Seeking Him Week 11- The Spirit-Filled Life

Walk in the Spirit, and you shall not fulfill the lust of the flesh
Galatians 5:16 nkjv

This, the second-to-last chapter in the 12 week study we've been exploring, was (in my opinion) like the part of the doctor's visit where they give you the referrals and prescription slips before sending you out in the world after surgery. You see, this study included a series of tests not unlike a series of blood panels and x-rays and CAT scans and whatever else you can think of. As a result, God has been faithful to remove the blackness we found in our hearts, pulling out pride, envy, lust, unforgiveness, unrepentance, and more little (and big) cancers that had taken root.

So this week and next we are looking at how to keep from getting sick again, or gaining a secondary infection. We are getting ready for the rehabilitation REVIVAL process (the name of the book is Seeking Him: The Joy of Personal Revival, after all) and the last two chapters are a prescription for living a much more spiritually healthy lifestyle.

Chapter 11 is all about the Helper that Jesus told us about as He left this world- the Holy Spirit. We looked at who He is, (a Person, not a thing) and what an amazing gift His counsel can be if we abide in Christ. Kind of our post-op physical therapist, so to speak. The Holy Spirit is happy to help us work out our salvation by encouraging us to flex and stretch those muscles which will atrophy if we don't get them movin' and nourishes us with the Fruit of the Spirit which helps us live that spirit-filled life we long for.

I personally learned that I don't give enough attention to this third Person of the Trinity. I forget that I have access to this Trainer who can advise and guide me, instead of trying to figure out how to do it myself. This morning, for example, I did some Bible calisthenics- a Bible workout looking up scriptures to finish up day 5's workpages. I have to say that with His guidance, I was able to get much more out of reading the Word than I would just going through the motions. Much more effective for sure.

This morning I am reflecting on this fruit of the spirit : Patience. Here's what the workbook had to say about that:

Patience (Colossians 1:11-12, James 1:2-4;5-8)

• Am I longsuffering when I am mistreated by others?
• Am I willing to accept and endure irritating and adverse circumstances?
• Am I willing to wait for God to vindicate me or to reward my labors?

If you've known me for a minute you know exactly how I had to answer those questions. However, I'm looking at it now through a different perspective. These are not fruits of the Amber... they are fruits of the Spirit. Therefore, I don't have to worry about the HOW? and the WHAT? and the OH MY GOSH IS IT POSSIBLE FOR ME TO CHANGE? parts. Instead, I can just listen to my Personal Trainer, and follow His direction... and before long, I will be the model of a patient woman. (am I patient yet? how about now? how about now?)

*sigh* I think the Holy Spirit has a long way to go with this girl...

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Seeking Him Together Participants:
Week 11 Discussion Questions
(choose one or both or go your own direction)

1. What insight about the person & work of the Holy Spirit did you find particularly helpful or encouraging in this lesson?
2. Tell a specific way that the Holy Spirit has helped or is helping you to grow in your faith in Christ

If you would like me to link up your blog here in the main body, just leave a comment below and I'll add it in. Mr.Linky does not love HisGirl.

Participants:

• Go see Brook! She takes great notes and gives a fantastic synopsis of each chapter!
• And when you're done with that, head over to Gretchen's place, where she's posted an open letter to the Holy Spirit.
• And when you're done with THAT, check out what DianA has to say over here.