Wednesday, March 30, 2011

Trapped, cornered, pinned against the wall?

“To whom do you go for help when you feel trapped, cornered, or pinned against the wall because of a situation you've fallen into? In moments like that, do you feel overwhelmed with a sense of desperation, or do you know where to turn for help?”

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Rick Renner – Greek Scholar and friend of Jesus in Russia, answers this question in the devotion below. It comes from his book, Sparkling Gems from the Greek. See http://www.sparkling-gems.com/ and http://www.renner.org/

I read “Sparkling Gems” regularly and I’m always touched by God. I found this writing particularly relevant to my life at present so I thought I’d share it and introduce you to this great Bible teacher, and lover of God. Bob Lipsys Australia.

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The Supernatural Intercessory Ministry Of the Holy Spirit by Rick Renner
Likewise the Spirit also helpeth our infirmities: for we know not what we should pray for as we ought: but the Spirit itself maketh intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered. -Romans 8:26

To whom do you go for help when you feel trapped, cornered, or pinned against the wall because of a situation you've fallen into? In moments like that, do you feel overwhelmed with a sense of desperation, or do you know where to turn for help?

I want to speak to you about the supernatural intercessory ministry of the Holy Spirit. But today I'm not talking about prayer when I use the phrase "intercessory ministry." I am talking about a very special, unique work of the Holy Spirit that is available to help you every day - especially in times when you're feeling backed into a corner by situations in life.

Romans 8:26 says, "Likewise the Spirit also helpeth our infirmities: for we know not what we should pray for as we ought: but the Spirit itself maketh intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered." I would like to draw your attention to the word "intercession" in the middle of this verse. It is the Greek word huperentugchano, an old word that does not appear to exist outside early Christian literature. It is the picture of one who comes upon someone who has fallen into some kind of quandary. Upon discovering the trapped person's dilemma, he swiftly swings into action to rescue and deliver the one who is in trouble. Therefore, the word huperentugchano conveys the idea of a rescue operation.

Paul uses this word here to tell us about a special work of divine intercession - a special ministry performed by the Holy Spirit Himself when He sees that you are at a loss for words or that you are trapped in a situation and don't know how to get out. Suddenly and supernaturally, the Holy Spirit falls into that place with you. Now you are no longer facing the challenge by yourself, for the Holy Spirit has stepped into your dilemma and is initiating a rescue plan to get you out of that mess!

The Holy Spirit feels everything you feel. He understands the complete inadequacy you are experiencing. He knows about every battle you are facing. He willingly joins you in your circumstances, sharing your emotions and frustrations. Then He begins to put a supernatural plan of rescue into operation to get you out of your mess!

The middle phrase of Romans 8:26 conveys this idea:
"The Spirit Himself falls into our difficulty with us, initiating a supernatural rescue operation to get us out of the mess we've fallen into."

So the next time you get into trouble, there's no need for you to sweat it out by yourself. The Holy Spirit is standing by, just waiting for you to ask for His assistance. Helping you is a part of His ministry, so never hesitate to say, "Holy Spirit, help me!" This is what the intercessory ministry of the Holy Spirit is all about!

What challenges are you facing today? What problems seem bigger than your ability to handle by yourself?

Come to grips with your need for supernatural assistance, and open your heart to the Holy Spirit's help today. As you do, you will liberate Him to release His mighty power in you. An answer to every problem is just around the corner as you allow the Holy Spirit to work His supernatural ministry of intercession in your life!

PRAYER
Lord, I thank You that the Holy Spirit joins me in the challenges I am facing in my life today. You sent Him to be my Helper, my Guide, my Teacher, and my Intercessor - the One who meets my problems head-on and helps me to overcome them! Rather than try to work out those problems by myself, I open my heart today for the Holy Spirit to join me as my divine Partner so I can be more than a conqueror in every situation!
I pray this in Jesus' name!

By Rick Renner http://www.renner.org/

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