YOU ARE SIMPLE THE EARTHEN VESSEL

 

THE HOLY SPIRIT WITHIN THE EARTHEN VESSEL

“[God’s] …Holy Spirit …is the SOURCE [of it ALL]…” (1 Corinthians 12:4-11 NLT).

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The Holy Spirit is the ONE SOURCE we need for ALL things, because it is the POWER of God. The HOLY SPIRIT manifests the works of God, performs the works of God, and empowers earthen vessels, by working "in" and "through" them,  to display the works of God.

From the beginning, the acts of creation displayed the mighty works of the Holy Spirit. “…In the beginning God created the heaven and the earth .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. And God said, Let there be light: and THERE WAS LIGHT…” (Genesis 1:1-3 KJV).

The earth was without form, it was void, and dark, but the Holy Spirit MOVED filling it with LIGHT. Many of us, whether consciously or unconsciously, are looking to be fulfilled by something or someone. We can spend a lifetime chasing after what can never satisfy. Unfortunately, “….Human desire is NEVER SATISFIED…” (Proverbs 27:20 NLT). Until you realize only “…God will supply all [your need]…” (Philippians 4:19 NASB) AND “…[Only God will]… satisfy …” (Jeremiah 31:25 NASB) – you will keep chasing.

Chasing, chasing, and chasing only to discover after many days, weeks, months, or years; “….Human desire is NEVER SATISFIED…” (Proverbs 27:20 NLT). Some will die with the unsatisfied desire in their hearts. Others will give up. There will still be others that become complacent Christian martyrs who – bless their hearts – sacrificed their desires for Christ. And finally, the fortunate few, will stop searching, because they have finally found that “ONE true SOURCE for purpose.”

The unsatisfied soul approaches life like a leech seeking whom they can suck the life from, but won’t be satisfied. "The leech has two daughters, 'Give! Give!' they cry. "There are three things that are NEVER SATISFIED, four that never say, 'Enough!'…” (Proverbs 30:15 NIV). Like a hustler on the corner with a cup, we hustle for our needs from other hustlers. Yet, “….Human desire is NEVER SATISFIED…” (Proverbs 27:20 NLT). “…No matter how much we see, we are never satisfied. No matter how much we hear, we are not content…” (Ecclesiastes 1:8 NLT).

Whatever is broken, dysfunctional, or unsatisfied internally cannot be made right by a “thing” or a “person.” Whatever you feel is a lacking or missing part of you cannot be recovered, fixed. or fulfilled by a “thing” or a “person.” “…What is wrong cannot be made right. What is missing cannot be recovered…” (Ecclesiastes 1:15 NLT).

When God allows you to go without or experience a period of LACK for days, weeks, months, or years…there is a reason.“…To every thing there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven: A time to be born, and a time to die; a time to plant, and a time to pluck up that which is planted; A time to kill, and a time to heal; a time to break down, and a time to build up; A time to weep, and a time to laugh; a time to mourn, and a time to dance; A time to cast away stones, and a time to gather stones together; a time to embrace, and a time to refrain from embracing; A time to get, and a time to lose …” (Ecclesiastes 3:1-8 KJV).

 “…the God of all grace, who hath called us unto his eternal glory by Christ Jesus, after that ye have suffered a while, make you perfect, stablish, strengthen, settle you. To him be glory and dominion for ever and ever. Amen” (1 Peter 5:8-11 KJV).

After you suffer for a while, God will “….make you perfect, stablish, strengthen, settle you…” (1 Peter 5:8-11 KJV). God will perfect you by removing hindering defects that keep you for living a full, wholeness, purposeful and Godly life. God will establish your heart to the point you will not be easily shaken by every unexpected situation or circumstance. God will strengthen you so you will be able to stand against the wiles of the enemy and his forces of darkness. God will settle your heart and mind in peace, joy, love, and safety by giving you a firm, stable, solid foundation in his Word. These benefits are often gained after “…you suffer (LACK)… awhile…” (1 Peter 5:8-11 KJV). “…after that ye have suffered a while, [God]…make you perfect, stablish, strengthen, settle you. To him be glory and dominion for ever and ever. Amen” (1 Peter 5:8-11 KJV).

