Striving versus being

For the kingdom of God is not a matter of talk but of power.

1 Corinthians 4:20 NIV

When Peter and Rebekah came over about a week an a half ago, near the end of the conversation, they said that it was not true that I am an illegitimate disciple until the Holy Spirit demonstrates miracles through me.  I am a growing disciple.

When the Brownwood team prayed over me, one of them said that I was "striving" (negative connotation) to see miracles and that God was going to make them happen "easily".  I interpreted that as meaning that since miracles are from the Lord, I only need to partner with the compassionate love of God and be obedient, and Holy Spirit will do the miracles. 

I want regular testimonies of miraculous words from the Lord, healings, and deliverance because that is how Jesus lived.  I am a disciple of Jesus, and I will not give up.  I will look like Jesus, sooner or later.

Father, please make it sooner rather than later.  Holy Spirit, what is the hold up?  Please sanctify me more.  I love you.

power AND wisdom

My message and my preaching were not with wise and persuasive words, but with a demonstration of the Spirit's power, so that your faith might not rest on human wisdom, but on God's power.

1 Corinthians 2:4‭-‬5 NIV

I will keep pressing in to follow Jesus's model of preaching truth and demonstrating the Spirit's power.  

But it's not just the desire to have a thrill like sticking your finger in a light socket.  It's about the "full Gospel": signs and wonders AND the wisdom of God.  

We do, however, speak a message of wisdom among the mature, but not the wisdom of this age or of the rulers of this age, who are coming to nothing. ... However, as it is written: "What no eye has seen, what no ear has heard, and what no human mind has conceived" — the things God has prepared for those who love him—  these are the things God has revealed to us by his Spirit. The Spirit searches all things, even the deep things of God. For who knows a person's thoughts except their own spirit within them? In the same way no one knows the thoughts of God except the Spirit of God.

1 Corinthians 2:6‭, ‬9‭-‬11 NIV

I want to be close to the Holy Spirit so that I know God's thoughts.

Father, thank you for giving us your Spirit and sharing your thoughts.  Holy Spirit, if there is something preventing you from filling me deeper, then please remove it.  If my capacity is too small, then please stretch me.  I want you to have more of me, and I want more of you.  I love you.

Iron sharpening: synergy

Greet Priscilla and Aquila, my co-workers in Christ Jesus. They risked their lives for me. Not only I but all the churches of the Gentiles are grateful to them.  Greet also the church that meets at their house. ...

Romans 16:3‭-‬5 NIV

The Greek word for "co-workers" is συνεργούς (synergous), which is where we get our English word "synergy".  The effect of us working together is greater than the sum of the indivudual parts.

Look at what a profound effect this synergy had on Paul: not just some, but ALL of the Gentile churches have been impacted by the love and discipleship of Priscilla and Aquila.  One of the greatest tools of the Holy Spirit in our sanctification is a few disciples of Jesus who spur us on towards love and good deeds.

And note that another fundamental rhythm is through home groups.  Meeting regularly in the home as a group of Christ followers is essential to growing the Kingdom.

I need to reinforce my commitment to meet weekly with a few Brothers who lead me deeper.

Father, thank you for providing Brothers and Sisters to lead me on.  I humbly admit that I need them to grow up into the full measure of the stature of Christ.  Holy Spirit, guide me into the weekly rhythms that you want for me.  I love you.