GOD, THE HOLY SPIRIT, SAVES "YOUR" LIFE

GOD, THE HOLY SPIRIT, SAVES “YOUR” LIFE (SOUL)

 “...you must spare his life..." (Job 2:6 NIV).

 “... they brought Daniel and threw him into the lions’ den ...” (Daniel 6:16-18 NIV). “… the most mighty men ...[bound]... Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, and ...cast them into the burning fiery furnace…” (DANIEL 3). “...the Sabeans attacked and made off with them...“The fire of God fell from the heavens and burned up the sheep and the servants ...“The Chaldeans formed three raiding parties and swept down on your camels and made off with them. ...“Your sons and daughters were feasting and drinking wine at the oldest brother’s house ...they are dead...” (Job 1:13-20 NIV). “...he proceeded to seize Peter also ...[and]... Peter was kept in prison...” (Acts 12:1-5 NIV). “...they smote him with their hands… they cried out, saying, Crucify him, crucify him. y…” (John 19:1-16 KJV). “...And the LORD said unto Satan, Behold, all that he hath is in thy power; only upon himself put not forth thine hand. So Satan went forth from the presence of the LORD...” (Job 1:12 KJV), “...save his life (soul)...” (Job 2:6 KJV).  

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God’s people go through trials and tribulations just like the rest of the world. They SUFFER from or are HARMED by events or actions that are violent, destructive, injurious, heart-breaking, and life changing.

These events and actions are “often” OUT of their control, have disrupted their normal routines, and have turned life UPSIDE down for them.

These events or actions also have caused God’s people GREAT hurt and have changed the course of their lives just like everyone else’s.  These events or actions have IMPACTED normal existence, for God’s people, upon earth, in a MAJOR way, spiritually, physically, emotionally, financially, and mentally....just like EVERYONE else.

God’s children witness or themselves face the terrible deaths of family and friends, unfair treatments, divorce, unexpected sicknesses or disease, evil people, stock market crashes, lost jobs, injustices, hunger, sudden tragedies, fiery furnaces, lion dens, prison, etc.

However, God has TOLD the evil one NOT to touch his righteous children or harm their lives. “...For after all it is only right for God to repay with affliction those who afflict you...” (2 Thessalonians 1:6 NASB). “...it is written: “Vengeance is Mine, I will repay,” says the Lord...” (Romans 12:19 NASB). “…do them (my childeren NO) wrong...” and “….touch not mine anointed (his righteous children who are set apart for his service) and do…[them] no harm...” (Psalm 105:14-15 KJV).

REMEMBER, “...The LORD said to Satan, "Very well, then, everything he has is in your power, but on the man himself do not lay a finger." Then Satan went out from the presence of the LORD...” (Job 1:12 NIV). “...All right, you may test him,” the LORD said to Satan. “Do whatever you want with everything he possesses, but don’t harm him ...” So Satan left the LORD’s presence....” (Job 1:12 NLT). “...Then the LORD said to Satan, “Behold, all that he has is in your power; only do not reach out and put your hand on him.” So Satan departed from the presence of the LORD...” (Job 1:12 NASB).  “...And Jehovah said unto Satan, Behold, all that he hath is in thy power; only upon himself put not forth thy hand. So Satan went  forth from the presence of Jehovah...” (Job 1:12 ASV).

“...WHATEVER you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, YOU DID [IT] FOR ME…” (Matthew  25:35-41 KJV). “…ye have done it unto me…” (Matthew 25: 40 KJV).  “...it is written: “Vengeance is Mine, I will repay,” says the Lord...” (Romans 12:19 NASB).

For this blog the HUMAN soul will be defined as the part of mankind that is NOT physical, but CONSIST of their LIFE and personhood. It is the lost SOUL (life, person) that Jesus came to SEEK and SAVE. “…[God, the Holy Spirit, through Jesus].... came to seek and to save THAT WHICH WAS LOST…” (Luke 19:10 KJV). “ receive the word (Jesus) implanted, which is able to SAVE YOUR SOULS….” (James 1:21 NASB).

“…What shall it profit a man (woman), if he (she) shall gain the whole world, and lose his (her) own soul (LIFE, person)?...” (Mark 8:36 KJV). “...And the Lord said unto Satan, Behold, he is in thine hand; but save his life (soul, person)...” (Job 2:6 KJV). “...you must spare his life..." (Job 2:6 NIV).

