Thanksgiving

After our countries day of Thanksgiving I felt it appropriate to post this to my blog because I am very thankful to God for all He has, is and will do for me, my family and our country and even the whole world if any will turn to Him. After the Psalm is the Proclamation from President Lincoln that set a National Holiday that gives praise to our God for His provision. May He always guard and guide our country and our homes and may we always be His as a country. Amen.

Psalm 34

American Standard Version (ASV)

A Psalm of David; when he changed his behavior before Abimelech, who drove him away, and he departed.

34 I will bless Jehovah at all times: His praise shall continually be in my mouth.

² My soul shall make her boast in Jehovah: The meek shall hear thereof, and be glad.
³ Oh magnify Jehovah with me, And let us exalt his name together.
⁴ I sought Jehovah, and he answered me, And delivered me from all my fears.
⁵ They looked unto him, and were radiant; And their faces shall never be confounded.
⁶ This poor man cried, and Jehovah heard him, And saved him out of all his troubles.
⁷ The angel of Jehovah encampeth round about them that fear him, And delivereth them.
⁸ Oh taste and see that Jehovah is good: Blessed is the man that taketh refuge in him.
⁹ Oh fear Jehovah, ye his saints; For there is no want to them that fear him.
¹⁰ The young lions do lack, and suffer hunger; But they that seek Jehovah shall not want any good thing.
¹¹ Come, ye children, hearken unto me: I will teach you the fear of Jehovah.
¹² What man is he that desireth life, And loveth many days, that he may see good?
¹³ Keep thy tongue from evil, And thy lips from speaking guile.
¹⁴ Depart from evil, and do good; Seek peace, and pursue it.
¹⁵ The eyes of Jehovah are toward the righteous, And his ears are open unto their cry.
¹⁶ The face of Jehovah is against them that do evil, To cut off the remembrance of them from the earth.
¹⁷ The righteous cried, and Jehovah heard, And delivered them out of all their troubles.
¹⁸ Jehovah is nigh unto them that are of a broken heart, And saveth such as are of a contrite spirit.
¹⁹ Many are the afflictions of the righteous; But Jehovah delivereth him out of them all.
²⁰ He keepeth all his bones: Not one of them is broken.
²¹ Evil shall slay the wicked; And they that hate the righteous shall be condemned.
²² Jehovah redeemeth the soul of his servants; And none of them that take refuge in him shall be condemned.

Proclamation of Thanksgiving

Washington, D.C.
October 3, 1863

This is the proclamation which set the precedent for America's national day of Thanksgiving. During his administration, President Lincoln issued many orders similar to this. For example, on November 28, 1861, he ordered government departments closed for a local day of thanksgiving.

Sarah Josepha Hale, a 74-year-old magazine editor, wrote a letter to Lincoln on September 28, 1863, urging him to have the "day of our annual Thanksgiving made a National and fixed Union Festival." She explained, "You may have observed that, for some years past, there has been an increasing interest felt in our land to have the Thanksgiving held on the same day, in all the States; it now needs National recognition and authoritive fixation, only, to become permanently, an American custom and institution."

Prior to this, each state scheduled its own Thanksgiving holiday at different times, mainly in New England and other Northern states. President Lincoln responded to Mrs. Hale's request immediately, unlike several of his predecessors, who ignored her petitions altogether. In her letter to Lincoln she mentioned that she had been advocating a national thanksgiving date for 15 years as the editor of Godey's Lady's Book. George Washington was the first president to proclaim a day of thanksgiving, issuing his request on October 3, 1789, exactly 74 years before Lincoln's.

The document below sets apart the last Thursday of November "as a day of Thanksgiving and Praise." According to an April 1, 1864, letter from John Nicolay, one of President Lincoln's secretaries, this document was written by Secretary of State William Seward, and the original was in his handwriting. On October 3, 1863, fellow Cabinet member Gideon Welles recorded in his diary how he complimented Seward on his work. A year later the manuscript was sold to benefit Union troops.

By the President of the United States of America.

A Proclamation.

