Holy Smoke, Holy Fire, Breathe Life!

You may think you need a hero to rescue you from this world. Well, God wants to give you more than a hero, but a supernatural Helper who will help you be all you were created to be. God is love. Jesus came to give us an invitation to enter into a new life, a supernatural, empowered, abundant life, and to encounter a very intimate and personal relationship with God. 

Join in on the conversation today! 

Diana’s Notes

Hello everybody!!! And Welcome to today’s episode Holy Smoke- Holy Fire Breathe Life! here on Heartfelt Conversations with me, Diana! LOL  Oh my goodness, where are the days going! Is there anyone out there like me? I told my sister I would call her, and 6 weeks later! I’m like, I am so sorry, a day turned into 6 days and 6 days turned into 6 weeks! Life can just swoop us up and off. We are white water rafting our way through life, so it is good to pause and take time to study God’s Word, spend some time with Him on quiet walks or just sitting by a beautiful river or lake. We get so busy living life, we can forget to include the ONE Who gave us this life to begin with. So I think it’s kinda wise to do life with our Creator. You will find that life becomes a little less hectic and begin to find a little rhythm to life. More like a canoe floating on quiet waters, and even though occasionally a storm or rough waters may suddenly pop up, you remain calm on the inside knowing He is here to do the journey with us. 

Soooo;

In the last episode Jesus Knows Rejection, we read a passage in Isaiah 53 about the suffering of Jesus for us. We read that he gave up His life, suffered, beaten and broken for us. But it was worth it because in the end, it would be for our benefit. His sacrifice would redeem and restore us back to the Father. Back to qualifying for eternal life. We do not qualify ourselves, it is by Jesus and Jesus Alone that we are made right in the sight of God. We all missed the mark, and have fallen short to the glory of God, except for Jesus. His willingness to pay the debt we were due to pay at the end of our life has been removed from our collection account. Jesus paid it. You just have to receive His payment offer. Receiving Him as your Lord and Savior. On the notes of each episode is a prayer of salvation you can pray and a few ministries to reach out to if you just need a place to start. 

Jesus paid for you to go to heaven and live life forever. Don’t think that if you refuse His offer that one day you will just die and kinda just fall asleep, or that you are going to live forever through some A.I technology that will blow smoke towards many. Many people will be deceived into believing they can artificially create some form of eternal life. But there is only one way to have eternal life and that is through Jesus.

It is not the primary way, or one way, it is the ONLY way according to God Himself Who gives life to all things.

John 10:28-31 - I give them eternal life and they shall never parish; no one will snatch them out of My hand, My Father, Who has given them to Me, is greater than all; no one can snatch them out of My Father’s hand. I and the Father are One.

1 John 5:11 - And this is the testimony: God has given us eternal life, and this life is in His Son.

You don’t want a smoke screen, an imitation, false, flawed system to eternal life. You don’t want to think you knew but you missed the mark because you were not following Jesus and you fell for the world's smoke and mirrors. The illusion of thinking you know. I can tell you right now, get out of your head. Your way of thinking and just start reading God’s word and ask Him to teach you the truth. The real truth, and then expect Him to do it, but also expect His word to be true, live by it by not yourself, trying to turn yourself into some version of perfection that is stuck in your brain and allow the Holy Spirit to reveal to you, who you already are. If you are frustrated it’s because your life is starving to death. Everything you are consuming is imitation, not real, no substance. But God’s Word is the Living Word, it is our Daily Bread because He nourishes our spirits and our souls, our hearts there. One way God connects to us is in His Word, and the Holy Spirit helps us apply it to our personal life so that we walk out the life has blessed us to have. We just gotta follow the path.

It’s like a treasure hunt and the bible is the map and the Holy Spirit  helps decode the clues, the mysteries

Jesus wants you to have eternal life at the end of your life and not eternal death, separated from Him because you refused Him, but He wants your eternal life to begin now. This isn’t a smoke screen or blowing smoke, NO!!!  this is like Holy Smoke, Holy Fire, the Holy Spirit. The Helper that Jesus gave to each and every single one of us who receive Him as our Lord, He doesn’t want to rule over you by force, He wants to give you a FORCE, A Supernatural Force, The Spirit of the Living God. He wants you to know that with Him, you are never less than ever again. You are never beneath,  you are never powerless, and you never have to face anything alone again. 

