New Directions

New Directions

When I started this blog almost 3 years ago, I started it as a way to get into God's Word with other women, even if we didn't have the time to go to a ladies bible study or small group.  Since then we have walked through numerous studies, and have learned a lot.  My faith has grown and I hope it has encouraged and strengthened your faith as well! This time, we've spent walking through studies, has been so good, and the one theme I keep coming back to is "God is good!!" No matter where we are or what is going on God is good! I am so thankful that no matter where the road leads we can always know trust and depend on Him.

As we finished up this last study "Good Morning Holy Spirit" written by Benny Hinn, I've been prayerfully thinking about what study should come next...and I realized that God is leading me in a new direction with my blogging.  So though there may be times when I decide to grab a good study book and blog about it, the majority of my post from now on will be about what God is speaking to me in my own personal time of daily devotions.  Thus the name of this post - New Directions!

I am very excited to see where God leads us as we read through the bible and study God's Word together! We will start in July with the Life Journal Reading Plan...you can find it here.  As we read through the bible together I will blog about what God is speaking to me and teaching me each week, and I hope you will comment and share what God is speaking to you as well.  

Blessings, 

Kayla

Good Morning Holy Spirit - Chapter 12

Good Morning Holy Spirit

Chapter 12: Heaven On Earth

1.  Do you believe in healing by faith? Why, or why not? If not, state your reasons, not your feelings or emotions.

Yes! It is through faith that we are saved, and it is through faith that we receive healing.  Jesus said, "If you have faith like a mustard seed, you will say to this mountain, 'Move!' and it will be thrown into the sea".  Faith (even if only the size of a mustard seed) is an important part of the Christian life, without faith, you will not do anything, including receive salvation!

2. Whom does the Holy Spirit promote through His works? Is it you, God, Himself, or Jesus?

Jesus! The Holy Spirit always promotes Jesus, because believing in Jesus is the key to receiving all that God has for us.

3. What is the source of the Holy Spirit's gifts?

God is the source of all gifts, Jesus is what gives us access to God's gifts and the Holy Spirit is the one who delivers those gifts to us.

4. How do you know when the convicting power of the Holy Spirit is working in your life?

When you find yourself feeling the need to pray...that's the power of the Holy Spirit working in your life.  When you find yourself convicted of sin...that's the power of the Holy Spirit working in your life.

When you are full of joy and just can't help but sing praises to God...that's the power of the Holy Spirit working in your life.

When you find yourself facing a mountain far too big, and you find yourself on your knee's calling out for God's help...that's the power of the Holy Spirit working in your life.

He is the One who prompts us, nudges us, and constantly calls out to us, following us through our darkest hour and even into our brightest day...always making known to us that Jesus is the answer to all of life's problems.

5. The Bible says that the Holy Spirit has been given to you as a guarantee of ____________.

Eternal Life!

6. What is the greatest purpose of the Holy Spirit?

The greatest purpose of the Holy Spirit is to draw people to Jesus...then once we accept Jesus as our personal Savior, the Holy Spirit works in our hearts and lives, to help us to daily die to ourselves, and live in Christ.  He strengthens us, teaches us, comforts us, leads and guides us, anoints us, helps us pray, gives us rest and a whole lot more!!

7. Have you asked the Holy Spirit to come into your life? Have you asked Jesus Christ to come into your life? If not, you can do so right now by praying, "Jesus, I confess that I am a sinner.  I believe that you are the Son of God and You shed Your precious blood on the cross for me.  Forgive me of my sin. Cleanse my heart from all unrighteousness.  I thank you for saving me now. Amen."

If you prayed that prayer just now, you are a new creation, and God and all the angels in heaven are celebrating today because you have become a part of the family of God.  You will never walk alone, your heavenly Father loves you more than words can say...I am so glad I get to call you my brother or sister in Christ! Welcome to the Family!! 

I encourage you to find a local group of believers to fellowship with regularly, and start studying God's Word daily... God has great plans for you!! :o)

Good Morning Holy Spirit - Chapter 11

Good Morning Holy Spirit

Chapter 11: "Why Are You Weeping?"

1.  Why can't blasphemy against the Holy Spirit be forgiven? 

I think about the different hurts we deal with in life - physical pain will heal over time, but when someone speaks negatively about you and wounds your spirit, it takes much time, and an act of God to help you get past it, to move on and not have it effect everything you do.  I think that the Spirit of God is fragile or sensitive much like our own spirits are sensitive and fragile.  When you make the choice to speak against, or to insult the Holy Spirit, it causes Him pain, and when you purposefully harm God's Spirit, God will not forgive you for it.