The year that is drawing towards its close, has been filled with the blessings of fruitful fields and healthful skies. To these bounties, which are so constantly enjoyed that we are prone to forget the source from which they come, others have been added, which are of so extraordinary a nature, that they cannot fail to penetrate and soften even the heart which is habitually insensible to the ever watchful providence of Almighty God. In the midst of a civil war of unequaled magnitude and severity, which has sometimes seemed to foreign States to invite and to provoke their aggression, peace has been preserved with all nations, order has been maintained, the laws have been respected and obeyed, and harmony has prevailed everywhere except in the theatre of military conflict; while that theatre has been greatly contracted by the advancing armies and navies of the Union. Needful diversions of wealth and of strength from the fields of peaceful industry to the national defence, have not arrested the plough, the shuttle or the ship; the axe has enlarged the borders of our settlements, and the mines, as well of iron and coal as of the precious metals, have yielded even more abundantly than heretofore. Population has steadily increased, notwithstanding the waste that has been made in the camp, the siege and the battle-field; and the country, rejoicing in the consiousness of augmented strength and vigor, is permitted to expect continuance of years with large increase of freedom. No human counsel hath devised nor hath any mortal hand worked out these great things. They are the gracious gifts of the Most High God, who, while dealing with us in anger for our sins, hath nevertheless remembered mercy. It has seemed to me fit and proper that they should be solemnly, reverently and gratefully acknowledged as with one heart and one voice by the whole American People. I do therefore invite my fellow citizens in every part of the United States, and also those who are at sea and those who are sojourning in foreign lands, to set apart and observe the last Thursday of November next, as a day of Thanksgiving and Praise to our beneficent Father who dwelleth in the Heavens. And I recommend to them that while offering up the ascriptions justly due to Him for such singular deliverances and blessings, they do also, with humble penitence for our national perverseness and disobedience, commend to His tender care all those who have become widows, orphans, mourners or sufferers in the lamentable civil strife in which we are unavoidably engaged, and fervently implore the interposition of the Almighty Hand to heal the wounds of the nation and to restore it as soon as may be consistent with the Divine purposes to the full enjoyment of peace, harmony, tranquillity and Union.

In testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and caused the Seal of the United States to be affixed.

Done at the City of Washington, this Third day of October, in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and sixty-three, and of the Independence of the Unites States the Eighty-eighth.

By the President: Abraham Lincoln

William H. Seward,
Secretary of State

 

Holy Spirit Study #4

76. Romans 14:17
• American Standard Version
  for the kingdom of God is not eating and drinking, but righteousness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit.
77. Romans 15:13
• American Standard Version
  Now the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that ye may abound in hope, in the power of the Holy Spirit.
78. Romans 15:16
• American Standard Version
  that I should be a minister of Christ Jesus unto the Gentiles, ministering the gospel of God, that the offering up of the Gentiles might be made acceptable, being sanctified by the Holy Spirit.
79. Romans 15:19
• American Standard Version
  in the power of signs and wonders, in the power of the Holy Spirit; so that from Jerusalem, and round about even unto Illyricum, I have fully preached the gospel of Christ;
80. 1 Corinthians 6:19
• American Standard Version
  Or know ye not that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit which is in you, which ye have from God? and ye are not your own;
81. 1 Corinthians 12:3
• American Standard Version
  Wherefore I make known unto you, that no man speaking in the Spirit of God saith, Jesus is anathema; and no man can say, Jesus is Lord, but in the Holy Spirit.
82. 2 Corinthians 6:6
• American Standard Version
  in pureness, in knowledge, in long suffering, in kindness, in the Holy Spirit, in love unfeigned,
83. 2 Corinthians 13:14
• American Standard Version
  The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the communion of the Holy Spirit, be with you all.
84. Ephesians 1:13
• American Standard Version
  in whom ye also, having heard the word of the truth, the gospel of your salvation,-- in whom, having also believed, ye were sealed with the Holy Spirit of promise,
85. Ephesians 4:30
• American Standard Version
  And grieve not the Holy Spirit of God, in whom ye were sealed unto the day of redemption.
86. 1 Thessalonians 1:5
• American Standard Version
  how that our gospel came not unto you in word only, but also in power, and in the Holy Spirit, and in much assurance; even as ye know what manner of men we showed ourselves toward you for your sake.
87. 1 Thessalonians 1:6
• American Standard Version
  And ye became imitators of us, and of the Lord, having received the word in much affliction, with joy of the Holy Spirit;
88. 1 Thessalonians 4:8
• American Standard Version
  Therefore he that rejecteth, rejecteth not man, but God, who giveth his Holy Spirit unto you.
89. 2 Timothy 1:14
• American Standard Version
  That good thing which was committed unto thee guard through the Holy Spirit which dwelleth in us.
90. Titus 3:5
• American Standard Version
  not by works done in righteousness, which we did ourselves, but according to his mercy he saved us, through the washing of regeneration and renewing of the Holy Spirit,
91. Hebrews 2:4
• American Standard Version
  God also bearing witness with them, both by signs and wonders, and by manifold powers, and by gifts of the Holy Spirit, according to his own will.
92. Hebrews 3:7
• American Standard Version
  Wherefore, even as the Holy Spirit saith, To-day if ye shall hear his voice,
93. Hebrews 6:4
• American Standard Version
  For as touching those who were once enlightened and tasted of the heavenly gift, and were made partakers of the Holy Spirit,
94. Hebrews 9:8
• American Standard Version
  the Holy Spirit this signifying, that the way into the holy place hath not yet been made manifest, while the first tabernacle is yet standing;
95. Hebrews 10:15
• American Standard Version
  And the Holy Spirit also beareth witness to us; for after he hath said,
96. 1 Peter 1:12
• American Standard Version
  To whom it was revealed, that not unto themselves, but unto you, did they minister these things, which now have been announced unto you through them that preached the gospel unto you by the Holy Spirit sent forth from heaven; which things angels desire to look into.
97. 2 Peter 1:21
• American Standard Version
  For no prophecy ever came by the will of man: but men spake from God, being moved by the Holy Spirit.
98. Jude 1:20
• American Standard Version
  But ye, beloved, building up yourselves on your most holy faith, praying in the Holy Spirit’

