Speak the Word of God that Breaks the Bondage

Speak the words that break the power of the control of darkness that has endeavored to bind you to be broken.  Loose the spirit of darkness that can be evicted by the blood of Christ, and the name of the Lord Jesus, and by the power of the Word of God, that will free you from your bondage.

Heavenly Father, I choose today, to submit myself to the Lordship of Christ. I choose today, to posses Your life, just as Jesus possessed Your life.  I choose to submit my mind, my will and emotions to You.  I submit my heart, attitude and desires, to You.  I choose today, to pursue and possess the freedom from bondage and harassment that Jesus died to provide.

I choose to turn loose of the sins, the habits and addictions that so easily entangle me.  I repent and renounce my involvement in participation to every sin that has given Satan and his kingdom jurisdiction in my life.  I choose today through my submission to Jesus as Lord, for every spirit of darkness that seeks to influence and control my life, to be gone.  I speak the name of Jesus into my inner most being, into my will, my mind, my emotions.  I speak the name of Jesus into my entire body, which is the temple of God's Holy Spirit.  I speak the name of Jesus against every spirit of darkness that would attempt to hide inside of me and I declare, be gone, go, do not stay, you have no right to remain.  I order you to leave now.  I choose Jesus to be Lord of my life from this moment forward.

Father,  I speak to every spirit not of Your Kingdom.  Every spirit not of God, seeking to inhabit or harass anyone who is born again and under the Lordship of Christ.   Identify the spirit and say, "Be gone."  Any spirit of darkness, any spirit not of God, any spirit seeking to influence, indwell or rest upon any believer that has been cleansed by the blood of Christ and is under the Lordship of  Christ and we have chosen his Lordship, we speak to you spirit of darkness  and we say go now, leave now, in Jesus' name we command you to leave.

Father, I pray upon these people the life, and the power, and the dominion of Your Word.  I pray that they would begin to fill themselves with Your Word.  That they would begin to memorize the scripture and place those scriptures in their heart.  I pray that the scriptures that pertain to Your Peace, Your Joy, Your Love and Your Life, would begin to fill them.  I pray that each person would begin to fill themselves with Your Praise and Worship.   I pray that if anything or anyone that is still seeking to hang onto them, any slug, any slime, any grime or any junk, that it would be crowded out as they fill themselves with Your Word.  Any slug, any slime, any grime or any junk, I pray now, that it would be crowded out through our praise, through our worship, through our prayer.  We pray that these things  would be crowded out, that they would have no place.  That the power of darkness would be broken.

Father, when temptation comes, I pray, that they would be readily resistant.  They would surrender to Your Word.   They would use Your Word as Jesus did, as He said,  "It is written!", they  would speak it, "It is written!", let it be so.   And Father, if they fail there, if they mess up, and they blow and they end up in oppression, I pray, right there that they would draw a line and say, "That is it, and say that I am not going any further.  I break this darkness I repent of this sin, I renounce that sin, I cancel that influence over me and my participation in it and I want it broken."

Father, if there are people that allow things to go to the infestation level,  where they are just half out of control and just not functioning, and just going through the motions, and they have lost their Joy and their Peace in their life.  I pray that they would stop and not go another step without recognizing what is taking place and they would turn around and they would place their faith in Christ as their deliver to break the power that is there.  And Father, I pray that no one would go to the 4th level.   If they do, I pray, that they would clearly understand that they have one hope and that is Jesus, it is nothing else, it's Jesus.

Father, for the people, I pray, that the power of darkness, the influence of darkness, the manipulation of darkness, the subduction of darkness, and the control of darkness that has endeavored to bind them in any area in their life would be loosed.  I pray, that those chains would be broken.  That those spirits of darkness would be evicted by the blood of the Cross, and the name of the Lord Jesus, and the power of the Word of God, and that they would be freed.

Father, let freedom manifest to all.  Yes, Lord, we choose Your life,  we choose Your life,  we choose Your life.  To God be the Glory, to God be the Glory.

As you prayed with me, you might have felt something leave and you may not have felt anything.  But, you have just prayed a prayer that you have said, "Jesus You are King and You sovereign and You are Monarch of my life.  If you know there is something that you struggle with, I would continue to give that command.  Say, "You will not stay, addiction you will not stay, you will not stay! " I will not be mastered by you, you will leave."  You need to continue to declare continue that.  You need to continue to speak the Blood of the Cross. by the name of Jesus and the Word over that area of your life.  You just need to continue to do that till that area is broken.  The power of Christ' Blood will force out the stuff that will be there.

You will be tested, but remind the enemy that you are going to stand in the Lordship of Christ.  That you are going to stand in the Power of the Word.  That you are going to stand with confidence in the Blood of Christ and you are going to make it.  There may be some battles, you may get knocked down, but the important thing is that you get back up, hit him twice.  Tell the enemy that you are not going to put up with this, this is not normal.  Say the words, " I want to move in the realm of normal where the Holy Spirit is controlling me." Amen.   Father, I bless these people to enjoy Your life and to enjoy You,  just as You enjoy them.  In Jesus' name let it be so.  Amen.  Thank You Father. 

~Bits and Pieces of the sermon Overcoming Opposition to God's Plan for Your Life by Milton Hubbard

El Shaddai/God Almighty

We all want a place to go when we’re stressed or sad, tired or lonely, fearful or tempted, disappointed or discouraged - a place where we can unload our burdens and get some relief. When we feel insecure and inadequate we need a refuge - a shelter. We need a retreat. Prayer can transport us to such a place!

Consider the words used to describe the place of refuge provided by God in this great 91st Psalm.

The first word is "shelter" in verse one. This literally means "a hiding place - to cover, to hide covertly or secretly". The King James translates the Hebrew words here "secret place".

These same Hebrew words are translated "hiding place" in Psalm 32:7 - "You are my hiding place: you will protect me from trouble and surround me with songs of deliverance."

God is also called our "refuge" in verses two and nine. This Hebrew word literally means "hope, place of refuge, shelter, or trust."

The Psalmist also uses the word "dwelling" in verse nine to describe a close relationship with God.

The previous Psalm written by Moses uses the same characterization - "LORD, YOU have been our DWELLING PLACE throughout all generations."

What’s so special about making God your DWELLING?

Just look at the blessings of dwelling in God’s presence in Psalm 91. Each one of them in itself is outstanding but when you put them all together it’s almost overwhelmingly unbelievable!

Indulge the alliteration with this bird’s eye view of what this Psalm says DWELLING in God’s presence offers us:

V. 1 - REST in God’s shadow.

V. 2,4 - REFUGE in God’s fortress.

V. 3 - REDEMPTION from temptation.

V. 5-6 - RELIANCE upon His promises.

V. 7-8 - RETRIBUTION upon the enemy.

V. 9-10 - RESORT from wrath.

V. 11-12 - REINFORCEMENT from angels.

V. 13-14 - RESCUE from danger.

V. 15 - REQUESTS answered.

V. 16 - RESILIENCE promised.

The 15th verse will be the focus of our consideration today - "He will call upon me, and I will answer him; I will be with him in trouble, I will deliver him and honor him."

