Friday, March 25, 2011

Forgotten God: Reversing Our Tragic Neglect of the Holy Spirit by Francis Chan

Chapter 1 – I’ve Got Jesus. Why Do I Need the Spirit?

The author asks, “When was the last time [you] undeniably saw the Spirit at work in or around [you]?”

I would say that I feel Him on a daily basis. The last time I was monumentally moved by Him was a couple of months ago perhaps. I have felt Him in such a way multiple times within the last year. Define multiple. Okay, my first inclination is to pat myself on the back. NOT. The author quickly redirects the reader to praise and thank God instead.

I am thankful that I am aware of the Spirit moving within me. I am grateful for God’s mercy for I don’t always react or act according to the Spirit’s direction.

I am not afraid of the charismatic. In fact, I would rather become familiar with the charismatic. I don’t want that to come off in a “sideshow” or “carnival” tone. My church believes in the supernatural gifts of the Spirit. We just aren’t very welcoming to them.

I have seen them undeniably at work once. I have heard about them. I have read about them. I long for them. I desire a close relationship with the Holy Spirit. And I wish to ask for these gifts for myself. I just don’t think I do a very good job with the gifts that I already have.

What, do I think I must earn them? Like the parable of the talents? If I do well with the gifts I have been given, the Spirit will multiply them? Is that where/how it works?

I took a Bible Study class called Spiritual Warfare. It was a couple of years ago I think now. It’s getting further and further away in my memory. It was the last great Bible Study I took. I wish to take it again.

I always felt that there was something more involved that I was missing. I think it could have been taken further. Actually, I KNOW it could have been taken further. I think I need to contact someone … I don’t have to do it alone.

I’m trying something different with my Bible verses. It’s something Chan wrote about the difference between exegesis and eisegesis. HA. I spelled them without looking ;) Instead of looking for a Bible verse that supports what I am thinking, I am picking a Bible verse and looking for what it says to me. But there is a rhyme and reason to my supposed randomness. I love a good inside joke!

Cain said to the Lord, “My punishment is greater than I can bear.”
Genesis 4:13 (ESV)

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