American Standard Version (ASV), Copyright © 1901 by Public Domain

My Comments: As one can see from these verses the New Testament shows the Holy Spirit abiding in those who have accepted Jesus’ redemption and put on His righteousness. When we accept Jesus we are filled with the Holy Spirit of God. That is why those who say once a person is saved or Born Again they can do as they please because there is therefore now no condemnation in them. Yet that is not true.

 

True the truly redeemed is no longer condemned to Hell when they pass from this world to Heaven yet one grieves the Holy Spirit if they continue to sin after being Born Again. One of two things may then take place. The newly Born will feel the pricks of the Holy Spirit trying to get them to stop sinning and they will more and more each day turn away from that sin that had ahold of them but if they persist they probably were not Born Again but had an “experience” that they thought they were saved.

 

God’s presence does not remain where sin exists. He has to come against sin. He has to in His very essence destroy sin. Sometimes newly Born will completely turn from the sin that had a hold on them and sometimes it takes time in order for the person to learn lessons. Yet it is always a turning from sin because God in the person of the Holy Spirit will continue to change them into the likeness of our Lord. Those who drank find they no longer want to drink, those who smoked turn from it. Those who lived for sex find they only want that one true love of God above all things and if God wants them to have a spouse then He will bring one into their lives though that doe not mean there will not be challenges in a marriage because marriage is a learning ground as well. One who has accepted Jesus and the Gospel of Jesus are filled with hope and even in suffering find the joy of knowing they are saved and will one day be with Jesus for eternity.

That Joy brings peace in the storms and the power of the Holy Spirit enables the Born Again one to weather those storms. I liken it to when I was a young lady and fished in Alaska with my family. My Dad would point out a heading and tell me, “Head for that point and you will be alright.” If I stayed the course no matter how bad the seas I was always able to bring us home safely. The Holy Spirit is like my Dad. The Holy Spirit says this is where you are headed and if you listen to Me then you will get home safely. The storms will come but if we stay the course and listen to God then we will arrive home safely. When we hold the course we show others the way as well.

When men reject what I say when pointing them to God then it is not me they are rejecting. It is their Creator they reject. Abba fills us with His Holy Spirit when we become His Children and the world rejects Him who sent Him to fill us. When we are filled with His Holy Spirit we become a temple of the Lord and all we do reflects on Him who created us. Yet we can do nothing of ourselves but that God wills.

Often men say thus and thus will happen but if they are not filled with His Holy Spirit the Wind of Truth, then it is not prophecy. There were spirits and it still happens, that entered into people who were not sealed by God with His Holy Spirit. Those spirits had (and still have people) those they inhabited speak things but the persons were not (and are not) filled with the Holy Spirit. They were (and are) filled with the fallen followers of the evil one. They imitate the true and Holy Spirit of God. They like the one they serve are deceivers.  I caution people to be careful who they serve and who they follow.

 

Abba Father I pray You lead all our loved ones to the true and ever living knowledge of Your truths imparted by Your Holy Spirit. Give all who seek Your knowledge find it if they are seeking to know You more for Your glory and praise. Guide us all through Your Holy Spirit so we will not be blinded to the lies of the world and the evil one. I pray You keep Your living Word growing in our hearts and that we understand Your Holy Spirit more fully. The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the communion of the Holy Spirit, be with us all. Amen

