Listening to the Holy Spirit
On the day of Pentecost after Jesus ascended back to heaven, the Holy Spirit descended to fill the disciples of Jesus. He was the promise of power from on high. He was the "Other Comforter" Jesus promised. His presence in the life of every believer is essential for the plan of God to take the Good News of Jesus to this world. He is the Spirit of Truth, who came to lead every believer into "all" truth. Yes, we need God's Word, but the Spirit teaches us the Word by convicting us of sin, righteousness, and judgment. He shows us the Word of God by directing our steps. If we will listen to Him, we will grow in the Lord and do God's will.
Our listening is the key. He will not force Himself on us. We can ignore His still, small voice. We can fail to continue to be filled with the Spirit by not allowing Him to control us and direct us. Then, even though we are believers, we do not have the advantages of the Holy Spirit in our lives, if we do not listen to Him. We must cultivate hearts that listen to the Holy Spirit all day, every day. Then, when He speaks, we must obey.
The needs in our world and in our lives as believers do not result from a lack of knowledge. They result from a lack of obedience to God. The Spirit is the One who is God in us. He is there to guide us, give us gifts, and give us power to accomplish God's will. The obedience is up to us. We have to listen and obey. Then, we can see the work of God in our lives and the lives of others. That is the only way to change the world.
Tomorrow, I intend to read Ezekiel 37-39.
Our listening is the key. He will not force Himself on us. We can ignore His still, small voice. We can fail to continue to be filled with the Spirit by not allowing Him to control us and direct us. Then, even though we are believers, we do not have the advantages of the Holy Spirit in our lives, if we do not listen to Him. We must cultivate hearts that listen to the Holy Spirit all day, every day. Then, when He speaks, we must obey.
The needs in our world and in our lives as believers do not result from a lack of knowledge. They result from a lack of obedience to God. The Spirit is the One who is God in us. He is there to guide us, give us gifts, and give us power to accomplish God's will. The obedience is up to us. We have to listen and obey. Then, we can see the work of God in our lives and the lives of others. That is the only way to change the world.
Tomorrow, I intend to read Ezekiel 37-39.