WALKING WITH THE HOLY SPIRIT: THE SECRET TO TRUE FREEDOM

Every human heart longs for freedom — freedom from fear, guilt, sin, and the emptiness of life apart from God. Yet true freedom cannot be found by human effort, philosophy, or religion. It is found only through a living relationship with the Holy Spirit — God Himself indwelling the hearts of believers to guide, empower, and transform them.

And Peter said to them, “Repent and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins, and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.” Acts 2:38

When we place our faith in Jesus Christ as Saviour and Lord, something miraculous happens. The Father sends the third Person of the Trinity — the Holy Spirit — to dwell within us. Jesus promised this gift before His death and resurrection:

And I will ask the Father, and He will give you another Helper, that He may abide with you forever — the Spirit of truth” John 14:16–17

The very presence of God takes up residence within the believer, marking us as His children and filling us with life.

But walking with the Spirit is more than a theological truth — it’s a daily relationship. The Apostle Paul urges believers:

If we live by the Spirit, let us also walk by the SpiritGalatians 5:25

That means aligning our hearts and choices with His gentle leading rather than following the desires of our own nature. When we do, we discover what it means to live in freedom — not freedom from obedience, but freedom in obedience. Sin no longer has dominion over the one whose life is yielded to God’s Spirit.

The evidence of this life is called “the fruit of the Spirit” (Galatians 5:22–23): “love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control”. These qualities don’t come through human effort but by divine transformation. They blossom naturally as we stay connected to the Holy Spirit, much like branches drawing life from the vine.

The Spirit also gives us gifts (9 just like the fruit of the Spirit)— supernatural abilities for ministry and service — so that the Church may be built up and others may encounter God’s love through us. Whether teaching, encouraging, showing mercy, or praying in faith, every gift is given “for the common good” (1 Corinthians 12:7).

To walk with the Spirit is to live with eternity in view — understanding that every moment, every action, every choice is shaping us for eternal life with God. The Spirit is our Comforter in sorrow, our Teacher in confusion, our Strength in weakness, and the seal of our inheritance in Christ. He whispers truth into the noise of the world and reminds us daily that we belong not to ourselves, but to the One who died and rose again.

If you have placed your faith in Jesus, you possess this incredible gift. But perhaps the real question is: are you walking in step with Him? Freedom, joy, and peace are waiting — not in trying harder, but in surrendering completely to the loving guidance of the Spirit within. The secret to abundant life isn’t striving, but abiding. Scripture warns us not to grieve the Spirit or quench His work in our lives.

And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, by whom you were sealed for the day of redemption.Ephesians 4:30

Do not quench the Spirit.” 1 Thessalonians 5:19

Jesus is returning soon. How good it will be if you have already developed a close relationship with Him. Will you be ready to rule and reign with Him in Jesus Millennial Kingdom? If you want to know more about what is next on God’s agenda for planet Earth go to http://www.millennialkingdom.net

HOW TO BE HOLY SPIRIT LED

How the Holy Spirit Speaks Through Scripture

One of the greatest gifts God has given His people is the ability to hear His voice through the pages of Scripture. The Bible is not simply a record of what God once said — it is the living Word through which He still speaks. And the One who makes that possible is the Holy Spirit. Without the Spirit, Scripture would remain ink on a page. With the Spirit, it becomes a living conversation between God and His children.

Jesus promised that the Holy Spirit would guide us into truth, remind us of His teachings, and reveal what we need to know. This promise is fulfilled every time we open the Bible with a listening heart. The Spirit takes the eternal Word of God and applies it to our present lives with precision, wisdom, and love. Understanding how the Spirit speaks through Scripture is essential for anyone who desires to walk closely with God. In total I will do three poste on the Holy Spirit.

The Spirit Illuminates the Word

The first way the Holy Spirit speaks through Scripture is by illuminating it. Illumination is the Spirit’s work of opening our spiritual eyes so we can understand what God is saying. Without the Spirit, we may read the Bible but miss its meaning. With the Spirit, truth becomes clear, personal, and powerful.

