Category Archives: Holy Spirit

Bible, Fruit, Holy Spirit, Kindness, Scripture, Testimony

THE KIND GOD

ROMANS 2:4

“Or do you think lightly of the riches of His kindness and restraint and patience, not knowing that the kindness of God leads you to repentance?” 

Kindness is a lost virtue nowadays, isn’t it? We watch the news and all we see are muggings, shootings and other crimes against humanity. My wife and I like to watch a reality show (don’t judge, lol) about police officers. It’s a live broadcast that follows various law enforcement departments around the country. Kindness is not exemplified very much on that show. But sometimes…you will see it from someone you least expect to show it. That’s always refreshing.

Paul uses two different forms of the Greek word for “kindness.” The first word is the noun form of “kindness” – xrēstótēs which means “useable, i.e. well-fit for use (for what is really needed); kindness that is also serviceable…refers to meeting real needs, in God’s way, in His timing (fashion). Hence xrēstótēs is listed as a fruit of the Holy Spirit (Gal 5:22).” (HELPS Word studies). The second word for “kindness” is xrēstós which is the adjective form of the same word. We don’t really have a word in the English that adequately defines these words. But we do know that God is a kind and gracious God.

APPLICATION

Since the second “kindness” in today’s verse is an adjective, you could translate the last phrase of today’s verse this way, “not knowing that the kind God leads you to repentance?” I like that. God is so kind to lead us to repentance. He wants to really meet our needs and even our wants sometime. God exemplifies true kindness by welcoming us into His family.

I have known some very kind people in my life. Some of those are my African brothers and sisters. When I have the privilege to visit there, they welcome as one of the family. Whatever I need they seek to provide. They go out of their way to make me feel at home. If I get sick (which has occurred from time to time), they are so caring and comforting. Their kindness is incredible.

Do you have that fruit of the Spirit? Well, of course you do. If you are a believer and Christ is your life, you have all the fruit of the Spirit in you. We choose not to live them out. Your kindness toward others speaks volumes. You may be able to reach some people for Jesus just by showing them kindness. Try it today. Let the kind God give you His kindness to share with others.

O Lord, thank You for being so kind to me and drawing me to Yourself.

If the Lord should lead you to support our ministry, check out our ministry page at Trans World Radio (www.twr.org/carl-willis). 

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Bible, Evidence, Holy Spirit, Manifested, Revelation, Scripture

UNDENIABLE EVIDENCE

ROMANS 1:19

“because that which is known about God is evident within them; for God made it evident to them.”

I don’t normally suggest books to you (other than the Bible), but today’s verse sparked my recollection of two books that you may find worthy of reading. “Evidence that Demands a Verdict” by Josh McDowell and “The Case for Christ” by Lee Strobel are both great books that take a look at the reason why we should believe in Jesus and follow Him. If you haven’t read these Christian classics, I suggest you grab a copy of each and read them along with the Word.

Strong’s describes this knowledge of God being made evident this way. “Phaneroó portrays the active unveiling of what would otherwise remain unseen. Whether the subject is divine glory, hidden motives, or future destiny, the verb marks the moment when something steps from concealment into the light.” Don’t you just love that? Paul is saying in today’s verse that God is not trying to hide Himself. He openly manifests Himself to those who are searching.

APPLICATION

Are you searching? Isaiah 55:6 says, “Seek the LORD while He may be found; call upon Him while He is near.” What an invitation! This word phaneroó is used in John 21:1 when it talks about Jesus revealing Himself to His disciples after His resurrection. I bet Jesus was just giddy to see them again. He had spent so much time with them over the previous three years. He knew them well. He wanted to manifest Himself again to them before He ascended to heaven.

Jesus wants to manifest Himself to us. He does this through the gift of His Holy Spirit. We have the privilege of being able to walk with Him every day in the light of His presence. He has removed the concealment. Jesus is an open book for us. Don’t you believe that? How has He shown Himself to you lately? I see it just about every morning when I walk and see the sunrise.

Check out these verses from Paul in 2 Corinthians 4. “10 always carrying around in the body the dying of Jesus, so that the life of Jesus may also be revealed in our body. 11 For we who live are constantly being handed over to death because of Jesus, so that the life of Jesus may also be revealed in our mortal flesh.” That’s what Paul is taking about in today’s verse! God reveals Himself to us and through us. Be His windowpane today.

Lord, let others see You in me.

If the Lord should lead you to support our ministry, check out our ministry page at Trans World Radio (www.twr.org/carl-willis). 

