the Lord for allowing this blog reach around His world in humbling and unexpected geographic locations, including Hong Kong, Israel, Sweden, Russia, USA, Canada, Ukraine, Poland, UK, France, Australia, UAE, Fiji, Germany, Portugal, Romania, Spain, Ireland, American Samoa, Brazil, The Philippines, Estonia, Singapore, China, India. 

·      Barb – my brother’s faithful and kind wife.  Thank you for praying for her.  She needs prayers to sustain her and protect her health and energy during this time of additional stress and challenge.

·      UPDATE - Sophie – three-year old daughter of a friend.  She continues to have tests to diagnose her disease (some serious conclusions have been suggested).  She remains frail and unwell.  Please pray for her, her parents and health carers to find ways to manage the symptoms.

·      Hans – a dear friend in Germany, the immunotherapy for his lung cancer seems to be working for now.  Pray for his ongoing strength through the pain, patience and God’s mercy.  Pray for his healthcare providers and that he is surrounded by faithful and compassionate Christian friends who will support him through this journey.  Pray for his Mom (age 84) who is also unwell -- that their time together is filled with extraordinary good memories and lots of love.

·      Callilah - a lost child.  Pray the Lord will capture her heart.

 

Pray for those in full-time service

Pray to uphold our Christian leaders – that they never compromise God’s Word, are bold and courageous in the face of evil.  Pray for their wisdom, safety, ingenuity, strength and for their families.

Pray for those with ongoing health concerns

Many of us have family, friends and loved ones with fragile health.  Pray God takes special care with them and protects them in practical ways and that the Lord will have mercy on them during this challenging time.

Pray for the World

---

[1] © 1958, Moody Bible Institute of Chicago, God’s Word Made Plain, by Mrs. Paul Friederichsen, p. 55.

WeakEnd Assignment – Imagine Mark 8

Click the image or the link or

Copy and paste the link into your browser

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FtKRmvHi4EA

or search YouTube for Psalm 46 (Original Composition)

by Taryn Harbridge

 

For this WeakEnd Assignment we continue our walk through Mark to consider what we find in this book that will strengthen our hearts during this time.

 

So find a quiet place and hour where you will not be disturbed.  Be able to listen to the video above.  Have your Bible, notebook, a writing implement and a refreshment with you.

 

Settle your heart, listen to the video as you pray for the Lord to give you new insight as you study.

 

When you are ready, read through the entire chapter 8 of Mark.  Remember to enter today’s date in your notebook.  As you read, underline verses or words you feel are important for you to remember.  Note, there are six segments or topics in this chapter: 

 

	Segments	Verses
1	Four-thousand fed	1-10
2	Jesus’ lecture to His disciples	14-21
3	The blind man in Bethsaida	22-26
4	Simon Peter’s important confession	27-30
5	The conflict with Simon Peter	31-33
6	How to follow Jesus	34-38

 

Today, it is about engaging your imagination as you read the verses and answer these questions:

 

1.    Imagine you are one of those in the crowd of 4,000.  Why would you choose to stay rather than go get something to eat?

2.    Imagine you are one of Jesus’ disciples.  Did you feel foolish when asking the followers to sit down and wait for something to eat? 

3.    Did you remember this is the second time He has done this? (Mark 6:30-44).  Compare the two ‘feedings’ and discover what was different and what was the same.

4.    As a disciple, how did you feel when there are leftovers!

5.    Imagine you are one of the Pharisees.  Do you want to trip Jesus up or are you personally curious?

6.    After Jesus and the disciples get into the boat and go to the other side, how do you think Jesus is feeling when the disciples are worried about food?

7.    Imagine you are the blind man.  You feel Jesus take your hand.  Do you think it feels remarkable or just like an ordinary hand?

8.    Once the blindman, can see clearly, why do you think Jesus tells him to go straight home, rather than enter the village?

9.    Jesus asks Peter a personal question and it is THE critical one for all of us.  Write out Mark 8:29.  When were you able to answer it as Peter did?

10.          Imagine you are Peter (verses 31-33).  How do you feel when Jesus says, ‘Get behind Me, Satan;’? 

11.          In light of question 11 above, why is this dialogue important for each of us (who are committed to Christ) to keep in mind.

