Preserve me, O God, for in you I take refuge. I say to the LORD, "You are my Lord; I have no good apart from you." - Psalm 16:1-2 In light of the person and work of Jesus Christ, in all that we see of Him in just this one Psalm, in light of the gospel, what is it so many Christians are looking for? How does the Holy Spirit work? What is the Holy Spirit's purpose in God's plan of salvation? In the gospel? Why the trinity? In much of the modern Church, the Holy Spirit is treated like a genie or a spiritual force that can be called forth according to the will of man. What is the truth of the Holy Spirit? When the Spirit of truth comes, he will guide you into all the truth, for he will not speak on his own authority, but whatever he hears he will speak, and he will declare to you the things that are to come. - John 16:13 David was greatly distressed, for the men spoke of stoning him because the souls of them all were bitterly grieved, each man for his sons and daughters. But David encouraged and strengthened himself in the Lord his God. - 1 Samuel 30:6 The calamity David was in now came about because he had been acting according to his own will and council rather than the Lords. Here, David had gone on his own, without the Lord's leading, and was off the narrow way. He was plotting and scheming like an unbeliever. He was no longer trusting in God in spite of all the Lord had done for him, blessed him with, and delivered him from throughout his life. Jesus said to him, "Get up, take up your bed, and walk." And at once the man was healed, and he took up his bed and walked. Now that day was the Sabbath. - John 5:8-9 Where is the man’s will and choice in this narrative? Where is there any evidence in this story that testifies to this invalid making a choice to let Jesus heal him? This miracle is a glorious affirmation of God’s sovereignty and grace in saving invalids with no power to save ourselves. This man had no idea who he was speaking to. Jesus commanded him, the man was healed and he took up his bed and walked. In honor of my friend Terry who went home to be with the Lord. Death, are you ready for it? When someone dies we should reflect on the reality of death. What happens when we leave this physical existence? "O DEATH, WHERE IS YOUR VICTORY? O DEATH, WHERE IS YOUR STING?" The sting of death is sin, and the power of sin is the law; but thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. - 1 Corinthians 15:55-57 |
Chad Prigmore is Pastor and President of The Way R122 Ministry USA & Kenya.
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