Drawing from Michael Frost’s book Surprise the World, this week’s message challenges us to listen to the Holy Spirit. The first two challenges of this series have been to bless and eat with people. This week, we are challenged to spend quiet time, waiting for God to speak, and become attentive to His promptings. We heard a powerful story from Bev, who listened to and followed the unexpected prompting of the Holy Spirit at her workplace.
ENGAGING WITH PURPOSE
Message by Joshua Mutter – February 9, 2020
HABIT #3 – LISTEN
“I will spend at least one period of the week listening for the Spirit’s voice.”
– FEAR AND LAZINESS ARE MISSION KILLERS
“With openness of heart, we can ask for clarity: What is most important today? If I cannot do all I would like to do today, what represents God’s call on my life today? If there are choices I need to make, this is an opportunity to ask for God’s wisdom in those choices.” – Gordon T. Smith
HOW TO BE OPEN TO THE HOLY SPIRIT
1. SET ASIDE A DESIGNATED TIME
Mark 2:27 NIV Then he said to them, “The Sabbath was made for man, not man for the Sabbath.”
2. ELIMINATE DISTRACTIONS
Matthew 6:6 NIV But when you pray, go into your room, close the door and pray to your Father …
3. LET GOD IN
Examples of centering prayers:
“Jesus Christ, Son of God, have mercy on me, a sinner.”
“Jesus Christ, Son of God, I am yours …”
4. FOLLOW GOD’S PROMPTINGS
Romans 8:5-6 NIV Those who live according to the flesh have their minds set on what the flesh desires; but those who live in accordance with the Spirit have their minds set on what the Spirit desires. The mind governed by the flesh is death, but the mind governed by the Spirit is life and peace.
APPLICATION
COMMITMENT: “I will spend at least one period of the week listening for the Spirit’s voice.”
Podcast: Play in new window | Download
Subscribe: Apple Podcasts | Amazon Music | RSS