Have you ever read a passage you’ve seen many times before, only to have it suddenly come alive? A verse you skimmed over for years suddenly grips your heart. A story you thought you understood reveals a deeper layer of truth. That is the Spirit illuminating the Word.

The Spirit does not change the meaning of Scripture — He reveals it. He helps us see what was always there but hidden from our understanding. This is why prayer is essential when reading the Bible. We are not just studying a text; we are inviting the Spirit to speak.

The Spirit Applies Scripture to Our Lives

The Holy Spirit not only illuminates Scripture; He applies it. He takes the timeless truth of God’s Word and connects it to the specific circumstances of our lives. This is one of the most personal ways God speaks.

A verse about peace may come alive when you are anxious. A passage about forgiveness may confront you when you are holding a grudge. A story of God’s faithfulness may strengthen you when you feel weak.

The Spirit knows exactly what we need, and He uses Scripture to meet us where we are. This is why the Bible is never outdated. The same passage can speak differently at different times because the Spirit applies it according to our season, struggles, and spiritual growth.

The Spirit Convicts, Comforts, and Corrects

Scripture is God’s tool for shaping our hearts, and the Spirit uses it to convict, comfort, and correct us.

Conviction is the Spirit’s gentle way of showing us where our lives are out of alignment with God’s will. It is not condemnation or shame. Conviction is a loving invitation to return to God’s path.

Comfort comes when the Spirit uses Scripture to reassure us of God’s presence, promises, and faithfulness. In moments of grief, fear, or uncertainty, the Spirit brings verses to mind that anchor our souls.

Correction happens when the Spirit uses Scripture to redirect our thinking or behavior. God’s Word becomes a mirror that reveals what needs to change and a guide that shows us how to walk in obedience.

In all these ways, the Spirit speaks with clarity and love, using Scripture as His instrument.

The Spirit Forms Christ in Us Through the Word

The ultimate purpose of Scripture is not information but transformation. The Spirit uses the Word to shape us into the image of Christ. As we read, meditate, and obey, the Spirit renews our minds, softens our hearts, and strengthens our character.

This is why spiritual growth is impossible apart from Scripture. The Spirit forms Christ in us through the steady, daily intake of God’s Word. The more we allow the Spirit to speak through Scripture, the more we begin to think, act, and love like Jesus. The more the fruit of the spirit is manifest in our lives:

But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law. Galatians 5:22-23

Listening to the Spirit Through Scripture Requires a Posture of Surrender

Hearing the Spirit through Scripture is not automatic. It requires a posture of humility, openness, and obedience. The Spirit speaks most clearly to hearts that are willing to respond.

Before reading, pray: “Holy Spirit, speak to me through Your Word. Open my eyes. Guide my heart. I am listening.”

As you read, pay attention to what stands out — a phrase, a command, a promise, a warning. These moments of clarity are often the Spirit’s voice.

After reading, ask: “Lord, what do You want me to do with what You’ve shown me?”

The Spirit speaks not just to inform us but to transform us. When we respond with obedience, His voice becomes clearer and more familiar.

The Spirit Speaks Through Scripture Every Time We Open It

You don’t need a dramatic experience to hear God. You don’t need a special moment or a supernatural sign. Every time you open the Bible with a listening heart, the Holy Spirit is ready to speak.

He speaks through the stories, the teachings, the promises, the warnings, and the wisdom of Scripture. He speaks through quiet moments of reflection and sudden moments of revelation. He speaks through familiar passages and through verses you’ve never noticed before.

The Spirit is faithful. The Word is alive. And God is always speaking.

Jesus is returning soon. How good it will be if you have already developed a close relationship with Him. Will you be ready to rule and reign with Him in Jesus Millennial Kingdom? If you want to know more about what is next on God’s agenda for planet Earth go to http://www.millennialkingdom.net

GOD WILL GIVE YOU A FUTURE AND A HOPE

For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but in order that the world might be saved through him.John 3:16-17

Step 1. You need to repent of your sin of rebellion against God and His commandments, accepting Jesus as your Saviour and Lord, acknowledging the enormity of His sacrifice on the cross.

