July 02, 2007
Am I allowing the Spirit to do His work in me?
The contrast between the woman who is saying "No!" to God and "Yes" to sin and the woman who is allowing the Spirit to work in her life is striking. The Spirit is still in the life of the Christian who has allowed sin to get a foothold in her life, but it is grieved. And because she is rejecting God's will, the Spirit is also being quenched. She will not allow the Spirit to do it's work in her - to fill her up. She probably is feeling empty, lonely, and sad but can't figure out why.
In the life of the woman who is open and listening to God through the Spirit, the Spirit can work in her and fill her. As He does, He assures her that she belongs to God - she can be secure in knowing she is truly saved. The Spirit also reminds her of the words that Jesus spoke, helping her to understand how to apply those words in her life right now. He also bestows gifts and abilities on her to enable her to serve others and build up the body of Christ. The Spirit brings about fruit in her life - love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. He leads her in the right direction. And when she is weak or uncertain of what to do or how to pray, the Spirit prays for her.
Lord, forgive me for saying "NO!" to you and letting sin reign in my life so that Your Holy Spirit has been grieved and quenched. Cleanse me, purify me, and fill me with Your Spirit. How I long to be filled with Your Spirit, to experience His leading, His fruit, His assurance, His gifts. May the Spirit remind me of Your words, Lord, and empower me to say "Yes!" to them. Thank You for the peace of knowing that even when I am uncertain of how to pray or too weak physically, Your Spirit is there praying for me. Amen.
Posted by jennbeck at July 2, 2007 06:57 AM