Thursday, April 12, 2012

Living in the Power of the Spirit


Read: ACTS 1:1-8

Jesus assured His followers that they would receive the Holy Spirit (Luke 24:29), and Pentecost marked the fulfillment of His promise (Acts 2: 1-4). God always follows through, and sending His Spirit was no exception. In fact, this amazing blessing still applies today.

The moment a person places faith in the Savior, the Holy Spirit indwells that new believer. He seals all Christians in Him for eternity so nothing can ever steal them from God. But sadly, some don't choose to live in that power - believers can be saved and yet continue to live in their own strength.

Being "filled with the Holy Spirit" is not an emotional experience. Instead it involves allowing God to live His life through our actions, thoughts and words -which means surrendering our desires and self-focus.

Walking in the Spirit has nothing to do with our own abilities. Rather, it depends solely on God's. We trust, ask Him to take over, and follow in obedience. He will lead us as we pray to Him. And through silent, attentive meditation upon His word, as well as through the counsel of other believers, we can experience our Father's guidance, power, protection and help. His still, small voice will become more obvious to us as we mature in Christ.

If you are saved, God's Spirit lives within you. But He longs to do much more than simply reside there. He desires to commune with you in intimate relationship so that you experience abundant blessing. Living in your own strength will lead only to failure. Walking by the Spirit brings life.
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from Intouch magazine, October 2011 issue

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