Rebishka

Holy Spirit Study #3

51. Acts 9:31
• American Standard Version
  So the church throughout all Judaea and Galilee and Samaria had peace, being edified; and, walking in the fear of the Lord and in the comfort of the Holy Spirit, was multiplied.
52. Acts 10:38
• American Standard Version
  even Jesus of Nazareth, how God anointed him with the Holy Spirit and with power: who went about doing good, and healing all that were oppressed of the devil; for God was with him.
53. Acts 10:44
• American Standard Version
  While Peter yet spake these words, the Holy Spirit fell on all them that heard the word.
54. Acts 10:45
• American Standard Version
  And they of the circumcision that believed were amazed, as many as came with Peter, because that on the Gentiles also was poured out the gift of the Holy Spirit.
55. Acts 10:47
• American Standard Version
  Can any man forbid the water, that these should not be baptized, who have received the Holy Spirit as well as we?
56. Acts 11:15
• American Standard Version
  And as I began to speak, the Holy Spirit fell on them, even as on us at the beginning.
57. Acts 11:16
• American Standard Version
  And I remembered the word of the Lord, how he said, John indeed baptized with water; but ye shall be baptized in the Holy Spirit.
58. Acts 11:24
• American Standard Version
  for he was a good man, and full of the Holy Spirit and of faith: and much people was added unto the Lord.
59. Acts 13:2
• American Standard Version
  And as they ministered to the Lord, and fasted, the Holy Spirit said, Separate me Barnabas and Saul for the work whereunto I have called them.
  Acts 13:1-3 (in Context) Acts 13 (Whole Chapter)
60. Acts 13:4
• American Standard Version
  So they, being sent forth by the Holy Spirit, went down to Seleucia; and from thence they sailed to Cyprus.
61. Acts 13:9
• American Standard Version
  But Saul, who is also called Paul, filled with the Holy Spirit, fastened his eyes on him.
62. Acts 13:52
• American Standard Version
  And the disciples were filled with joy with the Holy Spirit.
63. Acts 15:8
• American Standard Version
  And God, who knoweth the heart, bare them witness, giving them the Holy Spirit, even as he did unto us.
64. Acts 15:28
• American Standard Version
  For it seemed good to the Holy Spirit, and to us, to lay upon you no greater burden than these necessary things:
65. Acts 16:6
• American Standard Version
  And they went through the region of Phrygia and Galatia, having been forbidden of the Holy Spirit to speak the word in Asia;
66. Acts 19:2
• American Standard Version
  and he said unto them, Did ye receive the Holy Spirit when ye believed? And they said unto him, Nay, we did not so much as hear whether the Holy Spirit was given.
67. Acts 19:6
• American Standard Version
  And when Paul had laid his hands upon them, the Holy Spirit came on them; and they spake with tongues, and prophesied.
68. Acts 20:23
• American Standard Version
  save that the Holy Spirit testifieth unto me in every city, saying that bonds and afflictions abide me.
69. Acts 20:28
• American Standard Version
  Take heed unto yourselves, and to all the flock, in which the Holy Spirit hath made you bishops, to feed the church of the Lord which he purchased with his own blood.
70. Acts 21:11
• American Standard Version
  And coming to us, and taking Paul's girdle, he bound his own feet and hands, and said, Thus saith the Holy Spirit, So shall the Jews at Jerusalem bind the man that owneth this girdle, and shall deliver him into the hands of the Gentiles.
71. Acts 28:25-27

American Standard Version
²⁵ And when they agreed not among themselves, they departed after that Paul had spoken one word, Well spake the Holy Spirit through Isaiah the prophet unto your fathers,

²⁶ saying, Go thou unto this people, and say, By hearing ye shall hear, and shall in no wise understand; And seeing ye shall see, and shall in no wise perceive:

²⁷ For this people's heart is waxed gross, And their ears are dull of hearing, And their eyes they have closed; Lest, haply they should perceive with their eyes, And hear with their ears, And understand with their heart, And should turn again, And I should heal them.

72. Romans 5:5
• American Standard Version
  and hope putteth not to shame; because the love of God hath been shed abroad in our hearts through the Holy Spirit which was given unto us.
73. Romans 9:1
• American Standard Version
  I say the truth in Christ, I lie not, my conscience bearing witness with me in the Holy Spirit,

American Standard Version (ASV)

Copyright © 1901 by Public Domain

My Comments: Again I encourage all who can to look up the passages preceding the verses and following the verses unto even the whole chapters in order to understand the context written about and who it is to (it also is good to use other versions of the text and compare). One would do well to do this anytime verses are given either by myself or others. This is how the Holy Spirit enlightens our minds and our walk is strengthened in the Lord. This is how we understand what God is trying to teach us through the person of the Holy Spirit.

As you will understand as you read the verses and even the Chapters and more, the Holy Spirit or Holy Ghost or Spirit has always been and has been working with mankind from the very beginning to teach us about our Abba and Jesus His Son. He instructed, guided and spoke not only to the Prophets of old but even to the Apostles and now even to all of us. Even to Gentiles and Non-Christians.

Because of the Holy Spirit working with us before we came to know Jesus and accept His Righteousness, we were able to open our hearts and minds to God. We could do this because the Holy Spirit used whatever he had to to get us to listen to Him and accept the truth of God and His Son Jesus. It is He who works on our conscience so we will not lie or sin and if we do it is He who pricks our conscience until we repent and seek forgiveness from God and from others we have wronged.  When we persist we are wronging the Holy Spirit as He tries to correct and guide us to truth. God is truth. He also, enlightens us. Have you ever felt compelled to not go somewhere and found out there had be an accident there? People in New York during the 911 disaster spoke of that feeling or voice that changed their plans. Some people have had it when cancelling a plane ride but couldn't explain why. Sometimes I call or pray for someone without knowing why and find out later they are going through something and needed prayer. Before we know God we get these messages from the Holy Spirit and after we accept Jesus as our Savior they can become very normal to us as with Paul.