"IF we make the Most High our DWELLING" (V.9) we can claim the promise of God answering our prayers when we’re in trouble. (V. 15) We then have a way to get away from it all.

Prayer in this context is more than just a problem-solving tool. Prayer becomes a WAY OF LIFE.

Our dwelling is where we live - we’re not just an occasional guest. Likewise, our relationship with God should not consist of only an occasional visit. Especially if that visit is solely for the purpose of helping us out of trouble.

Jesus reinforced this insight when he said, "If you remain in me and my words remain in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be given you." (John 15:7)

It would be easy for us to zero in on the last part of Christ’s statement and fail to grasp the significance of the first part. We relish the "ask whatever you wish, and it will be given you" part of Christ’s promise. But we’re often unmindful of the condition: if we’re going to ask so that God answers our prayers, we must "remain" in Christ and His words must "remain" in us.

We know the devil is behind a plot to muddle this truth because he quoted verses eleven and twelve of the 91st Psalm when he tempted Jesus in the wilderness.

"If you are the Son of God," he said, "throw yourself down. For it is written:’He will command his angels concerning you, and they will lift you up in their hands, so that you will not strike your foot against a stone.’" (Matthew 4:6)

Satan had these verses of the Bible memorized but he wasn’t dwelling in God’s presence so he purposely twisted the Word of God. Satan was the first spin-doctor. He’s been involved in that kind of activity since the Garden of Eden.

Jesus on the other hand was always in the presence of the Father. He wasn’t the least bit fooled by Satan’s distorted view of scripture. Jesus knew that prayer was not a lucky rabbit’s foot or four-leaf clover that you carried in your hip pocket. God isn’t a genie in a bottle that you rub and get three wishes from when you want them.

TALKING to God is much more effective when we’ve been WALKING with God.  We need to seek His face, not just His hand.

That’s why we need to constantly nurture our friendship with God. Friendship is a two-way street. God is the initiator but we’re given an opportunity to reciprocate.

If we come to God ONLY when we’re in trouble and not on a daily basis - what kind of friendship is that? That’s a one-way street kind of friendship. We’re just using God.

On the other hand, when we have a lifestyle of continually walking and talking with God, like we do our other friends, we can call on Him and He will answer.

But be forewarned - He may call on us too!

Psalm 50:15 puts it this way, "and call upon me in the day of trouble; I will deliver you, AND YOU WILL HONOR ME."

God wants us to honor Him when He answers our prayers. When He delivers us He expects some sort of appreciation. Isn’t that just good manners? Don’t we at least say thanks to our other friends when they help us?

Our Father in heaven isn’t asking us to do something He doesn’t do. God certainly honors those who participate in a friendship relationship with Him. The last part of our text verse reinforces this principle.

"He will call upon me, and I will answer him; I will be with him in trouble, I will deliver him AND HONOR HIM." (Psalm 91:15)

Can you imagine that? God honoring us? That’s precisely what He says He will do for those who make Him their dwelling.

The Hebrew word for "honor" literally means "to make heavy."

Here’s what happens. We go to God with a heavy load of  burdens and we leave with a heavy load of blessings! That’s how God honors us. He doesn’t stop at delivering us from our difficulties - He goes on to make us heavy with blessings!

Why wouldn’t we want to honor Him in return? Psalm 91 is not just a song of confidence that God will provide a place for us to get away from it all. It is also a song of thanksgiving and adoration.

~Bits and Pieces of the sermon by Brian Atwood

"O thou who has given us so much, mercifully grant us one thing more - a grateful heart." - George Herbert 

Spiritual Lethargy, God is Ready to Break Through!

I will go before you and will level the mountains; I will break down gates of bronze and cut through bars of iron. 3 I will give you the treasures of darkness, riches stored in secret places, so that you may know that I am the LORD, the God of Israel, who summons you by name. 4 For the sake of Jacob my servant, of Israel my chosen, I summon you by name and bestow on you a title of honor, though you do not acknowledge me. 5 I am the LORD, and there is no other; apart from me there is no God. I will strengthen you, though you have not acknowledged me, 6 so that from the rising of the sun to the place of its setting men may know there is none besides me. I am the LORD, and there is no other. (Isaiah 45:2-6)

IT’S TIME FOR A BREAKTHROUGH!

There are seasons during our walk with Jesus that we must pause and say, “Jesus have your way, break through my resistance, cleanse me from dead works!

Let me say that God is ready to break through to your spirit, He is ready to break through your spiritual filtering systems, and He is ready to break through and cleanse you from works that do not account for the life of God.

We should pray - “Lord, …...BREAK THROUGH TO MY SPIRIT

To those who have had spiritual dryness, God is ready to break through!

Remember He has always been ready to do this!

Here I am! I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in and eat with him, and he with me. (Revelations 3:20)

He stands at the door – He is always there ready to be invited into our lives and give us a spiritual refreshing.

Remember the call that comes with spiritual refreshing – the call to obedience. Obeying God is the only way to maintain a fresh spiritual life!

To those who have been in spiritual denial – Meaning they know God has more for them, but they didn’t feel worthy, or didn’t feel as though spiritual life was within their reach – Let Jesus in and allow Him to have mastery over your life!

Satan is the one who says you are not worthy!   He is a liar, and the father of lies!   He will do anything to keep you from enjoying the great things of God!

We have been trained by many teachings that have confused us regarding what we are to expect from God!  Poor teaching got us into thinking that we are only able to obtain certain levels of faith to receive the blessings of God.

He still stood at the door and knocked!

Poor teaching got us to believe that only certain people really enjoy the blessings of God – only those who had the anointing could enjoy the blessings!

He still stood at the door and knocked!

Poor teaching got us to think that we could have everything material, health, and wisdom!

He still stood at the door and knocked!

While all of the folly in the kingdom went on, people were seeking things that were not good for them to seek, and passions were raging over things while controversies grew.

He still stood at the door and knocked!

For those who need a spiritual break through – Jesus is still waiting at the door, knocking until we invite Him in!

Listen to the wording – “I will sup with them and they will sup with me!” - Meaning – highest form of fellowship!

We should pray, “Lord,…….BREAK THROUGH AND CLEANSE ME FROM DEAD WORKS

Dead works defined – Deeds done by the power of man, with the intention to help God get His vision carried out.

Supposing to live the witness and not really communicate the witness.  For many witnessing for Christ it is very traumatic because it is where your faith and your actions meet!  It is when you actually witness for Christ that you are held accountable.  It is when you witness for Christ that you question your ability to actually bring a person to the point of a decision for Christ.