2. Read Matthew 12:30-32. How can you be assured you will never blasphemy the Holy Spirit?

Matthew 12:30-32 (NKJV)

30 He who is not with Me is against Me, and he who does not gather with Me scatters abroad.

The Unpardonable Sin

31 “Therefore I say to you, every sin and blasphemy will be forgiven men, but the blasphemy against the Spirit will not be forgiven men. 32 Anyone who speaks a word against the Son of Man, it will be forgiven him; but whoever speaks against the Holy Spirit, it will not be forgiven him, either in this age or in the age to come.

If we love Jesus and desire to serve Him and walk with Him each day, we will not ever speak a word against the Holy Spirit...only those who do not love the Lord, and who do not care what His Word says, or what He thinks about their daily actions and decisions, will purposefully speak against a Holy Spirit.

3. How do you know the Holy Spirit is still with you?

As we go throughout our daily lives the Holy Spirit is faithful to convict us of wrong thoughts, actions, words, etc.  And He leads us to pray for someone or tell someone Jesus love them, etc.  If The Holy Spirit is still actively speaking to you, you know that He is still with you.  

4. Describe what it means to "walk after the Spirit." Read Romans 8:1.

Romans 8:1 (NKJV)

Free from Indwelling Sin

There is therefore now no condemnation to those who are in Christ Jesus, who do not walk according to the flesh, but according to the Spirit.

Walking according to the Spirit, is when we make the choice to obey His voice.  When He convicts us of a sin, we quickly ask for forgiveness.  When He asks us to pray, we stop what were doing and we pray.  Obedience to His Voice = Walking in the Spirit.

5. For the next seven days, work on memorizing the seven works of the Spirit described by Paul in Romans 8. Write a short list of the good things that will occur when each work is manifest in your life.

Seven Works of The Holy Spirit as described by Paul in Romans 8:

1. There is power over sin.  -I will be able to make right choices and decisions

2. He will fulfill the law. -I no longer need to try to be perfect, He takes care of it.

3. He will give you the mind of God. -I have the mind of God working daily renewing my mind.

4. He will give you righteousness. -Even though I am a sinner, He gives me the righteousness paid for through Christ death on the cross.

5. He will give life to your body. -My body will daily be renewed and strengthened.

6. He will bring death to self. -It is no longer I who lives, but Christ who lives through me.

7. He will testify of your salvation. -Other's will see that I am different, they will see Christ in me, my life will be a light.

Good Morning Holy Spirit Chapter 10

Good Morning Holy Spirit

Chapter 10: "Only a Breath Away"

1. What action must you take to receive comfort, peace, and direction from the Holy Spirit?

All we have to do is ask and trust Him to answer.

2. How does the Holy Spirit respond to people who willfully sin?

He convicts them, and withdraws His power from their life.

3. Define the separate roles of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit.

God the Father is the giver of all good gifts, it is through Jesus that we receive the gifts from the Father, and it is our walk with the Holy Spirit, living in the Spirit, that enables us to receive.

5. When you ask the Spirit of God to come into your heart, what are you doing?

You are making a covenant with God!  Asking Him to forgive you, cleanse you, and give you eternal life...and committing and promising that in return you will love, honor, obey, serve, and glorify Him in you life, in everything you do.

6. It takes only five words to invite the Holy Spirit into your life. What are they?

"Holy Spirit, please help me!"

Good Morning Holy Spirit - Chapter 9

Good Morning Holy Spirit

Chapter 9: Room for the Spirit

1. What is the most overlooked message of the church today?

That the Holy Spirit is real, living and active, powerful and mighty, we need to make a place for Him in our lives.

2. Were the gifts of the Holy Spirit meant for us to use today? Explain the reasoning behind your answer.

Yes, The Holy Spirit came to be our comforter and teacher, after Christ ascended into heaven.  God has sent His Spirit here to dwell not only among us, but to live in us, working in our lives everyday.  

3. What does the author mean when he says, "God is not weak - His people are"?

God is not weak! God is all knowing, all powerful, and everywhere all at once...God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit are one...all three are equally powerful and are constantly united together.  It is not God that is weak, He is not the problem...We see Christians today with no power or victory in their lives, not because their God is weak, No, the problem is that we (humans) are weak and we have failed to make room in our lives for the Spirit of God to work.  If we made room in our lives for God to work, if we stopped putting God in a tiny little box, if we would trust in His Word, and actively lean on God, depending on Him to supply our every need, we would find ourselves living victorious lives full of power and authority.

4. Explain the anointing. Name at least five people who have it.

The anointing is when an ordinary person does amazing things, through the power of the Holy Spirit.  I know many people who are anointed by the Holy Spirit...Preachers, musicians and singers, drama teams...you don't have to be a biblical scholar to know when someone is anointed... they stand out, and after they are done preaching, teaching, singing or whatever it is the Spirit has anointed them to do...you can only stand in awe of the awesomeness of God, and the power of the Holy Spirit. 

