My mother emailed an outline of a devotional she gave a few years ago at a ladies’ meeting. After reading it this morning, I thought it would be good to pass along to those who read this blog. So, I asked her and she allowed me to post it here.
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The Holy Spirit in Me
by Mary Rupert
“Teach me to do Your will, for You are my God;
Your Spirit is good. Lead me in the land of uprightness.”
Psalm 143:10
I am reading the book Having a Mary Spirit. I was excited when I got to the fourth chapter. On pages 52-53 there are gray boxes talking about being led by the Holy Spirit of God. The author, Joanna Weaver tells of ways she has been led by the Holy Spirit personally. I agree with her. We who attend fundamental churches are so afraid of being called a Charismatic, that we ignore the wonderful God-given Holy Spirit presence within us! I have talked to friends about this. I ask, “If God gave us His Holy Spirit to actually live within us, why don’t we visit with Him? Isn’t He there to be our counselor? comforter? And more?
Early in my marriage, I wanted to live like some of the missionaries in biographies I had read. I wanted to talk to the Lord about everything. I wanted to hear His still small voice instruct me. The Bible tells us in I Thessalonians 5:17-19, “Pray without ceasing, in everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you. Do not quench the Spirit.” The Bible Knowledge Commentary explains the words, without ceasing, as continual, like a hacking cough. It is a continuous fellowship with God. The commentary goes on to tell how the Bible illustrates the Holy Spirit as a flame (Acts 2:3-4). Our hearts are warmed, minds enlightened, and He empowers people’s spirits. Paul warns against hindering this in I Thess. 5:19.
In this age, we are surrounded with counselors on T.V., computers, books, magazines, etc.. We must choose our advisors carefully. We must compare the world’s teaching with the Bible. I have found the Holy Spirit within me to be my constant companion, as long as I am willing to accept His leading and obey. He led me to take Nurses Training. He confirmed that Dave was the correct choice for my husband. That still small voice even speaks to me as I shop. He reminds me of what I already have at home, and don’t need more of. I thank Him!
I taught my children to pray when they misplaced something. It may rub you the wrong way to think of consulting God in minor things, but He tells us to pray about everything. It is a good way to begin a habit of praying for needs.
Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.
Philippians 4:6-7
I have read about Satanic Cults having a “walk in” to help one through hard times. They are instructed to invite him into their lives. It is Satan’s counterfeit of God’s Holy Spirit, and causes demon possession! We are offered the real thing. If God the Holy Spirit lives within, lets not ignore Him.
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Other verses on the subject:
“For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons of God.”
Romans 8:14“Do you not know that you are the temple of God and that the Spirit of God dwells in you?”
I Corinthians 3:16“But the manifestation of the Spirit is given to each one for the profit of all.”
I Corinthians 12:7“Walk in the Spirit, and you shall not fulfill the lust of the flesh.”
Galatians 5:16“If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit.”
Galatians 5:25
