Word of God Speak – Can I Catch The Holy Spirit and Run for the Goal?

Last week we looked at 2 Corinthians 4:17-18:

For, our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all. So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen. For what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal.

God is so good. I chose this passage without realizing that it is the first Sunday in Advent. HOPE. How awesome. Hope is what we are talking about. The glory of being with God – now and for all eternity.

 

This week we will look at Romans 8:18 and 1 Peter 1:6-9, using the SIMPLE Method of Bible Study. We will be memorizing 1 Peter:8-9.

S – Say the Scripture out loud.

I consider that our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us.

And in The Message 18-21

That’s why I don’t think there’s any comparison between the present hard times and the coming good times. The created world itself can hardly wait for what’s coming next. Everything in creation is being more or less held back. God reins it in until both creation and all the creatures are ready and can be released at the same moment into the glorious times ahead. Meanwhile, the joyful anticipation deepens.

I – Investigate and interpret where and what it is

Like last week we are looking at momentary troubles – the things of this world – age, sickness, pain, anger, hate, frustration, death. And we are comparing it to what Christ is promising – an eternity with Him, in new bodies – freed of this world.

Don’t you love The Message’s  version –  The joyful anticipation deepens.

M- Make a list of your thoughts, questions and ideas

I thought about this through the week and it we seem to live in two separate “universes”. One temporary and one eternal, one earthly and one godly, one with suffering and one with glory.

We have the opportunity to bridge that gap now  – here on earth. We can find those moments filled with peace, longing, inspiration, comfort and joy.

How can we find that bridge? that portal?

I recall many sermons stating I should have a firm foundation. I will admit during that time, I had no clue to what that meant or why it was important.

I’ve come to understand that FAITH and TRUST are to be our firm foundation.

Here are a few building blocks for faith and trust:

• a knowing in our hearts Who God is
• an understanding of the power of the Cross and Christ’s resurrection
• a giving over of control to God, Who is more than able to do anything
• a knowledge of the Quiet and how necessary it is to water and nourish our faith – a constant, consistent watering by being in the Word and being STILL
• a repertoire of Scripture so we can recall important words for ourselves and for others.

Looking at 1 Peter 1:8-9 from the HCSB:

You love Him, though you have not seen Him. And though not seeing Him now, you believe in Him and rejoice with inexpressible and glorious joy,  because you are receiving the goal of your faith, the salvation of your souls.

P – Prayer Time – Don’t forget to listen to God – don’t talk. Be Still

L – Life Application – what did you hear?

I had a lovely meditation.

I heard the words – faith and trust.

But then I heard the word “catch”.

Catch? What does that mean? Catch His Fire was one of my first email addresses. To catch the Spirit of God.  And to catch or capture others from the darkness and absence of God.

Here’s what I know of having a genuine faith:

• Be at peace with myself and others
• Relax in all circumstances because He is able, more than able.
• Do – Don’t be sidetracked or pulled off course. Continue to focus on Jesus and do.

Then I saw a vision of me catching a football and running for the goal.

What an awesome picture! The goal posts – a shining light. Hope radiating as I ran.

So I decided after all this that I would memorize 1 Peter 1:8-9 because that seems to be where God led me today. Find out more at our Facebook Group Page. All welcome.

E – End with a Prayer

Thank You Lord, for always inspiring me and bringing me joy. When I seek you I can cross the divide between the temporary and the eternal. Help to encourage others to do this. In Jesus’ name. Amen

Tweetable:

We have the opportunity to bridge that gap now  – here on earth. (click to tweet).

Can I catch the Holy Spirit and run for the goal? (tweet this)

Here is the colouring page in PDF.  1 Peter 1-8-9 small

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