In what ways can we rely on the Spirit for guidance today? Standing Up With the Spirit: Ezekiel 2:2 “As He spoke to me, the Spirit entered me and set me on my feet, and I listened to Him speaking to me.” Just as Ezekiel could not rise on his own, we depend on the Spirit for every step of guidance today. The Same Spirit Lives in Us • Romans 8:11—“The Spirit of Him who raised Jesus from the dead dwells in you.” • 1 Corinthians 3:16—“Do you not know that you are God’s temple and that God’s Spirit dwells in you?” Because He indwells, His guidance is constant, personal, and powerful. How the Spirit Guides Today 1. Illuminating Scripture • John 14:26—“The Helper, the Holy Spirit…will teach you all things.” • Psalm 119:18—“Open my eyes that I may see wondrous things from Your law.” Expect fresh insight and conviction whenever you open the Word. 2. Bearing Inner Witness • Romans 8:16—“The Spirit Himself testifies with our spirit that we are God’s children.” A settled assurance that aligns with Scripture quiets anxiety and confirms direction. 3. Producing Peace in Decision-Making • Colossians 3:15—“Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts.” When peace evaporates, pause; when peace deepens, proceed. 4. Prompting Obedience Through Conviction • John 16:8—“He will convict the world concerning sin and righteousness.” Quick conviction is a mercy; respond immediately and the path clears. 5. Providing Wisdom Through Prayer • James 1:5—“If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God…and it will be given.” The Spirit channels heaven’s wisdom into everyday choices. 6. Speaking Through Godly Counsel • Proverbs 15:22—“Plans fail for lack of counsel, but with many advisers they succeed.” Spirit-filled friends often voice what He’s already whispering in your heart. 7. Directing Through Circumstances • Acts 16:6-7—The Spirit “prevented” Paul from certain regions, then opened others. Closed doors can be divine steering wheels; open doors, divine invitations. 8. Uniting the Church in Corporate Discernment • Acts 13:2—“The Holy Spirit said, ‘Set apart for Me Barnabas and Saul.’” Gathered believers can hear one clear word when hearts are yielded together. Guardrails for Discernment • The Spirit never contradicts Scripture (Galatians 1:8). • He magnifies Christ, not self (John 16:14). • He produces the fruit of the Spirit, not confusion (Galatians 5:22-23; 1 Corinthians 14:33). Walking in Step Each Day • Begin each morning acknowledging your need: “Set me on my feet today.” • Saturate your mind with the Word; the Spirit highlights what He has authored. • Stay immediately responsive—small obediences pave the way for larger guidance. • Cultivate an awareness of His inner promptings, noting peace, conviction, and joy. • Move forward in faith; the Spirit directs a moving vessel far more than one at anchor. Key Passages to Remember Ezekiel 2:2; John 14:26; John 16:13-14; Romans 8:14-16; Galatians 5:16-25; Acts 13:2; James 1:5. |
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