THE SPIRIT-DIRECTED LIFE

THE SPIRIT-DIRECTED LIFE

Belinda and I share an early morning devotional time, during which we pray, worship and study the Word of God.  The ‘theme’ of our prayer for today centered on being directed by the Spirit of God.  Jesus Christ taught us that the Holy Spirit, or the Holy Ghost (the same person of The Triune Godhead) is actually the “Spirit of truth.” (John 16:13)  His express purpose is to convict us of our sins, convince us of the truth of God’s Word, provide daily direction for abundant life, comfort us through challenging circumstances and empower us to effectively serve the Kingdom of God. (John 14:12-21 – John 15:26 – John 16:5-15 – Acts 1:4-8)

As a means of accomplishing God’s perfect will within the earth realm, every believer is promised an endowment of the Holy Spirit, with SPIRITUAL gifts (I Corinthians, chapter 12) and SPIRITUAL fruit.

Galatians 5:22-25 (NKJV)

²² But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, ²³ gentleness, self-control. Against such there is no law.²⁴ And those who are Christ’s have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires. ²⁵ If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit.

Always remember: Growing in grace is a PROCESS. (II Peter 3:18)  That is, over time, we proactively expand our knowledge of God’s Word and (at the same time) we develop an experiential faith.  In other words, our confidence in Who God is and what God will do is enhanced and multiplied by our daily interactions with Him – as we live and walk by faith. (Romans 1:17)

The fruit of the Spirit is a singular gift, endowed to us by faith as we are baptized into the Body of Christ and thereafter filled with the Holy Spirit.  However, it is necessary to GROW our fruit and to increase our fruitfulness via 1) daily communion with Christ, 2) daily submission to His Word, and 3) the teaching and fellowship that comes through interacting with other believers. (John 15:8;16 – I Corinthians 12:13 – Hebrews 10:25)

According to the Apostle Paul, “as many as are LED BY THE SPIRIT OF GOD, these are the SONS OF GOD.” (Romans 8:14)  In the absence of being directed by the Spirit of God, no person can rightfully lay claim to the title of “CHRISTIAN” or to the spiritual authority that is the legal inheritance of every child of God. (Mark 16:17-18)

Prayerfully consider these questions: 1) Is the Holy Spirit at the forefront of your decision-making?  2) Do you consistently consult God (through prayer and reflection on His Word) concerning your faith, your family, your marriage, your schedule, your career, your finances, and yes, even your friendships?  If your honest answer is “yes,” you are indeed living a Spirit-directed life.  However, if you are only partially committed to seeking His face (or unsure of your personal level of commitment), carefully reflect on the following:

Proverbs 3:5-6 (NKJV)

⁵ Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding;
⁶ In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct your paths.

You will feel and fare so much better, whenever you give the Master charge. (Joshua 1:8)

Sisters and brothers, be continually blessed, and please (above all else) MAKE SURE YOU ARE READY TO MEET OUR SOON COMING KING.  Maranatha!