Life is often interchanged, in theological studies of the scriptures, for SOUL, the WHOLE being of a person, which is also immaterial.

Thus, the bible says: “…a man's (woman’s) life consisteth not in the abundance of the things which he (she) possesseth…” (Luke 12:15 KJV).When Job’s earthly wealth, prosperity, family, physical well-being, and possessions were gone the devil thought Job would SURELY stop SERVING God, the Holy Spirit.

Satan tried to PROVE that Job’s LIFE were “IN” or attached to his earthly treasures and those outside possessions were HIS whole world. In addition, like so many of God’s children, today, he ONLY served HIM for the BOUNTIFUL BLESSINGS and GIFTS. “...Does Job fear God for nothing?” Satan replied. “Have you not put a hedge around him and his household and everything he has? You have blessed the work of his hands, so that his flocks and herds are spread throughout the land. But now stretch out your hand and strike everything he has, and he will surely curse you to your face.” (Job 1:7-12 NIV). 

Job OPENLY expressed his opinion about his personal “trials and tribulations”. “…Shall we (God’s children) accept good from God, and not trouble?...” (Job 2:10 NIV). Many of God’s people can say: “…‘We’ve GIVEN up everything to follow you…” (Mark 10:28-31 NLT).

No MATTER what is LOST or GAINED, God’s children continue to LOVE and TRUST God, the Holy Spirit, will ALL THEIR SOUL. “…[They are to] ...love the Lord [their] ...God with all [their] ...heart and with all [their]... soul and with all your strength and with all your mind…” (Luke 10:27 KJV).

God’s people KNOW, through it all, “…he [God, the Holy Spirit]... remains faithful, for he cannot deny who he is…” (2 Timothy 2:13 NLT). “…I am the Lord, I change NOT…” (Malachi 3:6 KJV).  

 “…[Thus,]...a man's (woman’s) life consisteth not in the abundance of the things which he (she) possesseth…” (Luke 12:15 KJV). “…Anyone who wants to be [God, the Holy Spirit, through Jesus’]... follower must love [him] far more than he (she) does his (her) own father, mother, wife, children, brothers, or sisters—yes, more than his (her) own life —otherwise he (she) cannot be my disciple...” (Luke 14:26 NLT). “.. For everything in the world—the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life—comes not from the Father but from the world. The world and its desires pass away, but whoever does the will of God lives forever...” (1 John 2:16-17 NLT).

King David said: “... I desire you more than anything on earth...” (Psalm 73:23-26 NLT). “….everything else (people you treasure, material wealth, the earthen vessel, etc.,) is worthless when compared with the infinite value of knowing Christ Jesus [God’s children’s]… Lord...” (Philippians 3:8 NLT). “...I ...belong to you; you hold my right hand. You guide me with your counsel, leading me to a glorious destiny. Whom have I in heaven but you? I desire you more than anything on earth. My health may fail, and my spirit may grow weak, but God remains the strength of my heart; he is mine forever...” (Psalm 73:23-26 NLT).  “...Whom have I in heaven but thee? and there is none [and nothing].... upon earth that I desire beside thee.  My flesh and my heart faileth: but God is the strength of my heart, and my portion for ever...” (Psalm 73:25-26 KJV).  “... I said to the Lord, “You are my Master! Every good thing I have comes from you...” (Psalm 16:2 NLT).

For a SHORT time, especially compared to ETERNITY, God’s people may experience “trials, tribulations, and testings,” but can REMAIN peaceful, calm, and dependent upon God, the Holy Spirit, through them ALL.  Their LIFE is SAFELY in his hands. “...save his life (soul)...” (Job 2:6 KJV).  “…I have learned to be CONTENT whatever the circumstances. I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want…” Philippians 4:11-12 NIV).

“… I can do (be CONTENT in the midst of) all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.” (Philippians 4:13 KJV). “… The Lord is my shepherd; I SHALL not want. … …” (Psalms 23 KJV). “…All things [are NOT good, but they]... work together for GOOD to them that LOVE GOD, to them who are THE CALLED to his purpose” (Romans 8:28 KJV). “….all the days of my appointed time will I wait, till my change come…” (Job 14:14 KJV).