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Bible, Blessed, Blessing, Gifts, Holy Spirit, Scripture, Spiritual

SHARE YOUR GIFT

ROMANS 1:11

“For I long to see you so that I may impart some spiritual gift to you, that you may be established;”

Often when I travel overseas, I deliver gifts to my friends. On a trip last year to Africa, I was able to deliver monetary gifts to some friends in three different countries. What a blessing to see them receive this, knowing how much it blessed them. I am not sure who was blessed more – them, me or the ones who gave the money. Gifts have a way of continuing to bless others, don’t they?

This verse has been highly discussed by many scholars. Some think Paul was going to lay hands on them and bestow the gift of the Holy Spirit. Other scholars disagree with that, seeing that believers receive the Holy Spirit at salvation. They claim Paul meant to share of his spiritual gifts with them. The word “impart” can also be translated “share,” as it is Luke 3:11 and Ephesians 4:28.

APPLICATION

So, what do you have to “share” or “impart” to others? What spiritual gift do you feel is your primary gift? In 1 Corinthians 12:7-11 we read what Paul wrote about the spiritual gifts. “7 But to each one is given the manifestation of the Spirit for the common good. 8 For to one is given the word of wisdom through the Spirit, and to another the word of knowledge according to the same Spirit; 9 to another faith by the same Spirit, and to another gifts of healing by the one Spirit, 10 and to another the effecting of miracles, and to another prophecy, and to another the distinguishing of spirits, to another various kinds of tongues, and to another the interpretation of tongues. 11 But one and the same Spirit works all these things, distributing to each one individually just as He wills.”

You see, our spiritual gifts are meant to help others in their walk with Christ. They are not to be hoarded and kept private. My particular gifts are teaching and administration. But I also have all the rest of the gifts present within me through the Holy Spirit. I have to work at exercising those gifts sometimes. Others come easily. But they are all present for others.

To whom can you share your gift with today? You may have the gift of encouragement. You are a “Barnabus,” who was called the Son of Encouragement. I was encouraged the other morning by a dear brother. I really needed to hear what he had to say. He had no idea when he texted me, but God knew and prompted his spirit to reach out. That’s how our gifts work. Let your gift work today.

O Lord, the gifts You have given me are such a blessing. Help me to share them with others today.

If the Lord should lead you to support our ministry, check out our ministry page at Trans World Radio (www.twr.org/carl-willis). 

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Bible, Distractions, Flesh, Holy Spirit, Scripture, Walking

KEEP STRAIGHT

PHILIPPIANS 3:16

“however, let’s keep living by that same standard to which we have attained.”

You may have heard the expression “It’s not how high you jump. It’s how straight you walk when you come down.” What in the world does that mean? Well, many in the Christian world focus so much on the emotional aspects of worship. They can jump around, dance, raise their hands and do all other sorts of highly charged things in the name of Christ. Now, I am not going to judge whether those individuals are truly in the Spirit or not. What is important is how straight they walk the rest of the time.

Paul uses a word in this verse that is not fully illustrated by the English words. The phrase “let’s keep living” is the Greek word stoichein. Literally, it can be translated as “to walk straight.” HELPS Word studies defines it this way, “(from stoixos, ‘a row, line, or rank’) – properly, walk in line, in strict accordance to a particular pace (‘stride’); walk in cadence, ‘keep in step.’” Get the picture?

APPLICATION

In Acts 21:24, this word is translated as “walk orderly.” In Romans 4:12, Paul uses it again to say, “…who also follow in the steps of the faith of our father Abraham which he had while uncircumcised.” Then in Galatians 5:25, right after the discourse about the deeds of the flesh and the fruit of the Spirit, Paul says, “If we live by the Spirit, let’s follow the Spirit as well.” You see, it’s not just living in the Spirit. We also have to follow Him, walk straight with Him.

Most mornings I take a walk around my neighborhood. About half of my route includes sidewalks, which I like because it keeps me off the streets and out of the way of cars. Undoubtedly, every morning there will be two or three places where cars have parked across the sidewalk, so I have to veer off course to get around the vehicle. But I am quick to get back on the sidewalk as soon as possible. I just feel safer there.

Hmmm, that could apply here, couldn’t it? There will be times when you or I veer off course for one reason or the other. The flesh is strong and will work against us all the time. We have to be quick to recognize this waywardness and get back on the safe path, the path with Jesus. Keep straight on the narrow path, my friends.

Father God, You are the beacon which lights my path. Help me be quick to see when I am off course.

