Monthly Archives: July 2022

The indwelling power of the Holy Spirit is one aspect of His ministry to believers. Scriptures teaches us that God dwells with us through the Holy Spirit. Where once God abode in Tabernacles and Temples, He now is resides in us as His people.

What does the Scripture teach us about the indwelling power of the Spirit? Let us examine three things that come to mind. And may we be blessed and encouraged in our relationship with God Almighty.

Now on the last day, the great day of the feast, Jesus stood and cried out, saying, “If anyone is thirsty, let him come to Me and drink. “He who believes in Me, as the Scripture said, ‘From his innermost being will flow rivers of living water.’ “But this He spoke of the Spirit, whom those who believed in Him were to receive; for the Spirit was not yet given, because Jesus was not yet glorified.  John 7:37-39

1. The Holy Spirit is a gift and the Spirit is given to those who believe. A Christian is indwelt by the Holy Spirit. Jesus declared it to be so in this passage. Through this prophecy, John declared that all who believe in Him would receive the gift of the Spirit. He would be like a river of living waters flowing through our being. 

In Him , you also, after listening to the message of truth, the gospel of your salvation—having also believed , you were sealed in Him with the Holy Spirit of promise, who is given as a pledge of our inheritance, with a view to the redemption of God’s own possession, to the praise of His glory.  Ephesians 1:13-14

• The Holy Spirit is given at salvation. Paul refers to the fact that we are sealed with the Holy Spirit. The seal will be opened when we see Him face to face (spiritually speaking). When we believe, we are given an inheritance from Christ and we become God’s own special possession.

Do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, by whom you were sealed for the day of redemption.

• The Holy Spirit indwells us permanently. We are sealed to the day of ultimate redemption when we get to Heaven. Therefore, Paul instructs us to listen to the Holy Spirit as He is our guard and guide till we see Jesus.

As we begin this week, may we remember the importance of the third person of the Trinity. He is our gift that is given at salvation. And He will be with us forever. Hallelujah! What a Savior!

Tony French

The Lord is my rock and my fortress and my deliverer, My God, my rock, in whom I take refuge; My shield and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold.

Psalm 18:2

The Lord is our Rock. We shall not be moved.

The Lord is our Fortress. We are protected.

The Lord is our Deliverer. We shall not be afraid.

The Lord is our Refuge. We trust in Him.

The Lord is our Shield. We stand in His defenses.

The Lord is our Salvation. We believe in Him by faith.

The Lord is our Stronghold. We rest in Him.

Child of God, you are blessed. No matter what may come your way, you are blessed. God is your Rock!

Tony French

Do you ever notice how some people need to have the last word? It seems as if some must get in the last syllables no matter the conversational topic. Such people can be difficult to deal with in life situations.

But, here is the good news. People will not have the ultimate last say about our lives. Your critics and your enemies will not have the final determination about you. Instead, God will have the last say about us Christians. His Word is what will count for all of eternity. Isn’t that wonderful news?

Through the salvific work of Jesus upon the cross, our sins have been forgiven, our hope has been secured, and our eternal destiny has been made sure. Others may harm and hurt us. But, these actions (though painful) will not ultimately determine our destiny. God has made that sure through Christ Jesus.

No wonder David could write these words with full confidence. The Lord is my light and my salvation; Whom shall I fear? The Lord is the defense of my life; Whom shall I dread? (Psalm 27:1) No wonder Paul could say What then shall we say to these things? If God is for us, who is against us? (Romans 8:31)  Because God has the last word, Jesus reminds us These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world. (John 16:33)

God has the last word, Believer. Trust in Him and obey Him. You will not be disappointed in Jesus!

Tony French

In peace I will both lie down and sleep, For You alone, O Lord , make me to dwell in safety.

Psalm 4:8

Be at peace, dear Christian. Christ is your Peace.

Christ, your Peace, causes you to lie down and receive rest. Christ, your Peace, guards and guides you all the days of your life. Christ, your Peace, provides, satisfies, and protects you through every tribulation. You can trust in Christ, the Prince of Peace.

Give thanks to the Lord. Live in the peace of Christ and Christ alone. He is your Peace. God bless you!

Tony French

God is faithful, through whom you were called into fellowship with His Son, Jesus Christ our Lord.  1 Corinthians 1:9

God is faithful! Those three words have the power to change us and keep us going. The power of our promise-keeping God encourages us and sustains us.

God is faithful no matter the circumstance and no matter the problem. He always keeps His promises. He cannot lie, He cannot waver, and God will fulfill all covenants to the fullest.

It’s difficult to know who we can trust in this life. Enemies come against us and even our “friends” can let us down. We’ve all been hurt by the unfaithfulness of others.

But, God is faithful in all things. This fact doesn’t mean that all of our problems are immediately solved. It doesn’t meant that our trial and tribulations automatically go away. God’s faithfulness does tell us that He will be with us and that He will carry us through.

Let us give thanks for our promise-keeping God. Christian, serve Jesus each day knowing that His Word is trustworthy. We can’t count on much in this world. We can always count on Jesus!

Tony French

But if you do not do so, then take note, you have sinned against the LORD; and be sure your sin will find you out.  Numbers 32:23

We see a somber warning in this verse of Scripture. Moses implores the people to remember that their sin would be exposed one day.  When they sinned against the LORD, they would be found out at some point.

Sin means to come short of God’s glory. (Romans 3:23) It means to “trespass” the rules that God has given us. (Luke 11:4) Sin is also forsaking the opportunity to do good for others. (James 4:17) As we understand what the Bible has declared, we perceive how vulnerable we are to temptation.

Yet, it is interesting how often we try to hide our sin. We try to pretend in isn’t there and we seek to cover up our sinfulness. This effort to conceal our sin will ultimately fail.

Our only recourse is to repent of our sin and turn to Christ for forgiveness. Dear Christian, when you sin, don’t try to hide it. Turn to Christ, be forgiven, and move forward. “He is faithful and just to forgive us and cleanse us.” (1 John 1:9-10).  This promise is for all who forsake their sin and trust in Christ!

Jesus promised that all we try to cover will eventually be uncovered. (Matthew 10:26) Let’s stop trying to fool God and others. Christ is faithful and just. And we can trust Him and His word!e

Tony French