BECOME AWARE OF THE HOLY SPIRIT

In Galatians 5:5 we learn "By faith we eagerly await through the Spirit the righteousness for which we hope. The only act that counts is faith expressing itself through love."


Yesterday, together we examined whether or not Christians had "rules."  It would be so much easier to make a check-list of "rules" so we could check off one at a time as we obeyed them.  But--it ain't so!  Oh!  No!  All the obeyed rules in the world would not make us righteous; righteousness only comes through faith alone.


Let's look again at the hope for righteousness and what it entails and what it does not entail:
 1. Don't attempt to save ourselves by keeping laws.  This practice only separates us from God and causes us to become satisfied and proud.  This will not bring us righteousness.  2. Do pray for the Holy Spirit to guide us in all things.  Listen for His answers. Through Christ we are made right with God.


Study/ "Each day controlled and guided by the Holy Spirit will bring the words of Christ into our minds, the love of Christ into our actions, and the power of Christ controlling our selfish desires.  If we try to follow the Spirit by our own human effort, we will fail.  Our only way to freedom from our own selfish desires is through the empowering of the Holy Spirit."


It appears to me that I must pray that I can only trust the Holy Spirit, therefore I must pray that the Holy Spirit will become real to me.  How does one trust it is the Spirit whispering to me, and not my own self? I believe I must constantly pray for the Holy Spirit to manifest Himself to me and correct my actions if I have misplayed them. Whenever I am reminded of Jesus in my daily work, etc., I smile and thank Jesus for His love for me. Whenever I am unsure of something, I ask Jesus for His help. Constant awareness of Jesus throughout my day surely brings the Holy Spirit closer and closer to me.  This I believe, and hope. And I hope this helps you.


What we are asking of ourselves is time-consuming, but worth the effort.  I wish I had known this long ago.  I could have avoided a lot of pain, if I had been practicing being aware of God.  I can't help but smile when I think of God looking at His loved ones who are beginning to see Him in all things, thank Him for all things, and beg Him for help in all things puzzling and frightening.  It makes me feel happy and very close to Him.


I wish you joy and happiness, too, in all things and in all ways.


Jo INMN