The Spirit is the truth and never leads us in ways that oppose Scripture. He won't; He can't, because Scripture is truth. He represents and lifts up the person of Jesus. He gives illumination to the character and ways of God.
So when you sense the Spirit is guiding you, use this test: Does this match up with the truth of the Bible?
What is your most problematic self-talk? Ask God's Spirit if it matches Scripture's truth. Post what He tells you:
Judy Rowland
Ready to study with me?
Wednesday, December 1, 2010
Question #5
Snapshot 2: God's Spirit Represents Christ
As a junior at Palm Beach Atlantic University, I joined the Ambassadors who represented our institution at community events. I never imagined I would end up at the exclusive Breakers Hotel in posh Palm Beach at an international gala...greeting none other than the Princess of Wales!
The contributing philanthropist asked our school to provide students to help at the gala. So in a borrowed evening gown, I arrived with my fellow starstruck coeds. My job was to welcome guests, ask them whether they were patrons or benefactors, and direct them to the proper dining room.
I knew this was important because of how our advisor coached us (OK, threatened us). We were told our actions would directly reflect on the university. Our duty was to represent the college well. I also figured out how big of a deal this was when security cordoned off the entryway---and the paparazzi crowded behind my partner, Jamie, and me.
The guests arrived ---Bob Hope, Victor Borge, Merv Griffin; Then a hush fell. There she was. The princess.
Jamie provided colorful commentary as the much-loved royal shyly lowered her head and walked through the door to cheers and flashing cameras. Princess Diana sauntered past in her dazzling fuchsia gown, and security whisked her away.
I was mindful I represented my university. Even if I wanted to scream, "Diana, I love you! Can I borrow your dress?" or though I may have wished to foxtrot with Bob Hope in his tux and tennis shoes, I would not because my role was to represent the character of my college.
The Holy Spirit is God's representative. He mirrors God's truth because He is the third Person of the triune God. If you sense the Spirit leading your thoughts or guiding your actions, His guidance always lines up with the truth of God's word.
What does 1 John 5:6 disclose about God's Spirit? He is:
As a junior at Palm Beach Atlantic University, I joined the Ambassadors who represented our institution at community events. I never imagined I would end up at the exclusive Breakers Hotel in posh Palm Beach at an international gala...greeting none other than the Princess of Wales!
The contributing philanthropist asked our school to provide students to help at the gala. So in a borrowed evening gown, I arrived with my fellow starstruck coeds. My job was to welcome guests, ask them whether they were patrons or benefactors, and direct them to the proper dining room.
I knew this was important because of how our advisor coached us (OK, threatened us). We were told our actions would directly reflect on the university. Our duty was to represent the college well. I also figured out how big of a deal this was when security cordoned off the entryway---and the paparazzi crowded behind my partner, Jamie, and me.
The guests arrived ---Bob Hope, Victor Borge, Merv Griffin; Then a hush fell. There she was. The princess.
Jamie provided colorful commentary as the much-loved royal shyly lowered her head and walked through the door to cheers and flashing cameras. Princess Diana sauntered past in her dazzling fuchsia gown, and security whisked her away.
I was mindful I represented my university. Even if I wanted to scream, "Diana, I love you! Can I borrow your dress?" or though I may have wished to foxtrot with Bob Hope in his tux and tennis shoes, I would not because my role was to represent the character of my college.
The Holy Spirit is God's representative. He mirrors God's truth because He is the third Person of the triune God. If you sense the Spirit leading your thoughts or guiding your actions, His guidance always lines up with the truth of God's word.
What does 1 John 5:6 disclose about God's Spirit? He is:
1 John 5:6 (New International Version, ©2010)
6 This is the one who came by water and blood—Jesus Christ. He did not come by water only, but by water and blood. And it is the Spirit who testifies, because the Spirit is the truth.
Question #4
If you aren't aware of His counsel, ask God to reveal the Holy Spirit's work in your life, and commit to listening for His voice.
What has God shown you about this role of His Spirit?
What has God shown you about this role of His Spirit?
- I am fully aware of God's counsel through His Spirit.
- I need to work at chiseling out some quiet time for allowing God's Spirit to speak to me.
- I need to pay more attention to what God's Spirit says to me.
- I wasn't aware of God's counsel through the Holy Spirit and will commit to listening to Him now that I know.
- Your own answer or comment here________________________.
Question #3
The Holy Spirit will not shout down the noise of our busy world to counsel you. He won't try to silence all the racket in your thought closet to be heard. To hear His counsel, we have to quiet ourselves and truly listen.
I know sometimes when I hear His gentle voice counsel me I am hesitant. I can't always distinguish His voice from my own thoughts and intuition. Do you ever feel that same uncertainty? When we are walking with Christ, though, I believe God's Spirit speaks to us more than we realize. He counsels us through the words of Scripture and the remarks of others.
Can you think of a time when you received counsel from the Holy Spirit? If so, describe it:
I know sometimes when I hear His gentle voice counsel me I am hesitant. I can't always distinguish His voice from my own thoughts and intuition. Do you ever feel that same uncertainty? When we are walking with Christ, though, I believe God's Spirit speaks to us more than we realize. He counsels us through the words of Scripture and the remarks of others.
Can you think of a time when you received counsel from the Holy Spirit? If so, describe it:
Question #2
God's Spirit challenges us to hear, admit, and embrace truth.
Which action do you most need in your thought closet?
Which action do you most need in your thought closet?
- hear truth
- admit truth
- embrace truth
Question #1
Snapshot 1: God's Spirit Counsels Us
As Phil and I prepared to celebrate our fifth anniversary, we concluded we didn't need celebration; we needed counseling. We fought about the same things all the time, though neither of us was ever wrong!
We loved each other but we didn't like each other much. So with our pride pushed aside, off to counseling we went.
After months of hearing, admitting, and embracing truth, we had a stronger, happier marriage. We not only loved each other but finally liked each other again. Larry, our counselor, was wise and objective. He listened and made us think. He was safe and committed to our good, so we trusted him.
All of us need a counselor from time to time, and the Holy Spirit is the perfect Counselor. He is safe, wise, objective, and absolutely committed to your ultimate good. My friend, you can trust Him never to lead you off course.
Which of the preceding qualities of the Holy Spirit mean the most to you right now and why?
As Phil and I prepared to celebrate our fifth anniversary, we concluded we didn't need celebration; we needed counseling. We fought about the same things all the time, though neither of us was ever wrong!
We loved each other but we didn't like each other much. So with our pride pushed aside, off to counseling we went.
After months of hearing, admitting, and embracing truth, we had a stronger, happier marriage. We not only loved each other but finally liked each other again. Larry, our counselor, was wise and objective. He listened and made us think. He was safe and committed to our good, so we trusted him.
All of us need a counselor from time to time, and the Holy Spirit is the perfect Counselor. He is safe, wise, objective, and absolutely committed to your ultimate good. My friend, you can trust Him never to lead you off course.
Which of the preceding qualities of the Holy Spirit mean the most to you right now and why?
Good Morning Prayer Dec. 1st, 2010
Good Morning God, Thank You for the snow this morning. I ask that You heal me quickly from this bronchitis/laryngitis thing I've got going on. Let the words of my mouth and the meditations of my heart be acceptable in Your sight, O Lord, my strength and my redeemer. Help us to take out thoughts captive today and please bless out digital time together. Father please be with Drew as You know he is in the hospital with swelling on his brain. Be with his parents Beth and Danny and guide the physicians in his care. Amen.
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