JOSIAH-MINISTRIES
The Holy Spirit
Part one
Our men’s Bible study has been studying the Holy Spirit. In our last lesson, we were asked to name some people in the Old Testament who were filled with the Holy Spirit. King David and King Saul came to mind. Both were mightily filled with Holy Spirit and anointed King, but had entirely different results. David died and is forever remembered as “a man after God’s own heart” and the standard by which all Kings were measured. Saul died as a demonized man in rebellion apart from God. And a failure. How did this happen?
In recent years I have noticed the same difference in those who received the baptism of the Holy Spirit. Not dieing the same death as Saul, but never experiencing the fullness of the Holy Spirit we should expect. I believe that we have more control over this than we think. In Ezekiel 47, the Bible speaks of water flowing from the temple. First, a trickle, then to the ankles, then to the knees, then to the loins, and eventually a river that totally immerses the writer. As the river flows, it sustains all kinds of life down stream.
Water is sometimes symbolic of the Holy Spirit in the Bible. (John 7:37-39 and John 4:13-14) I believe that is the case here. This section of Ezekiel is speaking of the restoration of the Temple and God’s people. He speaks of putting things in order (the requirement of the different rooms and implements of service). He also speaks of the people repenting and turning from their idols. The preparation was essential before the Spirit filled the Temple. In the cases of King David and King Saul, the conditions of their hearts made the difference in their outcomes. Although not perfect, David’s heart was right before the Lord, he had true repentance. His filling lasted his whole life. He became the standard by which all kings were measured. Saul often walked in direct disobedience of the Lord and eventually the Spirit was removed from him. 1 Samuel 16: 14-15 “Now the Spirit of the Lord departed from Saul, and an evil spirit from the Lord terrorized him. And Saul’s servants then said to him, behold now, an evil spirit from the Lord is terrorizing you”. Instead of true repentance, Saul had excuses. His heart was not fully given and it cost him.
I have seen a number of people receive the baptism of the Holy Spirit and I have to ask “Why do the results differ from person to person?” To some believers (such as the original 120) it was a life changing event that changed their world and lasted a lifetime. To others it is like Saul’s, where the power is there in the beginning, but fades or disappears with time.
In Luke 8:4-15, Jesus tell and explains the parable about the seeds. I think that some of the Church is in between the seed sown in the weeds and the seed sown on good ground. In seed sown on good ground, the result is obvious, as is seed sown in the weeds. Time will tell. In my own life, I have found that the more of this world I am willing to give up (TV, hobbies, and sinful behavior) the more of the Spirit I will walk in.
In John 14:16&17, Jesus speaks of the promise of the Holy Spirit. “Whom the world cannot receive”. As I read this, I wondered, “If I have too much of the world in me, am I hindering how much of the Holy Spirit I can receive?”
In a society filled with idols, are we trying to keep one foot in the world (in the weeds) and one foot on the fertile ground? If the Church wants a Pentecost type experience, maybe we should try to conduct ourselves as the original 120 did; In prayer, fellowship, devoted to the Word and breaking bread together. I know that God has so much more for me than I am experiencing now. I am determined to keep seeking until I find it. In Ezekiel 47: 7-12 the writer speaks of the great flow of the river sustaining life down stream and even making the sea fresh. This is what I see what started with the original 120 and spread throughout the whole world. If we are not content with ankle deep or calf deep filling of the Spirit, we can change that by our behavior. Verse 11 gives a warning that we should pay attention to. 11. But its’ swamps and marshes will not become fresh. They will be left for salt. A marsh is dead stagnate water that will not sustain life, Salt water will not sustain us either.
Throughout the years I’ve read about great men of God who were mightily used by God. I find it very encouraging to read about these people. I ask myself, Why not me? Or, Why not my church or community? If the same Holy Spirit that raised Jesus Christ from the dead and filled these saints’ lives in me, then why not me? In Luke 24:49, Jesus said; “And behold I am sending forth the promise of my father upon you, but you are to stay in the city until you are clothed with power from on high”. They were blindly obedient to what Jesus told them to do and when the promised Holy Spirit came, the New Testament Church was born. I pray that this message encourages you to say, “Why not me”? Yours in Christ, Marty
WHEN THE WELL IS DRY
Years back, Robin Mark recorded a song called “Revival.” In one of the verses is the line “From the preacher preaching when the well is dry’ I’ve thought a lot about that line over the years. It’s talking about a preacher being able to preach through hard times. I relate it to preachers who went through the depression, times of sickness and disease, countries torn apart by war and oppression, or religious persecution. I liked to think I could have been one of those who despite hard times could still preach the Gospel with out those circumstances affecting me.
