S.T.A.R.T.
Hiiii! The response to my last blog has been so overwhelming. Praise God that He is using those words to inspire and encourage so many of us to take steps deeper into His precious presence through the Spirit.
I don’t necessarily plan on MAKE ROOM becoming a devotional blog, but I want to provide some simple ideas of how to S.T.A.R.T. exploring a richer life in the Holy Spirit of God. Over the next 5 days, spend 15-30 minutes each day with God reflecting on one of the points below. Ask the Holy Spirit to give you understanding as you pray and dive into His Holy Word.
- Surrender to the Spirit:
The journey to living a life empowered by the Holy Spirit begins with a posture of surrender. It’s essential to humbly acknowledge that God’s ways are beyond our understanding and that everything is meant for our good and His glory, whether or not we realize or even believe it. (And yes… I mean everything.)
When you spend time with God, that is each and every time you pray, start with an intentional act of surrender. Perhaps posture your hands palms up as you pray as a physical representation of your open heart posture. Whatever you’re praying about, give it to Him. Ask the Holy Spirit to come and have His way. Ask Him to take control whether you’re about to read your Bible, start your day or have a hard conversation. This communicates permission to the Holy Spirit to take control of your heart, mind and actions.
True surrender doesn’t mean passivity. Rather it is an active choice to relinquish our will in every area of our lives.
Scripture: Romans 12:1-2, Isaiah 55:8-9 - Trust the Spirit:
Living in partnership with the Holy Spirit requires deep trust. We often rely on our own understanding and strength, but the Spirit’s role is to guide and empower us in ways that go beyond what we could do in our own effort.
Before making decisions, whether big or small, take a moment to stop and seek the Holy Spirit’s guidance. Ask for wisdom, clarity and peace in knowing the right path forward. This can be as simple as asking, “Holy Spirit, what do You want me to do in this moment or situation?”
Keeping a journal to reflect on the ways the Spirit leads you can also help you stay attuned to His voice, as you begin to recognize how He moves in your life. The more we lean on the Spirit, the more we see His faithfulness in leading us in the right direction.
Scripture: Galatians 5:16, John 16:13
- Allow the Spirit’s Transformation:
The Holy Spirit is not just a guide but also the One who transforms us from the inside out. As we yield to His work, He shapes our character to become more like Christ, empowering us to live in obedience to God’s Word. Spiritual transformation doesn’t happen overnight; it’s often a slow process that requires intentional, daily effort.
Set aside time each day to read and meditate on Scripture, inviting the Spirit to speak to you through the Word. We shouldn’t be looking for ourselves in Scripture everytime we read it, but rather look for God and His character. As you learn about Him, ask the Holy Spirit to reveal areas where you need to grow and to convict you where repentance is needed. When you feel His nudge, pause and ponder. It may be uncomfortable, but trust Him in the discomfort. Sit with Him in it. Dialogue with Him. Ask Him prodding questions so that you have clarity about what He wants to show you. Be open to His gentle correction and allow His refining work to make you more Christlike.
The Spirit wants to take every part of your life and mold it to reflect God’s holiness and love.
Scripture: 2 Corinthians 3:18, Romans 8:14-17
- Receive Freedom in the Spirit:
The freedom that the Holy Spirit offers is not freedom to do as we please but freedom to live in alignment with God’s purposes and holiness. Many people live in spiritual bondage to sin, fear or worldly desires, but the Spirit breaks these chains, offering incredible freedom to walk in victory and peace that may even be hard for you to imagine.
Take an honest inventory of the areas where you struggle, whether it’s sin, fear, anxiety or the pursuit of empty pleasures, and invite the Spirit to help you overcome them. The power of the Spirit is stronger than any struggle or temptation you may face. Many times where we need Him most to cut off these sinful patterns is in our mind. When you’re being tempted or worrying and overthinking, invite the Holy Spirit into your thoughts. Read Scripture or recite a Bible verse you may have memorized. He can help you change your thought cycles and avoid sin.
As you surrender those areas to Him, He will empower you to walk in victory and bring His peace into your life. This freedom allows you to live as God created you to: filled with His love and living out His divine purposes without earthly burdens weighing you down.
Scripture: 2 Corinthians 3:17, Romans 8:2, Romans 12:2, Hebrews 12:1
- Take Bold Steps in the Spirit:
The Holy Spirit empowers us to be bold witnesses of God’s love and truth in a world that desperately needs it. This boldness is not something we generate on our own. It is a gift from the Spirit that emboldens us to step out in faith, even when we feel uncertain or afraid. The Spirit beckons us to live out our calling with courage, advancing God’s Kingdom and sharing His love with others.
Take time to pray, asking the Spirit to open doors for you to be a witness to those around you, whether it’s directly sharing the Gospel or simply being a light in your community by serving and performing acts of kindness. When opportunities arise, invite the Holy Spirit to help you step out with confidence. He will be with you and will empower you to speak and act in ways that bring glory to God.
Scripture: Acts 1:8, Ephesians 2:10
MAKE ROOM for Him. He is the treasure. He is the prize.
No responses yet