You are now empowered and equipped to handle whatever life throws your way because you are not alone, you have God’s Spirit living on the inside of you. He is there specifically for you. 

There is a funny quote I saw, I am not sure who wrote it. I may have seen it on pintrest, it's funny and made me giggle, but this is really the power of Christ - in us.

Here’s the quote:

I want to be so full of Christ, that if a mosquito bites me, it flies away singing “There’s power in the blood!” HAHAHA

That’s why Jesus told the disciples that it would be better for them, if He left because then the Helper could come. God’s Spirit Who is able to be with each of us. Jesus Is God, but on earth He is man. He could not be everywhere at all times helping all of us like He did with the disciples. Walking, talking, teaching them along the journey. But He wants us to know that we can have that very same discipleship and guidance when we learn to hear and follow the leadership of the Spirit and stop listening to our heads that are filled with death and destruction from a world that is lost and confused. We need to realize that God is counting on us to be filled up with His Spirit so that the light of His Glory will break through the darkness and bring hope and healing to your life, to the lives of your family and friends, in the lives of co-workers and strangers and  people of every land and nation. When we are led by God’s Spirit, the Holy Spirit we are bringing the kingdom of heaven here to earth, bringing love and joy and peace, kindness, the fruits of God’s Spirit.

Think about how many people you interact with throughout your day. Maybe you work in retail or some field where you are surrounded by people all day, regular customers, strangers, co-workers. Maybe you live in a retirement village and just enjoy quiet mornings and walks, but whatever our lifestyle, we are to be the hands and feet of Jesus. To carry out the ministry He began. 

People seek all kinds of power for all the wrong motives, but if you are looking for resurrecting, calling you out of the grave life, that kind of saving  power, then you need to know that if you have Jesus, you have, right now, living on the inside of you, Holy Spirit Power.  

Have you ever heard the expression, "they're just blowing smoke” People probably don’t say it much anymore, but I think a lot of people still know the implications behind the idiom. 

Here is what the website theidioms.com  says about the phrase “blowing smoke”   likely originated from the old magicians' trickery style, where they would release smoke to conceal their tricks1. It has been used in various contexts, such as in business or politics, to indicate someone is not being truthful or is trying to manipulate the situation

Jesus suffered and gave Himself as a sacrifice for us, to pay for all sin for all time. And He did. Then, on the Third Day, He conquered the grave so that, the death tax of sin, of missing the mark of God’s word-  could be paid, He rose from the grave so we could have eternal life AND to leave us a very special Helper since He would be leaving the earth, having accomplished all He came to.

That is not blowing smoke - to manipulate anyone , to trick someone into some practice of magic or illusion. The Holy Spirit is the 3rd person of God and He is a gift to us to help us with our every day, walking around on this planet-earth  life. He is here to show you the way to your promised land, your inheritance, every good thing that God has already prepared for you. 

Jesus knew how manipulating and deceptive and destructive Lucifer is. Jesus Himself was tested by the devil, Jesus knows how he tricks our minds, he gets into our thoughts and words things just so, whispers things in our ear that sounds nice, it sounds good, The words certainly help us justify why we should or shouldn’t do this thing we are wrestling with. Without the Help of the Holy Spirit, we will choose our flesh. OUr way of thinking and doing because it is what feels good to us. God knows we are weak, that we do not have the endurance and understanding and wisdom or even capacity to face everything we would face during the journey of our lives. So, Jesus gave us a Helper, the Holy Spirit, the exact same Spirit that raised Him from the grave. The Spirit of God. 

Receiving Jesus as our Savior is just the beginning. Our salvation begins the transformative work of the Holy Spirit who will lead and guide us through the rest of our journey here, when we learn to cooperate with Him.

We will continue to  talk more about the Holy Spirit that Jesus gave to us on our next conversation, here on Heartfelt Conversations with Diana

But for now, I believe God wants to encourage us through a timely word that Pastor Eric brought a few weeks ago titled, “The Familiar Stranger” where he reintroduces us to the person and the power of the Holy Spirit from the Old Testament right up to today. 

He shared three key movements of the Holy Spirit that I would like to leave you with before we end our chat today, 

1. The Holy Spirit in the Old Testament: Power Upon You -

In the Old Testament, as we read through it, we find that the Holy Spirit came upon individuals for specific moments of empowerment, strength, and creativity. But His presence was often temporary and situational.  