After 25 years of painting and four surgeries, my hands are a mess. There is not a day that goes by when I don’t have some sort of reminder of the condition of my hands and my limitations. Over the last 12 years, I still have able to glorify God in my life and share the Gospel without it hindering me. I kind of considered it “preaching when the well is dry”. Although I had not been through wars, the depression, famine and disease, I thought my faith was tried and tested and I was doing alright. About a year ago, something changed in my right hand. The pain started going up my arm, through my elbow, my shoulder and into my neck. For over a month, there was nothing I could do to get a release from the pain. I couldn’t sleep or do anything that didn’t stir up the pain. My doctor checked my neck and could not find anything wrong. He sent me home with some muscle relaxers that didn’t help. At that point I prayed and sought the Lord more than before. After that the pain began to lift and return back to where it was before. I wish I could say that the pain never broke me, but I can’t. I can say that my seeking of God was more than I can remember and that God was there and delivered me. The only way to test our faith is to have to use it. There is no other way.
Over the years I have found great encouragement in reading the Psalms. I see the Lord delivering his children out of many attacks. The thing that we must see here is that he delivered his children “out” of them. I have seen the Lords divine protection and provision over myself and those around me. Seeing these and hearing testimonies of these things does build my faith. But there are times when deliverance comes during the attack. These are the times my faith has grown the most. Many times the Psalmist cried out and the Lord delivered him. We must understand that there is an enemy who desires to destroy Gods’ children. Not just our lives, but every part of our lives. He is also known as the accuser, trying to destroy our reputation. Not only before God, but in this world as well. I know that everyone will stand before God and give an account for their lives, I know that there is a price to be paid on earth as well for our actions. There are consequences for sin and a price to be paid. I must remember it is not up to me to decide when these will take place. I thank God that through the blood of Jesus all of my sins are covered.
I read about the suffering that many people are going through and know that my problems don’t compare with theirs, but they still hurt. The pain is real. In recent times I have had to face some of the most trying times of my life. I’ve heard the words “Lord don’t let me fall” through out the Bible. I always thought it meant things like “don’t let me be defeated” or “don’t let me lose” and things like that. But in recent times I am seeing it as, Lord don’t let me fall away. There have been times where that has been my cry. I find encouragement in I Corinthians 10:13 13 No temptation has overtaken you but such as is common to man; and God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will provide the way of escape also, so that you will be able to endure it. I must hold on to this verse and others like it to make it through these trials and testing of my faith. Sometimes I have to remind myself that the Bible is fully true and that it is for me today. I believe that God means what he says in it.
As I was working on this message, my wife was starting her third day of a migraine headache that would not release. No amount of prayer or pain pills was breaking through. Our family has been going through a trial that is tearing my heart apart worse than anything I have ever been through. It feels like God is not hearing our prayers. In this silent time I have to decide if I really believe that the Bible is fully true in every situation or not. On that day the migraine started to go away and as I cried to the Lord, he heard my cry and started to speak to me through his word. As I have listened he is counseling me and bringing through these times. There seem to be opportunities to work this situation in the flesh, (mans way) or wait and see God’s solution. Sometimes these solutions are not even an option. As
Through out the Bible there are many times where God delivered his people. During the attack, it seems as if the enemy can do anything they want to do. Many times it cost the attackers their lives, while other times they were driven back. I don’t know how God is going to deliver us from these times, but I know he is going to. One of my thoughts is, God did not bring us this far to just abandon us, I know he is faithful and will deliver us. During these times we must stand and know that our God is not only able, but desires to deliver us. Psalm 91, verse 14 he says “because he loves me I will save him” Hold on to those words and keep expecting deliverance from all attacks. I pray that this encourages you. Keep in prayer, I’ve never heard of anyone being accused of praying too much. Please leave comments or feedback in the guest book or email me at; martyg@josiah-ministries.com God bless you all, Marty Griffeth
We can not allow the enemies attacks to silence the Gospel of Jesus. The world must see the Church of Jesus Christ standing strong through all circumstances.Therefore, God Is Not Ashamed To Be Called Their God
Part 2 Shepherds and Pastors68 But He chose the tribe of
69 And He built His sanctuary [exalted] like the heights [of the heavens] and like the earth which He established forever.