Dead works are all around us – and we can latch on to things that are really not who we are - as a result we have people who want to appear acceptable, but are not mature in the faith enough to naturally walk in these things!

Not only that, but we can try to perform according to other people’s ideas of who we are supposed to be!

God breakthrough my dead works so that I can be who I am in Christ, and so I can function out of love for God, out of faith in Christ – and not perform anything from a human perspective!

Then we should pray, “Lord,…..BREAK THROUGH AND HEAL ME

There are many broken people in the kingdom!  Broken because of relationships, broken because of working in the world, broken because of sickness!

We can too easily buy into the notion that we are supposed to be broken!

Satan lies to us that we are supposed to have a mind that is distorted because of brokenness!

The church tells us to “Hang in there”.

We feel guilty because we think the situation we find ourselves in is a result of our sinful behavior – and while that may be true – we must get hold of the Lord who readily forgives!

Lord, break through my brokenness! Get me out of the cycle of spiritual lethargy, get me out of the cycle of dead works, and get me out of the cycle of brokenness!

Lord come into my spirit, change my perspectives, heal my brokenness!

Give me a breakthrough! 

~Bits and Pieces of the Sermon, It's time for a Breakthrough! by Russ Ritkowski

"God, I praise you because you are the LORD, and there is no other; apart from you there is no God. . . ." (Isaiah 45:5).

Elohim/God the Creator

This first name for God is used more than 2,500 times in the Bible, 32 times in the first chapter of Genesis alone.

“In the beginning Elohim created the heavens and the earth. Now the earth was formless and empty, darkness was over the surface of the deep, and the Spirit of Elohim was hovering over the waters. And Elohim said, ‘Let there be light,’ and there was light. Elohim saw that the light was good, and he separated the light from the darkness. Elohim called the light ‘day,’ and the darkness he called ‘night.’”

Elohim is Eternal (Genesis 1:1a).  Did you notice that Genesis 1:1 is a simple declaration of Elohim exists, and does not provide an explanation for His existence?  This is a declaration that God has always been; He’s had no beginning and He will have no end. This is stated strongly in Deuteronomy 33:27: “The eternal God is your refuge, and underneath are the everlasting arms.”

Creationism is Correct (Genesis 1:1b). Because God alone is eternal; that which is created is not. Look at the last part of Genesis 1:1: “…created the heavens and the earth.” The Hebrew word for “create” means “to create out of nothing.” Elohim brings design out of disorder; He created the cosmos out of chaos; He birthed beauty out of barrenness, and He continues to do the same in lives today.

It is no accident that the first thing God wanted us to know about Himself is that He is the Creator. The whole revelation of Scripture is rooted in this fact, from Genesis to the Book of Revelation.   

Genesis 1:

“So God made the expanse…” (7)

“…He also made the stars.” (16)

“So God created the great creatures of the sea…” (21)

“God made the wild animals…” (25)

“God saw all that He had made and it was very good…” (31)

Psalm 95:6: “Come, let us bow down in worship, let us kneel before the Lord our Maker…”

Psalm 121:2: “My help comes from the Lord, the Maker of heaven and earth.”

Ecclesiastes 12:1: “Remember your Creator in the days of your youth…”

Isaiah 45:9: “Woe to him who quarrels with his Maker…”

Acts 17:24: “The God who made the world and everything in it is the Lord of heaven and earth and does not live in temples built by hands.”

Revelation 4:11: “You are worthy, our Lord and God, to receive glory and honor and power, for you created all things, and by your will they were created and have their being.”

Psalm 19:1 says, “The heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of his hands.” His fingerprints are everywhere. The earth is marked, if you will, by a sign that declares in bold letters: Made by God.

Romans 1:21 states that the evidence for Elohim’s creative power is clearly evident: “For since the creation of the world God’s invisible qualities-his eternal power and divine nature-have been clearly seen, being understood from what has been made, so that men are without excuse.” If you’re willing to look, you will see. And because He is the Creator, He is greater than that which He has created.

That means you can trust Him because there is nothing in your life that is greater than He is. He can solve whatever problem you have, if you will but trust Him by faith. Hebrews 11:6: “And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him.”

The Trinity is True (Genesis 1:26-27). The third application from the name Elohim is actually an allusion to the Trinity. The “im” ending of Ehohim is a plural suffix. This is similar to cherub becoming cherubim, and the plural of seraph being seraphim.

Here’s the cool part. Although the name Elohim is plural, it is often treated as a singular noun. Look at Genesis 1:26-27: “Then God [Elohim, plural] said [singular], ‘Let us [plural] make man in our [plural] image, in our [plural] likeness, and let them rule over the fish of the sea and the birds of the air, over the livestock, over all the earth, and over all the creatures that move along the ground.’ So God [Elohim, plural] created man in his [singular] own image, in the image of God [Elohim, plural] he [singular] created him; male and female he [singular] created them.” 

God, who is eternal in nature, has always existed in three persons.  This concept is found throughout Scripture:

At the baptism of Jesus, we see God the Father, God the Son and God the Holy Spirit (see Matthew 3:16-17).

When Jesus gave the Great Commission to the church, He called on all three members of the Trinity in Matthew 28:19: “Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit.”

Baptism is to be in the name [singular] of three persons [plural]. One of the clearest passages is found in 2 Corinthians 13:14: “May the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with you all.”

The name Elohim establishes that God exists, that He is the Creator, and that He is three-in-one.  God the Father sent the Son to save us from our sins and now the Holy Spirit has sealed our salvation. The Trinity makes redemption possible. 

I am so grateful that Elohim continues to recreate today. He loves to forgive. He loves to wipe away guilt and shame. And today, He can give you a fresh start if you will turn to Him in faith. Claim the promise of 2 Corinthians 5:17: “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come!”

"Creator God, I praise you because you made the heavens, even the highest heavens, and all their starry host, the earth and all that is on it, the seas and all that is in them. You give life to everything, and the multitudes of heaven worship you'. . . . " (Nehemiah 9:6).

~Bits and Pieces of the sermon by Brian Bill

Binding and Loosing in the Spiritual Realm

I found this article, which I had saved at one point in time, and wanted to share it with you. I'm not sure who wrote it, but I must have saved it while studying about binding and loosing while in the "Cleansing the Church" ministry program.

Matthew 18:18-20
18 Verily I say unto you, Whatsoever ye shall bind on earth shall be bound in heaven: and whatsoever ye shall loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven.
19 Again I say unto you, That if two of you shall agree on earth as touching any thing that they shall ask, it shall be done for them of my Father which is in heaven.
20 For where two or three are gathered together in my name, there am I in the midst of them.

A very powerful scripture to use for 1) Releasing yourself from any unforgiveness or bitterness, 2) Renunciation of any form of the occult, 3) Breaking ungodly soul ties (by name for best effects) and 4) Confession of your own sins and ancestral sins of the forefathers.