Here are a few workings of the Holy Spirit in the Old Testament

• The Holy Spirit was at work in creation (Gen. 1:26; Job 26:13-14; 33:4; Ps. 8:3; 104:30).

• The Spirit came upon men to render power in specific service. (Judges 6:34; Ezek. 1:28-2:2)

• The Spirit interpreted dreams.  We read about Joseph interrupting dreams in some of our earlier conversations (Gen. 41:16, 38) Also in the book of Daniel when Daniel interrupts a dream - Daniel 2: 24-49)

• The Spirit was instrumental in battle. (Judges 6:34; 11:29; 13:24-25)

• The Spirit empowered people with physical strength. (Judges 14:6)

• God taught through His Spirit. (psalm 143:10)

And God is still teaching us through His Spirit today and we can tap into His wisdom, His discernment, His plans when we learn to tune out the world and tune in the Holy Spirit. 

2. The Holy Spirit in the New Testament—Power Within

Everything changed when Jesus came. After His resurrection, the Spirit didn’t just rest on us - He came to live within us!!!! The same Spirit that raised Jesus Christ from the dead now lives in us, offering a constant source of comfort, conviction, and strength. 

Conviction just simply means the Holy Spirit helps us to make sure we are living the way we say we believe. It is not to pick on us or beat us up, but t help us become the best version of ourselves. Has anyone had a bad day, you behaved poorly, said some stuff that wasn’t nice, treated people with a bit of a chip all day. How pleased with yourself were you? I know for me, I am disappointed with myself because there is no reason, no good reason to ever be rude to other people, but we all struggle with it and then beat ourselves up for being a jerk. Maybe you are in really bad shape and you just don’t care anymore!!! UGH OI hope not, that is a rough place to be. 

But the Holy Spirit in His gentle way just helps us be our best selves when we allow Him and cooperate with Him, because He doesn’t want us to feel bad or guilty later down the road when our feelings subside. He is our Helper not our Heaper. He doesn’t heap on the weight, He wants to help keep it off our shoulders.

The Holy Spirit's power is evident in various ways within the lives of believers. Here are some examples of how the Holy Spirit empowers and transforms individuals:

• Guidance and Direction: The Holy Spirit guides believers into truth and provides direction in their lives, as seen in John 14:26, where Jesus calls the Holy Spirit the Helper who teaches and leads believers.5

• Empowerment for Service: The Holy Spirit empowers believers to serve and witness for Christ, as seen in Acts 1:8, where the Holy Spirit gives power to the apostles to be witnesses everywhere.1

• Transformation: The Holy Spirit transforms believers into more Christ-like individuals, as seen in Galatians 5:22-23, where the Holy Spirit develops the fruit of the Spirit in believers.1

• Strength in Weakness: The Holy Spirit provides strength to believers during times of weakness, as seen in 2 Timothy 1:7, where the Holy Spirit strengthens the weak and makes the strong ineffective.1

• Spiritual Gifts: The Holy Spirit gives believers spiritual gifts for edifying the church, as seen in Romans 12:6-8, where the Holy Spirit conveys various spiritual gifts to believers.5 These examples illustrate the Holy Spirit's role in guiding, empowering, and transforming believers in their daily lives.

3.  The Holy Spirit Today: Power Through You

Today, the Holy Spirit wants to move through us, empowering us to live with boldness, to serve with compassion, and to walk in supernatural purpose every day. 

The Holy Spirit plays a crucial role in the lives of Christians, guiding, comforting, and empowering believers. Here are some key verses that highlight the Holy Spirit's work in our lives:

• John 14:26: "But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, he will teach you all things and bring to your remembrance all that I have said to you."

• Romans 8:26: "Likewise the Spirit helps us in our weakness. For we do not know what to pray for as we ought, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us with groanings too deep for words."

• Acts 1:8: "But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth."

• Galatians 4:6: "For you were not in the flesh but in the Spirit, if indeed the Spirit of God dwells in you. Anyone who does not have the Spirit of Christ does not belong to him."

• Ephesians 2:18: "For by one Spirit we were all baptized into one body—Jews or Greeks, slaves or free—and all were made to drink of one Spirit."

These are a few verses that illustrate the Holy Spirit's role in guiding, comforting, and empowering believers, ensuring that we are equipped to live out our faith and witness to the world.