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Bible, Compassion, Holy Spirit, Mercy, Scripture

LORD, HAVE MERCY

PHILIPPIANS 2:27

“For indeed he was sick to the point of death, but God had mercy on him, and not only on him but also on me, so that I would not have sorrow upon sorrow.”

We have probably all at some point in our life begged God for mercy. Maybe it was over a sick child or relative. It could have been over a situation in which you saw no way of escape. You may have even asked this in a prayer about an act or deed that is threatening the innocent life of a newborn. We know God does hear and grant mercy. He is a merciful God.

Paul had undoubtedly prayed for God’s mercy on behalf of Epaphroditus when he became ill. This wasn’t just seasonal allergies or a head cold. No! Paul says, “he was sick to the point of death.” We don’t know how he became ill or exactly what he was suffering from, but we do know it was serious. If Epaphroditus had died, it would have not only grieved the Philippian church but Paul himself. God’s mercy extended to everyone.

APPLICATION

Paul uses the verb form of the word for “mercy,” eleeó, which means “to show mercy as God defines it, i.e. as it accords with His truth (covenant) which expresses ‘God’s covenant-loyalty-mercy’ (i.e. acting only on His terms)” (HELPS Word Studies) No one is able to show true mercy except God. A common definition of mercy is “not getting what you deserve.”

I have visited a lot of people who were in the hospital and needed mercy. When I have prayed for these individuals, I almost always ask for God to show mercy, to do what doctors cannot do, thus signifying it was a divine act. I have, in some cases, seen God do just that. He relieved them of suffering in a way that only He could do. This was, not doubt, what Paul was describing in today’s verse concerning Epaphroditus.

But let’s get real personal for a moment. To whom can you show mercy? I have a friend who was robbed by a passenger in his taxi a few years ago. He had a choice to make. Does he chase this person down and press charges or does he show him mercy? He chose the latter. Showing mercy is not a natural human trait. Only through the power of the Spirit are we able to do that. Will you show mercy today?

O Lord, I know mercy is Your nature and not mine. Help me show mercy as You have shown mercy to me.

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Bible, Holy Spirit, Information, Love, Scripture

INFORMER

COLOSSIANS 1:8

“and he also informed us of your love in the Spirit.”

In law enforcement people are often recruited as Confidential Informants. These are people who are usually involved in something illegal, are busted by the law and are “turned” to provide information about crimes. CIs are not the most trustworthy bunch. After all, they come out of the crime world themselves. They can, however, give information that can prevent future crimes or lead to the arrest of others.

Epaphras was NOT a CI. He was informing on the Colossian church to Paul while they were in prison together, but his news was not going to get anyone arrested. His information was going to give Paul joy. Look what he shared – their “love in the Spirit.” Now, that may not seem like much, but it was. These believers had learned to love as Christ loves. They were loving each other in the midst of potential persecution. They were there for each other. That must have truly warmed Paul’s heart.

APPLICATION

Paul didn’t always get good news about churches. In 1 Corinthians 1:11 we read, “For I have been informed concerning you, my brothers and sisters, by Chloe’s people, that there are quarrels among you.” How embarrassing! Don’t you think these believers were made to feel ashamed when they received this letter from Paul. You may be required at some point to share some less than flattering news about a brother or sister in Christ, in order to protect them and the church. Weigh that decision heavily. Seek godly counsel before doing so.

Do you know who else informs us of things? Jesus! Look at 2 Peter 1:14. “knowing that the laying aside of my earthly dwelling is imminent, as also our Lord Jesus Christ has made clear to me.” Jesus still speaks to us – if we are listening. He will reveal to us or inform us of things we need to know. That make come in a variety of ways – prayer, Bible study, other believers, quiet listening or circumstances. So, stay tuned in to His frequency to get your daily reports, lol.

What do you want to know about God? Ask Him! He’s not keeping secrets from us. He may not reveal everything to you at once. That’s how it’s been in my life. He usually gives it to me piece by piece because He knows how much I can handle. He may give you a bigger chunk. God wants to share with you His plans for your life. Once you ask and receive, do what He says. Amen? Amen!

O Lord, I can rely on the truth of Your information. All You speak is truth.

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Bible, Drunkenness, Filled, Holy Spirit, Scripture

FILLED WITH THE RIGHT STUFF

EPHESIANS 5:18

“And do not get drunk with wine, in which there is debauchery, but be filled with the Spirit,” 

Context is always important. Whether we are talking about conversations or studying Scripture, context can determine everything. For instance, I can use the word “read” but pronounce it two different ways. I read the paper yesterday or I will read the paper tomorrow. The context of the sentence determines the pronunciation of the word. Okay Carl, enough with the grammar lesson. Hang on. You will see my point.