Jesus answered, “Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born of water and the Spirit, he cannot enter the kingdom of God.John 3:5

Step 2. You need to be baptised (evidence you have died to self and arisen a new person in Christ) and receive the Holy Spirit as your counsellor, teacher, helper and comforter; otherwise, you cannot live the Christian life.

“‘For I know the plans I have for you’, says the Lord. ‘They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope.’”  Jeremiah 29:11

Step 3. Know that God has a plan for your life, but you must allow the Holy Spirit to guide your every step. Do not grieve Him or quench His work in your life.

And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, by whom you were sealed for the day of redemption.” Ephesians 4:30

WE NEED COURAGE FOR OUTRAGEOUS OBEDIENCE?

Courage is the mental or moral strength to venture forward, persevere, and withstand danger or difficulty. Courageous faith rarely feels safe. It’s what Ed McCully, a classmate of Jim Elliot, described as living “a life of reckless abandon for the Lord, putting all my energy and strength into it.” Truly, it’s a risk. I want to encourage you to have the courage that’s born out of a Spirit-filled life. Jesus made it possible for our Heavenly Father to send the Holy Spirit to indwell all believers so it is imperative we allow Him to be our counsellor, our teacher, and our comforter and to use all of the nine ministry gifts He provides.

Listen to what Rachelle Starr, author of the new book, Outrageous Obedience says, What does courage that’s guided by faith involve? I’ll tell you that when you head into the clubs, you must be sensitive to the Holy Spirit. Yes, I need the Spirit every second of every day. But in the clubs, I am constantly praying, Jesus, give me words to speak to this dancer. Give me the wisdom to interact with this club manager. Help the awkwardness our team feels to not show on our faces. Help us to show your love instead.

1. The Spirit is consistent with his messaging. The Holy Spirit’s voice never says anything contrary to God’s revealed Word. In fact, the Bible teaches us that one of the Spirit’s jobs is to remind us of the things we’ve learned from God’s Word (John 16:13). The Holy Spirit is never going to tell you to hurt or gossip about someone. No, he’s going to prompt you to confess your sins, obey him, show love to someone who is difficult, or stop talking and listen to a friend who’s in pain. What he tells you will always agree with what God has already told you in the Bible.

2. The Spirit often speaks most clearly in the dark. We want to experience intimacy with God and clearly hear his voice, and I’ve found that we typically feel closest to him and hear him the loudest when we are in the darkest of places, in times of desperation. In those moments when I’m ministering in a dingy dressing room, I am intensely aware of how desperate I am for God’s help. The Spirit gives us words when we need them to bear witness (Mark 13:11). He is the Helper and Comforter who goes with us when it seems like everything is against us.

3. We must walk with the Spirit to know his voice. To hear the voice and promptings of the Spirit, you’ve got to know Him. You won’t hear His voice if you don’t recognize it from spending time with His Word. For me, this involves learning to quiet my soul; I can’t hear the Spirit if my life is too loud. The amazing thing is God wants to have a vibrant relationship with you, and the more you read God’s Word, the more he’ll speak to you. Yes, he speaks through the Bible, but having heard his voice in the Word will help you identify the Holy Spirit’s quiet promptings in your heart as well.

4. The Spirit moves us to action. The Holy Spirit brings you to a place where you need to express your faith. The Spirit leads you to active obedience to God’s commission, which requires making real adjustments in your life (Matthew 28:18–20; Acts 13:2, 15:28; 2 Corinthians 3:17–18). The adjustment may be small—like choosing to call a hurting friend—or it may be big—like moving your family across an ocean. But Spirit-empowered obedience almost always involves a courageous adjustment.

OUR HEAVENLY FATHER’S PROVISION OF THE HOLY SPIRIT

Jesus said the most important thing that He accomplished on The Cross was to enable our Heavenly Father to send the third person of the Trinity, the Holy Spirit, to indwell our spirit to be our counsellor, teacher, and comforter. When we are baptized, we die to ourselves. and are born again by the Holy Spirit. Without the Holy Spirit, it is impossible to live a Christian life.