Jesus suffered through a LACK of respect, LACK of honor, LACK of kindness, and LACK of exaltation.  Yet, something happened “…after [he]… suffered a while…” (1 Peter 5:8-11 KJV).  “[Jesus became]…highly exalted…” with a “name which is above every name” (Philippians 2:9). In addition,“…at ...the name of Jesus EVERY KNEE SHOULD BOW, of things in heaven and things in earth, and things under the earth; and that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father” (Philippians 2:10-11 KJV).

Job suffered through a LACK of family, LACK of wealth, LACK of health, and LACK of spousal support. Yet, something happened “…after [he]… suffered a while…” (1 Peter 5:8-11 KJV).  “…The Lord gave Job twice as much as he had before …The Lord blessed the latter end of Job more than his beginning: ….After this lived Job an hundred and forty years, and saw his sons and his sons’ sons, even four generations. So Job died, being old, and FULL of days...” (Job 42:12-17 KJV).

Joseph suffered through a LACK of family, LACK of freedom, LACK of justice, and LACK of reciprocity. Yet, something happened “…after [he]… suffered a while…” (1 Peter 5:8-11 KJV). “…Pharaoh said unto Joseph, Forasmuch as God hath shewed thee all this, there is none so discreet and wise as thou art: Thou shalt be over my house, and according unto thy word shall all my people be ruled: only in the throne will I be greater than thou. And Pharaoh said unto Joseph, See, I have set thee over all the land of Egypt. And Pharaoh took off his ring from his hand, and put it upon Joseph's hand, and arrayed him in vestures of fine linen, and put a gold chain about his neck; And he made him to ride in the second chariot which he had; and they cried before him, Bow the knee: and he made him ruler over all the land of Egypt. And Pharaoh said unto Joseph, I am Pharaoh, and without thee shall no man lift up his hand or foot in all the land of Egypt…” (GENESIS 41).

The Hebrew Boys suffered through a LACK of religious freedom, LACK of justice, LACK of escape from the fiery furnace, and LACK of certainty whether God would rescue them. Yet, something happened “…after [they]… suffered a while…” (1 Peter 5:8-11 KJV). “... Nebuchadnezzar came near to the mouth of the burning fiery furnace, and spake, and said, Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, ye servants of the most high God, come forth, and come hither. Then Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, came forth of the midst of the fire. And the princes, governors, and captains, and the king's counsellors, being gathered together, saw these men, upon whose bodies the fire had no power, nor was an hair of their head singed, neither were their coats changed, nor the smell of fire had passed on them. Then Nebuchadnezzar spake, and said, Blessed be the God of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, who hath sent his angel, and delivered his servants that trusted in him, and have changed the king's word, and yielded their bodies, that they might not serve nor worship any god, except their own God. Therefore I make a decree, That every people, nation, and language, which speak any thing amiss against the God of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, shall be cut in pieces, and their houses shall be made a dunghill: because there is no other God that can deliver after this sort. Then the king PROMOTED Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, in the province of Babylon…” (DANIEL 3).

Mary and Martha suffered through a LACK of Jesus’ presence when their brother was sick, LACK of Jesus’ presence when they buried him, LACK of Jesus’ comfort after their brother died, and LACK of hope for their brother’s human life. Yet, something happened “…after [they]… suffered a while…” (1 Peter 5:8-11 KJV). “…Jesus said…I am the resurrection and I am the life…..” (John 11:25 KJV). “…..Said I not unto thee, that, if thou wouldest believe, thou shouldest see the glory of God?” (John 11:40 KJV). “…where have ye laid him?..’ (John 11:34 KJV). “And he that was dead came forth, bound hand and foot with graveclothes: and his face was bound about with a napkin. Jesus saith unto them, Loose him, and let him go...” (John 11:43-44 KJV).

In EVERY single instance you clearly see Satan “…intended to harm [them]… but God intended it for good to accomplish what …[was]…done, the saving of many lives” Genesis 50:20 NIV). Their stories are still teaching us to this very day. “…For whatsoever things were written aforetime were written for our learning, that …through patience and comfort of the scriptures [we]…might have hope” (Romans 15:4 KJV). “Now all these things happened unto them for ensamples: and they are written for our admonition…” (1 Corinthians 10:11 KJV).

