Next Step #27 -- Half Time!

Next Step #27—“Half Time”

Aristotle is credited with the statement, “The unexamined life is not worth living.”  His words remind us of the importance of taking the time to assess our lives, to see where we are growing and to consider what changes are necessary for us to become everything God intends us to be. (Actually, it’s doubtful that Aristotle would have concerned himself with becoming all that God intends us to be, but you get the point!)  It’s been six months since the “Living in the Spirit” series at New Life, and six months since many of you prayed for the Holy Spirit to baptize and fill you.

How is it going with living in the presence and power of the Holy Spirit each day? Are you taking time every morning when you get up to ask the Holy Spirit to fill and empower you? Remember, Ephesians 5:18 reminds us that we need to “be being filled with the Holy Spirit.” It’s an ongoing reality, not a once in a life time experience. Back in May, the Holy Spirit moved in many of our lives through the Living in the Spirit series, but that was not so that we could look back and say, “Wasn’t that an amazing experience BACK THEN?” He did it so that we can know His presence and power moment by moment--NOW. While it IS important to take time to examine where we were six months ago, it’s equally as important to consider what is happening at this moment, because only then can we know whether we have grown. So, have you grown in your walk with Jesus in the last six months through the Holy Spirit’s presence and power? Take five minutes right now to reflect on that question. One good way to know whether the Holy Spirit IS deepening you in your walk with Jesus is your “gratitude meter.” As the Apostle Paul reminded us: when we’re filled with the Holy Spirit, we will GIVE THANKS TO GOD!

As we move into the next six months, let’s make certain that living in the Spirit is more and more the reality, because then, and only then, will we be sure that God’s kingdom will advance in our lives and in the lives of those around us!