Thoughts from daily Bible reading for today – December 4, 2014
When he [the Holy Spirit] comes, he will prove the world to be in the wrong about sin and righteousness and judgment: about sin, because people do not believe in me; about righteousness, because I am going to the Father, where you can see me no longer; and about judgment, because the prince of this world now stands condemned. John 16:8-11
I can say I trust God with a person or situation, but then I act like I don’t. For example, when a young man recently asked permission to marry our youngest daughter, I hesitated and asked myself, “Can I trust him with my precious little girl?” In the moment the Holy Spirit reminded me, “Entrust her to Me, and you will be able trust him with her.” I still had some practical questions, but the Spirit gave me confidence to continue in the process. I eventually granted the sincere suitor permission, based on my trust in the Spirit facilitating their relationship. Trust trusts.
Jesus made very clear the role of the Holy Spirit. Once the Lord ascended to heaven the Spirit would remain on earth to convict unbelievers in Christ (the worse sin), to lead believers to live like Jesus (the best life) and to empower Christians to overcome the devil (the defeated enemy). The Spirit of God is our fuel to live by faith. When we appropriate His wisdom and strength we gain insight into complex circumstances and perplexing people. Indeed, the Holy Spirit leads us to avoid sin. Sin places our desires as first priority, but faith puts what Christ wants at first priority.
“Those who live according to the flesh have their minds set on what the flesh desires; but those who live in accordance with the Spirit have their minds set on what the Spirit desires” (Romans 8:5).
We obey because we trust the Lord and we trust the Lord as we obey. Yes, the sweet Holy Spirit has His way with us when we don’t stand in His way. Our ongoing submission to the will of our heavenly Father gives the Spirit free reign within our spirit. Like an broken thoroughbred follows the lead of his jockey, so we invite Jesus to saddle up our soul and direct our steps. Some days we run an aggressive race, other times we gracefully walk by faith and in daily moments of reflection we graze on the green grass of God’s word. Our obedience makes us more like Jesus.
Lastly, when Satan senses we are surrendered to our Savior, he knows he’s defeated. By the word of our testimony, by the living Word,Christ, and by the word of God we have overcome Satan and his demons. He is detestable and defeated. We don’t flirt with his advances because we know the pain he creates. Pride, materialism and lust are age old temptations that hold no sway over a soul consumed by Christ. Fight the devil in the Spirit and we win, fight in our strength and we lose. Thus, avoid tempting behaviors by worshiping in praise and adoration to our holy God!
“Behold! I have given you authority and power to trample upon serpents and scorpions, and [physical and mental strength and ability] over all the power that the enemy [possesses]; and nothing shall in any way harm you” (Luke 10:19, Amplified Bible).
Prayer: Heavenly Father, teach me to trust, obey and overcome by the power of Your Spirit.
Related Readings: 1 Chronicles 28:9; Psalm 37:4; Isaiah 26:8; Galatians 5:16-17; 1 John 4:4
Post/Tweet this today: Sin puts our desires in first priority, but faith puts what Christ wants as first priority. #wisdomhunters
Additional Resource: 4 minute music video- Trust and Obey: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IrSCxfnN2B8
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