by David Brenneman
Listening to the Spirit when you are prompted by the Spirit is always best.
"But when He, the Spirit of truth, comes, He will guide you into all the truth; for He will not speak on His own initiative, but whatever He hears, He will speak; and He will disclose to you what is to come. He will glorify Me, for He will take of Mine and will disclose it to you. All things that the Father has are Mine; therefore I said that He takes of Mine and will disclose it to you." John 16:13-15.
"If we live by the Spirit, let us also walk by the Spirit." Galatians 5:25.
"For all who are being led by the Spirit of God, these are sons of God." Romans 8:14.
"Do not quench the Spirit;" 1 Thessalonians 5:19.
"Do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, by whom you were sealed for the day of redemption." Ephesians 4:30.
"And not only this, but we also exult in our tribulations, knowing that tribulation brings about perseverance; and perseverance, proven character; and proven character, hope; and hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out within our hearts through the Holy Spirit who was given to us." Romans 5:3-5.
Many have seen and the rest who have not can easily find video clips on YouTube of NCIS, the original, with Anthony DiNozzo. Look for the plethora of examples of Gibbs's smack to the back of his head.
Perhaps the most profound time in the show was when Tony messed up so bad that he fully expected that to happen but Gibbs didn't and it bothered him enough to talk to Gibbs about it.
We too get promptings by the Spirit and should at all times listen and do as instructed. We may not feel like it but we certainly should obey in it.
Of late, of late being most of the last 8 months, I have been needing to listen in order to know what I needed to do with myself. Some of the results being many minor projects around the house and personal organization have been accomplished.
Something that probably lead to a greater success in this began way back in December of 2024. Turning to the Spirit in a new way, at least for me it was new. I felt the need to learn how to study God's Word, let alone learning how to study in general. I have not missed a day since officially starting down this road on January 1st, 2025. It does take around an hour or so each night but I am learning.
He has added to my study materials early in 2025 and its been consistent since at least March of 2025.
Yesterday I was contemplating a course of action for this morning and as I said to one of my best friends last night...I felt the tap to the back of my head to reconsider. The subtle hints were definitely clear if I were paying attention.
We who are in Christ shouldn't be stepping out ahead of God in what we're considering doing, let alone saying.
He, the Spirit, is to teach us all things and to bring to remembrance all that Jesus commanded.
Then it's on us to trust and obey.
Ananias is only spoken of concerning his part in helping Saul become Paul, mainly because he obeyed when the Spirit spoke to him.
Fear of what the Spirit may ask of us immobilizes oh so many people from being what Jesus wants them to be in their lives.
"And not only this, but we also exult in our tribulations, knowing that tribulation brings about perseverance; and perseverance, proven character; and proven character, hope; and hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out within our hearts through the Holy Spirit who was given to us." Romans 5:3-5.
Much of our listening, if not all, is taking us down this road here. We're going to have tribulations, difficulties, and will go through all things in-between. We aren't going to fare very well if we're not listening to hear which way we should go. Last night I was given pause to understand something of what this 8 months has done with me in my life in Christ. This passage was part of my study reading last night and I understood because it's what the Spirit was saying and I was open to listening.
We can't let fear of what we might be asked to do stop us from going deeper in our relationship with Jesus. We can't let fear get in our way. Go back and review Psalm 23.
Review Proverbs 3:5-6.
Our desires for things of this world can and often are distractions to keep our obedience at bay. To keep us from continuing to listen and obey.
We honestly can't trust ourselves with regards to living a life approved by Jesus if we aren't listening to what's to be in that life and what needs to go. Never assume that you fully understand because sanctification is a lifelong teaching by the Spirit.
What are you being prompted by the Spirit to hear, say, or do today?
What are you being prompted by the Spirit to NOT, say or do today?
Are you listening for Him to speak at all?
All NASB Scripture Excerpts used by permission.
New American Standard Bible
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