Five people I know who are anointed:

1. Dave Morris

2. Jim Boyd

3. Jimmy Weaver

4. Derek Micka

5. Debbie Conley

5. What is the purpose of the anointing of the Spirit?

The anointing gives believers power to effectively and powerfully proclaim the message of the gospel.

6. Describe how you can grow in the Spirit.

Just as you grow more intimate with your spouse over the years of spending time together, and working together, going through the ups and the downs in life...so it is with the Holy Spirit.  When we spend time daily in His presence, in His Word, and listening to His gentle whisper, nudge, or tug, when we trust Him through the good and bad times, we grow closer and closer to Him...we learn what hurts Him, what pleases Him, what delights Him, and makes Him sad.  We develop a close relationship with Him, and the closer we grow to Him, the more we become like Him...it is then that we start to see the fruits of the Spirit - love, joy, peace, patients, forgiveness, gentleness, self-control, - in our lives.

7. Was Jesus dependent on the Holy Spirit? In what ways, and why was it necessary?

Yes, Jesus was lead by the Spirit in everything He did.  He did not move without first making sure that it was the Father's will, and He was connected to the Father through the Spirit.  Jesus was here on earth as a man, He willingly gave up His position in Heaven for a time, so that He could save us.  So as a man, a weak human, it would have been possible for Him to sin, but He didn't! And the only way He was able to keep pure and sinless, was by constantly listening to what the Father was speaking to Him, through the Holy Spirit.  

8. What is scriptural proof that you shall have eternal life as Christ has eternal life?

Romans 8:11

"But if the Spirit of Him who raised Jesus from the dead dwells in you, He who raised Christ from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies through His Spirit who dwells in you."

John 3:16

For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life. 

Good Morning Holy Spirit Chapter 8

Good Morning Holy Spirit

Chapter 8: A Mighty Entrance

1. Do you have an answer in your heart to the personal question, What does the Lord have in store for me?

Yes, I know that God has great plans for me, plans to prosper me, plans for a hope and a future.  But I also know that God desires that in all things we grow to become more like Christ daily.  We were made to be a refection of Him...everything we go through, whether good or bad, all works out for good, it all brings about God's plan in our lives, and there is nothing better than God's plan for us.

2. How can you find the answer to the previous question?

The only way to know what the Lord has in store for you, is to know Him personally.  Spend time in His Presence, and in His Word, ask the Holy Spirit to teach you and to lead and guide you...it won't be long before you see that every promise in God's Word is for you, and all God's promises are true, He hasn't failed yet and He never will...He is faithful at all times in all things.

3. What is the Father's great desire for us?

The Father's greatest desire is to have a personal relationship with us, to see the reflection of His Son in us.  You see without Jesus in us, we have no place in God's Presence, without Jesus' refection we are not good enough, nothing we do will ever be enough...that is why we needed a Savior, and still need a Savior today...It is only through Jesus that we can boldly stand in the presence of the Most High God.

4. Read the complete book of Acts. In your own words, write down God's plan for us.

I believe that God's plan for us is this...To be cleansed and forgiven through the sacrifice of Jesus, to walk daily in His presence, to be lead by the Holy Spirit, to change from glory to glory, becoming more like Jesus everyday.  We are to live victoriously, boldly, and righteously. We are to have faith, not fear, to love and serve others with meekness and humility, and to make our relationship with God our first priority, then all of the other things will fall into place. God has taken care of everything, He is so good!

5. What is the purpose of the signs that follow in the Holy Spirit's presence?

I believe the purpose of the signs that follow the Holy Spirit's presence is to build believers faith, and to show the non-believer that God is real.  The signs are to bring God glory, not man. They always lead people directly to Christ.

6. Is the Holy Spirit for everyone? Is He here today for you? How do you know? Read Acts 5:32; 

10:44-46.

Yes, He is for everyone! Yes, He is here today for all of us! I know these things because of what I've read in the scriptures,  but I also know through experience, the Holy Spirit has touched my life, and I will never be the same.  

7. What is the foundation and authority for all of the work the Holy Spirit was sent to do?

The foundation and authority for everything the Holy Spirit does is the Gospel of Jesus Christ.

Good Morning Holy Spirit - Chapter 7

Good Morning Holy Spirit

Chapter 7: Wind for Your Sails

1. Describe in your own words what a Spirit-filled life is.

A Spirit-filled life is life full of the Joy of the Lord, love, forgiveness, humility, and complete surrender to God.  The Spirit-filled life is a life of power through the inner-working of Holy Spirit.  

2. What are the four main functions of the Holy Spirit when He is working in our lives?

The Holy Spirit working in our lives can be seen in multiple ways, but a few of the tell tell signs are these...

