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- Apr 25, 2006
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This Year Listen To God
‘The Lord will guide you continually.’ Isaiah 58:11 NRS
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 practice 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) ‘The whole creation is on tiptoe to see the wonderful sight of the sons of God coming into their own…’ (Romans 8:19 PHPS)
When we acknowledge the presence of Emmanuel—God with us—and follow the leading of Jesus, then we can experience the wonder of coming into our own. We can also experience His guidance as intimately and immediately as the Israelites did when, during their time in the wilderness, they were led by a cloud during the day and a fire during the 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.
written by Bob Gass
‘The Lord will guide you continually.’ Isaiah 58:11 NRS
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 practice 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) ‘The whole creation is on tiptoe to see the wonderful sight of the sons of God coming into their own…’ (Romans 8:19 PHPS)
When we acknowledge the presence of Emmanuel—God with us—and follow the leading of Jesus, then we can experience the wonder of coming into our own. We can also experience His guidance as intimately and immediately as the Israelites did when, during their time in the wilderness, they were led by a cloud during the day and a fire during the 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.
written by Bob Gass
