RTW November 15
Follow The Leader
Next Paul and Silas traveled through the area of Phrygia and Galatia, because the Holy Spirit had prevented them from preaching the word in the province of Asia at that time.
Acts 16:6
My Takeaways
Something Old
Yeses teach us to trust. I’d rather err with the intention of following the Spirit’s leading than not acting at all.
Following His leading
- Grow our spiritual confidence.
- Give more opportunities we will have to say yes.
- Guide us on adventures that strengthen our faith and see His power.
How do we know it’s the Spirit?
By spending time in the Word.
- Praying.
- Obeying
- Something New
Something New
The Spirit can forbid us to do something we think is good.
Something to Do
Give heed to the Spirit’s, not to my own understanding.
“I can’t follow myself, but I want to lead myself” … oh Wendy, this describes what I try to do all the time! I think I know what is best for me, I don’t seek counsel (other than the Lord) on big decisions… I just do what I think is right. “But there is a way that SEEMS right to a man, but its end is the way to death” (Proverbs 16:25)… It’s been challenging for me lately as I’m in a new area, a new church and don’t know too many (any) people but have been convicted of the need for wise counsel.
I always question if I am making the right decision in accordance with God’s will. And I remind myself that God is SOVEREIGN.
The Lord opened Lydia’s heart as she listened to Paul & Silas – this confirms that it is the Lord’s job to prepare the heart of those who will believe “no one can come to me unless the Father who sent me draws him” (John 6:44) I did wonder as I was pondering this verse – if this is where many churches get the phrase “give your heart to Jesus” from? Which is not what is meant here
Paul & Barnabas’s separation made me sad as I am going through that with a friend now. “Their disagreement was so sharp that they separated” (Acts 15:39). Until I read this and some commentaries, I was SURE that I was 100% right and she was 100% wrong …. but we are both wrong and neither of us are walking in the Spirit on this issue… Praying for resolution and our hearts & minds to be open to hearing each other.
https://youtu.be/ZiKz3ki7uG8
Lord, open my heart to receive all the love You have for me. “I want to know You, I want to seek Your face. I want to know You more.”