1. Your speech and focus will change, no longer does the world revolve around you, your wants, your needs, your desires...You start focusing in God, - instead of self-centered, we become God-centered.
2. A new song...When we are filled with the Spirit, we receive a new song in our heart...a song of joy, praise, deliverance!!
3. A thankful heart! When the Spirit dwells within you, in all things, good and bad, you will find yourself thankful!
4. A servant heart - just as your focus is no longer on yourself, your heart will now long and desire to love other people through serving, and helping.    

3. What is the author's answer to people who ask him, "Am I filled with the Holy Spirit?"

If you don't know, then you're not!

4. At what point does the Holy Spirit become available to us personally?

When we accept the gift of salvation.

5. Have you found it difficult, or impossible, to surrender yourself to the Lord? Try to pinpoint what is holding you beck?

At times I have found myself wrestling with the Lord, and most of the time it is when I come up with my plan and I expect God to make it happen.  The Holy Spirit has spoken to me on this, and it always come back to whether or not I trust Him.  It seems to me that I finally surrender one part of my life and think I have made progress only to turn around and realize there is a different part that needs surrendered. It is an ongoing thing, that all of us deal with, that is why Paul describes it as surrendering your life as a living sacrifice. A living sacrifice can get up off of the altar...so we have to daily and even multiple times a day surrender again and place our life back on the table, so that it is Jesus living in us.  

"I have been crucified with Christ; it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God,who loved me and gave Himself for me."

Galatians 2:19-21

6. Write down the seven steps to meaningful prayer on a little piece of paper.  Carry it with you and refer to it when you pray.  Try to include all seven steps until they become automatic.

I am going to sit down and write these steps out, and I encourage you to do so as well.  Just a quick glance at my prayer life, I can see all of these steps at this time or that time, but not necessarily all at one time.  This is definitely something I want to work on.

7. If your prayers incorporate the seven steps, what is likely to come about in your prayer life?

When we incorporate all seven steps in our prayer lives, we will find that when we pray, the Spirit intercedes for us, and we really aren't doing most the prayer...it is the Spirit praying for us, which means our prayers are filled with more power and authority.

Good Morning Holy Spirit - Chapter 6

Good Morning Holy Spirit

Chapter 6: Spirit, Soul, and Body

1. Complete this sentence: "I want to walk with the Holy Spirit, but I can't because I..."

There are many different ways I can think of to end this sentence...but thankfully I know that I can walk with the Holy Spirit, He is with me each and everyday. :o) 

2. How does your church view the Holy Spirit? As an active or passive influence in our lives? Either way, what is the scriptural proof for that belief?

My Church views the Holy Spirit as an essential and powerful part of everyday life.  Our services are often filled with people praying in the Spirit, we regularly hear words of knowledge, and messages in tongues with their interpretations. Our Pastor encourages the congregation to be in the Word, studying and growing in their spiritual walk, and that is only possible by listening to the Spirit as He teaches you what the Word of God is saying, what it means, and how it applies to your life.

  

There are many scriptures that talk about the Holy Spirit being an active part of the lives of the believers in the new testament.  Here are just some of them...

For the Holy Spirit will teach you in that very hour what you ought to say.”

Luke 12:11-13

And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance.

Acts 2:3-5

And when they had prayed, the place where they were assembled together was shaken; and they were all filled with the Holy Spirit, and they spoke the word of God with boldness.

Acts 4:30-32

And we are His witnesses to these things, and so also is the Holy Spirit whom God has given to those who obey Him.”

Acts 5:31-33

who, when they had come down, prayed for them that they might receive the Holy Spirit.

Acts 8:14-16

So God, who knows the heart, acknowledged them by giving them the Holy Spirit, just as He did to us,

Acts 15:7-9

For it seemed good to the Holy Spirit, and to us, to lay upon you no greater burden than these necessary things:

Acts 15:27-29 

Now may the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that you may abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.

Romans 15:12-14

3. Of what form or substance is God?

According to what I have read in God's Word, God has many of the same physical attributes as us.  In the Word He is described with hands, a face, eyes, a mouth, a back, feet, etc.  Also, We are created in God's image, so I imagine that He look similar to what we as humans look like, with the exception of the fact that He is perfect, holy, glorious and more beautiful than words can describe. 

4. Explain what the author means when he says the Holy Spirit has a mind of His own.

When Benny Hinn says that the Holy Spirit has a mind of His own, He is talking about the fact that the Holy Spirit searches out the mind of God and then reveals/teaches what He finds to us.  The Holy Spirit though He is one with the Father and the Son, has His own mind and will.  Just as I am one person made up of a  body, soul and spirit...My body may be telling me I need food, while my spirit, which is supposed to be lead by the Holy Spirit, may be telling me to fast, and it is up to my soul to decide which one I am going to listen to. The difference is that God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit, all work together, completely united, they are one, where the Spirit is... the Father and Son are, where the Son is... the Father and Spirit are, and where the Father is... the Spirit and Son are.  Together the three personalities or parts make up the one and only God!

