More of you for the Spirit

Romans 8:5 TLB says, 'Those who follow after the Holy Spirit find themselves doing those things that please God'. All believers have God in their heart - but not all believers have given their whole heart to God! The question is not, 'How can I have more of the Holy Spirit?' It's 'How can the Spirit have more of me?'

The apostle Paul was big on pleasing God. Look at his list: 'Stop telling lies. Let us tell our neighbours the truth, for we are all parts of the same body. And don't sin by letting anger control you... If you are a thief, quit stealing. Instead, use your hands for good hard work, and then give generously to others in need. Don't use foul or abusive language. Let everything you say be good and helpful... And do not bring sorrow to God's Holy Spirit by the way you live... Get rid of all bitterness, rage, anger, harsh words and slander, as well as all types of evil behaviour' (Ephesians 4:25-31 NLT).

Let's look at a shorter list: (a) Our tongue. Do we tend to stretch the truth or gossip? (b) Our language. Is our conversation wholesome? (c) Our grudges. Do we hold on to resentment? (d) Our activity. Do we kick back because we think the world owes us something?

So what now? Ask yourself: 'How can the Holy Spirit have more of me?' Pray this: 'Holy Spirit, guide me today, empower me and help me to honour you in all that I do. Amen.'

— SCRIPTURE —

'You are ruled by the Spirit, if that Spirit of God really lives in you.' Romans 8:9 NCV
— SOULFOOD —

Rom 7:1-9:16, John 9:24-41, Ps 83:9-18, Pro 29:7-8