Fear of God + Holy Spirit = Power
Scripture: (31) Then the church throughout Judea, Galilee and Samaria enjoyed a time of peace and was strengthened. Living in the fear of the Lord and encouraged by the Holy Spirit, it increased in numbers.
Observation: As the believers in the early church lived in the fear of the Lord, it allowed the Holy Spirit free reign to permeate their lives. As unbelievers witnessed the new lives of their friends and neighbors they were attracted to the Way and were added to the body of believers. The key to multiplication in the church was the fear of the Lord and presence of the Holy Spirit. Without both churches wither, die, and are forgotten.
Application: Since the fear of the Lord and presence of the Holy Spirit cannot be corporately proclaimed like the sacraments, it's up to individual believers to see growth in the church. If I am walking in the fear of the Lord and the Holy Spirit is abiding in me, my life will be an encouragement to others. As the Holy Spirit recognizes a welcoming attitude in other believers who fear the Lord, the numbers of believers will multiply. It all starts with me. Am I willing to live my life in fear and reverence for the Lord? Am I willing to pray for the presence of the Holy Spirit in my life? Is it my heart's desire to be led by the Spirit and add believers to the body of the Church?
Prayer: Father, please examine my life and reveal the condition of my heart to me. I want to live my life in holy reverence and fear of you. I want the presence of your Holy Spirit to be living and active in my life. Please show me those areas in my life that are not fully surrendered to you. Please give me the grace I need to allow the Holy Spirit to move unfettered in my life.
Created 8 months ago