It’s the Holy Spirit who does a work of renewal inside us. He breaks the power of canceled sin and sets the sinner free. He delivers us from the slavery of our habits and perfects us. David says it well:

The LORD will fulfill his purpose for me; your steadfast love, O LORD, endures forever. Do not forsake the work of your hands.” Psalms 138:8

The Holy Spirit changes our lives for the better, He produces these fine attributes in our lives:

But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things, there is no law. And those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires. If we live by the Spirit, let us also keep in step with the Spirit.Galatians 5:22-25

He provides the gifts for service and ministry

Now there are varieties of gifts, but the same Spirit; and there are varieties of service, but the same Lord; and there are varieties of activities, but it is the same God who empowers them all in everyone.” 1 Corinthians 12:4-6

For to one is given through the Spirit the utterance of wisdom, and to another the utterance of knowledge according to the same Spirit, to another faith by the same Spirit, to another gifts of healing by the one Spirit, to another the working of miracles, to another prophecy, to another the ability to distinguish between spirits, to another various kinds of tongues, to another the interpretation of tongues. All these are empowered by one and the same Spirit, who apportions to each one individually as he wills.” 1 Corinthians 12:8-11

Have you repented of your sins, and of your rejection of God and His values? Have you rejected Jesus’ amazing offer of forgiveness of sins? If you have you do not know the wonderful presence of the Holy Spirit in your life to enable you to live life as your Creator God intended from the beginning.

Sadly, many people including me have grieved the Holy Spirit and quenched His work in their lives. It is so easy to ignore the Holy Spirit. Every day, we need to say as Jesus did when He was on earth, not my will but your will be done in my life today.

“Father, if you are willing, remove this cup from me. Nevertheless, not my will, but yours, be done.” And there appeared to him an angel from heaven, strengthening him.Luke 22:42

DO NOT GRIEVE THE HOLY SPIRIT OR QUELL HIS WORK IN YOUR LIFE

For through him (Jesus) we (Jew and gentile) both have access in one Spirit to the Father.Ephesians 2:18

We regain access to our Heavenly Father through Jesus coming to earth and becoming man so He could pay the debt for our rebellion. He died in our place so that we might have eternal life. I hope you realize the enormity of what Jesus has accomplished on your behalf. Jesus made it possible for our Heavenly Father to send the third person of the Trinity, the Holy Spirit to indwell every believer’s spirit.

The spirit of man is the lamp of the Lord, searching all his innermost parts.” Proverbs 20:27

It is important to note from this Scripture that our spirit is the lamp of the Lord. Like any lamp, it requires oil, which for us is the Holy Spirit, to function correctly. When Adam and Eve sinned, death was the penalty. Spiritual death occurred immediately when the Holy Spirit departed their spirits, and physical death followed 900 years later. It was only after God’s first judgment of mankind (the worldwide flood of Noah’s day) that God limited man’s lifespan to 120 years.

Considering the enormous price Jesus paid in order for our Heavenly Father to restore our relationship with Him by sending the Holy Spirit to indwell every believer’s spirit to be our counselor, teacher, and comforter, surely we must treat Him with all the respect and honour He deserves.

And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, by whom you were sealed for the day of redemption.Ephesians 4:30

When non-Christians reject Jesus, it simply puts another nail in their coffin and brings them one step closer to judgment, punishment, and the second death in the Lake of Fire. The Lord would have saved their soul, but time and time again they refused to repent. In so doing, “they exchanged the truth of God for a lie” (Romans 1:25).

But as for the cowardly, the faithless, the detestable, as for murderers, the sexually immoral, sorcerers, idolaters, and all liars, their portion will be in the lake that burns with fire and sulfur, which is the second death.” Revelation 21:8

But Christians are equally guilty of sin because we too grieve the one Person who can enable us to believe the Gospel, love God, follow Christ, and serve others with godly compassion. Without the Holy Spirit, none of those things would be possible. We would be helpless and hopeless, lost, dazed, and confused. We would have no clue how to be forgiven of our sins or how to please the Lord.