In each story, LACK was a part of it, but each individual offers you some wisdom for keeping the FOCUS on the SOURCE AND "NOT" THE EARTHEN VESSEL during a period of LACK. “…Jesus, the champion who initiates and perfects our faith. Because of the joy awaiting him, he endured the cross, disregarding its shame…” (Hebrews 12:2 NLT). “….Christ pleased not himself…” (Romans 15:3 KJV). Jesus said, “… I lay down my life... No one takes it from me, but I lay it down of my own accord. …” (John 10:17-18 KJV). “…Father, …not My will, but Yours be done" (Luke 22:42-43 NIV).

Job said, “...though he slay me, yet will I trust in him…” (Job 13:15 KJV). “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).

Joseph said, “… [It was]…intended to harm [me]… but God intended it for good to accomplish what is now being done, the saving of many lives…” Genesis 50:20 NIV).

The Hebrew boys said, “…“O Nebuchadnezzar, we do not need to defend ourselves before you.  If we are thrown into the blazing furnace, the God whom we serve is able to save us. He will rescue us from your power, Your Majesty.  But even if he doesn’t, we want to make it clear to you, Your Majesty, that we will never serve your gods or worship the gold statue you have set up…” (Daniel 3:16-18 NLT).

Mary and Martha: “…Jesus told her, “I am the resurrection and the life. Anyone who believes in me will live, even after dying. Everyone who lives in me and believes in me will never ever die. Do you believe this, Martha?”  “Yes, Lord,” she told him. “I have always believed you are the Messiah, the Son of God, the one who has come into the world from God…” (John 11:15-17 NLT).

Whatever the LOSS or whatever the LACK, like Jesus, they “…[entrusted themselves]… to HIM who judges justly…” (1 Peter 2:20-23 NIV). Paul said, whatever is LACKING or MISSING, “….is worthless when compared with the infinite value of knowing Christ Jesus [our]… Lord. For his sake I have discarded everything else, counting it all as garbage, so that I could gain Christ” (Philippians 3:8 NLT).

However, God is SO loving and merciful, when you give up your life, especially through various losses, for his SAKE, he will REPAY you with GREATER. “…‘We’ve given up everything to follow you…” (Mark 10:28-31 NLT). And Jesus said to him, “…I assure you that everyone who has given up house or brothers or sisters or mother or father or children or property, for my sake and for the Good News, will receive now in return a hundred times as many houses, brother, sisters, mothers, children, and property – along with persecution. And in the world to come that person will have eternal life...” (Mark 10:28-31 NLT).

Listen to what God says about your LOSSES and your LACKS: “…I assure you that EVERYONE who has given up… [whatever] …for my sake and for the Good News, will receive NOW in return a hundred times as many …[whatever]…– along with persecution. AND in the world to come that person will have eternal life...” (Mark 10:28-31 NLT).

When Jesus was exalted above all others, or Job was doubly blessed, or Joseph was elevated, or the Hebrews boys were promoted, or Mary and Martha received their brother back from the dead – who was the SOURCE THAT TRANSFORMED THEIR SITUATIONS? Does a “thing” or “person” get the credit? A RESOUNDING NO!!!  “[God’s] …Holy Spirit …is the SOURCE [of it ALL]…” (2 Corinthians 12 NLT).

When you are expecting to receive from God - “…NOW in return a hundred times as many … [of whatever]…” (Mark 10:28-31 NLT) - NOTHING and NOONE with provide a sign or symbol for those promised blessings.

The ONLY sign and symbol that God will return untold blessings to you; IS HIS WORD!!! When you look for signs and symbols for God’s blessings, outside of his Word, you will be disappointed EVERY time. “….Don't put your confidence in … people [OR THINGS]… there is NO HELP for you there….” (Psalms 146: 3 NLT).

