I indeed baptize you with water . . . but He . . . will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire —Matthew 3:11
Repentance does not cause a sense of sin— it causes a sense of inexpressible unworthiness. When I repent, I realize that I am absolutely helpless, and I know that through and through I am not worthy even to carry His sandals. Have I repented like that, or do I have a lingering thought of possibly trying to defend my actions? The reason God cannot come into my life is that I am not at the point of complete repentance.
“He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire.” John is not speaking here of the baptism of the Holy Spirit as an experience, but as a work performed by Jesus Christ. “He will baptize you . . . .” The only experience that those who are baptized with the Holy Spirit are ever conscious of is the experience of sensing their absolute unworthiness.
“I indeed” was this in the past, “but He” came and something miraculous happened. Get to the end of yourself where you can do nothing, but where He does everything.
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August 22, 2013
Lord, thank you for the reminder that the way to live in your love is to surrender. Surrender my right to be right, my notion of what is right and my right to defend myself, to you or anyone. Help me to live in your love through my moment by moment surrender today. Help me give You my worry, trials, hopes and dreams this day and to trust You with every aspect of my life and future.
And God says…”I cannot put my hands on your life as long as you hold on so tightly. Let go and let Me live through you. I cannot take on your trials, hopes or dreams as long as you hold onto the control so tightly. You must let go first. And if you do not know how to do this, simply ask Me. And if you feel you do not have enough faith, simply ask Me…”.I believe, help me in my unbelief”. Trust in the Lord with all your heart and do not rely on your own ideas and control and I will make your paths straight”.