70 He chose David His servant and took him from the sheepfolds;
71 From tending the ewes that had their young He brought him to be the shepherd of Jacob His people, of Israel His inheritance.
72 So [David] was their shepherd with an upright heart; he guided them by the discernment and skillfulness [which controlled] his hands.
This message is about Shepherds and Pastors. As I read and spent time with the Lord, I am convinced that it is for the whole Church. Pastors have a tremendous responsibility in caring for those whom have been entrusted to them. In the same way every Christian has people in their lives that God entrusted to them to care for. As you read this study, try to see yourself in this position. What does God find commendable in a shepherd? I believe that an Old Testament example is King David. Almost all Kings who reigned were compared to David.
When the lion and the bear took the sheep, David was not willing to let a single sheep that was entrusted to him perish. He pursued the lion and took the sheep from lion’s mouth and killed the lion. In Luke 14:3-10, Jesus tells of the lost sheep and coin, he speaks of how important it is to pursue and find that which is lost. Please note that neither David nor Jesus contemplated why the sheep was in danger or that it deserved it’s fate. They did not count their losses and be thankful for the rest of the flock that got away. They did not flee to safety like the hireling. (see John 10:7-18) Or consider it too late to save them. In giving the ultimate sacrifice, Jesus gave his life for his sheep.
As I read the next verses, some commentators could not understand how Paul could say that he would even be cut off from Christ if it would mean his fellow countrymen be saved. From an intellectual stand point of view it does not make sense. But to one that Jesus might call a “good shepherd” it makes sense. This is a love that only God can birth in us. Only as we grow in our relationship with the Lord can we walk in a love like this.
Romans 9:1-3 (AMP)1 I AM speaking the truth in Christ. I am not lying; my conscience [enlightened and prompted] by the Holy Spirit bearing witness with me
2 That I have bitter grief and incessant anguish in my heart.
3 For I could wish that I myself were accursed and cut off and banished from Christ for the sake of my brethren and instead of them, my natural kinsmen and my fellow countrymen.
Please read the 17th chapter of John. Jesus speaks of those whom God gave him and how he kept them. We do not get to pick and choose who our sheep are. Usually these sheep will not look like us or act like us, but often times that is how God works. Sheep can be dirty smelly dull animals, not cute and cuddly that we see in some pictures. We live in a fallen world and all of the people we minister to are from the same place. The same way that Jesus said to leave the 99 to find the one, we must be willing to do the same. There may be some sheep that won’t come, but it should not be because their shepherd did not pursue them. As a minister, how could I expect more from the Lord if I am not being faithful with what he has already entrusted to me?
I worked with a man for over 20 years and during that time we had some conversations about Christianity and our beliefs. His walk may not have been perfect, but I felt he had a general knowledge of Christ. I had not seen him for almost ten years and heard recently that on a Saturday be was diagnosed with a brain tumor and on the following Thursday he died. I always thought of him as a friend. As I was thinking about him, I sensed the Holy Spirit say “If he were a friend you would have told him about Jesus one more time.” I do not know his eternal fate, but I do not ever want to hear that again.
All of us are called to bring Jesus Christ to a dying world. This is not about making a name for ourselves, but it’s about not letting a single person entrusted to us perish (die without Christ). To those who have answered the call to be a shepherd as well as those who are laypeople, I pray that Christ will give you his heart for your sheep. In Matthew 23:37-39 and Luke 19:41-44 you can see his heart for his sheep.
Matthew 23:37-39“OThis last week I heard a Pastor bring a message of salvation to his congregation. It was not just a generic message but it was the Pastors heart crying out to them. Not willing for a single one to perish. I want that kind of heart for those entrusted to me. There is going to be a day when we stand before the Lord and give an accounting for our lives. Our goal should be to say like Jesus said, “I did not lose any that you gave me.” By spending some time reading all of the Gospels, you can see the example that Christ (the Good Shepherd) lived.
The disciples believed that Jesus would return in their lifetime. They preached the Gospel with a sense of urgency. In this day and age we must do the same. When we stand before the Lord, we should want to hear him say, “Well done my good and faithful servants, enter into your rest”
I pray that this message will encourage you to pursue the Lord more and more each day until the day we see Jesus face to face.
In Christ, Marty Griffeth
