Thankfulness

Thankfulness

If you are a Christian and living with inner conflict, it may just be the Holy Spirit’s doing. He wants us far more than we want Him. He yearns jealously over us. (James 5:4) What would that jealous yearning feel like inside of someone who has the Holy Spirit living inside them, and yet, is living life loving the world?

Wow, that would be conflict—inner turmoil.

If you think that seems too strong of language, consider Galatians 5:17 “For the flesh sets its desire against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh; for these are in opposition to one another, so that you may not do the things that you please.” Note the wording, “so that you may not do the things that you please.”

That is inner conflict.

1 John says that if we love the world, the love of the Father is not in us. That does not mean we aren’t believers—born-again. It means we are worldly. Worldliness cannot love like the Father loves. His love is others oriented. Worldliness is self-centeredness. Self-centered people aren't happy people. We aren’t built to be self-centered, though it is natural. Natural to the fallen creatures humanity has become.
How do we correct this worldliness that so prominently tries to rule in our hearts?

It begins with our thinking, Thinking gives birth to desire. As we change our thinking, one thing we have control over, our hearts, emotions, and actions follow. The Holy Spirit, of course, working with us. We begin to change our thinking by beginning to thank God in everything. Thankfulness is surrender. Thankfulness becomes a mindset. Thankfulness brings with it an attitude of contentment. Thankfulness leads to peace—inner peace and contentment.

1 Timothy states that godliness with contentment is great gain. Not that wealth or lands are great gain, but godliness with contentment is great gain. We get so wrapped up in this world and what it offers. It is deception to think it will make us happy. Worldliness will never lead to happiness and peace.

Make the great exchange.

Honor

Honor

Honor is my word for 2018.

Honor for the Holy Spirit.

I love the Holy Spirit: His Presence, His ways, His voice—I love Him. 

What compares to Him? 

Nothing! 

I love His care for me, and for you. I love how He guides us into the things of Jesus, how He hovers over the word of God bringing revelation, understanding, and correct knowledge. I even love His rebuke, because I know it comes only because He loves.

I want my 2018 to be filled with honoring the Holy Spirit. To honor Him with every step, in every day, with every breath; paying attention to His gentle nudging; obeying when inconvenient. 

Loving His approval more than the applause and approval of people.

I will honor the Holy Spirit's by pursuing His Presence. When I don't sense His closeness, I will remind myself how wonderful He is and will stir myself up to find His face again. 

To love the Holy Spirit so much that the world becomes so very dim. 

His Presence is so very precious that nothing is worth its exchange. 

No position. No power. No friendship. No wealth.

He is of utmost worth.

Join me in honoring this Person more than anything else. 

Let this be our 2018. And when we come to 2019, let us look back over the year with a smile knowing we put Him first.