Paul was told he would be bound and handed over and he was. He could have avoided going but it was not what he was supposed to do. The Holy Spirit just wanted him to know what to expect and for others to know that God was in control as He always is and a He was in regards to what happened when Jesus allowed Himself to be whipped and crucified. Sometimes the Holy Spirit tells us what will happen way before it happens as He did in Isaiah when He foretold the condition of the Jews which is why the Apostles went out to the Gentiles to preach the Gospel. The Bible is full of things that will happen and that were given a long time ago to prepare Jesus’ followers so we will not make the same mistakes and will be strengthened in our understanding and knowledge as well as have confirmation that helps us stand firm.

The Holy Spirit is poured out on who He will and those who accept Jesus’ Righteousness are filled with the Holy Spirit. Not all will speak in tongues or prophesy but when filled each will have the gifts the Holy Spirit wants for them to have in order to do the work they were meant to do.

Abba Father, touch each who reads and studies Your word. Open their hearts to Your truth. Bring them all to the Righteousness, of Your Son Jesus, and fill them with Your Holy Spirit and may they always walk upright before You. In Jesus Name with the Holy Spirit I pray, Amen

Rebishka

Holy Spirit Study #2

26. John 1:33
• American Standard Version
  And I knew him not: but he that sent me to baptize in water, he said unto me, Upon whomsoever thou shalt see the Spirit descending, and abiding upon him, the same is he that baptizeth in the Holy Spirit.
27. John 14:16/17
• American Standard Version

¹⁶ And I will pray the Father, and he shall give you another Comforter, that he may be with you for ever,
¹⁷ even the Spirit of truth: whom the world cannot receive; for it beholdeth him not, neither knoweth him: ye know him; for he abideth with you, and shall be in you.

28. John 14:26
• American Standard Version
  But the Comforter, even the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, he shall teach you all things, and bring to your remembrance all that I said unto you.
29. John 20:22
• American Standard Version
  And when he had said this, he breathed on them, and saith unto them, Receive ye the Holy Spirit:
30. Acts 1:2
• American Standard Version
  until the day in which he was received up, after that he had given commandment through the Holy Spirit unto the apostles whom he had chosen:
31. Acts 1:5
• American Standard Version
  For John indeed baptized with water; but ye shall be baptized in the Holy Spirit not many days hence.
32. Acts 1:8
• American Standard Version
  But ye shall receive power, when the Holy Spirit is come upon you: and ye shall be my witnesses both in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth.
33. Acts 1:16
• American Standard Version
  Brethren, it was needful that the Scripture should be fulfilled, which the Holy Spirit spake before by the mouth of David concerning Judas, who was guide to them that took Jesus.
34. Acts 2:1-4

American Standard Version

1. And when the day of Pentecost was now come, they were all together in one place.

² And suddenly there came from heaven a sound as of the rushing of a mighty wind, and it filled all the house where they were sitting.

³ And there appeared unto them tongues parting asunder, like as of fire; and it sat upon each one of them.

⁴ And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit, and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance.

35. Acts 2:17-21
          American Standard Version

¹⁷ And it shall be in the last days, saith God, I will pour forth of my Spirit upon all flesh: And your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, And your young men shall see visions, And your old men shall dream dreams:

¹⁸ Yea and on my servants and on my handmaidens in those days Will I pour forth of my Spirit; and they shall prophesy.

¹⁹ And I will show wonders in the heaven above, And signs on the earth beneath; Blood, and fire, and vapor of smoke:

²⁰ The sun shall be turned into darkness, And the moon into blood, Before the day of the Lord come, That great and notable day.

²¹ And it shall be, that whosoever shall call on the name of the Lord shall be saved.

36. Acts 2:33, 38
• American Standard Version
  ³³ Being therefore by the right hand of God exalted, and having received of the Father the promise of the Holy Spirit, he hath poured forth this, which ye see and hear.
  ³⁸ And Peter said unto them, Repent ye, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ unto the remission of your sins; and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.
37. Acts 4:8
• American Standard Version
  Then Peter, filled with the Holy Spirit, said unto them, Ye rulers of the people, and elders,
38. Acts 4:25
• American Standard Version
  who by the Holy Spirit, by the mouth of our father David thy servant, didst say, Why did the Gentiles rage, And the peoples imagine vain things?
39. Acts 4:31
• American Standard Version
  And when they had prayed, the place was shaken wherein they were gathered together; and they were all filled with the Holy Spirit, and they spake the word of God with boldness.
40. Acts 5:3, 9
• American Standard Version
  3. But Peter said, Ananias, why hath Satan filled thy heart to lie to the Holy Spirit, and to keep back part of the price of the land?
• ⁹ But Peter said unto her, How is it that ye have agreed together to try the Spirit of the Lord? behold, the feet of them that have buried thy husband are at the door, and they shall carry thee out.
41. Acts 5:32
• American Standard Version
  And we are witnesses of these things; and so is the Holy Spirit, whom God hath given to them that obey him.
42. Acts 6:5, 10
• American Standard Version
  5. And the saying pleased the whole multitude: and they chose Stephen, a man full of faith and of the Holy Spirit, and Philip, and Prochorus, and Nicanor, and Timon, and Parmenas, and Nicolaus a proselyte of Antioch;
• ¹⁰ And they were not able to withstand the wisdom and the Spirit by which he spake.
43. Acts 7:51
• American Standard Version
  Ye stiffnecked and uncircumcised in heart and ears, ye do always resist the Holy Spirit: as your fathers did, so do ye.
44. Acts 7:55
• American Standard Version
  But he, being full of the Holy Spirit, looked up stedfastly into heaven, and saw the glory of God, and Jesus standing on the right hand of God,
45. Acts 8:15
• American Standard Version
  who, when they were come down, prayed for them, that they might receive the Holy Spirit:
46. Acts 8:17
• American Standard Version
  Then laid they their hands on them, and they received the Holy Spirit.
47. Acts 8:18
• American Standard Version
  Now when Simon saw that through the laying on of the apostles' hands the Holy Spirit was given, he offered them money,
48. Acts 9:17
• American Standard Version
  And Ananias departed, and entered into the house; and laying his hands on him said, Brother Saul, the Lord, even Jesus, who appeared unto thee in the way which thou camest, hath sent me, that thou mayest receive thy sight, and be filled with the Holy Spirit.