When Paul wrote letters, what did he do first? He said, “grace and peace to you.” Why? Because they needed grace and peace to read those letters. They needed it in their daily lives, didn’t they? He said, “I pray that you will have a spirit of understanding of what the will of God is.” He was sending spirits. Read his epistles again. It’s amazing. It’s in there. They used it just routinely. So what happened? The whole world exploded before them as they went. They went like huge bombs blowing apart whole cities. One small party would hit a large city like Ephesus, and it would go into an uproar. In a matter of days, the whole city would be in an uproar. You can have a meeting in a big metropolitan area now and most of the people never know you’ve been there. There is no uproar, hmm? But you know why? Because they went binding and loosing. They went armed with this knowledge and understanding that God is bringing back into the church in full force, and that which has been seen dimly, if at all in the past, is coming into bold relief. It says, “whatever you bind on earth shall be bound in heaven and whatever you loose on earth will be loosed in heaven.”

Those are positive promises. You can loose spirits into yourself. Your binding and loosing is a tremendous weapon that God has put within our grasp. Go back to Matthew 18 again and let me call attention to something else. The 18th verse talks about binding evil spirits and loosing the spirits of God. The 19th verse is tied right to it. “Again I say, if any two of you…” Which two? The two that have been binding and loosing. This promise is not for everyone. It’s for those who are binding and loosing. “If any two of you shall agree on earth as touching anything they shall ask it shall be done of them by my Father which is in Heaven.” See why some people haven’t been able to cash this check? They had nothing in the account. If you are a binder and a looser, you get to claim this. Verse 20 is also tied into the same verse, “for where two or three who are binding and loosing are gathered together in my Name there I am in the midst of them.” Now am I twisting the scriptures? Or is that what it really says? I don’t think you can separate those three verses. The three verses are talking about the same crew. If two of you, whatever you bind on earth shall be bound on heaven, whatever you loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven, if two of you who are binding and loosing shall agree touching any thing that they shall ask, it shall be done of them by my Father. It’s good to get with binding and loosing folks if you want to learn more about binding and loosing.

All of a sudden verse 18 and Matthew 18 begin to take on a new significance. “Whatsoever you shall bind on earth shall be bound in heaven.” Now I like that one and we’ve been using that. Basically all that verse means is whatever you bind on earth, I’m down here on earth -- in the Name of Jesus I bind the spirit of lust in me, in somebody else or across the country, or in the heavenlies. See angels can travel in any direction. One reason they were made spirits -- they can go down inside of you where the trouble is. Isn’t that nice. You go to a deliverance preacher or a deliverance worker and they can’t reach down your throat and pull the demon out by his heels, but an angel can go down there and get them. Aren’t you glad? You say, “yeah, you have an awfully big hand there.” You may feel like somebody has reached down your throat when they start coming out, but the angels of the Lord can do what we cannot do. That’s not the only reason God made them spirits, but that’s one reason They go down inside where the spiritual problems exist.

Now, look at the second part of it, “whatsoever you shall loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven.” I’m down here on earth again, still here, haven’t gone anyplace. Whatever I loose on earth – “Father, in Jesus’ Name, I want You to loose some angels, some spirits of God up there to go and minister to John over there. I want to send some spirits of encouragement, some spirits of consolation, some spirits of joy, some spirits of peace, send them to him now in Jesus’ Name, to help him out.” Whatever I ask on earth, whatever I shall loose on earth shall be loosed where? In heaven. I say, “Father, would You loose those angels,” and heaven says, “approved.” See it comes through the right channels. You go to the Father in Jesus’ Name and He releases those angels immediately to do it. Now they can go to China as quickly as they can go right here. You have to understand that time does not bind them. The space problem doesn’t exist for them. Quicker than you can think, they’re on the job doing what you requested in Jesus’ Name. It’s part of the believer’s inheritance to be able to bind evil spirits and to loose the spirits of God.

Those are positive promises. You can loose spirits into yourself. You can bind spirits in yourself. You can reach out and loose and bind spirits in other people. You can reach across the country. You can ask the angels to go and minister for you. Ministry covers a great deal of territory. You can send ministering angels ahead of you to that interview. You can send ministering angels to take care of a difficult situation that you’re facing, to create favor with you with the people that you need favor with. Will this solve all your problems? No, but it’s certainly worth trying. It doesn’t cost anything, does it? It’s been paid for. You’re only out the praying if it doesn’t work, but what’s happening if it works. You’re way ahead, and you’re going to find out that this will work if you combine it with intelligent prayer and Bible study so that God can guide you into the places. He’ll throw you in the forefront of the battle, and as you bind and loose, and as you send the spirits of God to others, to bless them, to encourage them, the spirit of adoption, to draw people to Christ.

My encouragement to you is to keep on binding and keep on loosing. It does an incredible amount of damage to the spirit world. There is no way we can even gauge the deadly inroads made by our being obedient and binding evil spirits and loosing the spirits of God. ~Author Unknown

Books for deeper study:

Binding and Loosing

Liberty Savard

The Deliverance Manual by Gene and Earline Moody

Note: Agreeing - Binding - Loosing

First, we are to agree on earth to overcome the forces of evil.

Second, we are to bind the forces of evil here on earth. God will then bind the forces of evil in Heaven that affect us here on earth.

Third, we are to loose the forces of evil here on earth. God will then loose the forces of evil in Heaven that affect us here on earth.

PRAYER:  Heavenly Father, I bow in worship and praise before you.  I cover myself with the Blood of the Lord Jesus Christ as my protection.  I surrender myself completely and unreservedly in every area of my life to you.  I take a stand against all the workings of Satan that would hinder me in my prayer life.  I address myself only to the true and living God and refuse any involvement of Satan in my prayer.  Satan, I command you, in the Name of the Lord Jesus Christ, to leave my presence with all your demons.  I bring the Blood of the Lord Jesus Christ between us.  I resist all the endeavors of Satan and his wicked spirits to rob me of the will of God.  I choose to be transformed by the renewing of my mind.  I pull down the strongholds of Satan.

Jesus, I forgive my ancestors and descendants and anyone else that has sinned against me, and I ask you to forgive and bless them with all spiritual blessings. Forgive me for my many sins and I forgive myself for sins against my body.  I break all curses, charms, spells, jinxes, psychic powers, hexes, vexes and demonic ties that bind.  I break all soul ties caused by witchcraft, sorcery, bewitchment or sexual sins.  Lord Jesus, restore my fragmented soul: mind, will and emotions; send your angels out to recover anything that was stolen from me. Stir up the demons in my subconscious mind so that they can be identified and cast out. I now take authority over Satan and all the forces of evil according to the whole Word of God and command that you obey it.  In the Name of Jesus Christ: My Lord, Master and Savior, I ask these things. Amen."