You may think you need a hero to rescue you from this world, well God wants to give you more than a hero, but a supernatural Helper Who will help you be a hero for the kingdom. A Spirit-filled, Spirit-led, superhero proclaiming the good news, God is love, Jesus came to give us an invitation to enter into a new life, a supernatural, empowered, abundant life and very intimate and personal relationship with God. 

The Holy Spirit is your Helper, your guide, your comforter, friend , and so much more. 

I pray you will allow God’s word to speak to your heart regarding the Holy Spirit and that you will find additional comfort, wisdom, knowledge and insight by continuing to learn more about the Familiar Stranger, the Holy Spirit and listen to Pastor Eric’s message. 

The link is on the notes for today and you can find that link on heartfelt conversations.com

Also, Pastor Eric and Pastor Alexa have a more in depth conversation on their podcast, The Cutting Room Floor. And you can find their episode: Encountering The Holy Spirit, where they share their personal story on coming to know the Holy Spirit. 

So, please go check it out on the notes for today’s episode. 

Pastor Eric shared a prayer we all spoke over ourselves and continue speaking this over our lives and I encourage you to speak this out loud over your life as well”

“LORD, I breathe You in. Your peace fills me completely. Your strength comes suddenly. Your Spirit living in me. I make myself aware of you again”

Father,  thank you for every person listening today and I pray and ask for Your divine hand of protection and provision over them today! 

I pray for every person listening, that You would meet them right where they are. Heal all the broken places, heart, mind, body, soul, spirit. Release them from the strongholds and the dark shadows that choke out Your Presence, Your Goodness, Your Love. Replace fear with faith and sorrow with joy. Show them that they were never alone, not even for one moment. Thank You for Jesus, for His sacrifice, for the Blood of the Lamb and for new life! 

We give you Father, God, ALL the praise and glory and honor! Forevermore!

We ask for all of Your favor and blessings as we learn to follow all Your ways and it is in the Name of Jesus that we ask these things. Amen!

 Be generous. Stay sweet. Stay rooted in the word. And, choose life — real life —God’s life that He has for you!

Have A GREAT WEEK EVERYBODY!

The link to Pastor Eric’s message: The Familiar Stranger

Podcast: The Cutting Room Floor/Encountering The Holy Spirit

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Songs to inspire you

Come Out of that Grave (Resurrection Power) - Bethel Music & Brandon Lake

Passion - Glorious Day (Official Live Video/Lyrics And Chords) ft. Kristian Stanfill

Crowder - Run Devil Run (Lyric Video)

Foundation Verse

Romans 8:11

The Spirit of God, Who raised Jesus from the dead, lives in you. And just as God raised Christ Jesus from the dead, He will give life to your mortal bodies by this same Spirit living in you. “

Additional Resources

Prayer of Salvation

Jesus has given salvation, healing, and countless benefits to all who call upon His name. These benefits can be yours if you receive Him into your heart by saying this prayer:

Heavenly Father, I come to You admitting that I am a sinner. Right now, I choose to turn away from sin, and I ask You to cleanse me of all unrighteousness. I believe that Jesus rose again from the dead so that I may be justified and made righteous through faith in Him. I call upon the name of Jesus Christ to be the Savior and Lord of my life. Jesus, I choose to follow You, and I ask that You fill me with the power of the Holy Spirit. I declare right now that I am a born again, child of God. I am free from sin and full of the righteousness of God. I am saved in Jesus’ name. Amen. 

This prayer and the comment above, were taken out of the book:

Secrets to Powerful Prayer - Discovering the Languages of the Heart

By Lynne Hammond and Patsy Cameneti

If you have just received Jesus as your Savior, please write Lynne Hammond Ministries at:

PO Box 29469

Minneapolis, Minnesota 55429-2946

Or, email one of the ministries listed on the Additional Resources Tab and let them know that you are a brand new Christian and need some direction on the next steps for your new life in Christ. 

Or email us here at Heartfelt Conversations with Diana and we will pass along your information for you. 

Congratulations if you are a brand new Christian or if you have Returned Home! Welcome!!! Get in God’s Word and get it into you!

Diana’s Home Church:

Valley Family Church - Pastor’s Eric and Alexa Jones
www.valleyfamilychurch.org

Other recommended Jesus-centered churches who teach the True Word of God:

Elevation Church - Steven Furtick
https://elevationchurch.org/

Joseph Prince Ministries - Joseph Prince
https://www.josephprince.org/

Joyce Meyer Ministries
https://joycemeyer.org/