Thursday, June 9, 2011

We need the Holy Spirit daily

1. We all need to be daily filled with the Holy Spirit so that we can live the Christ-centred life required of us. We cannot do it on our own wisdom, strength nor abilities.

2. The phrase "be filled" actually translates to 'being filled' which means it is a constant process of filling to the point of bursting. We need to give control of our lives on a daily basis to the Holy Spirit and let Him lead and help us. Let us learn to lean on Him.

3. How then to be filled? What is the result of being filled? (Eph 5:18-21)
v.19 Speak and sing one to another in psalms, hymns and spiritual songs
v.20 Give thanks in all circumstances trusting and surrendering to God for His purpose and will is perfect
v.21 Submit to one another in humility - only the humble can be filled and being filled will also show in humility and submission.

4. Measure ourselves and our families by the fruit of the Spirit which should be evident when we are filled with Him. The fruit of love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control.

I hope that we all constantly cultivate a close relationship with the Holy Spirit daily.

Wednesday, June 8, 2011

The Family of Faith

Based on Col 3:18-21 (and elaborated in Eph 5:21-6:4)

1. Fathers do not embitter (exasperate or discourage) your children but bring them up in the training and instruction of the Lord. Your children are your disciples to bring up in the Lord. Encourage and build them up.

2. Children obey your parents in everything for this pleases the Lord. If children honour their parents, it will go well with them and they will have long life.

3. Husband love your wife as Christ loved the church. Do not be harsh with her. He who loves his wife loves himself. Love often means sacrifice so ask God for strength and perseverance in loving your wife.

4. Wife submit to your husband as to the Lord. This is the 'special weapon' that God has given you for transformational change in your marriage. You hold the key for as you submit, God will change you and then will change your husband. So submit to and respect your husband.

Then Paul goes on to say we need to take up the full armour of God and pray (Eph 6:10-20)
All the above can only happen as we stand in faith and prayer against the enemy of our souls who is out to destroy marriages and families.

The armour of God has 5 defensive portions and 2 offensive portions:

Defence - Belt of truth,
                 breastplate of righteousness,
                 footwear of peace,
                 shield of faith and
                 helmet of salvation
Offence - Sword of the Spirit (the Word of God spoken in faith)
                Praying in the Spirit (intercessory prayer in faith)