Text: Romans 8:5-7

 5 For they that are after the flesh do mind the things of the flesh;  but they that are after the Spirit the things of the Spirit.  6 For to be carnally minded is death;  but to be spiritually minded is life and peace. 7 Because the carnal mind is enmity against God:  for it is not subject to the law of God, neither indeed can be.    

Friday, 9^th August 2024

THE HOLY SPIRIT COMFORTS US THROUGH HIS GUIDANCE

Text: Romans 8:5-7

Memory verse: 1 Corinthians 2:14 But the natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God: for they are foolishness unto him: neither can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned.

Years ago, when I volunteered a day to serve and help in setting up a crusade platform for a camping ministry that had a big impact on me growing up.  A missionary who was several years older than me was also volunteering that day, and we decided to partner to set up the stage together. We had plenty of time for conversation that day, so we talked about all sorts of life issues.  I talked with him about some of my life plans.  I also asked for his perspective on marriage and how to know when you have found the right person to marry.  He gave me great counsel and insight to that season of life, and many of the details of that conversation have served me well for decades.

I believe the Spirit of God orchestrated our meeting and conversation on that hot afternoon.  I believe He’s offering us His guidance all throughout the many seasons of our lives.  Naturally speaking, we would not value the guidance He gives, but because the Spirit lives within us, we are able to make sense of His wisdom.  As we humbly listen to His voice and live in obedience to what He clearly revealed in the Scripture, we grow in spiritual discernment, and His guidance provides a form of comfort throughout our lives.

Men in their natural powers are not endued with that faculty by which spiritual things are discerned and therefore they consider spiritual wisdom as foolishness: blind men cannot judge colours because they lack the light of their eyes, and therefore light is to them as darkness. The man that has no further light of understanding, than that which he brought with him, even from his mother's womb is only by the power of the Holy Spirit. The animal man, the man who is in a state of nature, without the regenerating grace of the Spirit of God, receive not the things of the Spirit-neither apprehends nor comprehends them: he has no delight for them; he considers it the highest wisdom to live for this world.  Therefore, these spiritual things are foolishness to him; for while he is in his animal state, he cannot see their excellency, because they are spiritually discerned, and he has no spiritual mind.

CGDS HYMN 40: SS & S 530:

WITH MY SAVIOUR EVER NEAR TO GUIDE ME

1. With my Saviour ever near to guide me,

I am safe, whatever may betide me;

From the storm and tempest He will hide me

In the hollow of His hand !

Refrain:

In the hollow ... of His hand I . . .

In the hollow ... of His hand I . . .

I am safe whatever may betide me,

In the hollow of His hand !

2. In His arms of love He doth enfold me ;

Words of peace His voice divine hath told me ;

I am safe, for God Himself doth hold me

In the hollow of His hand !

3. He will guard my soul, and leave me never;

From His love no power on earth shall sever;

And I know He'll keep me now and ever

In the hollow of His hand !

 Prayers 

1.  Lord Jesus, guide me with Your counsel by the Holy Spirit.

2.  LORD God Almighty, instruct me, lead me in the way I should go and guide me with Your eyes through the Holy Spirit in Jesus’ name. Amen.    

3.  Pray for others in this regard.