| Whatsoever
Things Are True
by Dan Coburn Pastor, Emmanuel Baptist Church pastordan@mtida.net “What’s in it for Me?” The Holy Spirit is also, the Spirit of Wisdom. Pastor Phil Jones defines the manifestation of this as: “THE ABILITY TO SEE, VIEW, OR REACT TO ANY SITUATION OF CIRCUMSTANCE FROM GOD’S PERSPECTIVE”. Now doesn’t that sound simple? Simple yes, easy no. Again, our goal is to allow God to do supernatural things through us, so why is it that we usually turn or surrender to Him as a last resort? “With him is wisdom and strength, he hath counsel and understanding.” - Job 12:13. (Note the Exclusivity) Spiritual Switch. When you go into a Barns and Noble, what is the single largest section of books? It is the Self Help section. Every form of psycho-babble imaginable can be found. You see, man is looking for help, but not wisdom. People are more “spiritual” now than ever, (note all the psychic - ghost hunting shows on tv) but reject the wisdom of the Bible. Both the Old and New Testament devote great amounts of time to the subject, yet society continues to scoff at, ignore, suppress, receive not, laugh at, and seek not - Wisdom. All this as God lovingly makes it available: “If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not;” - James 1:5. So what’s the purpose? Is it a contest? Does the winner get to parade around enjoying the adoration of everyone? While it does enable us to “fight the good fight”, it is primarily to give us a kingdom mind set. “That the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give unto you the spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of him: The eyes of your understanding being enlightened; that ye may know what is the hope of his calling, and what the riches of the glory of his inheritance in the saints,” - Eph. 1:17-18. Though often perverted, this “filling” is not so much a tingly feeling, as it is a link to wisdom. “Wherefore, brethren, look ye out among you seven men of honest report, full of the Holy Ghost and wisdom whom we may appoint over this business.” - Acts 6:3. Application: Even when we operate unselfishly, with the most noble of motives, absent the Holy Spirit’s empowerment, we are beating ourselves to death pursuing the good, while the Best is only a submission away. It’s like giving a toddler an M16, and sending them out to the battle field. We have the supreme weapon, but not a clue what it is for, or how to use it. God Bless. |
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