“…God is the one who provides …” (2 Corinthians 9:10-13 KJV). “… God will supply all [his children’s need]…” (Philippians 4:19 NASB). “[God] …Holy Spirit …is the SOURCE [of it ALL]…” (2 Corinthians 12 NLT).

“...Then Jesus went to work on his disciples. “Anyone who intends to come with me has to let me lead. You’re not in the driver’s seat; I am. Don’t run from suffering; embrace it. Follow me and I’ll show you how. Self-help is no help at all. Self-sacrifice is the way, my way, to finding yourself, your true self. What kind of deal is it to get everything you want but lose yourself? What could you ever trade your soul for?...” (Matthew 16:25-26 MSG). “...For whoever wants to save their life will lose it, but whoever loses their life for me will find it. What good will it be for someone to gain the whole world, yet forfeit their soul? Or what can anyone give in exchange for their soul?...” (Matthew 16:25-26 NIV).

Satan told God, the Holy Spirit:  “…strike everything [Job]... has, and he will surely curse you to your face?…” (Job 1:7-12 NIV). G

God, the Holy Spirit, may have allowed adversity into Job’s situations and circumstances, it doesn’t mean he was being punished or had fallen into God’s disfavor.

In fact, God, the Holy Spirit, had COMPLIMENTED Job on his righteous conduct. It was SATAN, the evil one, who was Job’s accuser. He tried to ACCUSE Job of ONLY serving God, the Holy Spirit, for his EASY, FAVORABLE existence upon earth. “...Does Job fear God for nothing?” Satan replied. “Have you not put a hedge around him and his household and everything he has? You have blessed the work of his hands, so that his flocks and herds are spread throughout the land. But now stretch out your hand and strike everything he has, and he will surely curse you to your face...” (Job 1:7-12 NIV). 

However, Job PROVED the enemy WRONG.  Job OPENLY declared his attitude about his terrible losses or tragedies. “…Shall we accept good from God, and not trouble?...” (Job 2:10 NIV). “…the faithful followers of the Lord (like job) … keep their promises even when it hurts…” (Psalm 15:4 NLT).

Job suffered DEEP, GRIEVING emotional pain over his losses, but he didn’t allow his feelings to make him abandon God or become angry or bitter against HIM for his undeserved trials, tribulations, or testings.

God, the Holy Spirit, ALLOWED Satan to TEST Job. Job LOST people his treasured, in his heart, through murder or violent storms and all of his material wealth through thievery or violent storms too. Job knew “...  Every good thing...[he had came]... from [God, the Holy Spirit, anyway]...” (Psalm 16:2 NLT).

Job said, “…Naked I came from my mother’s womb, And naked I shall return there. The Lord gave and the Lord has taken away. Blessed be the name of the Lord…” Job 1:20-22 NASB).

Job also said, “...though he slay me (though it feels like God is killing me emotionally, physically, mentally, etc.,), yet will I (MY SOUL) trust in him…” (Job 13:15 KJV). “…Through all this Job did not sin nor did he blame God…” (Job 1:20-22 NASB).

“...The steps of a good man (woman) are ordered by the Lord: and he delighteth in his (her) way” (Psalms 37:23 KJV). “..though he slay me, yet will I trust in him…” (Job 13:15 KJV). Satan “…intended to harm [Job,], but God intended it for ... [Job’s]...good...” Genesis 50:20 NIV).

“…The plans [God has]…for [his children are]… plans to prosper [them] and not to harm [them]...” (Jeremiah 29:11 NIV). “…God is love…” (1 John 4:4-8 KJV). “…Love does NO HARM to his neighbor …” (Romans 13:10 NASB). “…Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man (woman), the things which God hath prepared for them that love him...” (1 Corinthians 2:9 KJV).

Let’s take a look at JOSEPH. “... they stript Joseph out of his coat, his coat of many colours that was on him; And they took him, and cast him into a pit: and the pit was empty, there was no water in it … Then there passed by Midianites merchantmen; and they drew and lifted up Joseph out of the pit, and sold Joseph (AS A SLAVE) to the Ishmeelites for twenty pieces of silver: and they brought Joseph into Egypt... [Later]...Potiphar’s wife ... began to look at him lustfully. “Come and sleep with me,” she demanded. But Joseph refused ...Potiphar was furious when he heard his wife’s story [which was “not” true]... about how Joseph had treated her. So he took Joseph and threw him into the prison where the king’s prisoners were held, and there he remained (A PRISONER)...” (Genesis 39 NIV).

