Dear Partners and Friends,
One of my greatest desires this year is to increase my sensitivity to the leading of the Holy Spirit. It is a desire that I include in my prayers for all of my partners and those members connected to the local churches where I pastor.
Think about it! We could avoid the delays or do-overs of our mistakes if we could just follow the leading of the One who knows specifically the steps we need to take. He wants to guide us! He wants to speak to us! He will show us things!
But the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in my name, he shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you. John 14:26
Howbeit when he, the Spirit of truth, is come, he will guide you into all truth: for he shall not speak of himself; but whatsoever he shall hear, that shall he speak: and he will shew you things to come. John 16:13
Notice that these actions are directional, instructional actions. The Holy Spirit wants to provide us with the spiritual guidance we need on a daily basis. He can help us in our relationships. He can help us walk in optimum health. He will even guide us in our finances. What would your finances look like if God managed your money? Well, the Holy Spirit can help you govern your finances with the wisdom of God!
Our Lord and Saviour followed the leading of the Holy Spirit during His earthly ministry.
And Jesus, in the control of the Holy Spirit, returned from the Jordan and was continually being led by the Spirit in the uninhabited region Luke 4;1 (Wuest)
To follow the leading of the Holy Spirit is to follow the pattern of Jesus Christ. If our Master submitted to the leadership and guidance of the Spirit of God, how much more should we rely, depend, and trust in the Holy Spirit to show us the way to live victoriously. Jesus was “continually being led by the Spirit…” This is our standard.
But I say, walk and live [habitually] in the [Holy] Spirit [responsive to and controlled and guided by the Spirit]; then you will certainly not gratify the cravings and desires of the flesh (of human nature without God). Galatians 5;16 (AMP)
The Holy Spirit is going to lead us into good things. He will lead us away from the cravings of the flesh that lead to destruction. He will lead you to forgive instead of holding a grudge. He will lead us to be merciful instead of critical. He will lead us into prayer, worship, and a daily time in the Word. The Holy Spirit will lead us to right decisions and right responses. These leadings will protect and prosper us! These leadings will position us for promotion. He will always guide us into profit.
We must learn how to receive this vital, spiritual information. It is not the type of controlling force that sin, fear, or addiction uses. So how does He lead us? The Word of God describes His leading as bearing witness with our spirit. Look at these other versions to form an idea of how He communicates this instruction.
The Spirit himself is constantly bearing joint- testimony with our [human] spirit that we are God’s children. Romans 8:16 (Wuest)
For his Spirit joins with our spirit to affirm that we are God’s children. Romans 8:16 NLT
For his Holy Spirit speaks to us deep in our hearts and tells us that we really are God’s children. Romans 8:16 (TLB)
Imagine that a reporter is interviewing a person who witnessed an event. Picture in your mind that another person steps up and bears witness to the testimony. The testimony or account of the first person is strengthened or validated. This is an example of how the Holy Spirit can bear witness with your spirit. As you seek your heart to know the direction to take in a certain area, the Holy Spirit can bear witness with your spirit that you should or should not move in that direction.
How do we develop in this sensitivity to His leading? First of all, begin to declare this: “I immediately respond in faith to the guidance of the Holy Spirit within me.” The Words of Jesus confirm that as His sheep we know His voice and follow His voice. Another voice we will not follow. We want to speak in line with this truth.
Next, acknowledge Him. When you are in need of His guidance, ask Him, “What should I do?” Then, listen or wait for His response. Pray in the Spirit or worship softly while clearing your mind of any clutter.
Finally, as He begins to instruct you, respond to Him. Act on His leading. Just like any other kingdom principle, faith is involved in following the direction of the Holy Spirit. Thankfully, I have discovered that the Holy Spirit will teach you to follow Him in the smaller, more insignificant things first. Then, when you are in a serious situation, you can be confident in the way He leads and step out in confident faith. Start now! Don’t wait until you are in that situation before you develop the sensitivity to His leading.
Partner, I am going to continue praying that you increase in your ability to hear and follow the direction of the Spirit of God!
You Shall Receive Power
Jesus informed us that we shall receive power after that the Holy Spirit has come upon us. Pastor Michelle explains the importance of knowing Jesus as the One who baptizes with the Holy Spirit and fire. In this series, you will also learn the importance of the Holy Spirit in God’s plan of restoration.
4 CDs $20
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