November 2018 - Page 22 of 22 - Daily Thoughts about God

“Did I not say to you that if you would believe, you would see the glory of God?” John 11:40

Our relationship was blocked. For years I experienced the loss within my family, even though I wanted desperately for this member and I to be reconciled. I almost lost hope that we would ever connect again. Then someone came alongside me and filled me with encouragement that one day it would be restored.

When Jesus came to the tomb where Lazarus lay dead, He told his sister, Martha, to take the stone away so He could get to him. She immediately gave him the excuse that there would be a repulsive smell since he had already been dead for four days.
Jesus responded, “…if you would believe….”

Unbelief is an obstacle in our life, like a stone rolled over an entrance. It can keep us from knowing God. It drives us to make excuses, as it did Martha, eventually hindering us from experiencing all that God has to offer.

Just like the stone kept the mourners from Lazarus, it also kept Lazarus from becoming free from the bonds of death. It kept Lazarus from experiencing Jesus.

Sometimes we need to help remove the stone for someone else that is keeping them dead inside. And at other times, we need to allow people in our lives to help take away the barriers that are keeping us from being truly alive in Jesus.

Jesus, I come to you and ask that you would help me in my unbelief in _______________ (name a specific area you are struggling in). I want nothing in my life to keep me from experiencing all that you have to offer me. Forgive me for my unbelief, and give me strength so I may know you more. Amen

By Brigitte Straub
Used by Permission

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“And Peter replied,

“Each one of you must turn from sin, return to God, and be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins; then you also shall receive this gift, the Holy Spirit. For Christ promised Him to each one of you who has been called by the Lord our God and to your children and even those in distant lands!” Acts 2:38- 39

The most important truth that I or anyone else could share with Christians is to help them understand the person and the ministry of the Holy Spirit. My own life was dramatically transformed when by faith I claimed the fullness and power of the Holy Spirit.

“One day in New York “what a day!” declared Dwight L. Moody.”I can’t describe it. I seldom refer to it. It is almost too sacred for me to name. I can only say that God revealed Himself to me. I had such an experience of love that I had to ask Him to stay His hand.”

“I went to preaching again. The sermons were no different. I did not present any new truth. Yet hundreds were converted. I would not be back where I was before that blessed experience if you would give me Glasgow.”

The Holy Spirit is the key to revival. He is the key to revival because He is the key to supernatural living, and apart from living supernaturally “living in the fullness of the Holy Spirit ” the believer has no power to introduce others to Christ and help fulfill the Great Commission.

The Holy Spirit is convicting many Christians of their lethargy, their coldness of heart and unbelief, the loss of their first love. A spiritual Mount St. Helens is about to erupt, spreading the good news of love and forgiveness of our Lord Jesus Christ far and wide through our land and the world. We shall see a resurgence in evangelism and a zeal unparalleled in church history as we endeavor “in the power of the Holy Spirit” to help fulfill the Great Commission.

Bible Reading: Acts 2:32-37

Today’s Action Point: I shall ask the Holy Spirit to empower and control my life so that I may be a part of a mighty spiritual awakening to help fulfill the Great Commission, beginning in my home, community and church in obedience to the Lord’s command.

by Dr. Bill Bright
Used by Permission