In today’s verse, we see Paul telling the Ephesians to not get drunk because it is debauchery. This verse is used often to preach against the drinking of anything alcoholic. I am not going to talk about that. You have to remember the context of Paul’s letter. He has been talking about shedding all past ungodly behaviors and walking in God’s will, which we know is always to be filled with the Spirit. So, rest easy. This is not a devotion about drinking. Rather, it is a devotion about being filled with His Spirit.

APPLICATION

In the time Paul was writing there was a false god which the pagans worshipped which involved drinking until you were intoxicated. In fact, it is the same god that the Olympic Committee claimed was being portrayed in the opening ceremonies this year. His name was Bacchus. Bensons’ Commentary says this about this worship festival. “Plato tells us, that there was hardly a sober person to be found in the whole Attican territories during the continuance of these detestable feasts.” Debauchery! Riotous living! In fact, the adverb form of this Greek word for “debauchery” is used in Luke 15:13 to describe the prodigal son’s lifestyle. “And not many days later, the younger son gathered everything together and went on a journey to a distant country, and there he squandered his estate in wild living.”

Paul tells the Ephesians to avoid all that and instead concentrate on living their lives full of the Holy Spirit.  The Greek word used here for “be filled” could be better translated (I think) as “keep being filled” because it is a Present Imperative Middle/Passive verb. The Middle voice means you do the action yourself while the Passive voice means the action is done to you.

Hang on, don’t let me lose you. We have to allow the Holy Spirit to live through us. He will not force Himself on us. Therefore, the middle voice. But only He can do the filling – thus the passive voice. I am not Greek scholar, but I believe this verb could be either. The question is this – Do you want to be filled with His Spirit continually and live that out daily? If you do, the Lord is more than willing and more than capable to fill you to overflowing.

Now I’m filled to overflowing. I don’t mind the whole world knowing that I’m filled to overflowing.

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Bible, Holy Spirit, Scripture, Sealed

DO NOT GRIEVE

EPHESIANS 4:30

“Do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, by whom you were sealed for the day of redemption.”

When I was a teenager, I did some things that grieved my parents. They had raised me better than that. But I wanted to do what I wanted to do. I had no other reason. And when my sins were exposed (and they always are), they were grieved. Yea, they were mad too and issued out the appropriate consequence. But the grief I caused hurt more than the actual getting caught or the consequence.

Let me say right off that “grieving” the Spirit is not the same as “quenching” the Spirit. The latter refers to denying and refusing to believe, thus ends in damnation. That is not what Paul is saying here. We are sealed with the Spirt. We saw that back in Ephesians 1:13. He is in us, therefore, everything we do He is aware of and exposed to. The word used here for grieve is lupeo which means to pain, grieve or vex. I know you don’t want to pain the Holy Spirit.

APPLICATION

So, if we don’t want to do that, how do we prevent it? We live holy lives free from those things that could grieve the Spirit. Albert Barnes lists these behaviors that could lead to that:

  1. Open and gross sins
  2. Anger, in all its forms
  3. Licentious thoughts and desires
  4. Ingratitude
  5. Neglect
  6. Resistance

Here is a great verse to show you a comparison. It’s one most of us know. 1 Thessalonians 4:13 says, “But we do not want you to be uninformed, brothers and sisters, about those who are asleep, so that you will not grieve as indeed the rest of mankind do, who have no hope.” If you have ever lost a loved one, you know the pain of grief. That is the same kind of grief we cause the Spirit when we sin.

I know this is a heavy lesson, but it is one we experience every day. We face the temptations of sin daily. If we stopped to think how much grief this causes God through the Holy Spirit Who lives in us, we may just stop ourselves. Better yet, we will let Him stop us. Do not grieve the Holy Spirit Who is within you, Who has sealed you for the day of your redemption.

Thank You, Father, that You have placed in me Your Holy Spirit to strengthen and encourage me towards holy living. 

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Abundance, Bible, Father, Filled, Heaven, Holy Spirit, Scripture, Whole

ALL FILLED UP

EPHESIANS 4:10

“He who descended is Himself also He who ascended far above all the heavens, so that He might fill all things.)”

