Filled with the Spirit

On Missions, our youth pastor kept repeating an analogy that has stuck in my brain - the analogy of a bath being filled with water and then being drained. When we are filled with the Holy Spirit from God's "tap" we need to open up our plug so that His living water can spread out into the world. This is very applicable to what our lives should be like on a daily basis as Christians.

We need to believe that God is faithful to us. James 1:5-7 says that "if any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you. But when you ask you must believe and not doubt, because the one who doubts is like a wave in the sea, blown and tossed by the wind. That person should not expect to receive anything from the Lord." (NIV). How can you ask God for anything and not believe that He will do as He promises and grant you what you ask for. No person can ever have too much wisdom.

I was tested every single day on missions reading through a chapter of James per day - but I can finally say that I've read through a whole book of the Bible and that I actually learnt so many things about God and myself. In James 1:3 it says that "the testing of your faith produces perseverence."(NIV). When we face trials against our faith, we are strengthened. God will never give us a test that we cannot pass. Even when we are weak God tests us so that we may rely on Him for strength.

James 1:19 says: "My dear brothers, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry," Listening out for what God has to say to us is vital, for we cannot have a one-way relationship with God. We cannot continue to pray and ask for selfish wants. Just as we speak to God, He wants to speak to us - through His word and through others. If we become angry at insignificant things all the time, we are not living "the righteous life that God desires" (John 1:20) from us. We must learn to be patient and understanding just as our God is with us.

The Bible is full of commandments. But what is the use of reading these commandments and not applying them into our lives everyday? James 1:22-24 says: "Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says. Anyone who listens to the word but does not do what it says is like someone who looks at his face in a mirror and, after looking at himself, goes away and immediately forgets what he looks like."

And so I challenge you to identify aspects of your Bible studies that are relevant in your lives and exercise putting God's word into practise.

Peace out
Courtzo