Seems Good
“Seems Good” is the title of Pastor Michael’s current teaching. This week he continues to lay the foundation for teaching us how to be led by the Spirit of God in this life.
He began with Romans. 8:14-16
14 For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons of God. 15 For ye have not received the spirit of bondage again to fear; but ye have received the Spirit of adoption, whereby we cry, Abba, Father. 16 The Spirit Himself beareth witness with our spirit, that we are the children of God.
The key here is that the Spirit of God bears witness with our spirit. Our spirit needs to be uncluttered, empty of our desires, our plans, things of this world in order for the Spirit of God to bear witness with what our spirit is full of. From here, Pastor Michael spoke about how the condition of our heart needs to be ready to hear. He reminded us of Philippians. 2:5-11
5 Let this mind be in you which was also in Christ… 7 but made himself of no reputation (to pour out, to make empty, deprive of force, render useless of no effect) and took upon himself the form of a servant (voluntarily, one who gives himself up to another’s will).
Let our hearts cry to the Lord be, “God help me to empty myself to be a willing servant of Yours”. It is amazing how alive God’s Word is when we see the definitions as with the word reputation = to pour out, make empty, deprive of force. This is something the Son of God did to accomplish God’s will for His life, how much more so should we have the heart of a servant.
Then he took us to Luke 22:39-42. This is Jesus with His disciples at the Mount of Olives.
39 And he came out, and went, as he was wont, to the mount of Olives; and his disciples also followed him. 40 And when he was at the place, he said unto them, Pray that ye enter not into temptation. 41 And he was withdrawn from them about a stone's cast, and kneeled down, and prayed, 42 Saying, Father, if thou be willing, remove this cup from me: nevertheless not my will, but thine, be done.
The word withdrawn has a most revealing definition here, draw away, to pull out a knife or sword from its sheath. Is it possible that we can be so full of ourselves that we are limiting our blessings? Is it causing God to only be able to bless us in a small measure? We have to empty ourselves and pick up the weapon of prayer. Surrender our lives daily to the Lord.