American Standard Version (ASV)

Copyright © 1901 by Public Domain

My Comments: I have elected to continue the study using only the American Standard Version as it is in the Public Domain. Please feel free to read the version you already have though please be aware some are better translations than others. Some Bibles have added books that should not be in them, yet it is good for study to compare versions and even go to the Greek and Hebrew studies on the words.
Also, you may want to and I suggest it is good to do so, read the whole chapter or 20 verses before and 20 after so you get a bigger picture of what God is trying to educate us about Him. Looking at the verses in context is important and since I would not be able to put whole chapters here I do encourage all to study the whole word of God.
The Holy Spirit, Holy Wind or Spirit is not very well understood. Yes, most will agree He is the third person in the Holy Trinity yet they do not give much thought to Him. His job is to point us to Jesus yet He does so much for us as He did for the Apostles and the early Christians or followers of The Way.
The Holy Spirit filled them as He does with us, with knowledge, understanding and often gave them and us abilities in order to reach more people with the Gospel of Jesus Christ as He did with Stephen, Paul and others. I hope you are enjoying the study of the third person of the Holy Trinity and will comment to enlighten me and others who read the study. It is always good to share what the Holy Spirit is or has taught us so the body will be enlightened.
(note: though I felt these verses and the Chapters they came from contained better than I could comment I chose to not say as much on this one yet if someone has questions feel free to ask and I will endeavor to answer with knowledge and understanding from our Lord Jesus).
Abba Father, thank You so much for sending Your Son Jesus and when He left for sending Your Spirit to guide, and fill us with knowledge and understanding so we will be instruments for bringing others to You through the Lord Jesus. May we come to know and walk with Him as intimately as we do with You and Your Son Jesus. We pray this in Jesus name through the power of the Holy Spirit. Amen
Rebishka

