Tuesday, May 4

Blessed is he whose transgressions are forgiven, who sins are covered. Psalm 32:1


Begin your time with God with a prayer of confession, opening your heart to the grace of his great forgiveness.

Read:
Ephesians 3:16
I pray that out of his glorious riches he may strengthen you with power through his Spirit in your inner being, that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith.

Sometimes I think we can become so comfortable as Christians that we cease to see the true uniqueness of our faith. The center of our faith is that Jesus, who was crucified, rose again from the dead – and lives today in the form of the Holy Spirit. This means that Christianity is the only major world religion that makes the claim that its central figure is still alive!

Here Paul teaches the astonishing truth that Christ actually makes his dwelling place in our hearts through faith. In chapter 1 Paul reminded us that our faith in Christ grants us certain rights and privileges as the adopted children of God. He says that we hear the gospel, believe, and then are sealed by the Holy Spirit. This means that when you put your faith in Christ as Savior and Lord he comes to dwell in your heart in the form of the Holy Spirit. This is not an imaginary thing, but rather a real spiritual event, guaranteed by God’s word.

So, if you are a believer, the question is not whether Christ lives in you in the form of the Holy Spirit. The question is whether or not you are aware of his presence in your life.

Scripture teaches that the role of the Holy Spirit is to be our counselor, helper and guide. The Spirit reminds us of truth, convicts us of sin, and strengthens us by encouragement. The Holy Spirit is how God chooses to make himself available to us in a personal and powerful way. The Spirit is what transforms our prayer from a “one way street” into a “two way street” in that God communicates with us as we communicate with him.

Are you aware of the Holy Spirit’s presence in your life?
Do you intentionally pay attention to what the Spirit of Christ might be saying to you?
Have you learned to hear his voice?

As you become more and more aware of the Spirit’s encouragement, teaching and guidance remember that the Holy Spirit will never speak in a manner contrary to God’s holy word. Remember that the Spirit will never ask you to do something contrary to the teaching of Jesus. And finally, remember that one of the best ways to confirm what you think the Spirit might be saying to you is to share with a mature and trusted Christian friend and seek their confirmation.

Take time today to thank God for his presence in your heart through the Holy Spirit –and to listen to his voice.

Brian Coffey