What Happened to Best Lent Ever?!
Why We Need the Holy Spirit
When we are called to come and follow Jesus, when we are told take up our cross to follow Him--we must have the power of the Holy Spirit and all His gifts to do so. Our commitment to God must be a total surrender if we want to serve Him. We cannot pick and choose what we want if we want to effectively SERVE the Lord, and bear the fruits of the Holy Spirit in our lives. Especially in this world today!
His gift of Discernment, will enable you to see with the Eyes of God all the ways in which He is working in your life. Sometimes those trials and tribulations are His mysterious ways to teach you WISDOM, UNDERSTANDING and KNOWLEDGE. Also to gift you with the ability to pray for others and see their inner pain or even physical pain; so that you have experienced what they have FELT. You see that LOOK in their eyes and KNOW--"I know how you feel."
Discernment will also let you recognize when you are being tested or attacked by the evil one. He will tempt you as he knows exactly what your hearts TRULY desire. He knows your weakness--but so does God. Know that ole cockroach's tactics! If you do then you know what to do to SILENCE the insect!
Use the word of God to Silence him as Jesus did. The Word of God is your SWORD!
When facing temptations, trials, start to redirect your thoughts with PRAISE, PRAYERS, being THANKFUL--sing songs of Praise-- for that ole cockroach cannot stand it and FLEES!!!
Saying a Hail Mary, or Glory Be to the Father, or the Lord's prayer works too! Or, a simple "HELP JESUS. HELP" prayer will do the job for you.
Another prayer to pray when you are confused, or cannot find something misplaced--- "Holy Spirit may my MIND SEE what my EYES are not seeing. Thank you," Either you will see the object or where it is located will be brought into your mind. This would also be a neat prayer to say for those we love who just 'don't get it; and still are wandering around lost and confused in life.
Another pray to bring someone home, if they delay--my Mom taught me. Pray for the Blessed Mother's help by saying the Memorare. With in a hour, the person will show up.
YOU WANT ALL of the HOLY Spirit's Gifts to help you in life. Please do not think "this one is not for me." We cannot 'pick and choose' what we want or how we want to serve God. When committing our lives to Him--requires a total surrender of our self to God. ALL OR NOTHING, if you want ALL of God in your life. For a Spirit filled life--give the Holy Spirit full control. Then you will experience the LENGHT, the DEPTH, the HEIGHT, and WIDTH of God's love, and experience that LOVE and His Presence every day!
Now, God being the wonderful Father He is: WILL not give you what you are not ready for. Just as you would not expect your child to carry more than they can. So, until you KNOW with full confidence that it is by God's strength and power then you can do all things, He is patient and He will wait until you have matured in wisdom and grace, as Jesus did.
Also, remember Mary's words--'How can this be, I do not know man?" We echo them, for yes, we are human and do not know how God works in us, until we experience His TOUCH! Complete trust in God was needed for Mary to give herself to be the vessel of God that brought Jesus into this world. God needs your complete trust in His Holy Spirt too.
It is only by the Holy Spirit's gifts, power and guidance that we too can bring Jesus into this world. Let us be the Light that shines in the darkness, the Christ Bearer that brings Peace, Joy, Hope and God's Love into the lives of al that are LOST--needing to be found.—
Do you want to experience the Resurrecting Power of God in your life? Ask the Holy Spirit to come then into your heart--as you asked Jesus to come live in you!
Written in 2016 Whoa--Just What Got Opened?!! (catholic365.com)
Recommended Stories
About the Author
Born the youngest of nine children, raised VERY Catholic across the street from Immaculate Heart of Mary church and school—Mom and Dad led by example and word their FAITH in God and saw to it that I was given 12 years of Catholic Education. (Mount St. Mary’s Academy/1965)
But, most importantly, because of my parents’ spiritual renewal after attending Cursillo Weekends, I too went on a retreat at our beloved Subiaco Abbey in Arkansas and there, at age 20, gave my life totally, surrendering all to my Lord and best Friend. This was my “Pentecostal” event that left me, like all the early Christians, on fire with God’s love and forever changed.
My husband Robert and I have been married for 52 this year in a marriage arranged by God. We have 8 children, two in heaven, 24 grandchildren, and 15 great-grandchildren. The story of our life together can be found in a book titled “My Journey, My Cross-As the Journals End,” published by Westbow Press . Our life together has been one awesome up and down roller coaster ride which enriched my heart with so many of the gifts of the Holy Spirit. I have found that the only way, Wisdom, Understanding, Words of Knowledge, Discernment, and Healing can be received is first by experiencing in your life the hurts of others. (and you yourself a sword will pierce)* so that the thoughts of many hearts may be revealed.” Luke 2 v 35.
God has blessed me also many other talents and skills--but sometimes, blessings/gifts can and have caused problems or conflict in my life, as I am human and all too quickly that part of me shows up. Thank You God that You also show up!
Because of the many ways that He has rescued me, and taught me through my trials and tribulations and continuous cries for “Help”--- a weekly podcast radio show called “It’s Me, God” can still be found on www.radiotitans.com
