The disciples were filled with joy and with the Holy Spirit. Acts 13:52 WEBWhile at the beach one day, I watched some kids playing with a beach ball. They would hit the ball and it would soar into the air, but then gradually float back down to the earth. Without some form of lift, the ball will always fall to the ground. Yet, if you fill a ball or balloon with helium, then it will begin to float on its own. Its natural state will be modified and floating will become the new normal. It will rise because of what it contains inside.
My walk with God has often been just like that. I can fast, pray, worship, study, and try to walk closely with the Lord, but the moment that I let up, the world pulls me right back down to it. Up and then down, I am working hard to breath my own air into that ball, and it can become exhausting.
We are to be filled with the Holy Spirit (Ephesians 5:18) just like the Apostles were (Acts 13:52). When you are filled with the Spirit, you will soar just like a balloon filled with helium and you will not have to exhaust yourself just trying to stay afloat. This lifestyle also involves prayer and such, but instead of trying to earn something, we are building ourselves up in the Spirit.
It is a relationship, and maintaining a steadfast life giving relationship with the Lord is often more difficult than it needs to be because of the to-do list that we have created in our minds, things that we believe we need to do in order to measure up. In the meantime, God says, 'I never told you to do all those things. Just be filled with the Spirit and you will do the important things naturally.' When you are filled with His Spirit, you will please Him.
You can huff and puff and try to do it all yourself, or you can take His advice and be filled with His Spirit and His joy like the Apostles did. Let go of the to-do list and instead seek to be filled with the very presence of God. You will find that the things that have been holding you back, will suddenly flee, the impossible will become completed, and the closed door will become open.
Prayer: Heavenly Father please fill me with Your Holy Spirit just as You did the Apostles. I want to live for You and I choose to let You help me from this day forth. Come into my heart and guide me, in the name of Jesus Christ I pray.Note: For those who are participating in our Creation Photographers theme of the week: Romans 12:12 "Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer." - Did you guess it?? This week our fun theme will be "It Made Me Smile Today'. Our themes are always open wide for creative interpretation and we encourage you to post anything else inspiring as well! My photos (in the group) today, reflect some of the things that made me smile yesterday on our unplanned trip to the mountains I love so much. Have a profoundly blessed week y'all!! May you all stay joyful in hope, patient in affliction, and faithful in prayer - God bless <3! Here is the link:
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Amen!
Amen! This is what I mean by peace, you can be full of peace or anxiety, the choice is yours! Thank You Lord!
Amen
Amen!
PERTECT devotional. Thank you.
Thank You.
Jesus please fill us with your Holy Spirit,Amen
AMEN!
Your will be done, Amen!
Yes Lord, fill my whole family with your Holy Spirit and lead us in the right direction for your names sake. Amen!
Dearest God help me to feel joyous especially with my grandchildren. Motivate them Holy Spirit and Open doors dear God in the name of Jesus Amen
Fill my family with all your love in jesus name amen!
Amen Lord!
Heavenly Father please fill us with Your Holy Spirit and lead us as You wants us to be, that Your grace descent on us to be protected from the snares of the devil. In Jesus name I pray, Amen. Glory be to Your Holy name forever.
Great message Pastor, God bless you.
Amen. God is my guide. Amen
Amen!!
Amen and Amen!!! Fill me, guide me, lead me by Thy mighty Holy Spirit, in the name of Jesus, Amen!!!
Amen!
Amen
IN OTHER WORDS, LET GO AND LET GOD HAVE HIS WAY,,,,,, HALLELUJAH
AMEN, Sandra!