Holy Spirit: The Only True Change Agent by Kristi Lemley
http://www.identitynetwork.net/Articles-?blogid=2093&view=post&articleid=Holy-Spirit-The-Only-True-Change-Agent-by-Kristi-Lemley-&link=1&fldKeywords=&fldAuthor=&fldTopic=0
By Kristi Lemley
Have you ever been frustrated as to why someone hasn't changed? I know I have. The desire to tell someone, especially an unbeliever, how much better their life would be if they just did or didn't do something overwhelms our thoughts and at times comes out of our mouth. We attempt to be the change agent and become discouraged when the person does not quickly respond because we want the best for them. Unfortunately, this is one reason unbelievers do not associate with Christians: They feel judged.
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Have you ever been frustrated as to why someone hasn't changed? I know I have. The desire to tell someone, especially an unbeliever, how much better their life would be if they just did or didn't do something overwhelms our thoughts and at times comes out of our mouth. We attempt to be the change agent and become discouraged when the person does not quickly respond because we want the best for them. Unfortunately, this is one reason unbelievers do not associate with Christians: They feel judged.
The Lord continues to remind me of the Scripture in 1 Corinthians that states God's ways are folly to those without the Spirit (1 Cor. 1:18). However, as Christians, we expect people to think the same way we do. We need to remember that it is the Spirit living in us who allows us to discern spiritual matters. It is not us, but the Spirit within us who transforms. The good news is that we are not the change agent. Thank you, Jesus. Not only is that pressure no one needs, but then a person could attempt to change us. We are only to introduce people to Jesus and then allow the Spirit to do the work. What freedom this brings to us as we intercede and release people into the hands of our Father!
Marcia Montenegro was an astrologer for over 20 years. She was the president of the astrological society and had no desire to be a Christian. She was opposed to it. Yet, the Lord prompted her to attend a church where He showered her with His love. This encounter did not bring her to salvation immediately, but it began to transform her thinking and ultimately, she surrendered to the Lord.
Why does Montenegro's story matter? Because no one at the church told her what she was doing was wrong but allowed her to attend just to learn about God. Marcia shares, "The church was liberal and didn't care what I did. But had I gone to another church that would have shamed me for being an astrologer, I would have left immediately." Marcia ended up over time (about eight months) giving her heart to Jesus and quitting her astrology practice. She now ministers to people in the New Age movement to help win them for Jesus. She walks beside each person, answering questions and allowing the Spirit to change them.
As Christians, we must recognize that we are not the one to change hearts and need to refrain from attempting to immediately clean people up. Let's focus on three actions. First, we need to love people right where they are. Part of loving people means we introduce them to Jesus. Finally, may we walk beside them as the Spirit transforms their heart and life.
Dr. Kristi Lemley
http://www.identitynetwork.net/Articles-?blogid=2093&url=10&view=post&articleid=Live-Gods-Best-by-Walking-in-Freedom-Every-Day-by-Kristi-Lemley&link=1&fldKeywords=&fldAuthor=&fldTopic=0
Do you sometimes feel as though your thoughts are a tornado swirling in your mind? One thought pulls another negative thought into the scene, and then damage begins to surface. The good news is that God can silence the chaos, and freedom is the result. Jesus died and rose so that you and I could walk in peace, joy, and freedom. We do not have to succumb to the thoughts that enter our minds. We can choose what we are going to think about.
http://www.identitynetwork.net/Articles-?blogid=2093&url=10&view=post&articleid=Why-Gods-Presence-Changes-Everything-by-Kristi-Lemley-&link=1&fldKeywords=&fldAuthor=&fldTopic=0
One moment in the presence of the Almighty can radically alter our world. It dispels fear instantly, strengthens a weary soul and changes an eternal destination. How powerful is our God! Look at the demon-possessed man who used to roam in the graveyard. One encounter with Jesus, and he was in his right mind (Mark 5:1-20). How about blind Bartimaeus? One moment with Jesus, and he regained his sight (Mark 10:46-52). Can you imagine the shame the adulteress felt in front of all the men who wanted to stone her?