Our nation is facing real threats – to our way of life, our economy, and our very existence. The coronavirus, economic crash, rampant money printing, and serious tensions with China and Russia all communicate that our nation has changed forever. Add in the real signs that we are in the end times foretold by the Bible, and the logical conclusion is that there has never been a more important time in our lives to seek the Lord, His peace, and His direction for our lives.
The Word of God in both the Old Testament and New Testament reveals that the Lord informs His people about upcoming events:
Surely the Lord God does nothing, unless He reveals His secret to His servants the prophets. Amos 3:7
I still have many things to say to you, but you cannot bear them now. However, when He, the Spirit of truth, has come, He will guide you to all truth; for He will not speak on His own authority, but whatever He hears He will speak; and He will not speak on His own authority¸ but whatever He hears He will speak; and He will tell you things to come. John 16:12-13
Furthermore, the Word reveals that God will direct our paths if we seek Him with our whole hearts:
Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct your paths. Proverbs 3:5-6
I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go;
I will guide you with My eye. Psalm 32:8
For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, these are sons of God. Romans 8:14
I say then: “Walk in the Spirit, and you shall not fulfill the lust of the flesh… But if you are led by the Spirit, you are not under the law. Galatians 5:16,18
My sheep hear My voice, and I know them, and they follow Me. John 10:28
But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in My name, He will teach you all things, and bring to your remembrance all things that I said to you. John 14:26
Here are a few examples of the Holy Spirit giving specific directions to the apostles:
So, being sent out by the Holy Spirit, they went down to Seleucia, and from there they sailed to Cyprus. Acts 13:4
Now when they had gone through Phrygia and the region of Galatia, they were forbidden by the Holy Spirit to preach the word in Asia. Acts 16:6
When he had come to us, he took Paul’s belt, bound his own hands and feet, and said, “Thus says the Holy Spirit, ‘So shall the Jews at Jerusalem bind the man who owns this belt, and deliver him into the hands of the Gentiles.’” Acts 21:11
But when they arrest you and deliver you up, do not worry beforehand, or premeditate what you will speak. But whatever is given you in that hour, speak that; for it is not you who speak, but the Holy Spirit. Mark 13:11
The Ten Commandments showed us that in our sinful nature, we all fall short of God’s perfect law. Jesus Christ came and saved us from our sin, and the Holy Spirit came at Pentecost to show us life in the Spirit.
What would “life in the Spirit” be like – what would we experience in the Spirit?
- We would learn things that non-believers would reject as foolish:
Now we have received, not the spirit of the world, but the Spirit who is from God, that we might know the things that have been freely given to us by God. But the natural man does not receive the things of the Spirit of God, for they are foolishness to him; nor can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned. I Corinthians 2:12,14
- We would experience love, joy and peace that non-believers cannot understand or comprehend:
Walk in the Spirit, and you shall not fulfill the lust of the flesh… the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control. Galatians 5:16,22
Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:6-8
- We would have no fear:
Therefore do not fear them. For there is nothing covered that will not be revealed, and hidden that will not be known. Matthew 10:26
But seek the kingdom of God, and all these things shall be added to you. Do not fear, little flock, for it is your Father’s good pleasure to give you the kingdom. Luke 12:31-32
Let your conduct be without covetousness; be content with such things as you have. For He Himself has said, “I will never leave you nor forsake you.” So we may boldly say: “The Lord is my helper; I will not fear. What can man do to me?” Hebrews 13:5-6
For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind. I Timothy 1:7
He who dwells in the secret place of the Most High shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty. I will say of the Lord, ‘He is my refuge and my fortress; my God, in Him I will trust… Because you have made the Lord, who is my refuge, even the Most High, your habitation, no evil shall befall you, nor shall any plague come near your dwelling; for He shall give His angels charge over you, to keep you in all your ways. Psalm 91: 1-2, 9-11
When you pass through the waters, I will be with you, and through the rivers, they shall not overflow you. When you walk through the fire, you shall not be burned, nor shall the flame scorch you. For I am the Lord, your God, the Holy One of Israel, your Savior. Isaiah 43:2-3
A thousand may fall at your side, and ten thousand at your right hand; but it shall not come near you. Only with your eyes shall you look, and see the reward of the wicked. Because you have made the Lord, who is my refuge, even the Most High, your habitation, no evil shall befall you, nor shall any plague come near your dwelling; for He shall give His angels charge over you, to keep you in all your ways. Psalm 91:7-11
When you pass through the waters, I will be with you, and through the rivers, they shall not overflow you. When you walk through the fire, you shall not be burned, nor shall the flame scorch you. For I am the Lord, your God, the Holy One of Israel, your Savior. Isaiah 43:2-3
The Lord is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear?
The Lord is the strength of my life; of whom shall I be afraid?
When the wicked came against me to eat up my flesh,
my enemies and foes, they stumbled and fell.
Though an army may encamp against me, my heart shall not fear; though war may rise against me, in this I will be confident. Psalm 27:1-3
Here is a diagram that portrays life in the Spirit and life in the flesh (Galatians 5:19-23):
GOD
Life Love Longsuffering Faithfulness
in the Joy Kindness Gentleness
Spirit Peace Goodness Self-Control
________________________________________
Life Idolatry Jealousies Fornication
in the Slander Heresies Outbursts of Wrath
Flesh Hatred Murders Drunkenness
Envy Adultery Selfish Ambitions
Money Fame Fortune
Usually the Holy Spirit speaks to us in a still, small voice, a gentle prodding, an interaction with another Spirit-led Christian, or planting an idea in our mind. How do we know it is really from the Lord? Here are some clues:
- It does not contradict scripture and the historical teaching of the church,
- It is confirmed by other Spirit-led Christians, and
- We honestly seek Him with no hidden agenda and no unconfessed sin in our hearts.
So if we seek the Lord and learn to recognize His still, small voice, we can develop a relationship with Him. This moves us from belief – knowing about God, to relationship – knowing God. And interacting with other Spirit-led Christians and being involved in a Bible-believing church can confirm this and enhance this experience.
The Bible, God’s instruction manual, tells us about the Holy Spirit communicating with His people – the true church, during the church age. Therefore, we shouldn’t be surprised that the Lord has raised up watchmen and women to warn us about the times we are in, about judgement upon America, and to encourage us to draw close to Him. These are humble servants of God who quote scripture often and tell us how these scriptures are and will be fulfilled. Most are not famous, do not seek fame, and do not ask for money. As always, we are to test the spirits (and everything we hear or say) against the Word of God, which is our standard.
This Life in the Spirit blog will feature several of these people, with occasional articles that address physical and financial preparation. In addition, this blog provides valuable tools that you can use to witness to others:
- Important articles about COVID-19
- Incredible stories and articles that you can share with others,
- Christian cards you can print on nice paper and send out to reach people going through difficult times or special occasions,
- Christian graphics that portray important issues in graphic form,
- Compelling quotes that will light your fire,
- Letters that witness to our Lord,
- A listing of other Christian websites and blogs,
- Articles and stories for those who need comfort or direction,
- Bible passages and great quotes that you can print on nice paper and frame for gifts, and
- Action steps you can take.
He who has ears, let him hear! Matthew 11:15
Life in the Spirit 