Deliverance From Satan and His Demonic Forces

If the person for whom you are interceding has not confessed Jesus as Savior and Lord, pray specifically for his/her salvation if you have not already done so. Stand and thank the Father that it is done in the name of Jesus.  Then pray:   

Father, in the name of Jesus, I come boldly to Your throne of grace and present ___________ before You. I stand in the gap and intercede in behalf of ___________, knowing that the Holy Spirit within me takes hold together with me against the evils that would attempt to hold ____________ in bondage. I unwrap ___________ from the bonds of wickedness with my prayers and take my shield of faith and quench every fiery dart of the adversary that would come against ___________.

   

Father, You say that whatever I bind on earth is bound in heaven, and whatever I loose on earth is loosed in heaven. You say for me to cast out demons in the name of Jesus.

So I speak to you, Satan, and to the principalities, the powers, the rulers of the darkness and spiritual wickedness in high places and the demonic spirits of_____________________________(names of spirits) assigned to __________. I take authority over you and bind you away from __________ in the mighty name of Jesus. You loose __________ and let him/her go free in the name of Jesus. I demand that you desist in your maneuvers now. Satan, you are a spoiled and defeated foe.

Ministering spirits of God, you go forth in the name of Jesus and provide the necessary help to and assistance for __________.

Father, I have laid hold of __________’s salvation and his/her confession of the Lordship of Jesus Christ. I speak of things that are not as though they were, for I choose to look at the unseen — the eternal things of God. I say that Satan shall not get an advantage over __________, for I am not ignorant of Satan’s devices. I resist Satan, and he has run in terror from __________ in the name of Jesus. I give Satan no place in __________. I plead the blood of the Lamb over __________, for Satan and his cohorts are overcome by that blood and Your Word. I thank You, Father, that I tread on serpents and scorpions and over all the power of the enemy in __________’s behalf. __________ is delivered from this present evil world. He/she is delivered from the powers of darkness and translated into the Kingdom of Your dear Son!

Father, I ask You now to fill those vacant places within __________ with Your redemption, Your Word, Your Holy Spirit, Your love, Your wisdom, Your righteousness and Your revelation knowledge in the name of Jesus.

I thank You, Father, that __________ is redeemed out of the hand of Satan by the blood of Jesus. He/she is justified and made righteous by the blood of Jesus and belongs to You — spirit, soul and body. I thank You that every enslaving yoke is broken, for he/she will not become the slave of anything or be brought under its power in the name of Jesus. __________ has escaped the snare of the devil who has held him/her captive and henceforth does Your will, Father, which is to glorify You in his/her spirit, soul and body.

Thank You, Father, that Jesus was manifested that He might destroy the works of the devil. Satan’s works are destroyed in __________’s life in the name of Jesus. Hallelujah! __________ walks in the Kingdom of God, which is righteousness, peace and joy in the Holy Spirit! Praise the Lord! Amen.

Once this prayer has been prayed, thank the Father that Satan and his cohorts are bound. Stand firm, fixed, immovable and steadfast on your confessions of faith as you intercede on this person’s behalf, for greater is he that is in you, than he that is in the world (1 John 4:4).

Scripture References:
    Hebrews 4:16    2 Corinthians 2:11
    Ezekiel 22:30    James 4:7
    Romans 8:26    Ephesians 4:27
    Isaiah 58:6    Revelation 12:11
    Ephesians 6:16    Luke 10:19
    Matthew 18:18    Galatians 1:4
    Mark 16:17    Colossians 1:13
    Ephesians 6:12    Matthew 12:43-45
    Colossians 2:15    1 Corinthians 6:12
    Matthew 12:29    2 Timothy 2:26
    Hebrews 1:14    1 John 3:8
    Romans 4:17    Romans 14:17
    2 Corinthians 4:18

2014 Word Ministries, Inc.

Thankful for Provision

The 23rd Psalm, is perhaps one of the best loved passages in the Bible. We often read it in times of stress or sorrow. But I would like you to see it in a slightly different way.

The 23rd Psalm begins with these familiar words, "The Lord is my Shepherd, I shall not be in want."

We can be thankful because in this life the Good Shepherd gives us all we need.

Frequently in the Bible human beings are compared to sheep. Now that sounds nice, but surely you realize that is not necessarily a compliment, because sheep are among the dumbest and dirtiest animals in the world.

Unless their shepherd makes them move on, sheep will actually ruin a pasture, eating every blade of grass, until finally a fertile pasture is nothing but barren soil.

Sheep are near sighted and very stubborn, but easily frightened. An entire flock can be stampeded by a jack rabbit.

They have little means of defense. They’re timid, feeble creatures. Their only recourse is to run if no shepherd is there to protect them.

Sheep have no homing instincts. A dog, horse, cat, or a bird can find its way home, but when a sheep gets lost, it’s a goner unless someone rescues it.

So one over riding principle of the 23rd Psalm is that sheep can’t make it without a shepherd. And the only reason that David could say, "I shall not be in want," is because David could first say, "The Lord is my Shepherd."

Obviously, God wants us to be a happy, satisfied people. We shouldn’t be restless and jealous, always chafing about what we don’t have. There should be a spirit of thankfulness in us that brands us as belonging to Him.

So when Isaiah says, "We all, like sheep, have gone astray" (Isaiah 53:6), he is not saying "That’s good." He’s saying, "That’s bad, because we’re just about on a level with sheep."

When Jesus looked out on the people with compassion, the Gospel writers say that He saw them "like sheep without a shepherd" (Matthew 9:36). That’s not a compliment, either, but a concern, because sheep are so helpless when they’re all alone.

Now let’s look at what David says the Good Shepherd does for his sheep, (vs. 2) tells us that "He makes me lie down in green pastures." The good shepherd leads his sheep to a lush pasture where they have plenty to eat & their stomachs are soon full.

Here, then, is a picture of a sheep so completely satisfied that there isn’t the least desire for anything more. He’s so content he lies down in green pastures.

The Lord has provided us with plenty, too. There are few of us who ever go hungry. In fact, we have so much to eat that dieting is a constant discipline or, maybe more accurately, a constant discussion.

But did you notice the wording? David said, "He makes me lie down." Sheep sometimes have to be forced to lie down.

But God makes us lie down once in a while, doesn’t he? We rush about, trying to meet this engagement and fulfill that obligation. And in our hurry and scurry we tend to miss the things that are most important.

So once in a while God has to say, "You need to lie down," by allowing an illness, or heartbreak, to make us stop and reevaluate our priorities.

David then says, "He leads me beside quiet waters." (vs. 2) Sheep are frightened of swiftly moving water. They’re poor swimmers, and get bogged down with their heavy wool just as we would if we tried to swim wearing wool overcoats.

So when the shepherd comes to a flowing stream, he doesn’t try to force the sheep to drink. Instead, a good shepherd builds a dam and makes a quiet little pool where his sheep can drink from still waters.

