While any Christian can be led and used by the Holy Spirit, it is so much easier to hear His voice when He is in complete control of your life. (Google image, Be Filled with the Holy Spirit)
Every born-again Christian is indwelled by the Holy Spirit (Rom. 8:9), but not every Christian lives a Spirit-filled, Spirit-controlled life.
You cannot live such a life until you enter into it. The believer must make a "total surrender" (the term Andrew Murry preferred)—a total consecration of himself and his all to God (Rom. 12:1-2)—and must ask for the Spirit's fullness (Luke 11:13), trusting for his cleansing, empowering, and filling (Acts 15:8-9).
Any Christian living today can be as Spirit-filled as the early apostles, if the same commitment is made (Acts 2:38-39). This is not a matter of special manifestations of the Spirit; it is a matter of surrendering your will.
Whenever you see a believer struggling with the will of God, defeated by carnal longings and ambitions, hampered by a stubborn self-will, and reacting carnally toward his family or others, you know he is not living a Spirit-filled life.
Either he has never been filled with the Spirit or, through disobedience and withdrawal of consecration, he is not now living in the fullness of the Spirit. Normally, once you have been filled by the Holy Spirit, the Spirit will fill you again and again as you have need.
2. Develop a deep prayer life. The more you experience the life of prayer, the more God is able to use you at special times of need. God is constantly needing real prayer warriors. You learn to pray by praying.
Though book knowledge about prayer is beautiful, you gain confidence and strength in payer only as you pray. Put into practice the principles of prayer, and the Spirit will give you increasing liberty and boldness in intercession as well as increased opportunities.
3. Develop a conversational relationship with the Lord. Repeatedly tell the Lord how you love and adore Him. Punctuate your day with praise. Share your joy with Him. In the quiet of your soul thank Him for each blessing of the day—sunshine, beauty, smiles, friends, song, His help in your work.
Ask God to bless people you notice, pass, or meet. As you do your work, walk along the way, or drive your car, whisper to the Lord in your heart, without others knowing anything about your frequent communication with your wonderful Lord. Live in His presence.
4. Develop a listening ear. It is your privilege as a child of God to be led by the Holy Spirit (Rom. 8:14). Have you developed the habit of listening to God? No Christian ever masters this lesson, but God can help you develop a listening ear. May God make these suggestions a blessing to you:
A. Make sure you maintain your commitment to the Lord each day and live in the Spirit's fullness.
B. Ask God to teach you how to listen to Him. Prayer is not true communion if you do all the talking.
C. As you begin each day, ask God to speak to you whenever He desires throughout the day. Ask Him to help you recognize His voice.
D. Read your Bible, expecting God to speak to you and bless His Word to your heart. Read it for personal blessing and His suggestions as to how you can please Him more and how you can do His will more fully.
E. Ask God to guide and help in even small things. Anything that is important to you is important to Him. Ask Him to help you be a blessing to others as you meet them, speak to them on the phone, or write letters. Ask God to show you little things to do for Him and others. You can ask Him to guide you in your purchases, your attitudes, your contact, your work, as well as in your prayer life.
F. Relax and trust him to guide you constantly (Is. 58:11). Don't be fearful, afraid you will miss God's will. You are His child; rest in His faithfulness. Don't jump to conclusions. Don't expect to hear a voice or a sign from heaven. God's guidance is such a normal part of His dealings with you that He is often at work when you are most unaware.
G. Observe how God coordinates providence for you. Do not fret if He permits delays or blocks your plans. His way is best. He wants to work all things together for your good and His glory. He always knows what is highest and best. Don't struggle against God's providence; just relax in His loving care for you. God can open a way where there was none before, but you will never have to force open a door.
5. Ask God to keep you alert each day. Each morning ask God specifically to bring to your attention any person or situation for which you should pray. Keep prayer lists, for God may impress you to add others with special needs. The lists will serve, also, as a chronicle of answered prayer! Daily be sensitive to any new prayer assignment God may point out you. As you go through your day, pray immediately for anyone of anything God brings to your mind.
6. Accept responsibility for any special prayer burden God gives. Assure the Lord each day that you will try to be faithful to bear any prayer burden He gives you. Treat it as a special trust from the Lord.
(Chapter 11, pp. 78-80, italics added for emphasis)
Used by permission
of the Duewel Literature Trust, Inc,
Greenwood, Indiana
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Let's pray-
"Father, in the name of Jesus, I pray that Christ will dwell in my heart through faith. Also, I pray that I, being rooted and established in love, may have power, together with all the saints, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, and to know this love that surpasses knowledge–that I may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God. Amen"
Germine Copeland
Prayers that avail much
Scripture Reading:
Ephesians 3:17-19 (NIV)
Today's Bible verses-
James 1:19-25 “Know this, my beloved brothers: let every person be quick to hear, slow to speak, slow to anger; for the anger of man does not produce the righteousness of God."
John 15:7 (NKJV) "If you abide in Me, and My words abide in you, you will ask what you desire, and it shall be done for you. (v. 8) By this My Father is glorified, that you bear much fruit; so you will be My disciples."
Be sure to check out this video and free offer-
The Pilgrims' Progress
Bonus Offer: Parent’s Guide to The Pilgrim’s Progress!This guide, based on the book, is the perfect companion to discuss The Pilgrim’s Progress with your children or grandchildren. Brought to you by Axis.org
Words of Wisdom-
~ When someone needs our comforting word, let's not hesitate to share Christ's comforting words He's given to us along our way. Different ways are available to do that; letters, texts, phone calls or an email. Give someone some comfort in their struggles today. Pass on the comfort you've received. You'll be glad you did!
Today's link for parents-
How to 'Let Go and Let God' with Adult Children
By Heather Adams
"Those of us who are parents know that the connection we share with our children doesn't end when they've grown. Our role ideally changes through the years, from provider and protector to advisor."
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The livestream link: https://www.cfconline.
[For CFC Sunday services, 10 & 10:15 am]
[For CFC Sunday services, 10 & 10:15 am]
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Helpful ways the Lord helped me in my marriage
Upcoming posts
#32 How to Recognize God's Prayer Assignment
11th- Thursday's post by Dr. Wesley L. Duewel
I Love America's Flag
13th- Saturday's post by James H. Cagle
#33 God Needs Permanent Intercessor-watchmen
16th- Tuesday's post by Dr. Wesley L. Duewel
#34 How to Make Your Prayer Burden Effectual
18th- Thursday's post by Dr. Wesley L. Duewel
11th- Thursday's post by Dr. Wesley L. Duewel
I Love America's Flag
13th- Saturday's post by James H. Cagle
#33 God Needs Permanent Intercessor-watchmen
16th- Tuesday's post by Dr. Wesley L. Duewel
#34 How to Make Your Prayer Burden Effectual
18th- Thursday's post by Dr. Wesley L. Duewel
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