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In Step with the Spirit

In Step with the Spirit

Words of Faith 7-1-19

Dr. Jeffrey D. Hoy © 2019

Jeff.Hoy@faithfellowshipweb.com

Faith Fellowship Church - Melbourne, FL

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Galatians 5  

      [25] Since we live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit.

 

        If we are made alive by the Spirit, then we are to seek to be continually filled with the Spirit-- and we are called to walk in step with the Spirit.  It is that final point that we sometimes miss.  How is it that we get "out of step"?

         One way we get out of step is when we vary, even slightly, from the path directed by the Spirit.  The verb Paul used here is the same as he used to talk about those "walk in the footsteps of the faith of Abraham" by believing as he believed (Rom 4:12).  Paul used this same word to describe those who are following the way of New Creation (Gal 6:16).

         We can get out of even if we are walking very carefully to the way of Grace.  A small variation... over time... can lead to a very different destination.    We cannot vary from that walk.  We need to absorb His Word and listen to the Spirit carefully.

        Another way that we get out of step is simply a matter of timing.  We get out of step when we "run ahead" of the leading of the Spirit or when we "lag behind.” 

        Sometimes we get eager in our desire to serve God, and we do the right thing at the wrong time.  An old cartoon comes to mind in which two Boy Scouts help a "little old lady" across the street... only to find she did not want to cross the street.  It may be as simple as helping a person before they are ready to be helped or sharing the Gospel before the time is right.  But this is more than that.  There are some who talk about "picking green fruit" when pressure is applied for a "decision," and God is not yet finished preparing that person.

          The same is true about falling behind the lead of the Spirit.  Sometimes we miss a very brief window of opportunity because we feel uncertain and do not trust the leading of the Spirit.  Certainly, God is sovereign and will find another manner in which to accomplish His will and desire, but we miss out on a great blessing when we fail to listen or trust Him.  The building of our faith comes mostly from the process of listening, trusting, and obeying. 

         Here is a great question. Am I in step with the Spirit?  Am I listening, trusting, and obeying?  We don't have to look for ways to serve or touch the hurting-- we just need to be ready to respond when God brings those situations across our path.  We need to be sure and tune in to the Spirit rather than news, entertainment, or economic worries.  God is in charge.  He will lead.  He will supply.  He will fulfill.

 

        Father God, keep me in tune and in step with Your Spirit.  I am listening.  Help me to have eyes to see and ears to hear the specific ways that You want to use me.  Keep me in step.  In Jesus' Name.

 

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The Words of Faith devotion is published five days a week by E-mail, and our website, and our church app, excluding Federal holidays. Please feel free to forward this devotion to a friend who might be blessed by this devotion. Unless otherwise noted, all Scripture is quoted from the New International Version (R) of The Holy Bible. Copyright (c) 1973, 1978, 1984 by International Bible Society. Used by permission of Zondervan Publishing House. All rights reserved. Words of Faith (c) 1997, 2010 Jeffrey D. Hoy. All rights reserved. Permission is granted to forward this copyrighted material or use portions of it with appropriate notation of the source for non-profit purposes.  

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