God knows our weaknesses. He leads us by quiet waters. He promises to protect us from the temptations that we can’t handle. He never forces us into situations with which we cannot cope.

"Surely when the mighty waters rise, they will not reach me. You are my hiding place, you will protect me from trouble & surround me with songs of deliverance" (Psalms 32:6 7).

"He restores my soul" (vs. 3) A lost sheep cannot find its way home, so the shepherd has to restore the stray or it is lost forever.

“For you were like sheep going astray, but now you have returned to the Shepherd and Overseer of your souls" (1 Peter 2:24 25).

David continues on in Psalm 23:3, "He guides me in paths of righteousness for His name’s sake." A careless shepherd might lead his sheep over steep and dangerous paths where they could fall. But a caring shepherd leads his sheep over paths that are safe.

The Bible clearly teaches that there are two paths we can take. One leads to destruction, and Satan tries to lead us along that path. It is such a broad and smooth road. It often seems like the logical way to go.

The other is the path of righteousness that leads to the glory that God is preparing for us. Sometimes this way is narrow, difficult, and filled with obstacles. But the good Shepherd knows which way His sheep are to go, and He leads them on that path of righteousness.

So here is something for us to be thankful for. Thank God that in this life He provides us with everything we really need.

~Bits and Pieces of the sermon "The Lord is my Shepherd" by Melvin Newland

Thankful for Peace of Mind

Jesus calls everyone to come to Him for lasting peace. Jesus promised, "Come to me, all who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light." (Matthew 11:28-30)

Only those who come to Jesus and share in doing His will are given the peace that passes human understanding. It is a peace that non Christians will never possess. Is it little wonder that there are more angry, fearful and discourteous people everywhere in our world, every new day. As we become consistently involved in doing His will, His responsibilities transform us. Our thinking, emotions and strength take on more of His image. Remember, peace is a fruit of the control of the Holy Spirit. 

Paul wrote, "But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, gentleness, faithfulness and self-control. (Gal. 5:22,23) The peace that passes all comprehension keeps our minds full of Christ’s peace, perspective and power. He enables to be peaceful when there is nothing but the swirling storms of uncertainty in our circumstances. (Phil. 4:6-8) Jesus wants us to turn our minds to what is true, noble, right, pure, lovely, admirable, excellent and praiseworthy. Jesus wants us to remember that loving service is followed with peaceful thoughts. Isaiah wrote, "The fruit of righteousness will be peace; the effect of righteousness will be quietness and confidence forever." (Isa. 32:17)

Jesus wants us to remember that only the Lord’s blessings give peace, not anything else. Many people seek after things that can only give temporary peace of mind. David wrote, "The Lord gives strength to his people; the Lord blesses his people with peace." (Psa. 29:11) Jesus knows the great peace is found in loving and obeying the scripture. The writer of Psalm 119 writes, "Great peace have they who love your law, and nothing can make them stumble." (Psa.119:165) Learn to read, hear, study, memorize and meditate on the scripture to calm your mind when you are feeling anxious, bothered or burdened. Isaiah wrote, "You will keep him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on you, because he trusts in you." (Isa 26:3) 

Jesus wants us to take up the armor of God for our peace. Paul writes, "Be strong in the Lord and in the power of His mighty power. Put on the full armor of God so that you can take your stand against the devil’s scheme. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, authorities and powers of this dark world." (Eph. 6:10-12) Jesus wants us to remember the peace given to us in the Holy Spirit and His promises. Paul writes, "God has not given us the spirit of fear, but of power, love and discipline." (2 Tim. 1:7) 

Jesus wants us to be in perfect peace by focusing our attention of Him and His example. Isaiah wrote, "You will keep him in perfect peace all those who trust in him, whose thoughts turn often to the Lord." (Isa. 26:3) Discipline your mind to focus your emotional, spiritual and mental energies on the Lord, His purposes and His activities that will cause His church to grow.

Jesus wants us to remember that He is our good Shepherd. David wrote, "The Lord is my shepherd, I will lack nothing. . . Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever." (Psa. 23 :1,6) Even when you are encountering various trials, the Lord wants to develop in you a completed peace, perseverance and perspective that comes through the adversities of life’s experiences. 

Let the Lord develop in you a character of maturity that exhibits peace in all situations. You cannot know His peace unless you are willing to pass through the dark valley experiences with the faith to trust Him to work all things together for good. (Rom. 8:28,29) Rest in the God who holds the future and rules over the affairs of every person. 

~Bits and Pieces of the sermon How Jesus Can Give You Peace of Mind by Paul Fritz 

What Do We Do With This Peace? After Jesus' resurrection, Jesus Appears to His Disciples (John 20:19-23 and 30-31) ¹⁹ That Sunday evening^[a] the disciples were meeting behind locked doors because they were afraid of the Jewish leaders. Suddenly, Jesus was standing there among them! “Peace be with you,” he said. ²⁰ As he spoke, he showed them the wounds in his hands and his side. They were filled with joy when they saw the Lord! ²¹ Again he said, “Peace be with you. As the Father has sent me, so I am sending you.” ²² Then he breathed on them and said, “Receive the Holy Spirit. ²³ If you forgive anyone’s sins, they are forgiven. If you do not forgive them, they are not forgiven.” Then John gives us the Purpose of the Book ³⁰ The disciples saw Jesus do many other miraculous signs in addition to the ones recorded in this book. ³¹ But these are written so that you may continue to believe^[a] that Jesus is the Messiah, the Son of God, and that by believing in him you will have life by the power of his name. Our Great Commission, To Share Peace with Others (Matthew 28:16-20) ¹⁶ Then the eleven disciples left for Galilee, going to the mountain where Jesus had told them to go. ¹⁷ When they saw him, they worshiped him—but some of them doubted! ¹⁸ Jesus came and told his disciples, “I have been given all authority in heaven and on earth. ¹⁹ Therefore, go and make disciples of all the nations,^[a] baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit. ²⁰ Teach these new disciples to obey all the commands I have given you. And be sure of this: I am with you always, even to the end of the age.”

Prayers for Peace by Germaine Copeland

Books to read: "Battlefield of the Mind" by Joyce Meyers

Thankful for the Word of God

The Wonder of It’s Inspiration

The Bible is the most unique book ever written for it claims to have as it’s author God. It may have been written over a period of 1600 years, on three continents, and by 40 different men. Yet it had only one author – GOD.

The Wonder of It’s Formation
The Bible contains 66 books – 39 in the OT and 27 in the NT.

The 39 books of the O.T. are written primarily in Hebrew, with a little Aramaic, and the 27 books of the N.T. are written exclusively in Greek. Yet these diverse authors each in their own way present a unified portrait of God’s plans and purposes in our world.

The Wonder of It’s Preservation
-Its Hatred - It is the most hated of books.
-It’s Survival - The Bible has survived every attack against it
-It’s Prominence - It is the Monarch of books – The king among books. It rules over all.

