Word of God Speak – How to Accept God’s Grace
Last week our Scripture was 2 Corinthians 3:17
Now, the Lord is Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom.
I looked at this Scripture in three different ways:
Word of God Speak –
Using the SIMPLE Method of Bible study I came to the notion that God was leading me to be proactive against human trafficking. I joined with Ratanak International to try to bring awareness against this travesty. I am wearing a dress every day to remind me to pray, and to speak to whomever God puts in my path about human trafficking.
Scripture and a Picture –
On Tuesdays I looked at this scripture again and thought of freedom. I captured the thought of Christians catching the football of faith and running with it. The Holy Spirit can bring a freedom that breaks us free of this world.
Hope Stream Podcast
On Wednesdays I look at the Scripture again. Where the Spirit of the Lord is there is freedom. I talk about birth and expectancy and how it can be compared to the expectancy of Christmas. Here is the Podcast Where the Spirit of the Lord is there is freedom. Click on #38.
That brings us to this week’s Scripture. Using the SIMPLE Bible Study Method I try to see what God is saying to me in HIs Word.
S – Say the passage out loud.
Jesus answered, “I tell you the truth, no-one can enter the Kingdom of God unless he is born of water and the Spirit (John 3:5 NIV).”
I find it interesting that my NIV Bible is always a little different than Biblegateway.com even if I check the NIV or the NIVUK. So I use the one in my Bible.
I – Look at footnotes, commentaries, references.
I found Titus 3:5 helpful.
He saved us, not because of righteous things we had done, but because of his mercy. He saved us through the washing of rebirth and renewal by the Holy Spirit.
I read that baptism was an outward sign of an inward work of grace achieved by the Holy Spirit.
M – Make a list of questions, thoughts.
I have always wondered about baptism – children, adult, different denominations have different interpretations.
I grew up where there was infant baptism and then confirmation at the age of 16. When I came to a renewed faith in Christ in 2001, I wanted to be baptized through immersion as a declaration of my faith. I chose a lake in our county. It was definitely an outward sign as the Lord had already changed my heart inside.
P – Prayer. Take the time to be quiet before God. Still your mind. Let everything go out of your head except Christ.
As usual this is always an interesting time. He shows me pictures, ideas and convictions.
L – Life Application – What did God teach me?
I saw a picture of God in the Holy of Holies – beyond us all. Then I saw Him coming down and how He made Himself able to come into our lives through the Holy Spirit. With the Holy Spirt alive and active inside us, we can now connect to our Lord.
But I also saw those who don’t know God. I thought, “What does it take for the Spirit to move in the hearts of men? in my family? in my friends?
It is such a simple acceptance of God’s grace.
But I remember before I took that leap of faith, being prideful, and stubborn. So it takes the power of the Holy Spirit to break through our tough skin.
We have to realize that we cannot earn or win anything from God through our own efforts (Oswald Chambers, My Utmost for His Highest).
It is only when we get hungry spiritually that we receive the Holy Spirit (Oswald Chambers).
Jesus can take that which was beyond us, and place it in us (though the Holy Spirit) and rise us up to be with God.
E- Exit with a Prayer
Father, I thank you so much for showing me Who You are, for bringing me into the fold, for shepherding me. I pray for those Who don’t know. I ask that You lead them to Yourself. Help me to speak love, hope, joy and peace to all I meet. In Jesus’ name. AMEN.
Tweetable:
We have to realize that we cannot earn or win anything from God through our own efforts (click to Tweet)
It is only when we get hungry spiritually that we receive the Holy Spirit (Oswald Chambers). (click to Tweet)
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Janis, you are such a treasure! Thank you for always blessing me! I appreciate you! GOD bless you, beautiful friend! 🙂
Thanks again Tai,
Glad you enjoy what God tells me.
Blessings,
Janis
You are more than welcome, Love! 🙂
Hey Janis, I’m wondering if your Bible is the NIV 84 version. Biblegateway uses the updated NIV now. Not sure what year it was updated, though. I like a lot of the wording found in the 84 version, so it’s hard for me to fully let it go.
Thanks so much for sharing your thoughts, insights and some of Oswald Chambers incredible thoughts. Always a pleasure to visit and thanks for the linkup, my friend.
Beth,
Not sure what version. I found it at a second hand shop – use it when I am in Arizona. It stays there. But I love it. It has Canadian spelling too.
And I love Oswald Chambers. Always deep deep meaning in his words.
Blessings,
Janis
Janice Thank you for sharing these great tips this weekend. I really enjoyed the ideas. I would love for you to share them at Sitting Among Friends Link-Up. Look Forward to seeing you there. http://youresewtrendy.blogspot.com
Jaime,
Love sharing at your place.
Blessings,
Janis
It’s good for our hearts to memorize this verse that gives Jesus’ very exclusive instructions for coming into relationship with Him. It would be much easier for everyone to accept His claims if He had been a little more wishy-washy about the way of salvation. It’s pretty hard to misconstrue these words to mean anything but a narrow gate and a way found by few.
It looks as if the link didn’t work today . . .
Michele,
Exactly – He tells us what we need to do – very clearly. Thanks for telling me about the LINK not working.
Blessings,
Janis