‘Now he who supplies seed to the sower and bread for food will also supply and increase your store of seed and will enlarge the harvest of your righteousness.’ 2 Corinthians 9:10 (NIV)
No farmer puts a seed in the ground without expecting a harvest. Rain, sunshine and God’s benevolence ensure a harvest, and it is always a time of celebration.
Our lives as believers can be compared to planting and harvesting. God sent His only Son, Jesus, to come die for our sins, that’s planting. When we accept the free gift of salvation, we receive the seed of salvation. We are watered by the word of God, and the Holy Spirit gives us all the tools we need to produce a harvest of righteousness.
But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.” Acts 1:8 (NIV)
The Holy Spirit empowers us to be the witnesses and representatives of Jesus Christ. When we partner with Him, we become part of bringing a harvest of souls into the Kingdom.
The characters, or gifts of the Holy Spirit help us to be victorious in our Christian walk, and to serve God’s people. Let’s take a brief look at what they are:
- Wisdom– But the wisdom that comes from heaven is first of all pure; then peace-loving, considerate, submissive, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial and sincere. James 3:17 (NIV).
Wisdom is knowing what to do, and when to do it. Wisdom from heaven helps us make choices that are aligned with God’s will, and lead like Jesus.
- Understanding– Give me understanding, so that I may keep your law and obey it all my heart. Psalm 119:34 (NIV).
To understand means to have a grasp of what God expects of us. Understanding keeps us grounded in truth, and eliminates the noise of the world.
- Counsel– You guide me with your counsel, and afterward you will take me into glory. Psalm 73:24 (NIV).
Also known as right judgement, counsel enables us to know the difference between right and wrong, and choose right.
- Fortitude/Courage- Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the Lord your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. Deuteronomy 31:6 (NIV)
Fear is an enemy that robs us of God’s best for our lives, and prevents us from doing God’s will. The gift of courage empowers us to stand up for what is right, even if it means rejection. Courage helps us to overcome our fears, and be more willing to take risks as followers of Jesus.
- Knowledge– The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge, but fools despise wisdom and instruction. Proverbs 1:7 (NIV).
Knowledge is more than a mere gathering of facts. It is understanding who God is, and how He is at work in our lives.
- Piety/ Reverence– Therefore, since we are receiving a kingdom that cannot be shaken, let us be thankful, and so worship God acceptably with reverence and awe. Hebrews 12:24 (NIV).
Reverence is a deep sense of respect for God. The gift of reverence helps us realize our total dependence on God, so we can come to Him in trust and humility.
- Fear of the Lord– …Fear God and keep His commandments, for this is the duty of all mankind. Ecclesiastes 12:13 (NIV).
This is not the kind of fear that causes us to cower and shrink. The gift of the fear of the Lord allows us to rise in worship and awe, as we become aware of His glory and majesty.
If we receive and walk in these gifts on a personal level, and collectively as a Church, there are no limits to what we can do for the kingdom of our God and King.
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Thank you
– Brother Al
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