Walking with the Holy Spirit
Before Jesus ascended, He told the disciples that He would send the Holy Spirit and that they should wait in Jerusalem for the gift His Father had promised. For John baptized with water, but in a few days you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit. (see Acts 1:4 & 5)
There is no sin in heaven, and there is a song that says the only scars are His. The blood of our dear Savior has washed away our sins and His memories of our past, transforming us into new creations.
One day, we will all be kind and helpful to one another, including those who mistreated us here. We will all be healed and live in peace and joy, as the past will be wiped from our memories, and only the pleasant memories will remain.
The older I get, the more I look forward to that day.
However, this is not a free pass to sin now. Each time I disobey, God is aware, and I will answer on Judgment Day.
Bad Habits
Do you have any bad habits? My bad habits of TV and puzzles still tempt me. God has told me when my bedtime should be, but I often disobey by staying up later because I am entertained or busy with a puzzle or game. I even gave my husband a tablet a few years ago, and we both have become hooked on games.
I share this not to boast, but to show that I, too, struggle with sin. The answer is clear: I need the Holy Spirit’s strength to walk away from screens and follow through on what God has told me.
Here are my practical steps:
- I set my tablet to shut down at 10 p.m.
- Use my phone alarm as a reminder to go to bed.
My Excuses (and Why They Don’t Hold Up)
One excuse was, “I’ve been busy making muscadine jelly and didn’t want to start something late in the day.”
Another was, “I had a doctor’s appointment and spent the afternoon making preserves.”
But here’s the truth: If God has called you to something, stay close and listen closely. If you fail to fulfill that calling, He may give it to someone else.
Am I Missing My Calling?
Bill Johnson’s book, The Holy Spirit: Who He Is and Why We Can’t Live Without Him, echoes the same message that God has been stirring in me for years. The topic that my book, "The Holy Spirit - Encounter Him & Find Power, Peace, and Joy!", will cover, along with offering hope to those who have been abused, is the Holy Spirit and why Jesus sent Him.
Perhaps, just perhaps, God gave Bill the idea for his book, after telling me to run with my story (Isaiah 30:8). I was focusing on learning more about the craft and marketing because I want it to be a good book that sells and brings money to those I plan to help with the sales as a portion of the royalties will go to Face to Face Ministries, which trains individuals in the Immanuel Approach, and to my friend, who has started a mission in North Carolina to assist homeless women.
Did I miss hearing His voice? This week, I received the book "Answering Your Call: A Guide for Living Your Deepest Purpose" by John P. Schuster. I plan on reading it this weekend.
"It really is amazing to think that sin scarred us so completely that we were disqualified for life as God designed it to be. The blood Jesus restored us to a place of delightful sons and daughters of the King, so that ongoing fellowship with Father God is possible. Through the blood of Jesus, we are made sinless again. The blood of Jesus enables us to have a perfect connection with the Holy Spirit, God on earth."
Bill Johnson
Inside the hearts and bodies of believers
I am paraphrasing this next section from Bill's book. The Creator of the universe devised a plan to spend all eternity living inside the hearts and bodies of those who believe in Jesus Christ and have been redeemed from the curse of sin.
Living With the Holy Spirit’s Power
The Creator of the universe has chosen to make His home in us. It’s beyond comprehension (Isaiah 55:8–9), but it’s true. His nearness is our joy.
The Holy Spirit dwells in every believer, but He doesn’t always rest on every believer.
If, like me, you haven’t given the Holy Spirit space or time to speak, now is the time.
Roles of the Holy Spirit
- Comforter
- Guide
- Helper who bears our burdens
- Teacher
- Giver of courage, power, and boldness
- Counselor
Choosing Joy Over Bitterness
The book I’m writing is not the angry, bitter “Mommy Dearest” story I first intended. God removed my bitterness and replaced it with joy. He’s even given me a new name: Joy.
The same Holy Spirit who lives in me lives in you if you are a born-again believer. We don’t have to understand it — we simply need to accept it in faith.
Overcoming Fear Through the Spirit
The Holy Spirit gives us boldness to step into the things that scare us. I still fear speaking in public and can’t easily sit in front of a camera, but God calls me to rely on His strength, not my own.
Parents, it’s not too late to instill confidence in your children. And for all of us, it’s not too late to trust the Holy Spirit to equip us.
Final Thought
Are you living with all the benefits of the Cross?
If you haven’t invited the Holy Spirit to be active in your life, you’re missing out on the peace, power, and joy Jesus died to give you.
👉 How have you experienced the Holy Spirit’s comfort or guidance in your life? Share in the comments — your story could bless someone today.
Your prayers and sharing are always appreciated.
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