I don't know how deep this is...

[Chilldogg77]

I was thinking about something that I was kind of funny, so I thought I'd share it. I was having a conversation with someone, and I asked the Holy Spirit to help it to go well. Then I prayed for the person in general, but it seemed strange to pray to the Holy Spirit for that. He is all powerful!!! It's not like He only has special powers of communication or inspiration or what not. So I feel bad for the Holy Spirit. He is definitely the most neglected member of the trinity. And I don't think people even know how to think about Him. I don't even think the pronoun "Him" is entirely appropriate. There's God the Father, and Jesus the Son, but what about the Holy Spirit? "It"? "She?" Neither of those seem right either. You can relate to a father and a son, but holy spirits are just tougher to imagine and think about. Definitely the most random member of the trinity. He's normally depicted as a dove, but it feels like you're worshiping a dove if you picture that. And did the Holy Spirit become a dove like Jesus became a man, or was it more of an illusion? Then there's the tongues of fire thing. You see where I'm going with this. So if anybody has any advice or additional comments, that would be cool. But I think it would be a good idea to be His special friend by being one of the few people who actually pat attention to Him! Besides, the thought of God in general totally blows my mind!

 

[KleinerApfel]

Chillidog,

That's a very big question!

The best book I've ever read about the Holy Spirit:
"One In The Spirit" by David Watson.

It deals with who He is, the way he works, how we as Christians get to know Him, how He guides us, works in our lives etc.

He underlines that the Holy Spirit is a Person, with qualities of personality, and that we experience our relationship with God through the Spirit, that we can hurt Him by our behaviour or attitude.

He focuses on the love and the unity brought by the Spirit to the Church, and deals with the gifts and "baptism in the Spirit."

He also describes the Holy Spirit in the terms used in the Bible - such things as the dove, tongues of fire (mentioned by yourself), also wind, oil, water.

It's very good that you pray in your spirit when talking with someone in need - the Holy Spirit will guide your thoughts and words, help you identify their needs, and open their hearts to God. Whether a fellow Christian in need of advice or prayer, or a non-believer who needs to know God, both would benefit from your prayer.

It seems to me that one major function of the Holy Spirit is in "pointing" to the Father and the Son - leading us to salvation, strengthening our relationship with God, urging us to worship.

I'd thoroughly recommend the book I mentioned, as it is a well balanced introduction to the Holy Spirit, and I think would suit any denomination or background.

God bless, Susana

 

[Chilldogg77]

Thanks, Susana! Those were some good insights. Is that book pretty easy to find?

 

[KleinerApfel]

I just found 4 copies on Amazon:

http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/t...f=sr_1_1/102-3727779-5112166?v=glance&s=books

Looks like it may be out of print, which is tragic! But if you can get a second hand copy, go for it.

Blessings, Susana

 

[mythbuster]

And He showed me a river of water of life bright as crystal proceeding out of the throne of God and of the Lamb.
This river is the Spirit, reaching man.
The Lord is the Spirit and the last Adam became a life giving Spirit.
Moses stood on the rock and struck the rock out of which gushed water.
The rock is Christ and the water is the Spirit.
On the cross His side was pierced and out gushed blood and water. THe water signifies the Spirit and the blood is for our redemption. Out of Adam's side was formed Eve. This is also a type of Christ. Out of Christ's side the blood and water produce the church, His bride, His counterpart.

 

[rainbowprism]

And He showed me a river of water of life bright as crystal proceeding out of the throne of God and of the Lamb.
This river is the Spirit, reaching man.
The Lord is the Spirit and the last Adam became a life giving Spirit.
Moses stood on the rock and struck the rock out of which gushed water.
The rock is Christ and the water is the Spirit.
On the cross His side was pierced and out gushed blood and water. THe water signifies the Spirit and the blood is for our redemption. Out of Adam's side was formed Eve. This is also a type of Christ. Out of Christ's side the blood and water produce the church, His bride, His counterpart.

When I have felt the power of the Holy Spirit it has always felt to me like warm, liquid love. The water comparasion is very true for me.

 

[BlestVessel]

Chill,

Since your spirit is very young, you will notice as you grow spiritually, you will understand your own spirit better and thereby the Holy Spirit that's in communion with it. We read the Bible because it is our spiritual bread, it feeds our spirit and eventually, we are able to recognize the Holy Spirit's works in us. I think it's a matter of time, but don't worry, He reveals Himself as we need and are open and so desire.

His April

 

[Spotty]

Greg,

You're right buddy, Blest is very wise for her years and was very inspirational for me to read today.

Blest,

Thanks for your posts - even though they weren't directly directed to me, they helped me put things into focus. I feel as though I've been out for myself lately (granted, it's for finding a job which I depseratly need), and in doing so I've neglected vital aspects of my spirituality, such as dedicated prayer. I've noticed that I crawl to God more when I need Him and less when the need is further away, and I've been praying that kind of disposition stops.

Thank you again for your encouraging words. God Bless!

-Spotty

 

[BlestVessel]

"I feel as though I've been out for myself lately (granted, it's for finding a job which I depseratly need), and in doing so I've neglected vital aspects of my spirituality, such as dedicated prayer. I've noticed that I crawl to God more when I need Him and less when the need is further away, and I've been praying that kind of disposition stops."

Hopefully, love, when you refer to your spirituality, you are referring to that as part of who you are instead of an aspect of your life. It is often easy to separate our relationship and service with Him from other areas of our lives [including our job or searching to find one]. The death of self never ceases to remain a constant in our lives, but continually-daily and sometimes hourly-ask and thereby receive the life of Christ in your place. I warn that, as I lately have, when you have come to a place of total surrender, part of you may become convinced that it is no longer necessary, that the flesh is dead permanently and your life, being declared His, cannot face a temptation too great. But lo and behold! That which was trampled victoriously yesterday arises! We must die daily, slaying the flesh with the sword of Truth, and He is our only deliverance from ourselves. The disposition you speak of is the temptation to self-centeredness and He will deliver you in order that you go forward in living for His purposes. The more you reach to live for His purposes, the less important your own purposes will become. Seeking first the kingdom means exactly that. Live out His purposes for your life by being rooted in the Scripture and immersing yourself in His presence every day-a full conversation of both speaking and listening. If you don't have time, abide in Him instead of eating. For in this proper perspective, NOTHING is more important than Him. I don't mean starve yourself to death, but I mean to say that there is always time. We make time to eat, to bathe, to sleep so it is a matter of priority. God is our priority and that becomes more obvious as we live that out, placing Him above our body's and soul's needs and desires when called for. He is Creator and is the One who designed those needs. Know that He will fill them as you effort to pursue Him and consecrate your life for His benefit. May you be strengthened and encouraged and enabled by the Spirit, ever driven forward for His honour.

Forgive me if this was uncalled for. I assumed you mentioned it in your posting since you recognized a need for wisdom in the area of struggle. I do apologize, though, if it was too presumptuous of me. From my heart, I hope all goes well with you, hon. Perhaps there could be a better way to express that here than share what I've learned by His grace and reproof. But I don't know of any!

Much Love,
Your Baby Sister