Thankfully, “God made us alive with Christ even when we were dead in transgressions – it is by grace you have been saved” (Ephesians 2:5). So now what? Well, one thing is very clear. We were not saved so that we could go on deliberately sinning against the Lord. As the Apostle Paul wrote, “shall we go on sinning so that grace may increase? By no means! We died to sin; how can we live in it any longer?Romans 6:1-2

Christians face a variety of temptations regarding the use of our bodies, the meditation of our hearts, and the words we choose to utter. Since the Holy Spirit lives within every believer, it is essential that we diligently seek to please the Spirit rather than give into the desires of our sinful nature.

For example, Scripture instructs us: “flee from sexual immorality”. All other sins a man commits are outside his body, but he who sins sexually sins against his own body.

Or do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own; you were bought at a price. Therefore, honor God with your body” 1 Corinthians 6:18-20

If you want to mess up everything in your walk with Christ, then engage in sexual immorality. Have sex outside of marriage. Fill your mind with sexual images and lustful thoughts. Give into temptation rather than resisting it. And commit the one sin that is against your own body, which is a temple of the Holy Spirit. Obviously, this is the opposite of what God calls us to do as followers of Christ.

Scripture also warns believers to be careful with the thoughts and attitudes that they choose to entertain. Paul wrote:

Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen. And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, with whom you were sealed for the day of redemption. Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice. Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave youEphesians 4:29-32

When we violate any of these instructions for holy living, we grieve the Holy Spirit. Our mind comes under attack and the joy of the Lord greatly diminishes in our heart. We lose our peace. We become impatient and self-centered. We hold grudges, and we speak poorly about others. 

All of these attitudes and behaviors flow from our sinful nature, (Romans 7:18) and all of them grieve the Holy Spirit. He is always pure, perfect, and gentle. When we push Him away with our sins, our life of discipleship gets put on hold. We backslide, even if only for a matter of minutes until we confess our sins to God and turn away from them. 

And of course, sometimes our sinful attitudes persist much longer than a few minutes. Is it any wonder that everyone who seeks to follow Christ finds our calling as believers so incredibly challenging? Sadly, some who begin the journey with Jesus do not fully repent of their sin and acknowledge Him as Lord. They invariably give up and once again pursue deliberate sin. Unbelief is the biggest sin because it prevents a person from being saved, redeemed, forgiven, born again, and justified. The Holy Spirit only indwells those who are trusting the Savior to forgive their sins, which in turn produces a heart that longs to do God’s will.

Everything gets messed up when non-Christians reject Christ, and when believers give in to sinful desires and temptation. So, what is the solution for followers of Christ?

Live by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the sinful nature. For the sinful nature desires what is contrary to the Spirit, and the Spirit what is contrary to the sinful nature. They are in conflict with each other so you do not do what you want. But if you are led by the Spirit, you are not under the lawGalatians 5:16-18

Grieving the Holy Spirit messes up everything, whereas confessing our sins to the Lord and seeking to do His will is the path to peace and righteous living. If you love God then you will be willing to be led by the Holy Spirit. So, are you a follower of Christ and have the Holy Spirit to guide your every step? If not, would you like to be? If you would then listen to this presentation by Ray Comfort.

EMPOWERED BY THE HOLY SPIRIT

But now I go away to Him who sent Me, and none of you asks Me, ‘Where are You going?’ But because I have said these things to you, sorrow has filled your heart. Nevertheless, I tell you the truth. It is to your advantage that I go away; for if I do not go away, the Helper will not come to you; but if I depart, I will send Him to you. And when He has come He will convict the world of sin, and of righteousness, and of judgment: of sin, because they do not believe in Me; of righteousness, because I go to My Father and you see Me no more; of judgment, because the ruler of this world is judged.” John 16:5-11

Why do you call me ‘Lord, Lord,’ and not do what I tell you? Romans 6:46

If the Spirit of him who raised Jesus from the dead dwells in you, he who raised Christ Jesus from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies through his Spirit who dwells in you.Romans 8:11

The Spirit himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God, and if children, then heirs—heirs of God and fellow heirs with Christ, provided we suffer with him in order that we may also be glorified with him.Romans 8:16-17

SALVATION

God’s people longed for God’s judgment because it meant that God would set things right (Psalms 72:4). This saving judgment entailed God condemning their enemies but they thought little about what God required of them.