One of the reasons God may have allowed JOSEPH to go through slavery and prison was to demonstrate that DETOURS and DELAYS serve the purpose of discipline and preparation for the CALLING upon the lives of God’s children. “…Joseph, being seventeen years old, was feeding the flock with his brethren … Now Joseph had a dream … and his brothers said to him, “Shall you indeed reign over us? Or shall you indeed have dominion over us?” …” (Genesis 37: 2, 5-14, 41:37-46).

ONE DAY HIS BROTHERS“...sold Joseph (AS A SLAVE) to the Ishmeelites... [and later]...Joseph ...[was thrown]... into the prison where the king’s prisoners were held, and there he remained (A PRISONER for years)...” (Genesis 39 NIV). “….All things [are NOT good, but they]... work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose…” (Hebrews 13:5 & ROMANS 8:28 KJV).

 “...If you are not disciplined – and everyone undergoes discipline – then you are not legitimate, not true sons and daughters at all” (Hebrews 12:8 NIV). “….For whom the Lord loveth he CORRECTETH…” (Proverbs 3:12 KJV). 

 YEARS later, “...Pharaoh sent for Joseph, and he was quickly brought from the dungeon. …“ You shall be in charge of my palace, and all my people are to submit to your orders. Only with respect to the throne will I be greater than you.”…So Pharaoh said to Joseph, “I hereby put you in charge of the whole land of Egypt.”  … Thus he put him in charge of the whole land of Egypt…” (Genesis 41 NIV).

Joseph said to his brothers, who had been unfair, unjust to him, and used by Satan to take EVERYTHING from him: “…ye thought evil against me; but God meant it unto good…” (Genesis 50:20 KJV). “...Joseph was thirty years old when he stood before Pharaoh king of Egypt” (Genesis 37: 2, 5-14, 41:37-46).

In the New Testament, HEROD “...proceeded to seize Peter also ...[and]... Peter was kept in prison...” (Acts 12:1-5 NIV).

One of the reasons God may have allowed PETER to be LOCKED up was to demonstrate HOW the POWER of PRAYER can accomplish a LOT when, his children, trust and depend upon God to ANSWER. “...[At]... the house of Mary the mother of John, also called Mark, ... many people had gathered and were praying. Peter knocked at the outer entrance, and a servant named Rhoda came to answer the door. When she recognized Peter’s voice, she was so overjoyed she ran back without opening it and exclaimed, “Peter is at the door!...” (Acts 12:12-14 NIV).

“...The night before Herod was to bring him to trial, Peter was sleeping between two soldiers, bound with two chains, and sentries stood guard at the entrance....” (Acts 12:6-11 NIV).

 “...Suddenly an angel of the Lord appeared and a light shone in the cell. He struck Peter on the side and woke him up. “Quick, get up!” he said, and the chains fell off Peter’s wrists. Then the angel said to him, “Put on your clothes and sandals.” And Peter did so. “Wrap your cloak around you and follow me,” the angel told him.  Peter followed him out of the prison, but he had no idea that what the angel was doing was really happening; he thought he was seeing a vision. They passed the first and second guards and came to the iron gate leading to the city. It opened for them by itself, and they went through it. When they had walked the length of one street, suddenly the angel left him. Then Peter came to himself and said, “Now I know without a doubt that the Lord has sent his angel and rescued me from Herod’s clutches and from everything the Jewish people were hoping would happen...” (Acts 12:6-11 NIV).

God, the Holy Spirit SAYS: “….call upon me …and pray unto me and I will [LISTEN] unto you…” (Jeremiah 29:12-13 KJV). “...I am the one who answers your prayers and cares for you...” (Hosea 14:5-9 NASB).

“... I (King David) said to the Lord, “You are my Master! Every good thing I have comes from you...” (Psalm 16:2 NLT). “...Whom have I in heaven but thee? and there is none [and nothing].... upon earth that I desire beside thee.  My flesh and my heart faileth: but God is the strength of my heart, and my portion for ever...” (Psalm 73:25-26 KJV).

King David was expressing that HIS LIFE and his WHOLE WORLD was made up of and attached to God, the Holy Spirit, who was his PORTION. “... my portion for ever...” (Psalm 73:25-26 KJV).

