Holy Spirit

Repentance Opens Oneself to the Holy Spirit

Dr. Mike 2026 , , , ,

Now when Simon saw that the Spirit was given through the laying on of the apostles’ hands, he offered them money, saying, “Give me this power also, so that anyone on whom I lay my hands may receive the Holy Spirit.” But Peter said to him, “May your silver perish with you, because you thought you could obtain the gift of God with money! You have neither part nor lot in this matter, for your heart is not right before God. Repent, therefore, of this wickedness of yours, and pray to the Lord that, if possible, the intent of your heart may be forgiven you. For I see that you are in the gall of bitterness and in the bond of iniquity.” Acts 8:18-24

Simon Magnus was a renowned man in the city of Samaria because of his magic. He amazed the crowd. The people recognized him as the power of God that is called Great (Acts 8:10). He himself heard Philip preach the gospel message and became a believer. He was baptized and continued to follow Philip watching him perform miracles. He was amazed.

But the people who were baptized did not yet receive the Holy Spirit. So, Peter and John came to lay hands on them to receive the Holy Spirit. When Simon Magnus saw this, he wanted the same power to do the same. So he offered the apostles money. He thought he could buy this ability. Peter though rebuked him and chastised him to repent. Simon’s heart was not right before God. His intention was for selfish reasons. Peter recognized that Simon was in a state of bitterness being held in a bond of iniquity. He needed to repent before God.

In some ways I can relate with Simon. In my early walk, I wanted the blessing of God. My sole purpose was to please the inner hunger of satisfying my dreams and goals. I needed God to help me achieve my plans. In many ways, it was a business transaction. I supported him if HE would support me. I didn’t really surrender my entire kingdom. Instead, I wanted his Kingdom to help make my kingdom to grow.

In many ways, it was Mike walking the Christian lifestyle the best he knew how on his own. Jesus was only a passenger observing my frustration. The Holy Spirit continued to nudge me, but I ignored HIS major advances.

But through a process of loses, pain, and struggles, my eyes slowly began to open. I got tired of banging my head against the wall. There had to be a better way. There is. It’s called repentance.

When the truth slapped this face, I then realize my stupidity. I had never totally surrendered my kingdom to Lord Jesus on day one. But over time, HE dismantled each corner of the soul. Yes, at the start HE was the Lord of my faith. Then He was the Lord of my money. Followed by the Lord of my relationships. But no, HE was not the Lord of my goals and dreams yet. I was doing everything in my ability to keep this kingdom while supporting God’s Kingdom. Only after I surrendered this kingdom, did life in the Spirit began to noticeably change.

God knew for this person to continue growing, there was one piece of the old man that had to go. Yes, God’s Spirit is alive and working in each of us. But HE will not involve HIMSELF more than you allow. As we taste more and more of God’s Spirit though, our willingness to repent grows. As we realize what needs to change, we repent. We refocus our eyes onto Jesus. We thank HIM for HIS life work, death, and resurrection. We seek ways to support HIS Kingdom in our small world. We learn to follow the influence of the Holy Spirit in us. We cry out longing to see the world through the eyes of the Triune God. HE is creating HIS masterpiece in us – the new YOU.

The work is not about us improving ourselves. The work is the Holy Spirit regenerating us into the image of Jesus Christ. This is HIS work. We are allowing HIM to change us as we hang onto our Lord in the process. Nothing is sacred but HIM. Everything is possible, with HIM. HE is the reason we can now experience life the way God intended it to be.

Rooting For You in Christ!

Dr. Mike

Faith-Integrator, Encourager, Scribbler

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“We continually ask God to fill you with the knowledge of his will through all the wisdom and understanding that the Spirit gives,” (Colossians 1:9)

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Self-Control

Dr. Mike 2023 , , , ,

Proverbs 25:28

A man without self-control is like a city broken into and left without walls.

Titus 2:11-12

For the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation for all people, training us to renounce ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright, and godly lives in the present age,

Why does God value self-control?

Imagine, you are a criminal looking for a house to break into. The house you identify is located in a high crime area. But what makes this house more vulnerable compared to other homes in the neighborhood? The house has no fence, no doors, and no windows. It is begging you for trouble.

Isn’t that the same with a person who cannot control their spirit and responses?

Have you ever noticed the difference between people? One person pursues immediate satisfaction while the other one sacrifices the present for a future reward. One seeks pleasure and the other fulfillment. Both want to be happy. One jumps from job to job, diet to diet, or bed to bed, without ever finding long lasting happiness. Yet another sacrifices immediate gratifications. Why? Because their aim is a worthwhile goal. When achieved it will grant them the opportunity to fulfill their hearts desire for the long term.    

The apostle Paul wrote his trainee Titus a letter referring to the importance of self-control. Since God showers us with HIS grace, learn to live accordingly. One purpose of grace is to train us in godliness – to reflect HIS character in all situations. As HE prepares us for eternity, self-control benefits us now with patience and strength to choose wisely in our pursuits and actions.

HE has given HIMSELF to us via the Holy Spirit living in us. The fruit of HIM living in you and I includes HIS attribute of self-control (Gal. 5:23). We have the honor and privilege to learn how best to exercise its influence. Yet, when we ignore HIM, HIS ways, and indulge in immediate self-gratification, we are falling short of reflecting HIS glory.

How can you draw closer to HIM and allow HIS self-control lead you?

One old-fashion practice is to fast. Fasting from food for 24 hours is learning to say NO to the self for a greater purpose. Instead, when the hunger pains arrive, one learns to pray. As we lean on HIM, HE gives us strength. Of course, if medical reasons prevents you from fasting, there may be other practices you may use.

Whatever addiction you face may be the item you refrain from part taking for a short period of time. In lieu, you spend more time praying when those desires hit you. The purpose is to learn how to lean on HIM when unwanted, immediate desires stroke you.

After you successfully practice such a discipline, you find yourself stronger and in control of the temptation you face.

Jesus Christ is our example of self-control. Read the gospel accounts and see how often HE refrained from exercising the authority HE had when confronted by HIS enemies. How easily HE could have destroyed them. But instead HE exercised self-control and allowed the fruit of the Holy Spirit be amplified.

Self-control requires sacrificing for the moment. And the long term benefits also far outweigh your immediate act of love when you reflect Jesus in all you do.   

Rooting For You in Christ!

Dr. Mike

Faith-Integrator, Encourager, Scribbler

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God Equips You

Dr. Mike 2023 , , , ,

John 6:63

 It is the Spirit who gives life; the flesh is no help at all. The words that I (Jesus) have spoken to you are spirit and life.

How does the Holy Spirit empower you?

When you lean on the Triune God. When you solely stop picking yourself up by the bootstraps. Then through the trials and tests of life, HE will equip and empower you to be…

Still and know Him

Holy

Reconciled

Believe

Confident

Disciplined

Faithful

Fruitful

Free

Forgiving

Graceful

Hopeful

Humble

Joyful

Knowledgeable

Loving

Life-giving

Merciful

Mindful

Obedient

Prayerful

Peaceful

Praiseful

Patience

Repentive

Rejoiceful

Righteous

Strong

Serving

Trustful

Truthful

Understanding

Unified

Victorious

Worshipful

Working

Zealous

If you lack any of these qualities, follow Jesus’ advice. Ask our heavenly Father to grant you these treasurers and more via the Holy Spirit (Luke 11:13). These are HIS qualities. He wants to share them with you. So you can reflect them before others. And come to better know Him. Life’s most priceless attributes come from having a personal relationship with the Triune God.

Rooting For You in Christ!

Dr. Mike

Encourager, Faith-Integrator, Scribbler

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