Some readers might need to reorient how they think about “being saved.” Salvation concerns both what we’re saved from and what we’re saved for. Many people think almost exclusively in terms of the former. We are saved from wrath, punishment, condemnation, and hell. Though a glorious truth, it is a partial truth.

Nothing is wrong with stressing the importance of being saved from something. Being saved from the penalty, power, and presence of sin is glorious! But…. and this is an important “but” … no one is saved merely from fear of penalty. Ultimately, salvation requires love for Christ and obedience to Christ by obedience to the guidance of the Holy Spirit that dwells within your spirit.

The goal of salvation is believers’ conformity to the Son of God—their participation in his rule over creation as God’s eschatological family and as renewed humanity—but only and always with the purpose of extending God’s hand of mercy, love, and care to his wider creation. This was humanity’s job in the beginning; it is the believer’s responsibility now and will be the believers’ responsibility and honor in the future, first during Jesus’ Millennial reign on this earth when He and the resurrected Saints will rule the nations with a rod of iron. This is a transitional era when Satan is bound but he is released at the end of the Millennium when he is still able to raise an army like the sand of the sea. He and his army will be defeated and this earth destroyed with fire. The second resurrection and the White Throne judgement follow, before the new earth and heaven where only the righteous dwell.

This vision is compelling and sustaining. It creates a far more robust biblical perspective on following Christ.

People know that the world has problems. Moreover, the Holy Spirit convicts the world of sin and righteousness and He will guide and direct our steps to evangelize the lost. He will even give us the words to say so they know that we are being used by God. We just need to be obedient to the call of God on our lives regardless of the cost.

Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or danger, or sword? As it is written, “For your sake we are being killed all the day long; we are regarded as sheep to be slaughtered.” No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. For I am sure that neither death nor life, nor angels nor rulers, nor things present nor things to come, nor powers, nor height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord.Romans 8:35-39

They came to life and reigned with Christ for a thousand years. The rest of the dead did not come to life until the thousand years were ended. This is the first resurrection. Blessed and holy is the one who shares in the first resurrection! Over such the second death has no power, but they will be priests of God and of Christ, and they will reign with him for a thousand years.” Revelation 20:5-6

CREATE IN ME A CLEAN HEART, O GOD

Have mercy on me, O God, according to your steadfast love; according to your abundant mercy
blot out my transgressions. Wash me thoroughly from my iniquity, and cleanse me from my sin!
Psalm 51:1-2

A Psalm of David, when Nathan the prophet challenged him about his sin with Bathsheba.

Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me. Cast me not away from your presence, and take not your Holy Spirit from me. Restore to me the joy of your salvation, and uphold me with a willing spirit.Psalm 51:10-12

“that I may know him and the power of his resurrection, and may share his sufferings, becoming like him in his death, that by any means possible I may attain the resurrection from the dead.” Philippian 3:10

NOTE: God had given David an understanding of the role of the Holy Spirit in living Christ-like and this is one thousand years before Jesus made it possible for our Heavenly Father to send the Holy Spirit to indwell believers as a result of His atoning sacrifice.

But also note what Paul says about living Christ-like, we are to forget those things that are behind us and focus on those things ahead.

Not that I have already obtained this or am already perfect, but I press on to make it my own because Christ Jesus has made me his own. Brothers, I do not consider that I have made it my own. But one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and straining forward to what lies ahead, I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus. Let those of us who are mature think this way, and if in anything you think otherwise, God will reveal that also to you. Only let us hold true to what we have attained.Philippians 3:12-16

John 10:10 says that Jesus came to give us life, freedom, and a relationship with Him. He is our only hope—the only source of true peace. Are you experiencing this peace? If not, that can change if you trust in Him as Lord and Savior, repent, and turn to Him (Romans 10:9).

Gordon Cove once challenged his audience: “You have not sought the Lord with ‘your whole heart’ until you have tried a protracted season of prayer and fasting.” Could a lack of prayer, fasting, and repentance be one of the hindrances to a spiritual awakening? Absolutely! Desperate times call for desperate measures.