5. What is the temple of God as described by Paul in the New Testament?

We are the temple of the Holy Spirit! Heaven is God's throne and Earth is His footstool, but God through the Holy Spirit resides inside of each and every believer.

6. Should the Holy Spirit be worshiped? Why, or why not?

This is one of those questions that really makes you think.  Even though I was raised in church, taught that the Holy Spirit is equal to God the Father and the Son, and that He is a part of the Godhead, I do not remember ever being taught to pray to or worship the Holy Spirit.  It was always taught that the Holy Spirit living in us would help us as we prayed or worshiped, that He was there with us, but not the one we were worshiping.  So as I study this out, and think about all I've been taught, all I believe regarding the Holy Spirit, I have to say that, yes, we should pray to and worship Him.  As I sit here contemplating this I realize that we always have prayed to Him and worshiped Him.  We pray asking Him to come fill us and to lead and guide us, we sing songs about Him, but for some reason, we don't discuss it as much as we do worshiping God the Father and God the Son. I guess we just need to start talking about it and realize that it is just as important as praying to the Father or to Jesus.

7. What does it mean to vex the Spirit? How would we do that? How might we avoid doing it?

I looked up the definition to the verb VEX -- "Distress, bother"  Synonyms include "Aggravate, agitate, disturb, embarrass, exasperate, get under one's skin, pester, harass, upset, and torment."  These words give us a pretty clear picture of what vexing the holy Spirit does to Him.  When we vex Him, we cause Him grief, and pain.  He is gentle and quiet, He will not force us to follow His leading, so when we hear what He is telling us, and we choose to do the opposite, we vex Him.  We can avoid hurting Him in this way by working to always listen to His voice, to being open to His leading and being thoughtful of what is pleasing to Him and what is not, He is your friend, so treat Him with respect, work to always honor and protect Him...The things we do and say are not the only things that can vex Him,  the things we allow to go on around us, the things we put up with that just should not be...those things can effect your relationship with the Holy Spirit too.  

Good Morning Holy Spirit - Chapter 5

Good Morning Holy Spirit

Chapter 5: Whose Voice Do You Hear?

1. How are you led by the Spirit?

Everyday, as I go through my day - changing diapers, playing dress-up with my girls, cleaning toilets, washing dishes, reading Facebook status updates, or blogging, whatever it is my day holds, I am constantly having a private conversation with the Holy Spirit.  He speaks to me quietly through the scriptures, and there are times when I just know that I need to send a message to someone or to call and share something specific with a friend or loved one.  It is hard to explain, but it is just a quiet nudge, and suddenly I just know I'm supposed to do or say or write something.  It is an amazing, exciting and comforting experience...because I know that He is with me, in everything, He is walking with me, leading me, guiding me, and protecting me.

2. How early in the Bible does the Holy Spirit first appear?

In the very beginning...it was the Holy Spirit that hovered over the face of the deep, before God spoke anything into existence!

3. Define the breath of life that flowed through Adam's body?

The breath of life that flowed through Adam, making him alive, not just a body with flesh and blood, but with a spirit...that breath was the very breath of God...God the Holy Spirit blew over and into Adam, bringing him to life, and into communion with Himself.

4. What do we have in common with Adam, spiritually speaking?

Adam walked and talked with God everyday (since the scriptures say that no one has seen the Father, and that every time the father spoke it was like thunder, I think it safe to assume that when the bible says Adam walked and talked with God, it means God the Holy Spirit) and we have the same ability.  We can walk and talk to God just as Adam did, because the Holy Spirit is God and He is here with us everyday. Once Adam sinned, man could no longer could commune with God in this way, But Jesus paid the price, so that the Holy Spirit could once again commune with us daily.

5. Do you agree or disagree with the statement that "the Holy Spirit is God"? Explain your answer.

Absolutely! The Holy Spirit was there in the beginning, He lead the Prophets, Judges, and Kings of Israel all the way through the Old Testament, and He was there when the virgin Mary conceived the Son of God, and He is the comforter and teacher who leads us today...God the Father and God the Son, both work with and speak through the Holy Spirit.  Just as we are made of body, soul, and spirit, three distinct parts, but all in one person, God is also, three distinct personalities, but all one God. God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit - We were made in God's image!!

6. What is the scriptural proof that the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit are one?

In Genesis, God didn't say let me make man in my image, no He said let us (plural because God has three distinct parts) make man in our (once again it is plural) image (singular because the three are one). We are made in the image of all three distinct personalities of God...they worked together to create the heavens and the earth and though they are three distinct parts, they are comprised into one God.  

