Transformation by the Spirit

A person is not a Jew who is one only outwardly, nor is circumcision merely outward and physical. No, a person is a Jew who is one inwardly; and circumcision is circumcision of the heart, by the Spirit, not by the written code. Such a person’s praise is not from other people, but from God.” (Romans 2: 28-29). When the Israeli revival starts in earnest Israelis will be filled with Holy Spirit, as they acknowledge their Messiah, Yeshua. That day Ezekiel’s prophecy will be fulfilled, “I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit in you; I will remove from you your heart of stone and give you a heart of flesh. And I will put my Spirit in you and move you to follow my decrees and be careful to keep my laws.” (Ezekiel 36:26-27)

God in the Small things

The sound of a newborn baby’s hiccup is unique in all creation, but every infant’s hiccup sounds identical. It is a sound impossible to mimic as it comes from the involuntary reverberation of a tiny jerking infant throat. What marvelous creativity belongs to God.

The Holy Spirit Among Israel

“A young man ran and told Moses, ‘Eldad and Medad are prophesying in the camp.’ Joshua son of Nun, who had been Moses’ aide since youth, spoke up and said, ‘Moses, my lord, stop them!’ But Moses replied, ‘Are you jealous for my sake? I wish that all the Lord’s people were prophets and that the Lord would put his Spirit on them!’ (Numbers 11:27-29) This is leadership with wisdom and humility. When people submit themselves to the Lord, then He gives them His heart for His people. Even when Moses was confronted by a rebellious contingent, he didn’t take his defense into his own hands, but trusted it to God. (Numbers 16:1-33) King David illustrated this principle several times. Lord, give us leaders who will trust you completely, moreover, raise up your people through the mighty working of your indwelling Holy Spirit.

Trickery 

I watched some highlights of Ronaldinho playing soccer and he was uniquely skilled at moving the ball and himself around, through, over, under and by his opponents, then when they least expect it he shot the ball into the goal. The camera focused in on the goal keepers, their bewildered expression wondering how it happened so fast. Ronaldinho is a master of deception looking elsewhere, faking intent, then moving away, he leads the opponent off balance and instantly he is gone. He is tricky. This is a common ploy or tools in many areas of life. The comedian tells a story establishing an expectation, then says something totally unexpected to fool his audience and the twist is so funny. He does it over and over, with skill and perfect timing. The hunter tricks his prey. The advertiser tricks buyers to believe his product is best and that they must have it. The conman tricks the unsuspecting target of his fraud. Politicians trick voters with promises they will never fulfill. Satan tricks wicked people into believing there is no God, Hell, or consequences to their evil deeds. God cannot lie. (Heb. 6:18)