When Jesus left us to be with the Father, He sent us the Holy Spirit as gift to us so we would not be alone. The Holy Spirit is to play a vital and intimate role in our daily lives and offers us guidance, comfort and counsel.
Simply put, intimacy with the Holy Spirit is a must if we want to enjoy our Christian life and produce spiritual fruits.
But how do you grow and nurture intimacy with the Holy Spirit?
The Bible is filled with examples of leaders without the heartbeat of the Holy Spirit alive in them. Among the most recognizable were the Pharisees and the Sadducees. They read and knew about the Messiah yet failed to recognize and accept Him while He walked the earth.
I urge you not to make the same mistake with the Holy Spirit. We do not want to be the modern day Pharisees and Sadducees, having an in depth book knowledge about the character of the Holy Spirit but being unable to recognize or accept His movement within us.
Welcome the Holy Spirit into your life by choosing to:
· Be born again. At the moment you experience the new birth, the Holy Spirit will enter in and revive your spirit
· Know and love the person of the Holy Spirit. Study his likes and dislikes as well as his job description.
He’s our guide: John 16:12-13; our helper and intercessor: Romans 8:26-27;our comforter: John 14:16; and our teacher: John 14:26.
· Be aware of Holy Spirit’s constant presence (John 14:17b) and talk to him throughout the day about everything and anything. Keep in step with him (Galatians 5:25).
· Make it a habit to listen to him. Expect a response from him as you talk to him. Develop a sensitivity to him by walking in obedience (Acts 7:51).
· Let him guide you in prayer (1 Corinthians14:15) and in reading the Word, which he authored (2 Peter 1:21).
· Express your love to him by worshipping him in words and songs.
· Avoid grieving him (Ephesians 4:30) and quenching him (1 Thessalonians 5:19).By incorporating these steps in your daily life, you will allow God’s Holy Spirit to thrive in you. Watch how your life changes!
By Dr Chantal Y. Emmanuel