Holy Spirit Study # 1

1. Psalm 51:11
• American Standard Version
  Cast me not away from thy presence; And take not thy Holy Spirit from me.   
2. Isaiah 63:10
• American Standard Version
  But they rebelled, and grieved his holy Spirit: therefore he was turned to be their enemy, and himself fought against them.
3. Isaiah 63:11
• American Standard Version
  Then he remembered the days of old, Moses and his people, saying, Where is he that brought them up out of the sea with the shepherds of his flock? where is he that put his Holy Spirit in the midst of them?
4. Matthew 1:18
• American Standard Version
  Now the birth of Jesus Christ was on this wise: When his mother Mary had been betrothed to Joseph, before they came together she was found with child of the Holy Spirit.
5. Matthew 1:20
• American Standard Version
  But when he thought on these things, behold, an angel of the Lord appeared unto him in a dream, saying, Joseph, thou son of David, fear not to take unto thee Mary thy wife: for that which is conceived in her is of the Holy Spirit.
6. Matthew 3:11
• American Standard Version
  I indeed baptize you in water unto repentance: but he that cometh after me is mightier than I, whose shoes I am not worthy to bear: he shall baptize you in the Holy Spirit and in fire:
7. Matthew 12:32
• American Standard Version
  And whosoever shall speak a word against the Son of man, it shall be forgiven him; but whosoever shall speak against the Holy Spirit, it shall not be forgiven him, neither in this world, nor in that which is to come.
8. Matthew 28:19
• American Standard Version
  Go ye therefore, and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them into the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit
9. Mark 1:8
• American Standard Version
  I baptized you in water; But he shall baptize you in the Holy Spirit.
10. Mark 3:29
• American Standard Version
  but whosoever shall blaspheme against the Holy Spirit hath never forgiveness, but is guilty of an eternal sin:
11. Mark 12:36
• American Standard Version
  David himself said in the Holy Spirit, The Lord said unto my Lord, Sit thou on my right hand, Till I make thine enemies the footstool of thy feet.
12. Mark 13:11
• American Standard Version
  And when they lead you to judgment, and deliver you up, be not anxious beforehand what ye shall speak: but whatsoever shall be given you in that hour, that speak ye; for it is not ye that speak, but the Holy Spirit.
13. Luke 1:15
• American Standard Version
  For he shall be great in the sight of the Lord, and he shall drink no wine nor strong drink; and he shall be filled with the Holy Spirit, even from his mother's womb.
14. Luke 1:35
• American Standard Version
  And the angel answered and said unto her, The Holy Spirit shall come upon thee, and the power of the Most High shall overshadow thee: wherefore also the holy thing which is begotten shall be called the Son of God.
15. Luke 1:41
• American Standard Version
  And it came to pass, when Elisabeth heard the salutation of Mary, the babe leaped in her womb; and Elisabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit;
16. Luke 1:67
• American Standard Version
  And his father Zacharias was filled with the Holy Spirit, and prophesied, saying,
17. Luke 2:25
• American Standard Version
  And behold, there was a man in Jerusalem whose name was Simeon; and this man was righteous and devout, looking for the consolation of Israel: and the Holy Spirit was upon him.
18. Luke 2:26
• American Standard Version
  And it had been revealed unto him by the Holy Spirit, that he should not see death, before he had seen the Lord's Christ.
19. Luke 3:16
• American Standard Version
  John answered, saying unto them all, I indeed baptize you with water; but there cometh he that is mightier than I, the latchet of whose shoes I am not worthy to unloose: he shall baptize you in the Holy Spirit and in fire:
20. Luke 3:22
• American Standard Version
  and the Holy Spirit descended in a bodily form, as a dove, upon him, and a voice came out of heaven, Thou art my beloved Son; in thee I am well pleased.
21. Luke 4:1
• American Standard Version
  And Jesus, full of the Holy Spirit, returned from the Jordan, and was led in the Spirit in the wilderness
22. Luke 10:21
• American Standard Version
  In that same hour he rejoiced in the Holy Spirit, and said, I thank thee, O Father, Lord of heaven and earth, that thou didst hide these things from the wise and understanding, and didst reveal them unto babes: yea, Father; for so it was well-pleasing in thy sight.
23. Luke 11:13
• American Standard Version
  If ye then, being evil, know how to give good gifts unto your children, how much more shall your heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to them that ask him?
24. Luke 12:10
• American Standard Version
  And every one who shall speak a word against the Son of man, it shall be forgiven him: but unto him that blasphemeth against the Holy Spirit it shall not be forgiven.
25. Luke 12:12
• American Standard Version
  for the Holy Spirit shall teach you in that very hour what ye ought to say. 

My Comments: I am doing a Women’s study on the person the Holy Spirit. I thought you all might like to read some passages I will be posting for the next few days. I will not make too many comments yet I would like you to keep in mind that God is one yet He is three persons The Father, Son and Holy Spirit or Holy Ghost in some translations. Noteworthy is in the original Greek it was often translated Wind as well.

We cannot see the wind around us but we do feel its presence and see how it moves things. The same is true of the Holy Wind. His presence is always felt and we see how He moves now, and in the Bible we see how He moved in the past as well.

Abba Father help us to open our eyes and hearts to Your truths and especially in this study, the truths of the person on the Holy Spirit who You gave to us to comfort, guide, and impart knowledge. Thank You for sending Your Holy Spirit in the past and into us so we will know Your truths. In Jesus name we pray through the power of the Holy Spirit. Amen

Rebishka

Love God first and love your neighbor!

Ten Commandments from the Old Testament:

1. You shall have no other god’s before Me.
2. You shall not make for yourself an idol, or any likeness of what is in heaven above or on the earth beneath or in the water under the earth. You shall not worship them or serve them; for I, the Lord your God, am a jealous God, visiting the iniquity of the fathers on the children, on the third and the fourth generations of those who hate Me, but showing lovingkindness to thousands, to those who love Me and keep My commandments.
3. You shall not take the name of the Lord your God in vain, for the Lord will not leave him unpunished who takes His name in vain.
4. Remember the Sabbath day, to keep it holy. Six days you shall labor and do all your work, but the seventh day is a Sabbath of the Lord you God; in it you shall not do any work, you or your son or your daughter, your male or your female servant or your cattle or your sojourner who stays with you. For in six days the Lord made the heavens and the earth, the sea and all that is in them, and rested on the seventh day; therefore the Lord blessed the Sabbath day and made it holy.
5. Honor your father and your mother, that your days may be prolonged in the land which the Lord your God gives you.
6. You shall not murder.
7. You shall not commit adultery.
8. You shall not steal,.
9. You shall not bear false witness against your neighbor.
10. You shall not covet your neighbor’s house; you shall not covet your neighbor’s wife or his male servant or his female servant or his ox or his donkey or anything that belongs to your neighbor. Exodus 20:3-17 and Deuteronomy 5:7-21

From the New Testament:

Jesus said, “You shall love the Lord Your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind.” “You shall Love your neighbor as yourself.” “On these two commandments depend the whole Law and the Prophets.” Matthew 22:37, 39

Jesus said, “Hear, O Israel! The Lord our God is one Lord; and you shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind, and with all your strength.” And: “You shall love your neighbor as yourself.” “There is not other commandment greater than these.” Mark 12:30 and 31

And in John 13:34 is the commandment Jesus gave to those who are His.

