Thoughts from daily Bible reading for today – November 20, 2017
I [John] baptize you with water for repentance. But after me comes one who is more powerful than I, whose sandals I am not worthy to carry. He [Jesus] will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire. Matthew 3:11
When Jesus comes into your life—by grace through faith, He immerses you in the purity of the Holy Spirit. He draws you close to Himself, so you can see clearly His righteous heart. So, trust the fire of His love to burn away bad habits and replace them with healthy ones. You are immersed in His Spirit, so you can rise up to walk in newness of life. Submit to the Spirit’s purification and He will cleanse you from improper motives, ugly pride and subtle sins.
John is contrasting his baptism of repentance from sin to Jesus’ coming baptism with the Holy Spirit and fire. With a humble heart he describes his unworthiness to even carry Jesus’ sandals; He was the Lamb of God to take away our sin. The prideful Pharisees rejected John and Jesus’ baptisms and were content to live in their little self-righteous bubble of irrelevance. But John makes clear that the cleansing power of the Holy Spirit’s baptism brings life transformation.
“The Spirit gives life because of righteousness” (Romans 8:10).
Your finite humble spirit unlocks the Holy Spirit’s infinite influence on other souls in need of their Savior and Lord Jesus Christ. Rigid religious leaders who worship their own righteousness miss a relationship with the Lord and allow pride to foster their spiritual performance. God’s desire is your total surrender into His Spirit’s secure rest. Christ’s baptism is not onerous, but empowering and life giving, so live under His influence. By faith, walk in newness of life.
What keeps you from total surrender to the Holy Spirit’s control? Fear of losing control, if so, trust the One who has never lost control and who can give you peace that passes understanding.
Drink of the Spirit’s inebriating love and He will control you, not in a drunken stupor, but with a life-giving character that flourishes with His fruit of love, joy, peace and self-control. Unworthy, yes, but in Christ you are worthy of the sweet Holy Spirit’s purifying presence. Submit to Him.
“The mind governed by the flesh is death, but the mind governed by the Spirit is life and peace” (Romans 8:6).
Prayer
Jesus, I receive Your baptism of the Spirit for me to walk with You in newness of life.Application
What keeps me from daily walking in the fullness of the Holy Spirit?Related Reading
Isaiah 4:4; 2 Corinthians 7:1; Acts 2:38; Hebrews 9:14Post/Tweet today
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To God be all the Glory Blessed Lord JesusChris Blessed Holy Spirit. Love Peace Joy Faith Hope Gentleness Kindness Humbleness Righteousness Self-Control Our first fruits of the Spirit. Our Love for and from Jesus Christ Lord of Lords King of Kings Almighty God Bless The Lord. Praise the Lord. May God Forever Bless You All Today and Forever. Amen and Amen. We Love You All. Happy Blessed And Safe Holidays.
Dear Mr. James,
Thank you, Thank you, Thank you for your joyous message. Your love of the Lord shines through your words and we are blessed by your celebration of the Spirit!
In this season of thankfulness, we count you as one of our many blessings. Let us hear from you again!
Grateful for you!
Gwynne
“Be joyful always; pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.”
1 Thessalonians 5: 16-18