Learning to Walk in the Spirit
I know, O LORD, that a man’s life is not his own; it is not for man to direct his steps (Jeremiah 10:23).
Jeremiah recognized that the way of fulfillment for us is never in ourselves. It comes from beyond. I believe that if he were here today, he would say two things to us.
First, “Know under whose authority you live.” The centurion whose servant was sick said to Jesus, “I myself am a man under authority” (Luke 7:8).
We all are. We may be under the authority of self, but that is the way of death. This is why God gave us his Word: so we can know how to let God be saving within our lives. A daily perusal of its message will enable us to see and follow the path of light that means freedom and righteousness.
I think Jeremiah would also say, “Know where the power you need comes from. Recognize that it does not come from you. It comes from beyond.” Zechariah recognized this when he said: “Not by might nor by power, but by my Spirit,” says the Lord Almighty (Zech. 4:6).
The resources that we need to reach the goals God has for us are not in ourselves. They are in the One who was the key to the life of Jesus, the Holy Spirit. That is why we need to be sensitive to this heavenly Guest, who can lead, enlighten, cleanse, and fulfill our very being.
—Dennis Kinslaw
This Day with the Master
The devotional reading today is worthy of several day’s considerations. Learning to live our lives in the Spirit—learning to listen for the Spirit’s leading, learning to obey that leading, and learning to find our strength for walking in that leading is a life-long pursuit. The very good news is that we are not left to our own strength and ingenuity to grow in these disciplines. As Kinslaw concludes: “the resources that we need to reach these goals are not in ourselves, they are in the Holy Spirit.” Let us ponder this great truth, prayerfully; asking God to lead, enlighten, cleanse, and fulfill us as He wills, and unto His glory, this day and always. —DH
—David Hoskins, Founder & Care Guide, Sanctuary Clinics