Today's Journal

SPIRIT POWER I

Part of the joy of living with power from the Spirit is that we are able to do what we cannot do in our mere physical abilities. This power is “because his divine power has bestowed on us everything necessary for life and godliness through the rich knowledge of the one who called us by his own glory and excellence” (2 Peter 1:3). If we do not rely on Spirit power we will rely on our own prowess and stubborn will for our strength.

Getting accustomed to events of the Spirit can take some practice. Having the desire and the ability to heal the sick, turn water into wine, get coins from the mouth of a fish, cast demons out of people, raise the dead back to life, multiply food resources, speak in unknown tongues, and open doors that are locked, are every day events and normal living in the Spirit.

The story of Phillip the Evangelist is a great example of Spirit power. While he was walking “the Spirit told him to go to Gaza,” and after meeting with an Ethiopian official and baptizing him, the “Spirit of the Lord snatched him away” and transported him to Azotus (Old Testament- Ashdod). (Acts 8:39-40) This is about 25-30 miles from Gaza and it was instantaneous transport by the power of the Spirit. Like all things of the Spirit, we either believe and expect them or we don’t. If we don’t, it’s back to living and laboring under our own power instead of Spirit power. What a bummer that is.

“The Holy Spirit leads into all truth.” Jesus