Have you ever experienced such joy and happiness that you thought you were going to burst? Maybe you were about to see a close friend whom you haven’t seen in years. Perhaps a loved one who has been away is coming home. Maybe, it’s the birth of a grandchild (I can relate to that one right now). Whatever the circumstance, you cannot really put it in words.

Well, Paul kind of feels that way in today’s verse. As he is describing our Lord Jesus and how He came to earth (descended) and went back to heaven (ascended), he just finishes by saying “so that He might fill all things.” Jesus just completes everything. His glory fills the heavens. The angels, I am sure, rejoiced at His return. He is reunited with His Father in glory. Ellicott’s Commentary explains the phrase, “fill all things,” in this way. “But the words are too wide for any limitation. In heaven and earth, and the realms under the earth, His presence and sovereignty extends, by whatever means and over whatever beings He wills.”

APPLICATION

There’s an old Christian song entitled “Fill My Cup, Lord.” The chorus goes like this:

Fill my cup, Lord;
I lift it up Lord;
Come and quench this thirsting of my soul.
Bread of Heaven, feed me till I want no more.
Fill my cup, fill it up and make me whole.

When Jesus fills us, we should “want no more,” amen? We are told we are filled with the Spirit when we come to Christ. Jesus fills us completely, not halfway. Just as He fills all things, He fills all things in us. When I stop and get fuel for my truck, I am tempted sometimes to just get a little. But, of course, that means I will just have to stop again soon. So, what do I do? I fill it up. It lasts longer. Unlike my truck, though, the Holy Spirit fills us completely and permanently. I wish my truck could be filled permanently.

So, why do so many Christians have to keep “going back to their spiritual filling station”? May I suggest something? It’s not about getting more of the Spirit. It’s more about shedding more of their flesh. Our flesh keeps us from enjoying the fulness of Christ in our lives. Our flesh clogs our fuel lines and makes us start sputtering. Is your life sputtering right now? Check your fuel line. Check your faith. Come before the Lord and pour out your heart to Him today.

Thank You, Lord, for filling my heart with Your Spirit. Help me open myself up completely to You.

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Abiding, Bible, Body, Chosen, Church, Heaven, Holy Spirit, Scripture

ONE’S, PART 1

EPHESIANS 4:4

“There is one body and one Spirit, just as you also were called in one hope of your calling;”

Do you like one way streets? I don’t particularly care for them. I will never forget when I was in the 8th grade, I was selected to go to a Beta Club convention in Atlanta, Ga. I don’t remember how many of us went, but I do remember that our chaperone who was a teacher at our school, drove the wrong way down a one way street in downtown Atlanta. We were all screaming. I think our chaperone was screaming too, lol. He was able to turn off quickly to avoid an accident, but the police had already seen him. After our driver explained he was from out of town and got confused, the officer let him go with a warning. I guess he figured these South Georgia hicks were lucky just to make it to Atlanta. There was only one proper way to drive down that street, and we had blown it.

Paul begins a list of seven “ones” in today’s verse. You have to remember who Paul is writing to. He is writing to Gentile believers who have been grafted into the vine of Israel. Some of the Jewish believers were still trying to make a division between them and the Gentile believers. Paul says, “No! We are all one!” So, he says we are one body of Christ. There is one Spirit descended from God and sent to all of us. And there is only one hope of your calling from God, that being Jesus Christ.

APPLICATION

First of all, let me say this. I bet there is nothing in today’s verse that is not already known by you. Of course, you know we are all of one body – the church of Christ. As I drove to church yesterday with Chris, we passed probably a dozen other churches from various denominations. Why? Why can’t we all agree and come together? I can’t believe God is particularly pleased by all this division on Sunday mornings. Paul uses the same language over in 1 Corinthians 12:5. “so we, who are many, are one body in Christ, and individually parts of one another.”

Paul goes on to remind us that there is only one Spirit. There is not a separate Holy Spirit for the Baptist and Methodist or Church of Christ. There is one Spirit which we all receive at salvation. Listen to Paul’s words again in 1 Corinthians, this time from 6:19. “Or do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit within you, whom you have from God, and that you are not your own?” Did you catch that? He is in you. He is in every believer.

When Paul says in today’s verse that there is “one hope of your calling,” he is referring to all of us having that same hope of an eternal life with the Lord in heaven. Jesus said in John 14:2, “‘In My Father’s house are many rooms; if that were not so, I would have told you, because I am going there to prepare a place for you.’” Excuse my grammar, but ain’t that a promise! There is one body. There is one Spirit. There is one hope. Celebrate that today!

O, my Lord, I give You praise for ones.

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