 

This means God, the Holy Spirit, was his INHERITANCE no matter WHAT he lost while living upon earth. God, the Holy Spirit, through Jesus GIVES each of his children “this” INHERITANCE, equally.  “… [Everyone] … who believe the Good News share equally in the riches inherited by God’s children…” (Ephesians 3:6 NLT).

God, the Holy Spirit, through Jesus Christ is the PORTION or INHERITANCE of his people. God, the Holy Spirit, has GIVEN his people the “ALL” the RICHES of his GLORY through Jesus Christ. “… the riches of the glory (PRESENCE, GOODNESSES, and POWER of God)…” (Colossians 1:27 NASB).

Mankind call themselves RICH or wealthy, but it is only TEMPORARY. God, the Holy Spirit, is RICH in EVERLASTING, eternal, and permanent WAYS. There is “... the riches of His grace...” (Ephesians 1:7-8 NASB). “…He is “SO” RICH in kindness…” (Ephesians 1:7 NLT).  “…the riches of his glorious inheritance (bountiful spiritual blessings)…” (Ephesian 1:18 NIV). “... RICH IN MERCY (debt of sin, paid in full)…” (Ephesians 2:1-5 KJV). (Isaiah 63:9 NASB).“… the riches…of [God’s]….wisdom and … [revelation]...knowledge…” (Roman 11:33-34).  “…He is “SO” RICH ...that he purchased [mankind’s]... freedom [from sin]...with the blood of his Son and forgave [“all” their]... sins…” (Ephesians 1:7 NLT). “... the riches of his goodness and forbearance and longsuffering...” (Romans 2:4 ASV). “… HIDDEN RICHES of SECRET PLACES…” (ISAIAH 45:3).“…[God] …will generously (RICHLY) PROVIDE all … [mankind’s] need…” (2 Corinthians 9:8 NLT).

God is the SOURCE of ALL his people’s NEED. “…My God WILL SUPPLY ALL [your need]… according to His riches in glory in Christ Jesus…” (Philippians 4:19 NASB). “…The LORD will perfect (take care of) that which concerneth [his people]…” (PSALM 138:8). God’s children, no matter what they lose, while upon earth, are NEVER destitute.

Whatever people treasures, material blessings, or personal, heartfelt possessions a man or woman has, outside of God, the Holy Spirit,  those things will NEVER be as VALUABLE as the inheritance they have through Jesus Christ, who is WITHIN their heart. “...My flesh and my heart faileth: but God is the strength of my heart, and my portion for ever...” (Psalm 73:25-26 KJV). “...Every good thing I have comes from you...” (Psalm 16:2 NLT).

When God truly becomes his people’s LIFE and WHOLE WORLD, whatever they may GAIN or LOSE, while upon earth, will TEACH them to continually trust and depend upon the FAITHFUL creator. “...Trust in the Lord with all [YOUR]... heart; and lean not unto [YOUR]... own understanding. In all [YOUR] ways [God’s children are to]... acknowledge him, and he shall direct [their]... paths” (Proverbs 3:5-6 KJV).  “… be not afraid, only believe...” (Mark 5:36 KJV).

God’s children will learn to REMAIN peaceful and content, no matter what, because the WORK of PATIENCE has taught them they “never” LACK ANYTHING. “… [So]...let patience have her perfect (maturing) work, that [God’s people] may be perfect and entire, wanting nothing...” (James 1:2-6 KJV). “…I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want…” Philippians 4:11-12 NIV).

“...He that dwelleth in the secret place of the most High shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty. I will say of the Lord, He is my refuge and my fortress: my God; in him will I trust...” (Psalm 91 KJV).

“...God is the strength of [his people’s]... heart, and [their]... portion for ever...” (Psalm 73:25-26 KJV).

“...Surely he shall deliver thee from the snare of the fowler, and from the noisome pestilence. He shall cover thee with his feathers, and under his wings shalt thou trust: his truth shall be thy shield and buckler...” (Psalm 91 KJV).

God will “…never leave nor forsake you… …” (Hebrews 13:5). “... I said to the Lord, “You are my Master! Every good thing I have comes from you...” (Psalm 16:2 NLT). “...Whom have I in heaven but thee? and there is none [and nothing].... upon earth that I desire beside thee.  My flesh and my heart faileth: but God is the strength of my heart, and my portion for ever...” (Psalm 73:25-26 KJV).