Written by Chuck Swindoll, these encouraging devotional thoughts are published seven days per week.
Read 1 John 4:1–5
Dear friends, do not believe everyone who claims to speak by the Spirit. You must test them to see if the spirit they have comes from God. For there are many false prophets in the world. (1 John 4:1)
As we look forward to flying closer to the flame as the Spirit of God controls and transforms our lives, we need to keep a few practical and helpful checkpoints in mind.
Read Romans 8:16–171 Corinthians 6:19–20; 12:4–7
The Spirit Himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God, and if children, heirs also, heirs of God and fellow heirs with Christ, if indeed we suffer with Him in order that we may also be glorified with Him. (Romans 8:16–17 NASB)
How do we recognize the Spirit’s ministry? Within us and around us every day we see evidences of His dynamic power.
Read 2 Corinthians 3:17
For the Lord is the Spirit; and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom. (2 Corinthians 3:17)
Read Acts 1:8
But you shall receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you shall be My witnesses both in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria, and as far as the remotest part of the earth. (Acts 1:8 NASB)
Let’s return to basics...two foundational issues. One has to do with salvation, the other with being Spirit-filled.
Read James 5:16
Confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The earnest prayer of a righteous person has great power and produces wonderful results. (James 5:16)
Read Psalm 16:11; Colossians 3:15
You will make known to me the way of life;In Your presence is fullness of joy;In Your right hand there are pleasures forever. (Psalm 16:11 NASB)
One of my mother’s favourite rules for us kids was, “You can’t trust your feelings.” To this day I can clearly recall her words warning us against relying on our emotions: “What you really want, son, are the facts. Facts are your friends. Feelings will change on you.”
Read 1 Corinthians 8:1
Now regarding your question about food that has been offered to idols. Yes, we know that “we all have knowledge” about this issue. But while knowledge makes us feel important, it is love that strengthens the church. (1 Corinthians 8:1)
This is a good time for me to pause and mention three basic warnings so that our flying closer to the flame will take place without fear of getting our wings singed.
Intellectualism
Read 2 Corinthians 12:7–10
Because of the extraordinary greatness of the revelations, for this reason, to keep me from exalting myself, there was given me a thorn in the flesh, a messenger of Satan to torment me—to keep me from exalting myself! Concerning this I pleaded with the Lord three times that it might leave me. (2 Corinthians 12:7–8 NASB)
Another biblical example of the work of the Holy Spirit also involves Paul. In times of great sorrow and pain, the Spirit ministers grace
Read Acts 20:22–24; Philippians 1:21–22
“And now, behold, bound by the Spirit, I am on my way to Jerusalem, not knowing what will happen to me there, except that the Holy Spirit solemnly testifies to me in every city, saying that chains and afflictions await me. But I do not consider my life of any account as dear to myself, so that I may finish my course and the ministry which I received from the Lord Jesus, to testify solemnly of the gospel of God’s grace.” (Acts 20:22–24 NASB)
Read Hebrews 4:12
For the word of God is living and active, and sharper than any two-edged sword, even penetrating as far as the division of soul and spirit, of both joints and marrow, and able to judge the thoughts and intentions of the heart. (Hebrews 4:12 NASB)
This very familiar verse of Scripture points out how God’s message can penetrate deep within us.
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