YOU NEED GOD! When all your systems fail, you need God to get the job done.
One thing I learned fairly quickly when I first ventured off onto my pilgrimage to find God's will for my life, I learned you cannot create a Holy Spirit visitation from your own will. You can put on the image of righteousness, you can do church, but if your lamp is not filled with the anointing oil of The Holy Spirit, he will not know you.
My Journal Entry: October 17, 2003
"I suppose I should begin with the lesson I learned today while watching the evangelist. Sunday mornings I've been watching the lessons in God's Word for quite a while now. Today I learned about The Holy Spirit, which is of paramount interest to me. Up till now I believe I've started on the path of righteousness, except for having received the Holy Spirit. Today I learned you don't instantaneously receive the Holy Spirit when being baptized. I learned that it wasn't until the disciples laid hands on them, in the name of the Lord Jesus, that they received The Spirit." (Acts 8:15). Jesus spoke about having a heart flowing with rivers of living water (John 7:38) He spoke about receiving the Spirit of Truth and His peace (John 14:15-31).
Jesus baptizes with The Holy Spirit (John 1:26). He sends him to help us pray (Romans 8:26). And whatever we ask in Spirit prayer, in Christ's name, he will do (John 14:13). It's by the authority of his name, Jesus, (Matthew 28:18) that all things were made, and are now renewed (Hebrews 1:1).
The Promise:
Jesus spoke in John 14:26
"The helper, The Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name. He will teach you all things, and bring you remembrance of all things I have said to you."
Our Lord made it clear to his followers that he would die, rise again, and then go to The Father, but then he'd send the Spirit that proceeds from the Father. He would depart but he would send his helper to pour out His grace upon everyone according to the measure of Christ's gifts (Ephesians 4:7-8). Jesus promised even from old that it shall come to pass that He would pour out his Spirit upon all human flesh. He promised that whoever calls on the name of the Lord shall be saved (Joel 2:28,32). And for all who fear His name, The Sun of Righteousness shall arise with healing in His wings (Malachi 4:2).
God knows how to change us. When we decide to live godly, it's not us making a choice of our own will. We often can't see it, but God and his invisible attributes are at work inside us, producing the effects he wants for us. His Spirit goads us and reinstates the first (Adam) human creation in us. It is God who enables us. He has commissioned us, and he has identified us as his own. God places the Holy Spirit in our hearts as a guarantee of everything he has promised us.
2 Corinthians 3:18 So all of us who have had that veil removed can see and reflect the glory of the Lord. And the Lord—who is the Spirit—makes us more and more like him as we are changed into his glorious image.
THEN AND NOW:
So much has happened since those early days of learning to walk in The Way. I was desperately seeking The Holy Spirit (spoiler alert) and he does come upon me and make himself seen and heard. And I realize now that many folks miss the gift because they're trapped in the business of doing the church, looking the part, speaking the speak, and maintaining the traditions.
One of the greatest lessons I've learned since that time was that of the parable of the ten virgin bridesmaids (Matthew 1-13). It's an amazing story and so telling. You've got five brides who were foolish, and five who were wise (likewise see the parable of the sheep and goats Matthew 25:31-36).
What separates the two groups of bridesmaids? Olive oil (this represents The Holy Spirit). Five were sure to prepare their lamps, and five...not so prepared. All of them were invited and all fell asleep (they died). All of them were awakened at the shout of the coming of the Lord (they rose from their graves). And five had the oil needed to find their way to him (they had the light), and five desperately tried to find (in the darkness) or borrow or buy new oil to help them find the way. But it was too late, the Bridegroom (The Master, The Lord Jesus) had come and the door to the wedding feast was closed to them.
What was the difference between the two groups of brides?
In the last days perilous times come, brutal traders of ungodliness prevail. And many unwise brides will become deceived. A trajectory towards sin will become even more profound (2 Timothy 3). Splintered families, selfish proud people, boastfully scoffing at God. People with no self control, unforgiving, reckless and puffed up with pride. They'll love the root of bitterness, they produce toxic fruit loving pleasure rather than God. They'll put on religion and betray both their friends and God. They oppose the truth, they worm their way into the families of God, and they win the confidence of the vulnerable. They blend the light with darkness, they marry the world, creating shades of gray instead of grace. They've become mesmerized by themselves, and hypnotized into believing they are gods. They are immortalized and blessed by their own works and social credit scores.
On the other hand the wise brides were not deceived by false teachers and false prophets. They reflect the light they have become. They practiced holiness, faithfulness in light. They were not alarmed at tribulations, pestilence, wars, and disasters, they remained calm and kept the commandments of God. They remained faithful to Christ's name, and watchful for his return. These brides are not just all believers, but they mainly represent the leaders in the church. For they are also responsible for those who they lead. And they should perform all their service always with an eye toward the fact that Jesus may return at any moment. This parable teaches us that many of leaders of the church will be preoccupied with work and worry about the business of church. The parable warns us that The Church must beware, that in the waiting for the long awaited return of Jesus, this delay does not lead them to apathy and carelessness for keeping true to Christ's commandments.
Conclusion:
In the last days perilous times will come, but even in the darkness you can shine bright. The darker the night the greater the light.
God bless you and keep you filled with his light. May the Holy Spirit pour out his light upon you, and fill your heart with love and peace. May your mind become transformed and your spirit revived in Christ Jesus' name so that you will not be swayed by cultural trends. God bless you now and forever, Amen.