In what ways can we rely on the Spirit for spiritual guidance daily? Shared Access, Daily Guidance “For through Him we both have access to the Father by one Spirit.” (Ephesians 2:18) Because the Spirit gives immediate, unhindered access to the Father, guidance is never distant or complicated. Everything that follows flows from this single truth. Living Out the Access the Spirit Gives • Begin every day conscious that you stand before the Father already welcomed, not trying to earn an audience (Hebrews 4:16). • Ask specifically for direction, trusting that the same Spirit who opened the way will also make the way clear (James 1:5). • Expect guidance that is personal yet always consistent with Scripture (John 16:13). Listening Through the Word • Read Scripture with the assumption that the Author is present to explain His own words (1 Corinthians 2:12-13). • Pause on a verse until its meaning becomes plain; the Spirit illuminates, He never confuses (Psalm 119:130). • Record insights; guidance remembered is guidance ready for use (Deuteronomy 6:6-9). Submitting Thoughts and Desires • Sift every motive: “Lord, is this from You?” (Psalm 139:23-24). • Reject impulses that contradict the fruit the Spirit produces—love, joy, peace, etc. (Galatians 5:22-23). • Embrace convictions that lead to righteousness, even when inconvenient (Romans 8:5-6). Walking Step by Step • In decisions: “What would most honor Christ right now?” (Colossians 3:17). • In relationships: defer to the Spirit’s unifying purpose—He reconciles Jew and Gentile, spouse and friend alike (Ephesians 4:3). • In temptations: rely on the Spirit’s power to say “no” to sin and “yes” to obedience (Galatians 5:16). Confirming the Spirit’s Voice • Scripture Agreement: the Spirit never contradicts what He has written (2 Timothy 3:16). • Inner Witness: a settled peace, not fleeting emotion (Romans 8:16). • Godly Counsel: the same Spirit speaks through trusted believers (Proverbs 11:14). Staying Reliant Moment by Moment • Keep short accounts with God; unconfessed sin dulls spiritual hearing (Psalm 32:3-5). • Thank Him for every instance of guidance; gratitude heightens awareness (1 Thessalonians 5:18). • Anticipate fresh direction tomorrow, because access to the Father by the Spirit is never closed (Lamentations 3:22-23). |
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