7. Worldly people haven't a clue about things of the Spirit. Why is that?

Because until you are born of the Spirit the things of the Spirit seem foolish to you.  It is only when you have accepted Christ as your Savior and have the Holy Spirit as your teacher that the things of the Spirit start making sense.  It is like listening in an unknown language...without and interpreter, you have no idea what is being said, but once you find someone who knows the language and they translate the words for you, then you can clearly understand and know what is said.

8. Reread the seven kinds of communion with the Holy Spirit. What steps can you take to activate them in your life?

Start spending time with the Lord.  Through prayer, bible reading, singing praise and worship songs, etc. The more time you spend with Him and in His presence the more ways you will start communing with Him.  When we commune with Him, we learn more about Him, and the more we know Him, the more we love Him, and when you love someone you want to spend time with them.  So the cycle will start and someday you will look back over time, and see just how much you have grown in your friendship and relationship with God. He wants to be your best friend, and in all reality He is, even if you have not recognized it, or returned the feelings, His love for you always has and always will be the same.  He loves you and me more than you or I could ever understand!

Good Morning Holy Spirit - Chapter 4

Good Morning Holy Spirit

Chapter 4: Person to Person

1. Are you ready to meet the Holy Spirit personally? How can you do this?

If you do not know that Holy Spirit personally, please take this time to ask Him to come and show you who He is.  You don't have to do anything more but be honest and open and willing to learn all He has to teach you.

2. Just what does "being filled with the Holy Spirit" really mean?

Being filled with the Holy Spirit, is something that happens when we accept Christ as our Savior- Jesus then sends His Spirit (the Holy Spirit) to dwell in us.

"I have been crucified with Christ; it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; 

and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, 

who loved me and gave Himself for me." Galatians 2:19-21

And then there is the infilling of the Holy Spirit which is evidenced as speaking in a heavenly prayer language.  

"And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak with other tongues, 

as the Spirit gave them utterance" 

Acts 2:3-5

But don't stop there...make it a priority to get to know the Holy Spirit personally...He wants to be your friend, companion, teacher, and much more.

3. List the ways in which you could think of the Holy Spirit as a personal friend.

When I think of the Holy Spirit I am filled with a deep love and desire to be with Him always.  He is here for me when I don't have the words to express the way I feel, and He understands.  He always says the right thing, at the right time.  He helps me when I just don't know what decision I should make, and He loves me even though I fail Him often.  He is everything a friend should be and more, He is closer than a brother, loves me more and my mother or father, and never steers me the wrong way. He is the best friend anyone could ever ask for.

4. Where is the Holy Spirit: in heaven or on earth? What is the scriptural basis for you answer?

The Holy Spirit is here on earth!

Jesus Promises Another Helper - John 14:15-18

15 “If you love Me, keep My commandments. 16 And I will pray the Father, and He will give you another Helper, that He may abide with you forever— 17 the Spirit of truth, whom the world cannot receive, because it neither sees Him nor knows Him; but you know Him, for He dwells with you and will be in you. 18 I will not leave you orphans; I will come to you.

5. Explain the Rapture. What is its significance to you?

The rapture is when Jesus Christ returns for His church (those who believe on Him for Salvation).  The significance of the rapture is that someday all believers will be caught up together with Christ...this earth is not our home, and someday soon we will all get to go to heaven, our real home!

6. Why is the Holy Spirit called the Holy Spirit?

The Holy Spirit is the Spirit of God the Father and God the Son. He is Holy, because He is God and God is Holy.  What better name could he have than Holy Spirit - it describes Him perfectly!

7. The Holy Spirit is the one who __________,  who ________ with me.

The Holy Spirit is the one who communes, who fellowships with me.

8. Is it proper to think of the Holy Spirit as the greatest teacher? Why?

Yes, The Holy Spirit is the one who inspired and wrote the entire Bible...who better to teach us about the Word of God than the very author? 

10 But God has revealed them to us through His Spirit. For the Spirit searches all things, yes, the deep things of God.11 For what man knows the things of a man except the spirit of the man which is in him? Even so no one knows the things of God except the Spirit of God. 12 Now we have received, not the spirit of the world, but the Spirit who is from God, that we might know the things that have been freely given to us by God.13 These things we also speak, not in words which man’s wisdom teaches but which the Holy Spirit teaches, comparing spiritual things with spiritual. 1 Corinthians 2:10-13

9. What does the author say is the greatest sin against the Holy Spirit?

Grieving the Holy Spirit - When we deny His power and presence we grieve Him, we step out of God's will. When we do this God's favor and blessings are no longer allowed to come into our lives - God does not take this sin lightly.  It is important to know the Holy Spirit and to follow His leading - to honor Him and give Him all the praise and glory...When we do, we will also bring Honor and glory to God the Father and to Jesus the Son.