12.           BONUS Question:  What are five ways it may cost you to follow Jesus (verses 34-38)?

 

Take care with love, especially His, Darlene (who still prays for you each day)

 

PS:  Find my statement of faith:  https://especiallyhislove.blogspot.com (where you will also find a series of beginner Bible studies to share). You can easily find the WeakDay Devotion online by doing a Google search for ‘WeakDay Devotion’.  (Also, there is an android ‘Google Blogger’ app you can download to read them on your phone.  Not sure about Apple.)

 

NEW PRAYER REQUESTS (any updates?)

·      Christians in Afghanistan – Many Christians went to this country to share the Good News to many who would never have heard of Jesus.  These leaders and baby Christians are now in heightened danger and need your prayers to protect them and sustain them during this time. 

·      UPDATE - Afghanistan disaster – Please pray for those who remain in this chaotic country and all those Afghans who hoped in a future that they are now watching be destroyed by barbarians.  How heart wrenching.

·      Thanksgiving - Junko has passed her English exam and will now be able to be certified in Australia as a Registered Nurse.  UPDATE - Louise, sister of Rachael – has come through her second reconstructive surgery after her double mastectomy (she’s now cancer free) and is now doing great, back to a normal life and routines.  She sends thanks for all your prayers.  

·      UPDATE - Peyton - eldest granddaughter of Jeff and Rachael – is entering her second year of college.  Please continue to pray for her that she does well, makes good decisions and continues having a good relationship with the Lord. 

·      Isaias and Judith (Ambassadors for Christ the Philippines) Catorce family lead a conservative, Bible-based ministry, teaching and discipling in a remarkably difficult mission field that I have visited and support.  To learn more, visit:  https://afcph.org/ .  Pray our Father keep these servants strong, safe and guards their health.  Consider sending a note of encouragement to Isaias, the founder ( icatorce@gmail.com ) and pray about making a donation ( www.tms-global.org ).

·      Adam – please pray for his strength and peace as he pursues a new job and that the Lord will guide him clearly in his decisions and that his wife will be the loving supporter he badly needs.

·      The World – Pray for God’s mercy as unrest around the globe increases, and that our Father will bring comfort and calm to His children.  Pray for Bible-based Christians scattered across the globe to be safe and remain selflessly bold with the Word.  Help them rest and trust in the Lord. 

·      Pray for those in these countries who read the WeakDay Devotion –That His mighty works will be worked out in each life for His purposes and glory in surprising and wonderful ways!  Thank the Lord for allowing this blog reach around His world in humbling and unexpected geographic locations, including Hong Kong, Israel, Sweden, Russia, USA, Canada, Ukraine, Poland, UK, France, Australia, UAE, Fiji, Germany, Portugal, Romania, Spain, Ireland, American Samoa, Brazil, The Philippines, Estonia, Singapore, China, India. 

·      Barb – my brother’s faithful and kind wife.  Thank you for praying for her.  She needs prayers to sustain her and protect her health and energy during this time of additional stress and challenge.

·      UPDATE - Sophie – three-year old daughter of a friend.  She continues to have tests to diagnose her disease (some serious conclusions have been suggested).  She remains frail and unwell.  Please pray for her, her parents and health carers to find ways to manage the symptoms.

·      Hans – a dear friend in Germany, the immunotherapy for his lung cancer seems to be working for now.  Pray for his ongoing strength through the pain, patience and God’s mercy.  Pray for his healthcare providers and that he is surrounded by faithful and compassionate Christian friends who will support him through this journey.  Pray for his Mom (age 84) who is also unwell -- that their time together is filled with extraordinary good memories and lots of love.

·      Callilah - a lost child.  Pray the Lord will capture her heart.

 

Pray for those in full-time service

Pray to uphold our Christian leaders – that they never compromise God’s Word, are bold and courageous in the face of evil.  Pray for their wisdom, safety, ingenuity, strength and for their families.

Pray for those with ongoing health concerns

Many of us have family, friends and loved ones with fragile health.  Pray God takes special care with them and protects them in practical ways and that the Lord will have mercy on them during this challenging time.

Pray for the World