Fasting doesn’t twist God’s arm, but it does bend our knee. There is simply too much on the line—a massive spiritual awakening is our only hope.

As G. Campbell Morgan said, “We cannot organize revival, but we can set our sails to catch the wind from Heaven when God chooses to blow upon His people once again.”

It’s time to break up our fallow ground and seek the Lord while He still may be found (Hosea 10:12).

“We prepare the sacrifice with a humble and contrite heart and God will bring the fire of revival.” shaneiIdelman.com

IS OUR SUFFERING POINTLESS?

Perhaps the greatest test of whether we believe the following Scripture is to identify the very worst things that have happened to us and reflect on whether we believe that God has or will use them for our good.

“In all things God works for the good of those who love Him, who have been called according to His purpose”. Romans 8:28

Invariably, if you have lived long enough so that enough time has passed since some of those “worst things” happened to you, then you’ll almost certainly find that God has used those circumstances to stop you from relying on your own efforts, grieving the Holy Spirit in the process and quenching His work in your life.

And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, by whom you were sealed for the day of redemption.Ephesians 4:30

Do not quench the Spirit.” 1 Thessalonians 5:19

Jesus made it possible for God. our Father to send the third person of the Trinity to indwell our Spirit. As Jesus Himself said to His disciples, it is far better I go so the Father can send the Holy Spirit to be your counsellor, comforter, and teacher. If you let Him, He will direct your every step. Until you truly die to self and say to the Holy Spirit, not my will but your will be done this day and every day you truly cannot live the Christian life. The fruit of the Spirit, love, joy, peace, patience, faithfulness, gentleness, goodness, kindness, and self-control will not be evident in your life nor the gifts of the Spirit available for ministry, words of wisdom, words of knowledge, gift of prophecy, gift of faith, healings, miracles, discerning of spirits, gift of tongues, interpretation of tongues. I would venture to say that until you realise the Holy Spirit’s presence and submit to Him, God will continue to bring painful experiences into your life. When you finally realise the immensity of the gift God has provided you will rejoice that God has brought those painful experiences into your life so that you eventually came to experience His wonderful truth. Experiences labeled as the worst things that ever happened to you become some of the best from an eternal perspective. That’s because God uses the painful, difficult experiences of life for our ultimate eternal good.

How is this possible? Because God is both loving and sovereign. Our experiences provide persuasive proof that while evil and suffering are not good, God can use them to accomplish immeasurable good. This knowledge should give us great confidence that even when we don’t immediately see any redemptive meaning in our suffering, God can see it—and one day we will too. Therefore, we need not run from suffering or lose hope if God doesn’t remove it. We can trust that God has a purpose for whatever He permits.

WALKING IN THE POWER OF THE HOLY SPIRIT

What a powerful testimony by Torben Sondergaard on the true meaning of Resurrection Sunday.

People have just been celebrating Passover/Easter all over the world, and we have been hearing the words “He has risen,” and yes, indeed He’s risen, but what does that mean for you?  Many people don’t understand what it truly means that Jesus has risen.  How does that influence your life?

Read Torben’s testimony and watch the video. You will be challenged, encouraged and some even inspired to truly start walking in the power of the Holy Spirit.

Torben’s Testimony

“I went to an Easter service in America for the first time yesterday.  I had not been to church on Easter in the U.S.A. before, because personally I’m not into all of those traditions, as I know its root, but I love Jesus, and I want to celebrate HIM – and we can ALWAYS celebrate that He has risen!  But yesterday I went, and it became very, very powerful! 

I saw a girl there with crutches, and I knew this was her day.  This was her day!  As soon as the meeting was over, I went down and prayed for her, and she got healed!  She got set free!  She got filled with the Holy Spirit, and her life got changed!  And I got it on video.  At the beginning of the service the priest said, “Walk in the resurrection power!”  But what does that indeed mean? 

There were a few thousand people in the church that day.  Many could have prayed for her.  Many could have set her free.  Many could have helped her, but they didn’t.  Why?  Because many don’t understand what it means to walk in the resurrection power of our Lord Jesus Christ.  We are here to help you out there to walk the life Christ has called you to.  Watch the video.”