Limitless

This past Sunday at church, as I was at the end of praise and worship, I had this deposited into my heart. 

~

It says in John 3:34 that "God gives the Spirit without limit." So, if God's Spirit is given without limit, then why don't we see the signs and wonders that followed the fullness of the Spirit like we read about in the word of God? Because God's Spirit is limited by us. God wants so much to send freedom to the oppressed, heal the broken hearted, bring salvation to the lost, but His Spirit is trapped by the invisible restraints that we have placed around Him. And, being the gentleman that He is, the Holy Spirit will never force the doors open, or barge in where He isn't invited.

~

I think sometimes I don't even realize that I am shutting out the Lord with my lifestyles, my attitudes and my choices. I know many times in my life, I have been so worried about keeping the enemy out, so consumed with having an impenetrable fortress around myself and my family that I have even shut out the Lord, and all that he provides. Ironically, and unfortunately, that includes the divine protection that is so much more powerful than my pitiful walls could ever be. I have built strong-walled kingdoms filled with all things safe and beautiful, but I have forgotten the windows to let the Light in. There are no doors to receive a knock from the One who so desires to enter.

Help me to open the doors, Lord, and allow you to do whatever it is that you desire in my life an the lives of those around me. I don't want to limit your Spirit, for I know that it is by your Spirit that we overcome all things, move in power, and live a life of fullness. Forgive me for closing myself in and leaving you on the outskirts of my life, when really, all I want is more of you.

There was an amazing response to the word of the Lord in our service. The wind of the Spirit blew through that place, and was felt by each person there. God is doing something beautiful in our new little church in Berea, and we are so glad that we have the opportunity to witness it and be a part.