The Raider Nations Hidden Glory
We live in a world where each and every one of us faces the challenge of constant change. Events in our world are filling the hearts of millions with fear. The world's economy seems to be hanging by a thread, as world leaders debate with the complex issues of our day. Is it possible to face the future with confidence in a society that every day seems to challenge us one and all with so much uncertainty?
The hidden glory of two thousand years ago on the night before his death, Jesus Christ told his sorrow filled disciples that he was leaving them. His time had come to die as the eternal sacrifice for all mankind. Yet in the midst of the fear that clutched the hearts of every one of them he made a profound promise. He said I will not leave you comfortless but I will ask the Father to send you the Holy Spirit that He may abide with you forever. The hidden glory of which I speak is a life changing presence or person who inhabits the hearts of every believer in Jesus Christ. When we confess Him as Lord and Savior the Holy Spirit of promise changes our hearts and cleanses us from sin.
Our hearts and lives are changed because we come by faith into contact with the living God. From the moment we accept Jesus as our lord and savior the Holy Spirit sets up residence within us. It is that hidden glory of the person of the Holy Spirit that gives every believer hope today. We carry within our hearts the power and glory of God. This is the manifestation of God living within the hearts of all who have been birthed into Jesus Christ by our faith in Him. "It's a Supernatural Phenomena! Every one of us has images from our past where the Spirit of God has spoken to us and given us the guidance or direction we needed. His is the most gentile of hearts. How many times have you read the word of God and He's spoken to your hearts just what you needed to hear at that particular time? How many times has our heart been stirred as He has spoken a word to us from the lips of some minister or teacher. How many times have we seen our favorite Raider player point towards the sky or kneel after a score.
We should never forget the times in our lives the Holy Spirit has imparted to us a life changing, life altering revelation. As Believers in Christ our lives are not a series of events of random unseen glory. No, the Holy Spirit is leading and guiding our steps not just from day-to-day but moment-to-moment. In our times of joy and our darkest hours He has always been by our side. When in desperation a believer cries out to God, it is His voice that speaks to the heart, dries our tears and calms our fears. He, by His wisdom gives us the direction to see beyond the given situation with love and understanding. It's natural for us be fearful in a storm of "thoughts." The disciples had Jesus right there in the boat with them, yet they were afraid (Matthew. 8:23-27). He used the calming of the storm as a lesson to show them and us today that He is a powerful God who cares for us.
The hidden glory is that we find ourselves anchored to the truth by the glory of His Holy Spirit that has taken up residence in our hearts. One should never forget that He is literally in the "boat" with us at all times! I do not mean to minimize the dangers facing our world today, but I do know that whatever dark days lie ahead He will be there sustaining us with what we face. For the Holy Spirit is a divine link to the heart of Father God. His is a mission of compassion to all hurting souls where ever they may be found. As believers of Christ many of us have laid down a prayer for family that are passionate Raider fans. That really have no desire to walk with Him, or it's just as simple of not understanding? We do offer the Raider Nation hope because the Holy Spirit is the greatest force of life and change in the world today. We that pray offer faith and inspiration of Jesus Christ to minister to the needs of the hurting all around us.
We do not face the future alone, for as followers of Jesus Christ the hidden glory of His life and nature resides in every one of us. Do not get caught up in the fear and dark days ahead with doubt. We can have confidence in this promise because of the Holy Spirit, that inner glory of God's heart is for the Raider Nation to change direction "repent" to find out for themselves the truth of the hidden glory, that we have come to know. As we see change in family and friends, the issues of this world become secondary... When the Spirit of truth comes, He will guide you into all truth. (John 16:13).
Pastor Mando
"Just Keeping It Real"
