Thought for Wednesday, July 24th

July 24, 2013                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          

The Wind is Blowing

But wilt thou know, O vain man, that faith without works is dead?

For as the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without works is dead also.

James 2:20 & 26

“God provides the wind but man must raise the sails.”

-          St. Augustine

The book of Acts records the history of the birth of the New Testament Church and the arrival of the ‘Rushing Mighty Wind’ of God’s Spirit as He came to indwell and dwell within the hearts and bodies of the believers.

Today, this same Wind is blowing in our heats and lives, but are we by faith, raising our sails and acting in obedience and allowing the force of this wind to drive the direction and activities of our lives?  Or are we like a sail boat with out its sails raised, just drifting along in the current of life waiting to see where we might by chance end up?

God’s provision and power (wind if you will) is here to direct, to move and to optimize our efforts and the path on which we journey through the seas of life.  His Spirit will keep us from crashing into the rocks or becoming bogged down in the sand bars of life: but if we do not take the steps; make the efforts; expend the energy; or do the work necessary to avail ourselves of His provision then we have somewhat limited His ability to effectively order our steps or guide our path.

We must pray, study the word, share our faith, surrender our will, submit our spirits and take up our cross and follow if we want to see God’s power; His Wind; His Spirit optimize the course on which we sail in life.

To allow God’s work to be fully accomplished in us does not allow us to sit idly by with our hands folded and our bottoms firmly planted in a seat or pew: rather it requires us to put our hand to the plow; to reap; to sow; to go; to teach; to proclaim and to seek and serve.

The power of God is just as mighty and great and the wind of His Spirit is blowing just as forcefully today as it did on the Day of Pentecost, but are we doing those things we need to do to be in obedience so that the full power and effect of His power and force can be maximized and fully effective in us?

Prayer:

Father, may I be obedient in raising the sails of my heart, my surrender and my service to You, so that your Spirit can move and direct the path of my endeavors to maximize your will and optimize your glory.