What kind of a God would we have if He could give us a Book and then not preserve it.

The Wonder of It’s Design
-The Bible declares itself to be many things and to have many uses.

I have in my hand:
-A Two Edged Sword – Heb. 4:12
-A Hammer – Jer. 23:29 – It breaks the resistance of the heart
-A Mirror – James 1:23-25 – It reflects the true picture of man
-A Fire – Jer. 23:29 and 20:9 – The Word of God is pure and refining
-A Lamp – Ps. 119:105 – It is illuminating

The Wonder of It’s Power
-This book has the power to change lives.
-It has the power to pick drunkards up out of the gutter.
-It has the power to make saints out of infidels.
-It has the power to restore broken marriages
-It has the power to give hope to the murderer on death row.

The Wonder of It’s Message
-It gives Jesus Christ the preeminent place

The Wonder of It’s Promises
-The Promise of Salvation
-The Promise of Forgiveness of Sin
-The Promise of Eternal life
-The Promise of Heaven
-The Promise of Jesus Coming again
-The Promise of Hope – The Word of God is all about hope in a hopeless world.

~Bits and Pieces of the sermon by Howard McGlamery

Need a good study bible? I would like to suggest the bible which has been a help in my studies, the New Spirit-Filled Life Bible. When I went through the Cleansing Stream Ministries and The Cleansing the Church Ministry, it was the bible I sought help from in understanding the ways which how the Holy Spirit ministers to us. The New Spirit-Filled Life Bible, also makes a great Christmas gift for a loved one. I bought each one of my children one. I wanted them to study about the Holy Spirit and how to apply their faith, putting it into action for the Glory of the Lord.

If you are wanting to read the entirety of the Word, the "One Year Chronological Bible", is a great one to read. You will find it puts the scripture in the order the events actually happened. A friend introduced it to me and I use it as one of my daily devotional studies.

What to Pray: For the Holy Spirit with the Word of God

I Thessalonians 1:5 (NKJV) For our gospel did not come to you in word only, but also in power, and in the Holy Spirit and in much assurance, as you know what kind of men we were among you for your sake.

I Peter 1:12 (NKJV) To them it was revealed that, not to themselves, but to us^[a] they were ministering the things which now have been reported to you through those who have preached the gospel to you by the Holy Spirit sent from heaven—things which angels desire to look into.

So many Bibles are being circulated. So many Bibles are being read in homes and schools. How little blessing when it comes "in the word only"; what divine blessing and power when it come "in the Holy Ghost, when it is preached "with the Holy Ghost sent down from heaven." Pray for Bible circulation, and preaching, teaching, and reading, that it may all be in the Holy Spirit, with much prayer. Pray for the power of the Spirit with the Word in your own neighborhood, wherever it is being read or heard. Let every mention of the "the Word of God" waken intercession. Andrew Murray

Other References for a study on the Word:
Helps to Intercession by Andrew Murray, a daily devotional read

The Mighty Power of the Word of God by by Pastor Jim Feeney, Ph.D.

Thankful for the Holy Spirit

The Holy Spirit is a part of the Holy Trinity with the Father and Son. In the Old Testament the Hebrew word (ruwach, pronounced roo'-akh) was used when talking about the Spirit. This word literally means WIND, even the wind associated with a BREATHE! In the New Testament the Greek word (pneuma, pronounced pnyoo'-mah) was used which means the BREATHE or a BREEZE! We can literally think of the Holy Spirit as the "Breathe of God!"

Most Christians today understand Jesus the Son, and God the Father as two very distinct Persons within the Godhead; however, there has been much confusion over the identity of the Holy Spirit. Perhaps some of this dates back to the King James translation of the Bible where the word "Spirit" or "Ghost" was used instead of "Breathe" or "Wind" of God. In any case, many people throughout the ages have thought of the Holy Spirit more as a thing than a Person. Nothing could be further from the truth, and in fact as we begin to know the Person of the Holy Spirit we will want to have a closer relationship with Him just as we would the Father or Son.

Although the word Trinity is not mentioned in the Bible, we know God is three in one. There are three very distinct Person’s that make up the Godhead. They are all equal in every way.

They (The Father, Son and Holy Spirit) are all:

Omnipotent – All powerful. Luke 1:35 And the angel answered and said unto her, The Holy Spirit shall come upon you, and the power of the Highest shall overshadow you: therefore also that holy thing which shall be born of you shall be called the Son of God.

Omnipresent – At all places at once. Psalms 139:7 Where shall I go from your Spirit? or where shall I flee from your presence?

Omniscient – All knowing. 1 Corinthians 2:10 But God has revealed them unto us by his Spirit: for the Spirit searches all things, yea, the deep things of God.

Eternal - Hebrews 9:14 How much more shall the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered himself without spot to God, purge your conscience from dead works to serve the living God?

Equal - Acts 5:3-4 But Peter said, Ananias, why has Satan filled your heart to lie to the Holy Spirit, and to keep back part of the price of the land? While it remained, was it not your own? and after it was sold, was it not in your own power? why have you conceived this thing in your heart? you have not lied unto men, but unto God.

The Holy Spirit was part of all things, from the very beginning of scripture to the very end of scripture

Genesis 1:1 In the beginning God (elohiym (pronounced el-o-heem') created the heaven and the earth.

• Elohiym is the plural form of God. Therefore, as scripture was inspired and man began to write the Word, it was evident to the writers that God was made of more than 1 Person but at the same time there was one Godhead.

There are many scriptural references that show the coexistence of the the entities within the Trinity

Luke 3:22 And the Holy Ghost descended in a bodily shape like a dove upon him, and a voice came from heaven, which said, Thou art my beloved Son; in thee I am well pleased.

• Here we see the evidence of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit all mentioned within one verse. We also see the same reference elsewhere in the Gospels.

Matthew 3:16-17 And Jesus, when he was baptized, went up straightway out of the water: and, lo, the heavens were opened unto him, and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove, and lighting upon him: And lo a voice from heaven, saying, This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.

Mark 1:10-13 And straightway coming up out of the water, he saw the heavens opened, and the Spirit like a dove descending upon him: And there came a voice from heaven, saying, Thou art my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased. And immediately the Spirit driveth him into the wilderness. And he was there in the wilderness forty days, tempted of Satan; and was with the wild beasts; and the angels ministered unto him.

Deuteronomy demonstrates the God Israel served was one Godhead made of a plurity of entities within that Godhead.

Deuteronomy 6:4 Hear, O Israel: The LORD (Y@hovah (pronounced yeh-ho-vaw') our God (elohiym) is one LORD (Y@hovah)

It is important to understand the Holy Spirit is truly God because of the fact that if we are born again He lives in us.

• What we allow ourselves to be part of we are inviting God to be part of..

1 Corinthians 6:19 What? know ye not that your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost which is in you, which ye have of God, and ye are not your own?

