Developing Sensitivity to the Holy Spirit

Romans 8:14-16: For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons of God. For ye have not received the spirit of bondage again to fear; but ye have received the Spirit of adoption, whereby we cry, Abba, Father. The Spirit itself beareth witness with our spirit, that we are the children of God:

1 John 5:9,10: If we receive the witness of men, the witness of God is greater: for this is the witness of God which he hath testified of his Son. He that believeth on the Son of God hath the witness in himself: he that believeth not God hath made him a liar; because he believeth not the record that God gave of his Son.

Once we receive Jesus as our Lord and Savior, we become born again and the Holy Spirit comes and dwells in us (John 14:26, John 15:26, John 16:13, 1 John 4:4).

As a born again child of God, were to get our leading and guidance about what to do in this world from two sources:

First, were to be led and receive guidance from the written word of God. Matthew 4:4: But he

answered and said, It is written, Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God. Also read 2 Peter 1:17-21.

Secondly, were to be led by and receive guidance from the Inward Witness.

If we're going to be led by the Holy Spirit, we need to put time in daily studying the Word of God, and in prayer. The Bible is an outline of God's will for our life, and for what were to do in this life.

For instance, the Word of God teaches us to forgive everybody: Mark 11:25,26 & Matthew 6:12.

The Word of God teaches us were to tithe our income: Malachi 3:10-12 & Hebrews 7:8.

The Word of God teaches us to be strong spiritually: Ephesians 6:10.

The Word of God teaches us that we're to live by faith: Romans 1:17 & Galatians 3:11.

The Word of God teaches us that we're to walk in the God kind of love: Romans 5:5 & Ephesians 5:2.

These are things we don't pray about. We just do them, because God told us to.

James 1:22: But be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving your own selves.

On the other hand, the Word of God does not specify where were to live, what house were to buy, if we're to take the bus or the train, what job to take, when to retire (or if were to retire), or what person to

marry.

Were to receive the details for our life from the Holy Spirit. We dont want to do what God will let us do. As Christians, we want to do what God wants us to do. God will let us do anything. But He has a

perfect will for each one of us, and it is our responsibility individually, as born again Christians, to find out in every area of our life what Gods perfect will is for us.

Romans 12:1,2: I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service. And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.

For instance, it wasnt Gods will that Israel, His people, have a king, as you can read in 1 Samuel 8:4-22. God told His people what His will was for their lives and for their nation, but they rejected His will in verses 6 and 7. God warned Israel that if they got a king, that king would heavily tax them, take their children and their property. But Israel wanted to be like other nations. They wanted a king they could promenade up and down the streets - they wanted a man they could look to, and not God. God allowed them to have their king, and everything God told them would happen, did happen, even though it wasn't His will.

You need to be very careful about every decision you make in life.
You dont want to make decisions out of your emotions. When I laid carpet, (before I went to Bible school and into the ministry) I had a guy working for me, whose name was Tom. I hired him because I believed God wanted me to. He proved to be good at the work he did, but getting him to work was another issue! Id get so upset and angry that Id want to fire him. I had all these reasons to get rid of him, and other people would tell me to do it, too. But in my heart, - my spirit man, I didnt have any peace about getting rid of him.

I just couldn't get God to approve my plan. Even though I had lots of reasons in the natural to back up my decision to fire Tom, I didnt have the witness of the Holy Spirit to go through with it so Id keep him. And, as time went by, Tom became born again and filled with the Holy Spirit. And, he got a miracle eye that he had been partially blind in! God had a plan, and He was trying to get me to follow it. While my mind and flesh wanted to get rid of Tom, in my spirit, I had: Youd better not do this.

Always Seek God Before Making Any Move in Your Life

Before you change what youre doing, or add anything new, like switching jobs, selling your car, or buying new tires, you want to talk to God about it. Spend some extra time reading the Word and spend extra time in prayer. What you want to do is seek God for His will in this situation, and dont become impatient. Faith waits for Gods best. If you don't have peace, or clear direction in your spirit, just keep waiting on God until you hear from Him.

Everybody is going to have an idea or opinion about what you should do or not do, but youre the one who will be responsible for your decision, and not anyone else. So, hold out until you hear from God and until you know in your sprit what God wants you to do.

Confess this all the time, and say it by faith: Im always led by the Holy Spirit, in Jesus Name. Amen?

Remember, God wishes above all things that you prosper and be in health, even as your soul prospers (3 John 2). Your Word of faith pastor,

Pastor Jesse Rich

Jesse Rich Ministries P.O. Box 237170 New York, NY 10023 PHONE: (212) 501-7999
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