“The Spirit . . . is more committed to leading us than we are to following him. So relax. If you don’t sense his guidance, ask again. . . . He might use a nudge, a prick of the conscience, a reminder of Scripture. The Spirit speaks first through the verse. He may complement the verse with a voice. Then again, the verse may be enough.”- Max Lucado
“For those who are led by the Spirit of God are the children of God.”- Romans 8:14 (NIV)
Max Lucado concludes Chapter 7 of Help is Here as he talks about God’s good, pleasing, and perfect will for you (Romans 12:2). Therefore, to know God’s will, His voice must outrank the voices of society. So, God wants us to be different – not odd or peculiar. Hence, we set our aim on looking up. Rather than blending in. Above all, Pastor Lucado exhorts:
“Stop following a culture that doesn’t follow God and . . . Start listening for the Spirit, who speaks on behalf of God.”
In addition, Max underscores, the Holy Spirit dwells within you. As a result, the Spirit moves within you to lead you. And the Holy Spirit uses wo tools to accomplish this – the verse and the voice.
Thus, the Bible serves as the primary communication tool of the Holy Spirit. He speaks to us through Scripture, and we find His will in His Word. Most significantly, Max states, Scripture contains an answer for any issue we face. Consequently, the Bible is inspirational as well as extremely practical.
In conclusion, Pastor Lucado counsels:
“Don’t manipulate circumstances until they say what you want them to say. Go first to the verse. His will never contradicts his Word. . . . Open your Bible. When you open your Bible, God opens his mouth.”
The verse and the voice. The Spirit uses both to lead us to the promised land. God is calling. Keep listening. He created the game of life and is happy to show us the way to play it.”
Today’s question: Do you agree with Max that the Holy Spirit speaks first through the verse? Please share.
Tomorrow’s blog: “Drenched in the Spirit of heaven”
