I liked Selwyn’s personal story, and I think it’s a good point he raises – we don’t have to wear ourselves out when serving our loving God, by thinking that success depends on the amount of effort – we put in. The fact is that God’s Spirit does most of the work.
He introduces today’s study, by saying: “The comforting ministry of the Holy Spirit is not simply a theory; it is a glorious fact. Who, reading these lines, has not felt the divine Counsellor’s consoling presence steal into their souls during a time of personal difficulty or distress?”
I think the rest of what he writes speaks for itself – and, I have nothing to add.
The other really nice thing that I encountered was a feeling of discovery; when reading the verses (Acts 9:19b-31) set for today’s reading and meditation. I read on, to the end of verse 41.
Here they are (Acts 9:31-41, NIV): “Then the church throughout Judea, Galilee and Samaria enjoyed a time of peace. It was strengthened; and encouraged by the Holy Spirit, it grew in numbers, living in the fear of the Lord.
As Peter traveled about the country, he went to visit the saints in Lydda. There he found a man named Aeneas, a paralytic who had been bedridden for eight years. “Aeneas,” Peter said to him, “Jesus Christ heals you.Get up and take care of your mat.” Immediately Aeneas got up. All those who lived in Lydda and Sharon saw him and turned to the Lord.
In Joppa there was a disciple named Tabitha (which, when translated, is Dorcas), who was always doing good and helping the poor. About that time she became sick and died, and her body was washed and placed in an upstairs room. “Lydda was near Joppa; so when the disciples heard that Peter was in Lydda, they sent two men to him and urged him, “Please come at once!”
Peter went with them, and when he arrived he was taken upstairs to the room. All the widows stood around him, crying and showing him the robes and other clothing that Dorcas had made while she was still with them.
Peter sent them all out of the room; then he got down on his knees and prayed. Turning toward the dead woman, he said, “Tabitha, get up.” She opened her eyes, and seeing Peter she sat up. He took her by the hand and helped her to her feet. Then he called the believers and the widows and presented her to them alive.”
The Spirit of Jesus is always with us, strengthening and encouraging: Yes, there were miraculous signs that accompanied the apostles in the early days of their ministry that verified their anointing by Jesus to broadcast to the world, the good news. But, the point to remember is that God’s Spirit is still with us – perhaps we just don’t get down on our knees often enough, to pray with a believing heart. What do you think?
Supernatural comfort
I liked Selwyn’s personal story, and I think it’s a good point he raises – we don’t have to wear ourselves out when serving our loving God, by thinking that success depends on the amount of effort – we put in. The fact is that God’s Spirit does most of the work.
He introduces today’s study, by saying: “The comforting ministry of the Holy Spirit is not simply a theory; it is a glorious fact. Who, reading these lines, has not felt the divine Counsellor’s consoling presence steal into their souls during a time of personal difficulty or distress?”
I think the rest of what he writes speaks for itself – and, I have nothing to add.
The other really nice thing that I encountered was a feeling of discovery; when reading the verses (Acts 9:19b-31) set for today’s reading and meditation. I read on, to the end of verse 41.
Here they are (Acts 9:31-41, NIV): “Then the church throughout Judea, Galilee and Samaria enjoyed a time of peace. It was strengthened; and encouraged by the Holy Spirit, it grew in numbers, living in the fear of the Lord.
As Peter traveled about the country, he went to visit the saints in Lydda. There he found a man named Aeneas, a paralytic who had been bedridden for eight years. “Aeneas,” Peter said to him, “Jesus Christ heals you.Get up and take care of your mat.” Immediately Aeneas got up. All those who lived in Lydda and Sharon saw him and turned to the Lord.
In Joppa there was a disciple named Tabitha (which, when translated, is Dorcas), who was always doing good and helping the poor. About that time she became sick and died, and her body was washed and placed in an upstairs room. “Lydda was near Joppa; so when the disciples heard that Peter was in Lydda, they sent two men to him and urged him, “Please come at once!”
Peter went with them, and when he arrived he was taken upstairs to the room. All the widows stood around him, crying and showing him the robes and other clothing that Dorcas had made while she was still with them.
Peter sent them all out of the room; then he got down on his knees and prayed. Turning toward the dead woman, he said, “Tabitha, get up.” She opened her eyes, and seeing Peter she sat up. He took her by the hand and helped her to her feet. Then he called the believers and the widows and presented her to them alive.”
The Spirit of Jesus is always with us, strengthening and encouraging: Yes, there were miraculous signs that accompanied the apostles in the early days of their ministry that verified their anointing by Jesus to broadcast to the world, the good news. But, the point to remember is that God’s Spirit is still with us – perhaps we just don’t get down on our knees often enough, to pray with a believing heart. What do you think?