| How can we say we have a personal relationship with God, and yet say He never talks to us? Being open and receptive to the leadings of the Holy Spirit is a non-optional part of Christian living. We can all learn how to be open to the promptings of the Spirit. They are not reserved for ‘important people’ or for those who are ‘more spiritual’ than you. God will speak to you if you’ll just take the time to listen to Him. John Ortberg writes: ‘Much of the adventure of Christian living involves responsiveness to the guidance of the Holy Spirit. This guidance is not restricted to momentous decisions. It is learned mainly when we practise it on a continuing basis.’ That’s why David prayed, ‘Make me to know your ways, O LORD; teach me your paths…for you are the God of my salvation’ (Psalm 25:4-5 NRS). Richard Foster writes: ‘In our day heaven and earth are on tiptoe waiting for the emerging of a spirit-led…spirit-empowered people…It has happened before. It can happen again. Such a people will not emerge until there is among us a deeper, more profound experience of an Emmanuel of the spirit - God with us, a knowledge that in the power of the Spirit Jesus has come to guide His people Himself, an experience of His leading that is as definite and immediate as the cloud that led Israel by day and the fire by night.’ That experience can be yours when you believe the promise: ‘The Lord will guide you continually.’ And that promise is for you. So memorise it, personalise it, live by it, and see where it takes you this coming year. |
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