Good Morning Holy Spirit - Chapter 3

Good Morning Holy Spirit

Chapter 3: "Tradition, Tradition"

1. What is God's plan of salvation for you?

God's plan of salvation for me and for you start with His only Son, He came and lived a perfect life, then died on the cross, He took the sins, burdens, and sicknesses of the whole world on Himself, and once and for all He paid the price for our redemption.  Because of Jesus' gift, we have the ability to stand before God, to know God personally, and to walk with God daily.  God created each of us for one purpose...to be like Christ.  Once we accept God's gift of salvation, then we start to  learn and grow through spending time in God's Word, and time in His presence, and each day we become more like Jesus.  That is the goal, that is God's desire! 

2. Have you asked Jesus to be the Lord of your life? Have you publically accepted Him as your personal Savior? If so, hallelujah! If not, what is holding you back?

Each one of us, has a need for salvation.  Doing good things, going to church, and trying to be a good person will not save anyone! Our good works are as filthy rags...the only way to be saved is through Jesus.  I remember an old song...

"He paid a debt He did not owe, I owed a debt I could not pay, 

I needed someone to wash my sins away.  

But now I sing a brand new song, Amazing Grace! 

Christ Jesus paid the debt that I could never pay"

3. Have you been ridiculed because of your Christian beliefs? How does your embarrasment or humiliation compare with the sacrifice of Christ on the cross, dying for you?

Yes, I remember times that people who were supposedly friends of mine, would ridicule me and make fun of me because of my beliefs.  I also, have had people choose not to be my friend because they wanted to go and do the things they knew I believed were wrong...so it was easier for them to end the friendship, than deal with the reminder of, the conviction they felt, but were trying to ignore.

4. If your family members reject your Christian beliefs, what can you do? Name three things.

First off, I would pray for them continually...our prayers can accomplish things we could never do.

second, I would make sure to continue to love those family members, despite the mean things they may do to me.

and Third, I would be ready and willing to talk to them about my faith when they are ready.

5. Is there a physical presence of the Holy Spirit that can be seen and felt in addition to a spiritual presence? What would be some signs of that presence?

Yes, the Holy Spirit is very real.  Just as God the Father or Jesus the Son is real, so is the Holy Spirit.  In my life, I've found that the Holy Spirit brings a peace, and healing...when someone spends time with the person of the Holy Spirit, just being around that person, other people feel different; they find themselves suddenly aware of their sin, or their broken heart begins to mend, a person going through a rough time, may find complete peace.  I compare it to the wind...you cannot physically see the wind, but you definitely can see the effects of the wind.  The Holy Spirit is much like that.  Things start happening miraculously, and though you may not see the hands causing these miracles, you know that you have been in the presence of the Holy Spirit.

6. Do you believe the Holy Spirit can heal any affliction?  What is the scriptural proof of this?

Yes, I believe that we are healed by through Christ body, that was broken and bruised for you and me. His sacrifice on the cross not only paid for our sins, but brought healing and restoration to our mind, body and spirit.  We can not only be right with God spiritually, but we can be healed and restored physically and mentally.  

"But He was wounded for our transgressions, He was bruised for our iniquities; The chastisement for our peace was upon Him, And by His stripes we are healed."
Isaiah 53:4-6

"who Himself bore our sins in His own body on the tree, that we, having died to sins, might live for righteousness—by whose stripes you were healed."
1 Peter 2:23-25

Good Morning Holy Spirit - Chapter 2

Good Morning Holy Spirit

Chapter 2 - From Jaffa to the Ends of the Earth

1.Do you talk with the Lord in your prayers as if He was a good friend who stopped by? Practice spontaneous and open prayer right now.

It may seem odd at first, talking out loud to someone you can't see...but I have found that the times when I speak to Jesus as if He is right there, like a friend who came to visit, these are some of the most wonderful times of communion and closeness.  I encourage you to try it!

2. Do you need to suffer for God to take you seriously? Why, or why not?

No! I believe that there are times of suffering, and those times help us to draw on our faith in Jesus, and when we walk through the hard times leaning on Him, we come out stronger than we were before. But even in the good times when we call on the Lord He hears us, and is right there with us.  We should always lean on the Lord and trust Him, and stay in close communion with Him whether in good or bad times.

3. How do you interpret the author's dream about being a prisoner in chains and led down endless stairs?

I believe that the Lord was showing Benny, that he was slowly being pulled and lead down into the evil and darkness of sin.  It was showing Benny that he had a need for a Savior.  

4. In the same dream, what is the symbolism of the angel's appearance and the shackles falling from the author's hands and feet?

The Angel in the dream represented Salvation through Jesus, when we accept this amazing gift, His sacrifice on the cross pays the price for our sins and we are set freed from our chains and burdens and He brings us out of the darkness into His glorious light.  

5. Does God use dreams and visions to send messages to "ordinary" men and women? describe a dream that seemed to carry a message for you.

