I was part of an amazing conversation about the Holy Spirit today. Just thought I'd download a few reflections.
Ever been in the awkward situation where people are talking about you like you aren't there but you are there? Don't you hate that? Sometimes I wonder if that is how the Holy Spirit feels. He is the most controversial personality in the Trinity. So we argue about Him like He is some inanimate object which is really ironic because without the Holy Spirit animating us we'd implode and return to dust. Check out Job 34:15.
Can I ask a point blank question: do you love the Holy Spirit? Seriously. Do you love the Holy Spirit like you love the Father and the Son? I think we argue about Him so much in theological and denominational circles that we forget how much we need Him.
Here's the bottom line. Without the Holy Spirit I can do NOTHING. With the Holy Spirit I can do ANYTHING. I need Him. I love Him.
You want to know how to get spiritually overwhelmed? Try to do in your own strength and wisdom what only the Holy Spirit can do! I think many of us live in the place of perpetual frustration because we assume responsibility for something that isn't our responsibility to begin with. I can't lead people to Christ. The Holy Spirit does that. I can't stop sinning. The Holy Spirit does that. I can't produce fruit. The Holy Spirit does that.
You can't be HOLY without the HOLY Spirit.
Ever been in the awkward situation where people are talking about you like you aren't there but you are there? Don't you hate that? Sometimes I wonder if that is how the Holy Spirit feels. He is the most controversial personality in the Trinity. So we argue about Him like He is some inanimate object which is really ironic because without the Holy Spirit animating us we'd implode and return to dust. Check out Job 34:15.
Can I ask a point blank question: do you love the Holy Spirit? Seriously. Do you love the Holy Spirit like you love the Father and the Son? I think we argue about Him so much in theological and denominational circles that we forget how much we need Him.
Here's the bottom line. Without the Holy Spirit I can do NOTHING. With the Holy Spirit I can do ANYTHING. I need Him. I love Him.
You want to know how to get spiritually overwhelmed? Try to do in your own strength and wisdom what only the Holy Spirit can do! I think many of us live in the place of perpetual frustration because we assume responsibility for something that isn't our responsibility to begin with. I can't lead people to Christ. The Holy Spirit does that. I can't stop sinning. The Holy Spirit does that. I can't produce fruit. The Holy Spirit does that.
You can't be HOLY without the HOLY Spirit.
10 Comments:
That's totally true. I wonder if when people argue over the Holy Spirit, if he is thinking, "Guys, I'm right here. Why don't you ask me? I mean, I think I know."
Very nice perspective. And thank you for writing and living the Wild Goose Chase. It is changing my life and my approach, and hopefully my RESPONSE to God! I love reading your stuff!
Thank you for this Mark! I LOVE THE HOLY SPIRIT. Your comment that we can do NOTHING apart from Him is as true as true can be. The totality of all of our efforts are FUTILE and doomed apart from Him. How can we NOT love Him?!
Great post! Thank you for this awesome reminder. I'm praying that I can love ON Him more in prayer and yield more in life. Hoping He interrupts my conversations.
What a concept, arguing what Godʻs role is...I wonder if he likes being controversial. Probably.
I think part of the problem is the word "the"; as in "the Holy Spirit," "the Spirit" or, even, "the Holy Ghost." We may say "the Son," but we don't say "the Jesus" or "the God" (yeah, we do say "the Father." I've heard a pastor who always says, "Holy Spirit" without the "the" in all contexts, and I like hearing that as it reminds me Spirit is a "person" just as the Father and the Son are...
Great post, Mark.
Some reading recommendations on the Holy Spirit for your blog readers:
Shared Life by Donald Macleod
Delighting in the Trinity by Tim Chester (of Crowded House, who recently spoke at an Acts 29 bootcamp)
These resources raised my affections toward the divine person who is closest to me every day, all day. Happy reading!
You are absolutely right!
great post comin' out of a great conversation, thanks for hosting...loved the word on the well especially the inference to making space...read any Miroslav Volf on spatial theology?
I learn to honor the holy spirit each day at the same time i fall short each day. I don't claim having the holy spirit the same as carrying a majic wand for anyone to make a wish to be granted to them. I feel that everyone is capable of doing anything extra for themselves. I have yet to know the mysteries about christ and any other religious prophets or leaders. To be honest i don't read the bible daily and for for the most part i read it only once in a while. Right now i am living a humble life right next to being homeless by my choice and i am proud regardless of what anyone thinks or says. Jesus rocks!
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