II Thessalonians 2:6-7 ” And now you know what is holding him back, so that he may be revealed at the proper time. For the secret power of lawlessness is already at work; but the one Who now holds it back will continue to do so till He is taken out of the way.”

The Holy Spirit is the restraining force in this world…holding back the power of lawlessness and the devil.  He also is impeding the power of the many Antichrists existing now here on earth…for it says in I John 2:18, “Even now many (Antichrists) have come.”   This verse goes on to say that some day the Holy Spirit will be” taken out of the way”.  He will not actually depart…just remove His restraining power from earth.

Romans 16:17 ” I urge you, brothers, to watch out for those who cause divisions and put obstacles in your way that are contrary to the teaching you have learned.”

You will hear something, and it won’t sit well with your Spirit.  It may not be blatantly against what the Bible teaches…but it still gives an uneasy feeling when you hear it.  Satan will corrupt and twist a Biblical principle just enough in order to make it “more politically correct and acceptable to all”…because you know, we don’t want to offend anyone.  But unfortunately, bending over backwards as to not offend anyone, has gone to a whole new low in Christian circles.

John 4: 13-14 ” Everyone who drinks this water will be thirsty again, but whoever drinks the water I give him will never thirst again. Indeed, the water I give him will become in him a spring of water welling up to eternal life.”

We hear and accept the Word of life…the Holy Spirit comes to take up residence within, and we have the reassurance of eternal life.  But we also overflow with that living water, for it says in John 7:38, “Whoever believes in Me, streams of living water will flow from within him.”  Our lives spill over with joy, peace and love for others to see.

John 16:7 ” But I tell you the truth: It is for your good that I am going away. Unless I go away, the Counselor will not come to you; but if I go, I will send Him to you.”

The Comforter…the Encourager…the Holy Spirit.  Sent by Jesus to witness and glorify Him, and part of the Holy Trinity.  He is the Paraclete…the one who comes up along side and guides us in all truth.

Psalm 119: 130 ” The unfolding of Your words gives light; it gives understanding to the simple.”

After speaking at a Ladies Breakfast yesterday, I reflected on what I had gleaned from the experience.  Yes, I learn something every time I speak…for within all the preparation and presentation,  the Lord speaks to me also.  Insight into God’s word makes the simple wise, and I’m grasping after His truths daily.  Insight into His heart is like a rose slowly unfolding its petals…becoming more beautiful and precious every day.

Acts 20: 23-24 ” I only know that in every city the Holy Spirit warns me that prison and hardships are facing me. However, I consider my life worth nothing to me, if only I may finish the race and complete the task the Lord Jesus has given me – the task of testifying to the gospel of God’s grace.”

We all have the same goal as Paul…to complete the calling God has charged us with.  Whether that be small or large, in the public eye or in the background – everyone has a ministry to fulfill.  And even when forewarned by the Holy Spirit of what was to come, Paul resolutely set his eyes on Jerusalem and the finish line…knowing he had accomplished everything the Lord had mandated for him.

I Kings 8:27 ” But will God really dwell on earth? The heavens, even the highest heaven, cannot contain You. How much less this temple I have built! “

This verse is part of King Solomon’s Prayer of Dedication for the temple he had built for the Lord.  He doubted that the Most High would live in something made by mortal men…for God’s magnificence  can’t be limited by time and space.  While the Lord may not be able to fit inside a building…you’ll find  He fits just perfectly inside your heart.

Romans 15:13 ” May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in Him, so that you may over flow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.”

That deep inner psychological sense of hope, confidence and expectation can only be reached and fully satisfied when we allow the Lord to fill that “God shaped” void inside us.  And that wonderful transformation then allows us to “spill over”….for the God of all hope fills us to over flowing so that we might give that hope  to others.

Proverbs 21: 23 ” He who guards his mouth and his tongue keeps himself from calamity.”

You may know someone…it might even be yourself that’s developed this fateful disease know as Foot in Mouth.  Some people are so affected,  that the only time their foot comes out of their mouth – is to change socks!  It takes wisdom and discipline not to just blurt out anything that comes to mind.  It takes us thinking before we speak…is this appropriate?…is this kind?…will I regret saying this tomorrow?  So much trouble and misery could be avoided if we’d just learn to think before we opened our mouth.

Psalm 74: 17 ” It was You who set all the boundaries of the earth; You made both the summer and winter.”

I’ll be the first to admit that Winter is probably my least favorite Season of the year.  Which is really funny,  since I’ve lived all my life in areas where Winter isn’t just a word but a harsh reality.  But as I look at the pristine blanket of snow sparkling in the sub-zero sunshine, I think to myself, Winter isn’t that bad…especially from my toasty warm vantage point here in front of the fire.  Yes Lord, You’ve made all the Seasons for us to enjoy…Thank You for each one!