Last week we talked about coming into rest with the Lord. The rest that the Lord has for us is actually a dying on our part to try and fulfill any of God's purposes in the power of our flesh. The primary example for us is Abraham when he became the father of Ishmael. Sarah had an Egyptian maid that gave us Ishmael. We know that God uses Egypt to give us a picture of the world, so we find Abraham going to the world in his desire to please God. In addition to this story we have the perfect example of man dying to self in the story of Jesus going to the cross for each and everyone of us. Today we are able to live in union with Christ in His resurrection power because he was willing to die to self and subject himself to both religious men and a cruel worldly gentile government. Jesus went to the cross in rest and quietness and truly His confidence was in the promise of the Father that he would be resurrected by the power of the Holy Spirit. Glory!

"This is what the Sovereign Lord, the Holy One of Israel, says: 'In repentance and rest is your salvation, in quietness and confidence is your strength.'" (Isaiah 30:15)

I grew up in churches that taught a great deal on dying to self or the crucified life. It always left me with little hope because I never seemed to have any power to live a better life. Praise God that all changed in August of 1968 when I truly surrendered to the Lordship of Jesus and He baptized me with the Holy Spirit. His promise to us is that we will receive power when this happens.

"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)

We are told to strive to enter into this realm of His Spirit. His Spirit is the alternative to walking in the flesh. It just makes good sense to desire supernatural power if we are willing to die to self. If we are willing to empty ourselves out of ourselves we need something to take our place. Welcome to our home Holy Spirit. Glory!

"Eagerly pursue and seek to acquire His love, make it your aim, your great quest; and earnestly desire and strive to cultivate the spiritual endowments, especially that you may prophesy, that is, interpret the divine will and purpose in inspired sharing and teaching." (1 Corinthians 14:1)

Lord, we are thankful that you were more than willing to come and die to yourself on behalf of us. Thank you that we are able to celebrate your resurrection life during this season. We lift up our Jewish friends around the world as they celebrate their deliverance from Egypt. May You find open hearts, both among Gentiles and Jews during this time to show your great love. Amen and Amen.

The Jewish people are celebrating being delivered from Egypt this week and the Passover story is being told in millions of homes in Israel and around the world. May the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob reveal Himself in mighty ways this week as our Jewish friends celebrate this miraculous story. Thanks for being a part of this celebration in Ariel with your gifts for the Seder meal.

"Dear Homer, we received our order of Olive Oil Soap a few days ago. It is WONDERFUL. My husband and I both love it. And I could not believe the rich, thick lather when I shampooed my hair – and I only had to rub the soap across my hair two or three times. Thanks for making this wonderful soap for us. Signed J.
Click here to order: http://www.samaritanfoundation.org/product.htm

Thanks and blessings, Homer.

www.samaritanfoundation.org
homer@samaritanfoundation.org