The Ministering of the Holy Spirit and our Selfless Attitude

I am reminded of Stephen the martyr who was beaten by a group of men until he went to be with the Lord.  Stephen was filled with the Holy Spirit!  He was also filled with Selflessness.  His first focus was to remain faithful to his Savior and God.  His second focus was to remain faithful to his Savior and God!  His third focus was to remain faithful to his Savior and God!

At no time did Stephen state, "Dear God, I don't deserve this!"  Stephen is one of our examples to learn from when we experience bad things from people; even those who may claim to be Christian. 

Certainly, depending on the circumstances, and if we're led by the Holy Spirit to point out to them the error or wrongness of their behavior, we can express our concerns.  However, even more critical than this is to adopt Stephen's words, "Lord, do not hold this sin against them!" 

In our humanness, this is difficult to do.  However, we must recognize that it is in our weakness that God's power and strength is best experienced.  Let us acknowledge to God that we are weak, and ask Him to give us His strength to carry us forward according to His will, not our will.  This focus on selflessness is healthy.  If we focus on our hurts, we will not forgive easily, or may not forgive at all.  God tells us in His Word that vengeance is His!  He will deal with unfair situations that we experience according to His timing. 

We may never know what God does to take care of the "wrongs" we experience.  He wants us to focus on Him, giving Him praise and worship for his goodness, grace, and holiness.  Will you take some time right now to praise Him for who He is and what He has done for us through His Son and His Holy Spirit?  Let's also praise Him for what is yet to come for us as believers; eternity in heaven!

Selflessness = Godliness

How many times do we hear a Christian say, "That was unfair," or "How could they do that to me?"

Maybe, we've expressed these very words at one time.  You see, as believers, we're often faced with challenging situations that trigger our own hurt as a result of what someone does or says.  Sadly, this may even involve someone whom we may have trusted as a friend, or a family member.  God's Word has answers and provides guidance for us in times like these. 

As you await the next blog that goes deeper into answers and guidelines we may use when encountering these difficult experiences, meditate on God's Word in Psalm 23 which states:

The Lord is my Shepherd; I shall not want.
He maketh me to lie down in green pastures:
He leadeth me beside the still waters.
He restoreth my soul:
He leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for His name' sake.

Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death,
I will fear no evil: For thou art with me;
Thy rod and thy staff, they comfort me.
Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies;
Thou annointest my head with oil; My cup runneth over.

Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life,
and I will dwell in the House of the Lord forever.