Absolutely! God has given me many dreams in my lifetime, and though I have not always understood them right away, in God's time He reveals what they mean.  Just this last December God gave me a dream, it would take too long to tell the whole thing, but the gist is this...

All my friends and family were gathered together at my house, and before we had time to realize all of what was going on, I mean by the time we heard, saw, and recognized it for what it really was, a huge bomber dropped two huge missiles on either side of the house.  Everything for miles around was gone, Everyone was in a panic trying to figure out what to do, Flames were lapping the side of the house and coming through the windows...I ran to get my girls out of their beds, and as I returned to the living room I woke up.

At first I focused on the panic, terror and horror of seeing great destruction all around, and living through such a terrible experience, because it was as real as a dream can get...Real!!  But for the next two weeks the Lord faithfully showed me through sermons I heard, scriptures I read, devotionals I read, even songs I heard on the radio, over and over again God showed me that this dream may have been a warning of something terrible coming, but that is not what God wanted me to focus on.  He wanted me to know that no matter the terror, or the fear, He is here, protecting us.  Not even huge missiles landing right outside our house can get through God's covering of protection.  I believe this dream is more a promise of protection from whatever may come, than a warning of things to come, and I am so thankful that God loves me enough to give me this promise personally, not just for me but for my friends and family as well. Thank you Jesus! You are so Good!!

Good Morning Holy Spirit - Chapter 1

Good Morning Holy Spirit

Chapter 1: "Can I Really Know You?"

1. Has the Holy spirit been a distant third person of the Trinity to you? What must you do to bring Him into your life?

No! As I've grown in my walk with the Lord, each day the Holy Spirit is here with me, teaching me, leading and guiding me.  I've had dreams and visions, and I've had him speak clearly to me.  He is so gentle and kind, patient and loving, His presence is so wonderful! I am thankful everyday for my closest friend.  The truth is, the Holy Spirit is with me, and fills me, He knows my thoughts, my hopes and dream, and He knows all the bad things, just as He knows all the good things about me.  But He loves me anyways!  I love spending time in His presence, and learning more and more each day!

If you do not have a personal and daily relationship with the Holy Spirit, all you have to do is accept the gift of salvation through Jesus' gift on the cross, and then confess your a sinner and ask the Holy Spirit to come, teach, lead, guide, and fill you, He will come if you invite Him!

2. What do people filled with the Holy Spirit look like? Are they somehow different? How would you recognize them?

I believe that some people who are filled with the Holy Spirit may at times have a glow like Benny Hinn describes in this chapter, but more often than not, they look normal on the outside, but you will find that they are peaceful, they have wisdom, they have power in their prayers, and they consider God their best friend...these people stand out because of the fruit of the spirit permeating their life.

3.Have you ever witnessed a healing, or other miracle, attributed to the Holy Spirit? What is your definition of a miracle?

A miracle is when something that is physically and scientifically impossible, becomes possible.  Examples of this include, physical healing, financial provisions, sometimes it even can be something like a change in the weather.  I have seen the Holy Spirit change the weather because of a prayer of faith, I've seen God provide when there was just no other way, and I've seen Him heal people...the husband of a dear friend at church, was on his death bed just a few weeks ago, with the doctors giving him no hope to live, but God had other plans, and the doctors and nurses are now calling him Lazarus Man.  

The dead walk, the bind see, the deaf hear...So amazing!!

4. What is the mission of the Holy Spirit among us?

I believe the mission of the Holy Spirit is to lead and guide us, and comfort and protect us, as He is teaching us to be like Jesus!

5. If you want the Bible to come alive for you, what must you do?

If you want the Bible to come alive, you must ask the Holy Spirit to be your teacher...He will open your eyes to see things you've never seen before.  You may have read the Bible in it's entirety, but if the Holy Spirit was not teaching you and guiding you, you missed a lot! As you read with the Holy Spirit as your guide, the scriptures suddenly leap off the page and you find yourself with a deeper understanding of what God is saying in His Word.

Good Morning Holy Spirit - Benny Hinn

John 14:15-18

“If you love Me, keep My commandments. 

And I will pray the Father, and He will give you another Helper, that He may abide with you forever— 

the Spirit of truth, whom the world cannot receive, because it neither sees Him nor knows Him; but you know Him, for He dwells with you and will be in you. 

I will not leave you orphans; I will come to you."

Jesus gave us this promise, a promise of a Helper, who will abide with us forever.  I am so thankful for this gift, and so I am very excited to start a study on this very topic, 

next month.  What better way to get to know the person of the Holy Spirit, than by spending time with Him daily.  My hope and prayer is that as we study this great book, "Good Morning Holy Spirit" written by Benny Hinn, we will all grow closer in a daily walk with the ultimate Helper, Counselor, and Teacher - God's Holy Spirit!

Please grab a copy of this book and join me!

Kayla