Fresh Dimensions in 2017

Fresh Dimensions in 2017

And Ananias went his way and entered the house; and laying his hands on him he said, “Brother Saul, the Lord Jesus, who appeared to you on the road as you came, has sent me that you may receive your sight and be filled with the Holy Spirit.” Acts 9:17

Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus through the will of God, and Timothy our brother - Colossians 1:1

The beginning of the year is a good time to recommit to values of intimacy with God, healthy family life, personal integrity, pastoral accountability, kingdom mentality, and servant leadership.

We are stepping up, higher into fresh dimensions with God. God is taking the work he began further and will be faithful to complete it. The Lord Jesus did not leave behind just a general plan or map but a person called the Holy Spirit. To him we needed the presence of a guide, more than just guidelines for life. It was necessary for the Holy Spirit to come. Commit therefore to walking close to him and allowing him to lead and guide you.

While in Durban in December 2016 we drove around to see holiday attractions. What amazed us was that some places that had looked very ordinary became meaningful on a guided tour. The tour guide explained the significance of city features and places so well that the ordinary suddenly became meaningful and significant. He also took us to spots with views we would not have known and helped us discover holiday possibilities we could have missed. With the Holy Spirit guiding you each day and every situation of 2017 will be meaningful and significant for your good and for his glory. He will glorify Jesus in you and reveal to you things that are best.

And I will ask the Father, and He will give you another Helper (Comforter, Advocate, Intercessor—Counselor, Strengthener, Standby), to be with you forever— John 14:16 Amplified Bible (AMP).

But the Helper (Comforter, Advocate, Intercessor—Counselor, Strengthener, Standby), the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in My name [in My place, to represent Me and act on My behalf], He will teach you all things. And He will help you remember everything that I have told you. John 14:26 Amplified Bible (AMP).

Notes: Greek word for Helper in John 14:16, 26 is Paracletos - one called alongside to help.

The Spirit of the Lord will rest on him— the Spirit of wisdom and of understanding, the Spirit of counsel and of might, the Spirit of the knowledge and fear of the Lord—Isaiah 11:2 New International Version (NIV)

For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind. 2 Timothy 1:7 New King James Version (NKJV)

I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will counsel you [who are willing to learn] with My eye upon you. Psalm 32:8 Amplified Bible (AMP)

Example of Paul

Paul was transformed by faith in the Lord Jesus and being full of the Holy Spirit. From zealously leading a campaign to arrest and persecute believers in the gospel of the Lord Jesus, he became a champion for the same gospel to the Gentiles. God redeemed and redirected Paul’s inherent drive to go all the way in whatever he believed. 

Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus through the will of God, and Timothy our brother  - Colossians 1:1

And Ananias went his way and entered the house; and laying his hands on him he said, “Brother Saul, the Lord Jesus, who appeared to you on the road as you came, has sent me that you may receive your sight and be filled with the Holy Spirit.” Acts 9:17

After encountering the Lord Jesus on the way to Damascus the Apostle Paul needed the fullness of the Holy Spirit. Through Ananias who showed extreme faith to dare go meet him, a notorious persecutor, Paul (then Saul) received sight and the Holy Spirit. He was never the same. His life and ministry became powerful examples of the transformation and effectiveness the Holy Spirit can bring about. The Holy Spirit was so close to Paul that he chose to write a good portion of the New Testament through him.

Paul was not only transformed but he in turn transformed his circumstances. When he was in prison where he needed to be comforted he wrote letters to encourage the saints such as in Colossae. He served despite the odds he faced. Your enemies, obstacles, and challenges are irrelevant when the Holy Spirit is your guide. They will line up to stop or hurt you but will only watch you enjoy a meal prepared for you by the Lor (Psalm 23:5).

By growing your relationship with the Holy Spirit you can be God’s chosen vessel to reach people in your circles with the gospel.

• ·         Ask God to fill you afresh with his Holy Spirit
• ·         Commit to allowing him to lead and guide you
• ·         Ask for two or more people you will reach or help to grow in Christ in 2017

Message by Kurai Chitima