Holy Spirit

The Holy Spirit has been on my mind on an off for the past four years. I've been mainly trying to figure out ‘what is the Spirit?’ and ‘what does He do?’. In my quest for understanding the Spirit, I recently listened on audio book to Forgotten God by Francis Chan, which addresses the topic of the Holy Spirit, and as the title alludes, how He is the forgotten God. These are some of my thoughts based on the Bible and other credible godly sources, and also some of my own insights mixed throughout.

The churches I have attended in the past (along with the churches of most churchgoing Americans) do not properly understand or talk about the Holy Spirit. So much of the credit due the Holy Spirit is improperly credited to the believer based on this improper understanding. When there is triumph over sin or trials we often say, "thank God you were able to overcome," but this is wrong to say. The correct response is, "thank God through the power of the Spirit you were able to overcome.” This may seem like a slight distinction but it is not. To be filled with the Spirit is the pulse of what it means for someone to be “Christian*" or "saved." And to be Spirit filled determines the activity level of one who is filled with the Spirit. When we have the ability to do anything good (good in the biblical sense of the word), it is only through the power of the Spirit. So the reason to say, "thank God through the power of the Spirit you were able to overcome,” is necessary because it's true.

When a nonbeliever is a hopeless unregenerate sinner, by what work does he enter into a relationship with Jesus Christ? Was it by the work of himself or by a work of God known as grace? With this truth in mind why then do believers (including myself) act like sanctification is up to us? I was saved by grace through faith, yet from there I act like my relationship with God depends on me. I can do nothing on my own, but in Christ I can do all things. And when Jesus left the earth He sent a helper to represent Him until his return, so it is in the Spirit I can do things, and all forms of spiritual good are possible. If I need to work on anger, contentment, pride, jealousy, or love; this is only accomplished by the work of the Spirit who is within each true believer.

Perhaps a post for a later day, but the Bible is very clear on the marks of a true believer i.e. one who is filled with the Spirit. Not all who believe in Jesus are regenerate, and not even all who are perceivably doing work in Christ's name are truly regenerate (Matthew 7:21 & 22). Knowing this is not for speculation on others' salvation, but for personal reflection. “Work out your own salvation with fear and trembling” (Philippians 2:12). You want to know the greatest disappointment imaginable? Someone who gets to the gates of heaven and hears “depart from Me; I never knew you.”

*The term Christian should be put to death because unfortunately it hardly means anything anymore in America, because of all the baggage attached to it, but that is a conversation for another time

Thank You

I want to extend a much overdue thank you to those who gave donations for my exercise bike.

I have been using the exercise bike for almost 2 weeks now and it seems to be going well. I would not have the bike right now if not for the many people who were gracious enough to give money. The pike is designed to improve health and body function, but I want you all to know that both those are worthless without knowing Jesus Christ. He is the reason I would want to improve health or body function. I want to be healthy so I'm able to serve God more efficiently, and I would want improved body functioning to serve God more effectively. Without Christ, pursuing an ideal body is as vain as chasing the wind (Ecclesiastes).

July something or other...

It seems to always be an unusual hour late at night when I get around to posting something on "my blog." Let me start by addressing the faithful readers : grandma, I'm doing good right now. No, I'm kidding about that, but I am doing pretty good. My two summer classes are actually going to be finished in just over a week. They are summer classes so does that mean summer is over when they are? That can't be right, because it feels like summer is just getting underway.

The fourth came and went, but Mike and Liz made the trip to Chicago for the weekend and it was good to see them. We celebrated our 24th birthday with family, and some gifts that were a blast from the past.

btw, if you don't have a church you call home; find a Harvest Bible Chapel. A Haitian earthquake couldn't shake those four pillars. That was too soon, so I'm out for now.

\/ peace

3-D

I went to see 'Toy Story 3' in 3-D at the theater today. It was great. The movie is funny and entertaining, but then because it's in 3-D it looks so much better. If you've never seen anything in 3-D, first of all open your other eye, and second of all go see a movie in 3-D. It's worth the extra four dollars.

On a lighter note, I was attacked by a bug while I was in bed last night. It was quite an awful experience. the bug was some sort of flying moth-like bee. I swear the thing bit me in the neck, but there were no physical signs of trauma. It's the type of thing you see a horror movie, but you never think a small insect would kill you in your own home. Take nothing for granted...

Happy GOLDEN Birthday Dan (& Mike)

24 on the 24th

Of course we can't mention Dan's birthday without mentioning his twin brother, Mike.


They were born within 4 minutes of each other, Mike being the older. At 7# & 6#11 oz, wow, they were perfectly healthy and raring to go.


They had/have this special "twin" ability, which made them think alike[Liz would agree] Although they are identical, and most people cannot tell them apart, they do have very different personalities, likes, and dislikes.



What a joy it has been to see them grow and mature through the years. They have shared in family vacations, Cubbies, Awana, working at Mc Donalds, youth group, Crossroads Basketball, camps, and missions trips, Cedarville U grads, OPE, and 2 cars.









They leave a trail of friends and good memories wherever they go. Happy 24th Birthday Mike & Dan. We love you guys.


Dad & Mom

Prayers for Alex

Hey, many of you have seen comments from "Beth" who is the mom of an 11 yr old quadriplegic boy, in OH. She found us, shortly after Dan's accident in '07, and has always been a constant source of enthusiasm, despite her own son's circumstances. Alex needs prayer. Please read below.

“I wanted to let everyone know that Alex is just not doing well. There is something going on that cannot yet be figured out. He is not able to get up. I am asking for prayer. I have been in contact with the docs and there is discussion as to what may need to be done, i.e. tests, hospital stay, etc. The docs cannot figure out how to get his BP under control

I am going to be honest...it is difficult to watch this special little man not even be able to get out of bed. Alex’s autonomic system went really crazy after the rod surgery, to stabilize his back, because he is still growing, .The most unstable part of the system is the blood pressure, and it has been almost 6 months since his surgery.

Please, if you could, lift a prayer up to The One, with the answers.”

-Beth Marlarkey [Alex's mom]

Alex, "Youngest Person to Get 'Christopher Reeve' Breathing Device"

Hey... how ya feelin'..?

You're doin' good. You keep on keepin' on...

Colossians 1:11 "May you be strengthened with all power, according to His glorious might, for all endurance and patience..."