However, “…WHOEVER BELIEVES IN HIM  (OR DEPENDS UPON HIM) WILL NOT BE DISAPPOINTED…" (ROMANS 10:11 NASB). “…and HOPE DOES NOT DISAPPOINT… (ROMANS 5:5 NASB). THEREFORE, “…TRUST in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths” (Proverbs 3:5-6 KJV). “…The LORD will accomplish (take care of)…that which concerns [you]…” (John 14:31 NASB).

“…The Spirit of God MOVED… God said, Let there be light: and THERE WAS LIGHT…” (Genesis 1:1-3 KJV). “…the invisible [Spirit]…from the creation of the world …is clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made …” (Romans 1:20 KJV).

In other words, “….The [miraculous]… power of God (the HOLY SPIRIT) unto salvation to everyone that believeth…”

IT is “…clearly seen…” (Romans 1:16, 20 KJV) “…If any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new” (2 Corinthians 5:17 KJV). It is impossible for man to save himself from sin. “…Who will free me from this life that is dominated by [heart] sin? …The answer is in Jesus Christ our Lord…” (Romans 7:14-25 NLT). “…the things which are impossible with men are possible with God…” (Luke 18:27 KJV).

“…Whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved...” (Romans 10:12-13 KJV). It is “….The [miraculous]… power of God (the HOLY SPIRIT) unto salvation to everyone that believeth…” (Romans 1:16 KJV). Immediately, “… all things are become new” (2 Corinthians 5:17 KJV). “…he that is joined (attached) unto the Lord is ONE SPIRIT…” (1 Corinthians 6:17 KJV). Now “…the Spirit of God dwell in you…” (Romans 8:9 KJV). “…Now the Lord is that Spirit…” (2 Corinthians 3:17 KJV). Therefore and miraculously, “…Jesus Christ is in YOU…” (2 Corinthians 13:5 KJV).

IF you can say, ^“…Christ liveth in me…” (Galatians 2:20 KJV). THEN“…It is God who works in you [NOW]… to will and to act in order to fulfill his good purpose…” (Philippians 2:13 NIV). “… the God of peace, … that great Shepherd of the sheep, equip[s] you with everything good for doing his will, and …work[s] in [you]… what is pleasing to him, through Jesus Christ, to whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen…” (Hebrews 13:20-21 NIV).

"You did not choose me but I chose you, and appointed you that you should go and bear fruit….” (John 15:16 ASV). “…the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, Meekness, temperance…” (Galatians 5:22-23 KJV). “…the things which are impossible with men are possible with God…” (Luke 18:27 KJV). “…Abide in Me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself …neither can you unless you abide in Me. …apart from Me you can do nothing…” (John 15:4-6 NASB). "…My Father is glorified by this, that you bear much fruit, and so PROVE to be My disciples…” (John 15:8 NIV). “…the invisible [Spirit]…from the creation of the world …is clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made …” (Romans 1:20 KJV).

God’s disciples are “…clearly seen…” by the way they demonstrate love “…one to another …” (John 13:35 KJV). “Ye are of God, little children …We are of God: …Beloved, let us love one another: for love is of God; and every one that loveth is born of God, and knoweth God. He that loveth NOT knoweth NOT God; for God is love…” (1 John 4:4-8 KJV). “…the fruit of the Spirit is LOVE [etc;]…” (Galatians 5:22-23 KJV). "… you… [will]… bear much fruit, and …PROVE to be [God’s]… disciples…” (John 15:8 NIV).“…It is God who works in you [NOW]… to will and to act in order to fulfill his good purpose…” (Philippians 2:13 NIV).

When God is working in people’s lives - that you are praying for - The ONLY sign or symbol will be HIS WORD!!! “….the words that I speak unto you, they are spirit, and they are life…” (John 6:63 KJV). “….The Spirit alone gives eternal life. Human effort or the earthen vessel accomplishes nothing….” (John 6:63 NLT).

When you look for signs and symbols for God’s answer to prayer, outside of his Word, you will be disappointed EVERY time. “….Don't put your confidence in … people [OR THINGS]… there is NO HELP for you there….” (Psalms 146: 3 NLT).
…Human effort accomplishes nothing.” (John 6:63 NLT). “…the flesh profiteth nothing…” (John 6:63 KJV). "…That which is born of the flesh is flesh; and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit…” (John 3:6 KJV). “….THE WORDS that I speak unto you, they are SPIRIT, and they are life…” (John 6:63 KJV).

