Sunday, August 21, 2011

Making the Complex Simple


Church has, quite literally, always been a part of my life - an integral part of my life. I have attended several different churches over the years, from the little country church pictured above to the mega-church we now attend.

The personalities of the Pastors of these churches were as varied as their size, and God has used each one to touch my life in unique ways. My current Pastor's name is Robert - the very first one who prefers to be called by his given name. It is, perhaps, an indication of the gift we treasure in him. He has a God-given ability to take the complex and make it simple. It is no small thing to struggle over some deep spiritual question and then have it put into terms that make it suddenly clear.

Last night in church Robert said he was going to sum up the work of the Holy Spirit for us in one simple sentence:


"Everything that makes God real and personal to you is the work of the Holy Spirit."

Deep sigh of relief. To say that at one time I struggled with this would be an understatement. Without going too deeply into it all, suffice it to say that some people's views on what it means to be filled with the Holy Spirit nearly destroyed my faith. I was left feeling inadequate - and something of a spiritual failure.

How simple to read John 14:15-17; 16:12-15 and learn what Jesus says about the Holy Spirit - that He guides us into truth, brings peace,  reveals Jesus to us, and so much more. When I hear a Christian song and the hair on the back of my neck stands up and my skin is all goose-bumpy, it is the Holy Spirit. When I read the Bible, and the words jump off the page and right into my heart, it is the Holy Spirit. When someone needs encouragement and I somehow find the right words, it is the Holy Spirit. He brings different gifts into each life and there is no "one size fits all" way to measure His work.

I need never worry about having enough of Him. I am filled and refilled daily. All I have to do is ask. He will never leave me; I am sealed for all eternity.

Miraculous thought - I walk around in this far less than perfect body, filled with the Spirit of the One who is perfect in every way. I read someplace that we have all of the Spirit we will ever need. The question is, how much of me does He have.

Joining Michelle for Hear It On Sunday. Use It On Monday.


Blessings,
Linda