Malcolm Potts June 14th 2015 ~ Lighten Up

As we continue with the Holy Spirit - who he is, what he does and what we can do to him - I wonder if anything is taking root for you?I thought I would muse with you what I think God is saying to me through these talks.The first thing has to do with fame.  Like you, I have met a number of famous people in my life.  Not intimately or personally but just to say hello to.  I remember literally bumping into Rod Stewart in London.  I opened the batting with Neil Daniher, who has so sadly been afflicted with Motor Neurone Disease and is the object around which an AFL-driven fundraising campaign is being held.  Lots of politicians and civic leaders, a few notorious criminals and so on.  But can there, really, be anyone more famous than Jesus Christ?I have found myself ‘marinating’ in the fact that the Holy Spirit of the Son of God has found a home in me......and you.  The implications are vast and too extraordinary for words.Secondly, I have been thinking about what he can do and does with my feeble efforts.  As I go through my day moaning and groaning with deep sighs for all manner of things, that same Holy Spirit takes those sighs, multiplies, amplifies, sanctifies and clarifies them and brings them to his Father, the creator God, as perfectly-crafted prayers.  God listens to you.  Again and again Jesus’ "heart goes out" to us.  The Son of God is for me...and you.Thirdly, the image of the dove who remains - that picture of the untameable wild bird coming down and alighting on a person, finding safety there - a home - and never wanting or needing to leave.As R. T. Kendall says in one of his books, the most important thing a christian can learn is what grieves the Holy Spirit and stop doing it.  I have been really challenged by that.  I really revere Jesus.  His Spirit lives in me.  I want him to remain.  I don't want to be without his help, direction and presence.  It has really made me think about how I am.The final thing that I felt come to me a day or so ago was the phrase, 'lighten up'.  A ship sailing laden with a cargo of anchors isn't going to get along too well.  I am making it a practice to identify the anchors, the weight, the corrosive influences, moment by moment and to offer them at the foot of the cross.  That's how I know lightness will come.  Don't overwork; give it to Jesus.That's a few things I am getting.BlessingsMalcolm