Galatians 5:25 says "Since we live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit." (NIV) the (NLT) "Since we are living by the Spirit, let us follow the Spirit's leading in every part of our lives.". (Message) "Since this is the kind of life we have chosen, the life of the Spirit, let us make sure that we don not just hold it as an idea in our heads or a sentiment in our hearts, but work out its implications in every detail of our lives."
This is my focus verse for 2012. Walking and living by the Spirit of the living God. I want to break this down just for a minute than get practical. There is a pre-supposed phrase here, "Since we are living by the Spirit.." What exactly does it mean to live by the Spirit? Yes, Jesus lives in us, but He also promised that when he left for Heaven, that He would not leave us as orphans all alone but it was actually good that He was leaving. Here is a short Biblical list of the purposes of the Holy Spirit.
Counselor - John 14:26
Truth Giver - John 16:13/I Corinthians 2:10
Strength - Romans 8:26
Fruits given by the Spirit - Galatians 5:22
Seal - Ephesians 1:13
Word of God/Sword of the Spirit - Ephesians 6:17
This is a short list, and of course there are the Gifts of the Holy Spirit but that's a whole blog on it's own. My point is this, when the Holy Spirit came at Pentecost, and now indwells in every believer at the moment of salvation, we act much like a faucet. We determine if we are going to open up and live under the power/influence/leading of the Holy Spirit or of the leading of our own power or even the world's. We say yes or no all of the time to the leading of the Holy Spirit. We need to be aware of His promptings all of the time. He wants to lead in our lives but we say yes or no. So many people are just too busy/noise filled to know this is even going on. When we learn enough scriptures and practice them we are walking in the Spirit. When we see someone in need and choose to sacrifice instead of being selfish we are walking in the Spirit. We either gratify ourselves or God. (Galatians 5:16;I Thessalonians 5:19) I liken living in the Spirit to have a special antenna, it is up and circling all over to point to an opportunity to share Christ verbally or serve someone, or speak up, encourage or exhort. When I am sensitive to this I am ALWAYS amazed at what happened. Are you? Don't miss out on this HUGE part of the Christ life. My goal this year is to continue to be open and obedient, courageous and let the Spirit have His way in my life. How about you?
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