“A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another, even as I have loved you, that you also love one another. By this all men will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another.”

John 15:10-17

“If you keep My commandments, you will abide in My love; just as I have kept My Father’s commandment’s and abide in His love. These things I have spoken to you so that My joy may be in you, and that your joy may be made full. This is My commandment, that you love one another, just as I have loved you. Greater love has no one than this, that one lay down his life for his friends. You are My friends if you do what I command you. No longer do I call you slave, for the slave does not know what his master is doing; but I have called you friends, for all things that I have heard from My Father I have made known to you. You did not choose Me but I chose you, and appointed you that you would go and bear fruit, and that your fruit would remain, so that whatever you ask of the Father in My name He may give to you. This I command you, that you love one another.”

My Comments: As a child going to school in California I remember going for part of the day to a couples home down the street from the school. We were walked there and it was something that in those days was sanctioned by the public school.

At the home of this nice couple we were taught the Bible and the Commandments of the Father. We had to memorize verses in order to earn a Bible. I did not earn a Bible as memorizing was a difficult thing for me, but I did try. We sang songs and read the Bible and were loved on by that sweet couple. I do remember I learned the Ten Commandments though and they stood me in good stead growing up. Not to say I always did the right thing all the time though I did know right from wrong.  I am very thankful for those two being a part of my early life.

When I think how our children are loosing out on learning about the Bible, God and the Ten Commandments in the public school system I am saddened. And it is not just in school that America misses out on learning truth. The Ten Commandments that our laws were founded on and our courts were governed by, have been removed due to a minority of people forcing their removal. The more we move as a country away from God and His commandments the weaker and the more corrupt our country gets.

Our children are growing up without morals that the Commandments fostered and nurtured in the generations that preceded them.  Our children run the streets and form gangs at alarming rates because they do not have the “family” to guide them and teach them wrong from right. Families knew what was right because they had God’s word to guide them. Now they have the Government telling them and they see the government being caught in lies and deceptions and they are confused. When the commandments of God guided them they were not confused.

Jesus came not to abolish the law or the Prophets, or get rid of it but “to fulfill” (Matthew 5:17) the law. He brought love. The Law was to point us to Him and He points us to the Father. When we accept His gift of Salvation we are no longer under the law and do not have to have animal sacrifice or any other because Jesus was the ultimate Sacrifice once and for all time.

He laid down His life for us in the greatest gift of Love ever. He willingly allowed Himself to be crucified for us. And because He did go to the Cross for us in our place we can become Children of God the Father by confessing our sin and accepting the free gift of Salvation that Jesus obtained for us. Because we are Justified by Him and have put on His Righteousness when we accept Him as our Savior and only way to the Father then out of Love for Him we keep His Commandments, to Love God completely and our neighbor as ourselves.

In loving Jesus, Abba Father we keep the Commandments of the Father as our guide for what makes for a good relationship with Him and our neighbor. The Commandments become our map to living and walking in relationship with God the Father, Son and Holy Spirit and the more we live a life that is pleasing to God the stronger our walk with Him gets and the more we hear from the Holy Spirit who came to dwell in us when we accepted Jesus as our Savior. The Commandments are no longer burdensome because it is a joy to serve the Father in all we do. Children now days do not know that joy because all the restraints have been removed that is why they live in the "Me" world.

The world without the guidelines of God is a world without a rudder, it is a world where children actually feel unloved because there are no guidelines other than, "do whatever you feel is right or makes you feel good." That is the lie Satan spoke to Eve, the lie criminals tell themselves when they take what is not theirs, be it a persons life, goods off of the store shelf/rack, rape, or whatever gives them a thrill for the moment. But the fleeting "joy" they feel is never enough because it is not from God.

When one lives for God one finds the true Joy of serving Him and serving others. Being His is true Joy. 

Abba Father, thank You for giving us the guidance of Your Ten Commandments so we will be able to live our lives to glorify You.  I pray You prick all hearts with Your commandments so people will know their need for salvation. My hearts desire if for my family and loved ones and the whole world to come to You through Your Son Jesus Christ.

Thank You Jesus for Your wonderful love. Thank You for showing us how to follow the commandments of the Father and how to love our neighbor.

Thank You Holy Spirit for opening our hearts to the truth and for Your guidance.

I pray we all will love more and love and serve each other as Christ loved and served so the world will see Him in us and desire to follow Him. In Jesus name I pray all to the Father, Amen.

Rebishka