Four important principles to remember

1) The Holy Spirit is God, but He is a Person, not a force

2) We cannot focus on the Holy Spirit too much. Why? What is the Holy Spirit’s mission? To reveal Jesus. What is Jesus mission…to reveal the Father. What about the Father…to send Jesus and the Holy Spirit so we can come to Him. Perfect Harmony. They never had a crisis management meeting in Heaven. They never tried to sit down and work things out. They never had a power struggle amongst themselves.

3) The Holy Spirit gives gifts for use in ministry and empowers effective ministry

4) The Holy Spirit is a distinct Person within the Godhead, not a force, a thing, or an "it"

Qualities that a person has…(a force or thing does not)

1) The Holy Spirit has intellect. (1 Corinthians 2:10) But God hath revealed them unto us by his Spirit: for the Spirit searcheth all things, yea, the deep things of God.

2) The Holy Spirit has knowledge. (1 Corinthians 2:11) even so the things of God knoweth no man, but the Spirit of God.

3) The Holy Spirit has emotions. (Ephesians 4:30) And grieve (lupeo (pronounced loo-peh'-o)); to make sad or sorrowful, heavy of heart) not the holy Spirit of God, whereby ye are sealed unto the day of redemption.

4) The Holy Spirit has his own will and he makes decisions. (Acts 16:6) Now when they had gone throughout Phrygia (pronounced froog-ee'-ah) and the region of Galatia, and were forbidden of the Holy Ghost to preach the word in Asia,

5) The Holy Spirit Loves. (Romans 15:30) Now I beseech you, brethren, for the Lord Jesus Christ's sake, and for the love of the Spirit, that ye strive together with me in your prayers to God for me;

Things only a person would do (a force or thing does not)

1) He teaches you things about God and yourself. (John 14:26) But the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in my name, he shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you.

2) He tells the truth. (John 15:26) But when the Comforter is come, whom I will send unto you from the Father, even the Spirit of truth, which proceedeth from the Father, he shall testify of me:

3) He guides. (John 16:13) Howbeit when he, the Spirit of truth, is come, he will guide you into all truth: for he shall not speak of himself; but whatsoever he shall hear, that shall he speak: and he will shew you things to come.

4) He convinces. (John 16:8) And when he is come, he will reprove the world of sin, and of righteousness, and of judgment:

5) He prays for you. (Romans 8:26-27) Likewise the Spirit also helpeth our infirmities: for we know not what we should pray for as we ought: but the Spirit Himself maketh intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered. And he that searcheth the hearts knoweth what is the mind of the Spirit, because he maketh intercession for the saints according to the will of God.

6) He commands. (Acts 13:2) As they ministered to the Lord, and fasted, the Holy Ghost said, Separate me Barnabas and Saul for the work whereunto I have called them.

The Holy Spirit was on the scene long before the day of Pentecost

• He moved upon the face of the waters and was the active agent in creation. Jesus was the Word, the Holy Spirit moved.

Genesis 1:1 In the beginning God (elohiym el-o-heem') created the heaven and the earth.

Genesis 1:2 And the earth was without form, and void; and darkness was upon the face of the deep. And the Spirit of God moved upon the face of the waters.

Genesis 1:27 So God (elohiym again) created man in his own image, in the image of God created he him; male and female created he them.

• The Holy Spirit gave us the Word of God. 2 Peter 1:20-21 Knowing this first, that no prophecy of the scripture is of any private interpretation. For the prophecy came not in old time by the will of man: but holy men of God spake as they were moved by the Holy Ghost.

• The Holy Spirit regenerates our spirit when we accept Jesus Christ into our life. John 3:6 That which is born of the flesh is flesh; and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit.

In fact, the Holy Spirit has always worked hand-in-hand with Jesus Christ

• His Birth - Matthew 1:20 But while he thought on these things, behold, the angel of the Lord appeared unto him in a dream, saying, Joseph, thou son of David, fear not to take unto thee Mary thy wife: for that which is conceived in her is of the Holy Ghost.
• The life and ministry of Jesus - Luke 4:1 And Jesus being full of the Holy Ghost returned from Jordan, and was led by the Spirit into the wilderness AND… Luke 4:18 The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he hath anointed me to preach the gospel to the poor; he hath sent me to heal the brokenhearted, to preach deliverance to the captives, and recovering of sight to the blind, to set at liberty them that are bruised,
• His death and offering Himself as the perfect sacrifice- Hebrews 9:14 How much more shall the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered himself without spot to God, purge your conscience from dead works to serve the living God?
• The resurrection of Jesus – Actually all 3 members of the Godhead had a part in the resurrection!
• Father - Ephesians 1:19-20 And what is the exceeding greatness of his power to us-ward who believe, according to the working of his mighty power, Which he wrought in Christ, when he raised him from the dead, and set him at his own right hand in the heavenly places,
• Son (He had the power to take His own life up again) - John 10:18 No man taketh it from me, but I lay it down of myself. I have power to lay it down, and I have power to take it again. This commandment have I received of my Father.
• Holy Ghost - Romans 1:4 And declared to be the Son of God with power, according to the spirit of holiness, by the resurrection from the dead:
• In fact, the main purpose of the Holy Spirit is to tell us about Jesus and Glorify Him. John 16:13-14 Howbeit when he, the Spirit of truth, is come, he will guide you into all truth: for he shall not speak of himself; but whatsoever he shall hear, that shall he speak: and he will shew you things to come. He shall glorify me: for he shall receive of mine, and shall shew it unto you.

What All Happened on the Day of Pentecost?

• Jesus said it was imperative that He go or the Spirit would not be sent
• Jesus felt it important enough for them to wait until the Spirit came to empower them
• Jesus own mother needed the baptism of the Holy Spirit to be an effective witness.

On the day of Pentecost, the believers who were assembled in the Upper Room experience a new Baptism, the one which John referred to. For an in depth study on the Baptism of the Holy Spirit, click here to go to that section of study. ~Knowing the Person of the Holy Spirit

Power Beyond Belief: The Continuing Work of the Holy Spirit in the 21st Century
Dare to dream and brace yourself for miracles as Pulitzer Prize-winning editor Andy Cook writes about the power, promises, and practical truths of Acts . . . still relevant and available today.

Pray for the fuller manifestation of the grace and energy of the Blessed Spirit of God, in the removal of all that is contrary to God's revealed will, so that we will not grieve the Holy Spirit but that He may work in mightier power in the church, for the exaltation of Christ and the blessing of souls.

God has one promise to and through His exalted Son; our Lord has one gift to His church; the church has one need; all prayer unites in the one petition - the power of the Holy Spirit. Make it your prayer. ~Andrew Murray

I bow my knees unto the Father...that he would grant you...to be strengthened with might by his Spirit. (Ephesians 3:14-16)

Wait for the promise of the Father. (Acts 1:4)