When you are praying for something or someone, it is easy to get caught up with what you SEE and what you HEAR, falsely believing they are some kind of sign or symbol that God is working in the situation. “…walk by faith (by depending upon God)...” (2 Corinthians 5:7 KJV). “…TRUST in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths…” (Proverbs 3:5-6 KJV). “…The LORD will accomplish (take care of)…that which concerns [you]…” (John 14:31 NASB). “…. is there any thing too hard for [God]…?” (Jeremiah 32:27 KJV).Remember, “…WHOEVER BELIEVES IN HIM WILL NOT BE DISAPPOINTED…" (ROMANS 10:11 NASB). “…and HOPE DOES NOT DISAPPOINT… (ROMANS 5:5 NASB).

“…He has granted to [you, earthen vessel]… His precious and magnificent promises…” (2 Peter 1:4 NASB). “…As many as are the promises of God, in Him they are yes …also … Amen …” (2 Corinthians 1:20 NASB). “And this is the confidence that we have in him (Jesus, the WORD of God), that, if we ask any thing according to his will , he heareth us…” (1 John 5:14 KJV). “…You can ask for ANYTHING in my name (Jesus' name is the WORD of God), and I will do it, so that the Son (the WORD) can bring glory to the Father.  Yes, ask me for ANYTHING in my name, and I will do it...” (John 14:12-14 NLT).  

“…Not one of the good promises which the Lord had made … failed; all came to pass…” (Joshua 21:45 NASB).  “…So shall my word be that goeth forth out of my mouth: it shall not return unto me void, but it shall accomplish that which I please, and it shall prosper in the thing whereto I sent it…” (Isaiah 55:11 KJV). “….THE WORDS that I speak unto you, they are SPIRIT, and they are life…” (John 6:63 KJV). “…MY WORD …shall not return unto me void, but it shall accomplish that which I please, and it shall prosper in the thing whereto I sent it…” (Isaiah 55:11 KJV).

Ask God for ANYTHING in his Word; he will DO it and the POWER of his Holy Spirit is your Sign; WATCH FOR IT. “…You can ask for ANYTHING in my name, and I will do it, so that the Son can bring GLORY to the Father ...” (John 14:12-14 NLT).  Jesus said this about Lazarus: “…..This sickness is not unto death, but for the GLORY of God…” (John 11:4 KJV). “…Jesus said to her (Lazarus’ sister), "Did I not say to you that if you believe, you will SEE THE GLORY OF GOD?”(John 10:40 NASB). “…Jesus said…I AM the resurrection and I AM the life…..” (John 11:25 KJV). “And HE THAT WAS DEAD CAME FORTH...” (John 11:43-44 KJV).

It is impossible for men to raise the dead without FAITH in (depending upon) the power of God. “…the things which are impossible with men are possible with God…” (Luke 18:27 KJV). "… if you believe (depend upon the Word), you will SEE THE GLORY OF GOD?”(John 10:40 NASB).

Keep in FOCUS at all times: “…The Spirit of God…  [powerfully]… move[s]…” (Genesis 1:1-3 KJV). “…the invisible [Spirit]… …is clearly seen…” (Romans 1:20 KJV). "…you will SEE THE GLORY OF GOD?”(John 10:40 NASB). “…[God’s] …Holy Spirit …[WILL BE]… the SOURCE [of it ALL]…” (1 Corinthians 12: 4-11 NLT).

Whatever it is will be manifested and you will SEE it come forth with your own eyes. “And HE THAT WAS DEAD CAME FORTH...” (John 11:43-44 KJV). “…[God’s] …Holy Spirit …[WILL BE]… the SOURCE [of it ALL]…” (1 Corinthians 12: 4-11 NLT). YOU ARE SIMPLE THE EARTHEN VESSEL AND GOD'S HOLY SPIRIT IS THE POWER WORKING "IN" AND "THROUGH" YOU.