How
do we yield to the Holy Spirit of God? Do we openly exercise the
gifts He has given us? Are we willing to be vulnerable to others, so
they might be edified / built up in the Lord? When the Holy Spirit
moves upon a Christ follower, a gift will often be manifested. In
other words, the spiritual gift will be expressed to those in the
room in an audible, and/or tangible way. At this time there is a
choice to be made by those in the room. A choice to accept and
receive the fruit / seed of the gift, or reject it as
counterfeit. In the book of Acts, we find the account of the
day of Pentecost...when God sent the Holy Spirit upon those
assembled in the upper room (see chapter 2). The men and women
assembled there were in "one accord". They were in one
mind, having the same purpose. They were obediently waiting for the
Holy Spirit to come upon them, just as Jesus had foretold. As they
waited and prayed, the sound of a rushing mighty wind filled the
place. And then, the Holy Spirit came upon them as divided tongues
of fire. All of those in the upper room began to speak in other
tongues (foreign languages). Devout Jews, from every nation under
heaven heard the noise and looked on in stark amazement. They were
amazed because each person was hearing their own language spoken
simultaneously! They were hearing God glorified...in their own
language! A feat they knew only God could accomplish! On the other
hand, there were scoffers. The scoffers attributed the display of
tongues in Acts 2, to the effects of "new wine"! They
thought the people in the upper room were drunk! They were not
convinced in any way, shape, or form, that God was moving. Often,
Christians will respond to the move of the Holy Spirit the same way!
Many times they are skeptical of what they don't understand, or
cannot control. Fear is a strong motivator. If we let it, fear will
rob us of many great experiences with the Living God. I'm not
suggesting we should receive every word without caution. We also
need to be sure the manifestation is valid. If the manifestation of
a gift doesn't bear witness, or get confirmed in your spirit, then
one should be wary, taking the matter to the Lord in prayer. When a
manifestation doesn't line up with scripture, it should be rejected.
Back to the point of this article...are we yielded to the Holy
Spirit? Do we openly ask the Lord to move in our lives through His
Holy Spirit? When the Holy Spirit moves on us, we should be willing
to respond to His promptings. The biggest question is will we be
obedient? Obedience produces more yield than any other response.
There is a yield to those who are yielded! Farmers who prep their
fields; plant their seed; and water what is unseen, will reap a
harvest which IS seen! Do you want to experience the manifestation
of the gifts of the Holy Spirit in a more tangible way? If so,
you'll have to start preparing your heart to receive. A heart that
is hardened, and un-yielded will not produce favorable results. We
must humble ourselves. We must place ourselves at His feet. We must
be willing to endure. Those who seek the Lord with all of their
hearts will find Him! In due time we will reap a harvest!
GOD'S
BEST Be Yours!
Greg McCowen
P.S.
- If you feel broken and separated from God, and need someone to
talk/pray with, call me at 771-4244...I'd be glad to speak with you!
However, if you would rather handle the matter privately, with Jesus
alone...below is a prayer you might pray. (He's listening.)
Dear
Jesus,
I'm
a sinner. Until now, I haven't lived my life for You...but, I want to be changed. I believe You are the Son of God. I
believe You died on the cross for my sins. I believe You rose from
the dead with life everlasting for anyone who will accept You. I
accept You now. I turn from my sin, and from everything that has
kept me separated from You. I give You my heart. I give You my soul.
I give You complete control of my life. My past...my present...my
future...I lay it all at Your feet. Please give me a new life...a
new mind...a new spirit.
From
this day forward, help me to put You first in my life. Open the eyes
of my heart to the Truth found in Your Word. Fill me with Your Holy
Spirit, that I might live according to that Truth. Cause me to walk
in Your light, and love. Let my life bring You glory, and be a
blessing to others. Holding nothing back, I give myself to You...to
live according to Your will, not mine. Thank You Jesus, for changing
me. Thank You Jesus, for loving me unconditionally. Thank You for
hearing, and answering this prayer. In Jesus' Name. Amen.
Covenant Life Fellowship - Lubbock
Church - (806) 771-4244
