"When a person fails in his personal Christian life, it is usually because he has never received anything. The only sign that a person is saved is that he has received something from Jesus Christ. Our job as workers for God is to open people’s eyes so that they may turn themselves from darkness to light. But that is not salvation; it is conversion-only the effort of an awakened human being. I do not think it is too broad a statement to say that the majority of so-called Christians are like this. Their eyes are open, but they have received nothing. Conversion is not regeneration. This is a neglected fact in our preaching today. When a person is born again, he knows that it is because he has received something as a gift from Almighty God and not because of his own decision. People may make vows and promises, and may be determined to follow through, but none of this is salvation. Salvation means that we are brought to the place where we are able to receive something from God on the authority of Jesus Christ, namely, forgiveness of sins.

This is followed by God’s second mighty work of grace: ". . . an inheritance among those who are sanctified . . . ." In sanctification, the one who has been born again deliberately gives up his right to himself to Jesus Christ, and identifies himself entirely with God’s ministry to others." My Utmost For His Highest

Yes, Father. I recall clearly that my struggle for awhile was recognizing that my eyes were open but I had not received anything - namely faith. I couldn't conjure it up. I had to get it from it's Source. But once that occurred, then came so much more! It's hard to believe that was 7 1/2 years ago! You have been so faithful, Lord. And so generous with Your gifts.

Obedience To Christ
John 14:21 "Whoever has my commandments and keeps them, he it is who loves me. And he who loves me will be loved by my Father, and I will love him and manifest myself to him." John 14:21

"The person who has My commands and keeps them is the one who [really] loves Me; and whoever [really] loves Me will be loved by My Father, and I [too] will love him and will show (reveal, manifest) Myself to him. [I will let Myself be clearly seen by him and make Myself real to him.]" AMP

"The person who knows my commandments and keeps them, that's who loves me. And the person who loves me will be loved by my Father, and I will love him and make myself plain to him." MSG

You are very real to me, Lord. You are not as clearly seen as I would like, but I have a feeling that's because my glasses are smudged with sin. I love learning about Your commands, but it is hard to keep them. However, the context of the passage talks about the Helper, who I know is the power inside the Christian walk.

Most of His Roles:

"...“convict the world concerning sin, and concerning righteousness, and concerning judgment” (John 16:7-11).

...takes up residence in our hearts forever, sealing us with the confirming, certifying, and assuring pledge of our eternal state as His children.

...our Helper, Comforter, and Guide.

...revealer of truth - understand and interpret the Word

...gift-giver

...fruit-producer - love, joy, peace, long-suffering, kindness, goodness, faith, meekness, and self-control (Galatians 5:22-23)" Got Questions?

Thank You Holy Spirit, for Your many roles that You perform so well. I'm so sorry for whatever resides in my life that blocks You from doing all You'd like to do. I would like You to do those things, too, more often, and with more power! Since You reveal, I ask You to reveal ways that I have hindered Your work, and ways I can aid in it.

Thank You, Lord, that thus far the pregnancy is going so well! I ask You to continue to protect the baby, to show us the name You have chosen, and to help us grow in love toward him/her. It is SO amazing to have Edward be so sweet already (kissing my belly and coming up with cartoon-ish names), and for Michael to be so smitten already (kissing and talking to my belly and grinning from ear to ear).

Help me be a good hostess tonight, making our guests feel welcome and comfortable, giving them good food, being good company, kids enjoying themselves. Help me cook and clean and pray and rest enough to love them as You would have me love them. I ask these things because I know they are within Your will. I hope that I'm agreeing with You about what You'd like tonight to look like.

You are a great and mighty God. I want to lay down my agendas and take up Yours. I want to know, obey, and love You more! I want to be a powerful witness to Your glory and a powerful instrument of praise. Empty me of myself and fill me with You!