GOD Morning! August 5 / How to be Led by the Spirit

GOD Morning! August 5

How to be Led by the Spirit

Romans 8:6-14 AMP

⁶ Now the mind of the flesh [which is sense and reason without the Holy Spirit] is death [death that comprises all the miseries arising from sin, both here and hereafter]. But the mind of the [Holy] Spirit is life and [soul] peace [both now and forever].

⁷ [That is] because the mind of the flesh [with its carnal thoughts and purposes] is hostile to God, for it does not submit itself to God’s Law; indeed it cannot.

Sometimes the absolute wrong decision makes a TON of sense. The true test is this: Is my decision gratifying the carnal me or the spiritual me? If it’s something that I really want to do but I’m not sure that the spiritual me would benefit, I can make sense of it in sooooo many ways. I can go on for hours about how it’s the sensible thing to do.

Many times I have found that my initial response to something that would gratify the spiritual me is a little negative. But in my gut I know it’s the right thing to do.

Here’s the cool thing: The more often that I make the choice that benefits the spiritual me, the easier it gets!

On the other hand, the more often that I make the choice to benefit the carnal me, the easier that choice gets as well!

I have learned from the school of hard knocks. I have been knocked down enough times to have learned from experience.

So the spiritual me grows stronger. And the carnal me grows weaker. Yesssssssssss!

And another thing… When I do the hard thing (the thing that benefits the spiritual me), I experience the most incredible joy and freedom. I can’t really explain it because it’s pretty impossible to explain a spiritual experience. It’s a happiness that springs up from the depths of my soul! Exhilaration that I can’t explain.

⁸ So then those who are living the life of the flesh [catering to the appetites and impulses of their carnal nature] cannot please or satisfy God, or be acceptable to Him.

⁹ But you are not living the life of the flesh, you are living the life of the Spirit, if the [Holy] Spirit of God [really] dwells within you [directs and controls you]. But if anyone does not possess the [Holy] Spirit of Christ, he is none of His [he does not belong to Christ, is not truly a child of God].

And then my thoughts revert back to decisions made that were 100% pleasing to the carnal me. Afterwards, I have a sinking feeling in my gut. I want a redo. I know. Most definitely. That I made a wrong decision.

But! Thank God I can make the right decision the next time! And the next time and the next time and the next time!

¹⁰ But if Christ lives in you, [then although] your [natural] body is dead by reason of sin and guilt, the spirit is alive because of [the] righteousness [that He imputes to you].

¹¹ And if the Spirit of Him Who raised up Jesus from the dead dwells in you, [then] He Who raised up Christ Jesus from the dead will also restore to life your mortal (short-lived, perishable) bodies through His Spirit Who dwells in you.

¹² So then, brethren, we are debtors, but not to the flesh [we are not obligated to our carnal nature], to live [a life ruled by the standards set up by the dictates] of the flesh.

I am no longer ruled by the carnal me!!! I am ruled by the Spirit of Christ that lives in me! What an exhilarating thought!!!

¹³ For if you live according to [the dictates of] the flesh, you will surely die. But if through the power of the [Holy] Spirit you are [habitually] putting to death (making extinct, deadening) the [evil] deeds prompted by the body, you shall [really and genuinely] live forever.

¹⁴ For all who are led by the Spirit of God are sons of God.

How is one led by the Spirit? Trial and error. One decision at a time. One baby step at a time. It’s that simple.

“Dear Jesus, thank You for Your amazing word again this morning. You are the most incredible Friend anyone could ever have. No matter how many times I stumble and fall, You continue to pick me up and set me on my feet again. And when I make the choice that pleases You, You and the angels applaud my progress. Thank You, my dear Jesus. How I love You. AMEN.”